Flames and Twilight.

Chapters

His True Purpose. Part Two
Of Suns Moons & Stars - Part One.
Of Suns, Moons & Stars - Part Two
Of Suns, Moons & Stars - Part Three
A Flame Once Lost - Part One
A Flame Once Lost - Part Two.
A Flame Once Lost - Part Three
Breeding and Evolution.
Love Is Chaotic!
Extra Story: Games Ponies Play.
Chapter Seven - Chaos Rising. Part One
Chapter Eight - Chaos Rising. Part Two
Chapter Nine - Darkness before the Dawn
Epilogue - Love, Life and Until We Meet Again.
A Prelude of Things to Come
His True Purpose. Part One.
Chapter Six - Home Sweet Home!?

His True Purpose. Part Two

Chapter Two - His True Purpose - part 2.

The sun had set and Luna’s moon shone brightly in the sky, surrounded by an ocean of stars. Flare trotted casually towards the Crusader tree house. His saddlebags were laden with things like marshmallows, cookies, soda, and other unhealthy snacks.

As he got closer, he could hear cheerful music emanating from the wooden structure and the voices of more than three fillies giggling from it.

He climbed up the narrow ramp and opened the door just a bit, peering inside. Unable to see anything, he nudged it open and saw the CMC, along with a couple of their friends, dancing to a polka song from an old gramophone.

“Hey girls!” he greeted, causing every pony in the room to turn and look at him.

Scootaloo stopped the music and ran over, helping him with his saddlebags. “Hey Flare! Bout time you got here.”

“Yeah, sorry about that,” he apologised. “I was helping Mrs. Cake feed Pound and Pumpkin while Mr. Cake finished off a large order,” he explained. “Though they gave me extra stuff as thanks!”

“You’re always helping out everypony, huh?” Sweetie Belle commented. “You’re a true gentlecolt!”

Flare blushed slightly at the comment, “Yeah, I suppose so…”

One of the other fillies, a cream coloured one with a frizzy red mane and glasses, began to sing. “Fware an Sweetie sttin’ in a tree~ K-I-S-S-I-N-G!”

Sweetie Belle turned bright red and glared at the filly, “Be quiet Twist! I do not have a crush on Flare!”

“I neveah said anyfin about a cwush,” Twist pointed out with a grin that made Sweetie Belle blush even harder and bury herself in a pillow.

The other foals laughed and even Flare did a little until Sweetie join the giggles. A little painted colt turned to the Crusaders and asked, “So who is this guy?”

”Huh? Oh right, we haven’t introduced the Crusader’s honorary member yet,” Apple Bloom realised.

“This here is Flare Blitz! Though he may be a little older than the rest ‘o’ us, he’s still one of us!” Apple Bloom said proudly. “Well ‘cept fer Twist, who has her Cutie Mark already.”

Flare Blitz stepped up to the little podium that Apple Bloom was standing at and gave the group a polite little bow. “A pleasure to meet you all,” he said and smiled warmly.

“I’ll introduce everypony else” Scootaloo said. “Well you already know Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, an’ me, but this here is Twist,” she motioned to the glasses-wearing filly. “That there is Pipsqueak,” she said and pointed to the painted colt and then to a light purple unicorn filly with a golden mane. “And of course, you know Dinky Doo as well,” Scoots said as Dinky wore a huge smile and raced over to hug Flare.

Flare smiled again. “Well alright then,” he said. “What say we get this little party underway?”

The six foals cheered and Sweetie put the music back on. Flare danced with them for a while, but soon enough, he was content to just sit back and read a few scrolls on magic principles and eat marshmallows. After the young ones had enough of dancing about, it was time for dinner.

“So uh, what are we doing for dinner?” Flare asked out of curiosity. “Surely something that isn’t coated in sugar?”

Apple Bloom shook her head. “Our grub should be arriving shortly...” And no sooner had the words left her mouth than there was a knock at the door. Apple Bloom opened it and Big Macintosh walked in, a sizeable platter that was wrapped in a checked sheet on his back.

“Thanks fer bringin’ this over Big Brother!” Apple bloom said.

Mac placed the platter on a table and nodded. “Eeyup,” he simply replied. He shot a glance at Flare and smiled. “Enjoyin yer slumber party?” he grinned.

“Oh hush” Flare shot back, also smiling. He knew the draft horse was only teasing. He did look oddly out of place after all. “And at least they have some adult supervision… unless you feel like staying too?”

“Eenope!” Big Mac quickly replied and headed back to the farmhouse and a fresh mug of vintage cider that was waiting for him.

Flare took the sheet off of the platter to reveal a nice looking spread of fruits, vegetables, bread, and apples. Lots and lots of apples.

“Whoa, thith lookth awethome!” Twist said. “Your Gwanny can make a nithe spwead.”

That was something that everypony could agree to and they wasted no time in tucking in. After the meal, Scootaloo asked what the next item on the agenda was.

“How about scary stories?” Pip asked. “It’s a must with sleepovers and camping.”

“Well I’m not afraid of anything!” Scootaloo said confidently. “Bring it on!”

Dinky didn’t look as enthusiastic. “Um, do we hafta?” she said. “I don’t really like scary stories.”

Flare smiled, she was adorable. “Don’t worry about it,” he said calmly. “I’m here, so nothing’s going to hurt you.”

Dinky nodded, but she still wasn’t looking forward to it.

“So who wants to go first?” Sweetie Belle asked.

“How about Flare?” Pip suggested. “I bet he knows some scary ones.”

“Yeah!” Scootaloo agreed. “Go for it Flare, scare our tails off! If you think you can that is?” Scoots was confident that Flare couldn’t do it. Her dad would tell scary stories sometimes, but failed epically at it. Scootaloo would usually wind up laughing instead of shrieking.

Flare had to think. He didn’t want to scare them too much, but he also didn’t know if the stories he knew were all that scary. “Okay,” he said. “Gather round little ponies and I’ll tell you the tale of Darkrai, the Lord of Nightmares!”

He dimmed the lights so all that remained was a single lantern in the centre of the circle. They all stared at him with eager eyes as he began to speak…

On nights such as this, when the moon is calm and bright.

And all the little children have settled down for the night.

Those whose dreams are light and pure.

To Darkrai, they hold the greatest allure.

In the dead of night, he’ll come whilst you sleep.

No way to resist, not even a peep.

With form of pitch black, your dreams he’ll corrupt.

From happiness and hope, nightmares most foul will erupt.

Only horror and darkness await the unwary.

Nothing you’ll encounter will ever be as scary.

With the morning sun, comes blessed relief.

Until he returns to scare you beyond belief.

So beware little ponies for when you close your eyes.

Darkrai will be there, until the morn’s sunrise.

Flare Blitz leaned in close and with a barely audible whisper, “He might be here right now… RIGHT BEHIND YOUUU!!”

They all shrieked as Flare ignited the lanterns and all the foals collapsed, giggling with nervousness and relief.

“That was scary!” Pip said. “Scary but fun though.”

“Yeah!” Dinky agreed. “It was scary, but it’s a good kind of scary. It was a good story Flare.”

“It wasn’t too scary for anypony?” He asked, hoping that nopony would get nightmares for real.

Everypony shook their heads, everypony except Scootaloo. She sat bolt upright and her coat seemed paler in colour.

“You okay there, Scoots?” Flare asked dubiously. “It wasn’t too scary for you was it?”

“W-w-what, n-no way!” Scootaloo replied, shaking like a leaf in a windstorm. “I-I-it wasn’t s-s-scary at all. N-not one bit!”

“Well okay then,” Flare replied. “Anypony feel like making some smores?”

“Yeah!” the kids replied and followed Flare outside to start a fire to melt the marshmallows. Scootaloo hadn’t budged an inch.

“I never, ever, ever want to hear another scary story for as long as I live,” Scootaloo mentally reassured herself.

***

It was late when they all retired for the evening. A multitude of sleeping bags had been placed around the clubhouse and several snores could already be heard. Flare was still awake however, having consumed enough sugar to make Pinkie proud.

“Tonight wasn’t so bad,” he thought. “I never would have done something like this back home.”

The moon high above softly illuminated the clubhouse, and combined with the sounds of sleeping children, it gave the whole room a sense of gentleness and serenity.

Even Scootaloo was sleeping peacefully. She had seemed shaken up after the story, which made Flare feel bad. But after inquiring about the multitude of Rainbow Dash paraphernalia around the room, she had explained that the CMC clubhouse also doubled as the Rainbow Dash Fan Club meeting place. She then proceeded to explain why Rainbow Dash was the coolest, most awesome pony to ever exist. For an hour.

As Flare’s eyes finally began to close there was a soft snap coming from outside, and at first, Flare paid little heed. Then little Dinky was there, shaking him gently awake.

“Um, Mr. Flare?” she said, her little voice holding a hint of nervousness. “I think something’s outside.”

Flare opened his eyes and looked at the little unicorn. “It must have been a dream, Dinky,” he said quietly. That was until he heard another twig snap and the sound of soft footsteps.

Getting up, he moved to a window and carefully glanced outside. He saw something that made him rather unsettled. Several creatures that kind of reminded him of Mightyena, but made of wood, circled the tree house.

“Let’s see, one, two, three… six,” he counted in his head. He turned back to Dinky and the other foals that were also slowly waking up. Flare put a hoof to his mouth to keep them silent.

“I need everypony to be totally quiet,” he whispered.

“What’s goin’ on?” Apple Bloom whispered back.

Flare glanced out the window again and then back to Apple Bloom. “There’s some things outside, they’re made of wood and…” he sniffed the air and crinkled his nose. “What is that smell?”

“Timberwolves!” Apple Bloom said. “They come from the Everfree Forest.”

“Are they dangerous?” Flare asked her.

“Very,” Apple Bloom said. “Everything from the Everfree is-.”

Flare glanced out the window and saw their numbers had diminished by one. The others were no longer circling and just stared at the tree house. “Now what are they…?”

His head turned when he heard a scratching at the door. Sweetie Belle and Dinky shrieked and ran over to Flare.

“Okay!” He said firmly but calmly. “I want everypony to stay near the rear of the clubhouse.” He looked towards Apple Bloom. “Does that door open outwards?”

“Yeah,” Apple Bloom responded. “Why?”

“Here’s the plan!” Flare said. “I’m going to drive them away.”

“You can’t do that!” Sweetie Belle interrupted. “It’s too dangerous, you’ll get hurt!”

“Better me than all of you,” Flare replied. “I’m going to drive them off and once that door is open and I’m outside, I want that door closed and barricaded. Close the windows too, just in case they can jump high enough.”

“But-?” Dinky argued, but Flare cut her off.

“Don’t worry,” he said, kneeling down in front of her and the others. “I won’t let anything happen to any of you and I’ll be just fine. Okay?”

They all remained silent until Dinky and Sweetie nodded. “Okay, but be careful please?”

Flare nodded and walked to the front door. The scratching was becoming more furious as the door rattled and shook. Scootaloo and Pip readied themselves to close the door once Flare was clear as the other four closed and locked windows.
Flare rose onto his front legs and gave the door a sudden, powerful buck. The door swung open violently and caused the unsuspecting Timberwolf on the other side to have the door smack it right in the face, launching it from the narrow ramp. Flare stepped outside and kicked the door shut. Once he heard it lock he leapt from the ramp and came face-to-face with the pack of wolves.

The cloudless sky and the bright full moon gave him decent visibility and the glowing eyes and rancid breath of the wolves offered them little in the way of stealth anyhow. The pack wasted no time in surrounding Flare, growling hungrily.

“Think you’re tough, picking on small children, huh?” Flare goaded. “It’s too bad for you that I’m here, so run away now and maybe I won’t smack you down!”

The wolves’ growling became louder as one of them leapt at Flare, who promptly bucked it in the face, causing it to shatter in a pile of sticks and leaves.

“Huh? Guess this’ll be easier than I thought” Flare mused. But his bravado quickly went south as he saw the remains twitch and then reform back into a snarling Timberwolf.

“Of course they can regenerate.” Flare muttered. “It’s not like anything in Equestria plays by the rules…”

The wolves leapt at him, which he evaded by jumping straight up, causing several wolves to crash into one another.

“Okay, so physical blows won’t work and I still can’t use my attacks...” Flare had no idea how he could beat these things in a fight. Maybe if he broke them enough times, they would just leave?

He then noticed a lantern hanging above the door of the treehouse and he got a brilliant idea.

He ran back up the ramp and grabbed the lantern with his mouth, as one wolf attempted to charge at him, Flare tossed the lantern, smashing it against the wolf and watched as it ignited into a mobile bonfire. But therein lay the problem. The wolf bolted in panic from its burning body and headed straight towards the apple orchard!

Flare got ahead of it using a burst of speed and bucked it hard, knocking it back. The wolf tumbled across the dirt, causing the flames to extinguish. The orchard was safe but Flare was running out of options. They could regenerate and his location meant that using fire was out of the question.

“Argh, dammit! What do I do?” He had to keep those kids safe and he sure as hell didn’t want to be dinner for these things either. His train of thought caused him to become distracted however, and that train became derailed as a Timberwolf sank its fangs into his hind leg.

"YEARRGHH!” Flare lashed out with his other leg, shattering the Timberwolf into pieces. For a moment anyhow.

***

Sweetie Belle cringed when she heard Flare cry out. “We have to help him!” she pleaded to the others. “He’s getting hurt trying to save us!”

“Well what do we do!?” Scootaloo said. “We’re just little fillies, we can’t fight Timberwolves!”

Pipsqueak gave the pegasus and unamused stare at being called a filly.

Apple Bloom looked around and saw a large bushel of apples in the corner. “Where’s that baseball launcher?”

“For when we tried to be Cutie Mark Crusader Baseball All-Stars?” Sweetie Belle confirmed. “It’s in the closet, why?”

“Jus an idea,” Apple Bloom grinned.

***

Flare watched the wolves carefully, his hind leg dripping blood and shooting sharp pains throughout his body. Things weren’t exactly looking up right now. He couldn’t use any attacks and since his magic refused to work, he couldn’t use Twilight Blaze either. Why did he have to be so useless!?

One of the wolves leapt at him and he flinched. He had been trained by the best and yet this creature was causing him to flinch because he doubted himself.

“YEEEEHAAAHHHHH!” Apple Bloom hollered as a window flung open and an odd device protruded from it. She aimed at the wolf and the device started firing high speed apples.

It was total carnage as the high velocity fruit ripped the fragile bodies of the wolves apart… until they ran out of apples.

Flare was stunned to say the least. “Apple artillery, huh?” he mused, “Why not?” He looked up at the foals that had gathered at the windows and flashed them a grateful smile.

…

Then the wolves regenerated again.

“Oh c’mon!” Flare said with an exasperated sigh. This was getting ridiculous, but he glanced at those fillies and he knew that he couldn’t and wouldn’t give up! Not now and not ever!

Dinky noticed something and pointed it out. “Hey everypony! Look!” she pointed at Flare and to something shining on his flank.

“Is that?” Scootaloo said.

“His Cutie Mark!” Sweetie Belle said.

A silver shield with a heart-shaped flame emanating from it shone on his flank.

“It’s cool!” Scootaloo breathed. “What do you think it means?”

Flare’s horn lit up with crimson light and he felt a familiar power course through his body. “It means I’m back in business!” He said as the wolves reformed, though more slowly than last time. “Are they slowing down?” he wondered.

“Lupus lignus,” Sweetie Belle explained. “As long as they can tap into the magic of the Everfree, they can regenerate. But that power diminishes over time should they stay outside the forest.”

Everypony just looked at her.

“What?” she squeaked. “I read it in a book.”

Flare nodded and turned to face the wolves. “So once more should do it?” He confirmed. The wolves charged, they would not be denied their meal.

“You chose a poor path to tread” Flare said as flames began to flicker along his coat. “You should have stayed in the forest”. The flame grew brighter as his entire body became engulfed in a coat of red and orange hues.

“Now try this on for size!” His flames shifted to a gold and purple hue as magic sparked from his horn. “One main course of Twilight Blaze, coming up!”

Flare charged into the group of Timberwolves, the attack catching all of the beasts in its blast radius.

The foals viewing the spectacle tucked behind the window as the shockwave rocked the entire tree house and probably half the orchard.

Once the noise died down, they peered out to see Flare sitting there. The remains the Timberwolves were just toothpicks, scattered about the place.

They ran from the clubhouse and down to where Flare was sitting.

“Are you okay?” Dinky asked him.

Sweetie Belle was looking at his hind leg, the one that got bitten. “It doesn’t look too bad,” Sweetie Belle suddenly grinned. “I guess it’s bark is worse that it’s bite huh?”

“Slumber parties are rough,” Flare groaned, both from exhaustion and the terrible joke. The others just laughed.

Flare pulled the six foals into a hug and sighed. “At least you guys are safe,” he said thankfully.

“Thanks to you!” Sweetie Belle said. “And you even got your Cutie Mark!”

Flare looked down at his flank and saw it there. “Oh yeah, there’s that too. Guess I’m pretty awesome huh?”

“Pft, not as awesome as Rainbow Dash” Scootaloo argued with a grin. “Buuut, I suppose you come in at a close second.”

“I totally want to be as cool as you when I grow up!” Pip said.

Flare ruffled his mane and smiled. “And I bet you will. I know you’ll all be fine ponies.”

There was a shout as Big Macintosh came running up. “Whut happened?” he asked, looking around and then to Flare Blitz. “Is everypony okay?”

Flare nodded as Mac helped him to his hooves. “Yeah, everything’s just fine…”

***

The following afternoon, Flare relaxed comfortably in the library reading a book as the CMC dashed here and there, cleaning up the place.

“You really don’t have to do this,” Flare said. “My leg isn’t all that bad and you guys don’t owe me anything.”

“But we want to help!” Sweetie Belle said.

“No, you just wanted to spend more time with your ‘special somepony’!” Scootaloo teased, causing the unicorn filly to blush.

“He is not!” Sweetie Belle denied, though it didn’t sound very convincing.

The door suddenly swung open as six tired-looking mares entered the library.

“I still wish I could have kept that coat,” Rarity whined softly. “I looked soo fabulous.”

“An’ ah told ya that ya look jus’ fine as is,” Applejack said for must have been the umpteenth time.

The chattering stopped when seven pairs of eyes fell on a bandaged up Flare Blitz and three little fillies holding cleaning equipment.

Twilight instantly ran over to Flare, looking at his injured leg. “W-what happened? Are you okay? What did you do?” She fretted like a mother whose foal had just taken a tumble.

“I’m fine,” Flare sighed and smiled. “Just a little scrape, no need to get worked up. Right girls?”

“Uh huh. No problem at all,” Apple Bloom said.

As Twilight continued to inspect his leg, her eyes glanced over his flank and the Cutie Mark that now resided there.

“Is that what I think it is?” she said.

“Yup, got it last night!” Flare replied with a wide grin.

There was a burst of confetti and streamers as Pinkie Pie bounced about the room. “Oooh this is waaaay awesome. I hafta make a ‘Congrats-on-getting-your-Cutie-Mark’ party for Flarey right away!!” And with that she rocketed from the room and towards the bakery.

Flare closed the book he was reading and levitated it back over to the shelf, eliciting a gasp from Twilight.

“F-Flare? Did you just use magic?” she whispered in surprise. Just what had happened while Twilight and her friends were gone?

“Hm? Oh yeah, seems you were right on the money about it being connected to my Cutie Mark,” he explained. “But all I can do is levitate small stuff and use my attacks again.”

“But it’s a good start,” Twilight said. “We should be begin studies…” her sentence was cut off as she yawned. “Oh, sorry,” she said.

The others saw this as a good a time as any to leave.

“Come, Sweetie Belle!” Rarity said. “We shall go home and I’ll tell you all about the fabulous trip I just had.”

“Yeah!” Applejack agreed. “I’ve left the farm fer too long. It’s best we git back and help Big Mac! Let’s git goin Apple Bloom!”

“I must return to see my little animal friends.” Fluttershy said quietly. “They must be quite upset that I was gone for so long. Good bye everypony.”

Rainbow Dash was the next one to exit. “These clouds won’t kick themselves,” she said. “Later guys!” Scootaloo offered one last look of thanks to Flare and followed her idol out, hoping she was off to do something awesome!

Once the others left, Twilight sat down next to Flare, dropping her head onto a pillow.

“It seems that we both had full days yesterday huh?” Flare said, noticing how tired the purple unicorn looked.

“We saved an Empire from an evil unicorn tyrant. Restored an entire race of Crystal Ponies and I passed Princess Celestia’s test,” Twilight explained, giving Flare the abridged version. “And now I’m so tired I just can’t… stay… awake~” she gave an adorable yawn and fell asleep right there.

“She hasn’t slept since yesterday morning,” Spike explained. “To be honest, I haven’t had much either. I think I’ll hit the hay too.”

Flare nodded as Spike gave them a blanket. “Thanks man! Have a good night!”

Spike nodded as he headed upstairs to his warm basket. Flare. on the other hoof was more than content to just lay there next to Twilight.

His mind wandered to thoughts of home and his family. But as Twilight slept peacefully next to him, he smiled and placed a soft and gentle kiss on the top of her head. He knew that he had made the right decision after all and that there was absolutely no place else he would rather be than right here.

***

Princess Celestia sat on her throne, reading a report that her agent, a mint green unicorn, had just delivered personally.

“So he has earned his Cutie Mark and re-discovered his powers then?” the Princess asked.

“Yes, Your Majesty!” The unicorn replied. “I have been watching him as you ordered and I do not believe that he is ready yet. He still requires much training.”

Celestia nodded in agreement. “My student could handle the task, but her destiny must be realised soon. I think I will handle matters from here on out”. She nodded to the unicorn. “Thank you for your hard work, Agent Hearts. You are dismissed”.

The unicorn bowed respectfully and silently vanished into the shadows.

“If he is to stand by her side on that day, then he must be trained.” Celestia said to herself. She took a quill and a piece of parchment and began to write…

Of Suns Moons & Stars - Part One.

Of Suns, Moons and stars! Part One.

Flare Blitz was feeling good. He had his Cutie Mark and his magic was finally starting to progress. He could levitate objects now, though nothing heavier than pony, and he could also project a weak force field and use his pokemon attacks.
But now a whole new challenge awaited him, and truth be told, he was as nervous as a Glameow in a room full of rocking chairs.

A book lay on his bed. It was titled Everything a Stallion Needs to Know About Courting a Mare. It was a fairly self-explanatory book.

“Let’s see, step one,” he said as he read through it. “Obtain a flower of your coat’s hue, and present it to the one you wish to woo.”

His coat was a cream colour, and the last few days he had paid regular visits to Lily and Roseluck’s flower shop. They had said that they would get some cream-coloured flowers in soon, so hopefully today was the day.

He headed out early and made his way into town. It was another beautiful day, but then it almost always was in Ponyville. It was already late spring, and the weather was perfect as usual. His mind tracked back to the last girl that he had dated… the only girl he had ever dated. She had been a bit older than him, as well as quite a bit taller, but it had been nice. She was the serious type and her job and been very important, which led to the inevitable break up, but they had remained friends and had even met several times afterwards to talk and generally hang out.

“I wonder how she is now,” he wondered aloud as he approached the flower stand.

“How who is?” somepony suddenly said, causing Flare to jump. Only one pony made him jump like that.

“Hello, Pinkie,” he said with a sigh. “You’re up early.”

“I’m always up at this time,” Pinkie said. “What are you doing?” she said, giving him a shifty look and then gasped. “Are you cheating on Twilight!?”

“What?” Flare replied a little too loudly, causing some ponies to look in his direction. “I am not! And besides,” his voice suddenly became very quiet, “Twilight and I aren’t even dating… yet.”

“Aw don’t worry about that, Flarey~” Pinkie said, patting him on the back. “Everything will turn out okay. Trust me!”

Flare just nodded. Twilight had told him a while ago to not question Pinkie. It was a dangerous and life threatening thing to do. Pinkie nodded back and gave him a wide smile before bouncing away, singing happily.

Flare continued to the flower stand and Rose waved to him as he approached.

“Hey there! I finally got those flowers in,” she beamed. “I’m sooo sorry it took so long!”

Flare gave the florist a polite smile and shook his head. “It’s alright; I have to thank you for getting these in for me.”

Roseluck produced a half dozen cream Amaryllis flowers. The shape of them sort of reminded Flare of a trumpet, with three or four little feelers coming out of them. They smelled really nice and Flare smiled with a satisfied grin. “These will do nicely, thank you Rose!”

Roseluck smiled back. “I’m glad, and I really hope she says yes.”

Flare blinked and looked at the mare. “How did you know what they were for?”

“There’s only one reason a pony orders flowers that are the same shade as their coat,” Rose explained. “It’s sad though, the tradition is no longer as popular as it once was.”

“So I’ve heard,” Flare replied. “We didn’t have traditions like this where I came from, so I think it’s wonderful.”

“Heh, Twilight is really lucky to have a guy like you,” Rose said with a little smile.

Flare laughed a little, feeling embarrassed. “Thanks again, Rose!” he said and trotted off, the flowers held gently in a telekinetic field. He had only gotten a short distance away when a pegasus dropped down from the sky, landing in front of him.

“Hello, Skittles!” Flare said, greeting the cyan mare.

“Hey there, Wondercolt!” Rainbow Dash replied and then glanced at the flowers hovering beside him. “Watcha got there?”

Flare quickly hid the flowers from view behind his back. “Oh, nothing,” he lied, rather poorly. “Just something to spruce up the library… give it a little plant life.”

“Let me get this straight...” Rainbow Dash deadpanned. “You want to give a library, a library in a tree, a little ‘plant-life’?”

Great, this was one of those rare days when Rainbow Dash was actually observant. “Umm… yes?” Flare said, hoping the mare would buy it.

Dash sighed and flipped her prismatic mane. “Well, whatever.” she sighed. “So, you got any plans today?”

Flare thought for a moment. He had a few things to do, but they still needed some preparation time. “I might have some free time tomorrow, perhaps,” he said. “Why’s that?”

“I’ve been working on a few new stunts, and I could use a fellow athlete’s opinion,” she said. Rainbow then decided that she needed to stare at her hooves for some reason. Was she embarrassed about something?

“Uh, sure,” Flare replied, curious about her 180 in attitude. “I can spare some time later, Skittles.”

Rainbow’s head perked up and she had a wide smile on her face. “Sweet! I knew I could count on you.” She gave her wings a single beat and rose into the air. About to leave, she turned and looked at him. “One question though.”

“What is it?” Flare said.

“Why do you call me Skittles?” she asked.

“That? Oh, it’s cause where I come from, there was a candy with the same name,” Flare Blitz explained. “It came in all the colours of the rainbow and your mane just reminded me of it. They were really yummy too!”

For some reason, Rainbow blushed and turned around to face away from him. “I-I see, well that explains that.” She couldn’t show him her face, as she knew that she was as red as an apple. “I guess that name’s okay…” her voice dropped in volume. “Since it’s you…”

She shook her head and without another word, shot off into the clouds, leaving a confused Flare on the ground below.

“What was that all about?” he wondered as he headed towards the library once more. “And I wonder what she said before she left? I didn’t hear it.”

***

As Flare approached the library, he noticed something out of the ordinary. One of Princess Celestia’s chariots was parked outside.

“Is the Princess visiting?” he wondered as he walked inside, carefully obscuring the flowers he held from view. When he entered, he saw that Twilight was already running here and there, fretting about Arceus-knows what.

“Flare! There you are, where have you been!?” she almost yelled when she saw him.

“Well,” he began to explain, “I was just out…”

“No time!” Twilight cut him off mid-sentence. She threw a heavy saddlebag onto his back and began to push him towards the door. “You have to go to Canterlot,” she said. “I just received a letter from the Princess. Apparently she has something urgent to tell you, and you alone.” This was a little strange, why would the Princess need to see him? Was it a Pokémon issue?

Flare tried to speak, but Twilight started up again. “I’ve packed you a bag and you’ll get there quickly by chariot. Just… be sure to write to me once you get there.”

There was no way around it. Flare just nodded and stepped onto the chariot. It would seem his plans would have to wait, but by Arceus he would be giving that Princess a piece of his mind.

Twilight watched him leave and sighed softly. She walked back inside and looked at the flowers lying on the floor of the library.

“I’m sorry Flare,” she thought as she lifted the flowers off of the ground and placed them in a nearby vase. The Princess really had summoned him, but Twilight had known about what Flare had been planning to do for a few days now. The summons had been well timed for the lavender unicorn.

“I… I just need a little more time,” she whispered.

***

The ride was pleasant enough and the guards pulling the chariot actually talked to him. They had been there when he fought against Shining Armor and wanted to know how he had held his own like that. Flare was more than happy to explain, though it just confused the poor pegasi. The conversation did little to alleviate Flare's irritation.

They arrived at the castle before long, and another set of guards were waiting to escort Flare to the throne room. Princess Celestia sat upon her throne, signing an endless stream of paperwork. She glanced up as the huge double doors opened and the guards led the irritated unicorn inside.

Celestia set the stack of scrolls aside and smiled warmly. “Welcome, Flare Blitz. I’m glad you could make it on such short notice.” She then noticed the furrow in his brow and his narrowed gaze. He clearly wasn’t too happy just then, “Is something the matter?” she asked him.

“Noo,” Flare replied, a little more sarcastically than he meant to. “I always enjoy being whisked away during something very important.”

Several guards tensed up as the unicorn glared at their Princess, how dare he be so insolent!?

Celestia raised a hoof and the guards backed down. “I see that you are upset, but I have a very good reason to call upon you like this, I assure you.”

She descended the throne and walked over to him. “But first I must inquire as to your intentions with my student.”

Flare just gave her a blank stare. Was she serious?

“I know you made a great personal sacrifice, but I also remember that argument you had and the resulting fight with my former Captain of the Guard.”

Gee Celestia, thanks for the reminder of that rather painful and awkward moment.

“And the reason I called you here is tied directly to Twilight, so I ask you once more… what are your feelings towards her?”

Flare Blitz took a breath and looked up at the regal Alicorn. “You remember when I said that you interrupted something important?”

“Yes?” Celestia said slowly, fearing where this was going.

“Well…” Flare began to explain. “I was shoved out of the library before I had the chance, but I had planned on presenting Twilight with some white Amaryllis flowers.”

“Flowers? But what would you-?” As Celestia pictured the flowers in her mind and looked at Flare, and the colour of his coat, it dawned of the sun goddess.

“Oh? Oooh...” Her eyes grew large and apologetic. “I’m so sorry, if I had known…”

Flare raised a hoof and smiled. At least she seemed genuinely sorry. “Look, it’s okay. There will be other opportunities later on. But to answer your question…” He looked down at his hooves and blushed. “I care for Twilight… no, that’s not right.” He looked up at the Princess. His face was red but his eyes were full of determination. “I love Twilight with all of my heart!” he said. “That will never change.”

Celestia smiled and nodded. “A fine answer,” she replied. “Now it’s time I tell you why I summoned you here.” She walked back up to her throne and took a seat. She waved a hoof and the servants and guards all bowed and left. Once the throne room was empty, Celestia cleared her throat and began to speak.

“A great destiny awaits Twilight Sparkle. And though it is still up to her to make it a reality, I have every confidence that she will.”

Flare nodded. He was following her so far, but what did it have to do with him?

“If you truly love her and wish to remain by her side,” Celestia said, “then you must become stronger. Mentally, physically and magically.”

Stronger? Just what was this destiny all about? “Okay then,” he replied. “So what must I do?”

“It’s quite simple really.” Celestia smiled. “I shall train you personally.”

“Oh, is that all. Wait! What?” Flare Blitz blinked and gave the Princess an odd look. “Train me? For what exactly?”

“For whatever may come,” she replied cryptically. “Though I must keep certain details from you, I shall instruct you in politics, history, and magic. Subjects you will need to know to support Twilight to the fullest.”

“Okay, but why you personally?” Flare asked. “I mean no disrespect, but aren’t there other ponies that could do that? I’m sure you must already be so busy…”

“You would be surprised on how much free time I have,” Celestia said, a mischievous smile on her face. “And I’ve noticed how a lot of your abilities are related to the sun, something I am rather familiar with…”

Now it made sense. “Well, I suppose” Flare agreed. The politics and history sounded boring, but the magic training… that was a whole nother story. But first things first…

“So how will this work?” he asked. “Will I have to travel here from Ponyville every day?”

“You could,” Celestia said. “You also have the option of staying here in the castle. I do not know how long the training will take to complete, so the latter may be a better choice.”

Flare had to think about it. The training sounded like it was important; Celestia herself was training him, so that alone proved that point. But he didn’t want to be separated from Twilight for so long… “Okay,” he said, making up his mind. “I’ll stay here, I’ll be able to focus on the training more and complete it faster that way.” He looked up at the regal ruler, “Is there a way to tell Twilight where I’ll be?”

“You can use the fireplace in my chambers,” she said with a warm smile. “It’s how I send letters to Twilight.”

Flare nodded and Celestia showed him to her bedroom. Flare couldn’t help but look around when he stepped inside. He noticed the huge, plush bed and wondered how heavenly it must be to sleep on that. A huge pile of pillows sat near the fireplace next to a massive stack of books.

“Heh, like student, like teacher?” he smiled.

“I guess,” Celestia said, an ever-so-slight touch of pink gracing her cheeks.

She showed him to a large work desk in the corner that had piles of scrolls stacked upon it. “You can write your letter here and then we’ll send it off.” Celestia explained.

Flare picked up a quill with his magic and began to write.

Dear Twilight,

The reason Princess Celestia summoned me was to offer to teach me. I can’t tell you all the details because I don’t know them myself. But I’ve been given an opportunity that few others have, an opportunity you know all too well.

This training requires me to stay at the castle, and I’m not too sure when I will be home.
I’m going to miss you terribly, but this is something that I must do. To become a better pony, a better stallion, for both myself and for you.

Try not to get into too much trouble while I’m gone^^

Yours Always.
Flare Blitz.

Flare rolled up the letter and Celestia gently lifted it with her magic and placed it into the emerald fire, Flare watched as the scroll was converted into a magic mist and vanished from sight.

“Shall we wait a few moments and see if she responds?” Celestia asked him.

Flare just nodded silently. They didn’t have to wait long, as no more than three minutes later, a puff of smoke shot from the flames and materialised in front of them. Flare took it and opened it, reading its contents out loud.

Dear Flare,

First of all, I’m so happy it wasn’t anything bad; I thought that you might have been in trouble from the way the Princess worded her letter.

Flare raised an eye at Celestia, who gave him a sheepish smile in return.

I’m so happy that Princess Celestia has offered to teach you. You are quite right, it’s the opportunity of a lifetime. Though with that said, I will miss you…

(If you’re reading this out loud, then keep this next part silent)

I found the flowers that you left behind…

Flare mentally swore, he had forgotten that he had dropped the flowers during his hasty departure.

I know what they signify and what you had planned to ask. I’ve known for a while.

“She's as sharp as a Scyther’s blade,” Flare mused, earning him a confused look from Celestia.

I know what you want to ask is important, so I’ll wait until you can tell me face to face. I know by then that I’ll have an answer that I can be sure of and won’t regret… An answer that you deserve.

Things have been difficult for you lately and you sacrificed a lot to stay here and your decision to do so is something I am grateful for. I’m sorry that I’m so indecisive, so please bear with me for a little longer.

Dearly Yours,
Twilight Sparkle

Wet spots appeared on the paper and Flare only then realised that he was crying. He knew that it would be a while before he received the answers that he sought, but those last two lines… Twilight never wrote anything she didn’t mean.

“Is everything alright?” Celestia asked him.

Flare took a deep breath and regained his composure. “Yes, I believe that everything’s going to be fine. Shall we begin my training now?”

Celestia shook her head. “Let’s get you settled down here in the castle first; we can begin first thing tomorrow morning.”

***

Later that afternoon, Flare was resting inside the observatory that Twilight used to live in. Celestia had offered him a guest room in the castle, but Flare had insisted upon staying here.

“Now let’s take a little look around,” he said to himself with a sly smile. After a bit of poking around he discovered a book that didn’t match the others on the shelf. They appeared to be books about Griffon culture, but this book had no title. Taking it out and opening it, he found that it was an old photo album. A photo album full of filly Twilight pictures…

Flare took one look at them and his heart nearly exploded from the sheer adorableness of it. One photo had a little Twilight
with a raggedy-looking doll doing some homework or something. Another had Twilight and Shining Armour playing dress up. Shining was wearing a cardboard box and a wooden sword, while Twilight was dressed as a princess.

“This has to be the most adorable thing I have ever seen~” Flare smiled.

The moon had begun its rise into the night sky when there was a knock at the door. Flare opened it to reveal an earth pony wearing a maid’s outfit.

“The Princesses have requested your presence for dinner,” she said politely. “Do you accept?”
Flare nodded and walked outside, closing the door behind him. “It would be most impolite to turn down such an offer.”

Once he arrived at the dining hall, he saw Celestia and Luna already at the table with a few other ponies, none of whom he recognised.

“So good of you to join us,” Celestia greeted him as he took a seat. “Have you settled in alright?”

Flare gave a polite bow. He figured that the other ponies present were all important, so he showed more manners than normal. “Yes Princess, thank you again for the warm hospitality.”

Celestia giggled a little, covering her mouth with a napkin to hide it. Luna just shook her head and continued to eat her breakfast. Night Court would start soon and it was murder on an empty stomach.

A white unicorn with a blonde mane and tail decided to speak. “So Aunt Celestia!” he said with a haughty tone. Three words and Flare already disliked him for some reason... Wait a minute, this was the stallion that was whining to Luna at her Night Court a while ago. “Care to introduce us to your… guest.” That last word held all the disgust he could muster.

“Oh how thoughtless of me,” Celestia said with an innocent tone. “This is Lord Flare Blitz, an ambassador from a distant region we only recently opened dialog with.”

Flare bit his lower lip to prevent an outburst of laughter. It seemed it was time for Trollestia to take the stage! He had heard stories from Twilight and now he finally got to see it for himself.

“A distant region you say?” the snooty unicorn replied. “How come I’ve never heard of it?”

“Oh, it’s quite far, well beyond the Frozen North,” Celestia continued. “The region of S’now, was it?”

“Hmm yes, quite.” Flare said, mimicking Blueblood’s haughty tone. “I hail from the city of Alamos. We had heard of a quaint little settlement of ponies beyond the mountains so I was sent to investigate.”

“I see.” Blueblood said, nodding. “And how do you like our glorious kingdom, Lord Flare?”

Flare shrugged as he and Celestia shared a sly smile. “It’s… adequate, I suppose,” he yawned.

“I’ll have you know that Canterlot is the finest kingdom in the world!” Blueblood said indignantly, puffing out his chest.

Flare and Celestia could no longer contain themselves, and they burst out laughing at Blueblood’s pufferfish impersonation, confusing the unicorn to no end.

After dinner, Flare excused himself from the table and headed back to his room. He was still chuckling slightly over the antics at dinner as he opened the door and walked inside.

“I wonder what sort of training I’ll have to do tomorrow?” he said to himself as he headed for the shower. It was a rather spacious shower and his face suddenly turned red as he imagined Twilight using it.

“I think I need a cold shower now,” he muttered, stepping inside.

***

Twilight rested on her bed, reading a light romance novel. Spike entered the room, carrying a tray of hot tea and cookies.

“How are you doing, Twi?” he asked his big sister.

“I’m okay, why?” she replied, barely looking up from her book.

Spike sighed and shook his head. “Well, this is the first time Flare hasn’t been here since he first arrived, so I figured you might be feeling lonely…”

Twilight twitched as the dragon hit the nail on the head. She had been reading for hours, trying to distract herself from exactly that. “I-I’m fine Spike, really!”

Spike sighed again and flopped down onto his basket. “If you say so, Twilight…” he mumbled and soon drifted off to sleep.

Twilight walked out onto her balcony and stared up at the distant mountainside city.

“I thought I was ready for this,” she murmured. She placed a hoof to her head and glanced at the beautiful Amaryllis flowers that sat on her bedside table. “What should I do?”

***

After his shower, Flare stood upon the balcony of the observatory and stared down at Ponyville.

“I wonder what Twilight’s doing right now.” he wondered. “Maybe I should have taken the first option; I already miss her like crazy.”

After a few more moments of staring out into the dark valley, he stretched and headed back inside. “I suppose I should get some sleep. Tomorrow’s going to be a big day after all.”

Tomorrow would prove to be most interesting indeed.

Of Suns, Moons & Stars - Part Two

Of Suns Moons and Stars: Part 2

There was a knock at the door, and after a few minutes, Flare opened it to reveal the same maid from last night.

“A very good morning to you, Lord Flare!” she greeted with a chipper tone. “Are you ready to get going?”

Flare blinked a few times and shook his head to clear it. “Um? Yeah…?” he replied sleepily. How could she be so perky this early in the morning?

“Princess Celestia has ordered me to serve you during your stay here,” she informed him. “My name is Sunshine!”

“A maid in the service of Princess Celestia named Sunshine?” Flare raised an eyebrow at that and chuckled slightly.

Sunshine didn’t seem to take offense however and smiled widely. “It is quite funny, isn’t it?”

Flare just nodded and, after a quick brushing and face wash, followed Sunshine back to the dining hall where Celestia was waiting.

“Good morning, Flare!” the solar princess said as he walked in. “Did you sleep well?”

Flare nodded as he took a seat. “Yes, thank you, Princess Celestia.”

Luna stifled a yawn as she walked into the room. “Good morning, everypony,” she said, yawning again.

“You sound like you’re ready for bed, Luna.” Flare said as she sat down next to him.

“My sleep schedule is a little erratic,” Luna explained. “I raise the moon in the evening, then attend Night Court for a few hours before retiring to bed about 2 a.m. I then wake up at 6 a.m. to lower the moon and have a little bite to eat. I then return to bed until lunch, and afterwards remain awake for the rest of the day.”

“Wow, you have it rough,” Flare said, taking a bite of the toast that Sunshine had just brought him. “Isn’t there an easier way?”

Luna just shrugged and ate her fruit. “Perhaps, but it is routine to me by now, so I hardly notice.”

“She used to just sleep through the entire day and remain awake throughout the night, but it caused some inconveniences,” Celestia added. “Although I do wish that my sister could have an easier time of it.”

“I wonder if there is a way~” The thought continued to eat away at him all throughout breakfast.

***

Some time later, he was in the Royal Archives with Celestia as she tutored him on Equestrian History.

“During this time period, I was the sole ruler of Equestria, raising both the sun and the moon for a little over a thousand years,” she explained.

“That… must have been really hard on you.” Flare said, staring into her deep magenta eyes.

“Not really,” Celestia responded. “It did require more magic, so I was rather tired by the end of each day, but…”

“Not the sun and moon thing,” Flare clarified. “I meant being separated from Luna for so long.”

Celestia went quiet. She looked at the open book in front of them and the picture of Nightmare Moon on the page. She closed her eyes and sighed softly, “Another story for another time,” she said. “You still have much to learn, my little pony.”

Flare nodded and went back to reading and listening to Celestia’s lessons.

“So this Discord created the Elements of Harmony?” Flare asked. “Why would he create the one thing that could beat him?”

“Because he saw life as a game,” Celestia replied. “And what fun is a game that you cannot lose?”

“Well that makes sense… I think?” Flare was quite confused on the matter. Twilight had told him that Discord was the embodiment of Chaos and had ruled Equestria before Celestia and Luna defeated him and sealed the immortal being away.

“It was one of the few things that did make sense regarding him,” Celestia said. “But perhaps someday, I think I shall try again…”

“Again?” Flare asked. “What do you mean?”

Celestia shook her head and smiled. “Nothing you need to worry about, Flare. Now how about we have some lunch and then get started on your magic training?”

Flare stretched and sighed. “Sounds good, I really need to stretch my legs and switch off my brain for a bit. I think I pulled something.”

Celestia giggled and walked with him to the kitchen. It was time to snack and the two ponies felt like a good old-fashioned kitchen raid.

***

Meanwhile in Ponyville…

“Are you sure this’ll work, Twilight?” Fluttershy asked as they stood in front of a huge canvas that dripped with wet, blue paint.

“I hope so,” she replied as the sound of stampeding hooves got closer. “For all our sakes.”

***

“And then he says "watch where you put your muddy hooves, Celestia. You’ll get my library dirty!" Celestia giggled, concluding a story about Starswirl the Bearded.

Flare laughed and almost choked on a celery stick he was eating. “He sounds like a grandpa version of Twilight,” he said after a coughing fit. “Spike told me what she was like before she moved to Ponyville.”

“She was a lot like him,” Celestia smiled and munched delicately on a piece of carrot. “But she has something he didn’t, something that will make her even greater…”

“I hope that I will be part of that something,” Flare said quietly and took a sip of water, and then choked for a second time when Sunshine burst into the room.

“Your Highness, Lord Flare! If you desired something to eat…”

Celestia held up a hoof to silence the frantic maid. “It’s quite alright, Sunny, we were just helping ourselves to a little snack.”

“Oh, but you really should…”

Celestia silenced the mare again and shook her head. “It is fine, Sunny, really.” The regal ruler turned to Flare and motioned toward the courtyard. “Shall we commence with the next lesson?”

“Yeah, we finally get to do something fun!” Flare smiled and then did a double take as he saw the hurt look on Celestia’s face.

“You… didn’t like… my lessons?” she said with a tremble in her voice and tears forming her eyes.

Flare flailed and waved his hooves, “Oh nonononooo, I thought they were great.” If Twilight found out he had made her teacher cry... He shuddered, thinking of what she would do to him.

Celestia looked up and then gave him a wicked smile. “Gotcha!” she said and then laughed as it was his turn to make a face.
“Oh, not cool, Princess!” he said, huffing indignantly. “That was mean.”

His reaction only made her laugh harder. “Okay, I’m sorry. Shall we get started?”

Flare nodded and they headed out into the courtyard.

***

The courtyard was the one that Flare had fought Shining Armour in some time ago. It was usually a place for training the guards or simply enjoying a moment’s peace. Celestia took a brief look around to see if anypony else was there, and nodded slightly as she saw it was empty.

She looked up and saw a few wayward clouds blocking the sunlight. Her horn flared up and the clouds dissipated into thin air, revealing her bright, beautiful sun behind it.

“That’s better,” she said. “Are you ready?”

“Yup!” Flare said. “What do you want to do first?”

Celestia thought for a moment, “Well, can explain how that magic attack you can do works?”

“What, Twilight Blaze?” Flare thought about how to best explain it beyond ‘It just works’. After a moment, he decided to try his best. “Well, I guess it’s like brewing a cup of tea…”

Needless to say, Celestia was quite confused. “Care to… elaborate?” she said.

“Well, I infuse the attack with magical energy, and once it feels just right I pour it all out.” He really couldn’t explain it any better than that.

“I think I understand,” Celestia replied. “Although I’m surprised that you can use such an advanced ability like that and not even realise its difficulty or limits.”

Now Flare was confused. “What do you mean by that?” he asked. “I just use it like I would any other special attack of mine.”

“It is possible to infuse magical power into one’s physical prowess, but it is both difficult and dangerous.” Celestia explained. “But I think that you may be capable of learning it.”

Flare was about to respond when Luna emerged from the doorway. “Sister!” she shouted. “The Royal Kitchen is out of cheese for my Glorious Grilled Cheese Sandwiches!”

Celestia resisted the urge to facehoof and looked at her little sister. Luna had stopped channeling magic into her mane and let the long blue locks just hang down. Her eyes had dark rings under them.

“You’ve been up all night again, haven’t you?” Celestia said with an exasperated sigh.

Luna just shrugged and stepped outside, wincing as the bright sunlight shone in her eyes. “Perhaps, but I still do my job, so what is the harm?”

Celestia sighed, but then an idea sparked in her head. She looked at her little sister and smiled mischievously. “You know, I just remembered some important business that I have to attend to. Lulu dear, you shall instruct Flare on this particular aspect of his training.”

“Say what now!?” both Luna and Fare said in unison.

Celestia put on her serious face. “You heard me. You have a great deal of experience in combat magicks, so I think you’ll do nicely.” Celestia said nothing more and gracefully exited the courtyard, leaving a confused moon princess and Flare Blitz to just simple stare at each other in silence.

“So, uhh,” Flare said, rubbing one foreleg with the other. “What do I do first, Luna?”

Luna sighed and closed her eyes for a moment as her mane glowed like the pale light of the moon as it regained its ethereal appearance. “My sister just doesn’t want me going back to my tabletop games…” She stopped muttering and looked up at Flare. “Well, I guess we should start teaching you some magic then!”

Luna stretched out her wings until she felt a satisfying crick in the bones and then shook her head. “Let’s start with the basics. First, what can you do magicwise?”

“Well...” Flare began. “I can levitate stuff.”

Luna nodded. “Standard fare for any unicorn, next!”

“That’s it!” Flare said. “Other than Twilight Blaze, all I can do is levitation.”

Luna deadpanned as he explained his almost non-existent repertoire of magic. “You must be joking. Surely Twilight Sparkle taught you more than that.”

“She tried,” Flare explained. “But my magic only started to work recently, once my cutie mark appeared…”
Luna thought about this for a moment. He had no trouble infusing his attacks with raw magic, and she had seen him use a protective shield during the battle with Arceus.

“Perhaps it is instinct and sheer will that drives your magic, not your knowledge of the artes…” Luna gave the stallion a smile, “I think I may have thought of a way to teach you effectively after all.”

Why did Flare not like the look in the Princess’s eye?

***

Twilight trotted home, though it was slow going as she was absolutely exhausted. She had really overtaxed her magic, and after today’s events, all she wanted was a hot bath and an early bedtime.

“I wonder if Flare’s day has been less dramatic than mine?” she said aloud.

***

Flare dodged another strike of lightning as Luna fired up another storm cloud. “Come now! Is that the best you can truly do?” Luna goaded as she fired another barrage of lightning at him.

“And why am I doing this again?” he said as a bolt clipped his back, leaving the smell of burning ozone and fur.

“I must have an understanding of your powers before the training can begin!” Luna explained again. “And besides…” Luna smiled gleefully. “Ever since seeing yours, I've wanted to be in a Pokémon battle!”
Flare stopped and gave her a look. “You want to have a Pokémon battle?”

“Yes!” Luna said. “I found yours to be quite enjoyable!"

“Okay then,” he said. “But there are rules in a battle. Do you know them?”

“Each Pokémon knows up to four moves,” Luna stated. “The goal is to reduce the opposing Pokémon’s health to zero.”

Flare nodded. Wild Pokémon could know many more than four attacks, he knew nine himself. “Okay then, how about we each limit ourselves to four moves, I see that you can use Thunder already, what else?”

Luna thought for a moment. “How about… Hyper Voice, Psychic, aaaand… Hurricane!”

Flare gave that moveset some thought. “That’s… something else,” he said. They weren’t really Pokémon attacks, just spells that she gave the attack names to. But Luna looked like she was having fun, and it had been a while since Flare had been in a battle for fun. “Well, okay then, I’ll use Morning Sun, Solarbeam, Quick Attack, and Twilight Blaze!”

Luna nodded and the battle commenced.

***

Princess Celestia sat upon her throne, signing a mountain of paperwork and listening to a noble prattle on about the price of something or other. Her head lifted as a noise could be heard from outside, and as she strained her hearing to see what was causing it, there was a loud crash as Luna came hurtling through one of the stain glass windows.

Everypony just stared at her as she picked herself up, dusted shards of glass off of her coat, and then flew out the same window. “HAVE AT THEE!” she boomed in the Royal Canterlot Voice.

Celestia excused herself from the terrified noble and servants before teleporting out into the courtyard. What she saw was a vision of complete chaos and destruction. Large sections of the slate paving had been completely blasted out of the ground. Trees were on fire and windows had been shattered. Flare and Luna stood amidst the destruction, staring each other down.

“By my own beard!” she whispered as she looked at the devastation and the two ponies who had caused it. “Just what in the name of Equestria happened out here!?” She glared at the ones responsible and walked over to them. Said ponies just then noticed the very obviously irritated Sun Princess and backed away slightly.

“I leave you alone for fifteen minutes!” she almost shouted. “Literally, fifteen minutes, and you completely destroy the place! What the hay were you two thinking!?”

Luna fidgeted and looked up adorably at her sister… to absolutely no effect. “We were ahh… training?” she said.

“Yup!” Flare said, looking tired and rather beaten up. “Training!”
Celestia sighed as she stepped out to the centre of the courtyard. "This is why we can't have nice things," she muttered and her horn lit up as bright as the sun. Flare shielded his eyes and, once the light had dispersed, he noticed that everything was as good as new.

“Whoa! How did you do that?” he gasped, looking around.

“Time Reversal.” Celestia stated. “I rewound time in this particular area to before all of this started.”

“I said it was training!” Luna argued, but a sharp glare from Celestia shut her up.

“Regardless of what it was, you made quite a mess here and you will both be punished for it!”

Luna and Flare swallowed hard as visions of various punishments raced through their minds. Was she going to banish them? Imprison them? Imprison them in the place she would banish them to... Take away Luna’s games!?

Celestia smiled and turned to walk back inside. “There will be no dessert for either of you tonight,” she said and disappeared through the door.

“No… dessert?” Flare said in disbelief. “Is that all?”

Luna sat down, a pitiful look on her face. “And tonight’s cake night too. So not fair, Tia.”

Flare shifted from one hoof to the other. “So, uh, shall we continue our training?”

Luna smiled as her horn lit up. “But of course…” And both ponies began to charge at one another.

***

Celestia simply had no words. She not only had to restore the courtyard two more times, but because Luna had expended so much magic, she even had to raise the moon again for the first time in a while.

The three ponies sat at the dinner table, eating silently. Flare would glance to Luna, then to Celestia, then back to Luna again.

“Um…” he started to say. “Please don’t be mad, Princess Celestia, Luna really was just trying to train my abilities… I think I even got a little bit stronger.”

“I am not angry,” Celestia said calmly. “Just disappointed by the fact that my own sister would willingly destroy our home.”

“You fixed it, did you not?” Luna retorted. “So just let it be, sister.”

“Oh really!” Celestia said, raising her voice slightly. “And does that give you an excuse to be so careless and reckless? What if somepony had been hurt?”

“Well maybe you could just fix that too!” Luna snapped back. “You seem to take great pride in ‘fixing’ my mistakes and then rubbing it in my face!”

That did it. The two sisters stood up, and with an indignant ‘Humph’ from the both of them, they left the room from opposite ends, leaving Flare all alone.

“Y’know,” he muttered, finishing his dinner. “I bet Twilight’s day hasn’t been as rowdy as this.” Though on a positive note, there was nopony stopping him from eating the cake now.

***

Flare Blitz once again found himself on the balcony, staring down towards Ponyville as he sipped a cup of tea. “Maybe I should take a day to go and see her,” he thought. “Who knows how long this ‘thing’ with Luna and Princess Celestia will last.”

As his train of thought continued, there was a knock at the door. His horn lit up and the door opened to reveal Princess Celestia.

“P-Princess?” Needless to say, Flare was surprised. He figured her to be in bed hours ago.

Celestia looked downright bashful at the moment though. To be honest, Flare thought it was really cute.

“I came to apologise,” she finally said. “Both Luna and I behaved appallingly at dinner, and I wish to say that I am sorry for that uncalled for outburst.”

“It’s alright, Princess.” Flare said, motioning for her to come in. “It’s really not that bad.”

Celestia entered the observatory and took a seat on one of the long couches. “But it was most unbecoming of a Princess,” she argued.

Before Flare could respond, there was a gentle rapping on the upstairs window before Luna glided down. “Flare, I really want to apologise for…” she then noticed her elder sister and quickly fell quiet. Celestia did the same.

“Oh you have got to be…” Flare exited the room suddenly, puzzling both alicorns until he returned with a tray hovering next to him, a fresh pot of tea and two more cups sitting upon it. “Now let’s have a little chat, shall we?”

Celestia was about to say something, but Flare put up a hoof. “Nope, I’ll be doing the talking for the moment.” Celestia was shocked. None of her subjects would dare speak to her like that. Not even Twilight.

“First of all, I want to say that the little performance at dinner was childish and uncalled for…” This time Luna went to interject, but Flare put his hoof up once more. “But,” he continued, “it is also perfectly natural for siblings to fight every now and then!”

He looked to Celestia and spoke. “I understand how you feel. You are just looking out for everypony’s safety, and that’s okay. But you did put Luna in charge of my training and didn’t tell her how to do it exactly.”

He turned back to Luna and addressed her this time. “And perhaps we did go a little overboard with our battle. Perhaps we should find a more secluded spot next time. But yelling at Princess Celestia like that wasn’t cool.”

He gave the regal ponies a moment to let that sink in before continuing. “I also had a thought I’d like to run past the both of you…”

“What is it?” Celestia replied.

“Well, earlier, I noticed that you raised the moon, correct?” Flare asked her. “How did you do that?”

“I’ve always been able to,” Celestia responded. “During Luna’s ‘absence’ I was responsible for both the sun and the moon.”

“And what about you Luna?” Flare asked next. “Can you raise and lower the sun?”

Luna thought for a moment. “‘Tis possible, I suppose,” she said, letting her Olde Canterlot accent slip. “Why do you ask?”

Flare took a breath as he sorted out his thoughts. “Well, here is what I am suggesting. In the mornings, Princess Celestia could lower the moon and raise the sun, and in the evening, Luna could lower the sun and raise the moon. Thus allowing both of you to have normal sleep patterns and spend time with each other.”

Celestia and Luna just looked at each other. Was it truly so simple? And why the hay didn’t they think of it before?

“That… may actually work,” Celestia said. “Is that alright with you, Lulu?”

Luna smiled and nodded. “Yes, Tia, it is a fine idea indeed.”

The two princesses turned to Flare and smiled. “I guess we should thank you, Flare. You are indeed somepony quite special” Celestia said. “Though would it be prudent of me to ask a favour of you?”

Now Flare was surprised. “Um, sure. What is it?”

“Well, I have noticed that you address my sister as just ‘Luna’…” she said. “So could I ask you to just call me ‘Celestia’?”

Flare nodded and grinned. “Sure thing… Celestia” He looked at his tea tray and motioned towards it. “Now, would you fine ladies care for some tea?”

***

Twilight lay in bed, nightmares of a horde of Pinkies keeping her up. At this time of night, Spike would be in bed and Flare would make her a nice cup of tea before they would settle down in front of the fireplace to read together.

Spike suddenly sat up, clutching his stomach as the letter caught him by surprise while he was asleep. “Oog, Twilight…!”

“Huh? Spike? What’s wrong?” Before the little dragon could respond, he belched loudly as a scroll appeared in the air.

“Urgh, tell the princess that I was trying to sleep,” he groaned and lay back down in his basket. Twilight took the letter and opened it, her eyes scanning its contents.

My Dearest Student Twilight Sparkle,

It feels a little odd, me sending you a friendship report. But it’s also fun.

What was this? Princess Celestia was sending her a friendship report?

I wanted to tell you what happened today. Today, I learned that no matter how close one pony is to another, sometimes they get into petty arguments and fight. Luna and I had a fight today. The first one in a very long time.

And it was thanks to Flare that we made up. He even came up with a simply brilliant plan that will allow us to spend more time together. We cannot owe him enough.

It seems that he is quite the catch, I can see why you like him. Though perhaps…

Well, it is said that friendly competition is good for you after all.

With love,

Princess Celestia

…
…
…

“What the hay!?” Twilight shouted. “Just what is Flare doing at the castle!?”

She would have to pay the boneheaded stallion a visit. Very soon…

***

Flare sneezed a little as Celestia sent off her letter. “I have a weird feeling,” he said, causing the alicorn to smile innocently.

“I’m sure it’s nothing, Flare. Now perhaps we should retire to bed? It’s going to be another long day tomorrow.”

Flare nodded and headed back towards the observatory. He was going to pay a visit to Ponyville on the weekend, so the next three days would be full of study.

“I can’t wait to see Twilight again!” He smiled gleefully.

***

As Twilight began to slowly drift off to sleep, her eyes wandered to the flowers in the vase next to her bed. They were the beautiful Amaryllis that Flare had ‘kind of’ given her. There was also the one she had spent most of the day before last trying to find. Her eyes closed and her thoughts began to wander to the events of that day...

~~~

“Twilight?” Rarity was quite surprised to find her friend knocking on her door so early in the morning. “Is everything alright?”

“I, um,” Twilight fumbled, trying to get her words straight. “Can I ask you for some advice?”

Well, this was sudden, but not entirely unexpected. Rarity had a hunch for a while now that this talk was coming. “Of course dear, come inside.”

Once they were inside, Rarity disappeared briefly into the kitchen and prepared some tea while Twilight just blushed and rubbed her forehooves together. “So,” Rarity began. “What can I do to assist?”

“Well,” Twilight took a tentative sip of her tea. “I was wondering, since you probably have more experience than me. I read books, but none of them really helped, which is weird, because books have always helped me when I felt lost. Maybe I have the wrongs books? I should ask for some from the Archives-”

“Twilight Sparkle!” Rarity cut her off. “You do a wonderful Pinkie Pie impression, but I simply must know what is troubling you so.” Rarity had her guesses, and Twilight was about to prove her right.

“Well it’s, it’s about Flare... and about me.”

Rarity nodded and made a mental note that Rainbow Dash now owed her ten bits. “Twilight, I have a passion for fashion, but my heart will always have room for romance. You have come to the right pony for your answers, so fire away!”

Twilight nodded and sipped her tea again. “I don’t know what I should do,” she finally said. “He gave me a flower, Rarity!”

“Well he is a gentlecolt, so I imagine that flowers would be a pretty common gift-”

“A flower that is the same colour as his coat,” Twilight added, and the white unicorn gasped. She had read about that in her romance novels and magazines, but didn’t know it was still practiced. ‘You are a clever pony, Mr. Blitz,’ Rarity mused.

“Well, his intentions are rather apparent then,” Rarity said. “But the real question here is, what do you want to do. If you had no feelings for him, then you would not be fretting so.”

Twilight’s eyes went wide and she gasped. “What?! No, I love Flare... it’s just that... I don’t know how I’m supposed to reply.” Twilight put her head in her hooves and groaned, “What am I supposed to do?!”

“Well darling, I think that should be obvious,” Rarity took a delicate sip of her own tea and sighed contently. “You like him, correct?’

“I love him!”

“And he gave you a flower, yes?”

“Yes, but what does-?”

“Then give him one back,” Rarity stated. “If you love him, then tell him.” Rarity finished her tea and placed the cup on the table. “Do that, and I’m sure everything else will work itself out.”

Twilight thought about that and nodded. “So just take it one step at a time then?”

“Now you’re getting it,” Rarity beamed. “Now get out there and get yourself a flower!”

“Thank you, Rarity.” Twilight nodded again and gave her friend a hug. “You really are a good friend.”

Rarity smiled and returned the hug, “I’m glad I could help. Just remember to be yourself, alright?”

Twilight left the boutique and headed into town. She had a flower vendor to visit.

“Sorry, Twilight,” Roseluck bowed her head. “But I’m fresh out of purple flowers.”

Twilight shook her head and smiled wearily. “It’s okay, Rose. Do you know when you’ll get more in?”

“I should have a supply of lilacs in next week sometime,” Rose replied and Twilight sighed. “Too late?”

“Yes, unfortunately,” Twilight responded and Rose apologised once more. Twilight took several of the lilies that she had and left. “Maybe magic can solve my problem?”

That turned out to be a total bust as well. Every time Twilight tried to use her magic to change the pigment of the flowers, they either reverted back to normal in a few minutes or wilted. After the final flower got up and danced, Twilight figured it was time to throw in the towel on this idea.

“So this is your great idea?” Spike asked as they snuck around somepony’s garden. “Stealing from your neighbors?”

Twilight paused and thought about that. What the hay was she doing? She collapsed to the ground and her eyes began to water. “What am I doing, Spike?” she sobbed quietly. “All I want is something special, is that too much to ask?”

“Twilight Sparkle, do my eyes deceive,” The rich accent caught her attention and she looked up to see Zecora giving her an odd stare. “Or have the two of you become common thieves?”

“Zecora?!” Twilight suddenly leapt from the garden and brushed some leaves from her mane. “This um, this isn’t what it looks like...”

“Sneaking around in the dead of night,” Zecora responded. “Perhaps you could enlighten me to your plight?”

“I need a flower, a very specific one.” Twilight sighed. “And I need one as soon as possible.”

“A specific flower, you’re trying to get? Perhaps for a stallion who I’ve still not yet met?”

Twilight gasped and apologised. “I’m sorry Zecora,” she said earnestly. “I’ll be sure to introduce him when he comes back from Canterlot.”

“Do not worry; it is alright.” Zecora smiled and nodded her head. “But perhaps I can help with your plight.” The enigmatic zebra fished around in her satchel and produced a small glass bottle with a glowing purple flower inside.

“For a potion, I acquired this Soul Dew.” Twilight looked at the beautiful flower, its colour matching her coat perfectly. “But I feel it will be of more use to you.”

Before Twilight could respond, Zecora gave her the flower and smiled. “Go ahead, I do not mind. Such a magical flower, you won’t soon find.”

“I-I don’t know what to say,” Twilight was about to start crying again but Zecora stopped her.

“I believe it is customary to say thank you-” Zecora was abruptly interrupted as Twilight hugged her friend.

“Thank you so much Zecora!”

Zecora remained silent and returned the embrace. “It is thanks enough to see you happy, but perhaps you should wait for your stallion before you get too sappy?”

Twilight laughed and Spike shook his head, but at least they had a flower now. He yawned and Twilight levitated him onto her back, and after thanking Zecora once more, she headed back home.

Now all she had to do was figure out how to tell Flare...

Of Suns, Moons & Stars - Part Three

Of Suns, Moons & Stars – part three

For once, Flare was up before the sun rose. It was Saturday, and he was eager to get on the first train to Ponyville. Celestia had said that he could have weekends off, so he planned to spend every minute of it with Twilight. Double-checking that his saddlebags were packed and he wasn’t forgetting anything, he headed out the door.

As he passed by the courtyard, he saw Celestia standing there. Her horn flared with a brilliant golden light, and the moon dipped beyond the horizon as the sun rose from the opposite direction.

“Now that is impressive!” Flare commented, startling the princess slightly.

“Goodness, Flare, you shouldn’t sneak up on a pony like that!” Celestia scolded him playfully. “Have I not shown you how the sun is raised yet?”

Flare shook his head. “No, this is the first time I’ve seen it… and it’s pretty cool.”

Celestia blushed slightly. “Well, thank you,” she said softly. It was strange, she could always find herself letting go of the princess persona around him. She wondered why that was.

“So you’re off to Ponyville then?” Celestia asked him, noticing the saddlebags.

Flare nodded, “Yeah, I’m getting on the early train.”

Celestia smiled, “Well, I wish you a safe trip and I hope you have an enjoyable weekend, then.”

Flare smiled back and then dashed off towards train station. Celestia watched him go and then headed back towards the castle. “It will certainly be quiet this weekend,” Celestia mused. “Though I do wish that Monday would get here a little sooner…”

***

Once at the train station, Flare purchased his ticket and headed back towards the city. The train wouldn’t arrive for another twenty minutes, so he decided to go and get a bite to eat.

“Note to self- eat breakfast before heading out.” he mumbled as his stomach growled. He passed by Doughnut Joe’s, but he really didn’t feel like anything sweet so early in the morning. He headed further down the street until he came across a café called ‘The Daily Grind’.

He pressed a hoof against the intricately carved oak door and it swung open. When he walked inside, the first thing he noticed was that most of the furnishings were hoof carved wood, from the bar to the tables and chairs. It was lit by iron lanterns hanging from the ceiling, giving the whole place a very intimate feel. The building itself was a long and rectangular, with the bar and stools at the front. The middle was more rounded, with circular tables and deep, plush velvet couches. The end of the building held a small stage, with a few instruments adorning it.

“This is a nice looking place,” he said in a hushed tone as he looked around. As he looked, a tall unicorn mare descended from the stairs behind the counter. Clearing her throat got Flare’s attention, and he turned to face her. She was quite tall, maybe a little shorter than Luna. She had a very long mane and tail the colour of milk chocolate. Her coat was a cream colour and had brown spots all over it. She wore long boots on her hind legs whilst a thin sweater covered her front legs and torso. She was also wearing a dark red scarf.

“Welcome to ‘The Daily Grind’. My name is Mocha Latte!” she said with lady-like tone. “Can I help you?”

“Um, I just kinda wandered in here,” Flare said sheepishly. “Do you happen to have anything that I could buy for breakfast?”

She looked at her empty display case and shook her head. “Not at the moment, but give me a second and I can whip something up?”

Flare nodded and decided to look around the place while she cooked. “This is a nice place,” Flare commented. “Did you design it yourself?”

“I did the initial designs, yes.” Mocha answered. “But I had some other ponies construct it for me.” She brewed a fresh pot of coffee and then began to whisk some eggs. “All the metalwork came from a local smithy by the name of Silvermane. The woodwork also came from a local carver, so the whole place was relatively cheap to construct." She began to fill a thermos with the coffee while pouring the beaten eggs into a frying pan and organising every chair in the café.

“That’s… some really impressive telekinesis,” Flare said, watching the amazing multi-tasking.

Mocha smiled as her magic did its work. “Yes, I’ve never had much talent for magic, except for telekinesis; apparently I’m rather skilled in that aspect.”

She finished cooking the scrambled eggs and placed them into a container, followed up by a second with fresh vegetables.

“So why the rush so early in the morning?” Mocha asked when she noticed the stallion pacing.

“I have a train to Ponyville to catch,” he said. “It leaves in about 10 minutes.”

Mocha giggled as she levitated the coffee and breakfast into Flare’s saddlebags. “I see, but there are later trains. You in a hurry?”

“Kinda…” Flare said sheepishly. “There’s just somepony I really want to see.”

“Oh?” Mocha said. “Is it your special somepony?”

Flare blushed slightly as he placed some bits on the counter for the food. “No, but I hope she will be someday.”

“I see, well then I wish you the best of luck!” Mocha smiled. “Now you’d best hurry.”

Flare nodded and headed towards the door. He turned to glance at the Unicorn mare behind the counter. “Thanks for the food Miss Latte. Bye!”

Mocha nodded and smiled as Flare left, running for the train station. “He seems like a nice stallion… like somepony else I know,” she mused as she thought about an old friend.

***

Flare bolted into the train station and boarded the train just moments before the conductor announced its departure.

“Whew, made it just in time,” he said. He took a seat near the window and wasted no time in opening the container that Mocha had given him, letting the scent of the eggs and vegetables fill his nostrils. “Ooh, this smells good,” he said as his stomach gave a loud rumble in agreement.

It took only a moment for him to devour his eggs and most of his vegetables. All except for the broccoli; he didn’t have much of a stomach for those. He glanced around the carriage and saw that the only other passengers were a pegasus and her small foal, who was a little smaller than Sweetie Belle and her friends, though she had a Cutie Mark already.

The mare smiled at him and gave a polite nod, which Flare returned. That was something that never ceased to amaze him about Equestria; everypony was so nice. Sure, most of the Pokémon that he met were nice enough, but nothing like it was here.

He took out the thermos and took a sip of the hot coffee contained within. His eyes widened the moment the liquid hit his tongue. It was simply marvelous! Then the strangest thing happened… he was no longer sitting on the train, but on a large open plain… a very familiar plain.

“Laramee Ranch...” he whispered as he looked around.

Herds of Tauros and Dodrio ran about as their human caretakers looked after them. He glanced around in a daze, wondering how this was all possible, when something else caught his eye. Two graceful Rapidash ran through the fields, their blazing manes and tails sparkling and flickering in the sunlight. Flare knew in an instant who they were.

“Mother… and Dad!?” he said, simply unable to believe what he was seeing. He hadn’t seen them in so long, and here they were, racing through the fields without a care in the world. Flare raised a hoof. He was about to run after them when he saw something else, a third pony running after them. It was a young Ponyta who Flare knew very well. Himself. This was no vision, but a vivid memory of when he was young, before he ran away from the farm to explore the world.

“How can this be?” he wondered. “Is this because of that drink? Did she put something weird in it?”

The memory continued for a bit as he watched his younger self play with his parents and living a carefree life. But far too soon, the memory ended, bringing Flare back to the train carriage. “What on earth was that?” he wondered aloud as he looked out the window. “But… it was nice, to be able to see them again…” It still didn’t stop some tears from falling as he realised just how much he missed them.

There was a prodding at his leg and he looked down to see the little foal looking up at him.

“Are you okay, mista?” she asked in the most adorable voice. “You’re cwying.”

The foal’s mother walked over and pulled her foal away. “Misty Waterflower, that’s very rude!” she scolded the child and looked up at Flare. “I’m terribly sorry about that. She just can’t keep her nose out of things.”

Flare smiled and nodded. “It’s alright, she meant no harm.” He leaned down so he was face to face with the foal. She was a little tan pegasus with a bright orange mane and tail. Her wings flittered about as she tried to wiggle out of her mother’s grasp.

“Thank you for your concern, but I’m quite alright. I just remembered something happy, that’s all.” He said with a warm smile.

“But if it was happy, den why were you cwying?” Misty said curiously.

“Because there can be happy tears as well as sad tears,” Flare explained. “Although sometimes, it can be hard to tell the difference.”

The little filly nodded, but she didn’t really get it. She looked to her mother for confirmation. “Is dat twue Mommy?” she asked.

“Yes dear, it is quite true,” her mother answered with a nod. Misty looked at the things Flare had with him and saw the container with the broccoli in it.

“Are you gonna eat dat, mista?” she asked, earning another scowl from her mother.

“It’s okay,” Flare said again as the mother sighed at her daughter’s blunt personality. He lifted the container with his magic and hoofed it to the foal. “Do you want it?”

“Yes pwease!” she said happily. “I wuv bwocowi!”

Flare just wanted to hug the little pegasus, she was so cute~

“Well then, you can have this broccoli.” Flare said with a wide grin.

“Fanks, mista!” Misty bubbled happily as she grasped the container. Her mother just shook her head and thanked Flare for the food. He nodded in response and even shared some of the coffee with her before they returned to their own seats.

After a few short hours, the train pulled into Ponyville and Flare got up from his seat, stretching and yawning. “I can’t wait to see Twilight!” he almost giggled and ran from the carriage, pausing to wave to little Misty first.

Twilight was up and had organised her list of things to do during the day. But Spike noticed that something was a little off. Ever since she had received that letter from Celestia a few days ago, she had seemed irritated, though whenever Spike asked she just shrugged him off.

“Are you sure nothing's upsetting you?” Spike asked. The last thing Equestria needed was another ‘Want it, Need it’ catastrophe.

“I’m fine,” Twilight said calmly. “Why wouldn’t I be fine with the fact that Flare is flirting with my teacher!”

Spike scratched his head. Why would she think Flare would do that? He knew that Flare liked Twilight, heck everypony knew that. “Are you sure about that?” he asked his sister. “That doesn’t sound like him.”

“We’ll see about that!” Twilight remarked. “I bet he’s getting all cosy with her at this very moment!” She turned and opened the door with her magic to storm outside, only to see the stallion in question standing there with a stupid grin on his face.

<><><> Twilight Sparkle’s Thought Process<><><>

He’s… he’s here!?

Ohmigosh! He’s standing right here!

Stupid Jerk! He’s probably going to tell me that he’s marrying the Princess!

But what if he’s not? What if he’s here to see me?

But he’s still a jerk!

But so cute~

Jerk!

…What do I do!?

Jerk!!

Hug him?

Jerk!!!

Kiss him!?

Jerk!!!!

whatwhatwhatwhatwhatdoIdooooo!?
…
…
SYSTEM OVERLOAD! EMERGENCY PROTOCOLS ACTIVATING!

<><><>End Process<><><>

Flare just stood there as Twilight made a bunch of weird faces and then bolted from the room and out into Ponyville.
“Not quite the reaction I was hoping for,” he said, utterly confused as Spike applied his claw to his face.

“Twilight thinks you plan on marrying the Princess,” he explained. “Apparently Celestia wanted to play a prank or something...” He leaned in close, “You aren’t really marrying the Princess, right?”

“Of course I’m not!” Flare responded, stamping his hoof. He was going to have serious words with Celestia when he went back. “I guess I’d better go and find her then.” Flare sighed and walked after her. He knew she would probably run to one of her friends, and Sugarcube Corner was the closest.

***

Twilight ran through the streets of Ponyville, her head a whirlwind of conflicted emotions. She was elated that Flare had come to see her, but afraid of what he was going to say. She remembered what she had written in her last letter to him and that reply from the Princess… She was so confused.

Her blind dash was brought to a sudden halt when she ploughed into Pinkie Pie.

“Twilight!?” Pinkie exclaimed. “What in the wide world of Equestria has your pickle in a pinch?”

“Piinn~kkieeeee~” Twilight sobbed. “I don’t know what to doooo!”

“Aw there, there~” Pinkie said, patting the crying unicorn on the back. “You just tell Auntie Pinkie all about it.”

…

As Flare approached Sugarcube Corner, he noticed that things looked a little… different.

There were piles of sandbags lying about and trenches cut into the street. The surrounding buildings had been boarded up and there wasn’t a pony to be found.

Except for one…

Pinkie Pie.

Pinkie Pie wearing a combat helmet and camo gear. She sat next to several catapults loaded with steaming hot pies and she looked pissed.

“Why do I get the feeling that things have gotten waaay out of hoof again?” Flare sighed as he walked closer.

“Hold it right there mister!” Pinkie yelled through a megaphone. “You’re gonna pay for what you did to Twilight!”

“What I did to…? Pinkie! Do you even know what happened?” Flare yelled back. “This is just a misunderstanding!”

“Suuure it is!” she replied sarcastically. “Eat pie, cheater!!” And with that statement, she pulled on a large string that connected all the catapults together. The result was that they all fired simultaneously, filling the sky with dozens of pies.

Flare sighed once more and looked up. Things would get messy if he just let this madmare do what she wanted. “Guess I’ll try one of the new abilities that Luna taught me,” he said as his horn began to charge with solar energy.

“Solarbeam?” Pinkie wondered. “But that won’t work against so many targets…”

Flare began to weave the magic into the attack, and half a dozen glowing orbs appeared around him. He looked towards the sky and finished his preparations.

“Solarbeam! Artillery Blast!” Flare said as he fired a Solarbeam from his horn. The orbs around him shone brightly and fired Solarbeams as well. Seven energy beams arced across the sky and completely obliterated the incoming pastries.

Pinkie fell onto her butt, her mouth agape at what she had just seen. “That… was AWESOME!!” she said, forgetting all about her rage. “Do it again!”

Flare dropped to one knee as he gasped and panted. He had just expended his entire energy reserves for Solarbeam all at once, and it had taken its toll on his stamina. “Okay…” he panted. “That is a last resort until I get better at spell casting… but it was cool.” He looked towards Pinkie and frowned, “Care to explain what this is all about?” he demanded.

Pinkie remembered why she was mad and stomped over to him. “You have some explaining to do, Mister!” she growled. “You made Twilight cry!”

“I didn’t do anything!” Flare retorted. “I only just got in from Canterlot, and when I got to the library, she suddenly flipped out and ran off! I chased after her and find you starting the Pie Armageddon on me!?”

Pinkie looked around and giggled. “Silly Flarey! If I did that, there’d be nopony left to throw parties for, this is just a little fun!”

Flare face-hoofed hard enough to give himself a headache. So the end of the world was being prevented because Pinkie had abandonment issues? “So not the time to question this,” he muttered. “Do you know where Twilight went?” he asked the pink pony.

“Hmm, maybe Rarity’s place?” she replied as Flare got up and dusted himself off. Flare nodded and headed off to the Carousel Boutique. Pinkie waved as he walked off, “Good luck, Flarey!” she bubbled happily and then went about cleaning up the mess she had made.

***

When Flare reached the boutique, he was glad there were no more battlements set up. “Though I suppose Rarity has a little more sense than that,” he chuckled. But if Twilight had come here, then the white unicorn was probably ticked as well.

He gingerly raised a hoof and knocked on the door. “Please have some sense and see that something is wrong here,” he prayed and then the door clicked and Rarity opened it.

“Well, hello there, Flare!” she said with a chipper tone. “What can I help you with today?”

Flare was stunned a little. Maybe Twilight hadn’t been here yet? “Well you see, I’m looking for Twilight. Have you seen her at all?” he asked hopefully.

Rarity nodded and showed the stallion inside. As Flare walked in, the door suddenly bolted shut along with all the windows.

“Uh, Rarity?” Flare had a real bad feeling now.

“Darling.” Her voice was cold and calm. “Perhaps you might like to tell me why my dear friend Twilight showed up on my doorstep in tears?” She paced around him as several pairs of fabric scissors began to float up from around the room.

What the hell!? Were all of the ponies in this town completely crazy?

“Okay Rarity, put down the scissors and nopony’ll get hurt.” Flare said slowly and calmly.

“Then tell me what happened or your mane gets a makeover you’ll never forget!” she said dangerously.

Great, so only his mane was in mortal peril, still…

“Look, I don’t know what’s wrong. I just showed up, Twilight freaked out, and now I seem to be Public Enemy No. 1!” he explained once more. “I just need to find her and talk to her.”

Rarity lowered the scissors and bowed her head in apology. “I thought something seemed off,” she said. “As flirtatious as you are, you don’t seem the type to cheat like that.”

“And yet you point scissors at me,” Flare said dryly. “And what do you mean ‘flirtatious’?”

Rarity laughed nervously.“Um, yes, well… I think Twilight was headed for Fluttershy’s cottage,” she offered. “Maybe you could try there next?”

Flare nodded and sighed again, this was getting tedious. “If I have to fight an army of bunnies next, I will not be a happy stallion.”

***

All was quiet as he approached Shy’s cottage. No rabbit regiment, no bear cavalry, nothing. Flare cautiously approached the door and pressed his ear against it. He could hear voices, and one of them was Twilight!

He knocked on the door, but didn’t announce who it was. The last thing he needed was Twilight bolting again before he could talk to her.

The conversation went quiet, and after a moment, Fluttershy opened the door and squeaked in surprise when she saw who it was.

“Fluttershy, look.” Flare said quietly. “I just need to speak to Twilight. There has been a huge misunderstanding and I need to clear it up.”

Fluttershy glanced behind her and then looked back to Flare. “Um, well. I would… but she just teleported away… sorry,” she said, hiding behind her mane.

“It’s okay, Fluttershy.” Flare smiled. “She’s bound to be going to AJ’s or Skittles's place. Thanks anyway though.”

“Um, before you go… it’s nice to see you again.” Fluttershy smiled. “Everypony missed you.”

Flare smiled when she said that. “Thanks, Flutters, it’s good to be back. I really missed everypony too.” He turned and ran towards Sweet Apple Acres at top speed. Seeing as how Rainbow lived in an inaccessible cloud home, he figured Twilight would head for Applejack's.

“Okay, no problem,” Flare confirmed to himself. “I just probably have to deal with Applejack and of acres of apple ammunition… no problem at all…”

This was not going to end well...

***

Once he hit the main gate of the farm, he stopped to look around. He wondered just what was lying in store for him. As he approached the farmhouse, he saw Applejack with Twilight, who looked a little frantic.

“Well howdy, Flare!” AJ greeted him as he got closer and Twilight’s horn lit up as she prepared to teleport again.

Before Flare could respond, however, Applejack placed a hoof on her shoulder and shook her head. “Now just hold yer horses there, Sugarcube, let’s hear what he has to say.”

Twilight looked hesitant, but stopped casting the spell nonetheless.

“Good. Now, Flare, You care to explain what’s goin’ on here?” Applejack said calmly.

“Finally…” Flare breathed a sigh of relief, eliciting a look of confusion from the apple farmer.

Flare responded to the look. “I just turned up, ready to surprise Twilight… which seemed to work a little too well… and then she freaks and bolts!” Flare looked at the purple unicorn. “I have no idea what’s going on.”

Applejack nodded and turned to Twilight. “Okay now, Twahlight, care to explain yourself?”

<><><> Twilight’s Mind <><><>

Okay, now what?

What do you mean ‘now what?’

It would appear we screwed up!

Well what do we do?

How would I know, you’re the Frontal Lobe. Isn’t deciding things your job?

Well I uh… Emergency System Shutdown!!!

That’s what you always do…

<><><> End Process <><><>

And so Twilight Sparkle promptly fainted on the spot, making Flare rush forward to catch her on his back.

“Well that was unexpected,” Applejack remarked. “You okay there, Flare?”

Flare sighed again, it seemed to be becoming a habit of his. “Yeah, I’m gonna take Twilight home, and once she wake up, I think we’ll have a nice, long chat.”

Applejack nodded and watched him walk off. It seemed that she had a posse of friends to round up, because those two would have some explaining to do later.

Sometime later…

The sun was setting on the horizon when Twilight finally awoke. She noticed that she was in her bed, and that Flare was sitting next to her with a worried expression on his face.

“Are you okay?” he asked, his voice full of worry and concern. “You haven’t been overworking yourself again, have you?”

Twilight just shook her head and then buried herself under the covers. “M’fine,” she mumbled.

Flare sighed and lifted the blanket to see Twilight curled up underneath, her face flushed and her eyes closed. “Okay, Miss Sparkle!” he said sternly. “It’s time to spill, what’s going on?”

Twilight slowly emerged from the doona and kept her head down, but looked up at Flare. Her mane was messy from the bed and her eyes looked like they would burst into tears at any moment. His heart damn near exploded from the cuteness on it.

“You…” she said softly. “You came to tell me that you… love Princess Celestia, right?” Her voice cracked as she said it.

Flare just blinked as the question mulled in his brain for a moment. “Just where in the seven circles of Tartarus did you get an idea like that?” he asked.

Twilight lifted the letter she got the other night and showed it to him. “This…” she simply said.

Flare took it and read over it before smiling. “Is that what this is all about?” he smiled, which caused Twilight to pout.

“Look,” Flare said calmly. “I think that your dear teacher was having a little fun at your expense.” He placed the letter to the side and leaned in closer. “You remember those flowers that I left behind?”

Twilight nodded but remained silent.

“And in the letter you sent me, you said you knew what they signified, correct?”

Twilight nodded again. “You borrowed that book from my library... remember?” she said quietly.

Oh, yeah… She probably has read every book in the library. Wait! Getting off topic.

“Look…” He needed to word this right so it wouldn’t cause another misunderstanding.

Twilight put up a hoof and got out of her bed. “I… I think I need to show you something,” she said and began to head downstairs. Flare was as curious as a Meowth now, and followed her downstairs. Once there, she walked over to her study desk and moved a book that was standing upright. Hidden behind the book was a vase.

A vase that held the amaryllis flowers that Flare had gotten, but there was something else.

There was another flower in the vase with them. A purple lily that had a subtle glow to it.

“It’s a Star Dew,” she explained. “It glows when in direct starlight or exposed to positive emotions. I have a book on it over there…”

“Does this mean what I think it does?” Flare asked her, his heart racing faster than he ever could.

Twilight blushed hard and looked down at her hooves. “I… I thought about it a lot, and I’ve come to a conclusion.”

“And… what conclusion is that?” Flare could hardly breathe now. He felt like he was going to pass out.

“You gave up friends… family, just to stay here… with me.” She looked up at him, her face as red as Big Macs coat. “I um… I’m sorry!”

Flare’s heart shattered into a million pieces. ‘She was sorry!? What did that mean? What about the flower? What the hell is going on!?’

“I’m sorry that I took so long to make a decision. It must have been hard for you.” She smiled and looked straight into his eyes and gave Flare the warmest smile she could muster and leaned in close to him.

“I love you, Flare Blitz!” she whispered softly.

Flare blinked. His head was just an empty white space. Did she just... Did she really... He looked at the flower vase and then back to the beautiful mare that had just confessed to him.

“And I love you!” He finally replied as he nuzzled her gently. He was so happy he felt like he could just explode. “I love you so much!”

Twilight placed her forelegs around him and pulled the stallion into a gentle and warm embrace. She knew that this was the right decision as her heart soared higher than the moon. “I think today has been a little overcomplicated,” she giggled.

Flare gave her a ‘No, you think?’ face and just went right on back to hugging her. Though there was something else that he wanted to do. He pressed his nose against hers and slowly brought his lips up to kiss her.

Then Pinkie Pie burst through the door an in explosion of confetti. “Oh my gosh! Are you guys friends again yet? Is Twilight still crying? Can Flarey show me that awesome move again? Do you have any cake in the fridge?”

“Pinkie! I thought I said to knock first” Rarity chastised her friend and then saw Flare and Twilight, still locked in an intimate embrace. “Oh! Oh? Oh my…” was all she said before fainting.

“Rarity? Whut in tarnation is yer problem now?” Applejack said as she and their other friends all walked in. And then they saw what she had seen.

“Well wouldja look at that!” Applejack grinned.

“Oh dear. Are we interrupting? I’m so sorry…” Fluttershy backed up slowly and bumped into Rainbow Dash.

“What’s going on?” R.D. said and saw the two startled ponies frozen in their embrace. “Oh.” came the cyan pegasus’s oddly quiet response.

There was an awkward silence before Twilight finally spoke up.

“Well, I guess we should tell them,” she said to Flare. “About us I mean.”

Flare nodded and gave Twilight a light kiss on the cheek, causing her to flush pink. “Twilight has agreed to go out with me,” he said happily.

“No I didn’t,” Twilight stated and Flare’s jaw nearly hit the floor. “I only said that I loved you, you have yet to ask me out on a proper date.”

It took almost a full minute for Flare to recover and regain his ability to talk. “Ah, well, um. Twilight, would you like to go out on a date with me?”

“Yes,” Twilight smiled and kissed his cheek. “I would very much like to do so.”

“Well, it’s about time!” Rarity smiled, recovering from her fainting spell almost instantly.

“Yeah, y’all took yer sweet time in figure’n out tha obvious.” Applejack agreed.

Rainbow Dash smiled but didn’t say anything. She was way too cool for all this mushy stuff.

“So when do I get to throw a ‘Congrats for finally getting together’ party?” Pinkie asked.

Twilight put up a hoof and yawned. “I think we’ll address all this tomorrow, but for now… I’m beat.”

“Well considering how much you ran around today, even I’m feeling a little tired.” Flare agreed.

***

Later that night, the two new lovers sat in front of the crackling fireplace, just staring into each other’s eyes. Sleep was all but forgotten, as that would cut into snuggle time.

“Are you sure you want to do this so soon?” Flare asked his marefriend. “I don’t want you to feel uncomfortable.”

Twilight shook her head. “No, this is something I’ve wanted to do for a very long time.” She looked down and let out a slight gasp in surprise. “I didn’t think it would be so big though.”

“Well, what did you expect?” Flare said with a cocky grin. “And I’m so happy right now; I could keep going all night.”

“Don’t make promises you can’t keep,” Twilight teased as they snuggled up together, their bodies illuminated by the warm glow of the fire.

“Um, before we start, can I ask you something?” Flare said, feeling a tad nervous now.

“Yes?” Twilight said, her eyes lowering into a seductive stare that made Flare’s heart skip a beat.

“Can… can I kiss you?” he asked.

Twilight giggled softly and leaned in close to the adorable stallion, pressing her muzzle against his. “Yes, Mr. Blitz. You may.”

Their lips met and it was as if nothing else existed at that point. The crackle of the fire, the soft hooting of Owlowiscious… and the huge book that they were about to read together. It all just seemed to disappear as they lost themselves in each other’s embrace…

A Flame Once Lost - Part One

A Flame Once Lost… Part One

“That Pinkie Pie Party sure was something else,” Flare commented as he and Twilight walked through the streets of Ponyville.

Twilight nodded and smiled. “Yes, despite the slight hiccup at the end.” Apparently Flare could not drink alcohol; fire and alcohol do not mix very well.

“From what I’ve seen, nothing ever goes according to plan in Ponyville,” Flare pointed out. “Another day, another disaster! Hey, they should totally use that as a slogan or something!”

Twilight facehoofed and giggled, “I don’t see the mayor agreeing to that.”

The two of them continued their walk until they reached the park. It had become a bit of a regular spot for Flare over the last few months. They found a nice, shady tree and sat down underneath it. The weather was once again perfect, but the pegasi were planning a thunderstorm later in the afternoon, so Flare and Twilight decided to have a picnic lunch before it started.

“I still can’t believe it,” Twilight smiled softly as she took some daisy sandwiches out of the basket.

“Can’t believe what, my love?” Flare replied.

“That!” she said, pointing a hoof at him. “That I’m finally dating somepony…” Twilight trailed off as she blushed cutely, causing Flare to smile.

He leaned in close and kissed her on the cheek, causing her to let out a little squeak. “Well you have all the time in the world to get used to it, cause I’m not going anywhere.”

Twilight nuzzled him and sighed contently. “I really should have done this sooner though,” she said. “Do you really have to go back to Canterlot today?” Twilight asked hopefully. “We just started this and now you have to go away again.”

“Celestia says that this training is important, so yeah, I do have to go back…” He pressed his lips against hers, eliciting a satisfied moan from the unicorn. “I know it’ll be difficult,” he said after parting from her. “But Celestia said at my current rate, the training shouldn’t take more than a month or two…”

As Twilight and Flare finished off their lunch, dark, steel grey clouds began to cover the sky as the weather teams began to prep the forecasted storm. Twilight glanced upward and sighed, knowing that as the afternoon approached, so did Flare's departure.

“I guess we should pack things up and head home then,” she said. She didn't sound too thrilled about it.

Flare frowned slightly; he didn’t want to leave Twilight so upset, and the week in between his visits were going to seem like an eternity. “Don’t be too sad, Twi,” he said assuredly. “We’re together now, and that’ll never change, okay?”

Twilight nodded and took a breath. “Yeah, you’re right. I’ve never really been in a relationship before, so I guess I’m just unsure of myself, maybe there’s a book on it?”

“Well you shouldn’t be!” Flare interjected. “You are a confident and beautiful mare and that’s just one of the near infinite things I love about you.” He gave her a warm smile as the two of them packed up their lunch and started to head home.

Twilight smiled and nodded. Flare seemed to know what he was doing though. Had he had a special somepony, er… special Pokémon, back in his world?

She decided to ask.

“Have you… done this before?” Twilight asked innocently.

“Having a picnic? Well maybe a few…” Flare smiled, knowing all too well what she really asked.

Twilight would have facehoofed if she wasn’t using them to walk right now. “That’s not what I meant,” she groaned.

“Yeah, sorry.” Flare poked his tongue out in cheek. “I did date someone else once, a couple of years ago… but we broke it off due to various reasons.”

Now Twilight was really curious. “What reasons? What was she like? Was she pretty? Was she another Ponyta or a Rapidash? Was she…?”

Flare paused and put a hoof to her mouth to silence the excited unicorn. “Whoa there! One at a time,” he chuckled. “Now let’s see…” He ran through his older memories, ones he had buried in the back of his mind long ago.

“Well, I met her when I was travelling through the Unova region, a little bit before I settled in Alamos Town. She was pretty, that’s what got my attention in the first place. She was also older than me by a margin…”

Twilight nodded. So he had been involved with an older mare, huh?

“She had an important job however, and it kept her travelling around a lot. Though that was okay since I didn’t live anywhere in particular either. I think she agreed to go out with me in the first place to rebel against her mentor, and boy did he get annoyed. But he warmed up to me eventually.”

“So what happened?” Twilight asked next. “You said you broke it off?”

Flare shrugged, “It was a mutual decision. She was always busy with her work and I was still young and rather impetuous and silly most of the time.” He let out a little chuckle. “Though she said my adamant nature was adorable.”

They approached the library and walked inside just as the wind was starting to pick up.

“We broke it off, but remained friends. I would often chat by carrier Pidgey, but we hadn’t talked at all for about three months leading up to my arrival here in Equestria.” He disappeared into his room and retrieved his saddlebags.

“I know that she took on a young student shortly before we broke up, so I assume that she’s been busy training him.”

“I see,” Twilight said. “And you have no residual feelings for this mare?”

“Twilight!” Flare said, looking deeply hurt. “I am shocked and offended that you would say such a thing!”

“I…I’m sorry,” Twilight sniffed, “I didn’t mean to…” then she caught the smirk on his face and swiped at him with her hoof. “You, sir, have been hanging around my teacher for too long!”

“Speaking of...” Flare said, evading Twilight’s flailing hoof. “I need to head off. My train leaves shortly.”

“Yeah, I know.” Twilight replied, frowning. “But you’ll visit again soon, right? And you’ll write to me every day, right?”

“Yes, my love,” Flare said, pulling Twilight into his embrace. “Studies or not, nothing will keep me from you, okay?” He ran a hoof gently through her mane and then placed a gentle kiss on her muzzle. “And try to stay out of trouble while I’m gone, hmm?”

“Trouble?” Twilight said, innocently batting her eyelashes. “Whatever do you mean?”

“Trouble seems to find you like Pinkie finds a cupcake,” Flare said dryly. “Just be careful, okay?”

Twilight nodded. “Okay, I promise.” She glanced out the window and then looked back to Flare. “Do you need a raincoat or something? It looks like the rain will start any second.”

Flare shook his head, opening the door. “Just who do you think you’re talking to? I can be at that train station in ten seconds flat!”

Twilight giggled and walked with him outside. “Yeah, yeah, ‘Rainbow Blitz’. I’m sure you can.”

Flare gave her an odd look, not knowing the reason for the nickname. “Tell the others that I said ‘goodbye,’ okay?”

Twilight nodded and gave him one more kiss. “Study hard and come visit again soon, okay?”

Flare nodded and with one last look, he ran for the train station, unaware of the chaos and confusion that was just around the corner…

***

The rain started to pour almost the second he got aboard the train. “That was close,” he commented as he sat down. There was nopony else aboard the train carriage so Flare figured it would be another dull and boring journey.

And he was right. It seemed like forever until the candy-coloured train pulled into Canterlot Station. Now that he thought about it… that train looked almost edible.

“I’m seriously surprised that Pinkie hasn’t tried to eat it,” he thought to himself.

The moment he set hoof outside, several royal guards arrived to greet him.

“Okay, I may be back a tad later than I said,” Flare explained. “But isn’t the guard escort a tad unnecessary?”

“There is a problem at the palace!” one of the guards replied curtly, ignoring Flare’s sarcasm. “The Princess has requested your presence as soon as possible!”

“A problem? And a whole palace full of guards and two alicorn princesses aren’t enough?” Flare could only think of two possibilities; either everypony was totally incompetent, or something weird was going on. “Maybe it’s one of Celestia’s pranks?”

“Well then, lead on,” he said and followed them back.

***

It would appear that they were most indeed correct.

It was a problem.

A big problem!

The courtyard was a mess. Dozens of royal guards lay about the place, either unconscious or unable to stand, and it was covered in water, like somepony had turned a fire hose on them. Once Flare saw the reason, that analogy wasn’t too far off the mark.

In the centre of the courtyard, warily eyeing off Celestia and the remaining guards, was someone very familiar to Flare Blitz. It was a pony, roughly a little taller than an average earth pony. It had a long, flowing red mane and a blue tail. Its coat was a creamy colour, and most notably, it had a large, serrated horn protruding from its forehead. A horn that it was waving around threateningly at the Princess and her guard.

“No way…” Flare whispered as he walked closer. Celestia noticed him and with a single flap of her wings, flew back and landed next to him.

“Is this what I think it is?” the solar princess asked him.

“Yeah,” Flare confirmed. “He’s a Pokémon, alright.”

The Pokémon reared up and fired two blasts of pressurised water from its hooves, knocking aside half of the remaining guards.

“Just who is that Pokémon?” Celestia asked, her horn igniting and teleporting the fallen guards to a safe distance.

Flare walked up to the Pokémon, watching him carefully. “Would you kindly be so polite as to stop attacking for just a moment…? Keldeo!” Flare said in Kantonese.

Upon hearing his name, Keldeo turned to see a horned pony in front of him. Its colouration reminded him of a Rapidash. And how did it know the Pokemon language?

“And who are you!?” he demanded. “Are you going to attack me as well?”

“If you don’t calm down, then yes.” Flare responded calmly.

“Then just try me!” Keldeo said confidently, firing a Hydro Pump at the new opponent.

Flare dodged to the right and immediately began to draw in sunlight. He knew Keldeo was part Water-type, so Solarbeam would be effective… but one thing concerned him. This Keldeo looked different from the one he knew. His horn and general body shape were different, but he looked similar and he did respond to being called Keldeo…

Keldeo suddenly shot forward, firing water from his hooves to act as a propellant. The sudden advance caught Flare off guard as Keldeo slammed into him with his Aqua Jet attack, knocking him off of his hooves and sending him flying.

“And you’re no match for me either, Rapidash wannabe!” Keldeo boasted as Flare landed near Celestia.

“Are you okay?” the princess asked him. “Perhaps I should step in?”

Flare groaned and got to his hooves. “No, I’m okay… just caught me by surprise. He’s tougher than I remember.” He looked at the Colt Pokémon and smiled to himself. “So little Keldy finally grew up, huh?”

Keldeo noticed the Rapid-pony get back up and was honestly surprised. “Well, It seems that not everyone here is as weak as a hatchling!” he said with a cocky tone.

“But he’s still annoying,” Flare muttered. But it would seem that he had to take this one seriously, and that Keldeo wouldn’t listen to reason until Flare put him in his place.

“Okay, Round Two!” Flare declared and charged at Keldeo.

“Well, alright then!” Keldeo's body became engulfed in water and he launched himself at Flare with another Aqua Jet.

Flare saw the attack coming. It was a strategy he used quite often, and Flare wouldn’t let it work a second time. Just before Keldeo struck, Flare jumped and, by leaping off of Keldeo's body, he both avoided the attack and drove Keldeo into the ground.

“Urgh! How did he…?” Keldeo quickly got to his hooves, just as Flare came back down, slamming the Pokémon with his Quick Attack. Keldeo ate pavement once more as Flare’s hooves struck him hard.

“Was that a Quick Attack!? Just what is this thing?” Keldeo fired water from all four hooves to quickly propel himself out of the way of another attack and regain some footing. As he landed several feet away, he looked up to see where his opponent was and his pupils shrank. The pony in question charged up a Solarbeam and fired it at Keldeo's current location, just grazing his shoulder.

“Argh!” Keldeo's shoulder sizzled as the Grass-type attack grazed him.

“Are you going to listen? Or do I have to keep smacking you?” Flare called out.

Keldeo shook his head. How was this guy one step ahead of him all the time? It’s like he knew all of his strategies and moves. But he bet there was one he didn’t know!

Keldeo's horn erupted with a brilliant golden light as he activated his Secret Sword. “Try this one for size!” he declared and began to charge… But something was wrong. He was running at full speed…

So why wasn’t he moving?

…

And why was he floating!?

“That is quite enough!” Celestia said telepathically so Keldeo could understand, as her magic held Keldeo in place. “Flare is right; you must calm down and listen, young one!”

“Flare?” why was that name so familiar? He glanced towards the pony he had been fighting and slowly put the pieces together. “No way…”

Flare Blitz walked up to him as Celestia lowered the Pokémon back down to the ground. “Hey there, Keldy!” he said with a wide grin as he pulled Keldeo into a headlock and ruffled his mane up. “It’s been quite a while now, huh?”

Keldeo was in total shock. There was no way this was possible. “Flare Blitz?” Keldeo asked, hardly believing it. But it explained why he knew Pokémon attacks and Keldeo's strategies.

“Yup! It’s been what, over a year now?” Flare asked, not too sure how long it actually had been.

“…No way...” Keldeo whispered once more.

***

A little while later, Keldeo, Flare, and Celestia sat inside Celestia’s study. They were seated at a small table with a pot of fresh tea and a plate of simple shortbread biscuits. Celestia quietly sipped some tea and Flare spoke with Keldeo, getting some answers. Flare just stared at Keldeo as he reverted to his Ordinary Form, and now he looked like the Keldeo he knew from before. Celestia had also cast the translation spell on Keldeo to make things a tad easier.

“Setting aside what you just did for now, what in the name of Arceus are you doing here?” Flare asked, deeming that to be the most important question.

“Well… it’s a long story,” Keldeo said.

It all began yesterday…

I had just finished some early morning sparring with Cobalion and headed back to the grove we were camped at for a bite to eat.

Virizion and Terrakion weren’t around, so I figured they were off doing their own training, when I heard an odd sound, like a whistle or a cry… I don’t really know. But it was coming from deeper within the forest. Cobalion had gone to the river to wash up, so I decided to investigate on my own. But when I got deeper into the woods, the sound got louder and then…

“And then?” Flare said, none too amused with the suspense.

"And then nothing!" Keldeo replied. "I felt something weird; it gave me the chills, and then I saw nothing but darkness, like I was awake and asleep at the same time. When I woke up I was here with a bunch of those armoured ponies surrounding me."

“Well that was helpful, not to mention short,” Flare said sarcastically. “So you fell asleep in the woods and woke up here?”

“I got knocked out in the woods by something and woke up here,” Keldeo corrected him. “Big difference.”

Flare just sighed and drank his tea. “Well, whatever, Arceus will probably come for you like he did with me, so I wouldn’t fret too much.” Flare replied nonchalantly.

“Arceus? He can come here too!?” Keldeo exclaimed. “But if he came for you… why are you still here? And more importantly, why do you look like that?”

“An even longer story than yours,” Flare replied. “Here’s the abridged version; thanks to a little tiff between Palkia and Dialga in Alamos Town, I fell into a space/time rift and wound up here.” He poured himself some more tea and continued.

“After making some new friends and whatnot, I decided to stay here. But then Arceus shows up and he’s all like ‘Let’s go home where you belong’ and all that. So I decline, kicked his flank and now here I am, living my life here in Equestria with my friends… and my new marefriend!”

Celestia nearly spat out her tea at that last part. “Marefriend? Do you mean…?”

“Yep!” Flare said proudly, puffing out his chest. “Twilight and I are dating now. Isn’t that great?” Then there was something he remembered, something he needed Celestia to clarify. “Also, when I got to Ponyville... Twilight was under the impression that I was announcing my marriage to you, Tia… you wouldn’t know anything about that, would you?”

This time, Celestia did spit out her drink. She coughed and wiped her mouth with a napkin. “Um, no? I don’t believe so?” she answered rather unconvincingly.

“Riiiight,” Flare said and turned back to Keldeo. “So until Arceus decides to get off his all-powerful flank, why don’t you stay here? Equestria is great!”

“I suppose… but is there no other way to get home?” Keldeo asked, concerned over how long he would be stuck here.

“None that I’m aware of,” Flare replied, utterly forgetting about the spell Twilight and Sparkler devised a while ago. “Just try to relax, and don’t pick a fight with anyone else, okay?” He got to his hooves and stretched. He looked around and noticed that Luna wasn’t here, “Oh yeah, where’s Luna?” he asked the older sister.

“She’s been in her room most of the weekend,” Celestia sighed. “I was hoping you could perhaps talk her into coming out?” The truth was that Luna had spent the entire weekend in her room and had contact with almost nopony at all. Celestia was worried that, after all that the sisters had done so they could spend more time together, it was a case of one step forward and three steps back.

“I’ll see what I can do,” Flare replied, not knowing what the hay was going on around here. Surely Luna wouldn’t have just shut herself away for no reason whatsoever? He left Keldeo with Celestia and headed out the door, walking towards Luna's room.

***

After a few minutes of walking, however, he came to realise something… he had no idea where Luna's room even was! By pure luck, or perhaps some solar intervention, Sunshine was strolling down the hallway, humming a happy little tune.

“Hey there, Sunny!” Flare called out, grabbing the maid’s attention. “Can I ask you something?”

Sunshine smiled as she saw Flare Blitz walking towards her. “Welcome back, Lord Flare!” she greeted him enthusiastically.
“How was Ponyville? Did you have fun?”

“Oh, um yeah. I had a great time,” Flare replied, caught off guard by the sudden question. “I can tell you all about it later, but first… can you tell me where Princess Luna’s chamber is?”

“Princess Luna?” She pointed down the hall with her hoof. “You take this hall to the end and turn right. Princess Luna's bedchambers are the only door in that hall.”

Flare nodded and started to head in that direction. “Thanks, Sunny, I’ll see you at dinner.” He waved goodbye and trotted off before she could respond.

***

Flare stood at the large wooden door at the end of the hall. Two of Princess Luna's Personal Guard stood on either side, giving Flare a warning glance.

“I am here at Princess Celestia's request,” Flare said with a formal tone. The Solar Guard were your fairly stock standard and stereotypical guardsmen… but the Night Guard, well they just plain creeped him out. The two guards looked to one another and the back to Flare. After a moment of silence, they stepped aside and nodded to him.

“We have been expecting you,” one of the guards spoke in a quiet, raspy voice. “I pray you can find out what ails Our Princess.”

Well that was unexpected, to say the least. Flare simply nodded back and proceeded to step up to the door. He raised a hoof and gave three solid knocks and the called out through the door.

“Luna? It’s me, Flare,” he said gently. “Can I please come inside?”

There was another moment of silence before the moon carving on the door glowed with a pale light as several clicks were heard. Did she have some sort of seal or lock on it? The door opened ever so slightly and Flare squeezed inside and, once he was through, the door slammed shut and clicked as the seal was raised once more.

Needless to say, Flare was a little alarmed now. Why was Luna magically sealing herself into her room? He headed deeper inside and gasped softly as he looked around at the seemingly impossible décor.

The ceiling was covered in rolling storm clouds that shifted and flowed to a silent song. It wasn't like the pony controlled weather of Equestria. In fact it reminded Flare more of the weather from his old home. The clouds rumbled and flashed with lightning and Flare fought the urge to duck under a nearby table.

“Surely Luna wouldn't use real lightning… I hope.” Flare looked around some more and saw usual bedroom furniture, a vanity and dresser, a huge wardrobe and a large study desk, one that Twilight would probably give her right hoof for. There was also a long, wooden box on the desk with a pile of oddly-shaped dice. Flare wondered what they were for. He looked to the far wall and saw a large four poster bed with a noticeable bulge under the covers.

He smiled a little as he walked up to the bed and placed his front hooves up onto it, causing its hidden occupant to flinch.

“Should I be wondering why a grown Princess is hiding like a schoolfilly?” he asked, pulling at the cover gently. Luna responded by pulling the cover back down, wishing to remain hidden.

Flare sighed, and then using both his hooves and his magic, he pulled the covers back and revealed the moon princess underneath.

He immediately wished he hadn't.

Luna was curled up in a ball, her whole body visibly shaking, and her face was stained with tears. Her eyes remained closed, refusing to look Flare in the eye and acknowledge that the stallion was seeing her in this position.

Flare had no idea how to respond to the sight of such a powerful creature looking so utterly defeated. He climbed up onto the bed and sat down next to her. He placed a hoof over her back as she sobbed silently for what seemed like hours.
Once her body stopped trembling and her breathing took a calmer rate, Flare decided to speak.

“So… what happened?” he asked gently. It was a simple question, and one that would hopefully explain Luna's’ odd behaviour.

She looked up at him and the look in her eyes nearly tore his heart in two. “It was…” her voice trembled as she spoke.

Before now, Flare had only heard her voice exude confidence and pride. This was something totally new to him.

“I felt it again…” she said, her voice was a barely audible whisper.

“It? What did you feel?” He remained calm and patient.

Luna swallowed hard and then suddenly wrapped her forelegs around Flare, causing the stallion to let out a surprised gasp.

“I felt the darkness!” she sobbed. “The same darkness that consumed me before…”

It took a moment for Flare to realise what she was talking about. “Nightmare Moon,” he said quietly and Luna nodded in response.

“It was over a thousand years ago now, but it is something that I will never forget,” she said, her voice a little clearer now. “That dark feeling threatened to engulf me once more, so I locked myself away in here, with a shield that even the smallest microbes could not penetrate… and yet, I feel like it was not enough…”

Luna looked around her bed, refusing to let go of Flare for the time being. “And yet hiding beneath my blankets like a filly made me feel a little better,” she let out a forced giggle. “But I get the feeling that the darkness will come back, and I do not know what I should do…” Luna’s eyes began to tear up again until Flare placed a hoof under them, catching the falling tears.

“I don’t know what this ‘darkness’ is, but I won’t let one of my friends feel like this.” He looked into her eyes and smiled warmly. “I won’t let any harm come to my friends, not now and not ever. Should that darkness return, I’ll kick it straight to the moon!”

Luna giggled again, though more sincerely this time. “Thank you, Sir Flare!” she smiled and hugged him a little tighter. She was feeling a lot better now. But her embrace was causing him to blush. She only then realised how long she had been embracing him and blushed herself, letting him go and deciding that now would be a good time to stare at the ceiling.

“Sorry,” she mumbled.

Flare shook his head, “It’s okay, Luna, I’m here anytime you need to talk.”

“Except for when you are cuddling up to Twilight Sparkle?” she said with a wink and a mischievous grin.

Flare blushed and gave the princess a surprised look. “H-how did you find out about that?” he asked. Was Luna a spy or something?

“I am the Princes of the Night and Dreams,” Luna replied with a satisfied smirk. “You have not stopped dreaming about that day she agreed to court you since it happened.” Luna had peered into Flare’s dreams on multiple occasions, not that she’d ever admit it.

“Well that explains that then,” Flare thought. “But for now, I think we should go outside. I have a friend from my old home who I want you to meet.”

“Another Pokémon!?” Luna exclaimed, shocked to hear that there was another Pokémon. “There’s another Pokémon here?”

Flare nodded and smiled. “His name is Keldeo, he’s a little brash, but a good kid.”

“Well... as long as you say so, I’ll trust you and meet with him.” Luna sat up and then got off her bed, making a cute little squeak. Before she could head to the door however, Flare stopped her.

He grabbed a handkerchief from her vanity and dipped it in a water pitcher on her bedside table. Walking over to the alicorn, he dabbed at the tear stains on her face until her fur was clean.

“There we go, that’s better,” he said, setting the hanky aside.

Luna smiled but let out a small sigh. “You really should be more careful,” she said, heading to the door and unlocking it.

“Wha? Me?” Flare responded. “What the hay did I do?” The stallion was completely in the dark, so to speak.

Luna opened the door and looked back at him. “You shouldn’t be so nice to every girl you meet…” she whispered. “It’ll get you into trouble one day.” And with that she straightened her tiara and headed through the door, leaving a baffled Flare Blitz in her room.

“What was that supposed to mean?”

A Flame Once Lost - Part Two.

A Flame Once Lost – Part Two.

As Flare Blitz walked through the halls of Canterlot Castle, he noticed countless servants running here and there as the castle was cleaned top to bottom. He sidestepped Sunshine as she raced past him, barking orders to another group of maids.

“Hey, Sunny!” he called out. “What’s going on around here?”

“Can’t stop, too busy!” she replied and ran down another hallway. Flare shrugged and continued to the throne room, only to be stopped by Celestia’s Guard.

“Sorry. Flare, the Princess is meeting some important delegates at the moment.” The guard that had spoken added a salute as a sign of respect and motioned towards the entrance to the palace. “The Princess has informed me that you have the day off, but to be back by early evening.”

Well this was interesting to say the least. He had just prepared to begin his studies and now he had more free time. “Well… guess I’ll just… go and do… stuff.”

The guard just gave a single nod and Flare left for the centre of the city. He hadn’t had much time to just wander around Canterlot and take in the sights, so he figured this was a good opportunity.

***

Well that didn’t take too long. He had already grown bored as he wandered the streets of Canterlot. Most ponies he met had their noses so high in the air it was like they were trying to smell the sun. He thought about going back to the castle and hanging out with Luna and Keldeo, the two of them had really hit it off, but then a distant clanging sound filled the air. He rounded several street corners and a long narrow alleyway until he found the source of the noise. It was a forge, and a rather old-looking one at that.

Flare walked up to it and peeked inside, trying to get a glimpse of what the forge looked like. Inside was a large unicorn
hammering away at a strip of metal on the anvil in front of him. He was large for a unicorn, more like a draft pony from the earth species. He had a coat as black as night and a long, silver mane and beard. He was an older pony, well into his sixties, but it was difficult to tell.

The stallion looked up from his anvil and saw Flare standing in the doorway.

“Can I help ya there, lad?” he asked with a gruff tone. “Or are ye jus’ goin’ tae stand there gawkin’ at me?”

Flare remained silent for a moment until he realised he was being spoken to. “Oh, um sorry! I was just curious,” he replied.
“I’ve never seen a place like this before.”

“I see…” the old stallion said, stroking his long beard with his hoof. “Then ye care tae watch fer a wee bit? I dinae mind.”

Flare nodded and walked inside as the unicorn went back to work, hammering away at the glowing metal. “My name’s Silvermane, by the way!” he called out over the ringing sounds of the hammer. “You?”

“My name is Flare Blitz,” the younger unicorn responded. “Nice to meet you, Silvermane!”

Silver nodded and lifted the metal strip with his magic and thrust it into the forge. After a moment or two, he pulled it out and examined it with a scrutinising gaze, before sighing wearily and tossing it into a nearby water trough where it hissed loudly.

“Another blasted failure,” he muttered and shoveled some red powder into his forge.

“Is something the matter?” Flare asked, walking up to him.

"Aye, it’s mah forge.” Silver pointed at the enormous stone forge. “I bought some Fire Salts recently ta perk ‘er up… but I think I got a dud batch, cause they jus’ ain’t doin’ the trick.”

Flare didn’t really know what the problem was. Were these Fire Salts integral to the process?

“The problem is that mah Forge is growin’ cold, lad,” Silvermane went on to explain. “An’ nuthin’ I do seems to get her fire goin’ like it used to.”

Flare took a look inside the fiery oven and stared. Though he was a pony now, he still had a high tolerance for heat and he felt almost nothing from the roaring forge. Then a random idea pinged him. Maybe it was stupid, but it didn’t hurt to ask right?

“So you just want the forge to heat up, right?” Flare asked the elder unicorn.

“Aye,” Silvermane replied with a dubious tone. “Ye got an idea, lad?”

Flare nodded and motioned for the smithy to stand back. Once he was clear of the forge’s opening, Flare closed his eyes and began to concentrate. He aimed at the forge and let loose a powerful stream of flame from the tip of his horn, causing Silvermane to yelp in surprise and jump back. Flare continued to burn away at the forge for a solid three minutes until his magic ran out, leaving him to take several deep breaths to recover.

“Sweet Celestia’s flanks! Jus’ what in the hay was that, lad!?” Silvermane asked the recovering stallion.

Once he was feeling right again, Flare looked up to see a roaring blaze inside the forge. The heat alone threatened to outdo the sun itself. “Just a little something I can do,” he smiled. Since he lacked the ability to breathe flames now, Luna had taught him this Pyromancy spell to compensate. “You think your forge is hot enough now?”

Silvermane took a look and used his forehoof to wipe some sweat from his brow. “Aye!” he said with a satisfactory tone. “That it is, laddie, I dinae know what ya did… but it seems ta work! Ya really put a fire in 'er belly now!”

Flare nodded, feeling a little happy that he was able to help out. He turned to leave when he was stopped by Silver.

“Jus hold up there, lad.” He put his hammer down and gave the young unicorn a warm smile. “Ye did me a service an ah won’t forget it.” Another pony was walking into the smithy as Silver finished. “Anytime ye need a favour, don’t hesitate ta ask…” Silver turned to the new guest and smiled widely. “Mocha, ma dear lass! Yer jus in time!”

“In time?” Mocha Latte asked, cocking her head to one side. “In time for what, Silver?”

Silvermane grabbed Flare and pulled him over to them. “Meet mah new friend, Flare Blitz!”

Mocha giggled as she took some plastic containers and a flask from her saddlebags. “Nice to meet you again, Mr. Flare!” she greeted him with a warm smile.

“Och! So ye already know each other?” Silvermane opened the flask and downed the liquid inside, letting out a satisfied belch when he was done. “Aahh, now thas’ a good Fire Brew if ah ever had one!”

“Only the best for you, Silver.” Mocha smiled and set up the lunch she had brought with her. “Would you care to join us, Mr. Flare?”

Flare nodded and took a place at the table. “Just call me Flare, okay, Miss Mocha?”

“And just Mocha will be fine.” The cute mare giggled in response. “So how did you like my coffee from the other day?”

Oh yeah! There was that weird vision that he had, wasn’t there? “Well, I had a really weird vision.” He took a mouthful of the salad and munched away happily. “But it was a good one. It made me feel a little better about things.”

Mocha nodded as she ate her sandwich with all the elegance of a refined lady. “That happens from time to time,” she explained. “I guess it’s a special power of mine. If anypony who’s feeling down or depressed drinks my coffee, they get a lucid vision of a happy memory.” She closed her eyes and remembered the first time it happened to her. “I’ve had skilled mages look into it, but no answers on why it happens… it just does!”

“Heh, sounds a little like my friend Pinkie Pie,” Flare laughed only to have Mocha put on a dark expression. “Um, is everything alright?”

“I know her…” Mocha replied quietly and shuddered. “And what happened when I gave her coffee…”

“W-what happened?” Flare almost didn’t want to ask, curiosity killed the Meowth after all.

“I’m sorry; the Princesses said it was best that the whole thing to be forgotten, and that giving that particular mare coffee again was punishable by banishment and then imprisonment in the place you were banished too.”

Flare no longer wanted to know.

“So uh… how do you know Silvermane?” he asked, changing the subject.

Mocha’s mood instantly improved back to normal. “Well, not long after I moved to Canterlot, I was wandering about the city, getting to know it, when I just happened across this place.” She paused a moment to look around the forge like she’d never been here before, admiring the various trinkets hanging from the ceiling and the fabulous works of art and armoury. “I simply fell in love with it and the magnificent things that Silver could create.” She gave the older stallion a heart-warming smile, causing him the blush slightly and admire his hooves all of a sudden. “I also found out that his skill with a forge was exceeded by his complete lack of culinary skills, so I decided that in return for an odd favour here and there and letting me stay to watch him work, I cook his lunch and bring him Fire Brew coffee.”

“Fire Brew?” Flare asked, glancing at the thermos.

“It’s a special coffee that only Silvermane orders on a regular basis. It’s made using a bean that only grows in the Dragon Lands, and it’s hotter that the sun itself.”

Flare gave the thermos a sniff and suddenly recoiled from the scent that scorched his nostrils.

“I see…” Flare continued to chat with Mocha and Silvermane until Mocha had to return to her shop. Flare had initially wanted to see more of Canterlot, but found himself too intrigued with Silver’s forging process and ending up staying for hours. He glanced at a clock on the wall and let out a little gasp. “Ah man, I’d better get back to the castle or Celly’ll have my hide for a throw rug!”

Mocha returned with a refill for Silver and overheard their conversation.

“Ye know the Princess, lad?” Silver asked. Just who was this pony?

“Yeah, I’m currently studying under her,” Flare hastily explained. He gave a polite nod to Mocha when he noticed her. “You two should come by sometime, I bet she’d like to meet you.” And with that he gave them another polite bow and a word of thanks before leaving the forge and hurrying back to the palace.

“Did… did we just get a royal invite… to the palace… to meet the PRINCESS!?” Mocha flipped out slightly and breathed heavily.

“Aye, ah think we did, lass.” Silvermane let out a hearty laugh and took another swig from his thermos. “Ain’t that sumthin’?”

***

Once Flare returned to the castle, he saw two chariots waiting out front as well as Princess Celestia and two odd-looking ponies standing with her. They were about as tall as Celestia, but their builds were much more elongated and slender; it kinda reminded him of a Rapidash’s build.

“Ah, there you are, Flare.” Celestia greeted him as he trotted over to them. “I was just speaking of you, actually.”

“Of me?” Flare looked towards the two new ponies who nodded in response.

“Indeed,” the stallion said with a thick accent. “Your Princess has told us of the Great Hero that she is personally instructing.”

“Great… hero?” He gave Celestia a total ‘what the hay’ look, and she gave a sheepish smile in response.

“Yes!” It was the mare’s turn to speak now. “She told us of your great victories over the terrible monsters of the Everfree Forest and even a great and powerful deity from another world!”

“I see…” He would need to have words with the princess later…

Celestia took a step forward, and gracefully motioned towards her new guests. “May I introduce you to the Amir and Amira of Saddle Arabia!” She turned to the royal dignitaries. “And may I formally introduce you to Lord Flare Blitz, an ambassador of sorts himself.”

Once the pleasantries had been exchanged, Celestia boarded one of the chariots and beckoned for Flare to join her. He gave the princess a quizzical look as he boarded the chariot, and his heart leapt slightly as the pegasi lifted off.

“So uh, why am I tagging along?” Flare asked as they soared off into the evening air.

“Well,” Celestia said with a sly smile and a wink. “I thought the ‘Great Hero’ would like to accompany us to Ponyville where Twilight will be giving a demonstration of Equestrian magic.”

“Twilight!? We’re going to see Twilight?” he said, his grin as wide as anything Pinkie could muster.

“Yes, my little pony, we are going to see Twilight,” Celestia said as his bouncing caused the chariot to rock slightly. “But you’d best calm down; you are the only one without wings up here, our guests notwithstanding.”

Flare suddenly stopped and cleared his throat at the foalish outburst. “Uh heheh, sorry, Celly!” But then he had something to ask her… “Great Hero?” he simply said.

“I uh, may have embellished your accomplishments a tad…” Celestia replied with a slight smile, poking her tongue out.

“Well, not that I mind…” Flare said with a grin. “Flare Blitz the Great Hero! Has a nice ring to it don’t you think?”

“The Legendary Hero of Time and Space!” Celestia giggled, her voice ringing like a clear, crystal bell. “He can defeat even the gods with the flame of righteousness!”

“Now that’s a tad excessive!” Flare grinned. He peered over the edge of the chariot and saw Ponyville getting ever closer. Soon he would get to see Twilight again and his life would be better for it.

***

The dark clouds had passed, and Trixie had vanished from sight as the entire town cheered for Twilight and her friends.

“Now where do ya think that varmit ran off ta now!?” Applejack snorted irritably as she looked around for Trixie.

Twilight just shrugged as the town’s citizens went about tearing down the banners that Trixie had set up, with Rarity leading them with a passion.

“I don’t know, but I don’t think she’ll try anything like this again.” The purple unicorn turned to Zecora with a slightly worried expression. “Are you sure that nopony will get their hooves on the Alicorn Amulet again?”

Zecora waved a hoof over the box, causing it to vanish from sight. “Until the one that destined appears before me, this trinket will hide in the great Everfree!”

Wait! Destined? Twilight was about to ask what the enigmatic zebra meant by that when Spike came running over.

“Twilight! The Princess will be here any minute now!” he reminded her, causing her to forget all about her questions.

“That’s right! Fluttershy, can you get your animal friends ready?”

Fluttershy flinched as she was reminded of what they were about to go through. What she was about to go through. “Oh… alright…” she replied meekly.

***

The chariot touched down shortly afterwards, and Flare almost leapt from it. Truth be told, he wasn’t a real fan of flying and was glad once more that he wasn’t made a pegasus.

“Well here we are, Ponyville!” Celestia announced as the Saddle Arabian dignitaries disembarked their own chariot.

Flare, on the other hoof, had already bolted and was running at full speed towards the library. “Just one more second and I’ll get to see her…”

He reached the library and flung the door open… only to be greeted by absolutely nothing. The library was dark and it was clear that nopony was home.

“Aw what?” Flare whined and closed the door, walking back out onto the street. “Where is she?”

Flare looked around the town and saw a great deal of ponies carrying rolled up things and generally cleaning up the town. Just what the hay was going on around here?

As he wandered about, he eventually found Ditzy and Dinky sitting on a park bench, eating some ice cream.

“Heya, Dinky, Ditzy!” He greeted them as he walked up to them.

Dinky’s ears perked up as she heard Flare’s voice. “Mr. Flare!” she said excitedly. “I haven’t seen you for ages!”

“Same here!” Ditzy responded and then flew over to him, wrapping the startled unicorn in a tight hug.

“W-what’s this for?” Flare asked, returning the hug.

Derpy released the embrace, grinning widely. “My little muffin told me how you protected her and her friends during that sleepover. I just never got to thank you until now. Twilight said you've been in Canterlot?”

Flare nodded his head. "I've been undertaking some special studies there.”

“Ooh, that’s cool!” Dinky said in awe. “Are you stayin’ in the castle? Didja get to meet the Princesses again? Are you coming back to Ponyville?” The barrage of questions was endless.

Flare just laughed as he sat next to her. “I sure do get to stay in the castle. And I get to see the Princesses every day! And yes, I will be returning to Ponyville very soon, I promise.”

“That. Is so cool!” Dinky whispered.

Flare turned back to Ditzy, who had this odd smile on her face. “So what’s going on around here Ditz?” he asked her. "It looks like you're cleaning up after a war."

“Huh? Well I don’t really know what’s going on now. The mayor told me to stay put and gave us ice-cream while they set up for the Princess.”

“Set up?” Now that was odd. “With Twilight around, I figured that would have been sorted and quadruple checked by now?” He knew how his marefriend went into super obsessive mode whenever it came to Celestia.

“Well she would have,” Derpy continued. “But she was banished from town earlier…”

“Banished!?” Flare was in panic mode now. “Twilight was banished from Ponyville?!” He reared up onto his hind legs and raced off to the centre of town to find one of Twilight’s friends and get to the bottom of this.

Ditzy sighed as he ran off. “Oh dear… this might be bad. Oh, my ice-cream is melting!”

***

Once Flare had reached town hall, he saw Rainbow Dash and Applejack standing around, chatting and laughing. Twilight got banished and they were laughing!? As he approached them, a deep scowl on his face, the two mares noticed and waved to him.

“Hey there, Wonder… colt?” Rainbow trailed off as she saw a really pissed off looking Flare Blitz getting closer.

Applejack intercepted and placed a hoof on his chest. “Whoa there, pardner! Y’all look like ya just ate a sour apple. What’s wrong?”

“What’s wrong? What’s WRONG!? Twilight got banished from town and ‘y’all’ are just standing around laughing!?” Flare was just a tad upset.

The two mares stared at him for a moment and then burst out laughing. This did nothing to improve Fare’s mood in the slightest.

“And just what is so Arceus-damned funny!” He growled angrily.

Applejack spun him around and he saw Twilight walking towards them with Spike, Fluttershy, and a plethora of critters in tow. He bolted towards them, and before Twilight could even react, Flare had pounced on her, giving her a hug to end all hugs.

“Flare!? What in Equest…mmph!?” Flare cut her off and placed a passionate kiss on her lips, causing mixed reactions amongst their friends. Fluttershy just blushed and looked away while Spike and Rainbow pretended to gag as they looked away. Applejack just watched, and as Rarity approached she let loose a little squeal.

As nice as it was, Twilight was still rather confused at the very sudden and very public display of affection. She placed a hoof on his chest and gently pushed him back, breaking the kiss.

“Flare! What the hay?” she said, panting from the loss of breath. “That was…”

“I thought you got banished and I got worried and then I saw Skittles and Applejack laughing and thought they didn’t care and then I got mad and then you showed up and…” he suddenly had to take a deep breath and slowed down. “What’s going on around here?”

Twilight smiled at her coltfriend's sudden panic attack. It really reminded her of somepony familiar…

She explained what had happened with Trixie and that her exile was only temporary. She had used a simple trick and the co-operation of her friends to make Trixie see the error of her ways.

Flare nuzzled Twilight and sighed happily. “As long as you’re okay… but what did I say about getting into trouble?”

“To be fair, trouble found me,” Twilight argued and they shared a laugh. “But what are you doing here, Flare? Shouldn’t you be in Canterlot?”

“Celestia invited me,” he replied. “I came along with her and the foreign dignitaries.”

“The Princess? I almost forgot!” She grabbed Fluttershy and her animals with her magic and raced towards the stage where she would give the demonstration.

***

Later that night, Flare sat in the stands with his friends as Twilight levitated the large group of critters in various patterns. Flare just stared on in wonder with the rest of the crowd as there was a sudden burst of impressive fireworks.

Flare saw Twilight talking with a blue unicorn wearing a wizard hat and cape. He couldn’t hear what they said, but she saw them both smiling before the blue unicorn ran off in a puff of smoke, and then performed an impressive face-plant.

***

Flare was about to get on the chariot when he stopped to look at Twilight. Why was parting with her getting harder and harder? Twilight nodded as if she had read his mind and Celestia just sighed as they stood there making puppy dog eyes at one another.

“Why don’t you just come and visit him tomorrow?” she said to her prized pupil. “I certainly don’t mind, provided it doesn’t interfere with his studies…” It felt really weird saying that to Twilight Sparkle of all ponies.

Twilight just had a wide grin on her face though and hugged Flare. “Thank you Princess!” she said happily. The smile Twilight gave her that made it worth it.

A few moments later, Celestia and Flare were soaring through the skies on their return trip to Canterlot.

“So how is your training with Lulu coming along?” Celestia asked, deciding to engage in some idle chatter.

“It’s going pretty well, actually,” Flare responded. “I’ve managed to add a magical variation to all my attacks and Luna is teaching how to use them effectively… though, there is one thing I still don’t get.”

“Oh?” Celestia replied, “And what might that be?”

“Well… How come I have to learn about Equestrian history and laws? I know that some history is important, but why are you teaching me personally?”

Celestia nodded. He made a good point, but the true answer was something that she could not yet reveal. But if he were to halt his progress, then he might not…

“Alright,” Celestia sighed a little and looked at the young stallion. “But not here, I will discuss it with you once we return.”

Flare nodded in response and looked out over the sea of clouds that they soared above. Luna’s luminescent moon hung silently in the sky, giving the clouds below a gentle silver glow. It was actually quite breathtaking if it weren’t for the fact that it was freezing.

“Man its cold up here,” Flare shivered slightly and then let out a small gasp as Celestia draped one of her elegant wings over his body.

“Until you’re used to it, it does get rather cold in the higher altitudes, does it not?” Her smile just seemed to radiate compassion and warmth. Her smile reminded him of someone… it wasn’t like Twilight’s, whose smile could make him weak at the knees. Luna’s smile was simply adorable, as you didn’t often see it, a bit like a shooting star. But Celestia’s smile… it was one that made you feel safe and warm, no matter the situation.

It was very much like a mother’s smile.

“Thanks, Tia.” Flare smiled back and the two of them remained that way until they reached Canterlot.

***

A shadow watched and cursed silently as Trixie left Ponyville. She had not done as he had ordered, and instead of attacking Canterlot, she had gone after a petty grudge. And now the Alicorn Amulet he had gone through so much trouble to find was lost once more.

But it didn’t matter. There were always other plans and other pawns at his disposal. His previous experiment had been successful, and it was time for Phase Two. It would just be a matter of time.

***

“So what is this all about?” Flare asked the solar princess as they entered the palace throne room where Luna and Keldeo were chatting away.

“A welcome return to you, sister, and to you, Flare!” Luna said, gliding over to them.

“Hey Luna, hey Keldy!” Flare greeted back.

Celestia cleared her throat to garner some attention, and Flare turned to look at her.

“What I am about to say is said in the strictest confidence and must not be repeated to anypony! Even Twilight!”

Flare nodded. Was it that secret?

Celestia nodded and Luna took Keldeo from the room, leaving Celestia and Flare alone.

“A great destiny awaits Twilight Sparkle. I have said this already, correct?”

Flare nodded again.

“It is one that will change the future of Equestria, and there will be certain dangers that come along with it. I need to be sure that whatever arises, you will be able to protect her.”

Celestia looked at the windows that depicted the Elements of Harmony defeating Nightmare Moon and Discord. “Twilight and her friends have faced many trials and hardships and together. I believe that they can overcome anything.” She looked back to Flare and he could see the seriousness in her eyes. “But the day may come where their strength may not be enough, and I think… no, I know that you are the one who will make all the difference. The power of one is not something to be underestimated.”

Flare nodded. He never would have thought that Celestia thought him to be so important. It was almost overwhelming. But there was only one response he could give her.

“I will not let you down, Princess Celestia!” he said, standing up straight and saluting.

Celestia giggled and nodded. “I know you won’t… now, let’s go and see what Luna and Keldeo have been up to while we were gone.”

***

As Twilight woke up early the next morning, stretching herself out like a cat, she heard a furious knocking at her door. She opened it, only to be bowled over by Rainbow Dash.

“Twilight, come quick!” she said with a hurried tone. “It’s an emergency!”

Twilight had the strangest sense of déjà vu… probably since the same thing happened only yesterday. Sighing and getting to her hooves, she followed Rainbow Dash to Town Hall, half expecting Discord or Chrysalis to be standing there.

What was standing there was something she really didn’t expect.

It was a tall creature, maybe the size of Princess Celestia. Its slender body was a leaf green and tan colour, and it appeared to be wearing boots over its hooves. It also had an odd shaped head, with two appendages protruding from the side, almost like a hammerhead shark, except it’s eyes weren't attached to them., it just glanced around, taking in its surroundings. It didn’t appear to be nervous… more like it was curious.

“What is it?” somepony asked.

“I dunno… maybe it’s from the Everfree?”

“Do you think it’s dangerous!?”

Twilight walked past the group and out in between them and the creature. She had a rough idea on what it might be.
“It’s okay, everypony!” she called out to the crowd. “I can handle this… I hope.”

Twilight walked right up to it and looked up it its eyes. The creature stared back until the strangest thing happened. It seemed to chuckle slightly, inside Twilight’s head!

“You do not seem to be afraid of me… why is that?” It had a feminine voice. It was quite pretty actually.

“Just like Arceus… telepathy.” Twilight whispered, eliciting a surprised look from the creature.

“You know Lord Arceus!?” she said, this time out loud.

“Um, yes,” Twilight replied. “He came here some time ago… Are you a Pokémon as well?”

“Correct!” The creature smiled and stood proudly in front of her. “My name is Virizion! It is a pleasure to meet you!”

A Flame Once Lost - Part Three

A Flame Once Lost – Part Three.

It had been an interesting few days for Twilight Sparkle. She had quelled a stampede of Pinkie Pie clones, faced off against a slightly crazy acquaintance from her not so distant past, and now of all things, a Pokémon was sitting in her library, sipping a warm cup of tea.

“So, Virizion, was it?” Twilight asked, eliciting a nod from her guest. “How did you come to this world?”

Virizion placed the cup she had lifted with her hoof down… it was something else really. She had quickly discovered that her hooves had a sort of magnetic quality here. She was able to pick up almost anything, like humans could with their dexterous hands.

“Well, Miss Sparkle,” she began. “A young apprentice of mine has somehow found his way to this world, and Lord Arceus temporarily gave me the power to come and retrieve him.” Virizion raised a hoof and showed a bracelet that had a beautiful glowing jewel in it. “It has enough power to send me here and bring me and anyone with me back. It is also what lets me communicate with you.”

“Arceus did?” Twilight asked. “He couldn’t come himself?”

Virizion shook her head. “No, I am afraid he is much too busy at the current moment. Which begs the question… exactly how do you know about Pokémon?”

“Well…?” Twilight was about to explain when there was a loud gasp, and Virizion turned to see a bright pink pony almost hovering in the air before bolting from the room.

“And what, pray tell, was that?” Virizion asked.

“That was just Pinkie Pie being Pinkie Pie.” Twilight smiled, watching her zany friend disappear as quickly as she appeared. “And as for your question, well, you’re not the first Pokémon to arrive in Equestria.”

Now Virizion was confused, were Pokémon more common here than she initially thought? “You mean Lord Arceus, right?” she decided to confirm.

Twilight shook her head. “No, the reason Arceus even showed up in the first place was to bring Flare home.”

“Flare? That’s the name of the Pokémon you are referring too?”

Twilight nodded, a huge smile plastered on her face. “Yes! Flare Blitz is just the most wonderful stallion… he’s so sweet and kind and handsome.” Twilight giggled a little as she thought about him. “I love him so much.”

Virizion was silent as she listened to Twilight, but then she had another question. “This Flare Blitz of yours… he wouldn’t be a brash young Ponyta, by chance?”

“Close,” Twilight replied. “It’s a bit of a long story, but he was a Ponyta when he arrived here six months ago, but he evolved into a Rapidash during a particular incident.” Twilight paused to drink her tea, “Though due to the effects of magic, he looks a little... ‘different’ now. He’s currently taking some lessons from Princess Celestia and Princess Luna in Canterlot…”

It was then that Twilight realised the underlying tone of Virizion’s question. “Wait… you know Flare Blitz!?” Twilight asked.

Virizion nodded slowly and took another sip of her tea. “I should think so… we were lovers for some time.”

Twilight just froze as that statement set in.

“WHAAAAAAATT!?”

***

Keldeo dodged as a Solarbeam scorched the ground next to him. He and Flare had been training for about an hour, and both had begun to feel the fatigue and were panting heavily.

“You… got… strong!” Keldeo gasped. Though still standing, he was covered numerous small wounds.

“You… too!” Flare was equally injured, and he was surprised by how much Keldeo had grown since he last saw him. He was still a little cocky, but he had grown in both mind and body.

Sunshine brought them cold drinks, which the two gratefully accepted. Luna had some urgent royal business to take care of, so Sunshine had been tasked to watch over the match and make sure that neither of them injured the other too badly. She was thoroughly impressed by how strong they both were.

“So, Lord Flare?” Sunny addressed him. “What will you do once your training is complete? I think the royal guard could really use your talents.”

“Y’know, I haven’t really thought about it.” Flare responded, taking a sip of the cold lemonade. “I guess I’ll spend some quality time with Twilight, and then who knows… Joining the guard does sound kinda neat, but they don't seem to do much other than stand around.”

“You really love it here, huh?” Keldeo said. “Are you really never coming back home?”

Flare looked at the Colt Pokémon. He remembered the day that he and Virizion had decided to go their separate ways. Keldeo had taken it particularly hard and had run off. Flare had spent hours searching the forest, looking for him, and explaining what had happened. Keldeo had looked up to Flare as an older brother of sorts, and the two would always get up to mischief. Although it had only been a little more than a year, it was one of the fondest times of Flare’s life.

“I’m sorry, Keldeo,” Flare said, his voice quiet and soothing. “But I have a wonderful life here and a beautiful mare that I love very much… Equestria is my home now.”

Keldeo just looked at his hooves. He knew how adamant Flare could be and that his mind would never be changed. But he missed having his brother around, and he knew that Virizion missed him too, though because of her stubborn pride, she’d never admit it.

“Speaking of this girl, Twilight was it?” Keldeo said, wanting a change in the subject. “What’s she like?”

Flare just smiled as his mind filled with Twilightness. “She’s just so smart and funny and so utterly adorkable…” He just stood there grinning like an idiot and swaying from side to side.

Keldeo just shook his head and turned back to Sunshine. “I think we may have lost him for the time being. Thank you for the lemonade too! It was delicious.”

“Happy to be of service!” Sunshine beamed, taking the empty glasses and placing them onto her serving tray. “Lunch will also be served soon, would you like to wash up first?”

Keldeo nodded and shot a small stream of water at Flare to grab his attention. “That would be wonderful, Miss Sunshine.”

“I’ve told you already, just call me Sunny!” she scolded the colt and then pointed towards the castle. “If you take that door inside and make the next three left turns, then you’ll arrive at the bathhouse.”

Flare and Keldeo nodded and headed off. First, a relaxing soak in the baths, and then it was lunchtime. That was something Flare would miss about Canterlot once he was done training. The glorious food!

***

Twilight paced back and forth across the library floor, her mane slightly frazzled and her eye twitching.

“So let me get this straight, you are the mare that Flare previously courted?” she asked the swordsmare.

“I believe that is what I said.” Virizion stated calmly. “But that was some time ago, and if what you say is the truth, then you and he are quite happy together now.”

Twilight paused, she was right after all. Flare had been patient and gone through significant effort to court Twilight, and she loved him very much. So was there really an issue?

“Of course there is,” her mind said to her. “His old flame is here to take him back. Arceus couldn’t do it so he sent a familiar face.”

Virizion watched with a small amount of amusement at the unicorn’s actions. It would seem that Flare’s relationship with this mare was serious, and she would be lying if she said she wasn’t jealous. Though she and Flare had left on good terms, Virizion had missed the Ponyta greatly, and had hoped that they could one day try again.

As Twilight paced she glanced up at her clock and noticed the time. The train to Canterlot was due to leave any minute now!

“Oh no, we have to hurry!” Twilight exclaimed, her current train of thought derailing as her mind focused on not being late. Before Virizion could respond, Twilight’s horn flashed and she teleported both herself and the stunned Pokémon straight to the train platform.

“I… wha?” Virizion was slightly dazed from the sudden scenery change, and then Twilight levitated her onto the train. By the time the whistle sounded and the train started moving, Virizion started to get a little irritated at being pushed around like this.

“Now see here!” she yelled, startling the unicorn as well as the other passengers. “Would you kindly stop and tell me where we are going?!”

Twilight only now realised how hasty she had just been and bowed her head in apology. “I’m sorry, Miss Virizion, the train to Canterlot was about to leave, and I guess I just leapt without looking, so to speak.”

“Well that's all well and good,” Virizion replied irritably. “But what is a Canterlot and why is it so important that we get there?”

“Oh, right, sorry.” Twilight pointed towards the window and to the enormous mountain in the distance. “Canterlot is the city you see up there, and the reason we are going…” Twilight had a little smile on her face. “Is because that’s where Flare is.”

***

Keldeo had left the baths, leaving Flare to soak a little longer. The unicorn wondered why he hadn’t been to these baths before now. They were massive and styled after Neighponese outdoor hot springs. The large domed ceiling had the same enchantment as Luna’s bedroom, and gave the illusion that it was outside on a wintery mountainside.

“I really need to come here more often,” he sighed and figured it was time to get out. He rose from the water and shook himself off before closing his eyes and activating his Flare Blitz attack, the scorching flames drying his body almost instantly.

Taking a glance in a nearby mirror to see if his appearance was satisfactory, he headed towards the dining hall. Before he even entered, he could hear the loud voice of Prince Blueblood.

“Oh goody,” Flare deadpanned and his eyes narrowed. “My most favourite unicorn in Equestria is here.”

He entered the room and both Luna and Celestia glanced at him, their eyes said it all.

“Help!”

Flare took a seat and Blueblood droned on about wanting tax hikes on the commoners and how his last party had been a hit with various noble families that Flare could care less about.

Flare had the displeasure of meeting Blueblood several times during his stay here in Canterlot, and if it wasn’t for the fact that he was Celestia’s nephew, he would have put the smarmy unicorn in his place.

“So, Lord Flare, I heard that you have very unique magic.” Blueblood suddenly said, garnering Flare’s attention. “Perhaps you might be up to a little magic duel? See some of the finest Equestrian magic up close?”

It took all of Flare’s willpower not to burst out laughing. “O-oh? Um, perhaps not.” He replied, trying to hold it in. “I wouldn’t want to injure His Highness.”

“Don’t be silly,” Blueblood said, waving a hoof. “I assure you that I am in no danger of being hurt. I trained with the Royal Guard after all.”

“I, I see…” Flare took a sip of water and mulled over the thought. He could utterly humiliate Blueblood in front of everypony…

But no, Flare just wasn’t the vindictive type.

“I think I shall pass, I’m afraid that my magic may not be up to par with royalty,” Flare said as snootily as he could.

Blueblood nodded in agreement and excused himself from the table. “Well I’m afraid that I simply must be going. Busy with royal duties and whatnot. It was a pleasure meeting you again, Lord Flare.”

And with that, he left the room, and Flare glanced to Keldeo and the Princesses, all of whom were giving him the oddest stares.

“What?” Flare said.

“I am surprised,” Luna stated, “that you did not take the opportunity to put that pompous freeloader on his oafish backside.”

“Yeah!” Keldeo replied. “The Flare I know would have chargrilled him on the spot for speaking like that.”

Celestia took a sip of the tea and then looked towards Flare. “Flare, I do appreciate your concern and respect for my family… no matter how ignorant and ungrateful they may be… but a little lesson in humility never hurt anypony.”

Flare nodded and a small smile appeared on his face. There was always next time.

***

Twilight stared blankly out of the train window as Canterlot grew ever closer. She closed her eyes as she felt a sharp pain in her abdomen. She had felt twinges on and off all day, but exerting herself earlier had only made it worse.

“Maybe I should see a doctor?” Twilight thought. But as she poked at her stomach, her nose caught a peculiar scent…

Oh dear, sweet Celestia… anything but that!

Virizion looked at Twilight and smiled. She made the most amusing faces for no reason. As she glanced around the carriage, she wondered how a world like this even existed. She knew of the Reverse World, a distorted realm that was home to Giratina. She also knew that Lord Arceus had his own special realm… so where did this Equestria fit into it? How did Flare Blitz and Keldeo even wind up here?

She remembered the day that Arceus approached her, along with Terrakion and Cobalion. to inform them that he knew where Keldeo had disappeared to, and that he could send one of them there to find him. Virizion was elected and Arceus gave her an orb that contained a fragment of his power over space/time and sent Virizion to Equestria.

The trip itself was quite disorientating, and when she arrived, she had found herself surrounded by these little pony creatures. She was soon approached by Twilight Sparkle, who had known somehow that she was a Pokémon.

Virizion wasn’t entirely sure that the Flare Blitz that Twilight had claimed to know was the same one that Virizion knew… but she figured that time would tell soon enough.

Twilight’s eyes darted around the train carriage, but nopony had seemed to notice yet. She opened the window, allowing some ventilation, and sighed. This was going to be a long day indeed.

***

Flare and Celestia were sitting in the Archives, studying up on more recent events this time around.

“So Luna became Nightmare Moon and nearly plunged the world into eternal darkness?” Flare stared at the textbook, wondering just how somepony as sweet as Luna could do something like that. He had gotten the short and sweet version from Twilight a while ago, but hearing it from somepony who was actually there... totally different story.

“Yes, and what I had to do afterward caused terrible heartache for us both…” Celestia said, her eyes downcast and full of remorse. “But after many long centuries, a group of ponies were born who could harness the true power of the Elements of Harmony and save my dear sister.” Celestia turned to the page that depicted Twilight and her friends defeating Nightmare Moon.

“I see,” Flare said in a hushed tone. “Twilight and the others are really important, huh?”

“They are indeed a very special group of friends who have saved Equestria on several occasions… and I have no doubt that they will save it again.” Princess Celestia looked over the notes that Flare had just written down. His studies had improved quite a lot since coming to Canterlot two weeks ago.

“Aside from a few grammar and spelling mistakes, this is excellent.” Celestia gave her student a warm smile, which Flare returned.

“Speaking the same language is one thing… writing it is a whole lot harder,” Flare said, putting his quill down.

“You’re doing very well though,” Celestia praised him. “I think you’ll be ready soon enough.”

Flare nodded. Celestia had said some heavy stuff yesterday, and though he didn’t want to show it to the princess, he was feeling a little overwhelmed. He was certain that he would not fail, however. In this short amount of time, Celestia and Luna had taught him so much, and no matter what was going to happen, he would stand tall and protect the ones he cared so much for.

Sunshine entered the study that Celestia and Flare sat in and motioned towards Flare.

“Princess Luna requests Lord Flare’s presence in the courtyard,” she announced. “Something about another practise battle with Mr. Keldeo.”

Celestia glanced at the clock on the wall and sighed; time was a fickle thing. Sometimes it passed so quickly and other times it stood almost motionless.

“Well then,” she said to Flare. “Do you mind if I accompany you? I have yet to see a full battle with your new skills.”

Flare nodded as the princess and her hoofmaiden trotted next to him. “Who am I to refuse a request from a beautiful princess!?” he said with a smile, eliciting a slight blush from Celestia and a giggle from Sunny.

Once they arrived in the usual courtyard, the three ponies found Luna and Keldeo already waiting for them.

“There you are!” Luna scolded them. “Celestia’s lesson was supposed to finish fifteen minutes ago. What took you so long?”

“I did not think that we were being so strict with our schedules,” Celestia replied. “Is there a particular reason this session is so important?”

Luna nodded, “Yes, actually. I would like to see all of Flare’s magic attacks, so that I can determine whether or not he is ready for the next level of our training.”

Flare took his position on the battlefield and looked around. He noticed something rather different about the courtyard. The stone tiles had all been replaced by hard soil, and a familiar pattern had been painted onto it. It looked just like the battlefields that the humans used in their little tournaments.

“What’s all this?” he asked Luna.

“It was my idea, actually!” Keldeo said. “A little bit of home for you!”

Flare smiled and took another look around. It really did look good and brought back a lot of memories. “This is cool… though it’ll be a mess soon enough.”

“Well now…” Keldeo took his position on the opposite side of the field. “Someone’s confident!”

“The teacher’s in, so get ready to be schooled, little Keldy!” Flare retorted.

***

Twilight and Virizion stepped off of the train, and Virizion glanced around the glorious city. It really was something else.

“So you little ponies built all of this?” she asked in amazement.

“Yes,” Twilight replied proudly. “Canterlot is the finest city in Equestria, though I have to say that I enjoy the peace and quiet of Ponyville more.”

Many ponies stared at Twilight and her strange companion as they made their way towards the castle. Virizion paid them little heed, however, as she continued to wonder if this ‘Flare Blitz’ of Twilight’s and the one she remembered were one and the same.

***

Virizion watched with a warm smile as her mate, a young Ponyta named Flare Blitz, snuck up behind Terrakion, and then startled the large Pokémon with a weak flame to his backside.

“Now, now, don’t give the poor dear a heart attack, Flare,” she laughed. “Poor Terrakion isn’t as young as he used to be.”

“Aw c’mon Viri!” Terrakion sighed. “I’m younger than I look, you know. All the girls swoon after me.”

“Yes, and I’m sure that’s because you’re blocking their view of Cobalion,” Virizion replied with another short laugh.

“Not cool…” Terrakion pouted as Flare joined in on the laughter.
…

Why couldn’t those happy days have just continued?

Why did that blasted accident have to happen?

Why did she put her selfish pride before her heart?

***

“Virizion?”

Who was that? Couldn’t they see she was busy?

“Virizion!”

The Pokémon suddenly became aware that Twilight was calling her name, and looked over to her. The little unicorn pointed towards an enormous castle that sat in front of them. Virizion had been impressed with the city, but this castle was something else.

“Here we are: Canterlot Castle!” Twilight announced. “Flare should be somewhere inside. Some guards should be able to direct us…”

Twilight was cut off as a loud explosion rocked the ground and a plume of smoke rose from the western courtyard.

“What the hay was that!?” Twilight questioned aloud, but Virizion’s instincts had already caused her to run towards the explosion’s source. Twilight decided to quickly follow behind.

***

When Virizion arrived, she bore witness to a scene that shocked her to her core. Her precious student Keldeo lay upon the ground, his body covered in wounds, as a cream-coloured unicorn with a fiery red mane and tail stood over him, grinning.

“Still feeling confident?” he said with a cocky tone as Keldeo groaned.

It took a split second for Virizion to react.

Flare heard a noise, like somepony shouting, but as he looked up to see what it was, something hard and powerful slammed into him. Flare spiraled through the air and crashed through the castle wall, becoming buried in a pile of rubble.

Everypony stared wide-eyed as Virizion’s Sacred Sword dissipated and she rushed to Keldeo. Twilight arrived just in time to see Virizion put her coltfriend through a wall for absolutely no reason. Then she noticed the other odd, red-maned creature lying on the ground, but that was beside the point.

Virizion had hurt Flare!

Twilight must now hurt Virizion!

Luna and Celestia stood there, their mouths agape at the sudden intrusion of this new creature and the subsequent assault on Flare. It was then that everypony noticed something else: the birds had gone silent and the wind stood as still as death itself. Celestia saw something behind the green creature and took a slight step back. This was very, very bad!

Virizion knelt next to Keldeo, fretting over his injuries. “How could these ponies do this!?” she remarked. “I thought they were such nice creatures.”

Keldeo looked up and saw Virizion, and what she had done to Flare. “Urgh! W-what did you do that for?” he said, getting to his hooves.

“I was saving you!” Virizion retorted, thinking that Keldeo would be a little more grateful. “Look at what that unicorn did to you!”

“That unicorn was…” Keldeo never got to finish his sentence as Virizion was lifted off of her hooves by some invisible force and thrown across the battlefield. Being the seasoned warrior she was, Virizion quickly regained her footing and looked around to see what had attacked her. She looked up to see Twilight, her coat turned white and her mane blazing like fire.

Her eyes glowed with a bright white light as her whole body crackled with arcane energy.

“Oh, this cannot be good.” Virizion muttered as she prepared herself for combat.

***

Flare groaned as he emerged from the rubble and dusted himself off. Glancing towards the battlefield, he took note of several things. First, that Virizion, of all Pokémon, was here. Second, there was somepony who looked ready to turn her to a pile of ash. It took a second for Flare to realise that it was Twilight!

“When… did my Twilight evolve into a Rapidash?” he asked stupidly and then shook his head. Now wasn’t the time for jokes, and he started running towards her. Once he reached her, he placed his hooves on her chest and looked into her blazing, rage-filled eyes.

“Twilight!? Twi, It’s me, Flare!” he shouted. “You need to stop and calm down, okay!”

Twilight didn’t budge, her eyes locking onto Virizion. “She hurt you and needs to pay,” she growled. “I won’t let her take you away from me!”

Take him away? What the heck was she talking about?

“Nopony is gonna take me away, Twi!” he tried to reason with her. “Remember, I fought Arceus himself, and now I have you and all my friends. There is no way I’m ever going to leave you… but you need to calm down now, okay?”

He was right. Flare had gone through a lot to stay here in Equestria, and he wouldn’t let Virizion talk him into going back. So why was she reacting this way? Why was she overreacting this much?

Luna and Celestia watched on from the sidelines. Both were in shock in how quickly things had escalated, and curious as to what would happen next. Celestia in particular had witnessed a scene very similar to this, and was curious as to how Flare would resolve it… if he could resolve it.

Flare stared right into her eyes and placed a light kiss on her lips, resisting the urge to recoil as the magical power she was generating shocked his body. As he leaned into it more, the magic began to dissipate and Twilight returned to normal.

“I’m so sorry,” she whispered. “I just don’t know what came over me.” She had a rough idea however, and it was due to her current condition.

“It’s okay… it just shows how much you love me~” Flare replied.

Virizion and Keldeo watched the adorable scene as Virizion pondered on what the heck was going on. “Can you explain this to me?” she asked Keldeo. “Because I think I may have misunderstood something.”

Before Keldeo could respond, however, Flare walked over to them, mussing up Keldeo’s mane and smiling at Virizion.

“You’re the last ‘mon I expected to see in Equestria, Viri,” he smiled. “How have you been?”

This unicorn had called her Viri! Only one being had ever called her that and used that smile along with it.

“Flare Blitz?” she asked and Flare nodded.

“Yup! It’s been a while, huh?” he said. “I didn’t expect a greeting quite like that, though.”

It was really him, the Flare Blitz that she loved with all of her heart. If it wasn’t for her stubborn pride, Virizion probably would have cried right then and there.

Celestia took a step forward, her wings flaring out. “Perhaps we should convene inside and discuss a few things.”

***

Once everypony and Pokémon were in the throne room, Celestia decided to speak first.

“So who would like to explain that little fiasco?” she said, a tad annoyed that one of her ponies had been attacked like that out of the blue and that her precious student had nearly burned half of Canterlot because of it.

“I would like to apologise for that,” Virizion responded. “I mistook Flare for someone harming my student, Keldeo. I truly am sorry.”

“I see,’ Celestia replied. “And might I ask who you are?”

In the confusion, Virizion had yet to be introduced to anypony. “My apologies once more. I am called Virizion, one of the Swords of Justice, protectors of our world.”

“Well met then, Lady Virizion.” Celestia finally smiled. “I am Princess Celestia, one of the diarchs of this world. Welcome to Equestria!” Celestia’s smile faded as she turned to Twilight and gave the unicorn a stern look. “And perhaps you might want to explain what happened with you out there? That was some reaction to a misunderstanding.”

Twilight felt like she was an inch tall under the gaze of the sun goddess. She had indeed reacted badly, and she knew why.
But there was no way in Tartarus that she was going to say why out loud.

“Um, yes. I’m sorry Princess.” Twilight bowed her head. “It won’t happen again!”

“That’s good to hear, my faithful student, but it’s not what I asked…”

Twilight began to fidget as her mind tried to come up with a way to word that her hormones had gotten the better of her judgement. But Virizion decided to interject.

“A girl can do crazy things when she’s in love.” Virizion said, giving Twilight a sly wink. “Believe me, I know.”

Celestia sighed, but decided to leave it at that. “Well alright then, as long as it doesn't happen again.” The alicorn looked back to Virizion, “So may I ask why you have come to Equestria? Or have you become lost here inexplicably like Keldeo here?”

Virizion shook her head. “Not quite, I have come here thanks to Lord Arceus' power to find and retrieve Keldeo… and it would seem that I have found him, so we will be departing soon.”

“You don’t want to stay for a while?” Flare asked. “It’s been nearly a year since we last saw each other.”

“I’m afraid we must get back,” Virizion said sadly. “I would very much like to stay for a while and catch up, but I am unsure of just how long the power in this gem will last.”

“It doesn’t matter,” Twilight said, causing everypony to stare at her. “What?” she said, “I can send them home whenever you want… Sparkler and I made that spell, remember?”

“Oh yeah!” Flare replied. “I totally forgot all about that.”

“I'm still a little unsure that it will actually work… but with that gem of Arceus acting as a beacon, I don't think it would be a problem.”

“How about it, Virizion?” Keldeo said hopefully. “Can we stay a little longer? Pleeeease?”

Virizion sighed and then smiled. “Well alright, I suppose that Arceus wouldn’t just leave us stranded here, and if Twilight is confident she could send us home regardless, then I suppose we could put it off until tomorrow.”

Flare and Keldeo cheered and bumped hooves. Then nearly everypony jumped out of their skin when Pinkie Pie popped out of nowhere.

“Alright! Time for a ‘Welcome to Equestria’ party for Virizion!” the pink party pony cheered and pulled her party cannon out of her mane, firing out streamers and confetti everywhere. Seeing as how the ceiling was too high, Flare had opted to hide behind Celestia and Luna, causing the regal sisters to giggle at their ‘Great Hero’.

“I swear, I will never get used to that,” Flare muttered, coming out of hiding.

***

The party raged well into the night, and by the end, several dozen maids and guards had been roped into the festivities as well.

Flare, Twilight, and Virizion walked together under the crescent moon and talked about all sorts of things.

“Um, can I ask you guys something?” Twilight said.

“What is it, Twilight?” Flare replied.

Twilight paused for a moment, not knowing how the two Pokémon would react. “Um, I was wondering why the two of you are no longer… ‘together’.”

Flare stopped walking and looked at her. That question had brought up a lot of memories, and after a nod and a reassuring smile form Virizion, he decided to tell her the whole story.

“Well… it happened about what? A little more than a year ago now?” Virizion nodded to confirm and Flare continued.

“Virizion, Terrakion, and Cobalion had entered a forest to quell a Garchomp that had been abandoned by its trainer and had flown into a rage, causing a forest fire. When they had to do dangerous stuff, I had to just stand back and wait with Keldeo, who was too young and inexperienced to assist. But this time, I wanted to help out. I was sick of feeling powerless and wanted to prove my worth to Virizion, so I entered the forest and tried to help the wild Pokémon evacuate the area… but that turned out to be a mistake.”

“What happened?” Twilight asked.

“The Garchomp found me first and attacked. Virizion and the others showed up soon enough, but I was in rough shape.
They ended up risking exposure to humans trying to capture them to bring me to a Pokémon Centre, a place that heals human-trained Pokémon.”

Flare sighed as he remembered the events that happened after. “Cobalion really chewed me out after that. He said I was reckless and stupid, causing something like that. And he was right, I put everyone in danger because I tried to prove that I was something I wasn’t… at the time anyway.”

“It wasn’t your fault.” Virizion said. “That foolish human should never have abandoned his Pokémon like that. You only tried to help.”

“Yeah, but it was still stupid, and I was too young to pull something like that. So I decided that it was best for me to leave and not be a burden to Virizion or her friends.”

Twilight suddenly hugged the stallion, embracing him tightly. “You could never be a burden to anypony,” she said quietly. “And that Cobalion guy sounds like he just doesn’t know you at all.”

Flare hugged her back. “No, it’s alright. Virizion and I remained friends, and we still are, right Viri?”

Virizion nodded, smiling at him. “Yes, we always will be, Flare.” She smiled a little sadly and looked up at the moon. “Though I must admit, I spent a good deal of time hoping you’d come back…”

She shot a quick glance at Twilight and gave the unicorn a reassuring smile. “Don’t worry though, I have no intention of trying to take him from you. You seem really happy together… and besides, his new look doesn’t really appeal to me.”

Twilight smiled back and nuzzled her stallion. “Well I think he looks dashing!” she said and the two girls giggled, leaving Flare to just smile and shake his head.

The three spent the rest of the night talking and swapping stories about their lives and about Flare, causing him endless embarrassment. It was only a few hours before dawn when they finally fell asleep, Virizion in a guest bed in Twilight’s observatory, while Twilight and Flare had curled up together.

***

After breakfast, Keldeo and Virizion stood in the throne room as they prepared to depart. Flare was sad to see them go, but he enjoyed seeing them again.

“You guys stay safe and say hi to the others for me, okay?” Flare said, giving both of his friends hugs, though Virizion’s may have lingered for a second longer.

“You too!” Keldeo replied. “Don’t do anything too crazy.”

Flare laughed and nodded, “It’s Equestria, what could possibly happen?”

“Famous last words,” Virizion replied, and Flare quickly shut up.

More goodbyes were said, and the bracelet that Virizion held began to glow brightly. A portal of light similar to the one Arceus used appeared and then they were gone.

“I guess that’s that…” Flare said, looking a little down.

Twilight walked up to him and placed her head under his. “Hey, Flare?”

“Yes, Twily?” he replied.

“I’m gonna work on that spell some more; see if I can’t come up with a way to make it a return trip, okay?”

Flare nodded and kissed her on the forehead. “Thanks, Twi,” he smiled.

***

Someone watched as the Pokémon vanished back to their world and smiled… though if anypony saw that smile, their blood would turn to the coldest of ice.

“So that’s that,” he muttered. “It’s time for Phase Three… but I think something should be done about that one. He may prove to be troublesome if I leave him be…”

***

"Hey Twi, can I ask you something?" Flare asked, as he escorted Twilight back to the train station.

"Anything, you know that!" Twilight replied.

"What's the real reason you flipped out yesterday?"

Okay, anything but that. "It's none of your business!" Twilight huffed, blushing heavily. It had taken a great deal of restraint on her half when she awoke to find that they had slept together the entire night. Many thoughts of what she had wanted to do to him crept into her mind as her face flushed a deep crimson.

"One more thing," Flare said, grabbing Twilight's attention. "Are you wearing a new perfume or something? Because you smell really nice~"

“Oh Dear, Sweet Celestia just smite me now...”

Breeding and Evolution.

Luna nodded in approval as Flare defeated the last of the Night Guard who Luna had conscripted into their training session.

“You’ve done well!” she congratulated. The fallen guards slowly picked themselves up, grumbling about how this wasn’t in their contract. Though once Luna promised them a night of cider and mares in exchange for their co-operation, they quickly changed their tune.

“And my sister tells me you did admirably on her written tests this morning too,” Luna noted as the two ponies made their way through the winding halls of Canterlot Castle. “It seems that all of your efforts have paid off.”

Flare nodded and took a moment to bask in the praise that the lunar princess was giving him. But she also had one other piece of good news for the stallion.

“After a little consideration, Celestia and I have decided that you deserve a little break before the next level of your studies begins. So, for the next two weeks, you are a free stallion!”

Flare beamed at this news. He would be on the first train to Ponyville in the morning.

“Will you be joining us for dinner as usual tonight?” Luna asked him.

Flare nodded as he sidestepped around a maid hurrying up the hall. “Of course. Why wouldn’t I be?” It was a ridiculous question after all. He had never missed a meal with the Princesses since he started studying with them. “Why would I skip out on hanging out with two of my best friends?”

Luna suddenly stopped as he said that. He considered her a friend? And a best friend at that?

“I… I’ve never had a ‘best friend’ before,” she said quietly, causing Flare to pause and look back at her. “Am I to do anything special? Or should we make a blood oath to one another? or should we…?”

Flare laughed and shook his head. “You sound like Twilight sometimes, you know. But no, you don’t have to do any of those things. As long as you consider me a friend too, then that’s all that matters.”

Luna’s wings flared open, and she raced down the hall towards him, wrapping the startled stallion up in a crushing hug.

“Uh,’ Flare rasped as he swore that he heard several ribs crack. “You also let friends retain the ability to breathe.”

Luna squeaked in embarrassment and let him go, and he gave a small cough as air filled his lungs. “Sorry,” she said sheepishly, but Flare waved it off.

“It’s okay, but you sure are happy about it. I thought it was fairly obvious that we’ve been friends for a while.”

“It never hurts to hear it out loud,” Luna blushed. “But come, we have a meal to attend.” Flare smiled and trotted after her, noting the slight bounce in her step and smiling.

When they arrived, Celestia, Shining Armor, and Cadance were already waiting.

“Good morning, Princess Cadance!” Flare greeted as they sat down. “I didn’t know you were visiting.”

Cadance nodded, returning Flare’s smile. “Just ‘Cadance’ is fine, and yes, we only just arrived though.”

“Well, it’s good to see you again,” Flare said. “How’s life in the Crystal Empire?”

“As busy as you’d imagine, though it would be nice if you visited sometime,” Cadance said as she took a sip of water. “I would love to show you around.”

That was a good idea actually. “Well, I have the next two weeks off, so I’ll see if Twilight wants to come too.”

“Twilight? Still attached at the hip I see,” Cadance laughed. “I say that you should try asking her out. I tend to be right about these sorts of things”

Everypony at the table fell quiet, causing Cadance to adopt a look of confusion. “Um, did I say something weird?” she asked quietly, hoping she hadn’t touched a sore subject.

“It’s just that Twilight and I are already dating,” Flare explained to the Alicorn of Love. “We have been for almost a month now.”

Cadance and Shining just stared at him.

“She didn’t tell you?” he asked, hoping that he could avoid the coming storm.

As if fate would let that happen. If Flare’s life was a story, then the author was a cruel bastard.

“Flare. Hallway. Now!” Shining Armour said curtly, standing up and walking out of the room.

Flare Blitz figured it’d be best not to keep him waiting and followed him out as the three sets of alicorn eyes watched his every move. As Flare exited the dining hall, Shining was standing near one of the large hall windows, staring out at the stars.

“So,” he said with a calm tone as Flare approached. “You and Twily, huh?” He still hadn’t turned to face him.

How was Flare supposed to respond? Do you think Shining Armour would wait while he sent Twilight a letter? “Uh, yeah.” Well if he was gonna die, then what the hay. May as well tell it how it was. “I’m sorry we didn’t tell you and Cadance sooner.”

Shining Armour turned around to look at him and Flare flinched when he saw the grim expression on his face. “I am disappointed that we found out that way, and that a stallion I barely know is dating my little sister… I suppose there really is only one course of action.”

Flare readied himself. If Shining Armour was going to attack him, then he was going to defend himself, even against Twilight’s big brother.

Shining walked towards him, and much to Flare’s surprise, he didn’t attack, but rather pulled the stallion into a friendly hug.
“What the-?” Flare was a tad confused until Shining explained.

“I’m glad that she found somepony who’ll be there for her,” he said quietly and released the hug. “But tell anypony I hugged you and I’ll deny it.”

Flare nodded, smiling both out of happiness and relief that this didn’t turn into a scuffle.

“But as the big brother I am obligated and required to say that if you hurt Twily, then I’ll have you gelded and quartered… got it!?”

The smile Flare had disappeared and he nodded fiercely. The two stallions just stared at each other in silence before laughing and bumping hooves. He liked Shining and was honestly glad that the two of them could be friends. They walked back into the dining hall and Cadance breathed a sigh of relief for some reason.

“So did you get ‘The Talk’?” Cadance asked Flare as he and Shining sat back down.

Flare gave a simple nod and resumed his meal. Luna and Cadance each forked a bit over to Celestia, the only one who had bet that it would go smoothly. Flare and Shining failed to notice the transaction.

“And I suppose you’ll want to talk to Twilight?” Shining asked his wife, eliciting a wicked smile from the Princess of Love.

“Ooh yes, my little sister dares keep secrets from moi?” Cadance placed a hoof to her chest in mock indignation and then giggled.

“So when do you guys have to go back to the Crystal Empire?” Flare asked. He was hoping that they could come to Ponyville with him.

“Unfortunately, we have to leave first thing in the morning,” Cadance replied. “I really wish we could come to Ponyville with you, but royal duties are not something we can blow off easily.”

Flare raised an eye as he glanced at two alicorn princesses who seemed to frequently shirk their duties as diarchs. Said princesses refused to meet his gaze and whistled innocently while gazing at the ceiling.

“Well that’s a shame, but I’ll try to visit soon.” Flare ended that sentence with a loud yawn. “Oh, sorry, those exams really wiped me out…” He got up from the table and gave a polite bow to the royal ponies. “If you’ll excuse me, I think I’ll retire for the evening.”

Celestia nodded and returned the bow. “It’s quite alright, pleasant dreams, Flare.” Luna also smiled, she knew that he would have wonderful dreams… she would see to that personally.

Flare bid them all goodnight once more and left the dining hall. Once he was gone, Cadance turned her attention back to her aunts, a serious expression on her face.

“My scouts have reported that the Changelings have yet to make another move.” She produced a crystal, which once she levitated it to the centre of the table, emitted a large map of Equestria. “Though their numbers have recovered somewhat since they were scattered, they still aren’t enough to pose a threat.”

Luna thumped a hoof on the table, “Then perhaps we should take this chance to obliterate them for good!”

“We will not partake in genocide!” Celestia said sternly. “Even the Changelings do not deserve that.”

She knew that not all Changelings were as cruel as their Queen. After the hive was scattered during Shining and Cadance's wedding, their numbers had diminished, but what was most surprising was the number of Changeling drones that had come to Celestia requesting amnesty. They simply wanted the chance to live a life that wasn’t dictated by Chrysalis. A plan had gone into effect that had the Changelings adopt unique pony identities and report to Celestia once a week via letter or personal visit. Until Equestria was ready to accept Changelings in their true form, they would have to remain hidden.

“I think that the Changelings still have the potential to be a real part of Equestrian society… If only Chrysalis would understand…”

A grim silence fell over the table until Cadance raised another topic, one of a lighter note this time.

“So… Luna and Celestia,” Cadance had that sly grin of hers back, and Shining knew that this would be a good time to leave and catch up with some old Guard buddies. “I noticed something rather ‘peculiar’ with Flare earlier.”

Celestia stiffened a little, just what was Cadance getting at? “W-whatever do you mean, Cadenza?”

"So auntie Tia’s going to pull the formal name card. That just makes this even better.”

Cadance looked the alicorn straight in the eyes. “I noticed how Flare doesn’t call either of you ‘Princess’. Even Twilight still calls the two of you by your titles, so why doesn’t he?” She placed a hoof to her mouth in shock, “Don’t tell me that the two of you have been teaching him more than just scrolls and magic!?”

Both Celestia and Luna turned a crimson hue and refused to meet Cadance’s gaze. “I-I have no idea what you are talking about!” Celestia defended. “I have never thought of him in any way but as a dear student.”

“Flare Blitz is my best friend!” Luna sighed happily as she said ‘best friend.’ “I have no romantic feelings towards him whatsoever…” That last part didn’t sound so convincing to Cadance.

“If you say so, Luna,” Cadance said. “Although I don’t see the problem, unless you prefer a monogamous relationship like Shining.” She had asked her husband several times if he wanted a few more wives, but the stubborn stallion had said that he only wanted and needed her. It was sweet and really cute, but the Princess of Love had a lot of love to give after all.

“Although I do not know where this fascination for single relationships emerged from, if two and only two ponies wish to be together, then so be it!” Luna said. “I will admit that I may have certain… ‘emotions’… towards Flare Blitz, but Twilight is his lead mare, and unless they choose to take a herd, I shall keep these feelings to myself.” Her eyes narrowed into a blood freezing glare and Celestia and Cadance shrank back in their chairs. “And should anypony choose to repeat this information then even the moon itself will not be a far enough place to hide.”

The two alicorns swallowed hard and nodded. Luna was not a pony who you wanted to get mad on purpose. She had yelled at maids for accidentally damaging her collectible figurines and pompous nobles who still didn’t take her authority seriously.

But if somepony were to truly make Luna angry…

Celestia and Cadance remained silent and Luna left the hall in a huff, leaving the princesses to shiver and remain perfectly silent until they were sure that Luna had gone to bed.

They sat there in total silence for three hours…

***

Flare sat on a large plush bed. He looked around, and though it took a moment, he realised where he was. It was Luna’s room.

“Why am I-?” Before he could finish that sentence, however, a pair of strong hooves pushed him down onto the bed. A glint of silver caught his eye and he followed the dark-furred hoof up to its owner, Princess Luna!?

“Luna what are you-?” Again he was cut off, this time by Luna pressing her lips against his. The sensation was indescribable, like kissing the crisp night air itself. The kiss lingered before Luna pulled away, slightly breathless.

Flare finally got a good look and was rather surprised. Luna was wearing the same outfit as the maid ponies that tended to the castle; it looked pretty good on her actually.

No, wait! This was wrong. What the hay was going on here?

“Luna? What are you doing?” Flare said, sitting back up, only to be gently pushed back down again.

“Now, now,” Luna said with a sensual tone. “The service cannot start unless you sit still.”

Service? What the hell? Flare heard the sound of hooves on the soft floor and saw Twilight emerge from the shadows.

“T-Twilight!? Wait, I can explain-“ And once more he was cut off by a mare pressing her mouth to his. Not that he was complaining, he liked kissing Twilight. A lot. Then he noticed that she was wearing the same outfit that Luna was.

“Lulu’s right,” Twilight said after breaking the kiss. “The service can’t start until you settle down," Twilight's smile turned seductively wicked. "Though getting fired up might be good too.”

Okay, Twilight and Luna were acting really weird, was this some sort of joke?

The two mares took places on either side of him, nuzzling him and placing soft kisses along his neck and chest. Joke or not, this was kinda awesome!

Wait, what was he thinking? He loved Twilight and Twilight alone... but Luna...
…
…
Flare sat bolt upright as sweat poured from his brow. His eyes darted around the room but he saw that he was in his room in the palace. No Twilight or Luna, just the stillness of the night and the gentle glow of moonlight streaming through the window.

“Just a dream?” he wondered aloud as he got up to fetch a glass of water. “But it felt so real…” The memory of those feelings returned, causing him to blush. “Twilight, I understand. Luna… well, there’s no denying that she’s cute… but why the heck did I dream about her?”

He glanced down and headed for the bathroom. He would have a long, cold shower and go back to bed… and hopefully a less enthusiastic dream this time.

***

The next morning saw Flare raiding the Archives for a book, one about pony social structure. The dream last night had led to him thinking about something rather important, and the decision he made could affect a lot of ponies in his life.

“I know that ponies and Pokémon are as different as night and day,” his thoughts raced as he scanned the shelves. “I love Twilight, I know that. But Luna....”

Did he really have feeling for the Princess of the Night? Flare enjoyed spending time with her. But did he love her?
And if he did, what would he do then? If this were the Pokémon world, the answer would be easy: start a herd. But things were different in Equestria, and he hadn’t seen any herds of ponies roaming about. Well, it’s not like he had been actively looking for them either.

He eventually found what he was looking for and was about to read, when a clock on the wall chimed. “Crap, I’m running late...” He quickly checked out the book and made a hurried dash for the train station.

It was well into the morning when Flare sat in the carriage of the Friendship Express, the book on the seat next to him and a cup of Mocha’s latte levitating near his mouth as he sipped from it while he read.

The book had proved to be a rather interesting read. It went into great detail about pony social structures and how they worked. Nearly a thousand years ago, it was quite commonplace for ponies to bond together in large family herds, but the tradition faded as time passed. The further he read, he found that, even today, polygamous relationships were not all that uncommon.

“So herds do exist here,” Flare noted, but that was just the beginning. In time, Flare Blitz would have to do some major thinking, and maybe have some talks that he had no idea how to even start.

A lot of ponies had a tendency to be bisexual in nature, as companionship and togetherness outweighed simple things like gender and species. There were purist families of course, strictly unicorn, pegasus, or earth pony clans, but the majority of those were nobility.

The Apple family was one of the largest herds of Earth ponies in Equestria, and had founded not only Ponyville, but Appleloosa as well.

The Kicker Clan was a prestigious pegasus family, and their history spanned more than a thousand years. Almost all of them were military. Now that he thought about it, Flare would have to see if he could strike up a conversation with some of the Guard at some point.

As for unicorn families, three of the four Great Noble houses were unicorn, two of them strictly so with the third having a few earth ponies and pegasi. Flare noticed that two of them were the Sparkle and Doo families. He wondered why Twilight never mentioned that she was nobility…

The book also covered the extended families of Celestia. It seems that Luna no longer had any known descendants, as
historians had stopped keeping track a few hundred years after her exile.

Celestia had explained that ponies like Blueblood and Princess Cadance were not, in fact, related to her by blood, but rather that they were adopted. She had been reluctant at first, but eventually the alicorn told him that it was impossible for herself and her sister Luna to give birth, either through natural or magical methods. Both of them had tried… numerous times.

But that had raised another set of questions. Like where had they come from? And how did other alicorns like Cadance exist? They would have to be questions for another time.

The train’s whistle sounded, announcing its arrival in Ponyville. After the fiascoes of his last two visits, Flare decided that it would be best to tell Twilight ahead of time that he was coming to avoid misunderstandings and the ensuing headaches that would follow. It had been a month since his last visit; training and studies had kept him busier than he thought. He put his book back into his saddlebag. The second he stepped hoof off of the train, he was accosted by six mares, all hugging him.

“Ohmygoshyourback!” Pinkie said at a mile a minute. “When Twilight told us that you were coming home I just knew that I would have to throw you a party but then I remembered that you get startled easily so I figured that his time I’ll tell you that I’m throwing you a party so we don’t hafta get a crowbar to peel you from the ceiling again and you can just enjoy yourself and everypony can have a totally awesometastic time!”

Flare never ceased to be amazed by Pinkie’s ability to say so much in a single breath and not seem to need to recover afterwards.

A hoof bumped his shoulder as Rainbow Dash spoke up next. “You still owe me a stunt watching afternoon!” she said, remembering what Flare had promised her before he had suddenly disappeared to Canterlot. “And I have a lot of… are you okay?”

After that dream last night, having multiple mares piled on top of him had caused him to turn a lovely shade of red. “Oh, it’s nothing, just a little tired is all,” he managed to say before he could no longer meet her gaze. Rainbow Dash just shrugged and she stepped aside as Applejack walked up to him.

“An I believe y’all still owe me an apple buckin’ session,” she said before giving him a friendly hug. “But enough bout what y’all said las’ time. It’s good to see ya again, Flare.”

“Indeed!” Rarity chimed in. “I wish that I had had the time to come and visit you in Canterlot sooner though”

Fluttershy emerged from behind Twilight with a little squeak. “Um, it’s nice to see you again, Flare.” Still as quiet as ever, but she was just so darned cute, so it was all good in Flare’s book.

Twilight finally stepped forward and placed her forehooves around Flare’s neck, pulling him into a gentle embrace. “I’m really glad to have you back too!” she whispered. “Our last time together was a tad… complicated.”

“Tell me about it,” Flare replied. “I can’t wait to tell you all about what I’ve learned in the last month.”

The group made their way towards Twilight and Flare’s home, engaging in idle chatter and laughing at one of Rainbow’s jokes. This was something that Flare had missed greatly: just hanging out with his friends and smiling and laughing. Though at the same time, he found himself missing the castle and the friends he had made there.

“Equestria to Flare! Come in, Flare!” the ponymon turned his attention back to the group to see that they had all stopped to look at him.

“What?” he asked, not realising what they were looking at.

“Well, y’all jus’ kinda zonked out there fer a minute.” Applejack said. “Yer sure yer feelin’ alright?”

“Yeah, sorry, just thinking about a few things.” he apologised.

“Ah! Thinking’s for eggheads like Twilight,” Rainbow said as Twilight gave her an indignant look. “You and I, we’re ponies of action! Go hard or go home!”

“And maybe you should think a little more so you actually make sense once in a while.” Twilight said with a slight touch of irritability, but she could never stay mad at Dash for too long.

“Well, it’s a little after lunchtime,” Flare said as his stomach rumbled loudly. “Do you all want to get a bite to eat?”

The decision was unanimous, and the seven friends soon found themselves at a nearby restaurant, which Rainbow proclaimed had the best hay fries in Equestria. And she was right. The fries were awesome, and Flare wasted no time in ordering a second helping.

“So what have you learned so far?” Twilight asked, no longer able to contain her excitement. “I bet the Princesses have taught you all sorts of interesting things! Like Starswirl the Bearded’s Theory of Overlay Thaumaturgy, or maybe you got to read the legendary last epic of Shakeshoovian? Did you get to-?”

“Whoa, Twi, one at a time, okay?” Flare said. He almost forgot how Twilight got when it came to stuff like this… but he had no freaking idea what she was talking about. “I don’t know about any of that stuff,” he replied. “Celestia’s been teaching me about geography, history, language and written theory in magic. Luna, on the other hoof, has been training me how to better use my magic and how to infuse my Pokémon attacks with it.”

Twilight knew that much from his letters, but she wanted details on what he was learning. Her train of thought however, was interrupted by Rainbow Dash.

“The princesses have been teaching you how to fight?” she said, hardly believing that somepony as sweet as Celestia would do something like that. “Why?”

Flare just shrugged, “I don’t really know, and what I do know is to stay between me and Tia.”

Twilight then realised something. “What… did you say?”

“I said that it has to stay between me and Celestia.” Flare repeated. “I said as much in my letters, remember?” Now that he mentioned it, Twilight noticed that it was in all his letters too, he never called Princess Celestia or Princess Luna by their titles.

“How come y’all don’t call ‘em Princess?” Applejack asked before Twilight could. Okay, apparently it was obvious to everypony else too.

“Well I did at first,” Flare explained, remembering that conversation he had with the two alicorns way back when he first started. “But they’re my friends before my Princesses. Well, that and they asked me not to use titles unless in the presence of other ponies.”

“Well, that explains that darling,” Rarity chimed in. “But you did just call our princess by a rather affectionate sounding nickname, which raises some intriguing questions.”

They were getting upset about a nickname? Flare honestly wondered if he could ever win with these ponies. “It’s just a nickname, what’s the harm?” he said defensively. “Nopony seems to argue when I call Twilight ‘Twi’ or ‘Twily’!”

“Well she’s your marefriend,” Rarity countered. “It’s only natural that you would have pet names for one another…”

“Ooh no, my pet name for Twilight is something completely different, only to be used between us when we are alone-“ It took a second, but Flare realised that he’d just stepped on a landmine when five pairs of eyes stared at him expectantly, while a single pair glared, threatening him with death if he continued talking.

“Tellustellustellus!” Pinkie said, bouncing up and down. “We wanna know it!”

“No.”

“Aw c’mon, Sugarcube, whut’s the harm?”

“No.”

“Spill it, Wondercolt!”

“No.”

“I, um… would like to know, to hear it? If you don’t mind that is…”

“No.”

“You simply must tell us.”

Flare shook his head so often he was worried it would fall off. “Not a freakin’ chance!”

Twilight just sighed and facehoofed as the five ponies continued to pester him about it, and poor Flare’s tolerance levels were reaching their limits. “Look, ladies,” he said sternly, thumping his hoof on the table. “There is no way in the wide, wide world of Equestria, that I am telling you that I call her ‘Sparkle Fairy’…” He stuck a hoof in his mouth, but the damage had already been done.

Rarity just swooned as she blushed, “Aww, that’s just so adorable~”

“Seriously? That’s the best you can do?” Rainbow Dash laughed.

“I think it’s sweet.” Fluttershy said.

“It’s not really mah cup of tea, but if y’all like it then it ain’t our place ta complain.”

Twilight sighed again and stood up. “Yeah, yeah. Laugh it up… and remind me to ask your special someponies this exact same question at some point!”

“But none of us have a special some-” Rainbow Dash suddenly got what Twilight was hinting at. “Oh, low blow, Twi. Not cool!”

Twilight just shrugged as she hugged Flare and smiled. “I’ll take what I can get,” she said smugly. The others couldn’t stay mad, and eventually the whole group was smiling and laughing again.

The rest of the day was spent at the park. They were simply enjoying the weather and each other’s company, but eventually the day came to a close and everypony had to return home. The moment Flare stepped through the door, he was greeted by Spike and Owloicious.

“It’s great to finally have you back…” Spike said, but as Flare walked into his room, Spike called out something else.
“But things have changed here…”

Flare glanced around his room, and was rather confused. His bed had been replaced with a much smaller one, and nothing in the room was his. There was a photo of Rarity on a nightstand next to the bed, and the bookshelf in there was filled with different books. A small pile of gems was hoarded in the corner, and the more Flare looked, the more it looked like Spike had moved in or something.

“Yeah, uh… this is my room now.” Spike explained.

“So you just moved me out while I was gone?” Flare exclaimed. “I was coming back, you know!”

“We know that.” Twilight said and giggled. “Follow me, my silly stallion.”

Flare followed her upstairs to her bedroom and gasped slightly. All his stuff had been moved into Twilight’s bedroom!
“If my stuff is here… then where do you-?”

“Well that’s the thing,” Twilight explained, blushing furiously and staring at her hooves. “This isn’t my room any longer, but it isn’t yours either.”

Okay, that made no sense whatsoever.

“This is um… well it’s…” Twilight just stumbled around her words until Spike came to the rescue.

“What my stuttering sister is trying to say is that the room belongs to both of you.”

Oh? Well this was an interesting development.

“If you don’t want to share a room, then we can always switch back,” Twilight offered quietly, but stopped when Flare placed his hooves around her and placed a soft kiss upon her lips.

“I would very much like to share a room with you, my love.” That simple sentence made Twilight’s heart soar higher than even the most talented pegasus. Her eyes teared up and she hugged him back.

“That means a lot to me,” she whispered, and Spike headed back downstairs, muttering about lovey-dovey ponies cramping his style.

***

Later that night, Flare and Twilight sat comfortably in their bed, reading. It was an odd sensation for the both of them, but not an unwelcome one.

“So what are you reading?” Twilight asked, peering over Flare’s shoulder.

“Well, ever since I started staying at the castle, there’s been something I’ve been curious about.”

“And what might that be?” Twilight asked, now leaning on his shoulder with her eyes closed.

“Well, I wonder why there are only three alicorns.” Flare said. “I know that Cadance is nowhere near as old as Celestia or Luna and that she isn’t directly related to them, so how was she born? And where did Celestia and Luna come from?”

That was an interesting question. Twilight opened her eyes and thought about it, but drew a blank. She had no idea if Cadance had parents or how Celestia and Luna came to be. “I... I have no idea,” Twilight said, utterly baffled. “What about you? And ideas?”

“I have one theory.” Flare said, “But it’s a silly idea.”

“Nonsense, tell me.”

“You know how Pokémon evolve and change in appearance and strength, right?”

“Like when you changed from a Ponyta to a Rapidash, right?” Twilight remembered that day alright, but Flare had never really explained how evolution that should normally take millions of years can happen instantly.

“Well, what if an alicorn is an evolution of a pony?” Flare said. “Maybe anypony could become an alicorn if the right conditions are met.”

“Seriously?” Twilight deadpanned. “So by your theory, even I could become an alicorn?”

Flare imagined Twilight with wings and smiled at the thought. “Yep, The Alicorn Princess of Magic: Twilight Sparkle!”

Twilight hopped off of the bed and struck a regal pose by lifting one hoof slightly into the air, like Princess Celestia often did. “If I am the Princess of Magic, then that would make you my Prince of…”

“Nah, none of that ‘Prince’ stuff.” Flare said. “I prefer her Royal Highness’s personal knight, Sir Flare Blitz!”

“Oh, a knight!” Twilight giggled. “How very gallant of you.” She walked closer to him, her eyes half closed with a seductive gaze that made Flare’s heart race. “And what would my gallant knight be doing in the Princess’s bedchambers at this time of night, then?”

Flare had a wicked idea and gently pressed Twilight down onto the bed. “Maybe the knight is having an illicit affair with the Princess? Imagine the scandal should anypony find out!”

“Let the nobles and the common folk talk!” Twilight said with a haughty tone and waved her hoof dismissively. This whole roleplay thing was kinda fun, and she was really getting into it. “A night of passion with my one, true love is worth a thousand of public scorn!”

Flare tightened his embrace and whispered into her ear. “Then let it be said that if we have but one night together, I shall make it a memory that you will never forget, my sweet Princess.”

Twilight shuddered and held him close as she extinguished the candles with her magic. T’would be a night she would remember indeed!

Love Is Chaotic!

Chapter Five – Love is Chaotic.

Flare opened his eyes and gazed upon the sleeping form of his marefriend, Twilight Sparkle.

“Well, this is a view I could definitely get used to waking up to.” He kissed her gently on the forehead and she opened her eyes to meet his.

“Mmm~ Morning, Flare,” she cooed and they shared another gentle kiss. “Last night was…” She trailed off as the memories of the previous night came back, and she blushed furiously.

“It was definitely something,” Flare agreed. “It’s too bad I’ll have to go back to Canterlot eventually. It’s getting harder and harder to do so.”

Twilight’s eyes closed into a half-lidded stare that made Flare’s heart skip a beat. “Well,” she traced a hoof lightly along his chest, “you’re still here now…”

Flare smiled and he suddenly rolled over, pinning the unicorn beneath him as she squeaked in surprise. “Then I guess we’d better make the most of it.”

***

By the time the couple emerged from their room, it was almost noon. Spike had cleaned the library and was busy rearranging his new bedroom. Hearing the sound of hooves coming down the stairs, he poked his head out to give the unicorns a hard stare.

“And you yell at me for sleeping in.” He had no idea what they had been up to, but Twilight never slept in this late.

“Sorry, Spike,” Twilight groaned as she glanced at the clock on the wall. Flare yawned and stretched.

“I’m exhausted,” he moaned. Good thing that Applejack’s harvest was still a ways off. He couldn’t have bucked a bonsai tree at this rate. “At least I don’t have much to do today.”

“So what do you have planned?” Twilight asked him. “Is there anything you want to do?”

Flare had a response, and it almost slipped out until he realised that there was an underage audience present. “Well, I did tell Cadance that we’d visit the Crystal Empire.”

“You met with Cadance?” Twilight’s energy levels suddenly picked up. “Did you meet with my brother as well?”

“I did, actually. We had a nice little chat.” He then remembered something. “And Cadance wants to talk to you especially… we kinda forgot to tell them about us.”

“Well, at least this visit is turning out normal, for once,” Spike mentioned. “No offense, Flare, but you seem to have the worst timing imaginable.”

“No kidding. Tia sure didn’t help with that either." Chasing after a misled Twilight had given him quite the headache. Celestia had apologised for the trouble, but still…

Flare felt a chill suddenly go up his spine and noticed that Twilight was smiling; there was a twitch in her eye and she looked a bit… unhinged.

“I remember that,” Twilight’s grin widened and she suddenly floated over piece of parchment and a quill and began to scrawl something down.

“Twilight, hun,” Flare was getting just the teensiest bit concerned, “what are you doing?”

Twilight finished her writing and rolled up the scroll, sealing it. “Oh, not much~” she replied in a creepy, sing-song voice, “just a little friendship report.”

“Friendship report?” Before Flare could say anything else, Twilight had Spike send it, and soon the scroll was on its way. Surely she couldn’t have…?

“Fairy? Please tell me that you had an adventure with your friends or something recently.”

Twilight looked at him, her face the picture of calm and normal. “Oh? Not really. I discovered something new last night, and I thought that the Princess should know about it.” Her eyes had a mischievous glint. “Every. Little. Detail.”

Flare facehooved and began to wonder what his return to Canterlot would be like. Things were going to get awkward. Spike was wondering what joke he had missed, and Twilight skipped off into the kitchen. “Flare can you tell-“

“Nope!” he replied quickly and cleared his throat. “So how about it, Spike, wanna come to the Crystal Empire with us?” Flare needed a change in subject fast.

Spike nodded, the topic successfully diverted. “That’d be awesome!” He dashed into his room and began to pack a small suitcase. “I haven’t been there in ages.”

“Heh, slow down. We won’t be going for a couple of days.” He looked around the library and something dawned on him. Somepony was missing.

“Hey, Twi!” he called out. “Where the heck is Sparkler?”

Twilight emerged from the kitchen, two bowls of piping hot oatmeal floating in her telekinetic grasp. “Sparkler? I thought I told you about her already.” The look on Flare’s face clearly explained she hadn’t. “Well, she’s been in Canterlot for the last few weeks.”

“Canterlot!?” Flare had no idea. “But I never saw her there.”

“She’s been teaching at Celestia’s School for Gifted Unicorns,” Twilight explained. She paused to take a bite of her breakfast and hummed happily. “When we were researching that spell that could get you home, we learned a lot about dimensional artes. I sent a letter not too long after you decided to stay and they sent one back requesting me to host some lectures.”

Flare was amazed, he had no idea about any of this. Even Celestia hadn’t told him. He sat down to eat his own food and Twilight continued. “I really wanted to go, but with my current studies, I was too busy.” She waved a hoof at a stack of books and scrolls that resided on her work desk. “So Sparkler offered to go in my stead, and I hear she’s been doing wonderfully.”

“Wow, that’s cool.” Flare was rather impressed at Sparkler’s achievements.

“I know, I’m so proud of her,” Twilight gushed at how much her student had grown.

“But I still can’t believe that nopony told me about this sooner!” Flare said. “Even Ditzy never mentioned it!”

There was a moment of quiet before Spike belched loudly and a scroll materialised onto the table. It bore Celestia’s seal and Twilight suddenly gulped. She picked up the letter and opened it, wondering what awaited her.

My Dear student, Twilight Sparkle,

I am arriving later today with a very important guest. I request the attendance of you and your friends in Ponyville Park at One o’clock.

Yours Truly,

Princes Celestia.

Twilight noticed that the hornwriting looked a little shaky; it lacked the grace that Celestia’s usually had. Did her little prank actually have an effect?

“What does it say?” Flare asked, curious about the contents.

“Just that the Princess will be arriving shortly with an important guest.” That statement hit home and Twilight gasped. “We have to hurry. Spike, round up the girls!”

Spike saluted and dashed out the door, Twilight straightened her mane and nodded. “Alright, let’s get going!”

“Go where?” Flare muttered and followed her out the door. What the heck was going on?

***

Celestia sat in her room and stared at the scroll in front of her. She was so enraptured with it that she failed to notice Luna standing right behind her.

“Sister? What has you enamoured?” Celestia shrieked and the letter dropped from her magical field, only to be snatched up by Luna.

“No! Don’t read that!” Celestia’s pleas were too late, as Luna’s eyes scanned the lettering and her face became redder with each passing word.

“Sister…” Luna said slowly, re-reading it just to make sure she wasn’t seeing things. “What dost thou teach thy student?”

“I assure you that I taught her none of that!” Celestia instantly protested, her own face as red as a tomato. “I had no idea half of that was even physically possible!”

“Sister, We have lived for more than one thousand years. We have taken many lovers and have experienced a great deal.” Luna began reading the letter for a third time. “But We believe that there is still much We do not know... Times have changed quite a bit.”

“I-I have to go, to the place, with the thing…” Celestia walked over to her basin, filled it with ice-cold water, and promptly dunked her whole head in it. Twilight had even drawn diagrams, for pony’s sake.

***

“I’m surprised she’s not here yet,” Twilight said as she paced around. Rarity was admiring her reflection in Pinkie’s shiny hooves.

“I wonder what’s taking so long?” Spike sighed, mimicking Twilight’s pacing. Flare said nothing; he was content to nap quietly in the shade of a large tree.

“And where are Applejack and Fluttershy?” Twilight asked, noticing that two of her friends were still absent.

“Fluttershy's detained helping Applejack with a mishap at Sweet Apple Acres, they'll be along,” Rarity replied, adjusting her mane.

Spike sighed again. “But I still don’t get why the Princess would be so late.” Then remembered what had happened this morning. “I bet Twilight’s letter had something to do with it. And why did she cast a soundproofing spell on her room last night?” Now that Spike thought about it, it was all rather suspicious.

“She’s bringing an important visitor,” Twilight pointed out. “That could be part of it.”

Rainbow Dash hovered in the air nearby, “Yeah, a visitor who’s important and slow!” she said with a roll of her eyes.

“Maybe it's somepony so terribly important, she still had many more terribly important things to do before she got here.” Rarity said.

Spike’s eyes suddenly widened and he gasped, grabbing Twilight’s tail. “Maybe the visitor has a deer antler, a goat leg, a bat wing, and a snake tail!”

“Yeah right, that’s Discord,” Twilight dismissed what she assumed was a wild guess.

“Why in the wide, wide world of Equestria would Princess Celestia bring along someone like that?” Rarity added.

“M-m-maybe you should ask... her!” Spike stammered and pointed skywards. Rarity and the other ponies turned and saw a sight they could not believe. Celestia’s chariot descended, along with a second one that carried the frozen stone form of Discord.

***

Spike was right, Princess Celestia really had brought Discord to Ponyville. Twilight’s eye twitched and she looked at her teacher. “With all due respect, Princess Celestia, how could you bring Discord here?!” Twilight realised she had just yelled at the Princess and did a quick turnabout of attitude, bowing awkwardly. “Your majesty.”

Celestia just smiled. It was all she could do as she attempted to repress the memories of Twilight’s latest ‘report’, though it still didn’t stop the faintest of blushes from gracing her cheeks. “I'm fully aware that the last time Discord was here, he created serious havoc…”

Rainbow Dash interjected, “If by ‘serious havoc’ you mean ‘turning Ponyville into the chaos capital of the world’...”

“...And tricking us all into being the opposite of our true selves...” Rarity added.

“And making yummy delicious chocolate milk rain all over the place without a single dollop of whipped cream to go with it anywhere in sight!” Pinkie exploded, her rage barely contained. “Not a single dollop!”

Celestia sighed, that pink pony was certainly… different. “Yes, I understand. But I have use for Discord's magic, if it can be reformed to serve good instead of evil. This is why I've brought Discord here, because I believe that you are the ponies who can help him do just that.”

Spike was understandably panicked. When Discord had last shown up, the little dragon hadn’t been able to do a thing to help the ponies he cared so much for. “This will never work! This is a disaster! How will we ever control him?! We're doomed!”

“Need I remind you,” Celestia reminded them, “that you are the ponies who turned him back into stone like this in the first place?”

Twilight felt a little embarrassed to have forgotten that important piece of information. “I suppose we can just use the Elements of Harmony against him again if it gets out of hand…”

Spike saw his chance, “Uh, w-w-we probably need a volunteer to run away from here right away to get them. I'll do it!”

Celestia just continued to smile as two of her guards presented the ornate chest containing said artefacts. “No need, Spike. I have them right here. And I've cast a spell so Discord can't take them and hide them again. Now where is Fluttershy? I believe she may know best how to begin reforming Discord.”

Rainbow Dash deadpanned, “Fluttershy? Really?” She looked towards the farm where her two friends were probably still doing Celestia-knows-what. “I’ll go and tell ‘em to get a move on!” She gave a powerful flap of her wings and soared off to Sweet Apple Acres, desperate to put some distance between her and that creepy statue.

The others watched her leave, and Flare left the comfort of his shady spot and walked over to
them.

“Hey, Tia!” he greeted with a smile, and then eyed the statue dubiously. “Why’d you bring the creepy art with you?”

“Art?” Twilight’s eye twitched again before she suddenly calmed down, maybe Flare didn’t know about Discord yet? “This is Discord, the Spirit of Chaos.”

“He looks like a lawn ornament,” Flare said, tapping a hoof against the statue. Celestia had taught him a little bit about him, but never mentioned that she kept a statue of him. The nearby guards flinched when he did so, half expecting Discord to spring free like last time.

Rainbow Dash soon returned with Applejack and Fluttershy in tow. The two of them gasped in surprise when they saw the ‘visitor’ in question.

Princess Celestia explained the situation to the two of them and Fluttershy looked ready to pass out.

“I realize that this is a tall order, but I wouldn't ask if I weren't confident you could get him to use magic obediently of his own free will.”

“And... you really think I'll know best how to do that?” Fluttershy didn’t sound so confident. Discord had done some pretty awful things to her and her friends.

Celestia nodded and gave the pegasus a reassuring smile. “I do. Now, I must return to Canterlot for Equestria's royal summit. You may release Discord when ready.” The princess boarded her chariot and left for the mountainside city.

“So you girls are really going to do this?” Flare questioned. “If he’s really as bad as you say, then why not just leave him in stone?”

Twilight shook her head, the princess had given her a mission she wasn’t about to give up without even trying. “Okay, ponies, guess it's time to get started. Let's just hope this releasing spell works.”

“Or… Let’s not,” Spike muttered under his breath as the six mares stood in a circle around Discord.

“We'd best keep our elements on at all times 'til further notice.” Twilight warned them and the others gave a nod.

Twilight closed her eyes, and her Element of Harmony began to shine. Flare watched rather intently, as he had never even seen the Elements before, let alone seen what they could do.

The Elements of the others began to resonate, and the magical power began to build, lifting their bearers off of the ground as a ribbon of rainbow-hued light began to connect them. The energy began to spiral around Twilight as her element shone even brighter and erupted into a blast of light that began to chip away at the statue. Cracks formed along its surface, and light streamed out of it before a creature that Flare could hardly believe even existed in Equestria emerged from it.

Discord yawned loudly and, with a snap of his fingers, turned a small squirrel into a muscular beast.

“What do you think you’re doing?!” Twilight exclaimed as Discord wobbled his long body.

“Nnnnnnnnngh~“ Discord grunted. “Why, stretching, of course. When you're a creature of chaos, stone bodysuits aren't your typical go-to fashion choice. Nnngh...” He snapped his fingers once more as a cute bunny received the same treatment as the squirrel.

“Make that bunny cute again!” Pinkie Pie demanded. “Now!”

Discord scratched the chin of the vicious beast and blew a raspberry when said bunny tried to bite him. “Aw, but he's adorable the way he is.” He teleported back over to them, placing his paw around Fluttershy. “You know what else is adorable? You ponies truly believe that you can reform me, and that you're putting your faith in this one here to make it happen. Makes me wanna pinch your little horsey cheeks...”

Twilight gasped, “How'd you know about that?!”

“Being turned to stone doesn't keep me from hearing every word Celestia says.” The draconequus plucked his eyes from his head and rolled them along the ground. “Although I admit it makes rolling my eyes a challenge.” The two yellow eyes rolled along the ground and disappeared into a hole.

Discord’s eyes suddenly fell upon a new sight for him, literally, as the two spherical objects bounced off of Flare’s head.

“And who in the wide, wide world of Equestria are you?” He asked, putting his eyes back. Flare suddenly found himself propped up in a chair with a desk lamp beaming in his face. Discord gave the stallion a scrutinising gare while wearing a trench coat and a detective’s hat.

“You’re not one of the Mane Six, and you certainly aren’t the new villain…” His little tirade was interrupted as Twilight pulled Flare out of the chair with her magic, levitating him over to her.

“Leave him alone, Discord!” she warned him, her Element glowing ever so slightly. “And turn those animals back, I’m warning you.”

“Or what?” Discord challenged, “you wouldn't dare turn me back to stone and risk disappointing your precious princess.”

“Try us, ‘Dip-cord’!” Rainbow waved a hoof and leered at him.

“You think you can treat poor defenceless animals and my friends like that and get away with it?!” Fluttershy was normally timid, but when you messed with something she cared about… “You'd best watch your step, buster, or I'll give you... the Stare!”

“The Stare?” Discord mocked the pegasus’s threats. “Oh no, please, not that! Anything but your disapproving eyeballs!” the draconequus roared with laughter.

Fluttershy’s eyes suddenly went wide and she unleashed her powerful glare. Flare looked out of the corner of his eye and felt a chill go down his spine.

“Who would have thought that Glare could be super effective?”

Discord, on the other hand, seemed to be writhing in pain. Oh no! No, no, no, stop! No, no!” He gargled, putting his hands to his throat. “I can't! Stop! I can't take it anymore! I'll do whatever you say!” His voice became low and monotone before he couldn’t take it anymore and began to giggle. “Because...” his giggling became a roaring laugh, “you are hilarious!”

“If we have to use our Elements against you,” Twilight threatened, “I’m sure we can convince Princess Celestia it was for a good reason.

“She probably wouldn’t care much at all for the reason,” Flare thought. “She’s such a pushover when it comes to you, Twilight.”

“Mmm, I suppose that’s correct…” Discord snapped his fingers and the cute little critters returned to normal. “So I still haven’t gotten my question answered,” he pointed accusingly at Flare Blitz. “Just who is he?”

“He’s Twilight’s coltfriend.” Fluttershy answered and Twilight groaned. They may not be able to be directly ‘discorded’ while they wore their Elements, but Flare had no such protection.

“Coltfriend?!” Discord could hardly believe his ears. This was going to be so much fun!

Discord folded his arms and floated down near Fluttershy, “Then I guess I’ll be bunking with you, hmm?”

Fluttershy squeaked quietly, and as the group walked off, Discord shot another glance at Flare Blitz and smirked. Today was going to be very interesting.

***

Twilight and the others had escorted Fluttershy and her ‘houseguest’ back to her cottage, and now they had all gathered at Twilight’s library to discuss what to do next.

“If it’s all the same to you girls,” Rarity said. “I’d like to get home and make sure Discord doesn’t try anything with my family.”

“Ah feel the same, Rare!” Applejack agreed. “Who knows whut Discord will try.”
Flare was getting concerned now too; what if that thing tried to mess with his other friends? Like Ditzy and Dinky?

“If you don’t mind, I think I’ll check up on a few ponies too,” Flare said, but Twilight shook her head in refusal.

“It’s too dangerous!” she argued. “Discord is unpredictable at the best of times, and I have no idea if he’ll try anything with you.”

She was right. If Discord was as powerful as Flare thought him to be, then a fight with him would be one-sided. Flare knew that Arceus had pulled his punches, and he had no delusions that he was as strong as a god…

But it didn’t make him worry any less about his friends.

“I’ll be careful, alright,” he said to his marefriend. “I just want to check up on a few of my friends and tell them to be careful, okay?”

Twilight went to argue, but sighed and nodded. Flare was as stubborn as Applejack about these sorts of things, and she knew that he would go regardless of what she said. “Alright, Flare, but take Rainbow Dash with you. Perhaps just being close to one of the Elements will offer some protection.”

Flare Blitz looked towards Dash, who just nodded slightly and then stared off in another direction, avoiding his gaze.

“Guess she isn’t looking forward to playing babysitter,” Flare made his way towards the door, opening it. “I’ll be as quick as I can. Ready to go, Skittles?”

“Yeah, sure thing…” Rainbow gave a lazy flap of her wings and propelled herself across the room, landing next to him.

“Be careful, you two!” Twilight said as she began to levitate several books to herself. Discord is a tricky one.” She paused for a second and then ran over to Flare, kissing him on the cheek. “I love you, Flare,” she said softly.

“And I love you as well, now and forever.” Flare replied as he returned the kiss.

Flare and Rainbow Dash left the library. They had barely gotten ten feet from the building when Twilight suddenly raced past them, a trail of ripped books floating behind her.

“Should we even ask?” Flare said, but Rainbow waved a wing and shook her head.

“Sometimes it’s better not too,” Rainbow replied dryly.

The two maintained an awkward silence as they walked through Ponyville. Rainbow’s wings twitched every now and then, and she constantly looked at Flare before suddenly glancing somewhere else entirely.

“Uh, Skittles?” Flare was getting a little bugged by the whole thing. “Are you-“

“What’s it like?” she suddenly blurted out.

Flare stopped walking and stared at her. “Wha… what’s what like?”

Rainbow suddenly looked bashful, and glanced around to see if anypony was standing nearby. Satisfied that they were alone, she asked him properly.

“W-what’s it like… to be in love?” She felt seriously uncool just for saying that. But she knew that Flare wouldn’t make fun of her for it.

Flare blinked a few times and wondered if he had heard that right. Did the Rainbow Dash just ask what being in love is like? The cyan pegasus was blushing heavily, and her wings twitched even more as she waited for him to respond.

“Well, I’m not really sure how to put it,” Flare said. “It’s like…” he stopped to collect his thoughts and think of the best way to put it into words. “Just being close to the one you love brings happiness. Thinking about them can cheer you up no matter what, and when you kiss them…” Flare trailed off as he thought about Twilight and giggled to himself.

“Why couldn’t it be me?” Rainbow muttered quietly. Flare looked up when he heard her say something, but was too distracted by Twily thoughts to notice what it was she said.

“What was that?”

Rainbow squeaked and waved her front hooves, “N-nothing! I didn’t say anything!”

There was a chuckle and a nearby mailbox opened up as Discord slithered out of it. “You ponies are absolutely terrible at lying.”

“Discord!?” Rainbow reflexively put herself between Flare and the Chaos God. “What do you want?”

“What do I want?” Discord tapped his chin thoughtfully for a moment. “Not much, really. I just want to play a little game.”

Rainbow’s eyes widened as she flared her wings. “Yeah? Well think again, ‘Douchecord’.” She pointed to the gold necklace that she bore, The Element of Loyalty. “As long as I got this, you can’t touch either of us with your creepy magic.”

Creepy magic? Flare wondered what Rainbow meant by that.

“Oh really?” Discord leered. “And what, pray tell, is that supposed to mean?”

Rainbow was the one to smirk now. Discord wasn’t as smart as she thought. “As long as one of us is near, you can’t touch anypony with your freaky mind magic.”

Discord’s smile suddenly made the pit of her stomach cold. “Thanks for the info… ‘Rainbow Crash’” He snapped his fingers, and dozens and dozens of Scootaloo clones swarmed by, carrying off Rainbow Dash, chanting something about a goddess.

The Spirit turned his attention back to Flare, whose horn was already shining. “Now let’s play,” Discord smiled maliciously.

***

It took a few minutes, but Rainbow finally ditched the Scootaclones. She rocketed back to where Flare and Discord were, only to find Flare standing on his own.

“Wondercolt?” she looked around, expecting Discord to leap out of the tall grass nearby. “Where is that snake?”

“Oh, him?” Flare turned to face her. “He left, but I’m glad you’re here.”

“What do you mean-“ Rainbow didn’t get to finish her sentence as Flare pressed his lips against hers. Dash’s eyes widened as the kiss caught her completely off guard, and she suddenly backed up.

“Whoawhoawhoawhoa! What the-?” That was not something she had expected to come back to. “What are you doing!?”

“I was worried,” Flare appeared to be genuinely hurt by the rejection. “Why wouldn’t I be! Seeing as how my marefriend was suddenly carried away like that?”

Rainbow Dash blinked, then stared at him, then shook her head, thinking she’d heard wrong.

“Marefriend?” Rainbow’s heart admittedly skipped a beat when he said that. But this was wrong. Why would he just suddenly do this…

…

She facehooved and shot a venomous glare towards Fluttershy’s cottage. “Discord,” she growled.

Flare, on the other hoof, was a bit confused. Something seemed off; she seemed almost confused when he had kissed her. Did Discord do something else to her?

And why did she taste like fruit punch?

Rainbow looked back to the stallion and saw the way he looked at her. The way he usually only looked at Twilight. She had often wished that he would look at her like that, wished that he had fallen for her, not her friend. Maybe… maybe this was her chance?

“Say, Flare,” she looked up at him. “Would you like to go for a walk?”

Flare nodded and began to head off with the mare he thought was his lover.

***

Fluttershy had arranged a dinner party to try to prove that Discord was changing for the better. But once everypony had arrived, they noticed the lack of a certain cyan pegasus and former Pokémon right away.

“Where are Flare and Rainbow Dash?” Fluttershy asked Twilight. RD had made it known that she didn’t want Discord around, but not showing up at all?

“I don’t know, I tried searching all over for them.” When Twilight had gotten back to the library earlier in the afternoon, Rainbow and Flare had yet to return. The unicorn had paid a visit to Ditzy Doo, who had gone on to explain that she didn’t even know Flare was back in town.

Twilight sighed as she ducked Discord’s attempt to snatch her Element. “It’s not like the two of them to just vanish like that.”

“Maybe your stallion ran off with the less boring mare?” Discord suggested, earning scowl from everypony in the room.

“Discord! That’s not very nice!” Fluttershy scolded. “Twilight isn’t boring… just… studious.” The mare stumbled to find the right words.

“I simply said less boring,” Discord argued back. “How about I find them for you, hmm?”

The spirit clapped his hands and summoned a tall, somewhat distorted-looking mirror. “Mirror, mirror, on the floor, find the one who loves a bore!”

“Hey!”

The mirror shone and shimmered, and a picture slowly emerged. Discord smacked the mirror a few times as the picture turned to static. “Sorry, reception here is lousy.”

The picture cleared, and it showed Fare and Rainbow sitting on a hill together. It was the same hill where Flare had become a pony all those months ago. What shocked Twilight though, was the fact that Rainbow and Flare were nuzzling each other rather affectionately.

“W-what?” Twilight’s voice became caught in her throat as she watched the scene unfold.

“Maybe… he’s just scratching a hard to reach itch?” Rarity explained, not believing what she was seeing.

Too bad that right after that, Rainbow and Flare shared a rather intimate-looking kiss.

“No, too much tongue there to be platonic,” Pinkie pointed out. But the comment went unheard.

“Why…?” Twilight’s voice was a barely audible whisper. “Why would he do this?”

Applejack shook her head. There was no way would her best friend and a stallion she had a lot of respect for would do something like this. Discord was behind this! “Ah don’t buy it!” she said. “How do we know this isn’t a fake?”

“A… fake?” A small glimmer of hope sparked in Twilight, but she was distracted from a total meltdown when Angel Bunny burst into the room, flailing about. After a brief game of charades, it was discovered that Sweet Apple Acres was flooding!

“Please don’t be true!” Twilight prayed. “Flare, where are you?”

***

This was nice; as nice as Rainbow Dash had ever hoped. The sun never looked more beautiful as she lay atop a hill that Flare had brought them to. She snuggled up closer to him, taking a deep breath of his scent and smiling contently.

“I wish this moment could last forever,”

Flare nodded and smiled back. “So do I. Everything has been so hectic lately. Just laying together like this is so relaxing.” He nibbled softly on her ear and she giggled, swatting at him with her hoof.

“Stop it,” she giggled and nuzzled him again. Pausing for a moment, she wondered if she should say it. She wanted to hear it from him so badly, but there was always the chance that he wouldn’t… No! She was Rainbow Dash! She never got anywhere doing anything half-flanked.

“Flare?” she took a deep breath before continuing. “I love you…”

Flare smiled that smile that made her melt like snow in the summer. “And I love you, Fairy.”

Dash could have Sonic Rainboomed right there. She was just so happy…

Wait? What did he call her?

“Did you call me ‘Fairy’?”

Flare nodded, “Well yeah, I thought you liked it?”

Rainbow Dash gulped and asked, “Flare, can you say my name?”

Flare tilted his head, what was with her? He leaned in and embraced her gently. “If you say so. I love you so much… my dear Twilight.”

“T-Twi…?” It was sudden; Rainbow didn’t even realise she’d done it until her hoof collided with Flare’s face, sending him sprawling across the ground.

“Twilight!?” she fumed. “You think I’m-.” She stopped her sentence as she realised what she had just done. She’d clobbered a stallion that she’d been taking advantage of.

Flare groaned and rubbed his face. “Ah, ow…” he looked up and his vision blurred for a moment. The mare sitting in front of him was difficult to make out, but it was Twilight… right?

So why did she hit him?

He blinked and rubbed his eyes, trying to see straight. After a moment, he saw that it wasn’t Twilight sitting there, sobbing softly, but Rainbow Dash?

“Skittles? What’s going-?” Rainbow suddenly hugged him, mumbling something as she cried into his chest. It took a minute, but she finally calmed down and pulled away.

“What’s going on?” he asked her. “Where’s Twilight?”

Rainbow flinched and looked away; this was not going to be easy to explain. “… Twilight was never here. Only… only me.”

“But I could swear that I was just with her!” Flare rubbed his head again. “She and I were, we were…” Only Rainbow was here? Did that mean? “Oh.”

Rainbow Dash turned a deep red and nodded slowly. “You and I… we, well we,” this was hard. Why was it so hard?

“I think I get it,” Flare said. He had thought it was Twilight, but it had actually been Rainbow Dash the whole time. Which means that everything that he had done with her…

“Twilight is going to kill me,” he muttered. “And nopony will ever find the body.”

“It’s my fault!” Dash suddenly blurted out. “I knew that Discord had done something, but then you kissed me, and I just… I just,” Dammit, she could feel her eyes watering again. Crying was so not cool.

“It’s alright,” Flare put more fault on himself than on her. Ever since Discord had shown up, he had been feeling off, distant. It was hard to describe, but he hadn’t been feeling himself. “Let’s go find the others, I’m worried about them.”

“But we just- we need to talk about this!” Why was he treating this so casually? Did he really not care at all? “Do you even care?!”

“Of course I do!” Flare snapped and yelled, causing the mare to flinch in surprise. “But what do you suppose Discord is doing right now? What he might be doing to Twilight and the others?”

He was right, Celestia-damn it all!

“So where do you think they are then?” she asked. “They could be anywhere.”

“Think you could search by air?” Flare suggested. “I’ll try some of the usual places, the library, Shy’s cottage?”

Rainbow nodded and rocketed off into the sky, the one place she could truly be herself and hopefully clear her head a bit.

It didn’t take long for Rainbow to come across a completely frozen-over Sweet Apple Acres.

“No prizes for guessing where Discord is,” she muttered to herself. She contemplated going straight down there, but Flare would probably be ticked if she didn’t tell him. And he was plenty pissed already. Giving her wings a powerful flap, she soared back to Ponyville.

***

Flare had checked the library, but nopony had been there. He was on his way to Fluttershy’s place when Rainbow Dash shot down from the sky.

“We gotta get to AJ’s, the whole place looks like it skipped Winter Wrap Up!”

Flare was wondering what Winter Wrap Up was, but now wasn’t the time. “It’ll still take a bit to get there.” He reared up and was about to start running when Dash stopped him.

“It’s faster this way,” She flared her wings open and motioned for him to get on.

Flare’s eyes widened when she suggested that. Ever since the bungee incident, he had a certain fear of the sky... and falling from it.

“Yeah... I think I’ll run.”

“We don’t have the time for that!” Rainbow Dash suddenly dashed forward and underneath Flare, scooping him up and soaring off into the sky, with Flare yelling the whole time.

“Oh, calm down, the sky is awesome!” Rainbow said, and Flare opened one eye, taking a peek.

It was the most amazing sight he had ever seen. The town of Ponyville was sprawled out below him, and he could see almost everything. Rose was at her flower stand, selling her wares. Ditzy was fluttering from letterbox to letterbox, delivering letters... and crashing into the occasional wall. Several Scootaloos tore through the town, buzzing along on their scooters.

Flare chose to wisely ignore that last one.

Looking up, he saw the clear, blue sky that seemed to stretch on forever. It was beautiful.

“This is how you see the world, huh?” Flare asked in a quiet voice.

Rainbow gave the slightest of nods, “Yeah...” She could feel the stallion on her back, his warm chest pressing against her and his hooves wrapped gently around her neck. Now that she thought about it, the position was similar to when a stallion and a mare...

She jostled slightly and blushed. That mental image was going to be there for days.

“W-we’re coming up on Sweet Apple Acres!” she said, trying to clear her head. “Get ready!”

Flare’s horn began to glow as he took in the light of the warm sun. Discord was about to pay dearly for messing with him and Rainbow.

***

“I liked it better my way,” Discord pouted. “But when you have friends... I guess you can’t always have it your way.”

“S’aright,” Applejack said. “Nopony was hurt, the critters are fine and the farm is back t’normal.”

“It’s strange though... I have the oddest sensation that I’m forgetting something important.” Discord tapped his chin thoughtfully, but drew a blank.

“Taking over Equestria?” Pinkie suggested. “Or maybe making more chocolate rain?” She was really hoping it was the last one.

“No, no, nothing like that.” Discord was sure it was quite important. He looked at his new friends, and once he laid eyes on Twilight, he remembered.

“Oooh, now I remem-” That was all he got to say, before a searing beam of white light buried him in a deep trench in the ground.

Everypony looked around to see what had happened when Rainbow and Flare landed.

“Nice shot!” Rainbow cheered. Flare nodded and powered up another one. He wasn’t quite done yet.

“Flare? Rainbow Dash?!” Twilight teleported over to them. “Where in Equestria have you been?”

“Well, uh, the thing is, Twi...” Rainbow had no idea how to word this, and Twilight took a step back. Did Discord’s mirror really show the truth earlier?

“Please, Rainbow,” Twilight didn’t want to ask, but she knew she had to. “Please tell me that you and Flare didn’t...”

As Discord pulled himself out of the trench that Flare’s Solar Beam had buried him in, he saw the stallion had powered up another.

“Oh dear,” Discord pulled out a little umbrella and opened it as the energy attack struck him head on. The beam caused him to skid back as the little parasol blocked the beam.

“It would seem that you are a tad upset.” Discord tucked the umbrella under his arm. “But what say we let bygones be bygones?”

“Twilight, I know something that I cannot take back has happened,” Flare was oddly calm as he spoke. He had a quiet stillness to his voice, but everypony present still felt the immeasurable rage in those words. “Let me teach Discord here that messing with ponies like that is wrong, and then we will have a long talk.”

Twilight had no response, she just nodded and looked away from Rainbow Dash.

Discord scoffed, “Bah! Who do you think you are? You think you can just mete out punishment to me? The God of Chaos!”

“Guess we’ll see,” Flare dug his hooves into the ground as two magic circles appeared next to him. “I’m pretty mad right now, and I’m going to start hitting you.” He narrowed his eyes, “I don’t know when I’ll stop.”

The magic circles drew in sunlight, over three times as much as a regular solar beam.

“Magic Arte - Solar Beam, Twin Buster!”

Massive energy blasts shot forth from the magic circles, tearing up the earth as they hurtled towards Discord. The spirit was too stunned by the attack to dodge it. The attack struck him full on, causing a tremendous explosion.

Rainbow Dash had never seen anything so awesome!

After the attack dissipated, Fluttershy ran over to see if her new friend was still alive. “Are you okay, Discord?”

“Define, ‘okay’?” Discord coughed as he pulled himself out of the crater. As he looked to his attacker, his eyes shrank. Flare had a giant, blazing aura as he activated one of his newer attacks.

“Magic Arte - Twilight Nova!”

He was not going to stick around for this one. Discord snapped his fingers and vanished, causing Flare Blitz to search around frantically for him. A scream coming from Ponyville was a good indicator of where Discord had disappeared to. Flare bolted for town, fury filling his eyes.

“Do you think that we should go get ‘em?” Applejack asked. She wasn’t too surprised by this turn of events. You live in Ponyville long enough and it’ll take something really strange to affect you.

“Well, somepony has to protect Ponyville from them,” Rarity added, and four mares, plus one dragon, turned to look at Rainbow Dash and Twilight Sparkle.

“Aw crap,” Rainbow muttered.

***

Ponies ran screaming as Discord teleported all over the place, laughing maniacally and dodging all of Flare’s attacks. Structural damage was beginning to pile up as Flare’s flames and solar blasts scorched the town, trying to hit the serpent. Toying with this stallion was fun, but Discord couldn’t quite figure out the strange magic he was using. It seemed familiar somehow...

Celestia arrived in Ponyville. The Royal Summit was on a break, and she wanted to see how Discord’s reformation was coming along. Several nearby ponies bowed as her chariot touched down, but once she stepped off, Celestia bore witness to a sight that would stay with her for the rest of her days.

Discord flew around a corner, and once he laid eyes on Celestia, he zipped over to her, hiding behind her.

“What in the-?”

“Just what I need: a fireproof meatshield,” Discord said and Celestia saw what it was he was running from.

Flare Blitz turned the same corner, his mane and tail blazing like fire, his horn glowing with crimson light, and his eyes holding a manic glee.

“Come out, come out, wherever you are~” he taunted in a creepy, sing-song tone. “I only want to hurt you.”

“All the ponies in this town are crazy!” Discord said. “DO something, Celestia!”

Celestia shook her head and laughed. “Okay, Discord, I’ll get rid of the big, scary pony.” Though how she would do this was the real question.

“Flare Blitz, please try to calm down. I cannot reform Discord if you kill him.”

“I won’t kill him,” Flare replied, taking aim with another Solar Beam. “Just maim him, burn him, and maybe kick that fang straight out of his mouth.”

Well that seemed a tad excessive. She looked back to Discord, who was writing his last will and testament. Seemed he was leaving his chocolate rainclouds to Pinkie Pie. Luna was getting a lifetime supply on moon pies.

“Just what did you do to him?” she asked, wondering what could cause Flare to snap like this.

“What makes you think I did anything?” Discord asked, but Celestia just glared back. “Oh alright, alright. Maybe a I cast a Discording spell on him, but because of the close proximity of an Element of Harmony, it just hypnotised him a little.”

“Well, that doesn’t seem so bad…” Celestia said, but Discord wasn’t finished.

“Buuut, it seems that the hypnosis made him think that the rainbow one was in fact your boring little student.”

“Oh?... Oooh,” Celestia did not like where this was heading. Flare had yet to make a move. He was trying to decide if Celestia was fireproof or not.

“Yeah, he spent the better part of the afternoon making out with her.” He just finished saying that when Twilight and Rainbow rounded the corner. “And speak of the devil.”

“I heard everything, Discord!” Twilight said, slightly out of breath. “Try to leave him alive though, Flare… I want him conscious when I get my turn.”

Flare nodded as he finished charging the Solar Beam, “Please step aside, Tia.”

Celestia sighed and flared her wings, casting a calming spell over Flare Blitz. “I think that’s quite enough of that.” She gave Discord a disapproving stare. “What you did was wrong, and you shall apologise. Alright?”

“Yes, Mom~” Discord sighed. He took a look at the flanks he was hiding behind and smirked. “Somepony’s really been hitting the cake since I left. Miss me that much?”

Celestia flushed a bright red, and after a powerful buck, Discord found himself in another crater.

Celestia coughed and turned her attention to Flare. “And Flare Blitz, what Discord did was mean, but this sort of violence is unacceptable!”

Flare powered down his attack and hung his head. “Sorry, Tia.”

“So,” Celestia took a breath and smiled. “Despite this little… ‘tussle’, I sense a big change in Discord. It would seem that the magic of friendship has had a positive effect on him.”

The others finally arrived to find that the crisis had been averted. And now Celestia and her two students were deep in discussion.

“I think… I think that Flare, Rainbow, and I need to have a talk. A long talk.” Twilight gave her teacher one last hug, and the three ponies departed for the library.

Applejack, Rarity, Pinkie, and Spike watched them leave, wondering what was going to happen between those three.

“Whelp… Ah’m confused,” Applejack spoke up.

“As am I, darling, as am I.”

Pinkie looked at herself and shrugged. “My Pinkie Sense won’t tell.”

“Well, after last time, do y’all think we should just let ‘em work it out on their own?” Applejack did not want a repeat of that incident. Everyone present nodded in agreement.

Fluttershy was busy applying bandages to Discord’s wounds. “I’m very sorry about what happened,” she said gently. “But what did we learn from this experience?”

“That messing with ponies that have very strange and powerful attacks is dangerous to one’s health?” Discord gave his best guess.

“Well that, and it’s not nice to pick on your friends.” Fluttershy finished up and smiled. “Now, who wants to go for some ‘Get Better’ ice-cream?”

Discord put a paw up, “ooh, ooh! Mememe~”

Me too!” Pinkie giggled and they headed for Sugar Cube Corner.

Princess Celestia was left to wonder if there was a single normal pony in Ponyville.

***

It was silent in Golden Oaks Library as three ponies sat around the table. There were a lot of awkward stares and some throat clearing, before Rainbow Dash finally got tired of waiting.

“Will somepony say something!?” she yelled, thumping a hoof on the table.

Twilight’s eye twitched and she gently placed her own hoof on the table, “Well, then I guess I’ll start.” She cleared her throat once more and looked at Rainbow Dash. “I know that Discord did something to Flare, I know that you were unable to prevent that, and I don’t blame you for it.
Whatever it was that Discord did, Flare, for some reason, thought you were me and… made affectionate advances towards you.”

She took a deep breath and continued. “What I want to know is this… “WHY DID YOU KISS HIM BACK!?”

Flare put a hoof up to stop Twilight from leaping across the table to strangle her friend. “Calm down, Twi-“

“No, Flare… it’s alright.” Rainbow Dash hung her head. “She has a good reason to be mad, and right now, I really don’t deserve to be called her friend.” When she looked back up, her face had tears streaming down it. “But it’s not fair!”

This was a reaction that Twilight wasn’t expecting. “Wait, fair? What’s not fair?”

“OH! I don’t know,” Rainbow replied sarcastically. “Maybe that you’re the Princess’s prized student, maybe it’s because you come from a noble family, maybe it’s because when the day needs to be saved, you’re always the one to do it.”

Rainbow’s eyes narrowed and she glared at Twilight, “Or maybe it’s because after all that, you still get the stallion of your dreams and get a happily ever after!”

Twilight took a step back, as anger welled up inside her. Rainbow Dash was making her out to be some spoiled, rich brat. “Take that back!” she growled.

“Or you’ll do what?” Rainbow goaded, “Will you make me? Will you tell the Princess to put me in the corner or something?”

Twilight’s horn suddenly flashed to life and Flare decided that now was a good time to jump in.

Hopefully he’d live long enough to see tomorrow.

“That’s enough!” he slammed both hooves on the table, causing it to shake. “Both of you need to calm down!”

“Then tell your pet princess to back off!” Rainbow yelled.

“Careful ‘Rainbow Crash’,” Twilight shot back. “Your stiff wings are showing!”

The tabletop suddenly exploded in flames, causing both mares to yelp in surprise and back away.

“ENOUGH!!” Flare yelled, and the mares fell silent. The calming spell Celestia had put on him had worn off. “Listen to yourselves, resorting to name-calling now?” Twilight realised what she had said to the pony she called a friend and hung her head in shame. Rainbow Dash also realised that she may have gotten a tad overzealous.

He took a deep breath (which sounded more like a growl) and then sighed. “Dash, I am curious… why did you not stop me before?”

Rainbow Dash mumbled something, and Twilight was about to say something, but Flare put a hoof in her mouth to stop her. “You need to speak up, and you,” he gave Twilight a warning stare, “you need to calm down and listen.”

“It’s because…” Rainbow was bright red now, and her eyes refused to focus, “It’s because… I’m in love with you!”

She started to cry again, as she launched herself across the smouldering table and suddenly hugged Twilight. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to do that with him, it’s just that (hic), well I was hoping that (hic),” She tried to talk in between the sobs and now she’d begun to hiccup too. “I was hoping that he’d fallen for me too!”

Twilight was silent as she processed all that. “Look, what you did-“

“I know (hic), what I did was wrong.” Rainbow Dash started to calm down, but refused to let Twilight go. “But he’s the first stallion that, that wasn’t afraid of me.”

“Afraid of you?” Twilight pushed her back so she could look her in the eyes. “Why would a stallion be afraid of you?”

“Oh, No real reason,” Rainbow sniffed and rubbed the tears from her eyes. “Apparently stallions don’t like it when a mare is stronger than them, or more athletic than them. A stallion apparently can’t ‘handle’ a mare like me, I’m simply too much. Despite that fact that biology proves otherwise, I’m not feminine enough!”

Twilight frowned, “Well that sounds… dumb.”

“And yet, because I’m not graceful, like Fluttershy, or beautiful, like Rarity…” She looked down at the ground. “Or smart, like you… stallions just don’t want to be with me.” Luna-dammit, she was starting to cry again… totally not cool at all. “But Flare, he doesn’t care about any of that, that I’m strong, or fast, or kinda stupid.”

“You’re not stupid!” Twilight hugged her friend, as her own tears started to fall. “And you are beautiful, and graceful, and you’re smart too! Don’t ever tell yourself otherwise!”

Rainbow nodded and continued, “Flare can keep up with a pony like me, when he smiles at me, it’s like a ray of sunshine. And Sweet Celestia, those flanks of his are-“

“Drifting off topic,” Twilight warned.

“A-anyway, what I did was still wrong, and I’m gonna find a way to make it up to both of you. I promise… no, Pinkie-Promise that I will make it up to you.” She looked to the stallion, who had his own head turned away so the mares couldn’t see the tears in his eyes. “And I won’t ever do anything like this again. I’m your friend first and foremost Twi, and what I did was disloyal and waaay uncool.”

“I wish,” Twilight said quietly. “I wish that you had just spoken up sooner, before it came to all of this.” She let Rainbow go and looked her right in the eye, “I’m still plenty mad, but you’re my friend. We could have talked this out much sooner and tried to help somehow.”

“Help how?” Rainbow laughed and then coughed, her throat was dry and scratchy from all the crying. “Does Flare have a brother or something?”

“I have several, actually,” Flare pointed out as he ducked into the kitchen and brought out a pitcher of water. “But they’re all much older than me... and in another dimension.”

“Figures,” Rainbow muttered.

There was a knock at the door, and after Rainbow and Twilight regained some composure, Flare let the guest in.

“Princess Celestia?!”

“Hello, Twilight,” Celestia greeted, nuzzling her student. She looked around the room and noticed several things. First, the table was smouldering. Second, both mares seemed to have been crying quite a bit. Third, all three ponies still seemed to be in one piece. Looks like Discord owed her ten bits.

“So I take it that the talk went well?”

Twilight nodded slowly and looked back to Rainbow and Flare. “No physical harm was done in the end, so I guess it’s alright…” She looked to Dash. “We cool?”

“Frosty,” Rainbow smiled and bumped hooves with her unicorn friend. “And I guess I owe you an apology too, Flare.”

“It’s alright, I’m not mad at you.” Flare gave her a brief hug.

“All of this over a simple kiss,” Celestia sighed. “You can be quite dramatic sometimes, my faithful student.”

“Just a kiss?!” Twilight steamed. “What would you do if he kissed Luna?”

Celestia smiled and Twilight felt her blood freeze. That smile indicated that Twilight had stepped on a landmine, and it was not going to end well.

“Well, my dear student,” Celestia leaned down so they were face-to-face. “If Flare was keeping my sister company, then I would be quite lonely…” She drew a hoof along Twilight face as she leaned closer. “And since Flare would be occupied, I imagine you would be quite lonely too.” Her muzzle was inches away from Twilight’s as the unicorn began to pant slightly, her blush reaching the tips of her ears. “Perhaps you and I could do something about that?”

“I-um-oh-uh” Twilight failed to produce a coherent sentence as she struggled not to pass out on the spot.

“Time to pay you back for that little report of yours,” Celestia smirked. Oh, speaking of that…

“Perhaps we could ‘study’ your new line of research?” she suggested, her voice husky and sensual. “I believe an all-night study session with practical applications would be most…” she dropped her voice even more as she blew lightly in Twilight’s ear, “Enjoyable.”

That did it, Twilight sighed and fainted on the spot.

“Perhaps I took it a tad too far?” Celestia wondered aloud. She suddenly remembered that other ponies were present and looked to Rainbow Dash and Flare. Rainbow’s wings were as stiff as a board and Flare gulped loudly.

“Um, you can continue if you want.” Flare said slowly as memories of that dream from the other night resurfaced. “Cause that was really hot!”

“Agreed!” Rainbow voiced.

Celestia just sighed and smiled.

***

Sometime later, the four ponies sat in the library, sharing a salad lunch that Celestia herself had whipped up. The table had been restored by Celestia’s magic, and now they enjoyed some pleasant conversation.

“So what do the two of you have planned for the rest of Flare’s vacation?” Celestia asked.

“Well, we were planning on visiting the Crystal Empire tomorrow…” Twilight began, before remembering something important. “Wait, Sparkler gets back from Canterlot tomorrow.”

“Well, about this idea then?” Celestia spoke up. “Why don’t the two of you, as well as Spike, come to Canterlot tonight, meet with Miss Sparkler, and then you can all go to the Crystal Empire tomorrow?”

“That’s… a good idea.” Twilight replied and Celestia frowned.

“Don’t sound so surprised, my dear student,” she deadpanned.

Twilight poked her tongue out in cheek and Flare laughed. “You two really are alike, huh?” That earned him a glare from both mares and he smiled sheepishly.

The door to the library swung open and Spike waddled in, his stomach was bloated from all the ice-cream he had eaten. “Hey, the Princess is here?”

“Get your things ready, Spike,” Twilight said, laughing. “We’re going to Canterlot tonight, and then to the Crystal Empire tomorrow.”

“The Crystal Empire?!” Spike’s stomach ache was forgotten as he ran upstairs. He loved the Crystal Empire… everything there looked so... delicious.

“Well guys, guess I’ll see you later then?” Rainbow Dash stood up after excusing herself from the table.

“Why don’t you come with us?” Twilight suggested. Despite what had been said, there was an obvious rift between them now, and Twilight wanted to fix it.

“Naw, I’d just be in the way… besides, I have a lot of weather work here in Ponyville to do.” “And some very interesting stories I want to write down.”

“Well alright, see you later then?”

“Sure!” Rainbow Dash gave a polite nod to the Princess and Flare and took off.

“I’ll go help Spike and pack my own stuff,” Flare said and also left the room, leaving the student and teacher alone.

“So, do we need to have a little chat?” Celestia said, sipping her tea.
Twilight shook her head. “This is something I think I can solve on my own… thank you though.”

“She’s growing up fast,” Celestia thought as she finished her tea. “It shouldn’t be too much longer now.”

***

Arceus floated there, in his own personal dimension, his mind surveying the world he had created and all the creatures that inhabited it. His thoughts occasionally wandered to another plane though, where a cream-coated unicorn was living out his new life.

It was because of that tranquil concentration that he never saw the attack coming. One that caused him to cry out in pain as the dark magicks bound his body and prevented him from using his powers.

“You know, I honestly didn’t expect this to go quite that easily.” Arceus opened one eye to look towards the source of the voice, the one that he had thought to be long gone, never to return.

“Darkrai…”

The Pitch-Black Pokémon floated in front of him, his blue eyes focused on the god Pokémon.

“Hello, ‘Lord’ Arceus, it’s been what, a thousand years? How time flies.”

Darkrai needed to be stopped; no Pokémon was more dangerous. But try as he might, Arceus couldn’t do anything. The magic that bound him was powerful.

“Heh, to think, it’s all thanks to a little Ponyta that I discovered your weakness to magic… how utterly pathetic.”

“You will not get away with this, Darkrai. You failed once, and you will do so again!”

Darkrai loomed closer as his hand charged another spell. “Yes, I failed once… a slight oversight on my behalf. But I have plans this time… countermeasures for those ‘Elements of Harmony’.”

He raised his hand and a large magic circle appeared. “I just have to get rid of those who would interfere, and you and that hybrid pony/Pokémon are at the top of that list.”

“You will fail.” Arceus’s ring glowed as the seal weakend for just a moment, but the attack he fired at Darkrai missed by mere inches, and sailed off into the void.

Darkrai sighed as he completed the sealing spell. “Yes, yes, you’ve said that already, and it’s getting old. Goodbye, Arceus.”

He unleashed the spell, and every Pokémon, across all worlds, suddenly felt a great sense of dread… though none of them knew why.

Extra Story: Games Ponies Play.

Author's Note

First of all, I'd like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas. I pray that good health and fond memories follow each and every one of you this year and into the next.

Extra Story: Games Ponies Play.

Extra Story – Games Ponies Play.

Luna had been running the Day Court while Celestia had been busy with the Summit and dealing with her little ‘Discord Project’. Court had been dreadfully boring, and Princess Luna was getting antsy as she sat upon the throne, staring irritably at the empty audience hall.

“Can somepony explain why nopony is here!?” Luna’s hoof tapped against the marble as she stared at the members of her sister’s guard.

“Well, that is to say…” None of the guards present wanted to say that the moment the waiting nobles had found out that Luna sat upon the throne, instead of her sister, most of them had turned tail and ran.

“T’would seem that this was an effort in futility…” Luna fluffed her wings and sighed, “I wonder when Tia will return.”

There was movement from the shadows, and one of Luna’s guard appeared, causing Celestia’s to flinch. Why Princess Luna had instructed her guards in the shadow artes was beyond them.

“Mistress, the preparations for tonight are set.”

A small smile crossed her face as her eyes sparkled. “Excellent. Months of training and planning are finally coming to fruition.” Her mood was already becoming better as her thoughts wandered. “A little bloodshed is just what I need after a day like today.”

Celestia’s guards were sweating cinderblocks now. What was Princess Luna planning? Was she attempting to take over Equestria again? He glanced out a window, towards Ponyville. “Please hurry, Princess Celestia!”

***

Night had fallen, and Princess Celestia had returned, along with her assorted guests.

Luna paid no heed to Discord, even as he ignored the salad that the chefs had reluctantly brought him and ate the plate instead. Her mind was entirely on the campaign tonight and the chance to blow off some steam.

Flare saw that Luna seemed distracted for some reason. In fact, ever since Virizion and Keldeo left she had seemed… out of sorts.

“Is everything alright, Luna?” He might as well get to the heart of the matter.

Luna flinched as she realised she was zoning out. “Wha? Oh, uh. Yes. Everything is fine…”

Discord looked at the ponies present as the gears in his head ticked away. One could actually hear a faint ticking noise from his head. A wide smirk crossed his face as he began to realise the fun that could be had here.

“You know, I don’t really get it,” he suddenly announced out loud.

Twilight sighed and put her cutlery down. “I know I’m going to regret this,” she muttered, “but what don’t you understand, Discord?”

“Why all three of you have the hots for that guy,” he replied, pointing at Flare.

Twilight just stared as Luna mumbled incoherently, hiding behind her mane. Celestia’s reaction was the most dramatic, as she spat the water she was currently sipping across the table. Flare just blushed a little and sat a bit closer to Twilight.

“W-w-what the hay are you talking about, Discord!?” Celestia coughed. “Just where did you get that idea?”

“Well, it looks pretty obvious to me,” Discord shrugged. “I just don’t get it though, is he like, the greatest lover of all time? Or did he save some kittens from a fire or something?” Discord thought hard for a moment. “Oh, I have it! He totally got all three of you pregnant!”

This time it was Twilight’s turn to impersonate a fountain before turning her rage-filled glare to Discord. “So help me, Discord, if I have to use the Elements on you, I will.”

Discord laughed, teleporting behind Twilight and patting the enraged unicorn on the head. “Oh, calm down, I’m just having a bit of fun. Since I can’t be evil anymore, I have to get my chuckles from somewhere…” He gave another smirk as he looked at the three mares. “Unless you want me to go back to being evil again?”

Twilight regained her composure as she cleaned up the spilt drink with a napkin. “I’ll tell Fluttershy,” she simply replied and Discord returned to his seat.

“I’ll be good.”

After dinner, Celestia walked past the throne room and noticed two of her new guards looking a little concerned.

“Whatever is wrong, my little ponies?”

One of the guards looked left and right and leaned in close. “Your majesty... It’s- it’s about Princess Luna. She was saying things to those odd guards of hers during the Day Court... dangerous things... We thought nothing of them at first, but when she speaks of blood shedding and raids... we just don’t know what to think.”

Celestia blinked for a moment, surely Luna wasn’t becoming Night- Oh, wait a moment!

“What day is it again?” she asked her guard politely.

“Um, Tuesday?”

Thank Faust. “Oh, then don’t worry about it, have the kitchens send pizza and soda to Luna’s bedchambers, please.”

The guards looked really confused, but saluted nonetheless. Orders were orders.

***

It was ready. At long last, Princess Luna could begin the campaign.

There was one small problem however…

“Where is Lestat?” she asked the others, two more of her personal guard.

“Last minute change in the roster,” replied Deshwitat. “Seems that a few of the solar guard came down with the feather flu; some of our guys had to fill in.”

“But tonight was supposed to be the temple raid!” the other guard, Alucard, exclaimed.
Luna looked disappointed as well. She had been through a rough day and wanted to do this campaign so bad. She had spent ages creating it and getting it right. First they had lost Shining Armor when he moved away to the Crystal Empire, and now Lestat was temporarily conscripted into the Solar Guard.

Then an idea hit her, and her eyes lit up once more. “Fear not, my stallions, for I may have a solution!”

A few moments later, Flare Blitz and Twilight Sparkle found themselves sitting at a large table in Luna’s bedroom. The table was littered with thick books, sheets of paper that had names and numbers on them, and a plethora of snacks and beverages.

“Luna?” Flare looked at one of the pieces of paper in front of him. It read:

Player – Flare Blitz
Name – Aerin Skyheart
Race – Pegasus/Dragon Hybrid
Job Class – Sky Paladin
Alignment – Chaotic Good
Stats:
Level - 5
HP - 15
MP – 5
Strength - 18
Intelligence - 7
Dexterity - 9
Charisma - 16

The second sheet had a list of skills and techniques, and the third seemed to be an inventory.

“What the heck is all of this?” The ponymon asked, looking a bit confused. The response came not from the alicorn princess, but rather from his marefriend.

“This is Oubliettes and Ogres!” Twilight scanned her character sheet and saw that it was the unicorn sorcerer that she liked to play as. “I didn’t know you played this game, Luna!”

“It has become somewhat of a guilty pleasure ever since my return,” Luna explained. “It was your brother, Shining Armor, who showed me how to play.”

“And here I thought he stopped playing after he entered the Guard…” Twilight herself hadn’t played in years, but had always meant to do so. It didn’t seem like something her friends would be too interested in, though. “So I take it that you need some help, then?”

“Verily!” Desh responded. “We are going to explore ‘The Anvil of Time’, a temple hidden in-between the fabrics of time and space!”

“Unfortunately,” Luna added, “we have lost our priest for the time being, and ever since Shining Armor left us, we have sorely lacked a physical sweeper.” She motioned to the sheets in front of Flare. “I thought that this might be something that Flare would enjoy, so I made a character sheet for him a while ago...”

Flare just stared blankly, as the words floating around the table made no sense. “So… I still don’t get what this is. Some kind of combat simulator?”

“In a sense,” Twilight replied. “It’s a game, one where you role-play a character in a fantasy setting. Your character is a pegasus with dragon attributes: higher physical strength, resistance to heat, and night vision.”

Flare looked at his character sheet and nodded, that much he understood at least. “So like a more complex version of the game we played last night?”

Luna suddenly looked at the purple unicorn as she turned a stunning shade of red. “Um, sort of…?”

“So does that mean we have to-?”

“ABSOLUTELY NOT!” Twilight yelled, her voice echoing in the huge room. The weather effects on the ceiling shifted to a thunderstorm, with thunder rumbling in the distance.

Luna glanced towards her bedside table, where a copy of Twilight’s latest ‘Friendship Report’ was carefully hidden away.

“Well, I think we should get started then?” Desh offered to change the subject, wondering exactly what the two unicorns were talking about.

“We don’t have all night!” Alucard nodded, and a small smile crossed Luna’s face.

“Well, I can fix that easily enough,” she giggled, and everypony turned to stare at her.

“Luna,” Twilight deadpanned, “no abusing alicorn powers and creating an eternal night just to play tabletop games.”

Luna pouted and set up her GM screen. “I was only kidding…”

Preparations were made, and the party was finally ready to get underway. Twilight took a look at the board and noticed a lack of miniature figures, ones needed to play the game. She didn’t get to mention it though, as Princess Luna’s horn began to glow, and everypony suddenly felt very tired.

“Lu…na…?” Twilight couldn’t even finish her sentence before sleep claimed her, and she, along with everypony else, was soon snoring peacefully.

~~~

“Twilight? Wake up, Twilight!”

Twilight groaned and slowly opened her eyes. “Flare? What’s going… on…?”

Twilight could not believe what she was seeing. A village straight out of a story book was spread out before her. Ponies and fairy tale creatures of all kinds were wandering about, just going about their lives.

“W-where are we?”

Flare shrugged, and for the first time since waking up, Twilight took a good look at him. He was wearing full-body armour, pale blue and silver in colour. Creamy wings sprouted from his back, which twitched every now and then, and nestled under his right wing was a sword and its sheathe. More oddy, were the curved horns sprouting from his head, and when he suddenly sneezed, a small flame from his mouth.

“Flare? Honey? What’s with the armour… and the wings?”

Flare shrugged again and cast a curious glance her way. “I could say the same to you, Fairy.”
Twilight looked down to see that she was clad in a deep navy-blue cloak that was speckled with shimmering stars. They were even technically accurate!

“We were just in Luna’s room, about to play a game… what’s going on here?”

The crowd suddenly thinned out as three ponies made their way towards Flare and Twilight. The first was a unicorn, clad in dark robes that had a black mist seeping out from beneath them. Glowing red eyes could be seen from beneath the hood, and he made nary a sound.

The second was an earth pony with long, pointed ears. He was wearing a thin cloth tunic with several bandoliers with dozens of small pouches attached to them. Attached to his hooves was a set of flick blades that would extend when the hoof was bent a certain way.

The third took Flare’s breath away, and even Twilight let out a little gasp. She was a tall earth pony with a lean, muscular form. She had a dark blue coat and a platinum silver mane, and a stunning silver spear was attached to her side.

The mare had a familiar face though, and Flare was the first to find his voice.

“Luna?”

The mare laughed and nodded, “Well of course, who else would it be?”

“Princess, what the heck is going on?” Twilight was on the verge of tears now. “I’m really confused.”

“Guess we should explain things then,” the rogue chuckled, and the ever silent necromancer nodded. Luna finished chuckling and waved a hoof, gesturing towards the town and their general surroundings.

“All of this is a Dreamscape that I created, just for the five of us.”

Flare looked around. “This is all a dream? It feels so real.” He tapped a hoof on the ground and could even feel the texture of the cobblestones underneath it.

“We couldn’t believe it when the Princess literally ‘dreamt’ this place up.” The rogue, now identified as Deshwitat, was almost bouncing up and down. “Our sessions have never been this awesome!”

“Your personality seems… different.” Flare noticed that the normally stoic guard was rather peppy now.

“Well of course; I’m not Deshwitat here. You can address me as Riven the Rogue.”

“Shade…” the necromancer, who must have been Alucard, responded.

Luna stepped forward. “And I am Athena, a Celestial Valkyrie! Might our new companions introduce themselves?”

Flare just blinked stupidly and stared at the trio. “Um, what?”

Twilight giggled and stepped forward, “What my tongue-tied partner is trying to say is that he is known as… Aerin Skyheart, the Sky Paladin.” Twilight bowed politely and smiled. “And I am Amethyst Star, Arch Mage of Etheria!”

“Well met then, Aerin Skyheart and Amethyst Star!” Athena patted them on the back and grinned widely. “So, shall we get under way? The Temple of Time awaits!”

Twilight pulled out a checklist and began to read it. “So we have everything then? Weapons and armour? Spells and potions?”

“Indeed, many a night has been spent, just preparing for this adventure.” Riven could barely contain his excitement. This was gonna be epic!

“This is an adventure I have spent a great deal of time conjuring, and I have Flare to thank for inspiring several key points of this quest.”

“Me?” Flare had never spoken to Luna about a game like this, so what the heck was she talking about?

“You’ll see…”

“So how does this work?” Twilight asked. “I don’t see how we use dice or our reference sheets here.”

“A good question, Ms. Sparkle!” Luna responded. “Soon enough, our consciousness will separate. For example, Athena and Luna will be two separate ponies. Athena will not have any knowledge of the game world, and thus not have any spoiler information.” Twilight looked a bit concerned. Was magic that could fragment the mind safe? Especially for a game?

“Though fear not, once we wake, we will be our old selves and this game will simply feel like a lucid dream.” She paused for a moment. “As for fighting, your strengths and abilities will be determined by your stats and attributes, as well as your actual, real life skill with your weapon.”

Flare motioned towards the sword under his wing. “So how am I supposed to use this thing?”

“Grab the handle with your teeth and stick the enemies with the pointy end!” Desh offered some not-so-great advice.

“We’ll train you along the way,” Luna said. “I set your character’s background story to say that you are a new adventurer. So once we slip into our other personas, we will treat you as such.”

Soon enough, the magicks kicked in and everypony fell into character.

“Shall we depart?” Athena asked, shifting her spear from one shoulder to the other. “The Anvil of Time awaits!”

“Indeed, and I thank you for allowing my companion and me to accompany you,” Amethyst said. “‘Tis an honour to be in the presence of such fine adventurers.”

“Uh, what she said,” Flare added. Why was everypony acting so weird? Luna had said something about personalities and memories, but he didn’t feel any different. He knew that he was Flare Blitz and he knew he was playing some weird game.

“Are you okay, Sir Skyheart?” Amethyst asked him as they headed for the town gate.

Flare realised that Twilight was talking to him and he nodded. “Y-yeah, just fine.”

Amethyst nodded, but was still concerned. Aerin was new to the adventuring life, would he really be okay?

The group spent some time in the marketplace, buying food, potions, and other adventuring essentials. Before long, it was time to get underway, and the four heroes set off for the temple known as the ‘Anvil of Time’.

***

It wasn’t long after leaving the town that the group encountered their first battle: a large swarm of little slime-type creatures.

“Pah, a waste of time!” Shade snorted. “Let us be done with this nuisance!”

“Actually, I believe that this would be a good test to see our new companions in battle,”

Athena spoke up. “What say you, Lady Amethyst, Sir Aerin?”

“As you wish,” Amethyst replied. Her horn began to shine and she levitated her staff up in front of her. “The common slime is weak against magical attacks, so this shall be a quick fight.” The mage channelled an offensive spell and took aim at the cute, bouncing critters. “Take this! I cast Flare!”

A small barrage of fireballs shot towards the slimes, incinerating four of them. The other two evaded the attack and began to bounce their way towards Amethyst. There was no way Flare Blitz was going to let Twilight get hurt. He grabbed his sword with his teeth and ran towards the attacking monsters.

“HIYAA!” His first swing went completely over the top of the first slime, but his momentum carried him straight into the second, destroying it.

“Well, that’s one way to do it, I suppose...” Riven muttered.

The remaining slime was undeterred from it’s mission and tackled into Amethyst. The mare shrieked as the cold slime became tangled in her robes and she collapsed to the ground. “Ah, it’s cold- wait, no, not there! You can’t go in-”

That was all she got to say before Flare Blitz fished the slime out and stared at it with glowing, red eyes.

“Die,” He whispered in a calm, hollow tone and proceeded to pound the creature into inanimate paste with his bare hooves.

“And that’s another way to get it done,” Riven sighed.

Amethyst pouted as she wiped the residual slime from her robes. “That was gross.”

“Are you okay, Twilight?” he said, helping the mare to her hooves.

“Twilight?” Amethyst suddenly blushed as Aerin dragged up that old nickname of hers. “Y-yeah, I’m fine!”

Athena watched the adorable little scene and smiled. Perhaps there was some budding romance with her new friends?

A feeling of euphoria came over Flare. "What..what is this? I feel so good."

"You just gained some experience points, my friend.” Riven explained. “That's what happens when you kill enemies.”

"Hmmm...I like these experience points. I want more!" Flare looked around to see if there were any other monsters were in sight. Much to his dismay, there were not.

“There will be many more where they came from,” Athena explained as they continued their trek. Amethyst cast a cleansing spell on herself and her outfit before continuing.

As they walked and fought more small skirmishes, Riven noticed something that bothered him. “Sir Aerin, you are a Sky Paladin, no?”

“I guess...” Was that what he was called? Flare didn’t take much time to read that sheet of paper before all of this started.

“Well then, why do you not utilise your wings in combat?”

Flare looked at his sides and remembered that he had wings now. But after a certain incident with the CMC, heights and being in the air didn’t appeal much to him. “Well, that is... uhh...”

“He’s scared of heights,” Shade’s observation was just a guess, but it was a spot on guess. Flare’s silence confirmed it for the rest of the group.

“Seriously? A pegasus who’s scared of heights!?” This was too much for the rouge, and Riven broke down into a fit of laughter.

“It’s not that funny!” Amethyst said. “He’s had a traumatic experience and it’s perfectly understandable.”

“We do not condone disrespect against our companions, Riven.” Athena’s words caused the rouge to instantly fall silent. Athena was a mare who you did not want to anger.

“My apologies, Sir Aerin.”

Flare nodded, but said nothing. His fear of height was embarrassing, but since he lacked wings in the waking world, it was something he could get away with. Why the heck was he a pegasus here anyway?

“Look alive!” Athena spoke up. “We have arrived!”

Flare looked past her to see a massive castle-like structure just ahead of them. It looked old, with moss and vines coating the outside of the building. There were two towers on either side of the structure, with a large, arch-shaped door in the centre. A colourful stained glass window sat above the door, and despite the dilapidated condition of the building, the window was in pristine condition.

“So this is it?” Amethyst asked. “The Anvil of Time?”

“Neigh, fair Lady,” Athena responded. “This is just the temple that houses the artifact. Nopony knows what the Anvil actually looks like.”

“So how do you know it’s here?” Flare asked. “This could be any old temple.”

Athena smiled and pointed at the ruin. “Watch and see.”

There was a moment of silence as Flare stared at the temple, waiting for ‘something’ to happen. “I don’t see anything-”

No sooner had the words left his mouth, than the air around the temple shimmered and it suddenly looked brand new. The stonework looked freshly carved and metal door gleamed with fresh polish.

“We must hurry, the temple can only be entered while in this state!” Athena rushed forward with Shade and Riven hot on her tail. Flare blinked for a moment, wondering what the hell was going on, and after Amethyst ran after them, he quickly followed suit.

The interior of the castle defied all belief, and almost everypony present did a double take. The castle was a hundred times bigger on the inside, with large crystalline structures and, most notably, some odd letter-shaped creatures floating about.

“What are those? Are they dangerous?” Riven started throwing around spot-checks for things to steal.

Amethyst cast a spell to identify the creatures, having a perk in Bestiary Knowledge, but miscast and failed the check.

“I do not know,” she replied. “I have never seen, nor read about, these creatures in my life.”

“Unown,” Flare whispered, watching the letter-shaped pokemon flit about, doing Arceus-knows-what.

“Unown?” Amethyst turned to Aerin, wondering how the battle-happy friend of hers knew what they were. “How do you know?”

Oh, right, they didn’t know who they were... “C’mon Flare, think of something... something Twilight would buy...”

“I, uh, read it in a book?” He said with a degree of uncertainty.

“Not one that I’ve read,” Amethyst pouted. “You’ll show me when we get home, yes?”

Um, sure.” Flare breathed a sigh of relief. This role play stuff was hard.

The Unown paid no attention to the adventures and continued to float about, chittering noisily as they altered the crystals around them, tearing down crystal towers and rebuilding them elsewhere. Corridors shifted, rotated, and disappeared entirely.

“Well, this should be fun,” Shade snarked. “A map for this place would be useless.”

“And I can’t break these crystals,” Riven pouted as he put away his diamond-tipped pickaxe. “So much for selling them.”

“So what do we do?” Amethyst asked. “The Anvil could be anywhere.”

Riven thought for a moment. “Perhaps we should split up? These shifting passages could be difficult to move through as a group.”

“But splitting up could be a very bad idea, we know not what roams these halls!” Athena made a valid point. If there were Pokémon here, then anything could happen.

“We have seen nothing dangerous so far,” Shade said. “And these letter-shaped creatures seem to be fine with just editing the environment. They seem perfectly harmless.”

“I vote for sticking together,” Amethyst agreed with Athena. “This temple is a mystery; who knows what will happen.”

“T’would seem that the deciding vote goes to you, Sir Aerin.” Athena looked at Flare Blitz. Splitting up was a good idea, they could cover more ground faster and find the Anvil. But staying together was also a logical choice. Flare was still green when it came to battle, and he didn’t want to leave Twilight on her own.

“Well... I don’t really know what we should do...” The Unown suddenly chirped loudly and large crystal walls erupted up out of the ground, separating the five adventurers into smaller groups. Flare and Athena had been separated off to one side, while Amethyst and Shade were on the other. Riven had performed a trap evasion, and was now on his own in the crystal temple.

“Can anypony hear me?” Flare called out. Twi-Amethyst! Shade? Riven!?”

There was no response and Athena knocked on the walls. “T’would seem that these walls are soundproof.”

“So what do we do then?” Flare said, worried about Twilight. What happens if you get hurt here? Do you get hurt in the real world?

“Mayhaps we should just find the Anvil? We might meet the others there too!”

Flare nodded and followed the valkyrie deeper into the complex. “Be safe, Twilight.”

***

“So do you think the others are alright?” Amethyst spoke up to Shade, but the Necromancer remained as silent as always.. It was starting to get awkward, and a little bit creepy.

“They should be fine,” he finally replied. His hood dropped a bit lower and he continued to walk a little ahead of the unicorn. There was no way in Tartarus that he was going to allow her to see his brightly blushing face. “Of all the ponies, why did I get stuck with the cutest one?”

“Hey, Shade, I think I see something up ahead!” Amethyst suddenly dashed past him, giving him a good view of her fine figure as she did, and up to the end of the corridor. “Oh, my... Shade, you have to see this!”

***

As Flare and Athena continued to trek through the shifting crystal corridors, the earth pony mare decided to strike up some idle conversation.

“So how did you and Lady Amethyst meet?” She asked him. “You seem like good friends.”

Flare had to think for a second. How was this going to work? “After literally crashing into her home town, Amethyst took care of me.” Not entirely false. “We become closer after that and once I had permission from my Lord, I decided to stay with her.”

“How romantic~” Athena sighed. “So are the two of you... are you...?”

“I’d like to think so,” Flare said, getting the general idea of what Athena was asking. “I really should ask her though...”

They turned another corner and a bright light could be seen at the end of the tunnel. “A way out?” Flare and Athena dashed for the exit, hoping the Unown wouldn’t make a last minute change. The second they exited the hallway, it sealed up behind them.

“That was close,” Flare sighed as he picked himself up. “Are you okay, Luna?”

“Luna?” Athena gave him a quizzical look. “Who is Luna?”

Flare mentally slapped himself, this was annoying. Why didn’t the spell work on him? “Sorry, you remind me of somepony I know.”

“This ‘Luna’ you speak of?” Athena picked up her spear.

“Yeah, she’s a lot different though, she’s kinda shy and doesn’t seem to make friends easily. But she’s cute~”

“Who’s cute?” An irate voice from behind him spoke. Flare turned to see Amethyst and Shade standing there. “Twilight? I mean, dammit. Ah wait, no-” Flare fumbled around his words until Amethyst hit with with a lightning spell.

“It’s nice to see you too!” She grumbled. “And how fair you, Lady Athena?”

“Better than Sir Aerin, t’would seem.” Athena looked around the room, to see where they had ended up. Her breath was suddenly caught in her chest as she laid eyes on the centre of the room and the object that occupied the space.

The ponies sat upon a circular platform, suspended in midair around an enormous, crystal hourglass. The hourglass itself was hundreds of hooves tall; the sand contained within it was flowing upwards, defying gravity. Athena peered over the edge, but a glowing light coming from below was all she could see.

“Is this... the Anvil of Time?” she asked nopony in particular.

“If it is... getting it out of here is quite the tall order,” Amethyst responded.

“And what of Riven?” Shade asked. “We have yet to come across him.”

Athena was still entranced with the Anvil of Time. “Well, we all made it here without incident, so perhaps he shall do so as well?”

The whole room began to shake, and two glowing orbs of light appeared in front of the Anvil.

“INTRUDERS!!” The pink orb vibrated.

“DESTROY THE INTRUDERS!!” The blue orb sounded, and multiple doors opened around the ring they were standing on. Creatures began to emerge from them, draped in rotting armour and wielding rusted weapons.

“ALL INTRUDERS WILL BE DESTROYED.” Both orbs reverberated.

“Well, now we know why nopony has ever returned from this place,” Athena said, eyeing the zomponies. “And t’would seem we are to join their ranks.”

“Not on my watch!” Shade hissed in a low tone. He called forth the dark magicks that he possessed and summoned his own undead. Skeletal ponies clashed with the zomponies; body parts were flung all over the place. It was rather messy, and Flare just wanted to throw up.

Amethyst began to cast her fire magic, stopping the zomponies from regenerating. Suddenly, another passage opened right next to her and a new flood of the undead poured through. Amethyst turned to face the hoard, but there were too many. She would never defeat them all in time. Amethyst closed her eyes, bracing for her end…

But it never came.

She opened her eyes to see multiple corpses with arrows piercing their heads. Riven leapt down from a ledge above her, sealing the fate of two more with his hidden blades.

“Can’t have the cute one getting eaten by zomponies now, can we?” He flashed a roguish grin, and Amethyst felt her heart skip a beat.

Flare dispatched two more and looked over to where Twilight was, only to see her staring dreamily at Riven.

“What the-?” Two more undead attacked him, only to be killed by Athena. A single swipe of her spear knocked half a dozen of them off the edge, plummeting to their doom below.

“Be on guard, Aerin, there are too many to allow for distractions!”

Flare growled and suddenly gave a zompony a hard buck, sending the hapless corpse sailing across the room and splattering against the far wall, narrowly missing Riven.

“Drat,” Flare cursed. “I missed…”

Athena just shook her head and continued her assault. Shade’s skeletons were vastly outnumbered by the zompony horde, but Shade was able to bring them back… The zombies could not, thanks to Amethyst’s magic incinerating their carcases. Shade attempted to turn the zomponies to their side, or find the source of the magic that summoned them. The check failed though, something was interfering with his scans...

After what seemed like an eternity, the undead were finally defeated, and the five heroes stood triumphant.

“How do ya like them apples?” Flare taunted the two orbs.

“SUCH INSOLENCE!” The pink one roared.

“YOUR DESTRUCTION IS STILL AT HAND!” The blue one reverberated.

Two arrows launched from Riven’s bow shattered the balls of light, and the room fell into silence.

“And that’s how it’s done,” Riven smirked. The smirk soon disappeared as the whole structure began to shake violently.

“I think that may not have been a wise choice,” Amethyst said, struggling to stay on her hooves. The constant spellcasting had left her feeling drained, and she needed to rest.

All the corridors around the crystal ring closed, sealing the five ponies inside with the Anvil.

“And there goes our way out,” Flare groaned. “Anypony got any ideas?”

There was nothing but silence; it would seem that the fate of the group had been decided.

Amethyst tried to use a teleport spell, but it failed to form properly. Athena suddenly had a plan, a totally crazy plan that may or may not get them all killed. But since they were going to die anyhow…

“Let’s use the Anvil!”

Everypony suddenly forgot their oncoming demise and stared at Athena like she’d sprouted a second head.

“I’m serious,” Athena continued. “It is said that the Anvil controls the flow of time and space. Perhaps we can use it to escape our doom?”

Shade sighed, “That may be… but how does one even use the Anvil?”

Another moment of silence occurred and everypony was getting increasingly worried. The vibrations from the temple were getting stronger and it seemed like they only had a few more minutes.

“I guess I have little choice…” Riven walked up to the large hourglass and a holographic panel appeared.

“Riven?” Athena was confused. “What are you-?”

“No time right now…” Riven pressed a few buttons on the panel, and the sand in the glass began to shift and swirl. “I hope everypony is ready,” Riven warned. “The first jump can get a little bumpy.”

The Anvil began to hum loudly, and before anypony even had the chance to respond, they were engulfed in a bright light…

***

“Twilight!” Flare awoke with a start as he frantically looked around. The Anvil was nowhere to be seen, only the soft light illuminating Luna’s bedroom.

“Wait, what?”

The other four ponies began to stir and return to the waking world. Flare leaned over to the mare next to him and hugged her. “Thank Arceus you’re alright!”

Twilight rubbed her eyes and yawned, “What a weird dream…” The memories suddenly came flooding back and Twilight realised what had just transpired. “Whoa! That was… something.”

Luna stretched and yawned. It had been an intense Dreamscape, and had cost a lot of her magic to maintain. “An unexpected ending; I thought that campaign would last a tad longer…”

“It was fun though,” Deshwitat grinned. “Bet you all never saw that ending coming.”

“What was that all about?” Alucard said. “Just what did Riven do?”

Luna smiled as she began to pack away her books and reference sheets. “You’ll have to wait for the next session to find out~”

Alucard glowered, but some suspense just made it all the better. He hated that Deshwitat knew what was coming though. “So will Lady Sparkle and Lord Blitz be joining us again?”

Luna looked to the two ponies in question. “I cannot say… what about you two? Do you want to play again sometime?”

Twilight nodded and smiled. “I’d love to, Luna, just be sure to give me some advance notice so I can work it into my schedule.”

Flare also nodded, “Sounds good. It was a bit strange at first and staying in character was really hard-”

“What do you mean?” Luna said, puzzled by that statement. “The Memory Spell should have done that.”

“It didn’t work,” Flare responded. “I knew I was Flare Blitz the whole time.”

Luna pondered on that for a moment. The spell should have worked on all types of ponies… Oh, right. Flare wasn’t entirely a pony.

“I think I know where it went wrong… give me some time to tweak it, and it should work next time.”

Flare nodded and looked down at his character sheet. “Mind if I borrow this? I’d like to learn a bit more about the character I’m supposed to be.”

Luna nodded, and Flare rolled up the paper and put it in his saddlebag. The large clock in Luna’s room chimed to signal that it was a quarter past one in the morning.

“I think it’s time we headed to bed,” Twilight yawned again. “We have a big day tomorrow… or later today to be accurate.”

Flare nodded, and after bidding goodnight to Luna, Alucard, and Deshwitat, they headed for the guest room. Twilight was too tired to teleport them to the observatory, and it was a bit far to walk this late at night.

“That was fun,” Flare said as they walked inside. “I certainly wasn’t expecting to dream the whole thing.”

“It surprised me too; I never thought Luna could use dreams like that.”

Flare thought for a second. “So how did Luna do that?” he asked. “Some kind of alicorn magic?”

“Sort of,” Twilight explained, jumping at the chance to educate a pony. “Princes Luna is the ruler of the night, raising and lowering the moon, creating the stars in the sky…”

“I know that much,” Flare said.

“But she can also enter the Dreamscape,” Twilight continued, ignoring the interruption. “It’s the realm where dreams and nightmares come from. I’m not too sure on the specifics myself, maybe I should interview her sometime, get a detailed explanation on what her magic can do, what powers she has over the Dreamscape?” Twilight began to ramble, going off on a tangent. “We’ve seen that she can control and even create dreams from scratch, but to what extent? Can she create nightmares too? Can she only visit one dream at a time? Or can she visit everypony at once? Is her power only limited to pony dreams?...”

“Can... she can see into others’ dreams?” Flare brow began to sweat as he realised something that might be very, very bad.

“Yes, I believe she can visit any dream… why?”

Flare’s face turned bright red and he flailed a hoof. “Oh, ah! Nothing. Never mind, ahhahaa…”

“Flare? You’re being weird… what did you dream about?” Twilight’s eyes narrowed and she took a few steps towards the doomed stallion.

“Um, nothing really?”

Twilight’s gaze didn’t let up as she stepped closer. “You’re a worse liar than Applejack. Now spit it out!”

“Well I may have had a dream involving you and Luna in maid outfits and I may or may not have done rather explicit things to the both of you…” Flare rattled off at a speed that Pinkie Pie would be proud of. Too bad Twilight was fluent in Pinkienese and understood every word.

“Me… and Princess Luna. In maid outfits?” Twilight’s glare was making Flare’s flight or fight instinct go into overdrive. Twilight’s magic was stronger and she could easily catch him if he ran. The ponymon was totally screwed.

“Um… yes?” There was no right answer for this, and Flare prepared to be teleported to the moon.

Twilight was oddly quiet for a moment, and then asked something that made Flare do a double take.

“So who was better?”

“…What?”

“Who was better? Me or Luna?” Twilight repeated.

Think, Flare Blitz, what answer won’t bring certain death to you? “Umm… I can’t remember?”

The bedroom door suddenly slammed shut and he found himself flung onto the bed.

“Then I guess I’d better remind you~” Twilight purred.

So much for a restful sleep…

Chapter Seven - Chaos Rising. Part One

Chapter Seven: Chaos Rising – Part One.

“And that’s pretty much everything up until this point.” Flare had finally finished his lengthy explanation of his life in Equestria, and had even told them about what happened before that—falling in love with Virizion, going to Alamos Town, his rival-like friendship with Sapphira…

But he had left something out, something that bugged Sparkler.

“What about that dark Pokémon that attacked you in Canterlot?” Her question caused him to flinch, an action that did not go unnoticed.

“What Pokémon?” Ashley asked, her voice filled with concern. “Who attacked you?”

He wanted to forget that. He wanted to forget that his life had almost ended, and so easily at that.

“I have trained hard for several months now… but it amounted to nothing! Darkrai beat me down with almost no effort!!” Just thinking about it infuriated him. It made him feel weak.

“But it doesn’t matter,” his voice suddenly dropped to an oddly calm tone. “Because Twilight and the others can just use the Elements of Harmony. Problem solved.”

Sparkler was stunned. Was this why Flare was acting strange? Was he scared to fight this ‘Darkrai’ character? And what about Twilight?

“And what?” Nova stepped forward, “Yer just gonna give up? Let yer mare handle all of yer problems!?”

“I…” Flare didn’t know how to respond. “Twilight and her friends have the Elements of Harmony; they’ll be fine!” If they could defeat a creature like Discord, then Darkrai shouldn’t pose any threat.

Right?

Flare turned and left the stables, leaving Sparkler, Lara, and his parents there. Ashley sighed; her son’s stubborn foolishness threatened to give her a headache.

“Miss Sparkler?” the Rapidash mare asked. “Could you perhaps tell us what that was all about?”

Sparkler shot one last glance towards the retreating Flare and nodded. “It happened yesterday… I think. I’m not sure how long we were out after arriving here.”

“How did you get here in the first place?” Supernova asked, but Sparkler raised a hoof to cut him off.

“That’s tied into my explanation as well…” Sparkler reached into her bag and retrieved a pair of glasses, but one look showed that the frame was bent and the lenses were cracked. “Tch! These were expensive too.” Putting them back, she went into lecture mode, another trait rubbed off onto her from her teacher.

“Flare was attacked by a very powerful creature while in the city of Canterlot, the capital city of Equestria. Our Princesses reside there, as do prominent noble families and our military. It was built roughly 850 years ago, when Princess Celestia abandoned the previous capital in the Everfree Forest after the banishment of Nightmare Moon…”

“Um, dear?” Ashley’s interjection went ignored completely as Sparkler continued.

“And so it was decided that a new capital should be built, and I still have no idea why they chose the side of a mountain…” Sparkler looked up and saw the others giving her odd looks. “Uh, was I going off-topic?”

“Just a bit, dear.” Ashley giggled, and Sparkler blushed with embarrassment.

“Where was I? Oh! Well, I had left the school where I was teaching early because I felt like surprising Flare and Twilight. I took a shortcut through the park and was quite surprised to see the whole area seal off just after I stepped inside. I heard something a bit deeper in and found Flare about to be killed by some dark creature, this ‘Darkrai,’ I’m assuming. So I tried to teleport Flare and myself out of there, but one of Darkrai’s attacks struck me as I cast it. I think that’s what caused us to arrive here.”

Nova just flicked an ear, having tuned out a few minutes ago. “So what yer sayin’ is that it was pure, dumb luck that y’all got here?”

“Pretty much,” Sparkler said, her head drooping. “I’m not sure I can even get Flare and myself home.” She looked over to the stable door. “That is, if Flare even wants to go home.”

***

Flare wandered the empty pastures. His mind couldn’t seem to settle down.

“What can I do, anyway? Darkrai beat me like it was nothing… some protector I turned out to be. Can’t even protect myself.”

He was so lost in thought that he never heard the incoming attack, which struck him hard and sent him careening across the field. His flight ended as abruptly as it started when he hit the ground hard.

He hissed in pain as he got up, wondering who had taken a shot at him this time. Had Darkrai followed him somehow? His heart raced as he shook his head and looked to where the attack had come from.

What he saw did not ease his rapidly beating heart.

Standing in the grass was one very, very pissed off Garchomp. A very familiar one.

“Flare Blitz…” Sapphira growled, taking a step towards him. “I am going to KILL YOU!!”

Flare got to his hooves and stood his ground. “Well… crap.”

***

Twilight had just finished penning the letter to her friends, requesting that they retrieve the Elements from her library and meet her in Canterlot. She headed out to the front of the palace, Spike riding on her back, where a messenger pegasus was waiting for her, when a sight caused her to do a double take.

Her five friends were trotting up to the castle, chatting animatedly amongst themselves.

“W-what are you all doing here!?” Twilight stammered, trotting up to them.

“Well that’s a fine howdy-doo!” Applejack replied. “Ya’ll invite us to Canterlot, and then greet us like that?”

“B-but, I-“

Rarity agreed with the farmpony. “Indeed. Though I thought that you’d be on your way to the Crystal Empire with Flare and Sparkler. That was your plan, was it not?”

“Well, yes, but I-”

Pinkie Pie giggled, “Did Flarey do something, like forget his toothbrush? Or maybe you were reading too much again and missed the train?”

“If you’ll just let me-“

Fluttershy spoke up this time. “Is everything alright? Did somepony get hurt?” she whispered.

“Well, sort of-“

Rainbow flapped her wings, they felt itchy after sitting on the train for so long. “Maybe Egghead Jr. still has stuff to do at the school-“

Twilight’s eye twitched and her horn flashed, suspending everypony in the air. “FOR THE LOVE OF CELESTIA, LET ME EXPLAIN!!” Spike covered his ears, being the closest to the royal outburst.

Rarity winced, “Alright, dear, no need to shout.”

“Explain what?” Rainbow said.

Twilight took a breath and lowered her friends to the ground. “For starters, you said I sent a letter?”

Rarity fished around in her saddlebags and produced a note.

My dear friends,

I request your assistance in Canterlot urgently.

Your friend,

Twilight Sparkle

“That’s it?” Twilight said, turning the note over to see if there was anything on the back. It was written in her hornwriting, but she never wrote such a note. So who…?

Rarity nodded, “We were hoping you could explain things to us. That note is awfully vague.”

“But I never sent this note!” Twilight’s statement caused everypony to look at her.

“Uh, what do ya mean?” Applejack suddenly had a sick feeling deep in her stomach.

Twilight produced another letter, one explaining why she wanted them in Canterlot. “Something really bad has happened, and I needed you girls and the Elements here in Canterlot!”

“But the Elements are still in your library.” Fluttershy’s response was one that Twilight was hoping not to hear. At this point, they might as well wear them all the time.

“Okay, no problem… We’ll just take the train back to Ponyville, get the Elements-“ An explosion from deeper in the city cut her off.

“Horseapples!”

***

As Sparkler, Ash, Nova, and Lara all came running from the barn, they saw Flare staring down a Garchomp.

“Okay, what the heck is that!?” Sparkler panicked. It looked really scary.

“It’s a Garchomp, tho I dunno whut it’d be doin’ round these parts,” Nova replied.

Sapphira roared, causing most of the Pokémon present to flinch. “Flare Blitz!! I’m going to rip you apart!”

“So you’ve said, but I’m still here!” Flare breathed a mental sigh of relief. It wasn’t Darkrai, just a very angry friend intent on pulverising him. This, he could at least deal with this… maybe.

“You won’t be for much longer!” Sapphira roared again and launched herself at Flare, her claws glowing with a powerful slash attack. Flare threw up a shield, but Sapphira shattered it with ease. “Tch, what the hell was that!?” she snarled.

“Magic!” Flare grinned as he tried to levitate Sapphira, holding her still with his power,
Sapphira just shrugged it off, causing Flare to recoil with the magical feedback.

“Looks like pussy power to me!” she retorted as sharp stones began to spin around her and she launched her Stone Edge attack. The rocks pelted Flare’s body, inflicting small wounds all over him and staining his coat with blood.

“Flare!” Sparkler began to rush forward, only to be stopped by Nova. “What? What are you-”

“Stay back; you could get hurt.”

“But Flare’s getting hurt!” Sparkler cried, lighting her horn and preparing to teleport.

“No, he’s gettin’ his butt whooped in a Pokémon battle!” Nova snorted and watched as Flare continued to get barraged by Stone Edge. “An ah didn’t raise him nor train him like this!”

Even Ashley just continued to watch, though she really wanted to give that Garchomp a spanking.

A battle!? This is just cruel!” Sparkler teleported over to him and blocked the rest of the attack with a shield.

“The hell is this?!” Sapphira yelled. “Is this your girlfriend?”

Flare got to his hooves, brushing past Sparkler. “Stand back; let me handle this.”

“But you’re hurt!” This was nuts. Was this how Flare lived his life here?

“Nothing an Oran Berry can’t fix.” Flare’s horn lit up as he began to draw in sunlight. “Alright, Sapphira, you asked for it!”

“And yet you can’t give it… Bet your girlfriend says that a lot too, huh?” Sapphira laughed and Flare growled.

“Try this! Solarbeam!” He fired the powerful grass attack, but Sapphira merely flew above it. Flare got a few seconds to realise that it didn’t work before she slammed into him with Dragon Rush.

“Ooh, that one looked like it hurt!” Lucy giggled, drawing the attention of the three equines.

“And you are?” Ashley asked sweetly.

The Pikachu thumped her chest. “I’m Lucy, and this is Velvet!” she motioned towards the Espeon, who bowed.

“Charmed,” he said with a polite tone.

Lucy nodded. “We’re with the dragon over there, the one beating our other friend into paste.”

“You’re friends of our son?” Nova asked.

“Yes,” Velvet responded. “Or rather, we were… His answers to our questions will determine the fate of that particular relationship.”

“And that Garchomp?” Ashley asked.

“That’s Sapphira… one of the nicest dragons you’ll ever come across. Well, unless you make her mad… which is really, really easy.”

Another explosion garnered their attention as Flare peppered the battlefield with a barrage of Flame Bursts.

“Is that all you’ve got? Some cheap little tricks?” Sapphira raised an arm to block a fireball, not even bothering to avoid it. That was the moment that Flare was waiting for. His body erupted into flames as he used Twilight Blaze.

The attack collided with Sapphira, sending the dragon skidding across the ground.

“Okay,” she huffed as she picked herself up. “That was a nice move; I’ll admit that much.”

Flare grinned, finally happy that the battle was going his way… until Sapphira opened her maw and fired a devastating Hyper Beam. Flare dodged to the right, but Sapphira swung her head around, bringing the destructive beam along with it. Flare could only watch as the energy engulfed him and exploded.

***

Twilight and the rest ran closer to the explosion, causing Rarity to wonder why.

“Why are we running closer to the explosions?” she decided to ask, but what awaited them was something they were not prepared for.

Black, crystalline creatures were attacking everything in sight. Walking on four legs, bearing a vague, centaur-like shape, they swung their large, scythe-like arms, destroying whatever they touched.

“What in tarnation are those things?” Applejack wondered as several turned their gaze towards the group.

“Uh, guys?” Rainbow Dash pointed at them. “They don’t have faces!”

“They’re golems, summoned artificial life forms!” Twilight had practiced golem summoning in the past, but not on this scale. There must have been dozens of them.

“Ah don’t care!” Applejack spun on her hooves, giving one a powerful buck. It staggered back, but didn’t appear to be fazed much beyond that.

“Uh, maybe magic?” she suggested, ducking its counter swipe.

Twilight fired a beam of magic, only to have it absorbed by one of them. Its body glowed a pale magenta for a few moments before the magic dispersed.

“They’re too hard to kick, and magic doesn’t work?” Rainbow buzzed past one, hitting with several precise hoof strikes, but that had no effect either. Spike tried his fire breath, but that too was absorbed and nullified.

The six mares (plus one dragon) soon found themselves surrounded.

“Any last words?” Rarity gave a nervous laugh, but that laugh faded when a voice called out from above.

“Shield your eyes!”

Everypony squeezed their eyes shut, barely stopping the blinding light searing through their eyelids.

Once the light died down, their eyes opened to reveal a scorched street and the shattered remains of dozens of Crystal Golems. Princess Celestia hovered above them, her horn still glowing with a golden light.

“Is everypony alright?” She landed a few metres from them as the group ran over to her.

“Yes, we’re fine…” Twilight responded, checking everyone for injuries. “But what were those things? Why are they attacking Canterlot?”

“Crystal Reavers,” Celestia said, looking around to see if they were alone. “Luna and I have fought them before.”

“Before?” Rarity brushed a charred crystal shard aside.

Celestia nodded, “It’s not safe here; let’s head to the castle.” A quick flash of her horn and the party found themselves in the throne room. A small contingent of soldiers was waiting for them, led by Captain Flash Sentry.

“Your Highness, the evacuation is going smoothly. A total of 55% of the citizens have been led to safety to the Vaults.”

Celestia nodded as she summoned a crystal from her throne, activating a holographic map of Canterlot. “We only fell under attack fifteen minutes ago… and we’re already pushed back as far as this?”

Celestia thought for a moment. The enemy had a greater number and was immune to all but the most powerful magicks. She looked back at Flash and issued new orders.

“Once the evacuation to the Vaults are complete, I want each platoon to have at least three Spell Knights. Have them stick to support only, shielding and healing the frontline soldiers!”

She called forth a messenger pegasus. “Fly as fast as you can to Cloudsdale.” She levitated a letter to him, which he placed in a carrier tube. “This letter contains the Wonderbolts’ Conscription Order; we’ll need their help to secure Canterlot airspace.”

“What of the Earth Division, Princess?” Flash asked her.

“Have them, along with the Kicker Clan, equipped in full Mythril Plate Armour and prepare for urban warfare.” Flash saluted and galloped from the room. Time was not on their side.

“What about us, Princess?” Twilight wanted to help too, but they had been powerless against those creatures.

“The Elements of Harmony are still in Ponyville, correct?”

“Yes, it would seem that somepony wanted us to leave them behind.” Rarity was mentally scolding herself for this. She knew that Twilight’s letter had sounded fishy, but chose to ignore it.

“I’ll have the fastest pegasi I have retrieve them, so for now-“

“That might be a problem,” Twilight interrupted. “Ever since the ‘Discord Incident’ I have kept them in an enchanted case… only the six of us and Spike can open it. It’s also magically weighted, so bringing the entire case is impossible.”

Why did her student have to be so thorough? Celestia almost thought of teleporting there herself, but Spike spoke up.

“I can go!”

Everypony turned to look at him. Spike flinched at the sudden attention, but held his ground. “I can get the Elements. Princess Celestia can teleport me there, and I’ll send a message once I have them, then she can teleport me back.”

Twilight was about to refuse, but Celestia leaned down so she could look Spike in the eye. “Are you sure? It could be dangerous.”

“It’s Ponyville,” Spike countered, flashing a nervous grin. “Dangerous is just a normal Wednesday for us.”

Celestia nodded, “Alright then. May the wind fill your wings, the earth guide your hooves and magic give you strength.” Celestia gave him the three old sayings for good luck, and with a bright flash of her horn, Spike was gone.

****

Spike had arrived in Ponyville, but something seemed… off.

The town was as quiet as Fluttershy’s naptime, and not a single pony could be seen.

“Okay… this is creepy.” Spike walked slowly through town, passing abandoned vendor carts at the marketplace. Produce, products, and even piles of bits still littered the stands. It was like everypony had just up and left, right in the middle of their shopping.

“Did everypony get evacuated from here too?” Spike wondered aloud. He passed a small pile of gems left on Golden Harvest’s stand, and it took a sizeable amount of willpower to leave them there.

“Save the world first,” he muttered like a mantra, “then it’s snack time.”

He closed in on the library, and something made him stop. Twilight had installed a barrier around the place during her paranoid streak after the first Discord Incident. It was attuned to a pony’s DNA, and only certain individuals could pass through it. Spike and her close friends were some of the few on that list.

“There are only two reasons that thing would be on,” Spike said. “And that’s if somepony inside activated the seal, of if somepony really dangerous tried to enter the library.”

“Somepony like me, perhaps?” Spike turned to see Bon Bon standing there, a weird smile on her face.

“Yeah, cause you’re so dangerous and all, Bon Bon!” Spike laughed. “But seriously, where is everypony?”

“Oh? They’re… indisposed.” Bon Bon’s eyes flashed green as her body erupted with green flames. Spike was understandably panicked when he saw a changeling standing there.

“AHHH!” He bolted for the library and only just made it past the barrier as the changeling smacked against it, hissing and spitting as it beat uselessly against it.

Spike ran inside and slammed the door shut, puffing heavily as he leaned against the door.

“Are you a friend, or a changeling foe?” an accented voice called from the shadows of the library. A hooded figure stepped forward, pressing a staff to Spike’s neck. “If it’s the latter, then pain you will know!”

It took Spike a second to recognise the voice. “Whoawhoawhoawhoa! Zecora, it’s me, Spike!”

The zebra pulled back her hood and gave the dragon an inquisitive look. “How do I know that you speak the truth, and are not a changeling, which I find most uncouth.”

Spike pointed to the barrier, “I wouldn’t be able to get past that if I was.” He belched up a crudely drawn card. “And look, here’s my ID card.”

Zecora nodded, and once she had done so, several sets of hooves ran forward as almost every colt and filly in Ponyville appeared. Spike saw the CMC, a colt with a propeller hat, Pipsqueak, Dinky, and about a half dozen other little ones. Aside from Zecora, the only adult there was Cheerilee.

“What’s everypony doing here?” Spike asked.

“I was giving a lesson on flora of the Everfree,” Zecora replied. “That how we came to be trapped in this tree.”

“Is that really Spike?” Sweetie Belle asked hopefully, and Zecora nodded once more.

“So it would seem, little Sweetie Belle. Perhaps he has some insight to tell?”

Spike nodded as everypony listened in. “I don’t know all the details, but somepony’s attacking Canterlot, and they want the Elements of Harmony.” He pointed to the display case that held the artefacts. “I’m here to get them and bring them to Twilight.”

“We tried to open the case,” Scootaloo said. “We thought that maybe we could use them against the changelings…”

“But it’s stuck tight!” Applebloom continued. “None o’ us could open it.”

Spike nodded, “It’s cause only Twilight, myself, and the other Bearers can do it.” He walked over to the glass case, and once he laid a claw on it, the lock made a few clicking sounds and the case opened. “See? No worries!”

He reached a claw inside to pick up the Elements but suddenly jerked it back, like they were hot or something. Zecora noticed and inquired on the reason.

“Is something amiss? You seem troubled by this.”

Spike shook his head and pointed outside. “I almost forgot something really important. That barrier that preventing us from being changeling food… it’s powered by the Elements.”

“Meaning?” Sweetie asked, not liking where this was going.

“It means that if I remove them, the barrier will only hold for a few moments.” Spike sighed. He’d told Twilight that it was a bad idea, but trying to talk to her at the time was impossible. Eventually, the two of them had totally forgotten about it.

“I don’t wanna be changeling food!” Scootaloo whined, and that in turn set off the other foals.

“Changelings eat you?” Dinky whimpered.

“No, they jus’ suck out yer brains!” Applebloom said.

“That’s even worse!” Button Mash yelled. “WE’RE GONNA BE CHANGELING ZOMBIES!!”

“Zombies don’t exist,” Sweetie sighed.

“Changeling zombies do!” Button retorted.

“Have you ever met one?” Pip asked, and Button Mash fell silent. “Thought so.”

Zecora tapped the floor with her staff and got everypony’s attention. “Calm yourselves; now is not the time for fright.” She looked at the fretting dragon. “Young Spike, do you have an answer to our plight?”

Spike shook his head, “I don’t know… I really don’t think we could fight off all of those changelings.” He looked at the case and sighed. “But if I don’t get these to Twilight...well, if you think it’s bad here, then you should see what’s going on in Canterlot.” That reminded him, he took out a scroll and after scribbling down what was happening, he sent the missive on its way to Canterlot.

“I’m getting the Princess to send some of the Guard here... I just hope they get here in time.”

Zecora looked out the window. The changelings had given up on the barrier for now and just sat and watched, hoping that it would simply wear out.

“Perhaps I should… but doing that would…” Zecora had a plan, but it was one that would change the way that everypony saw her. She looked back at the foals that had been left in her hooves. There was no doubt; she had to protect them, even if it meant revealing her secret.

***

“Princess!?” Twilight was shocked that Celestia would just send a baby dragon off like that. “If this attacker wanted us away from the Elements, then terrible danger might be waiting for him!”

“Then perhaps you should have faith in your assistant!” Celesta said firmly. “Spike has shown a great deal of courage; we shall take his example and do our best too!”

Twilight nodded; Princess Celestia was right. She was still worried about Flare and Sparkler, but deep down, she had a feeling that they were alright. Spike was just as worried about the loss of his ‘brother,’ but he was doing his best anyway. “Okay, Princess, what are your orders?”

Celestia had to pause for a moment. What would be the best way to divide her troops? The creatures were resistant to all but the most powerful magicks, but a solid blow from a powerful weapon... Maybe it was time to break out the Mythril armaments. Those few minutes were painfully silent, and Twilight was about to speak up again when there was a flash of emerald light and a scroll appeared. Celestia caught it with her magic and scanned the page a few times, re-reading it, before sighing. “It would seem that Spike has hit a bit of a snag.”

“A snag? What do you mean, Princess?” Twilight hoped that the baby dragon was alright.

“Apparently, you constructed a force field for your home that uses the Elements...”

Twilight nodded, “Well, yes, but Spike can open the case. All he has to do is remove-”

“It has been activated due to the fact that Changelings are attacking Ponyville!” This news earned a collective gasp from everypony.

“Some of the town’s foals are taking shelter in the library,” Celestia continued. “So Spike has said that removing the Elements would leave them all quite defenseless.”

Twilight had forgotten all about the class trip she had organised with Cheerilee. The library was public, so Twilight didn’t have to be there, but changelings now?

“So whut’s the plan, your highness?” Applejack asked. She was worried about her family, but current circumstances prevented her from leaving.

Celestia nodded. I would like Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy to head to the infirmary. There are about to be a good deal of hurt soldiers, and our medics will need all the spare hooves they can get.” The two bowed and raced off while Celestia directed the next ones. “Rarity and Applejack, I would like you two to assist at the Armoury; we need a lot of ponies outfitted as quickly as possible.”

“I’ll do my best,” Rarity promised, and Applejack agreed.

“As for you two…” Celestia turned her attention to Twilight and RD. “These golems are all over the city. A rule of summoning is that the caster must be close to the summoned creature, so I want you to figure out how it’s being done.”

“Egghead stuff?” Dash complained. “Maybe I should swap places with Rares?”

“My theory is that there are multiple casters,” Celestia said. “With Twilight’s magic and your speed, we have the best chances of stopping them quickly.”

“And what would that accomplish?”

Twilight cleared her throat. “If a summoner is rendered unconscious or unable to cast, then the golems will vanish.”

“Ah.” Rainbow understood. “Find caster, punch caster out. Seems simple enough.”

Celestia gave her student a hug, “I’ll do what I can about Flare Blitz as well. You focus on the task at hoof.”

Twilight returned the hug and sighed. Just once, she’d like to come to Canterlot without the world going to Tartarus.

***

The smoke cleared as Flare lay on the ground, his body covered in wounds as he coughed up some dust he inhaled.

“What the hell was that, Flare!?” Sapphira flew over and landed hear him. “What the hell kind of fight was that? You barely even touched me!”

She went to pick him up off of the ground, but Flare suddenly backed away, his eyes wide and refusing to meet hers.

“What the- Are… are you scared?” Sapphira was at a loss for words. In all the years that she had known him, not once had Flare acted like this. “What is wrong with you?”

Flare picked himself up, wincing as he did so. “You won, like always…”

“Never like this!” Sapphira yelled back. “You always got a few good hits in, and now you’re using… what was it again?”

“Magic!” Sparkler replied, walking over to them now the battle was done. “And I think Flare did pretty well, all things considered.”

“No one asked you!” Sapphira replied curtly, “Unless you wanna have a go? Put your ‘magic’ where your mouth is!”

“Yeah… no.” Sparkler began to heal Flare’s wounds, but it would take a few minutes. “But she does have a point, Flare. What’s wrong?”

Flare looked down at the ground, “Even if I do go back, what’s the point? Celestia has her guards, Twilight and the girls have the Elements… I would only get in the way.”

“And that’s stopped you before?” Sparkler replied, “You always stick your nose in other ponies’ business if it means you can help them.”

“Good to see that hasn’t changed,” Lucy piped up, Velvet agreeing with her.

“He always was butting into the lives of others. It’s how he met us, after all… and that goes double for Miss Grumpy Scales over here.”

“I swear to Arceus, I will wear your pelt as a hat!” Sapphira growled. “…But, he is correct. I would not have met Flare Blitz if not for his meddling nature.”

“Alright, I get it!” Flare groaned. “What’s your point?”

Sparkler scowled at him and then whapped him upside the back of the head. “Our point is that you have to go and save Twilight, whether you think you’ll be of use or not. You won’t know until you try, right?”

“Your friends make an excellent point.” Ashley stepped forward, lowering her head near Flare’s. “A gentlemon should always be there for those he cares about.”

Flare knew that; he wanted to help Twi… but knowing that he’d possibly face Darkrai again, it made his very essence feel a deep chill, like his inner spark was frozen solid.

He felt something, a sort of familiar sensation from behind him before a voice called out.

“HEYA, FLAREY!!”

Flare Blitz leapt ten feet into the air, and for a second or two, just hovered there. After his brain realised there were no rafters to cling to, he plummeted to the ground, landing with a solid thud!

“For the love of Arceus, would you stop doing that, Pinkie!” He spun on his hooves, expecting to see a pink pony grinning madly at him.

That was not what he saw.

Though it was pink and had similar baby blue eyes.

Flare stood stunned for a second, his startled brain rebooting. The pink Pokémon floated in front of him, giggling madly and bouncing on a large bubble.

“You’re so silly, Flarey,” she giggled more.

Sapphira also knew the Pokémon; she and Flare had met her once before, many years ago.

“I don’t believe it. What on earth are you doing here?”

Mew stopped bouncing and her smile was replaced by a frown. “Well that’s not a nice way to greet a friend. You could at least be happy to see me… Though you could learn to be happy in general.”

“I’m happy a lot of the time!” Sapphira countered.

“Only when you’re beating another Pokémon into paste,” Lucy muttered.

Flare’s brain finally started to work again, and his heart rate dropped to normal levels. “What are you doing here, Mew? I haven’t seen you in years.”

Mew’s infectious smile returned. “Well, I thought I’d come and say ‘hi,’ seeing as how you finally decided to visit us. How is Equestria, by the way?”

Flare gave her a curious stare. “How do you know about Equestria?”

“I speak to Arceus every now and then. He told me all about this little Ponyta who wound up in a another world,” Mew explained.

“We need to get back there somehow,” Sparkler interjected.

She knew that Twilight had developed a spell for coming to Flare’s world, but it required a lot of magical power, much more than Sparkler could generate.

“Well, we’ll get to that in a moment.” Mew put on her serious face, which was diabetes-inducing adorable. “Flarey McFire-Pants needs some cheering up!”

Sparkler groaned and made a silent prayer that this Pokémon never, ever meet Pinkie Pie. Mew floated closer to Flare and curled her long tail around his horn. “Hmm, let’s see here… Ooh, this is bad; that’s not good either… oh, and that too!”

“Mew,” Sapphira deadpanned, “what the hell are you talking about?”

Mew giggled and nodded. “Flarey’s been naughty… you should see some of the stuff he’s done with Twilight… kinky.”

“Kinda makes me wish I wasn’t incapable of breeding.”

Sapphira’s mouth hung open, and a faint touch of red could be seen under her scales. Flare’s eyes shot open, and he tried to back away, but Mew held him firmly in place with her power. “Nuh-uh, you also got cursed pretty badly by Ol’ Darky. But never fear, Momma Mew is here!”

“Curses don’t exist!” Sparkler stated. “Dark magic perhaps, but nothing as foalish as a curse!”

“Maybe not in Equestria, but they exist here,” Mew said. “And when the powers of a Pokémon and the power of magic are combined…” Sparkler knew what that could do; she’d seen Flare’s abilities firsthoof.

Mew closed her eyes, and Flare’s closed along with them. There was total silence for a moment before a magic circle appeared beneath the two. There was a flash of light, and Sparkler could feel the immense magical power coming from Mew. She’d felt that power once before, and recently too… but where?

After a few moments, the power died down and Flare collapsed, Mew’s tail still around his horn.

“That was a close one!” Mew breathed. “Just a little bit longer and he-“

Sapphira growled, “Or what? What would have happened?”

“Who knows? Maybe he’d turn into a cactus?” Mew cackled and summoned her bubble to bounce on, only to have it popped by Sapphira. “Aw, party pooper.” She pouted before grinning widely, "Oh, I also restored some of Flare's pokemon abilities. Arceus did a shoddy job when he transformed him."

“Get serious, Mew. I get the feeling that you know more than you're letting on…” Sapphira stopped as the ground began to shake slightly.

“Now, now,” Velvet chastised the dragon. “There is no need to use Earthquake. Let’s not ruin Flare’s home any more that you already have.” He looked around the field, which was peppered with scorch marks and beam-blasted trenches.

“That’s not me,” Sapphira replied.

Mew nodded, a much more solemn look on her face. Her fur also seemed to have turned a slightly darker pink. “That’s the bad part; Darkrai already got to Arceus.”

There was a universal silence as that knowledge soaked in. Arceus was defeated? Was he still alive?

“He’s alright, for now anyway. Darkrai has him sealed away and even my magic is not enough to free him.” Mew sighed as she looked down at Flare. “Flare has a very special power, one that turns fate in his favour… but Darkrai is a powerful foe. Flare’s strength alone will not be enough.”

“So what then? What can we do?” Sparkler was getting even more worried about her home now. Was everypony alright?

Mew just smiled again. “Oh, don’t worry, Pony-lady, Mew has a plan…”

***

Back in Canterlot, things were not going so well. The Crystal Reavers seemed only to increase in number. Every time a contingent of Guards took some down, twice as many replaced them. Back at the castle, Twilight scanned the city, trying to find where the summoning spell was being cast from.

Rainbow Dash flew above the city; a comm crystal linked her to her unicorn friend.

“Anytime now would be great, Twi,” she barked. “The good guys are fighting a losing battle here.”

“I’m trying, but the spell seems to be coming from everywhere!” Every time Twilight traced a spell back to its point of origin; it vanished and reappeared somewhere else.

“Somepony’s casting both an upkeep spell and a rejuvenation spell on the golems… but they’re also teleporting!? How the hay is that kind of multicasting possible?”

Rainbow growled as she flew. “You’re the egghead, figure it out!”

“I-I’m sorry, I’m trying-“ Twilight’s voice hitched slightly and Rainbow’s anger sank like a rock.

“No, I’m sorry, Twi…” Rainbow apologised. It had been explained to them that Flare had vanished with Sparkler, and the worst-case scenario was that they were both dead. And yet Twilight was still trying to put an end to this. “I shouldn’t have yelled like that, I-“

“I found it!” Twilight’s enthusiastic voice called out.

Rainbow paused in mid-air. “What?” The unicorn’s sudden mood swings were throwing off her groove.

“I said I found it; there’s a pattern to the teleports.” She could then hear Twilight counting. “Three blocks to the southeast of where you are. The caster will arrive in ten seconds!”

Rainbow Dash didn’t need to be told twice; she raced off to the location as fast as her wings could carry her.

When she got there, an odd sight awaited her. A large black crystal spire was in the alleyway where Twilight had said. It had three smaller crystals floating around it; all of them were glowing a misty red colour.

“It’s some sorta crystal!” Rainbow relayed. “It’s got a bunch of smaller ones floating around it.”

Twilight was quiet for just a second or two. “No time to explain. Smash it to dust!”

Rainbow liked that plan. She liked it a lot.

The entire city was rocked by a powerful tremor as a rainbow-coloured mushroom cloud could be seen where the pegasus was.

The effect was almost instantaneous, and the Crystal Reavers began to crumble. What remained of Celestia’s forces cheered as they smashed apart the remaining golems. Without magical support, they fell within a few minutes.

“I’m glad that’s over!” Twilight sighed as her tactical map showed no more golems remaining. “Now maybe we can-“

“You might want to hold off on that victory party, Twi!” Rainbow’s voice came through the comm-link. “Things are about to get a whole lot worse!”

“Worse? How could they get worse?!” Then a sound filled Twilight’s ears, she ran to a window and her ears splayed back as her pupils shrank.

The sky was black with several thousand changelings approaching Canterlot.

“Buck me…” Twilight whispered.

***

Flare Blitz shook his head, feeling a little disorientated after Mew performed that spell.

…

Wait a second.

“Mew? Did… did you just use magic?” His head still spun around and around, but it was getting better.

Mew giggled and summoned another bubble to bounce on. “Yeppers! Were you surprised?”

“Yeah… what did you do?”

Mew put on her serious face again. “Darkrai cursed you; exposure to dark magic like that can taint you pretty bad, but you’re alright now!”

Flare just gaped. Simply being exposed to Darkrai had messed him up? How the hell was he supposed to fight that?

“But you needn’t worry,” Mew continued. “I have faith that you can beat Darkrai. You just need to know one important fact.”

Flare tilted his head. “And that is?”

“You simply need to remember who you are!”

Everyone just stared at Mew, whose response was another giggle as she resumed her bouncing.

“Care to elaborate?” Sparkler asked, but Mew just shook her head.

“Nope, I hafta be vague about this stuff. It’s in the rules!”

Sapphira growled and was about to pop Mew’s bubble again when she heard a sound like a stampede. She looked back and her eyes narrowed. “Everyone, we have some very annoying company!”

A horde of trainers had made their way onto the ranch and were making a beeline for Flare and Sparkler.

“There are those Pokémon I saw in town!” one of the lead trainers shouted.

“Who’s that Pokémon?” another asked, and dozens pulled out their Pokédexes. The devices beeped, but showed nothing.

“A new species; we have to catch it!”

Lara stepped forward, as did Ashley and Supernova. “Now y’all jus’ better leave mah ranch!”

But she was promptly ignored as dozens of trainers sent out Pokémon of all kinds, from simple Rattata to Charizard and Dragonite!

Sparkler took a step back, wondering what they should do. But Flare had other ideas.

“You want to fight?” He stepped forward, and his horn lit up. “Then bring it on!”

Several trainers did a double-take as they heard Flare speak.

“They can talk too!? Now I want one even more!”

“Is that a Mew?” One of them pointed out.

All the trainers gawked for a moment... they’d hit the freaking jackpot!!

Sapphira grinned and glided over to him. “Now you’re sounding more like the Flare I remember. You take the ones on the left, I’ll take the right!”

Sparkler was horrified. Those two were going to take on all of those Pokémon alone? “Are you two crazy!? You must be outnumbered twenty to one!”

“I know!” Sapphira replied, a slightly insane grin on her face. “It’s hardly a fair fight.”

Sparkler had no words… that dragon was totally unhinged. “And what about you, Flare? Do you share her… enthusiasm?”

Flare walked over to her and pulled the startled unicorn into a hug. “I’m sorry for how I acted. I wasn’t myself, and despite any excuses, I shouldn’t have acted like that; so… sorry.”

Sapphira watched and suddenly charged at the horde; Flare and Sparkler looked like they needed a moment, and Sapphira really wanted to hit something!

Sparkler closed her eyes and smiled. She could see why Twilight liked him so much… and he was so warm to hug~

“S’alright,” Sparkler told him. “Let’s get back home, save the world, and we'll then get back to our vacation, huh?”

A Fearow dived at them from the sky, screeching loudly before it used Drill Peck. It suddenly stopped as a purple light engulfed it..

“Do you mind?!” Sparkler yelled. “We were having a moment here!” Her horn flashed brighter and the Fearow was hurtled across the battlefield, straight into its equally surprised trainer.

“Holy-, Sparky!” Flare was surprised. “That was… pretty awesome!”

Sapphira laughed heartily. “Hah! I like her. Wanna help us thin the herd?”

Sparkler sighed and stepped forward. “Well, the way I see it, these Pokémon stand between me and my family back home.” Her horn lit up and her eyes narrowed. “So yes, I think I’ll give you a hoof.”

The trainers were surprised that as the prurple one trashed the Fearow, but they were still stupidly outnumbered. “C’mon guys!” one of them yelled. “We got this!”

Their Pokémon froze, however; the sight before them was making them a little unsure. One trainer turned to see what was causing it.

“…Oh…”

Sapphira also turned to see Flare’s body blazing with sunset-coloured flames as his Twilight Blaze was reaching the peak of its power; she could feel the scorching heat coming from him.

“Um, Flare?” Sapphira took a small step back away from him.

“So these Pokémon think that can get between me and Fairy, huh?” His voice was oddly calm. “I think they need to be punished.”

“Good to see you’re back to normal,” Sparkler muttered. “Shall we get this over with and go home already?”

Flare rushed forward, slamming into the Charizard leading the charge. Sapphira frowned and leapt into the air, activating her Dragon Rush. “Aw c’mon, I wanted that one!” she pouted as she annihilated the Dragonite.

“Oh, let him have his fun,” Sparkler replied as she levitated a Raticate and a Linoone, knocking them together with a loud thwack!

“Fine. Dibs on the Aggron tough…” No sooner had Sapphira said that, than Flare reared and smacked the Steel Pokémon with a Double Kick paired with some magically augmented strength, sending the Pokémon crashing to the ground.

“Oh, c’mon on!!” Sapphira complained. “Fine! You want to play like that?” She flew back and landed a short distance away from the group and began powering up a Hyper Beam.

Flare saw this and ran back, dragging Sparkler out of the firing range. “Geez, way to go, Scaryscales!” he growled as he powered up a Solar beam.

Sparkler ignited her horn, preparing the attack spell ‘Star Breaker,’ a destructive energy beam attack.

“So what do you think’s going through those trainers’ heads right now?” Flare asked out of nowhere.

The girls shrugged as they finished charging.

~~~

“So how screwed do you think we are?” one such trainer asked his companions.

“On a scale of one to ten?” another replied as he watched the three Pokémon powering up attacks. “Maybe we’re still good?”

There was a moment of silence, like the eye of a storm… and then the three fired their attacks. Flare’s golden Solar Beam mixed with the purple-black destructive power of Sapphira’s Hyper Beam. Sparkler’s pink Star Breaker wrapped itself around the merged beam, and together, all three tore and split the earth as they travelled towards the doomed Pokémon.

Some said their final prayers, others wished that their idiot trainers had taught them Protect.
But all of them were soon blasting off towards the distant horizon as the mega beam exploded with earth-shattering force.

As the dust settled, Lara wept at the massive crater that the attack had left in her ranch. Supanova just stared at his son, eyes wide and genuinely surprised by his power.

“Now that’s the boy ah raised!” Nova cheered.

Ashley just smiled warmly as Flare and Sparkler took a deep breath before turning back to Mew.

“So, do you know how we can get back to Equestria?” Sparkler asked, and Mew nodded.

The pink Pokémon held out her paws, and with a flash of light, summoned the armlet that Virizion had used to go to Equestria and back again.

Flare instantly recognised it. “Hey, that’s-“

“Yeppers; Virizion never really got around to returning it. Good thing too, seeing as how this is your ticket home.” Mew giggled, levitating it over to Sparkler.

“So when do we leave?” Sapphira said, and everyone turned to look at her. “What?” she scoffed. “You think I’m just gonna let Flare get his ass kicked by Darkrai again? I’m going to help Flare kick some major ass!”

Mew shook her head, “Sorry, Saph, but that bracelet can only carry two. And Sparky here’s the only one with enough magic to power it.”

“But Virizion can’t use magic; how did she use it?” Flare wondered aloud, but Mew had an answer for that too.

“‘Cause Arceus is sealed away, so his power can’t be harnessed. You’ll need strong magic to activate that Spatial Gem.”

Sparkler thought about it for a moment and then nodded. “Then you should go, Miss Mew. You’re much stronger than me… you’ll be more useful…”

Mew shook her head again. “Sorry, but I have important stuff here to take care off, like trying to free Arceus and keep the world from falling apart. Literally!”

“So I’m supposed to wait here, like a good little dragon, and hope for the fricken best!?” Sapphira’s best friend was about to dive headfirst into hell and she couldn’t do a thing to help?

“Sorry.” Mew floated a little lower, her ears facing back. “I wish I could send you there myself, but I can’t. Only Arceus, Dialga, and Palkia have that power, and I don’t think Sparky has the strength to make a return trip.”

Sapphira growled and seriously thought about eating Mew for a second. But it wasn’t her fault, nor was it anybody else’s. It still frustrated the hell out of her though.

“Alright, but don’t think I’m giving up. Either you free Arceus, or I’ll find Palkia and beat him senseless until he sends me there!”

Lucy groaned and facepawed. “She’d do it too.”

Flare reached up and hugged his dragon friend. “Then I’ll see you soon, okay?”

Sapphira blushed and returned the hug, right before shooting a warning glare at the snickering Lucy and Velvet. “Yeah, count on it.”

Sparkler poked at the amulet. “Okay, so how do I use this thing? A chant or a spellverse? Do I cast a spellcircle pattern?”

“Nothing so complicated,” Mew said. “Just focus your magic into it and think of where you want to go. But I’ll warn you right now, you’re gonna feel pretty drained when you get there.”

Sparkler nodded and got a firm picture of one of the most familiar places she knew, Golden Oaks Library. She let out a surprised yelp when Ashley placed a saddlebag on her back, full of supplies. "Something for the road dear."

Ashley spared a quick second to nuzzle her son. “And you... Please be careful. I love you!”

“Yeah,” Flare returned the embrace. “Love you too, mom.”

Supernova snorted and ruffled Flare’s mane. “Try not to die, huh? A parent shouldn’t outlive their kid.”

“Sure, kick ass, take names; you got it, pops!”

Sparkler’s magic continued to build, and though she hated to do this…

“Flare? We gotta go.”

The unicorn nodded and took one last look at his family and friends. He wished he could have stayed; he wished he had more time with them. But time was something that was not on their side right now.

“Okay, let’s go save our friends!” he said, blinking some tears out of his eyes.

Sparkler’s horn shone brighter and brighter, until the two ponies disappeared with a brilliant light.

***

The foals hiding within Golden Oaks library were getting more and more anxious. The changelings had resumed their assault on the shield, now that Chrysalis had sent a message stating that if the Elements weren’t retrieved soon, then they’d all suffer a fate worse than death.

And the Queen could be quite creative in that aspect.

Button Mash was running around, screaming about being eaten again, causing the other foals to become agitated. Cheerilee was trying hard to calm them down, but to no avail.

Zecora looked outside. She made a count of about forty or so changelings—odds that were not favourable, but at this point, unavoidable.

She gave one look at her charges; Button had latched onto Silver Spoon, who was trying desperately to pry off the sobbing colt. The Cutie Mark Crusaders were swapping between deep thought on what to do and worry whenever a changeling slammed the barrier. The rest were looking for places to hide, and that gave her an idea.

“Miss Cheerilee, you must do a favour for me. Round up these foals and keep them quiet, I’ll do what I can to quell the outside riot!”

Cheerilee nodded; Zecora was the only one that remained calm… wait a minute.

“Zecora… what are you going to do?”

There was silence as everypony suddenly looked at the zebra. Did she have some sort of plan?
Zecora simply looked back outside and gave the mare a stern look. “Do as I say and do it now! I will defeat these changelings, of that I vow!”

“All by yourself?” Diamond Tiara scoffed. “Yeah, great idea. Go out to the bugs that want us all dead. There’s no way you can do it yourself.”

Scootaloo was about combine that filly’s face with her plot when Spike stepped up. “She won’t have to, ‘cause I’m going to help!”

Diamond almost laughed at the sheer ridiculousness of it all. A zebra and a baby dragon up against all those changelings?

“Spike, I will not tell you twice. Go, hide, and be as quiet as mice!”

“NO!” Spike growled. “I’m sick of being useless! Sick of either screwing up or hiding when everypony needs help!” All the times that Twilight and her friends had been in trouble, he had been useless to help, and recently, Flare had been here to help… but he was gone.

“I will help, whether you want it or not!”

Zecora started at him for a moment and smiled. A dragon of true honour and courage stood there before her. Who was she to turn him down?

“If you hurt so much as one scale…” Zecora shuddered. “Twilight will beat me from my head to my tail.”

Spike thumped his chest. “It’s alright; she injures me all the time!”

“When everything is not so wild, I shall have to talk to her on how to raise this child.”

The pounding on the shield got even harder as Cheerilee herded the foals together. She was worried, but Zecora seemed confident... “Please, oh please be careful, you two.”

Spike flashed a grin. “The bugs won’t know what hit them!”

After the basement door was securely locked, Spike gulped as Zecora walked outside. Spike followed her, and the changelings stopped smacking the barrier, wondering why the zebra and baby dragon were walking towards them.

“Finally plan on surrendering? One asked and then gaped as Zecora stepped through the barrier to face them.

Spike was feeling a bit more worried now. “More worried” meaning that he was calm on the outside, but screaming in terror on the inside… until Zecora did something he never expected.

“I admit that we may be outnumbered…” Zecora took a deep breath and relaxed her body. “But I shall do my very best to see that you are thoroughly punished.”

Zecora.

Didn’t.

Rhyme!?”

Neither the changelings nor Spike understood the implications of that. They were about to though. Half dozen of the bugs rushed at Zecora, seeing the grown mare as a bigger threat. There was a flash of light and a sound like a thunder crack, and the six creatures lay on the ground twitching as electricity coursed through their bodies.

“W-what the?” Spike was confused. What the heck just happened?

Zecora looked a little different too. Her usual mohawk mane was now a jagged shape; it reminded Spike of Rainbow’s Cutie Mark. Her eyes were narrowed, and she wore a sharp glare as she crackled with yellow-coloured lightning arcing across her body.

“What in the name of the Queen was that?” the lead changeling yelled as more of his kind gathered.

“You have threatened my friends and borne witness to this form,” the former zebra said. “Now you face Equestria’s other Pokémon; for I am the embodiment of lightning. I am Zebstrika!”

Chapter Eight - Chaos Rising. Part Two

Chapter Eight - Knightmare

Flare had a deep-rooted hatred of the Void, which was the name he had given to the space between Equestria and Earth. Twice before, he had nearly died travelling through it, so he figured that the hate was justified.

But this time…

“Something’s… different.” The thought ran through Flare’s mind as he and Sparkler floated through the Void.

Unlike the last time, it wasn’t cold, and despite being in an endless open space, Flare didn’t have that feeling of being closed in and trapped.

Well, maybe he felt a little trapped. “Umm... Sparkler, you don’t have to hold on to me so tightly.”

Sparkler pouted. “But I want to make sure we don’t get separated in this dark, empty void.”

“I think we’ll be okay,” Flare replied.

“Oh, alright.” The mare sighed, loosened her death-grip, and floated alongside him.

Before long, a white speck of light ahead of them rapidly grew larger. “I guess that’s our stop. I wonder if everypony will be surprised to see us.”

Then something happened. Flare felt like he was suddenly shaken to his very core. It was like being hit by an Earthquake attack while floating in mid-air. In other words, it was weird.

But it did have the effect of separating Sparkler and Flare from one another. Sparkler let out a scream and disappeared from Flare’s sight. He tried running in the empty void to catch her, but the attempt was futile. All he could do was hope that she made it to Equestria safely.

***

The fight was going… well, Spike couldn’t really tell how it was going. Zecora was kicking some major flank, but the changelings kept coming. Just how many of them were there?

They seemed to be totally ignoring him too, focusing all their efforts on taking down the lightning-slinging zebra.

And speaking of that, just what the heck was a ‘Zebstrika?’ She had said she was a Pokémon; did that mean she was like Flare?

Spike was snapped out of his thoughts when a changeling suddenly grabbed him.

“Hey, zebra! Stop what you’re doing before I- GAH!!” His threat was cut off by the searing emerald flames that scorched his face.

“You think she’s tough!?” Spike yelled at the changelings. “Then you just wait till you see what I can… uh-oh!” Twelve changelings suddenly flew straight at him, and he panicked, letting loose a stream of flame that almost burnt the nearby zebra.

“Watch those flames!” Zecora barked as she dodged some incoming attacks before retaliating with Thundershock. “I have to end this fight, but I’m running out of electrical energy.”

There was a yelp as Spike was kicked into the dirt by a hovering changeling.

“Heh! Poor widdle baby. You sure you’re actually a dragon?” The bug dived at him, but pulled back as Zecora fired a bolt of lightning at it.

Several changelings suddenly pounced on her, pinning the zebra to the ground. “Get off of me!”
She fried them with Thunderbolt, but the unconscious bugs still weighed her down.

“Well,” Zecora’s heart rate quickened as the changeling commander, a male named Synth, who had been staying back from combat up till now, approached her, “what should I do with you?” His voice dripped with perverse intent.

“I shall see you all burn!” Zecora spat at him, but to her surprise, the changeling’s reaction wasn’t one of malice or anger.

He laughed.

“Oh? I’m sure you’d love to do that, but I’m afraid my hostages might disagree.”

Zecora’s heart nearly stopped. Spike was still running from some changelings, so it wasn’t him. The others were inside an impenetrable shield, so it couldn’t be them either. One of the townsponies, maybe?

There was a shriek, and Zecora lifted her face from the dirt to see Sweetie Belle being dragged
outside the library by a changeling.

“How-?”

The commander laughed again; it was a sound that was beginning to rattle Zecora. “Oh, maybe I should introduce you to Switch. She’s a wonderful operative, being in a disguise for all this time… It’s really quite something.

“Though this is our trump card, so I hope it works.”

“That’s right!” the changeling that held Sweetie Belle replied, and then her voice changed.

She sounded exactly like Diamond Tiara. “It was really easy to wait for the one pony that could beat me to step outside. Now be a good mare and surrender… I really don’t want to hurt these little darlings.” She nuzzled the still squealing Sweetie before silencing her with a hiss. “Well, that’s a lie, actually. I really, really, want to hurt them. So by all means, struggle.”

“Don’t make this any more difficult for me, Switch. This… thing has taken out a significant number of us.”

Spike had run all the way around the library, and when he approached the front again, he saw Sweetie Belle being held by Switch. The sight made him pause, which allowed the changelings to finally catch him and pin him down.

“NRGH! Sweetie Belle!”

Switch laughed at the dragon’s outburst. “Haha, oh wow! Just what do you think you can actually do?” The hoof she had wrapped around Sweetie’s neck tightened ever so slightly. “This is how it’s going to go down. You’re going to march inside, get the Elements, and hoof ‘em over.” Her eyes narrowed and she leered at him. “And then maybe… just maybe, I’ll let your little fillyfriend here go.”

Zecora’s mind raced as she tried to come up with a plan. She could simply use Discharge and fry the changelings pinning her down, but the changeling infiltrator could hurt Sweetie Belle before Zecora could reach her. “What can I do? This situation isn’t looking good…”

Everything suddenly went white, and everypony and everybuggy shielded their eyes, but the tell-tale ’crack’ of a teleportation could still be heard. During the confusion, Sweetie Belle managed to wiggle free of Switch’s grasp and run back inside the library, locking the door behind her.

The light faded, but it had provided Zecora with the distraction she needed. She used Discharge to blast away the changelings holding her down before racing forward with Quick Attack to strike Switch, knocking the changeling out cold with a single blow to the head. Spike breathed a plume of emerald flames and scrambled free.

“What the crap is going on!?” It took a moment for Synth’s vision to clear so that he could finally see what had caused the flash. A female unicorn with a purple mane and tail was standing on a scorched patch of earth. Her eyes were unfocused, and some of her coat was singed.

“I… uh? Wha?” She seemed out of it, and it took but a second for Zecora to rush to her side. She caught Sparkler as her legs gave out and laid her gently on the ground.

“Miss Sparkler? How did you appear here?” Zecora was confused, but Spike stared wide-eyed.

“I-It’s… no way… Sparky?” Spike ran over and dropped to his knees to look Sparkler in the eye. “It’s really you? Then… then what about Flare? Is he okay?” Everypony had assumed the worst when Flare and Sparkler had disappeared, but now she had just shown up out of the blue.

The unicorn opened a weary eye and looked at Spike, a small smile on her face. “…I think so… We… got separated… But I think he’s here… somewhere.”

***

Rainbow Dash zigged and zagged through the sky, trying to avoid the dive-bombing changelings. The Crystal Reavers had been a big enough problem, and the Celestia-damned bugs were not making things easier. One changeling clipped the tip of her left wing, and Dash was suddenly pitched into a sharp downward spiral.

“Crapcrapcrapcrapcrap!” Rainbow adjusted her wings, trying to slow her spinning and pull up, but the ground was getting closer very quickly, and some quick math in her head showed that there was no way to avoid becoming a rainbow smear on the ground. She closed her eyes and braced for the worse, but a strong pair of hooves grabbed her waist and pulled up, depositing the cyan pegasus on the ground roughly, but still in one piece.

“Wha?” Dash looked up, her head spinning as she saw a golden blur standing in front of her. “I totally had that!” she slurred, and after shaking her head, Rainbow saw Spitfire standing over her.

“You’re welcome,” Spitfire replied dryly. “You alright, kid?”

Rainbow got to her hooves, and after flexing her wings, she nodded. “Yeah, just caught me off guard.”

“That’s good,” Spitfire smiled. “I’d hate to lose a potential member like that.” Rainbow Dash would have let out a squee of delight, but the sound of more changelings approaching quashed her mood somewhat. She still had a Cheshire Cat-sized grin on her face, though.

“Can you fight?” Spitfire asked, “I don’t wanna drag civvies into this, but right now, we don’t have much in the way of options.”

Rainbow shot forward, delivering a powerful blow to one of the changelings, burying the bug in a trench. The second attacked her from behind, but she moved slightly to the side and grabbed its hoof, flipping it over her shoulder and pile-driving it into the concrete below.

“Cadet Rainbow Dash reporting for duty, Ma’am!” Rainbow saluted. Spitfire just stood there for a second, processing what had happened, before she burst out into a hearty laugh.

“Well I’ll be damned… We’ll make a mare out of you yet!”

***

In a quieter corner of Canterlot, Flare Blitz slowly got to his hooves, groaning and grumbling.

“That… was uncomfortable.” In the end, the travel between worlds had been as rough as always, but what had caused that disturbance?

He looked around, and he could tell that he wasn’t in the library. In fact, he had no idea where he was. The room was dark, save for the sunlight filtering through the thick wooden boards covering the windows. His teleportation had kicked up a layer of dust, causing him to cough.

“Okay, so we got separated, then there was a light…” He was trying to get his scrambled thoughts under control when something crashed through the boarded window. Flare lit up his horn and took a defensive stance as the creature got up. He blinked and lowered his guard when he saw that it was the same type of creature as that one mare he had encountered during his race against Arceus.

“And you are?”

The changeling tried picking himself up and winced, falling back to the floor. Being punted by that rainbow mare was not his idea of fun. His ear flicked as he heard a voice and turned to see a cream-coated unicorn staring at him. The strange thing was that even though the changeling wasn’t disguised, the unicorn didn’t seem afraid.

“Uh… I’m a changeling?” The little bug didn’t seem so sure, but perhaps that was the blunt force trauma talking.

“That was a pretty impressive entrance.” Flare looked at the changeling-shaped hole in the window. “Do you need a doctor?”

“Why… aren’t you afraid?” the bug asked. “Or attacking me, for that matter?” Flare tilted his head. Why did this creature think he would attack it? Flare raised a hoof to help it up, but the changeling flinched, making Flare wonder if it was the changeling who was really afraid here.

“Alright, you stay here, and I’ll get some help, okay?” Before the changeling could respond, Flare left the building, and everything fell into place. Hundreds, if not thousands, of those creatures were swarming all over the city. Flare couldn’t see anypony though; it was like the entire city had been abandoned.

“Now what the hell is going on around here?” Flare turned back towards the building he had just exited, only to have the changeling from before race past him and flee into the city. A moment later, several of the bugs were flying towards Flare, and they didn’t look too friendly.

“Hey!” Flare jumped to one side as the first changeling tried to tackle him. “What is going on around here?”

“What? Are you stupid?” The changelings’ horns began to glow green as they focused binding spells on Flare Blitz. “We’re the ones that are gonna take this city for ourselves and suck the love from you miserable ponies.”

“Hey, boss!” Another changeling flew up to them. “Our scouts finally found that purple unicorn that the Queen wants!”

“Finally. Let’s wrap this guy up and put him with the others-” There was a sickening ‘thwack’ as Flare’s hoof collided with the changeling and the changeling collided with an adjacent building. Flare’s crimson eyes flashed with anger as he stared down the remaining changelings.

“Tell me about this purple unicorn, now!”

***

Fluttershy darted from one bed to the next, applying bandages and gauze to wounds, while Pinkie was slathering ointment on magical burns.

“It’s like icing a cupcake!” she giggled, but stopped when everypony in the room glared at her. “Too soon?” she asked sheepishly. Just as Fluttershy was finishing up, the doors burst open, and a fresh batch of injured soldiers stumbled in.

“Oh, my.” Beds were quickly becoming a luxury, and the doctors and nurses began to prioritise the more dire injuries. “I didn’t think it would get this bad,” Fluttershy said, as one soldier cried out, his leg bent in a direction it was not meant to. Pinkie suddenly went wide-eyed as her whole body shook. She dove across the room, and in a flash, she was boarding up windows and doors.

“Pinkie?!” Fluttershy was used to her friends odd behaviour, but this? “What are you doing?”

No sooner had the words left the pegasus’s mouth, then something pounded on the door, hard.

“Let us in, little ponies!” the taunting voice of a changeling rang through. “We won’t hurt you… promise!”

“We won’t let you in!” Pinkie declared triumphantly. “Not by the hairs of Celestia’s chinny chin, chin.”

***

Twilight watched the holographic map of Canterlot with increasing worry. The Crystal Reavers were starting to re-appear, and the changeling horde was getting closer and closer to the castle. Princess Celestia had left to assist on the front lines; a glowing golden dot showed her location. Others showed the Elements. Pinkie and Fluttershy were trapped by a changeling squad, but the closest soldiers were a good five or ten minutes away, provided they were not intercepted by another squad.

With the same crystal receivers that she and Rainbow had been using earlier, Twilight relayed the information to a Kicker platoon, hoping the elite soldiers could get there a little sooner. She saw that Rainbow had joined up with Spitfire and the other Wonderbolts. “That’s good; perhaps some weather fronts will give us an edge…” She then noticed a group of changelings suddenly disappear from the map, leaving a single, glowing dot. Twilight pressed in on that part, curious as to what could have done that, when the map began to shut down, section by section. Soon, there were no dots showing troop movements, no communications, nothing!

“W-what?” Twilight ran to the crystal that linked her map with the scanning beacons around the city. One by one, the beacons were being shut off.

“Oh no; nononononono!” Without those beacons, she wouldn’t know what was going on outside. “But how?” Her answer came when the doors to the room burst open and Queen Chrysalis, flanked by three changelings, strode inside.

“I believe the answer is right here!” Twilight’s horn flashed, but Chrysalis didn’t seem too concerned. “Oh please, I took down Celestia! What makes you think a weak little unicorn like you stands a chance?”

“That was only because you stole my brother’s power!” Twilight took a step forward. If she could beat Chrysalis, then the tide of this battle would turn. “You’re not as strong now as you were back then!”

Chrysalis stopped, blinked a few times, and then burst out into a fit of laughter. “Aaahahahahahahaa, oh… Do you really think I’d attack Canterlot, home to two Princesses, and the Elements of Harmony, without a plan?”

“Yes, I really do believe you’re that stupid.” Twilight said.

“She’s probably right,” one of the changelings, Frenzy, agreed. “You would do something like that.”

“Yup!” Banzai, another of her guard added. “You’ve been talking about revenge non-stop since last time.”

The third changeling said nothing and just stared awkwardly at Twilight.

Chrysalis growled and stamped her hoof. “Well, things have changed. Now we have the power to invade, and soon, food won’t be a problem either.”

While Chyrsalis was talking, some oddly Caribbneighan-sounding music began to play, and Twilight’s mouth fell open. “You have got to be kidding me…”

~~~

Pony love always tastes sweetest
When it’s ripped out of the heart.
I can’t wait till I can taste it
When I tear your world apart.
Such delicious love surrounds you,
And on it, I soon will dine.
Just look at the world around you,
For soon, it will all be mine!

Chrysalis’s voice rang out through the room as she danced around.

When I am queen.
When I am queen.
Life will be greater,
When I’m dictator,
At least for ‘lings.
Ponies will make our food all day,
And we’ll make sure you slave away.
While we’re relaxing,
Consuming and basking,
When I am queen.

Frenzy and Banzai began to sing too, harmonising surprisingly well.

Now all the ponies are happy,
With all that their lives include.
But the changelings are not happy.
They’re sad ‘cause they’ve got no food.
But now the changelings are lucky;
They’re in for a better fate.
‘Cause once the queen’s taken over,
Guess who gon' be on the plate.

Chrysalis was not one to be outdone as she rejoined the song, with her little changelings providing backup vocals. To Twilight’s great irritation, she found her hoof tapping the floor in a steady rhythm.

When I am queen.
When I am queen.
You will be beaten,
And your love eaten,
Don’t care if it’s mean.
Your love is what we want to eat,
And that’s why you must taste defeat.
We’ll have no troubles,
Free from our struggles,
When I am queen.
(When she is queen.)
When I am queen.
(When she is queen.)
Since there’s such joy here,
We must deploy here,
See what I mean?
Even the fillies and the colts,
They have the love to fill our bowls.
We’ll steal emotions,
Here to the oceans,
When I am queen.

We’ll eat your defeat
And feed on your need.
We’ll consume your gloom,
Your pride, and your greed.
We’ll grope for your hope,
Treasure your pleasure,
And sap all your happiness!
(Yeah)
We’ll toy with your joy
And drain all your pain.
We’ll plunder your wonder,
Your hurt, and your shame.
And we’ll sink our teeth
Into your relief,
And feast upon your love!

The instrumental part of the song kicked in, and Chrysalis and her changelings danced around the room, so totally lost in the song that they failed to notice Twilight sneaking out.

When I am queen.
(When she is queen.)
When I am queen.
(When she is queen.)
War is declared.
My army’s prepared.
It’s quite the scene.
So bring it on, you big white horse!
I’ll take this kingdom from you by force.
Each little pony
Will bow before me
When I am queen.
Each little changeling,
Will love what this change brings,
When I am queen.
You cannot stop me.
No one will top me.
Your world is mine now.
It’s time to dine now.
You’re out of luck now,
And really bucked now,
That I am queen!

Once the music had stopped, Frenzy looked around before poking Chrysalis on the leg.

“Uh, Boss?... She’s gone.”

~~~

The empty halls clicked as Twilight bolted through them. It was difficult to ignore the Music of Harmony once it got going, but Twilight knew a spell that could suppress the urge to sing along.

“Okay, so first those ‘Crystal Reavers’ show up, and now changelings?” Twilight was pretty certain that Chrysalis wasn’t the one who had summoned the golems. “Maybe she hired a mercenary? Or was she working with somepony else? It doesn’t seem like Discord’s style, and I doubt he’d do anything to upset Fluttershy…”

Twilight turned to head for the armoury, her hooves sliding on the smooth tiles. Before she lost the map, it had shown that Pinkie and Fluttershy were pinned down in the field hospital. And with Chrysalis here in the castle, the defences would be compromised.

“Okay, mental checklist. One, get to the Armoury and organise a new command post. Two, inform Princess Celestia that the castle is compromised, if she doesn’t know already. Three, regroup our forces and retake the palace-” Her thoughts were interrupted as a mob of changelings cut her off from an adjoining hallway. A quick sleep spell slowed them, but failed to put them to sleep completely. Twilight grunted as a drowsy bug took a swing at her, barely missing her head. She ducked under it and kept running.

“Note… to self,” she puffed, her legs burning from the effort, “I need to exercise more.”

***

Zecora panted heavily as fatigue caught up with her. Piles of unconscious changelings littered the ground around the library, but they just kept coming. Synth’s plan of simply throwing drone after drone at the Pokémon was working; all he had to do now was finish the job.

“It seems our playtime has come to an end,” he declared loudly. “This has been fun, but you appear to be all puffed out... and I’m far from running out of minions.”

Zecora growled as she got to her hooves; that smug bug was right. It had been years since she last took her Pokémon form, and the lack of training was showing. So was this it? It had fallen to her to protect Ponyville, but she wasn’t able to do it. “Forgive me, everypony…”

“Made your peace with the Princess, have you?” Synth flittered over to the front of the changeling horde; he wanted to finish this himself. “Don’t worry, everybuggy here will be joining you soon enou-.”

Another flash of light and a loud ‘crack’ cut the changeling off and caused him to backpedal.

“What is it this time!?” he shouted. “Another unicorn?”

“Tch! That bastard could’ve told me that the trip was that damned cold!” The light dimmed and faded away as a tall, sapphire blue dragon rubbed her claws together. “I thought I was gonna freeze my friggen tail off!” Her yellow eyes scanned the area as she blinked in confusion. “Where the hell am I?”

“W-what the heck is that!?” Synth looked at his army, but none had a response. Zecora knew though. She knew exactly what that dragon was.

“How can it be? A Garchomp here!?”

A small smile crossed Sapphira’s face. “Oh, you know what I am? Hmm…” She looked Zecora over and nodded. “Well, you kind of look like a Blitzle or a Zebstrika. Mind if I ask you a question?”

“…I guess so?” She was not ashamed to admit that she was thoroughly confused. First Sparkler had appeared out of nowhere, and now a Garchomp wanted a conversation? Synth, on the other hoof, did not want a pleasant chat.

“I don’t care anymore!” He glared at his forces. “New plan: kill anything that isn’t a changeling! Forget harvesting for food. I think the Queen can forgive some collateral losses. KILL THEM ALL!”

Sapphira frowned as she heard all that. “Friends of yours?” she asked Zecora a little too calmly.

“Sapphira!” Sparkler called out from the library doorway while Cheerilee held her up. “Bad guys,” she simply said, pointing at the changelings. “Help!”

With that put into context, the scene around her suddenly made a lot more sense. Sapphira could see some frightened children behind Sparkler, a weakened Zebstrika-thing, and a pile of knocked out bugs. “Oh, I get it now…” Turning to face the incoming swarm, a wild grin appeared on the dragon’s face. “Hey, Thunderpony! Are there any innocents behind this horde?”

Zecora shook her head. “No, just empty buildings. Why?” Her eyes widened as Sapphira opened her maw and dark energy began to gather. Zecora dove to the ground as Sapphira fired a devastating Hyper Beam at the changelings. An earth-shattering explosion followed, and the screams of dozens and dozens of changelings being blasted to Celestia-knows-where filled the air.

Synth, who had jumped aside at the last second and protected himself with a barrier, was the only one to survive the massive attack. “What. The hell. Was that!?”

Sapphira took a breath and nodded. “Well, that was easy enough. Is there anything else, or can I get down to business?”

Synth charged at Sapphira, his horn flashing brightly as his eyes bulged with pure rage. The navy-hued dragon sighed again, a rather annoying habit she picked up from Flare years ago. Raising a claw, she swatted the bug aside with a Dragon Claw. He let out a pained groan as he hit the ground, bounced, and slammed into a nearby tree.

“Yeah, well, that happened.” Sapphira let out an exasperated yawn and turned back to Zecora once more. “Well, now that that’s out of the way, I can see Sparkler over there, which means that Flare must be here somewhere as well. You know where he is?”

Zecora was silent as her brain tried to process what had just happened. This Garchomp had just shown up out of nowhere, annihilated the changeling swarm that she had nearly died trying to repel, and now she asked about Flare Blitz? Zecora’s spiked mane fell limply against her neck as she resumed her zebra form.

“I do not know the location of Flare, but perhaps Sparkler has something to share?”

Sapphira tilted her head, wondering why she rhymed. “Well I… suppose…” She dropped to one knee and winced in pain, and Zecora noticed several injuries covering the dragon’s scaled body.
“How is that you are hurt? The changelings did not touch you before they ate dirt.”

“Ah, these?” Sapphira groaned as she got back to her feet, ignoring the pain. “Don’t worry, I got these trying to get here.” She paused and decided that she’d better make sure. “This is Equestria, right?”

Zecora nodded, and Sapphira smiled. With the coast clear and Sparkler reassuring everyone that Sapphira was a friend, Spike and the others emerged from the library. “It’s good to see you again, Miss Sapphira!” Sparkler smiled weakly. “But how, in Celestia’s name, did you get here?”

“Remember what I said?” Sapphira pulled out a Sitrus Berry and popped it into her mouth, humming as she relished the smooth taste of the berry. Sparkler thought for a moment, recalling the conversation that they all had before she and Flare left.

“Um, something about… Palkia, was it?”

Sapphira nodded, “Mew couldn’t send me here, but she did show me to Palkia. Stubborn bastard wouldn’t listen to reason, so I reminded him why no one pisses me off.” Sapphira’s grin turned a little more manic and Sparkler resisted the urge to back away while she cast the translation spell on the dragon. “Plus, I owed him for what he and Dialga did to Alamos Town.”

Sparkler took a breath, that translator spell was a weak one, but it was still difficult to cast in her condition.

Zecora sat there, wide-eyed. This crazy dragon made Palkia send her here? Well, at least she was on their side. And her arrival was rather well-timed. “We do not have time to sit around idly, lest the chaos in Canterlot grow more wildly.”

Spike nodded, not realising that he was still holding Sweetie Belle’s hoof. “That’s right! I have to get the Elements to Twilight and the others.” He let go of Sweetie and dashed inside. The barrier around the treehouse flickered and then dispersed as he re-emerged with the Elements of Harmony. “Now that the changelings are gone from here, you guys should try to find the townsponies.”

“And I know where they are,” Cheerilee said as she walked outside, her mane dishevelled. “Our ‘friend’ inside has been quite helpful and told me where everypony is being held.” She gave Silver Spoon a warm smile. “And it would seem that Diamond Tiara is just fine as well.”

Silver Spoon smiled with relief, hugging Button Mash closer. “Thank goodness… she may be a bit mean, but she’s still my friend.”

Spike had finished writing a message to Princess Celestia, requesting a return trip to Canterlot, and sent it on its way, only to have it rematerialise right in front of him. “What the?” He tried again, but it had the same effect. “Why won’t this send!? And how will I get back now?”

“I… can try and teleport you there,” Sparkler said, only to put a hoof to her head as she tried to light her horn. “Owowow. Okay, maybe not.”

“Where is this ‘Canterlot’ place?” Sapphira asked, and Spike pointed to the distant mountainside city. “Well, that looks doable. I’ll take you there.”

Spike gave the older dragon a dubious look. She didn’t appear to have any wings. In fact, she barely looked like a dragon at all; she looked more like a shark with legs. “How are you gonna do that?”

Sapphira looked at him like he had asked the stupidest question in the world, and to Sapphira, it probably was. “I’ll fly there, duh!”

“Uh, right, of course…” Had she hit her head or something? Zecora approached the two and handed Sapphira a small wooden box.

“Should you see our friend Flare, tell him that this is for him to wear. Should he have need in a fateful hour, this will give him greater power.”

Sapphira blinked at the rhyming again. Was she doing it on purpose? “Okay, sure.” She looked down at Spike, “Ready to go, little guy?”

“Don’t call me little,” Spike grumbled. He fastened the clasp on the bag that held the Elements and nodded. “Let’s go; I’m getting pretty worried.”

Sapphira put him on her back and nodded. “Time to go!” Spike couldn’t have replied even if he’d wanted to. Sapphira shot into the sky so fast that Rainbow Dash would’ve been quite jealous.

“I wish you both the best of luck,” Zecora whispered and turned to the others. “Let us find our friends and clear away this muck.”

***

Flare ran through the empty streets of Canterlot, pausing for just a second to get his bearings. The group of changelings had generously provided him with some information about a purple unicorn in the castle, who the queen of the changelings was personally hunting. He leapt over some rubble, and his whole body glowed white as he activated Quick Attack, racing through the streets at incredible speed. A scream filled his ears, and he glanced up to see a familiar blue pegasus falling towards the ground. Flare quickly turned into a narrow alley and leapt from one wall to the other. Once he reached the top, he spun in the air to catch Rainbow in his hooves and landed on the roof, grunting as his back struck the tiled surface.

“Oof, nice of you to drop in, Rainbow.” He lay there for a moment as Rainbow groaned and opened one eye, looking directly into his. It took a moment, but the pegasus finally recognised the stallion that cradled her in his arms.

“Flare? But- no… it can’t be…” She rolled off of him and got to her hooves. After a moment of looking him over she couldn’t deny it; the unicorn that lay there really was Flare Blitz. “No way.” She suddenly went wide-eyed and slammed her hooves down on his chest. “Wait, how do I know you’re not a changeling?”

Flare opened his mouth a breathed a small flame. Dash felt the heat radiating from it, and her singed fur proved it was no illusion. She closed the distance between them and hugged him tightly. “You’re really you! I can’t believe it!”

“Last time I checked,” Flare wheezed. He was pretty sure his ribs were about to crack. “But I think the reunion’s gotta wait.” He pointed skyward, and Rainbow’s eyes followed until she saw the group of changelings that she had been fighting just a moment ago.

“Heh, kinda forgot about them.”

Flare sighed and smiled wryly. “Then perhaps you should let go so we can beat them and find the others?”

Dash nodded, and with a single beat of her wings, took off into the sky with renewed determination. Flare stayed on the roof below, firing Flamethrowers at the changelings trying to get behind Dash, and it only took a few moments to beat the bugs down.

“Oh yeah! You and I are an awesome team!” Rainbow cheered. She landed next to Flare and looked at him shyly. “I’m really glad you’re back,” she said as she nuzzled him. “Me and the others, we thought that you’d… that…” Tears brimmed in her eyes, but she quickly wiped them away when another mare landed near them. Her coat was a stunning orange, and her mane was quite similar to Flare’s. She wore a uniform that Flare thought he recognised, but he couldn’t quite place a hoof on it. Not that it mattered; the uniform was so tattered that it was barely there.

“Who’s this?” Spitfire asked. “Is he a friend of yours, Rainbow?”

Dash nodded and smiled. “His name is Flare Blitz. And now he’s here… things just might turn around.”

Spitfire looked at Flare, not convinced that a single unicorn could really make that much of a difference. “Forgive me if I don’t sound entirely convinced.”

Rainbow was about to protest, but Flare put a hoof on her shoulder. “It’s fine. Can the two of you fill me in on what’s going on around here?”

Dash nodded, fluffing her wings and taking a breath. “It started a while ago, when some crystal golems attacked the city. We managed to fight them off, and with Twilight’s help, I destroyed the crystal that was keeping them around.”

“But that’s when the changelings struck,” Spitfire continued. “Currently, we have the Royal Guard engaging them on the ground, while the Wonderbolts secure the skies and prepare a tactical weather front. Or at least, that was the plan…”

“What happened?” Flare asked, but a gut feeling told him that he wasn’t going to like the answer.

“Canterlot Castle has fallen.” Spitfire grit her teeth as she glared at the palace she failed to protect. “Scouts have reported that the changeling queen, Chrysalis, took the castle about a half hour ago. Some guards and others managed to escape, and our tactical officer has been accounted for as well.”

“Twilight’s alright!?” Rainbow exclaimed in relief.

“Twilight’s here!? Where is she now?” The increased volume of Flare’s voice didn’t faze Rainbow, but Spitfire was caught by surprise.

“She’s at our field hospital in the north quarter of the Cloud District. Why?”

Though he had spent a lot of time in Canterlot, Flare had never really explored the city much. “That’s near the castle, right?”

Rainbow nodded. “I’d go with you, but they need my help here…” Flare smiled and hugged her, causing the cyan mare to blush profusely.

“It’s alright; I’ll go find Twilight and help end this nonsense, ‘kay?” Rainbow nodded, and Flare took off at blinding speeds, disappearing from sight in only a few seconds. Spitfire let out a small whistle at the feat.

“He’s pretty fast.” She turned to Rainbow with a small smirk on her face. “So, Dash, he a friend? Or something more, perhaps?”

Rainbow stumbled and waved her hooves in denial. “W-what? No way! That’s not true. He’s just… a friend.” She thought she’d finally gotten over this. “I am over it… right?”

***

Twilight took a quiet breather as she lay on one of the hospital cots. Rarity and Applejack, on the other hoof, had been fretting over their friend ever since she’d arrived.

“Now, are you sure that the queen didn’t harm you?” Rarity asked for what must have been the twentieth time.

“Yes; I’m fine!” Twilight replied once again. “I slipped out mid-song and made my way here. What we should be worried about is-“

“TWILIGHT!” The unicorn looked up to see who had called her name, only to have a pair of pink forelegs wrap around her. “You’re okay too,” Pinkie cried into her mane.

“Thank goodness; I’m glad to see everypony is alright.” Fluttershy added and thanked the Guard that had saved her and the others who had been trapped. “Thank you so much. You were all really brave.” The guards nodded and saluted, one wearing a slight blush after being praised by the pretty pony.

“Ah don’t want to interrupt, but what do y’all suppose we should do now?” Applejack was happy her friends were safe, but Dash was still out there somewhere, and they needed to do something about the castle.

“We shall take the castle back!” another voice called out. The five mares turned, and they all let out surprised gasps. Princess Celestia was standing in the entranceway to the tent, her body covered in gleaming gold plate armour. A massive war hammer floated next to her, burning with pure sunfire.

“P-Princess!?” Twilight had heard rumours that Celestia possessed a suit of armour and an extremely powerful magical weapon, but whenever she had enquired about the truth of those rumours, Celestia had always dodged the question.

“This conflict has gone on long enough; it will end now!” In truth, Celestia believed that the worst was yet to come, so it was better to end this quickly. “Stopping Queen Chrysalis will cause great harm to the enemy’s morale. So once everypony is ready, we will storm the castle!”

“Because Chrysalis certainly won’t expect that!” Twilight said almost reflexively, before her eyes went wide and she put a hoof to her mouth. Her friends looked equally shocked. Did Twilight Sparkle just snark the Princess? “Wait, I didn’t mean to-”

“It’s alright, Twilight.” Celestia didn’t seem angry, she was actually more worried than anything. “It’s just that Luna is still…” Her eyes gazed at one of the tall towers of the castle.

Princess Luna was still in the castle!? Twilight began to formulate plans. Should they try the direct approach? Or perhaps something more stealthy? She growled and scratched her head in frustration. Where was Shining Armor when you needed him?

Then she had an idea, one that just might work, simply because it was Chrysalis that they were dealing with. “I have an idea, if anypony wants to hear it?”

Celestia nodded and they huddled together, like a hoofball team preparing for a big game.

***

“I simply cannot believe that she would run out during my song like that!” Chrysalis sat on Celestia’s throne and leered at the empty room. “Doesn’t she know how rude that is? It’s in the rules, for crying out loud. If a villain starts a musical number, then you have to stay and hear it out!”

“Whatever you say, Boss Lady!” Frenzy muttered. She wondered why they hadn’t heard anything from the swarm that had been sent to Ponyville. She knew that Synth was utterly insane and a complete idiot, but he had never failed a mission before.

Banzai and Ted had gone to see what could be looted from the castle and if any ponies were still hiding within, but a good deal of the doors were magically sealed with seals too strong for the changelings to break.

“Well, this is boring,” Banzai scuffed a hoof on the floor, scratching the pristine tiles beneath him. “There’s nopony here. Why’d the queen even make this place a priority?” His horn suddenly flashed as he received a summoning call from his queen. “Well, c’mon, Ted; maybe she finally got tired and wants to go home.”

Ted just nodded. His mind filled with images of the pretty unicorn from earlier. He really wished he could have talked with her. He bet her love would taste like lavender and ice-cream.

By the time they reached the throne room, Chrysalis had already amassed the rest of the seventy or so changelings from the surrounding area.

“Okay, we heading home now?” Banzai asked as they sauntered in, but one look at Queen Chrysalis’s eyes told him everything he needed to know. “We’re not going home yet… are we?”

Fury filled the queen’s eyes as she pointed towards the courtyard. Banzai walked to the window and looked outside, where he saw something quite out of the ordinary.

At the front was Princess Celestia, decked out in gleaming armour, holding a very dangerous looking weapon and looking a tad angry. Behind her were five of the Element Bearers and a contingent of Royal Guard. The changelings inside still outnumbered them, but Celestia alone could probably take all the drones.

But it was what they were saying that was really interesting.

Celestia opened her mouth and let loose the Royal Canterlot Voice, which she had not done in some time.

“CHRYSALIS! YOU LAY CLAIM TO THE THRONE, YET HERE I STAND. AND WHILE I CONTINUE TO DO SO, THAT THRONE IS JUST ANOTHER CHAIR TO YOU. IF YOU TRULY WANT TO RULE, THEN COME AND PROVE IT!!”

“Holy- did she just call out the queen?” The look on Chrysalis’s face showed that the taunt was working too.

“I’ll skin her alive and use her wings for feather dusters!” Chrysalis roared. “She thinks she’s a match for me!?”

“Well, you kinda had the power boost from your ex-fiance last time-“ Frenzy instantly regretted those words. Shining Armor had been a touchy subject ever since that ‘incident,’ and nobuggy really knew why, only that the queen got weirdly quiet and depressed when the unicorn was mentioned.

But this time, she only seemed to get angrier. “I am far more powerful now. The power I received means that Celestia is little more than an appetiser for me.”

She stormed outside, melting a hole clean through the massive main doors, and stomped out into the courtyard.

“Alright, Celestia, you want some? You’re going to get some!” A smirk crossed her face. “Though I appeared to be outnumbered, so do you mind if my associate helps out a bit?”

Celestia was puzzled. She looked to Twilight, who shrugged in response. The looks of confusion quickly turned to ones of disbelief and horror when a swirling vortex of black smoke appeared next to the changeling queen before dispersing and revealing none other than King Sombra.

“T-that’s impossible!” Twilight couldn’t believe her eyes. “You were defeated by the Crystal Ponies!

“Defeated, but not destroyed.” His voice was deep and gravelly. “And now I help the beautiful queen here… for a while anyhow.” His eyes glowed with malevolent power and his curved horn ignited with the same power. “The Crystal Empire will be mine once more. When Canterlot falls, the Empire is next!”

Chrysalis also powered up her magic. “But first, we have the small matter of making you all disappear!”

Celestia was barely able to raise a barrier before the combined might of the two beings slammed into it. The ground around them was blasted apart and the earth shook, but the shield held… barely.

“Ah! Where are they getting that power from?” The shield fell, but Sombra and Chrysalis were already preparing to fire another blast.

“I didn’t account for this!” Twilight began to cast her own barrier. “Why is King Sombra here? Why are they so powerful?” The second beam fired, deflected this time by Twilight, but a third was already being prepared.

Rarity and some of the unicorn guards began to cast, but they weren’t as fast as Twilight and Celestia. They weren’t going to make it.

“It’s been fun, really!” Chrysalis smirked. She was a tad upset that she wouldn’t get to gloat anymore, but oh well. She and Sombra fired once again, and Twilight closed her eyes, unable to cast another shield.

There was a sound like an explosion, but Twilight couldn’t really tell. What she could feel was another matter though. What she felt was… well, nothing. No being torn apart by dark magicks, not even a slight tingle. Her brain was telling her that by definition then, she should be fine, but she didn’t want to jinx it.

“Seriously, can’t I spend a month in Equestria without some sort of drama?” That voice sounded so familiar. Twilight finally opened her eyes and she tried to speak, but nothing came out. She couldn’t believe what she was seeing.

Standing there, his horn glowing a vibrant red, was Flare Blitz!

“Sombra, dear?” Chrysalis’s voice was calm and sweet-sounding. “Would it be too much to ask to ACTUALLY KILL THEM!?”

Sombra didn’t flinch; the changeling queen didn’t scare him. She irritated him, but didn’t scare him. “Well, since it seems to be too difficult for you…” Chrysalis growled and seethed in a not so quiet rage.

“So just who, in the name of Tartarus, is getting in the way now?” The red shield dispersed after the attack, and Chrysalis laid eyes on the stallion who had cast it. “Who is that?”

“Beats me,” Sombra replied. “A friend of theirs, maybe?”

Flare turned to face the ponies he had just saved, wanting to fire some quip or quote like a badass, but Twilight had already thrown her hooves around his neck and pulled him into a deep kiss.

“Looks pretty friendly to me,” Chrysalis mused, feeling the overwhelming love flowing from them.

“I-I thought you were…” tears flowed down Twilight’s cheeks as she continued to hug him. “Where were you!?”

“I took an unexpected vacation.” Flare hugged her close, a smile on his muzzle. “I’m really sorry I worried you, but I’m here now.”

“Sparkler!?” Twilight pulled away. “She disappeared the same time you did. Did she-?”

“She’s fine; she got dragged along with me. I think we got separated on our way back, but since I got here safely, I’m sure she did too.” He looked over his shoulder at Chrysalis and Sombra. “So who might they be? Obviously not friends of yours?”

“That’s Chrysalis, Queen of the Changelings.” Twilight explained, wiping her eyes. “And that’s King Sombra, former ruler of the Crystal Empire.”

“I see.” Flare crossed the gap between himself and the villains almost instantaneously. They had no time to react before Flare’s powerful hooves slammed into Sombra’s face, sending him careening into the palace walls. Twisting his body, he opened his mouth and let loose a searing blast of flames at Chrysalis, causing the mare to shriek in surprise and pain as she flew up to avoid it.

“What the? What kind of pony breathes fire?!” It took a second, but it dawned on her. “You- you’re one of them? A Pokémon?”

“That’s right.” Flare landed, and his eyes flicked sideways, glancing at something before looking up at the flittering bug. “And you’re about to be paste!”

“You got the first hit, but that’s all you’ll get!” Chrysalis snarled, but Flare looked quite calm.

“Oh, I won’t hit you… she will.”

“She?” Chrysalis didn’t get out another word before a resounding boom filled the air. Chrysalis looked towards the source of the noise as a cyan hoof slammed into her like a bullet, a rainbow contrail following the mare behind the attack. Chrysalis soon joined her partner in making a new hole in the castle wall.

“Suck it!” Rainbow yelled, the light from her Sonic Rainboom slowly fading away. “That’s for messing with my friends!” She landed next to Flare and flicked her mane with a hoof. “And that’s how awesome I am. Thanks for standing in for a while, Flare.”

“Good to see you’re as modest as ever,” Flare chuckled. He turned around, only to be hugged by Twilight again.

“It’s finally over,” she cried. “And you’re okay.” Flare embraced her, happy to be holding the mare he loved close to him. This was where he belonged, right by her side. But she was wrong about one thing, it wasn’t over.

“A little early to be celebrating, isn’t it?” That chilling voice froze Flare Blitz to his core. There was a loud thump, and Fluttershy screamed as something large and heavy hit the pavement next to her.

It was Celestia who recognised it first. “LUNA!?” She ran to the fallen alicorn’s side. It was Princess Luna, wearing armour similar to her sister’s, but much of it was dented, torn, or missing entirely. Her wings had lost feathers, and her fur was scorched. Celestia tried to wake her, but the lunar princess was unconscious, having been badly beaten.

Flare looked skyward and saw what he feared was there.

“Darkrai!”

The Darkness Pokémon floated there silently, his cold gaze cast over the courtyard and then to the holes in the castle wall. “It’s so hard to find good help these days,” he sighed with an exasperated tone. “If you want something done right, then do it yourself, I suppose.”

Flare didn’t let him get off another word and launched himself at the Pokémon, his body igniting with his Flare Blitz attack. Darkrai raised his hands and waited until Flare drew close before firing a powerful Dark Pulse, sending the unicorn spiralling back down to the ground, hard. Flare coughed as the wind was knocked from his lungs, but was left wondering why the fall hadn’t hurt more. He noticed his body glowing with a gentle magenta light and Twilight’s horn shining brightly.

“Thanks for the save, Fairy,” he smiled. “I guess attacking head on won’t work.”

“Who is that?” Rarity asked, as Twilight put Flare down. “And why do I feel so terrified?”

“I am Darkrai, the embodiment of darkness, and the lord of nightmares!” he introduced himself. “And one thousand years ago, that accursed princess locked me away in the shadows… But now I am free.”

There was a powerful concussive wave of magic as Celestia rose to her hooves, her Warhammer flaring up with sunfire. “AND YOU SHALL GO BACK, MONSTER!” She launched herself at Darkrai, but twin beams of energy intercepted her, sending the raging princess into a nearby building. Chrysalis and Sombra emerged, the former with a wide smile on her face.

“Oh, that was rather satisfying!” she purred. “I want to do it again.”

“So good of you to join us,” Darkrai said. “Take care of these ponies. But the Rapidash is mine!”

Chrysalis tilted her head and looked at the group standing before them. What the hell was a Rapidash? She hazarded a guess that it was the strange, fire-breathing unicorn and decided that Darkrai could do as he pleased. She was really looking forward to draining that purple unicorn of her magic.

The building Celestia had crashed into exploded violently as the solar princess emerged. Her helm was missing, but she looked relatively unharmed… and extremely pissed off.

“Twilight? Can I leave Sombra and Chrysalis to you and your friends?” The purple unicorn just nodded. She was unsure if she could handle the two super-powered villains, but she would try. “Good, then Flare and I will take Darkrai!”

“No! You help Twilight,” Flare responded, eliciting a gasp from Twilight and a deathly glare from Celestia. “There is no way she and the girls can beat those two… not without the Elements of Harmony.” He still hadn’t seen these ‘Elements’ in action, except for when they’d freed Discord. But he’d already gauged the strength of Sombra and Chrysalis, and they were powerful. “I’ll take Darkrai, he’s a Pokémon problem, so a Pokémon will take care of it.”

“Are you serious!?” Darkrai mused. “You think you can actually stand against me? I almost killed you last time with no effort; what makes you think you’ll fare any better now?”

Flare knew that it would probably not end in his favour—Darkrai had supposedly taken out Arceus—but the fire horse wasn’t going to let that stop him from protecting his friends and loved ones. “You caught me by surprise last time, but that won’t happen this time.”

“We shall see.” The two Pokémon launched themselves at one another, causing their spectators to jump back as they collided. Darkrai raised a hand as it became cloaked in a dark energy.

“Magic Attack: Shadow Severance!” The magic infused Shadow Claw sliced through the air, missing Flare by mere inches, though a few locks of his mane fell from his head.

The pony slid across the ground, moved under Darkrai, and aimed his horn.

“Magic Attack: Flame Burst Rapid Fire!”

The numerous fireballs should have deep-fried the dark Pokémon, but his body disappeared right before the attack connected. Chrysalis took the chance to fire a blast of magic at Flare, but Twilight shot forward, blocking the attack with her own magic.

“Are you sure you can handle this, Flare?” she asked, and Flare nodded in response. Twilight didn’t like this, not one bit. But as long as she and her friends could at least keep Sombra and Chrysalis off of his back, his task would be a little easier.

“Fluttershy? Can you keep Princess Luna safe?” The pegasus nodded and flew to the fallen alicorn’s side. “Girls, we’ll take Chrysalis. Princess, Sombra’s all yours!”

It went unnoticed by the unicorn, but a flash of sadness washed over Celestia’s face. But she knew it had to be done. Raising her hammer and taking one last look at her sister, she steeled her resolve and flew at Sombra, solar magic flaring from her horn.

Flare barely had time to dodge as Darkrai re-emerged from the unicorn’s shadow and took a swipe with his claws. Flare countered with his fire breath and the true battle for Canterlot began.

***

Zecora entered Town Hall, having heard from the changeling they captured that this was where the townsponies were being held. The door was sealed shut with thick green gunk, but a few solid bucks opened it up. The hall was shrouded in darkness, and the zebra was wary of surprise attacks, as well she should have been. A few seconds after she entered, four changelings flew from the shadows, fangs bared.

She pulled out her staff and delivered a few quick strikes to their heads. “This had better be the last of that, these bugs are more tenacious than a horde of Zubat.” She knew she was tired if her rhymes were that weak, and her head was pounding. Now that the doors were wide open, she could see everypony in town hanging in viscous green pods. While she was wondering where to start, the Crusaders ran in, gasping at the sight.

“Hold tight, everypony!” Applebloom shouted, causing Zecora to jump, having not heard them enter.

The three fillies nodded and put their hooves together. “CUTIE MARK CRUSADER RESCUERS! YAY!”

Zecora’s headache only got worse.

***

Battles raged through the city of Canterlot as Flare and Darkrai traded magically-enhanced attacks and Celestia and Sombra crossed weapons, her hammer versus his crystal scythe. Property damages accumulated quickly, as buildings collapsed and roads were torn up and broken apart. Changeling swarms still prevented the Wonderbolts from setting up weather fronts, and Twilight Sparkle was realising that she might have bitten off more than she could chew.

Queen Chrysalis was much more powerful than last time, and the changeling knew it. She had yet to suffer a single blow from her opponents, and they looked like something the cat had dragged in.

“Why don’t you give up?” she taunted. “It’s hopeless. I will defeat you without breaking a sweat, and not just because changelings don’t sweat. Your little Pokémon friend will fall to Darkrai, and that infernal Celestia won’t last against all three of us.”

“We will win!” Twilight summoned another blast of magic, but Chrysalis merely buzzed to one side, avoiding the attack. Rainbow Dash tried another high-speed kick, but Chrysalis snared her with telekinesis and threw the prismatic pegasus into Applejack, sending them tumbling down the street. Pinkie tried firing her party cannon, only to have it fizzle out.

Pinkie rummaged around in her mane, her eyes widening when she realised that she was out of ammo. “Twilight, do you have any balloons?” Balloons were hard to find in Canterlot, those fancy ponies never used them at their fancy parties.

“Face it, foals!” Chrysalis jeered. “We have all but won. Submit now, and maybe I can find a place in our new world for you.” Her horn lit up with her sickly green aura as she prepared her final spell. “Just kidding; you’re going to die, and there will be nopony left to mourn for you…”

“DRAGON RUSH!” Chrysalis turned her head as something powerful slammed into her with tremendous force. She screamed as she collided with a small home, utterly obliterating the residence and burying her in the rubble.

Sapphira hovered there, looking pleased with herself. “Is this world always so fun?” she asked Spike. “I could get used to staying here if there are always so many butts that needs to be kicked.”

“I really wonder sometimes” Spike replied. “But that was awesome. Are all Pokémon as cool as you and Flare?” Sapphira blushed at the praise and turned her head to hide it. “Yeah, so where are these ponies that we need to find?”

Spike pointed below her, and Sapphira landed, causing Twilight to back away until she noticed Spike riding on the strange creature’s back.

“Spike!? What are you doing here?”

Spike had his ‘are you serious?’ look all over his face as he hopped down and produced the bag that held the Elements of Harmony. “I went to fetch these, remember?”

Twilight applied her hoof to her face as she realising that she totally forgot about that little fact. Though in her defence, a lot had gone down in the last hour. “Oh, Spike, thank you!” she hugged the little dragon and Sapphira chuckled, getting the unicorn’s attention. “And who’s this?”

“Ms. Sapphira; she’s a friend of Flare’s-” He was cut off as Twilight rushed forward, her eyes sparkling brightly.

“You know Flare? Are you from his world? What kind of Pokémon are you? How long have you known Flare?” Sapphire blinked and then raised a claw to silence the excited unicorn.

“Uh, don’t you think we have something more important to tend to?” She motioned towards her friends and the rubble that housed the buried queen. “I think the questions can wait, Purple.”

“My name is Twilight Sparkle,” she huffed. “But you’re right; this isn’t over yet.” Spike handed her the Elements, and she wasted no time in putting hers on. Sapphira looked around the city, a concerned look on her face.

“Where is Flare?” she asked. “Is he here?”

Twilight nodded and pointed towards the castle. “He’s over that way, fighting Darkrai.”

“DARKRAI!” Sapphira yelled. “And you just left him alone!?” Twilight took a step back from the outraged dragon.

“He told us that he’d be fine, and he seemed to be doing alright.” Even as the words left her mouth, that sinking feeling in her stomach wouldn’t go away. Was Darkrai really that dangerous, and why was Sapphira so upset?

“He’s the reason that this is all happening, and he’s already defeated Arceus!” Twilight’s eyes widened, and her pupils shrank to pinpricks. Darkrai had defeated Arceus? That massive Pokémon from a few months back who Flare had said was a god? Oh Celestia, Flare was in deep trouble.

Sapphira took the little wooden box that Zecora had given to her and flew off towards the castle, hoping that she wasn’t too late.

***

Flare fired another volley of Flame Bursts. Some of them found their mark, but Darkrai teleported again and avoided most. Both Pokémon were showing signs of damage, and both were refusing to yield.

“Face it, Darkrai, you can’t beat me in a fair fight!” Flare was confident… sort of. Darkrai was strong, that’s for sure. But he’d fought a pissed off Sapphira; nothing was more terrifying than that.

“You think so, hmm?” Darkrai emerged from Flare’s shadow to strike him from behind, but Flare had seen this trick. He spun on his hooves and fired a point-blank Solar Beam, engulfing the dark Pokémon in pure sunlight.

“RRAAARRGGHHHH!” Under the intense blast, the dark Pokémon screamed in pain and was promptly vaporised. Flare ceased the attack and stood there in shock. Had he really just won?

A powerful Dark Pulse attack suddenly hit him, wracking his body with pain. He tried to pick himself up, only to be hit with another attack.

“What’s the matter, little Rapidash?” Darkrai hovered above him, not a single mark on his body. “After beating my shadow, are you too tired to go on?”

“His shadow? I was fighting a fake?” And just like that, his confidence and hopes fell. He put his all into that fight and it was all for nothing!? No, not again. Was Darkrai’s dark magic getting to him again?

“You did well; I’ll grant you that much.” “Darkrai hovered closer, until he could whisper in the stallion’s ear. “But in the end, you lose…” He raised a claw, and the city fell into deep darkness as the moon moved in front of the sun. “I have taken Luna’s power, and with the coming of the darkness, my power will increase a hundredfold. This city has already fallen, and soon, this world, along with our own, will follow. And you shall have a front row seat to the destruction and chaos I will unleash. Doesn’t that sound like fun?”

Darkrai was right; he had failed. Maybe Celestia could still stop him. Maybe Twilight could if she got the Elements. All Flare knew was that he had failed, and everypony would pay the price. The shadowy pokemon suddenly vanished as an energy beam ripped through the air where he just was.

“How about you get up and fight, huh?” Flare opened his eyes; he knew that voice. But it was impossible; how could she be here? He lifted his head and saw Sapphira standing between him and Darkrai, who was now floating a few feet away. She had her back to Flare, but a brief turn of her head to check on him showed her usual fierce expression. Swapping her glare between Flare and Darkrai, she tossed the box to Flare, who fumbled with it slightly, surprised by the gift . “A Zebstrika told me that this would help you. Now get up and fight!”

Flare opened the box as Sapphira lunged at Darkrai, only to be swatted aside like a Hoppip in the wind. Flare pulled out the object inside, a small amulet in the shape of an Alicorn.

“What is this?” he muttered. “And a Zebstrika? I don’t know any Zebstrika…” Sapphira landed roughly next to him, dust and wounds tarnishing her scales.

“You know, anytime now would be fantastic,” she growled.

Twilight galloped around the corner just as Flare clasped the Alicorn Amulet around his neck. “No! Don’t put that on!” Her warning was too late though, and a dark sphere of magic surrounded him, cutting him off from everyone else.

~~~~

“Where am I?” Flare looked around. The darkness around him reminded him way too much of the Void. He hated it already.

“Darkrai! Is this your doing?” Flare shouted out, but he could see and hear nothing.
Had Darkrai used Dark Void on him?

“Now why are you here?” The voice that had responded was cold, dark, and surprisingly attractive sounding. “This is my realm, and somepony intrudes upon it?” It sounded as though the voice was conversing with itself. “The last wielder couldn’t do this.”

“It’s not exactly by choice.” Why was he responding? “I just put on this amulet and-”

“My amulet? You wear it? And you can hear me as well?” The voice sounded genuinely surprised. “I… didn’t think it was possible…”

A swirling cloud of blue mist appeared, and as it thinned, a black alicorn stepped forward. Her eyes shone like the stars, and her appearance reminded Flare of Luna. She focused her cat-like gaze on him, and a small smile revealed her sharp fangs.

“You are… different, aren’t you?” Flare found himself unable to move as she walked around him like a hungry predator gazing at its prey. “Your mind is repelling the curse of insanity I placed upon our amulet, which either means that you are already mad… or that your willpower is stronger than most.” She licked her lips as she ran a mythril clad hoof along his spine. “But what really got my attention was that name you mentioned—a name I have not heard for over a thousand years.”

“Darkrai,” Flare whispered and flinched as azure flames suddenly roared around him. The alicorn’s eyes filled with pure rage.

“You fight against Darkrai?” The gears turned in her head, and she suddenly bellowed with malicious laughter. “Oh, that is delicious. You wish to fight Darkrai, the Lord of Nightmares?”

“And I was winning until he cheated. So yeah, care to let me go so I can help save my friends? I’m getting worried about Twilight and the others.”

“Twi…light?” This stallion was just full of surprises, and perhaps, just maybe, he was the solution to all her problems. “Alright, little stallion, I’ll make you a deal. I will give you the power to defeat Darkrai, save all your friends, and live happily ever after.”

“And in return?” Every fibre of his being told him that this mare was trouble. But if she could help him save his friends…

“You will help me to become whole again. A simple spell is needed, and I will be glad to assist you first. I want Darkrai gone as much as you do.”

“Whole again?” What did she mean by that? But he didn’t have much choice. Darkrai was powerful, too powerful for him to defeat alone. “Alright, lady, you have yourself a deal.”

“Excellent. Just the words I was hoping to hear.” She melted back into mist as she surrounded Flare. “Now watch, for we are about to obliterate our enemy!”

~~~~

The sphere that had trapped Flare inside began to warp and shift as concussive waves of magic poured forth. Almost immediately, Twilight could feel a malevolent power surge from within it. It was something she had felt before, but from where?

Darkrai had also paused, sensing the power. He knew it better than most, for it was the dark power of Nightmares made real. “It cannot be.”

Fluttershy finished removing that last of Luna’s ruined armour and dressed her wounds with magic bandages. The lunar alicorn’s eyes flickered open as magic washed across the area, making her skin crawl.

“She’s here,” Luna whispered hoarsely. “But how…?”

Celestia finished burying Sombra, but her hammer was all but useless now, as the enchanted metal had crumbled from overuse. Once the magic reached her, she knew where she would head next.

The dark sphere shattered as a blast of searing heat erupted from its core. The stone pavement beneath melted into slag as four armoured hooves touched down. Twilight raised a hoof, attempting to shield herself from the overwhelming heat.

“Flare? Is that you?” Her voice caught in her throat as she laid eyes on the creature standing there.

An equine figure as tall as Celestia was standing there. His body was covered in gleaming red and gold plate armour, and his mane and tail flickered like the flames of the sun. Piercing blood-red eyes scanned the area with an almost bored expression. His long spiral horn crackled with magical power, and wings made from flame opened from his shoulders.

“…Flare?” Twilight really hoped it was him. The stallion cast his gaze at her, and Twilight felt her blood turn to ice.

“Nay, child of Celestia!” His voice had a strange resonance to it, like two ponies speaking at once. One was Flare’s; she knew that. And the other was a voice that still haunted her nightmares on occasion.

“Nightmare Moon,” Twilight whispered, her voice barely audible.

“Close, but not quite.” The stallion took a step forward, glaring at Darkrai. “It has been some time, Lord of Nightmares.”

“So it has, you traitorous wench!” Darkrai’s voice dripped with loathing and contempt, but the armoured alicorn didn’t seem to care.

“Tonight is the night I end you. For tonight, you face…” The stallion’s voice rose, magically amplified.

“KNIGHTMARE NOVA!!”

Author's Note

Okay.... so that happened.

First, I'd like to thank TheLetterJ for editing and also for providing the lyrics for that awesome song. That song must be made canon now, get on it Hasbro.

I'd also like to thank all my fans who were patient enough to wait for this severely delayed chapter. I have no excuse as to why it took so long... well I do and they're all very good reasons, but whatever.

The next part won't take as long... I hope.

Stay tuned for Chapter Nine - Darkness before the Dawn

Chapter Nine - Darkness before the Dawn

Chapter Nine – Darkness before the Dawn.

Twilight sat on her rump rather suddenly as her legs gave out. Flare was gone… again. And in his place stood a creature that everypony had thought long gone.

“No, it’s not possible!” Twilight denied with a fervor. “You were gone, utterly dissipated by the Elements of Harmony!”

Nova chuckled and shook her head. “You are quite mistaken, little unicorn. I was not destroyed, merely… delayed.” Knightmare’s voice was cold and quiet, but clearly heard above the chaos that ravaged the city. “I was the one who created the Amulet, not as a device that could bestow alicorn magic to its wielder, but as a failsafe should I fall in battle.”

“Failsafe? But how? Why wasn’t Trixie like this when she wore it?” The unicorn glared at Sapphira, “And how did you even get the Amulet?”

“So many questions.” Nova faced Darkrai and smiled warmly. “You don’t mind waiting a moment, do you? It’s been a while since I could converse like this, and I’d like take advantage of the moment.”

“I grow stronger by the minute with this darkness; so by all means, take your time,” Darkrai sneered.

“I’d better make this quick then,” Nova sighed. “The last user of the Amulet was weak. That is why I could not emerge, though I did manage to mess up her fragile little mind somewhat~” The way Nova talked was a little disconcerting, shifting between the voices of Nightmare Moon and the two of them together. But Twilight did notice that she had yet to hear Flare’s voice by itself.

“Now I’m sure I’ll be able to chat a little afterwards, but right now I have an old friend that I wish to obliterate!” With that, Nova’s body exploded with flames as she surged forward, slamming into Darkrai and sending him through the wall of the palace.

The small unicorn was at a total loss on what to do. A clatter of hooves hitting stone next to her caused her to jump, and she looked up to see Princess Celestia staring back down at her.

“Twilight?” Celestia leaned down to help her student up. “Please tell me what is happening here. Why am I sensing Nightmare Moon’s magical aura?”

“B-because…” Twilight hiccupped as tears formed in her eyes. “Nightmare Moon has possessed Flare!” She looked back towards the castle, which shook as the two powerful Pokémon clashed within its walls. “He put on the Alicorn Amulet, and somehow, Nightmare Moon took control of him!”

“How in Equestria did he get the Amulet?” Celestia asked. “I thought you said it was hidden deep within the Everfree.”

“It was,” Twilight looked at Sapphira. “She gave it to him!”

“Because a Zebstrika told me too. She said she was a friend of yours!” Sapphira wasn’t amused with this little upstart accusing her of all this. As she was weighing the pros and cons of rearranging her little purple face, Celestia stepped in between them.

“Did you say ‘Zebstrika?’” Sapphira nodded, and Celestia sighed and nodded. “I figured that she might have something to do with this.”

Twilight blinked. Celestia knew who this ‘Zebstrika’ was? The solar princess saw Twilight’s expression and nodded. “I’ll explain everything later, but we must deal with the current problem first. She saw the tiara atop Twilight’s head. “Do your friends have their Elements also?”

“Yes, why-” Twilight suddenly gasped, she couldn’t possibly mean to- There was no way!

“Y-you don’t want us to use the Elements on Flare, do you?”

“I certainly hope it will not come to that.” The sounds of battle within the castle could be heard as it shook with every powerful blow that was traded by the two Pokémon. “If we can seal Darkrai, then perhaps Nightmare Moon, if that is truly who it is, will stand down.”

Dust and loose bricks shook free from the palace as Darkrai and Nova clashed within.

“Stand still so I can kill you!” Nova screamed as she unleashed a wave of searing flames that scorched a corridor black. Darkrai phased through a wall, narrowly avoiding the attack.

“Tch! I didn’t think that Rapidash was capable of this much power.” Though he knew that the Alicorn Amulet and the Nightmare bound within were helping, it was still more than the dark Pokémon thought possible. “The Elements of Harmony are now back in the hooves of their owners, Celestia is still a threat, and who knows what Discord is up to.” The whole ‘take over Equestria’ thing wasn’t going according to plan.

“Chrysalis and Sombra turned out to be useless after all…” Darkrai flew through another wall right before it exploded, showering the throne room in a cloud of dust.

“What’s the matter? Scared?” Nova sneered as she charged up another spell. “I’ll finish you once and for all.”

“Come forth, spheres of destruction! Burst Flame; Mega Barrage!”

Dozens of fireballs surrounded the armoured pony and then shot forward. Darkrai fired a Dark Pulse at them, but when they exploded, they simply split into smaller and even more numerous fireballs.

The dark Pokémon merged with the shadows to avoid the attack, but the castle was devastated as the throne room was engulfed in flames. The ornate stain glass windows shattered, and the marble was scorched black.

“Still running away?” Nova burst through one of the walls and back outside. “C’mon, Darkrai, I thought that you were going to defeat me.”

“Oh, believe me, I will!” The shadows underneath Nova shifted, and a dark claw shot out, attempting to skewer the armoured pony. Hardened claws screeched against the metal plating covering Nova’s sides, tearing into the metal and ripping the plate off.

“AARRGHH!” Nova reared up and stomped her hooves down, shattering the ground and causing Darkrai to emerge a few feet away.

“Ooh, that looks like it hurts,” Darkrai leered, looking at the wounds inflicted by his Shadow Sneak. “And I’ll be sure to hurt you a lot more!”

“I don’t think so!” Twilight’s shout caused Darkrai to turn and see six mares hovering in the air nearby, the necklaces they wore gleaming with a brilliant light. “We’re putting an end to this right now, Darkrai!”

The air around them shone with a brilliant light as the magical necklaces hummed with power. The blinding light shining within the darkness couldn’t be ignored, and Darkrai’s eyes widened as the light shifted to a rainbow hue.

Twilight’s eyes flashed with magical power as she and her friends fired the Elements at Darkrai, but the cunning Pokémon wasn’t going down, not like this. He raised a hand, and in an instant, he was no longer there, replaced with a dazed and confused Sombra.

“What?” The dumbfounded look on his face became permanent as the Elements hit him with their full might, purging the darkness from his body and petrifying his physical form into crystal.

When the attack ceased, Twilight and the others collapsed with exhaustion as Darkrai laughed, pleased that his Substitute attack had worked so perfectly.

“Hah! So Sombra was useful in the end, after all!”

Chrysalis emerged from the castle, dug out by her Changelings, just in time to see her companion petrified. “Darkrai?!” What the hell was he thinking? Were they just meat shields in case the ponies used the Elements on him?

“Wha- How?” Twilight just stared at the crystal Sombra statue. How did Darkrai do that? Knightmare was also confused, until Flare offered the answer.

“Clever bastard, he used Substitute to dodge it.”

Nightmare Moon was even more confused. “Substitute? What the hell is that?”

“It’s normally a move that allows the user to summon an inanimate object to hide behind, but somehow, Darkrai used Sombra instead…” Well, at least it was one less villain to worry about.

“Well, that was certainly close. Those Elements could prove pesky though…” He raised a claw and began to charge a powerful spell, aiming at the exhausted mares that just tried to seal him.

“We can’t let him hurt them!” Flare said to Nightmare. The dark mare couldn’t care less about what happened to them, but she needed a cooperative host body, so she thought it might be better to try to keep him happy.

“Leave it to me. All these ponies are getting in the way, and I still need a city to rule from when I return. So let’s have a change of scenery, shall we?”

Nova charged her horn and flew towards Darkrai. “I feel like going on a little holiday. Care to join me, Darky?”

Still feeling good about dodging a bullet like that, Darkrai had almost forgotten about his opponent. “What the hell are you-” There was a loud magical ‘POP,’ and the two Pokémon disappeared, leaving the scent of burnt ozone behind.

“They teleported?” Twilight first wondered when and where Flare learned how to teleport, before a quick shake of her head fixed her skewed priorities. “We need to find them.”

Celestia put a hoof on her student’s shoulder and motioned with her horn. “We still have another problem to deal with.” Twilight followed her teacher’s gaze and saw Queen Chrysalis and her slowly re-forming Changeling army.

“Oh. Right. Them.”

“We can take ‘em!” Rainbow Dash stepped forward. With the changelings gathering near their queen, the soldiers and Wonderbolts that had been fighting them across the city were also making their way to the palace.

“You should go find Flare; he could use all the help he can get against that monster.” Rainbow really wanted to go after him herself, but something told her that Twilight was the best choice to help him.

“I found them!” Celestia said. “I can sense their magical signature several miles from here, in the Discordant Plains!”

Twilight knew that place. It was where Celestia, Luna, and Discord had fought their final battle hundreds of years ago. The land was so badly warped by chaos magic that it was considered uninhabitable, and had thus been quarantined ever since.

“But how am I going to get there?” Twilight asked. “I’m still feeling drained after using the Elements, and I don’t think I can teleport that far.”

“I’ll take you!” Sapphira growled. She was pissed that she’d let Darkrai get the jump on her earlier. “I owe that bastard a serious ass kicking!”

“But how are you going to get there?” Twilight asked, but Sapphira merely snorted and hovered in the air. Twilight blinked and stared at her. “You can fly?”

“Of course I can fly!” Sapphira snapped. “I flew here, didn’t I?”

Speaking of that… “Where’s Spike!?” Twilight panicked. In all the chaos, she’d lost track of her little dragon.

“I’m over here, Twilight!” Spike waved from where Princess Luna was lying. Twilight sighed with relief and nodded at Sapphira.

“Okay then, let’s go find Flare!”

“‘Bout time,” Sapphira grunted and grabbed the purple unicorn. “You better hold on tight. I only fly at one speed, and that’s fast!”

“A dragon after my own heart,” Rainbow called out. “Just try not to take too long getting there~”
Though Rainbow didn’t see it, Sapphira had a dangerous gleam in her eyes; a gleam that made Twilight’s fur stand on end.

“Slow? You think I’m slow?!” Sapphira shot into the sky like a bullet, soaring off into the distant horizon with a screaming unicorn clinging to her for dear life.

*~*

“Urgh!” Flare slowly got to his hooves. His body felt heavy, and he felt like drained, like he’d missed out on sleep for a few days.

Then he realised that he was in control of his body again, and the heavy feeling came from the armour that he wore. He fumbled around with the helmet for a moment before he worked out how to remove the bulky object, dropping it to the ground with a loud quack.

…Wait; a quack?

He looked down and saw that the ground beneath him had a checkerboard design with constantly shifting colours. He poked at it, and with every touch, he got a different sound effect, from a kitten’s meow to the sound of glass breaking. Looking around, he saw melting trees, upside-down flowers, the roots sticking up in the air. The sky was just as weird. Fluffy pink clouds rained a brown substance that Flare was dubious to touch, but it was still pitch black, save for the light his flaming mane and tail gave off.

“Where in Equestria am I?” He couldn’t see Darkrai anywhere either, but the prickling sensation on his skin told him that the Pokémon was somewhere around here.

“This was the most isolated place I could think of.” The voice made Flare jump, and then he realised that it was Nightmare Moon.

“What; forget about me already?”

“Sorry; got a little distracted. So where are we, anyway?” Flare looked around at the surreal landscape again. “It’s so…weird. So strange. So…chaotic? Was this Discord’s doing?”

“Ooh, look at you, all smart and stuff,” Nightmare teased. “That’s right, though. This is where Celestia and I—I mean, Luna, fought Discord many, many years ago.”

Well at least there was nopony to hurt out here. “So where do you think Darkrai is?”

“No doubt he’s a bit confused as well, but that won’t last long. He’ll sense our magic before long, and this battle will begin anew. Before that happens, there’s something else we need to discuss.”

Flare tilted his head. “Oh? What’s that?”

“HOW THE HELL ARE YOU IN CHARGE!?” The shout made Flare’s head ring. It was like standing next to Luna during a Royal Canterlot Outburst.

“You’re in my head, so please use your inside voice!” Flare winced. Wait? He was in charge now? The teleport must have somehow caused them to swap.

“Oh sweet! Now I can give Darkrai a few punches of my own!”

“Oh, I sincerely hope you can deliver on that!” Flare looked up to see the shadowy Pokémon floating there, looking incredibly pissed off. “Because I don’t want to be too bored while I KILL YOU!”

This was the exact scenario that Nightmare Moon was hoping to avoid. “Well… buck!”

It was now the complete opposite of their previous battle. Flare weaved through some distorted trees as Darkrai blasted away with vicious bolts of black lightning. One bolt narrowly missed his flank, singing the fur and causing him to yelp more in surprise than pain.

“Dark, Psychic, Electric, Magic! Can’t this guy stick to one friggin’ attack pattern?” He spun on his hooves and fired a Flamethrower attack, but Darkrai used Protect to block the attack.

“Protect too? Oh c’mon!” What Darkrai had said seemed to be true: the longer that this darkness stayed, the stronger the Pitch-Black Pokémon got.

“Okay, I need to get a grip. He’s an insane Pokémon with incredible dark magic, but he’s still a Pokémon.” Flare just needed to figure out Darkrai’s fighting style, and then treat this like any other Pokémon battle. “So far, I’ve seen him use Dark Pulse, Psychic, Protect, Substitute, Dark Void, and Shadow Sneak. He also seems to be able to amplify his attacks with magic, like I can, and use actual spells, like that lightning.”

If it were just Pokémon attacks, then Flare could probably take him, but that magic really complicated things.

“Counter with your own magic, fool!” Nightmare said. “When he uses a spell, counteract with your own.”

“But I don’t know any magic, aside from levitation.” Luna’s training had taught him how to harness his attack amplification, but he knew next to nothing of any real spells.

“I don’t believe it. Of all the ponies to be compatible with, I get one that knows less than a foal. Even that idiot Trixie knew more powerful magic than you!”

“If you two are quite done, would you kindly lay down and die?” Darkrai charged up
another spell, mixing Dark Pulse with volatile dark magic.

Flare really wished he knew Protect himself right then. Darkrai held a massive ball of swirling energy several times the size of its caster.

“You’ve got to counter with your own spell before Darkrai completes that one, or we will really die! Don’t you have something more powerful than a few fireworks?”

“I do have one attack that might work!” He had an attack considered one of the most powerful moves a regular Pokémon could learn. If he used his power to infuse it with magic... well it might just work

“Fine, but don’t blame me when something bad happens!” He began to focus his energy and built up his magic power. It was now a race between Darkrai and Flare to see who could finish their attack first.

“I see your end. I have waited a thousand years to take this world, and a lowly Rapidash will not stand in my way!”

“Dark Arte; OBLIVION!!”

“And I will protect Equestria with everything I have. I won’t let you win!” Flare finished his own attack, his most powerful one. A magically charged Hyper Beam!

“Megaspell; STAR BREAKER!!”

*~*

Sapphira had slowed her pace somewhat, and Twilight had finally stopped screaming, much to the relief of the dragon’s ears. Sapphira had gotten some general directions from Celestia before they left, and now that Twilight had calmed down, she could give more specific ones.

“Alright, where do we go from here?” Sapphira asked.

“Give me a second to cast a locator spell and I’ll tell you.” As Twilight began to cast, her horn suddenly lit up with a brilliant light, causing the mare to gasp with surprise. We need to brace ourselves, NOW!”

She cast a shielding spell just in the nick of time, as the horizon flared with a massive flash of light and an earth shattering explosion. The shockwave that followed struck the barrier, and even with it in place, Sapphira almost fell out of the sky.

Once she had recovered, Sapphira looked at the plume of smoke that rose from the origin of the explosion. “Well, I guess we know where they are now.”

*~*

Rainbow Dash evaded another blast of magic from the Changeling Queen, causing her to roar in frustration. The sudden blast of wind and the sight of what could be mistaken for an erupting volcano caused her to pause.

“What the hay is that?” she said to herself, gasping as Spitfire tackled her out of the way of another attack.

“Not now, cadet! We have bigger bugs to fry!”

*~*

Flare lay on the ground, his ears ringing and his head throbbing with pain.

“Ahh,” he hissed as he tried to sit up, failing miserably. “I told you that was a bad idea. Hyper Beam really drains the user, and a magically amped one?” He had no strength to get up, and even talking aloud took it out of him. They would recover, but now it was another race to see who would recover first, Flare and Nightmare… or Darkrai.

“That. Hurt!”

Flare tiredly lifted one eye and saw the shadowy Pokémon floating above them, with a semi-circular hole where his left arm used to be.

“Oh buck.”

“So… I take it that we are royally screwed?”

“Eeyup.”

“Well, I suppose it was nice knowing you. You weren’t so bad…”

“Right back at you Nighty!”

Darkrai began to charge another Dark Arte. “This time, I will see you dead. I will see you so utterly dead!”

That was when the Draco Meteor impacted him at full power, sending the Pokémon careening to the ground with a barrage of explosions.

“You first, freak!” Sapphira yelled, landing near Flare. “Seriously, Flare, I leave you alone for ten minutes, and you lay waste to an entire field.” She looked at the massive, smouldering, banana-shaped crater left behind by the spells used only moments ago. “I’m impressed... and a little weirded out”

“So what’s the plan? Darkrai won’t stay down for long, and we can barely move.” Nightmare Moon was going to be honest; she didn’t like their odds of surviving this battle.

“Flare?” Twilight’s voice calling out to him broke his concentration. “Please tell me you’re alright?”

He groaned and nodded slightly. “Yeah, I’m me again. Nighty’s taken the backseat for now…”

Twilight’s horn lit up as she cast a revitalisation spell on him. It wasn’t healing his wounds very much, but he was feeling a lot better. “Ahh, that’s the good stuff. Thanks, Fairy~”

“Alright, I’m assuming you have a plan?” Sapphira asked. “Hopefully one that involves hitting Darkrai a lot?”

“Nope, we are totally screwed!” Flare replied calmly, causing Sapphira and Twilight to stop and stare at him.

“Um, care to run that by me again, Flare?” Sapphira said, her voice tinged with anger. “Cause that sounded an awful lot like quitter talk.”

“I hit him with a spell that could vaporise a mountain, and all it did was piss him off.” Flare looked at the blood red moon that hung in the sky, coating the land in a foul darkness. “We need the sun back, otherwise he’ll just keep getting stronger.”

“But without Princess Luna—well perhaps Princess Celestia could do it, but she’s trying to deal with the Changelings.” Twilight looked down. “I don’t know how we are going to do it.”

“We could have tried actually, but our magic reserves have almost depleted.” Nightmare Moon sounded a little embarrassed. It should have been something she thought of, but the sight of Eternal Night made her a little giddy. “I feel like a foal. We draw power from the night too, but this perverted night that Darkrai has summoned… it leaves a bad taste in my mouth.”

So that was that; the only pony that could help had her hooves full. Flare tried using Sunny Day, mentally scolding himself for not trying it sooner. It didn’t matter though as the attack failed to work.

“Figured it wouldn’t be that easy.”

“You. Are all. GOING TO PAY!!”

“Someone woke the baby,” Sapphira said. “What do we do?”

“Buy time for Celestia to fix the sun.” Flare knew it wasn’t a good plan, but right now it was the only one he had.

*~*

The fight was beginning to get tedious. Twilight’s friends and the Royal Guard had been holding off the Changeling swarm while Celestia and Chrysalis engaged in a magical dogfight in the skies above.

“What’s the matter, Celestia?” Chrysalis goaded as one of her shots clipped Celestia’s shoulder. “Old age slowing you down?”

“You’re as old as I am, Chryssi!” Tia responded. A shining golden beam seared the queen’s left foreleg.

“Stupid nag!” Chrysalis retorted.

“Old Bat!”

“Sun Tyrant!”

“Cheese Legs!!”

“Fat Flanks!!!”

Celestia gasped. Chrysalis had gone too far now. Her flanks were not fat. They were just...shapely.

“I will see you punished!” Celestia flew high into the sky. Her horn shone like the solar body she governed over. A fierce wind suddenly blew, stirring up dust and causing most ponies and Changelings to duck for cover. Her eyes burned white with fury, and it was directed solely at the Changeling Queen.

“Divine Spell – Shining Force!”

“OhcrapOhcrapOhcrapOhcrap!” Chrysalis couldn’t move. The fiery alicorn above had her frozen with fear. Her world went white as the spell was cast, and Chrysalis braced to be sent to oblivion.
...
...
And still she waited, but the sweet release of death never came. The queen dared to open a single eye, which nearly bugged out of her head at the sight of a hole that had been seared through the ground only six feet from her.

“She… she missed? No, it was intentional. A display of what she could do if she wanted.”

Celestia glided back down to earth and sighed tiredly. Using Divine Magic really took it out of her, but she didn’t want Chrysalis to know that. And she knew that she would explain to the city planner why there was a new tunnel in the middle of the city later.

“Um, well… I guess we’ll, um, be leaving now?” Chrysalis said meekly. Celestia gave a curt nod, and with a quick summoning spell, Chrysalis gathered her Changelings and the Sombra-statue and flew away, much to the relief of everypony.

“Thank Celestia!” Applejack exclaimed, which she followed up with a nervous chuckle when said alicorn gave her a look. “Well, ah guess y’all are to thank fer this one.”

“Yeah, I guess,” Rainbow said. “I could have handled it, but I guess I can share the limelight.” She looked the ponies glaring at her and shrugged. “What?”

“Your Highness,” Spitfire greeted Celestia, “I’m sorry to sound hasty, but the sun—“

“Yes, just give me a moment… oh?” Celestia tried to move the sun from behind the moon, but she failed to calculate one thing. By using a powerful spell to terrify Chrysalis, she’d used up her magic reserves. “Oh dear; it would seem that… I cannot do that right now.”

Spitfire just stared. “Well that’s not good.”

*~*

“Flare!” Twilight called out as he and Sapphira evaded more of Darkrai’s attacks. Initially, being ‘handicapped,’ so to speak, gave the other Pokémon a slight edge, but he had since regenerated and was now on the offensive once more.

“Little busy right now; leave a message.”

“It’s about Celestia. One of her messengers sent me a telepathic report. She can’t raise the sun.”

Flare paused long enough for to Darkrai get a hit in, slamming him into the ground with Dark Pulse. Flare’s magic was still severely weakened, and now Celestia had run out of batteries too? This was not boding well.

“So now what? I can’t use your Pokémon attacks effectively, and our only chance to raise the sun just disappeared.”

“I’m thinking!” Flare yelled. The pressure was on, and Darkrai was still getting stronger. Sapphira had him occupied by using rapid fire attacks to keep him off guard, but that strategy wasn’t going to work forever.

“Twilight’s probably the only magic user left with any… real… power?” Flare suddenly got an idea. He turned to his marefriend with a wild grin. “Twilight, you can raise the sun!”

“WHAT!?” The simultaneous yell from Nightmare and Twilight caused him to wince.

“I’m serious. You’re the most powerful unicorn I know. I know you can do it!”

“I can’t! Even I don’t have the magic power to raise the sun!” Twilight argued. “Before Princess Celestia came along, it took hundreds of unicorns to raise and lower the sun and moon. I simply don’t have the strength, and even if I did, I don’t know how!”

“Well, um…” Flare thought. There had to be a way. Wait. He had another idea, and it was a really stupid one!

Nightmare glazed over his thoughts. “I agree; that is an incredibly stupid idea. Why in the seven hells would I agree to that?”

“Because we all die if you don’t?”

“And if your little marefriend goes insane, then what?”

“I have faith in her,” Flare smiled and looked at Twilight. “And I have faith in you too!”

Nightmare had no response. How the hell could he trust her, of all ponies, like that? What made this stallion so utterly convinced that this plan would work?

“It’ll only be for a moment, and I’ll keep Darkrai off of you. There is no way I’m going to let him hurt anypony else!”

“And Sparkle? What do you suppose she will think of this plan of yours?”

“Well, I guess we’ll have to find out, huh?” He ran over to Twilight, who had cast a barrier to block some misdirected attacks from the two Pokémon still fighting.

“Twilight, you said you need both power and knowledge to raise the sun, right?”

The little unicorn not like where this was heading. “Yes?”

“Well, what if I could give you both?” Flare tapped at the Amulet, detaching it from his neck and resuming his normal unicorn form once more.

“No! Oh no! You are not putting that on me! Nightmare Moon is in that thing!”

Flare nodded. “Exactly. She has the knowledge to move the sun and moon, and the Amulet will give you the power boost you need.” Flare looked into Twilight’s eyes. She was scared, he could understand that, but this was the only thing he could think of.

“Nighty promised to be good, and I believe her. We bonded.”

Twilight sighed, placing a hoof on the bridge of her nose. “You have spent too much time with Pinkie. And, well, do you really think this will work?”

There was a loud thump as Sapphira collapsed to the ground and Darkrai turned his gaze towards the two ponies.

“We don’t have a choice,” he whispered and kissed Twilight, clasping the Alicorn Amulet around her neck as he did so. “I’m counting on you two, so play nice.”

~~~

“What? Where am I?” Twilight looked into the black abyss that stretched out before her. It was bone-chillingly cold, and though it was a vast, open expanse, she still felt suffocated.

“This is my existence, Twilight Sparkle!” The curt tone was one that Twilight could never forget. Nightmare Moon appeared next to her, causing the unicorn to leap away.

“So it really is you!” she exclaimed. “Why are we here?”

“Because right now, you are rejecting me. In order for us to fulfill that stallion’s idea, you must accept me!”

“And become another Nightmare!?”

“No; I lack the strength for a body takeover, but that would be fun, wouldn’t it? Celestia overthrown by her own precious student? What delicious irony.”

“That’s not really irony…” The glare from the black Alicorn caused Twilight to abandon the lecture on using words properly for now. “I’m only doing this for Flare, you know!”

“Yes, yes. Let’s bring back your precious sun and defeat that bastard Darkrai.” Nightmare faded away, and Twilight watched the dreary void dissipate. “And we should hurry; your stallion has a promise to fulfil.”

“Promise?” What promise did he make to Nightmare Moon?

“Oh, you’ll see~”

~~~

Darkrai watched as Flare put the Amulet on Twilight and the unicorn promptly collapsed.

“Now why did you do that? Allying yourself with that fragment was your only means of a meagre defense. Now killing you will be hatchling’s play.”

He had no magic left, his stamina was nearly gone, and his head pounded. His entire body screamed for rest, but he wasn’t done. Not yet.

“I don’t need it. I’ll beat you down with my own power, Darkrai!” He knew he had no chance, but there was no way in hell he was going to let Darkrai touch Twilight!

“Well, I thought something like this might happen!”

The high-pitched tone caught Flare off guard as he looked around for its source. He yelped in fright when a transparent Mew appeared in front of him.

“M-Mew!? What are doing-?”

“This is just a recording I left in your noggin when I healed you~” Mew giggled. “I knew that you’d face Darkrai again and probably do something really boneheaded, so I left this little failsafe for you!”

“A failsafe?”

“You’re probably wondering what I’m talking about. I left a little gift in your genetic structure, one that could give you an edge on Darkrai…” Her face fell oddly serious as she looked into Flare’s eyes. “But it will come with a price. This gift will take a massive toll on you, physically and mentally… there is the slight chance you will not recover from it.”

“Oh, well that’s comforting…”

“But I have faith that you’ll be fine. To activate this special ability, simply touch my projection… or don’t.”

Flare smiled. “Better not let it go to waste. Let’s see what little Mew has for me.” He raised a hoof and touched her, eliciting a giggle from the ethereal Pokémon.

“Teehee, that tickles. Well okie dokie lokie; I wish you all the best, Flarey. Try not to die, ‘kay?” She glowed brightly and vanished, leaving behind a pink aura that engulfed Flare’s body. There was a gentle warmth that filled his being. It took a second, but then Flare realised what she had done. She’d unlocked his moveset. His entire moveset. Every move he could possibly learn. Every TM, HM, and Egg move…He knew them all.

“I hope you’re ready, Darkrai!” Flare said, and in the blink of an eye, Darkrai found himself face-to-face with the Rapidash. “Because I’m going to start hitting you now, and I’m not too sure when I’ll stop.”

After using the Quick Attack, Flare followed up with Double Kick, slamming the Dark-type with his diamond-hard hooves. As Darkrai flew towards the ground, Flare curled himself up and rocketed towards him with Flame Wheel, colliding with the falling Pokémon and slamming him into the ground.

“Holy Arceus!” Sapphira had never seen Flare fight like this. Three attacks in perfect succession; it was pretty amazing.

“Lucky shot,” Darkrai snarled. “But that did nothing!”

“Then what about this?” Flare leapt high into the sky with his Bounce attack and aimed down.
“Fire Blast!” The massive star-shaped attack flew at Darkrai, who raised a Protect barrier to block it.

“Weak. Is that all you can—” Darkrai was promptly cut off as the barrier faded and saw that Flare was in his face, a long glowing horn protruding from his forehead. It glowed a pale blue hue as Flare activated the most powerful Bug-type attack.

“Megahorn!” Darkrai grabbed it with his bare claws, narrowly avoiding being skewered through the heart.

“You will not WIN!” Flare said, digging his hooves into the mismatched earth and pushing Darkrai back. The problem with Pokémon that floated was that they had no way of standing their ground.

Darkrai’s eyes flashed, and the Pokémon teleported to a safe distance. How was this possible? How was this puny Pokémon able to fight back? He was on the run just moments ago. The Rapidash had massive magical strength at his disposal at the time, and yet now he was fighting like any other Pokémon.

So why the hell was Darkrai losing!?

“I am going to kill you!!”

“And I’m getting tired of hearing that!” Flare said, unleashing a Fire Spin to trap Darkrai in a fiery vortex. “I just hope I can keep this up.”

Twilight closed her eyes, focusing on the celestial objects that hung in the sky. Nightmare Moon had taught her the spell that moved them, but even trying as hard as she could, Twilight couldn’t make them move.

“I-I can’t do it!” Twilight said as she strained her magic to its limits. Her horn showered sparks over the ground in front of her, and sweat poured from her brow.

“Try harder!” Nightmare snapped. “You have to move them! Right now, you’re the only one who can!”

Twilight gave one last push, but she failed once more and collapsed to the ground. “It’s impossible; there is no way I can move the sun and moon. I’m not an alicorn; I’m not Starswirl the Bearded…” Tears ran down her cheeks as she continued to berate herself. “I’m just a single unicorn who can’t help her friends.”

There was a loud thump as Flare hit the ground near her, caught off guard and sent flying by one of Darkrai’s attacks. Sapphira had joined in to help, but it was clear that the battle was not going to have a positive end.

“Argh. Oh… that one hurt… pretty bad…” Flare shakily got to his hooves as sunset-coloured flames engulfed his body. “Try again, Twi. I know you can do it!”

“But I, I don’t—” Flare didn’t hear her as he charged at Darkrai, his Twilight Blaze attack at full power.

Nightmare Moon was beyond pissed. What the hell was wrong with this mare!?

“What the hell, Twilight Sparkle!?” She screamed. “What happened to the mare that defeated me? The invincible Nightmare Moon! Even Celestia couldn’t accomplish that!”

“I wasn’t alone then!” Twilight yelled back. “I had my friends with me! They stood by my side as I… as I…” A sudden realisation dawned on her. The answer was obvious. “Oh!”

“What is it?”

Twilight lit up her horn once more, but now she had a much different spell in mind: a long range telepathy spell.

“Girls! I need your help. Please, I can’t do this alone!”

In Canterlot, the faint whispers of Twilight’s plea reached the minds of her friends. And they only had one thing to say.

“Well, it’s about time!” Rainbow snapped. “What took you so long?”

“Really, darling, there’s no need for dramatics.” Rarity giggled. “We’ll always be here to assist you.”

“Yeah! Y’all can count on us, no matter what!” Applejack adjusted her hat and smiled.

“Friends forever, right?” Fluttershy smile softly. “I don’t know what I can do, but I’ll help.”

“Yepper deppers!” Pinkie hopped around, grinning madly. “♫Let’s let the sunshine in♪~”

Twilight wiped a tear from her eye; she had the greatest friends ever. And with Flare fighting to protect her and all of Equestria, she had the best coltfriend ever too!

“I-I don’t know what to do. I don’t know if I can—”

Rainbow’s Element hummed and glowed. “I don’t get all the eggheady magic stuff, but you can do it! You’re Twilight Freakin’ Sparkle, the most eggheadiest and awesomest unicorn ever!”

The others Elements began to follow suit.

“We probably wouldn’t be where we are without you!” Rarity sniffed.

“I know you can do it, Twilight.” Fluttershy said, her voice full of confidence. “I’m not as shy as I used to be thanks to you.”

“An’ ah know there’s more t’life than jus’ work!” Applejack added. “And y’all can bet I’ll whip up one doozy of a hoedown once we’re done!”

“OH YEAH! WE SAVED THE WORLD PARTY!!” Pinkie cartwheeled around. “It’s. Gonna. Be. EPIC!!!”

“Well, there you have it,” Nightmare said. “You have the most disgustingly nauseating friends in Equestria and one of the sappiest stallions I have ever met.” If she had a face, Nightmare might have had the smallest of smiles. “You gonna let them down?”

“Not a chance!” Twilight opened her eyes, and they shone brightly with magical power. The ground around her began to shift and swirl. Nightmare Moon gasped as the full extent of Twilight’s power made itself known.

If Nightmare’s and Darkrai’s power fit in a well, then Twilight’s would take an ocean. It was incredible, and a little terrifying. What if she had initially failed to stop Nightmare? What if the Queen of the Night had pushed this little unicorn too far?

“Gods above, she’s in a league of her own.” Then she felt it: a spark that she’d only felt in a few individuals. “So that’s your plan, Celestia? I can’t say I saw it coming… I just hope you know what you’re doing.”

Darkrai howled as another attack missed.

“Give it up! We will stop you!” Darkrai shot a destructive beam of magic at Sapphira, but Flare used Ally Switch to instantaneously swap places with her and then used Protect. “You can’t win!”

Sapphira roared and dug her heels in, firing a Hyper Beam at Darkrai, but he batted it aside.
“Tch! This is getting tedious. How powerful is this bastard!?”

“The Darkness provides me with infinite power! You cannot stop me. You are only delaying the inevitable!”

The air itself suddenly stood still, and a wave of intense energy washed over them. All three Pokémon stopped, searching for the source. They didn’t have to search for long.

Twilight stood a few dozen feet away, her entire being ablaze with magical might. Her eyes burned a brilliant white as a pair of ethereal wings spread from her back. Being Pokémon that could use magic, Flare and Darkrai could feel the magical power building up.

“Beautiful,” Flare whispered.

“What… what is she doing!?”

“Something incredible,” Flare replied.

Twilight turned her gaze to the heavens and narrowed her eyes. “You will move!” she said calmly.

***

Luna suddenly felt a twinge in her Cutie Mark, causing her to awaken. “Hm? Now what was—” Her eyes widened as she saw something that should be impossible: the moon moved out from in front of the sun, bathing the land once more in its warm light. “How… how did?” She could feel the magic that surrounded them and that willed the celestial bodies to move. “Twilight.”

***

“IMPOSSIBLE!” Darkrai tried to shield himself, but the brilliant rays of the sun shone down, bringing its light back to the world. “Celestia and Luna have no power left; how can the moon move?” He saw the unicorn that shone with the same light. “You!”

She’d done it. Flare beamed widely, despite feeling like he was about to fall apart. “I knew you could do it, Fairy.” But it wasn’t over yet…

Darkrai thrashed in the light, his magic power slipping away. “NOOOO!! I will not go down like this… heh, hehheheheh… HAHAHAHAHAHAAAAA!!!” Darkrai had lost it; all his careful planning, his absolute dominance, all brought to an end by a Rapidash and a unicorn. “If this is to be my end, so be it! BUT I’LL TAKE YOU ALL WITH ME!” He began to draw upon every ounce of magic he had left. If he couldn’t have Equestria, then he was going to make sure no one would.

“Darkrai, you’ve lost. Stand down.” Flare gave him another chance. “Please, don’t let it come to this!”

His pleas fell on deaf ears as Darkrai’s manic laughter continued, and his magic continued to build.

“Then so be it!” Flare walked next to Twilight, giving his love a light nuzzle. “One last time, may I have the Amulet back?”

Twilight’s eyes returned to normal as she removed the Amulet, and after a moment’s hesitation, placed it back around Flare’s neck. He inhaled sharply as his mane ignited and his eyes took their cat-like appearance once more.

“Welcome back, Nighty!’ he greeted his friend. “You up for one more?”

“I suppose,” Nightmare responded. “We shall become a brilliant Nova one more time!” He didn’t say it, and she didn’t point it out, but Flare had pushed his magic and his body well beyond their limits. It was nothing short of a miracle that he was not just still alive, but also still standing.

Darkrai’s insane glare focused on the two unicorns. “I shall see the whole world burn!”

“You first,” Flare whispered as a magic circle appeared in front of him and Twilight. The inner ring locked onto Darkrai as Flare and Twilight unleashed all their might, the feelings in their heart, and their will.

“Final Megaspell – CELESTIAL SOLAR BEAM!!”

Darkrai lowered his arms as the colossal beam tore its way towards him. There was no escaping it. His end was all but assured.

“Y’know,” his thoughts wandered as the light engulfed him, “I could use a vacation…”

*~*

The changelings had fled along with their once-again disgraced Queen, and the citizens hiding within Mt. Canterlot had begun to emerge into the ruined city. Then a light brighter than the sun lit up the sky and an earth-shattering explosion shook the ground.

“W-w-w-what the hay is g-g-g-goin’ o-o-o-onnn?” Applejack stammered.

“The sounds of darkness’s fall,” Celestia mused, helping her sister to her hooves.

*~*

They had done it. Darkrai had been defeated, the conquest of Equestria halted, and all was right with the world… for now anyway.

Twilight turned to Flare, a weary smile on her face. “We did it! We actually did it!”

Flare would have responded, but Twilight’s words never reached him. That last spell had taken what little strength had remained in him. The wondrous light that filled his eyes was soon filled with silent darkness.

Epilogue - Love, Life and Until We Meet Again.

Epilogue - Love, Life, and Until We Meet Again.

“C’mon, boy, put yer back into it!” Supernova yelled as Flare Blitz dragged a heavy barrel attached to a harness that he wore. “Yer only got a little bit to go!”

A very young Ponyta panted heavily as he ran around the oval-shaped racetrack, crossing the finishing line and collapsing in a heap. Supernova went to walk over to him when a female Rapidash smacked him upside the head.

“Just what in blazes do you think you’re doing to our son?” she said angrily, unhitching the young colt. “He’s too young to be doing this sort of thing.” She picked Flare up and headed back to the barn.

“Aw, C’mon, Ash. I’m only tryin’ to toughen up the boy. He ain’t hurt!”

“Maybe so, but I hope you like the stars!”

“Whu, why?”

“Because you’re sleeping outside tonight!” she said, slamming the barn door shut in his face.

“What!? Oh, C’MON!!”

The scene played out as a tall, black shadow watched from nearby with a curious look on her face.

~*~

“How is he?”

“Not good. His magic circuit has almost completely burned out.”

“Can we fix it?”

“With time, but his life-force…?”

“There’s… there’s nothing we can do to fix that.”

“How long?”

“A few months… maybe a year, year and a half at most?”

“And after all he did…”

*~*

Flare Blitz ran through the burning forest, searching for any wild Pokémon that might be in trouble. A few Pidove hid in a small alcove in a tree. Flare coaxed them out and had them fly to the north, away from the encroaching flames. The heat was intense, but Flare barely felt it.

Trees crackled and burned, falling around him, but Flare couldn’t see anyone else. Did the other Swordsmen find everymon else?

The tree line exploded as an extremely angry Garchomp burst into the clearing, firing Flamethrowers in random directions.

“This is your fault?” Flare yelled. “Do you have any idea how many Pokémon you’ve hurt?”

“So what!? I’ll burn everything to the ground! I’ll burn it all until the pain stops!” She slammed the ground, sending a powerful Stone Edge at the Ponyta, who nimbly dodged the attack.

“Hey, calm down, okay?” Flare’s plea went unheeded as the Garchomp continued to rage. Thick smoke began to choke the air, and even though the flames wouldn’t hurt him, the smoke could suffocate him.

“Look, just stop, and maybe I can help you!” Flare suddenly ran at the enraged Dragon. He had an idea, a very stupid idea. The Garchomp screamed again, opening her mouth and aiming a Hyper Beam. At the last second, Flare activated his Quick Attack and closed the gap, pushing the dragon’s head up as she fired the attack harmlessly into the sky.

A dark shadow watched as three other Pokémon arrived some time later to find Flare holding a sobbing Garchomp amidst the charred remains of the forest, a gentle rain washing away the flames…

*~*

“He’s still out?”

“Yeah. The doctor says he’s stable… but…”

“But y’all don’t know when he’ll…?”

“If-if only we’d gotten here sooner…”

*~*

It didn’t matter. Nothing mattered anymore. Despite the words that had been exchanged, despite the words that he himself had said, it still hurt.

It hurt so much.

“Love…” Flare walked endlessly. He didn’t know where he was going, and he didn’t care. The fact was that everything that made him happy was gone, and he didn’t know if he could get it back.

“So that’s it; you gave up?” A shadow asked.

“No… I thought I would, but in the end, I just couldn’t.”

“Why?” the shadow asked. “You had nothing, your love was taken, and your life had no direction. So why?”

“I just couldn’t. If you lose your way in life, there’s always a way to find the path again.”

“Oh?” The shadow seemed curious. “And what might that be?”

Flare looked at the city that lay ahead of him, perched atop a mountain in the middle of a lake. But more importantly, standing on the road ahead of him was three Pokémon: a sassy, little Pikachu, an overly friendly and flamboyant Espeon… and a stoic, battle-happy Garchomp.

“Friends, family, someone to love… that’s the reason why I can go on. Why I can always go on, no matter what!”

“Friends, huh?”

*~*

“Can we remove it?”

“His state is stable, but delicate. I would advise against it.”

“But we don’t know what it’s doing to him… what ‘she’ is doing to him.”

“We’re administering daily scans. his mental health is stable… He’s dreaming.”

“Dreaming? What about, I wonder?”

“We don’t know; even she can’t see them.”

*~*

Flare had no idea what was going on. The sky that had once been a clear, crystal blue was now a swirling sea of chaos. It was as if the town itself was floating in the swirling, black clouds.

Soon, he was almost there. Every human and Pokémon in the town was gathering at the gardens in the middle of town, and he was almost there. And then he tripped. A loose cobblestone slid out from under his hooves, and the Fire Horse Pokémon went face-first into the pavement. He barely had time to register the pain before the purple energies caught up with him and he was sucked into the void.

“So that’s how it happened?” The shadow stood next to him in the endless void. “I’m surprised you survived.”

“Almost didn’t, but I had help.” As he said that, a golden light appeared.

“Are you lost?” a soothing voice asked him. “Do you want help finding your way?”

Flare could not respond, but ever so slightly he moved his head as he continued to reach for the light.

“Alright then; I will help you...”

“So she helped you?”

“Yeah. It took me a while to figure it out, and I don’t think she knows that I know… but she saved my life.”

The shadow snorted. “Always sticking her nose where it doesn’t belong.”

“Yeah, but it’s alright.”

The shadow sighed. “I suppose…”

*~*

“I want you to know that no matter what…I-I love you more than the moon, the stars, and everything in between. I know that, somewhere deep down, you can hear me… Please, come back to me."

*~*

Oh man, so much pain. Flare Blitz groaned as he opened his eyes; they felt as heavy as lead.
The room he was in was dark; the only light was coming from the pale glow of a heart monitor. Its rhythmic beeping was already getting on his nerves.

“Where?” He tried to speak, but a tube down his throat almost choked him. Grabbing it with a hoof, he frantically pulled it out, coughing and spitting out bile as he finally got it out. He took several deep breaths and laid his head back down when a dizzy spell washed over him.

“Urgh, *cough* where am I?” The room was too dark to see any details, and Flare noticed that his mane was back to normal.

“Looks like a hospital, maybe?” He looked to his left and saw a transparent figure standing next to his bed. “So… what will you do now?” The mare looked straight into his eyes, her teal cat-like gaze as intimidating as always.

He gave Nightmare a weary smile. “I… have a promise to keep, right?”

Nightmare Moon looked away. “But you can’t even stand. How can I expect you to—”

Flare shifted, sliding off of the bed and onto the floor. “See, I can—” He was cut off as he fell to the floor with a painful thud.

“Heh, that looked painful.”

“Oh, shut up,” Flare grumbled. “I got this!” It took a while, but he eventually picked himself up off of the cold floor and stood on shaky hooves. “See, I told you.”

“Well, look at you. But you can’t do this. Your magic is… well, it’s recovered, but should you really do this?”

Flare opened the door; a faint pale blue glow that the Alicorn Amulet was giving off lit up the room enough to see it.

“So, where exactly are we going?” Nightmare fell into step next to him. “We need to go to the Dais where the sun and moon used to be raised.”

“Really? Well, I was hoping to take a little walk first. There are a few things I want to talk about first.”

“Talk?”

The sun was rising as Flare walked towards the castle. Leaving the hospital wasn’t difficult; the staff had paid no attention whatsoever to him walking out the front door. The hospital he was in seemed pretty close to his destination, and he made it there in about fifteen minutes. Walking around the back and into the gardens, he was glad to see that the damage to this area was minimal. It was a pretty stark contrast to the castle, which looked like it was barely standing. Temporary support pillars held many of the walls and towers in place, and signs of construction were everywhere.

“Wow… I wonder how long I was asleep.” Flare yawned.

“Even I am unsure; the passage of time is difficult to gauge in the Dreamscape.”

“Speaking of that,” Flare said. Walking around in the warm sunshine made him feel considerably better. “I know I was dreaming… and you were watching?”

Nightmare nodded, closing her eyes and recalling what she had seen and heard. “You’ve certainly led an interesting life. Born with great expectations already on you, you’ve defied them and lain your own path in life. You found friendship, love, and then great pain… yet you rose above it and pushed forward… You are quite admirable.”

Flare let out a low whistle, “Quite the praise coming from the feared ‘Queen of the Dark,’ Nightmare Moon.”

“My own life, it was… limited, I suppose. I was born and banished in the span of only a few minutes. Then I spent a thousand years festering in my own hatred, only to come back and be defeated once more…”

“So you were never even given a chance, huh?” Flare felt a little bad. Sure, she tried to plunge the world into Eternal Darkness, but she wasn’t given a choice.

“I will make no excuses, but… nopony even cared to try. All they cared about was their precious little Luna!” Her frustrations grew, and she couldn’t even hit anything. Being incorporeal sucked.

“So how were you born?” Flare asked. “I take it that you didn’t come from an egg?”

“An egg?” What the hell? “Of course not! I was created when Darkrai tried to corrupt Luna with dark magic. It didn’t turn out the way he wanted though, as Luna’s own magic partly rejected the curse, and instead she was simply driven mad. That madness developed a life of its own, and thus I was created.”

“Seems legit,” Flare said. “But I don’t get it, how did Darkrai get here in the first place? How did he get sealed away?”

Nightmare smiled and nodded. “Even now, I don’t know how Darkrai first arrived. He made his presence known not too long after Celesta and I… Luna discovered the Elements of Harmony. We defeated Discord, and after a few months, Darkrai appeared.” She paused to think for a moment, sifting through the memories she inherited from Luna. It used to be easy, but after bonding with Flare, she got some of his too, and now her mind was a tad cluttered.

“He showed up, claiming to be from another world. He appeared to be friendly enough, and told
us… Celestia and Luna all about his world, the world of Pokémon.”

“And this was over a thousand years ago?” Flare couldn’t contemplate living that long.

“Yes, but we never realised that he would be almost as big a threat as Discord. Well, Celestia never saw it coming, anyway. To her, it appeared that We had succumbed to depression and jealousy… as if that alone could cause such a change!” She snorted and stamped a hoof silently on the ground. “Darkrai’s plan was to use me to overthrow Celestia and rule Equestria… But due to my going mad, he had to change it up. He then planned to let the two of us fight and then take out the exhausted winner.”

“I would not let him have Equestria. I would not return to a place of Darkness that was not my own creation. So when Celestia activated the Elements of Harmony on Us, I sprung my trap!”

“And that was?” Flare was on the edge of his seat, so to speak.

“I used the one Pokémon attack that I knew of, though it was more like a magic-based copy… Destiny Bond!”

Flare gasped. “So when you were sealed away…”

“The spell activated, and he shared the same fate!” Nightmare Moon gave a hearty laugh. “Even now, the priceless look on his face never fails to amuse me!”

“Unreal.” Flare stopped to sit on the grass and catch his breath. He hadn’t walked very far, but he was already tired. A distant noise caused his ears to twitch. “We need to hurry!”

Nightmare Moon nodded. So this was it. Was he really going to do it? Doubts still plagued the mind of the dark alicorn. What if he backed out? What if this was just an elaborate setup to hoof the Amulet over to the Princesses, to be destroyed forever?

“Well, I don’t have anything to lose… other than what life I have left…”

*~*

The sun had risen, and Twilight Sparkle walked quietly through the plain-coloured halls of the hospital. How many times had she walked this hallway already? Well, it had been nearly two months, and she visited at least twice a day, so… About sixty or seventy times, give or take a few.

But this time was a little different; a terrified-looking nurse stood outside Flare’s room. Upon seeing Twilight, the poor mare looked like she was about to be eaten by a Manticore.

“Um, is everything alright?” Twilight asked. Wait, was something wrong with Flare?

“Well, um… the thing is,” the mare stammered. How was she going to explain this to a mare who could probably disintegrate her on the spot?

“What’s wrong?” Twilight tried to remain calm, but there was a notable crack in her voice.

“It’s Mr. Blitz; he’s well—” The nurse never got to finish, as Twilight shoved past her and into the room, a room with nopony in it.

“W-where is he? Where’s Flare!?” Twilight panicked and spun around to face the nurse, who was trying to make herself as small as possible.

“I-I-I don’t know!” the mare sobbed, breaking under the pressure. She was new, why did they assign such a high-profile patient to her? “When I came in to change his dressings this morning, he was already gone.”

Twilight had shifted from panic to full-blown meltdown. What if Darkrai had come back? They hadn’t found anything after the decisive battle, and it was unclear if the dark Pokémon had survived.

“I need to find him!” She turned back to the mare. “Search the entire hospital! leave no bedpan unturned!”

The nurse nodded and bolted from the room; she was going to need help. Twilight charged her horn and teleported straight to the palace throne room, eliciting a surprised yelp from Princess Celestia. Several Solar Guards trained their spears on her, until they realised who she was.

“Twilight?” Celestia placed a hoof over her heart and sighed. “Whatever is the matter? You almost gave me a heart attack.”

“I’m sorry, Princess!” Twilight said hastily. “But it’s about Flare. He’s gone missing!”

Celestia nodded, and a quick order had her guard running from the room to organise a search party. “Do not worry, Twilight; I’m sure that Flare is alright.”

Twilight nodded and then smacked her forehead with her hoof. She had her ‘Friend-Finder’ spell. She lit up her horn once more and closed her eyes, trying to find Flare Blitz. After a moment, the spell pinged, showing him near the ceremonial dais at the back of the castle.

“What? Why is he there?”

*~*

Flare looked at the intricately carved stone stage. A beautiful engraving of the sun and the moon was etched into a stone that looked like marble.

“This stone platform is thousands of years old. It is where ancient unicorns used to move the sun and moon, long before Celestia and I showed up.” Flare noted that she didn’t correct herself this time. “Even to this day, we have no idea what it is made of. It is the only one of its kind in the world.”

“And this is where we’ll do it, huh?” Flare stepped up onto the stage, and the moment his hoof touched it, he could feel something emanating within it. He couldn’t help but let out a surprised gasp. “Whoa!”

Nightmare Moon stepped onto the stage as well, and when she did, she seemed a little more solid than before, not realising that she was visible now. “Well, now’s the time. I suppose the Elements of Harmony will jump out of that bush and destroy me once and for all.”

To her surprise, Flare turned with a deep scowl on his face. “What the hell? I said I was going to do this. If it wasn’t for you, then none of us would be here right now!” He took a step forward and his muzzle almost touched hers. “I gave you my word; it may have been because I thought I had little choice at first…” His expression softened, but he never broke eye contact. “But now I want to help you, as one friend to another.”

Nightmare took a step back. This was impossible. “Y-you can’t be serious. I’m NIGHTMARE MOON! Why? W-why are you still going to do this?” She wanted to cry, but Flare wasn’t going to let her.

“Let me ask you this: if you were so convinced that I was going to betray you, then why did you help me in the first place?”

Nightmare Moon opened her eyes wide, completely unable to respond. Why did she help? She was so sure that she’d be betrayed, so why?

“And that’s why I’m going to help you.” Flare turned back to the stage, and his horn flickered to life. A magic circle covered the stage. It was small at first, but extra rings began to form, expanding the circle bit by bit.

As he continued to cast, his magic supported by the mystical stage and the shining amulet around his neck, he didn’t see a group of ponies teleport nearby.

“Flare!?” Twilight ran over to him, but a barrier in place didn’t let her near. “W-what are you doing!? Why is Nightmare Moon there?”

“FLARE BLITZ!!” Luna’s Canterlot Voice erupted in full volume. “CEASE THY ACTIONS AT ONCE!”

“Sorry, Luna, but I can’t do that.” Flare opened his eyes to look at the group. Twilight, Luna, Celestia, and… Princess Cadence? Shining Armor and the Element Bearers were there too, and they were all wearing the artefacts.

“Princess Luna, what is he doing?” Twilight examined the circe, but she’d never seen anything like it.

“‘Tis ancient magic, thought to be long since forgotten to all but a select few. My sister and I are the only ones who should know it.”

“But what does it do?” Shining, Rainbow, and Applejack had started to pound on the shield, but it refused to give. Shining switched to shield-cancelling magic, though it too was having no effect.

“It calls upon powerful magic,” Celestia explained. “Magic that is banned because it defies all laws of nature and ethics.” Her brow furrowed. “It is a spell designed to resurrect the dead!”

“What?” Twilight looked horrified. “He’s using Necromancy!?”

“Neigh, ‘tis worse than that!” Luna’s horn flared to life as she used the same spell Shining was casting. “‘Tis a spell that trades a life for a life. One dies, and one lives a true life, rather than unlife.”

Twilight turned and blasted at the shield. “FLARE! DON’T DO IT!”

Flare was beginning to sweat. The spell was damned hard, despite the fact that Nightmare was the one orchestrating it. “Can you guys shut up! I’m trying to concentrate.”

Sapphira rocketed down from the sky, slamming the shield at full force and causing it to crack. “What the hell do you think you’re doing!?”

“Giving a friend a second chance!” Flare said. “Just trust me on this one, okay? I’m going to be fine!”

Twilight looked into his eyes and then stopped attacking the shield. Her friends looked shocked and yelled at her, but she tuned it out. “Do you mean it?” she spoke into his mind gently. “Will you really be okay?”

“Yeah; trust me on this one… please?”

Tears streamed down her eyes as she turned to face everypony. “Stop! Please!”

Luna’s face was full of rage. What, in the name of Tartarus, did this unicorn think she was doing!? But the momentary lapse in attacks on the shield was all Flare needed to complete the spell, and the stage, along with himself and Nightmare, lit up with a blinding light.

*~*

Atop a castle tower, a pair of yellow eyes watched the scene unfold while he munched on some paint chips. Discord smiled a toothy grin and sipped on his chocolate milk.

“Drama, romance, action, and the magic of Friendship! What wonderful work!” He clapped gleefully and raised his eagle talon. “It’s almost ready, but it needs a little flavour, a small dash of… Chaos!” He snapped his fingers and cackled. This was going to be great!

*~*

As the light began to fade, Flare stumbled off of the stage. Twilight caught him with her magic before he could fall.

“Flare? Are you alright? Please speak to me!”

Flare looked up, his eyes swirling a bit. “Hey there, Fairy~ ♫Doo doo do doooo♪! Fairy learned Double Team!” Flare giggled as Twilight sighed. Yeah, he was fine.

“What, in the wide world of Equestria, did you do?” Twilight held him close and sighed softly. “We were all so scared—“

“I am quite furious, actually!” Luna interjected.

“Most of us were scared.” Twilight kissed him on the forehead. As she checked him for injury, she noticed one big difference about him. The Alicorn Amulet was gone!

Flare groaned as the world stopped spinning. “That was the favour… I brought her back.” He turned his neck to look at the stage, nearly throwing up as he moved his head. “Oog. Okay, don’t do that.”

“Her?” Twilight froze as she tried to peer through the fading light. The Amulet was gone, and Flare mentioned reviving a ‘her?’

“Oh, Flare, please tell me you didn’t just revive Nightmare Moon!” Everypony gasped when they heard that. He’d revived her?

Hoofsteps could be heard from the stage, and the light finally cleared, revealing a dark pony with a deep blue mane.

“That’s right, you little foals!” She rose to her hind legs and cackled. “Nightmare Moon has returned!!”

Everypony was silent as they stared. Was this for real? Nightmare smiled as she gazed upon their shocked faces.

“What’s the matter? Scared?” She cackled again, and then paused mid-laugh as something occurred to her. Her voice sounded… strange.

Everyone’s expressions suddenly changed. Flare just stared blankly, still trying hard not to puke. Twilight’s mouth just hung open.

The other ponies had varied expressions: worry, shock, disbelief and… mirth? Celestia had a hoof covering her mouth, but Nightmare could still see a smile behind that hoof.

Princess Luna held no such restraint as she rolled around on the ground roaring with laughter.

“What the hell is so damned funny?”

“A-are you feeling, alright?” Celestia’s voice cracked. “Does your perspective seem... different?”

“What? What’s that supposed to mean?” Nightmare blinked, and then her eyes widened.
Everypony seemed… taller? She stepped closer to Flare until she was standing right in front of him, and even though he was sitting, the stallion seemed to tower over her.

“What the hell is going on?” She glared at Luna. “And would you stop bucking laughing!”

Fluttershy gasped. “Even if you are Nightmare Moon, a little filly should not say things like that!”

And just like that, Nightmare Moon’s world shattered. “F-filly?”

Twilight’s horn lit up, and she summoned a small mirror. Nightmare gazed into it and let out an ear-piercing shriek as the reflection of a little black alicorn foal stared back.

Meanwhile, a certain Spirit of Chaos laughed his ass off.

*~*

Not too long after, Arceus arrived, bringing Mew, Lucy, and Velvet with him. He had come to tell Flare that their world was doing fine. Mew had managed to free him shortly before Darkrai was defeated, but because he was busy keeping their world stabilised, he was unable to come help.

“Ah, don’t worry about it,” Flare said. “And thanks for bringing my friends; I’ve really missed them.”

Twilight was ecstatic to have more new Pokémon to study, including this “Zebstrika” character who had apparently been living near Ponyville the whole time. Twilight couldn’t help but bounce with excitement.

“So this is where you’ve been?” Lucy looked around the decimated city. “Well, it’s uh… nice?”

“It usually looks a lot nicer.” Flare gave her a hugged her, and then received a very enthusiastic hug from Velvet.

“Oh, darling, we were so worried about you and Sapphira!” He looked around, but the dragon was nowhere to be seen. “Where is she, anyway?”

Flare shrugged, peeling the clingy Espeon off of him. “Beats me. She’s probably picking a fight somewhere.”

“We need to return soon!” Arceus said. “The gap between worlds is still unstable, and Darkrai is still nowhere to be found.”

“Yeah, well, you can leave without me!” Sapphira flew in through one of the open windows. “I’m staying here!”

Everyone turned to look at her. “What?” came the collective cry.

“You heard me. Alamos Town is fine and all, but Flare seems to get into waaay too much trouble. Someone has to be here to bail him out.” Sapphira winked at the stallion, who simply smiled sheepishly. What could he say against the truth?

“Be that as it may, you simply can’t—”

“Yeah, well I ain’t giving you a choice!” Sapphira thumped her chest. “Y’see, if you want me to go back, then you’ll have to make me!” She narrowed her eyes and flew up to stare Arceus in the face. “And if you doubt my strength, then ask Palkia what happens when you piss me off!”

Arceus nodded. “So that’s why he was crying. Well, I suppose your mind shall not be changed.”
His children were getting so rebellious these days. He turned to Lucy and Velvet. “And I suppose you will want to stay here also?”

“Whatever!” Lucy shrugged. “As long as I get three meals and nap time, I don’t really care where I go.”

“Hmm, think of all the wonderful fashion I could see here! The theatre, music, mmm~ and that too~” Velvet smiled giddily. “Oh, um… yes, staying with my friends is also important.”

Arceus sighed. “Well, I can’t say I didn’t see this coming. I must make haste, so give Celestia and Luna my regards.”

Mew floated down and gave Flare a kiss on the nose. “So my little ‘gift’ helped out, huh?”

“Yeah, thanks a bunch, Mew!” Flare nuzzled the little Pokémon, eliciting a giggle from her. “Take care, okay?”

“And you as well. I’ll say ‘hi’ to Viri for you too, kay?”

Arceus began to open a gate. “Ah, I almost forgot; I have something for you.” His eyes and ring flashed with golden light, and a bracelet with a stunningly beautiful stone appeared around Flare’s leg. A similar stone mounted in a silver necklace also appeared around Twilight’s neck.

“What are these?” Flare looked at the gem; it was a cloudy, creamy colour with what looked like flames flickering gently within it. Twilight’s gem was a multitude of colours with a helix-like design. “Not that I’m complaining.”

“This is just a little something for all the hard work you’ve done and the great things you’ve accomplished. There is not another one like it in the universe, so take care of it.”

“Thank you, Lord Arceus!”

Arceus nodded. “Well, I wish you all the best of luck. Farewell, my children!”

Without another word, Arceus and Mew disappeared through the gate back to their own world.

“I can’t believe you did that for him!” Mew said as they floated through the Void. “But will it actually work?”

“Perhaps. Only time will tell… and I believe that he will need it in the future…”

*~*

“So this is the girl you’re with now, huh?” Lucy walked alongside Twilight, looking up at her. “When I heard that it was one of these ‘ponies’ that you were with, I thought it was the one that came with you back then… Sparkler, was it?”

Flare’s eyes suddenly went wide. “Sparkler! I totally forgot. Where is she? Is she okay? We got separated in the Void and I thought that—“

“Flare, relax,” Twilight giggled. “She’s fine. Spike told me that Sparkler arrived in Ponyville and landed in the middle of a Changeling invasion. But apparently, Miss Sapphira showed up not too long after and helped out.”

“More like cleaned up, really,” Sapphira said. “That Zebstrika had done pretty well, even before I got there. I wanna fight her next time we meet!”

“And I see you haven’t changed much either.” Flare winced as he laughed. “Ow. Okay, that still hurts.”

“Well, of course! You wake up after being in a coma for two months, and the first thing you do is cast ancient, powerful magic!?” Twilight scolded him. “Honestly, what were you thinking!?”

“Sorry, I just wanted to keep my word.” That reminded him, “How do you think Nightmare is doing? Do you think Celestia and Luna are going easy on her?”

“Going easy? She’s Nightmare Moon!” Twilight gave an irritated sigh. “I don’t know what’s going on, actually. Both Princess Celestia and Princess Luna have been talking with her ever since you brought her back. Even Cadence hasn’t been allowed in.”

As if on cue, the doors to the throne room opened, and the two regal alicorns entered.

“Ah, so you two are already here? That speeds things up somewhat.” Princess Celestia gave her beloved student a hug, and then, to Flare’s surprise, hugged him too. “Do not scare us like that again,” she whispered to him.

She straightened herself up and cleared her throat. “Right, where was I? Ah, we have something to tell you.”

There was a dramatic pause, and she smiled widely. “I’d like to introduce you to somepony!” Luna stepped to one side, revealing a black alicorn, her blue mane tied up in a simple braid and fidgeting as everyone stared at her. “But we thought that a change of name was in order.”

“There was nothing wrong with my name!” The filly shouted, looking rather indignant. “My name is Nightmare Moon!”

“Well, when you were a part of Luna, perhaps.” Celestia’s expression turned serious. “We are still unsure what happened when you cast that spell. Flare, our little friend here explained that you didn’t die because she technically wasn’t dead.” Her eyes narrowed as she stared at the bone-headed stallion. “And while I am on the subject, don’t EVER do anything like that again. What was wrong with you? Did you not think you could trust us, your friends?”

“I’m sorry, but…” He sighed; he had no excuse. “I should have told somepony. It won’t happen again, Tia.”

Celestia blushed; being called by her nickname in front of everypony was a bit embarrassing.

“When you’re done flirting, can we continue?” Nightmare sighed.

“R-right, of course!” Celestia coughed. “As I was saying, we can explain why the spell worked, but we are still unsure why she was revived as a filly.” Celestia sat on her throne and yelped as a loud flatulent noise pierced the hall.

Twilight looked absolutely mortified, and Flare held his tongue, trying not to laugh. Luna gasped and put a hoof to her mouth.

“Sister! Show some manners!”

“It wasn’t me!” Celestia cried, reaching under her throne and pulling a whoopee cushion out. It had a picture on it: some kind of weird face with a massive, twisted grin and the words “U Mad?” written on it.

Celestia closed her eyes, took a few gentle breaths and then opened her eyes again, looking much more composed. “Discord, you have three seconds to get out here,” she said, her voice icily calm.

“Aw, did the big bad pwincess have an accident?” The chaotic spirit chuckled. “Lighten up, Tia. It was a joke. Flare, over there, seems to find it pretty funny.” He pointed at the stallion, who quickly stopped his giggling and put on his best poker face.

Luna, once again, showed no self-restraint as she chortled at the prank. “Heehee. It’s funny because it sounded like she—“

“Yes, we are all quite amused!” Celestia snapped, before placing a hoof to her chest and taking another breath. “Can we please get back to business? And you still haven’t explained where you were during the incident”

“Aww. Why so serious?” Discord said, his face covered with clown makeup. “And here I thought I could shed some light on Nightmare’s ‘little’ problem!” He wasn’t about to tell Celestia that he’d been taking a 48-hour bubble bath and writing saucy fanfiction.

“And what do you know about it?” Nightmare said. “Speak up, Mad Spirit!”

“Mad Spirit? Haven’t heard that one in years.” Discord wiped the makeup from his face and nodded. “Well, it’s pretty easy to explain, but I thought that it would be obvious.”

“Discord!” Nightmare growled. It looked positively adorable.

“Well, I did it; that’s why I know.” Discord replied, saying it like it was the most obvious thing in the world.

“WHAT!?” Nightmare was furious. “Change me back to normal this instant.”

“Sorry, Former Moonbutt, but no can do.” Discord shook his head. “And even if I wanted to, I cast during the revival process, so there is no way to revert it.”

Nightmare went wide-eyed as she sat down. “W-what? No… no way?”

“It’s the truth; just like Flare is a ladies’ stallion and Celestia’s butt is big. I can’t do anything now. You’ll just have to grow up like everypony else.”

“Why?” she sobbed, genuine tears rolling down her cheeks. “Why would you do this to me?”

“Well,” Discord stroked his goatee, which changed colours with every stroke, “mostly because I thought it’d be funny. But…”

“But?” She was going to kill him. She didn’t know how, and she didn’t know when, but she was going to murder that Draconequus in the most violent way possible.

“Well, how would everypony react to Nightmare Moon walking the streets? Now, how do you think they’ll react to an adorable little filly stealing all their d’awws?”

Nightmare tilted her head and blinked in confusion. “Doors? Why in Equestria would I steal a door?”

It was a good thing that living with Fluttershy had built up Discord’s resistance to cute, because that was weapons-grade adorable.

Celestia sighed and gave up. The train of thought was derailed and burning in a ditch somewhere, so she might as well sit back and just watch. It wasn’t long before Cadence, Shining, and Twilight’s other friends turned up.

It took even less time for Cadence to run over to the new little filly and start doting on her, fixing her hair, and cuddling her.

“Hmm?” Cadance prodded at something that was tied at the end of her braid. It was a small wooden circle with an intricate pattern woven with string in the centre. “What’s this?”

“It’s called a Dream Catcher; Luna gave it to me,” Nightmare explained. “I am hoping that when I go to sleep, I will awake from this personal hell and be ruling Equestria like I should.”

Flare perked up at this, and a smile crossed his muzzle. “That’s perfect!” he cried out suddenly, startling everyone with his outburst.

“W-what? What is?” Twilight asked.

“She needs a new name, right?” Flare said excitedly, recalling the previous conversation. “Well, how about Dream Catcher?”

Nightmare turned the slightest shade of pink as she averted her gaze. “W-well, if I must change my name, then I suppose that will be adequate!”

Aww,” Luna pouted. “I thought we agreed to name you Luna Jr.?”

“Like hell!” Dream snapped. “Flare gave me this name!”

“Loli and Tsundere?” Discord shook his head again. “Those two are going to have a field day with this one.”

“Well, at least she’s too young to be a threat,” Twilight sighed.

“Darling, where did you get that beautiful jewel?” Rarity had walked up next to her and was examining the necklace that Arceus had given her. “It’s simply marvellous~”

“Lord Arceus gave it to me, and he gave one to Flare as well.” Rainbow snickered when she heard that.

“Wow, Flare, do all the guys like giving you jewelry?”

“Oh, shut up!” Flare said, playfully punching her shoulder. “You’re just jealous.”

Celestia giggled and smiled as she watched everyone laughing and playing about. Even after such disaster, everypony was in such good spirits. It really warmed her heart. “Well, I suppose that just about clears everything up… except for one small thing.”

“What’s that?” Flare asked, pulling himself out of Applejack’s headlock.

“Living arrangements for Night–ah, my apologies–Miss Dream Catcher.” Celestia looked around her castle, which was still far from being rebuilt. “Canterlot is in a state of disarray, and looking after it, as well as a feisty little filly, will be difficult…”

“I can take care of her!” Flare said, pulling Dreamy into a hug and causing some of them to gasp in surprise. “She’s my friend, so I’ll be glad to watch her for a while.”

“And what of you three?” Celestia asked, looking at Sapphira, Velvet and Lucy. “I assume that you will also be going with Flare Blitz back to Ponyville?”

“Seriously. The town's name is Ponyville?” Lucy sniggerd.

“Yes, Your Highness,” Velvet said, having a little more poise than his friend. “I trust that it won’t be an issue?”

“Not at all,” Celestia replied. “I’m sure you will all fit in just fine.”

Flare smiled, still holding Dreamy in his hooves. Right now, just going home and spending time with Twilight was all he could really think of. With any luck, fate would allow him a brief respite before they were pitted against another world-endangering threat.

Twilight walked over next to him and nuzzled him gently. “Are you ready to head home, Flare?”

The stallion inhaled and exhaled. “Yeah; let’s go home.”

~END~

Author's Note

So... that's it... It's finally finished.

This has taken a while huh? What do I say now?

Well, I'd like to thank TheLetterJ for being the greatest editor ever. This story wouldn't be anywhere near as awesome as it would be without him. Nor would I have an insane amount of ideas for several insane stories. I consider you a good friend man and I hope we can work together in the future!

I'd also like to thank everyone who faved this story and my other works too. My writing is only as great as the fans who read it and you guys are the greatest, I love you all!

As for what comes next, well this isn't the last you'll see of Flare Blitz. He will return eventually!

Until next time everyone. Stay Awesome!!

A Prelude of Things to Come

Author's Note

Just a little somethin, somethin' that I wrote up. This chapter is unedited as TheLetterJ has been insanely busy with taking over Equest... I mean, school and work and other things. I hope you guys enjoy this little peek of things to come~

Most likely, a lot of the content in this chapter will change once J can edit. I'll post a blog when it's done.

A Prelude of Things to Come

The train ride back to Ponyville was… well, it was noisy. Aside from Pinkie asking their new Pokémon friends a barrage of questions, and Twilight’s friends fawning over Dreamy, there was another problem.

Flare Blitz was sound asleep.

And he snored. Loudly.

Like, the windows of the train rattled loud. Twilight to levitate the snoozing stallion to the back of the carriage, but it made little difference. His snoring was like that of a full-grown dragon with a megaphone strapped to it.

“Gah! Why is he so freaking loud?” Rainbow finally snapped. “Does he always snore like this?”

“No, that the weird thing, he’s never done this before,” Twilight explained. “I just don’t understand.”

“I do,” Sapphira explained. She walked up to him and whapped him upside the head, waking the unicorn rather abruptly. “He’s using Snore!”

“Well we gathered that he was snoring,” Twilight deadpanned.

“Not normal snoring,” Sapphira said with a low growl. “He was using a Pokémon attack called Snore, it’s an attack that can only be used while a Pokémon is asleep.”

Flare rubbed the back of his head and grinned sheepishly. “Sorry, maybe Mew’s spell hasn’t worn off yet?”

“Spell?” Twilight’s eyes widened as she scooted over to him. “What spell?”

“Remember when we fought Darkrai? Well while you and Dreamy were moving the heavens, I was fighting against Darkrai-“

“No, really!?” Dream Catcher said with mock surprise. “And here I thought he was beating the tar out of himself.”

“Aaanyway,” Flare continued, ignoring the sarcasm. “A spell that Mew had apparently cast on me back in Kanto activated. She gave me access to every move I can possibly learn, and well, Snore is one of those moves.”

“But it’s been two months since that fight,” Twilight replied. “Surely the spell couldn’t still be active?” Her horn lit up as she scanned Flare’s body. There was his magical aura, as well as some residual magic from Nightmare Moon… but that was all. “Well I’m not detecting anything.”

“I guess we’ll figure it eventually,” Flare yawned, but a sharp glare from Sapphira warned him about the perils that will befall him should he fall asleep again.

The scenery rolled by as Flare Blitz stared out of the train window. A small smile appeared on his face as he watched Dream Catcher look around the train with a sense of wonder.

“Never been on a train before?” Flare giggled, causing the little filly the stop and blush.

“Of course I haven’t!” Her body was young, but her tongue was still sharp. “These things didn’t exist a thousand years ago you foal.”

“Aren’t you the foal now,” Twilight said, her gaze not even averting from the book she had started reading.

Flare snorted, suppressing a laugh and pulled the little filly into a hug. “C’mon now Dreamy, play nice.”

“Me? What about Miss Twilight Snarkle over there!”

“Oh, that must’ve been a hard one to come up with,” Twilight replied.

“See!?”

Flare just sighed and resumed his staring out of the window. They were getting off to a real great start.

*~*

Flare Blitz wasn’t sure what he was expecting when they finally arrived in Ponyville… but it sure as heck wasn’t what awaited them.

Almost the entire town was crowded around the train station, with Sparkler being front and centre. She wasted no time on running up to Twilight and Flare, wrapping them both in a crushing hug.

“It so good to see you guys safe,” she cried.

“I sent several letters explaining what was going on,” Twilight said, returning the hug. “I’m surprised that you never came to Canterlot.”

Sparkler took a step back and shook her head. Now that Flare and Twilight could get a close look, she looked exhausted. Her mane was sticking up in some places and large black rings hung under her eyes. “It took a long time to get everything sorted from the Changeling attack, not all the kidnapped ponies were kept in the same place, so it took a while to find everypony…” She sighed and smiled wearily. “But we’ll get to all that later, you two had it a lot tougher than me-“

Twilight shook her head and frowned. “And from what I see, you’ve worked really hard to things running here.” She turned to the crowd of ponies and smiled warmly, “I’d like to thank everypony for coming out to see us. I know that lot’s happened in the last few months, and tomorrow our very own Pinkie Pie will throw a party for everypony!” Pinkie nodded enthusiastically as the crowd cheered. “I’ll also be holding a meeting for anypony wanting to know what exactly happened in Canterlot.” There were some interested murmurs and soon the crowd dispersed, leaving Twilight and her friends, along with Sparkler, Ditzy and Dinky.

Ditzy walked forward until she was staring Twilight straight in the eye, as well as a cloud. “Miss Sparkle,” her voice was curt and lacked its usual bubbly warmth. “First of all, I agreed for Sparkler to become your assistant, provided you did not drag her into your Elements of Harmony business.”

“But Mom-!” Sparkler instantly jumped to defend her teacher, only to be silenced by Ditzy.

“And not only is she on the frontlines during this Changeling invasion,” Ditzy’s glare intensified. “I hear she was attacked by an ancient evil and sent to another dimension. So in no less than three days, that promise you made to me has been utterly shattered!”

But before Twilight could respond, Ditzy continued. “And do you want to know what I thought when I found out that my Sparkler, my precious daughter, led a charge against the Changeling swarm and assisted with their defeat?”

Everypony held their breath, while Dreamy inspected the bottom of her hoof. Twilight couldn’t speak and just shook her head.

Ditzy wrapped the unicorn up in a tight hug as she wept. “I was so very proud of her. She displayed such leadership skills and Princess Celestia’s school even wants her as a full time teacher!” She pulled back and smiled brightly. “And I have you to thank for it!”

“I’m sorry that Sparkler got pulled into all this craziness,” Twilight said, finally finding her voice. “But Sparky’s an amazing mare, I’m also proud of what she’s become, and she’ll only shine brighter for here!”

“Oh! My! CELESTIA!” A furiously blushing Sparkler jumped in between them. “For one, I’m right here and two, would you kindly stop!?”

Everyone just laughed as Sparkler pouted, getting a hug from Dinky.

*~*

Everypony had gone to their respective homes, eager to greet family and catch up on some much needed sleep. Flare sighed loudly as he walked past the threshold of Golden Oaks Library, “It’s good to be home!”

“That it is,” Twilight agreed, leaving her saddlebags near the door and shaking her body. “It feels like forever since we were here last.”

Dreamy looked around, mildly fascinated by the unique building. “A library housed within a tree? How ironic.”

“So this is where you’ve been hiding?” Sapphira ducked her head as she walked in. “Not too shabby Flare, beats that tiny stable of yours back in Alamos.”

“You lived in a stable?” Twilight suddenly said from beside him, causing the stallion to flinch in surprise. This reaction got a laugh from Sapphira, and an embarrassed look from Lucy for some reason.

“Still not too good with surprises huh?” Flare growled as he put his own bags down, as Sapphira put a claw on his back. “Well at least you don’t jump through the ceiling anymore.”

“HIYA FLAREY!” The stallion let out a loud whinny as he shot straight up, desperately clinging to his favourite rafter. The pink mare below looking up in confusion as Sapphira roared with laughter.

“I take it back, you’re still a scaredy-skitty~”

Flare fell back down to the floor, caught by Twilight’s magic before he landed. “Pinkie…” he started to say, keeping his voice calm. “Why are you here?”

“Huh? Oh! Cause I have this for all of you!” She reached into her mane and pulled out some invitations, one for everyone in the room. “It’s an invite to my ‘Congrats on saving the world and we’re glad you’re not dead, also welcome to Equestria to our new Pokémon friends party’!”

“That’s… quite a mouthful,” Lucy said, reading the excessively long title. “Uh, thanks, I guess?”

“Indeed, a lovely gesture,” Velvet said. “I look forward to it Miss Pie.”

Pinkie squeed happily and disappeared from the room, with Flare breathing a sigh of relief.
“I love that girl, but she really needs to stop sneaking up on me like that, oh, you can put me down now Fairy.” Flare still hung suspended in the air by Twilight’s magic. Twilight nodded, gently lowering him to the floor.

“Do you think that pony is really Mew is disguise?” Sapphira said, as Flare shuddered at the thought.

“I pray to Arceus that those two never, ever meet… Have I mentioned that before?” Flare yawned again and his head drooped slightly. “I think I need more sleep though, that spell must have really taken it out of me.” He gave Twilight a quick hug before heading upstairs to their room for a nap.

Twilight watched him leave and turned back to the Pokémon present, and the piercing glare that Sapphira was giving her.

“So I take it you still haven’t told him yet?” She wanted to yell, she really, really did. But Flare was trying to rest so she kept the peace… for now.

“And how do you suppose I tell him?” Twilight countered. “It’s not something I can say on a whim, and besides that, he’s been in a coma for two months. To him, that fight with Darkrai was only yesterday!”

“And the longer you put it off, the more pissed he’s gonna be!” Sapphira stomped her foot. Lucy and Velvet nodded in agreement. “I don’t really get all this magic mumbo jumbo, I ain’t no Mismagius, but I think he has a right to know!”

Dream Catcher, who was content to look at the squalor of an abode she had to live in, overheard the conversation.

“And what are you idiots talking about? What is it exactly that you are not telling Flare?”

Twilight went to respond, but the angry dragon beat her to the punch. “You don’t know? Considering that it’s probably your fault, so here it is; Flare supposedly overused his magic in that fight against Darkrai, pushed it well past his natural limits. Now that should have been the end of it, no spells for a while until he recharged. But those doctors in Canterlot said that there’s a method to keep casting… a dangerous one.”

Dreamy didn’t need to hear anymore, she knew exactly what method the dragon was talking about. “Life Limit,” she said quietly. “He used his own lifeforce as a source to cast magic from.”

Twilight nodded, “I performed the scans myself and confirmed it. I don’t know where or how Flare learned how to do that, but the strength of the magic he used…” Tears streamed down her cheeks as she squeezed her eyes shut. “He used up so much of his power that he has maybe a year… maybe a little more…”

Dream Catcher frowned as she looked up at the room where Flare was sleeping. “That damned fool, though he probably didn’t do it on purpose… pure instinct is how he fights.”

“And he deserves to know dammit!” Sapphira almost shouted. “We were his friends long before he came to this world, we know him better than you or anyone else here!”

“And how would you put it?” Twilight shot back. “You’ve hardly been one to show tact!”

The dragon and the unicorn continued to bicker, the two remaining Pokémon and alicorn foal deciding to stay out of it. Dreamy in particular, was already lost in the memories she gained from Luna, wondering if there was a way to fix this…

*~*

Pure silence filled the lonely hall of Canterlot Castle as Celestia walked through it. Soft candlelight filled the hall, the walls barren of any windows.

This was probably due to the fact that it was several metres underground.

This particular hallway led to a secret chamber, known to only a few ponies, two of those ponies walked alongside the princess.

“Well this entire debacle has been a disaster!” Lyra Heartstrings said, furrowing her brow. “Canterlot is in ruins, our ‘hero’ won’t be around for much longer, who knows how Arceus is going to react to that. And we still aren’t even sure if Darkrai was destroyed… oh, and Chrysalis and Sombra are still at large!”

Celestia sighed, she was feeling weary today, like the last fifteen hundred years of life were bearing it’s full weight. Still, she was a Princess of Equestria and would not falter.

“Canterlot can be rebuilt, my little ponies are stubborn like that. Darkrai may be unconfirmed for being truly gone, but he will think twice of trying something like this a third time. As for the Changeling Queen…” She turned to the third pony, an Earth Pony mare with a smiling sun Cutie Mark.

“How does your Queen fair Miss Sunny?”

Sunshine dropped her disguise and revealed the true form of the Changeling beneath it.

“She has retreated to the emergency hive, in fear that Darkrai still lives. She has taken possession of the petrified Sombra, but I doubt that she has the ability to revive him, at least for now. A lot of Changelings perished or were captured during the attack, another full-scale invasion is impossible. It will take years before she will have the required strength and numbers for another attempt.” Sunny resume her pony form, breathing sigh of relief. She much preferred being like this. “May I add a personal statement?”

Celestia nodded and Sunny continued. “Chrysalis is a fool and a tyrant… but she is not stupid. My guess that she even tried to take Canterlot again was because Sombra and Darkrai were assisting. Without either, I don’t think we’ll see a repeat performance.”

“I concur,” Lyra agreed. “But it’s not a sure thing, and she just might find assistance elsewhere. I bet the Diamond Dogs, Griffins and Minotaur are jumping up and down that our capitol city fell so easily. Our strength and political standing are severely compromised.”

Celestia cleared her throat, “Which is why I will seek a more permanent solution regarding the Changelings.” She offered a look to Sunny and added, “A peaceful solution I assure you.”

“My allegiance is to you and Lord Flare Blitz,” Sunny said. “But… thank you Princess.”

Celestia nodded and looked forward, towards the large door that they approached. “As for Flare’s ‘condition’, I am looking into that. There may be a way to save him, I just hope that she is willing to help.”

Lyra’s eyes widened. “Y-you mean, she’s real!?” When Lyra took this job, several state secrets were entrusted to her, one of which was just how many powerful entities inhabited Equestria and the true nature of a certain artefact.

“Heh, I’m glad I can still surprise you Miss Heartstrings,” Celestia chuckled. Her horn lit up as the runes surrounding the doorframe followed suit. The door creaked open to reveal a circular room. Lit by a crystal chandelier and decorated with floor to ceiling bookshelves, Lyra wondered just how many books were in this castle.

“I’m glad that Chrysalis and Darkrai never found this room,” Celestia said as she walked over to a pedestal in the centre of the room. “That would not have ended well for us.”

“So why are we here anyway?” Sunny asked, earning a chuckle from Celestia.

“What? Am I not allowed to simply spend time with my friends?” That remark earned a small blush from both mares.

“I wished to hear your reports on recent events, but just, eh, how to the young ones say it? I wanted to hang out?”

She took a book from the pedestal and looked at it fondly, a smile crossing her face as certain memories bubbled to the surface of her mind. Lyra looked the book and frowned again.

“What book is that? An important one?” The cover was as black as night, save for the intricate star patterns. A smirk crossed the Unicorn’s face, “Maybe Princess Luna’s fanfiction?”

“No, that book is kept in her desk drawer,” Celestia replied idly. “No, this book is something that will change the course of the world… should she prove worthy.”

Sunny and Lyra exchanged confused glances. They hated it it when she got all enigmatic like this.

*~*

Flare Blitz leaned against the other side of the door, listening to the argument that raged on in the living room/foyer.

“So that’s what this is all about, and why I feel so tired all the time.” Admittedly, he didn’t feel the way he thought he would about this. His thought he would be angry, or perhaps devastated. But instead, what he felt was, hope. Hope that Twilight and his friends would find a way to fix it. It still irritated him that they didn’t tell him straight out, but he figured that Twilight would get around to it in time.

“As long as life doesn’t throw another curve ball…” He’d about had it with world-ending disasters for the time being. Maybe things could finally settle down and he could spend some time on his relationship with Twilight. They’d been together for a while and gone on what, two dates?

“Well, there’s always tomorrow,” he yawned and headed to bed.

*~*

Darkrai floated in the empty Void, hanging on the fine edge of life and death. Where had those two gotten such power from? Darkrai should have been invincible, the Princesses should have been defeated and he should be ruling over Equestria.

So where the hell did he go wrong?

He had underestimated the power lying in that Rapidash/Pony, he was completely caught off guard by that sole unicorn moving the sun and moon and he was a fool to rely on Chrysalis and Sombra.

A slight chuckle escaped his lips, there was always next time. The fools probably thought him to be dead and he hadn’t escaped to the Void at the last moment, then he probably would have been.

“I’ll eliminate the purple Unicorn first, a threat like that should not go unchecked a second time. Next time I’ll-“

“There will not be a next time for you!”

Darkrai suddenly paled, he knew that voice. He looked around frantically and then the coldest of chills went up his spine. He quickly turned, only to be snared in a red aura, unable to move.

“You have failed twice now,” The creature that floated before him instilled a fear in Darkrai like none other. It’s piercing blue eyes seemed to stare into what was left of the dark-types soul. “You are aware of the price of failure, no?”

“Please Master, just once more. All I need is a little more power and Equestria will fall without question!” Darkrai shook violently, praying the creature would be lenient.

The next sounds to pierce the Void were Darkrai’s screams as the creature drained the life from him, until nothing was left.

The creature sighed, as the red glow faded along with Darkrai.

“It would seem that it is my turn,” An unsettling laugh escaped his lips. “Those fools will not stand a chance!”

His True Purpose. Part One.

Chapter One: His True Purpose.

It was still early as Flare’s eyes slowly opened. The sun was peeking its way through his curtains and made him blink a few times as his eyes adjusted. He put one hoof out of his bed and almost stumbled as he got up. He had almost gotten used to his new form, but gravity still gave him grief on occasion.

He glanced at a tall mirror in the corner of his room and looked at the reflection within it. It showed a half asleep, cream-coloured Unicorn. His mane was a brilliant red with streaks of orange and yellow. His eyes were a stunning ruby red and he was a little shorter than before, though not too much. Well, enough to look Big Macintosh in the eye now.

He opened the door to his room and headed through it, walking out into a library that he now called home. He shifted an ear and heard sounds from upstairs, mainly sleepy talk of gem covered mountains and Rarity in a wedding dress…

“I guess Spike’s having a good dream.” he chuckled to himself. He looked around the foyer and poked his nose into the kitchen, but didn’t see hide nor hair of a certain lavender librarian.“Guess she’s still asleep too,” he muttered. The muscles in his legs gave an involuntary twitch which meant one thing… an early morning run was in order. He opened the front door and paused to take in the sweet scent of the springtime morning before taking off.

***

His hooves pounded the ground as he raced through Ponyville. Most ponies were only just beginning to wake so the streets were fairly empty, giving Flare enough room to really cut loose. Though he now inhabited the body of a well-toned Unicorn, his speed hadn’t diminished much. Houses became a blur as he rocketed down the street. He heard somepony call his name and he slowed down as he approached a familiar apple cart.

“Where’s the fire partner?” Applejack smiled. “Y’all look like a dragon is chasing ya down.”

“Just getting some early morning exercise,” he said, “It looked like a nice morning for it.”

Applejack smiled again, “Well I got trees to buck an’ fields ta plough if yer ever feelin energetic.”

“I’ll keep that in mind,” Flare replied. “Oh yeah, is that a new coat of paint on your cart there?”

Applejack glanced at her shiny cart and nodded. “So yer noticed huh?” she said. “Yeah, I managed ta get a lotta things fixed thanks to you.”

Flare Blitz blushed slightly at the compliment. She was referring to the outcome of the race he had been in. It was the one that had determined his future in Equestria. The winner was granted one wish by Princess Celestia herself and when Flare won, his wish was for all his friends to have their wishes granted. As a result, Applejack had received the prize money for both first and second places, a sum that made her near faint when she saw it.

“Ah can’t thank yer enough fer what you did.” Applejack said earnestly. She glanced from left to right as if anypony might be looking and when she saw nopony around, she leaned in and gave Flare a quick kiss on the cheek, blushing furiously the whole time. “I made mah friends honorary Apple Family members some time back,” she said. “And ah’m more than happy to count you among them too.”

Flare paused for a moment and then responded. ”Thank you AJ,” he said. “That really means a lot to me.”

Applejack tossed him a fresh apple and bid him farewell. “Okay, y’all better get going before I say somethin’ really sappy,” she said, a slight blush still gracing her cheeks.

Flare nodded and chomped down the delicious fruit before continuing his run. He was feeling pretty good now and put a little extra swag into his strides. He greeted a few other familiar faces before returning to the library to be greeted by the smell of oatmeal and freshly brewed tea.

“That smells good.” Flare grinned as he walked in.

Spike peered from around the corner and gave the stallion toothy grin. “Hey, you’re back… where did you go anyway?”

“Just an early morning run,” he explained, trying to figure out how to drink from a pitcher on the table.

Spike nodded and headed back into the kitchen. “Twilight’s upstairs if you were wondering.”

Flare trotted lightly up the wooden staircase and peeked into the upstairs bedroom. Twilight was sitting in front of her vanity, brushing her mane. He stood there and watched her, the way she would lightly glide the brush along her striped mane. He watched the soft glow of her magic and the cute little tune she hummed as she brushed.

Twilight looked up and saw Flare in the reflection of her mirror. She smiled and turned to face him, “Good morning, Flare,” she greeted.

“Did you sleep well?” Flare nodded and walked a little closer to the mare. “Yeah, and you?”

“Good dreams and a healthy sleep,” she replied. She took a moment to look at him and she had to admit, she liked what she saw. He was shorter now and slightly more muscular, but his form was still fit and lean. His eyes had changed from black and silver to the most stunning crimson red. Her eyes wandered further south until they fell on his flanks… oh they were nice too~

Flare waited as Twilight practically ogled him and stifled a small laugh. “Enjoying the view?” He said teasingly, causing the mare to break from her daydream and squeak in surprise.

“Oh, um, I uuhh…” she stumbled around her words as her brain caught up to her mouth. “I was just um, noticing that you don’t have a Cutie Mark…” Twilight sighed, “Yeah, real smooth Twilight,” she thought.

“Yeah…” he said, glancing at his blank butt. “Guess I’ll just have to discover what makes me special, huh?”

Twilight smiled again as they headed down the stairs and into the dining room. “I don’t think it’ll take you too long,” she reassured him, eliciting a nod from the stallion.

Spike emerged a few moments later with two bowls of oatmeal and a bowl of gemflakes for himself. “Huh? You guys are down here already?” he asked in mock surprise. “I thought you’d be making out upstairs for longer than that.”

The reaction was priceless as both ponies turned red and glared at the dragon. “SPIKE!” they said in unison as the dragon laughed at the little joke.

After breakfast, Spike began to shelve some returned books whilst Twilight opened a large tome on magic during the Starswirl era, namely one of gravity manipulation.

Flare sat down on the rug and stared at a small book sitting on the table in front of him. This little book had spent the last few days taunting him, making him feel powerless and mocking his attempts. Meaning of course that he had been practicing how to use levitation and had made little headway.

He closed his eyes and focused his energies. Twilight had told him that it would come naturally, like learning how to walk, but then he hadn’t been born a unicorn so experience in this was non-existent. He had been able to use magic during his battle with Arceus, but any attempt since then had been futile… and he was beginning to get a little frustrated.

“Okay book” he said in a serious tone. “I know we haven’t known each other long, but if you would just float for me… I’ll uh, be your friend or something.”

…
…

Eeyup, Flare had lost it. He focused once more and his horn began to light up with a fiery hue. The light buzzed and flickered, like a light bulb that was about to go out. As he concentrated, Twilight looked up from her book and observed Flare as his horn subtly shone and then glowed steadily. The book became engulfed in the light and verrry slowly, began to rise from the desk. She hadn’t noticed but she was holding her breath, as if the mere sound of her quiet breathing was enough to break his concentration. The book slowly rose and Flare opened one eye to see if it was working. He saw the book rising and his face broke out into a big grin… until the book shot forwards and smacked him right in the face.

“Oww!” he said, clutching his nose with his hoof as the magic died and the book fell to the floor.

As he rubbed his nose, he heard somepony giggling and glanced up to see Twilight looking at him.

“Oh so you find this funny?” he deadpanned.

“I’m sorry,” Twilight said. “But you are doing quite well. With more practice, you could be quite an accomplished magician.”

Flare nodded and looked at the fallen book before picking it up manually and putting it back on the table. “Well I suppose… but I don’t think I want to be a full-time facebook member,” he said.

“It’ll be fine,” Twilight re-assured him. “Why don’t you work on getting your Cutie Mark first? It might be a catalyst to getting better at your magic.”

“Maybe” Flare responded. Truth be told, he had little idea on how Cutie Marks even worked, much less how it would help with his magic. “But if Twilight thinks it would work…”

“Alright, I’ll head out and… try to earn a Cutie Mark I suppose,” he said, though he didn’t sound confident in the slightest.

Twilight watched him leave and sighed. “I wonder if I can do anything to help him?” she wondered aloud when Spike walked into the room.

“Hey Twi, you got a letter from the Princess!” he informed her, handing her a letter with the royal seal on it.

***

Flare Blitz wandered around Ponyville aimlessly. He had absolutely no idea how one earned a Cutie Mark. He knew that it appeared when a pony discovered his or her special talent… but what was his special talent? The Cutie Mark Crusaders crossed his mind and he realised what they must go through.

As if by divine fate or just plain bad luck, said little fillies skipped happily down the main street. They towed a wagon that contained large scrolls and measuring equipment.

“So do you think we’ll get a Cutie Mark in city planning?” Scootaloo asked Sweetie Belle. “Cause I have my doubts about something so lame.”

“Well your idea of Extreme Jet skiing didn’t work, did it!” Sweetie retorted curtly.

“Well excuse me for trying.” Scootaloo said, her eyes flashed in annoyance.

Apple Bloom put her hooves in between her bickering friends. “Girls, please! They’re both good ideas, so jus calm down… Oh hey, there’s Mr. Flare!”

Flare looked down from the little cloud he had been staring at for about fifteen minutes when he heard somepony call his name.

“Hmm? Oh hey there Apple Bloom,” he greeted her. “What are you guys up to today?”

“Cutie Marks in city planning apparently,” Scootaloo said, thoroughly uninspired.

Flare raised an eyebrow, “Oo-kayy, and how’s that working out?”

“As well as you think it might.” Sweetie Belle said, having her own doubts now.

“What about you Mr. Flare?” Apple Bloom asked him. “Running errands fer Twahlight?”

Flare shook his head and glanced at his flank. “Nope… trying to find my own Cutie Mark actually…” It took a second to realise on what he had just said to whom as the three fillies’ eyes went as wide as dinner plates.

“Tryin…”

“To earn”.

“Your CUTIE MARK!?” the three crusaders said, squealing happily.

“Now wait a minute girls…” Flare started to say, but it was well past the point of no return. The three girls huddled together and whispered.

“So what do you think?” Sweetie Belle said. “Could he join the Crusaders?”

“He’s a bit old to not have a Cutie Mark though.” Scootaloo pointed out. “What’s up with that?”

“It’s prolly cause of whut happened a week ago, after that big race,” Apple Bloom explained. “Ah remember mah sis sayin’ somethin’ about it.”

Flare stood to the side, wondering if he should make a break for it. But on the other hoof, they did have some experience in this sort of thing. As they huddled and whispered, Flare glanced towards the library as he heard a loud, enraged shriek and the library suddenly shot 20 feet into the air with a loud boom!

Cutie Mark be damned, he bolted for the library to see if Twilight was okay.

***

Twilight Sparkle was not okay! As he ran inside calling the mare’s name, he saw her five best friends sprawled out on the floor, dazed from the sudden launch, whilst Spike lay in a pile of destroyed pillows with a dented helmet upon his head.

Twilight was pacing up and down the library, her horn crackling with residual magical energies. Flare sighed as he felt a headache coming on because he had a hunch as to what happened.

“Twilight Sparkle.” he said calmly. “Do you care to explain as to why your home attempted to fly south for the winter?”

Twilight stopped her pacing and looked at her housemate, her eyes full of worry and panic, and probably a little crazy.

“T-the Princess,” she stammered nervously. “She wants me… to take a TEST!!”

Flare Blitz blinked and looked at the unicorn. He had heard stories about Twilight’s little ‘freakouts’ but didn’t really believe them. But now…

“Okay,” he said. “I want you to take a deep breath and listen.”

Twilight stopped and paused before taking a breath and sitting on the floor.

“Okay, so Celestia wants you to take a test right?” he said, remaining calm and collected.

Twilight nodded silently.

“Well then no problem,” he said, placing a hoof on her shoulder and giving her a reassuring smile. “You are the smartest pony I know. I’m sure whatever the Princess throws at you, you’ll pass with flying colours.”

Twilight took another breath and smiled. “Thanks Flare, I feel better now.”

***

A short while later, Flare was bidding Twilight and her friends farewell from Ponyville’s train station. Though he wanted to go with them, somepony had to take care of the library while she was gone, and since Spike was going with them, the job was left to Flare.

It had been an hour since he returned to the library and now he was utterly bored out of his mind. He began to realise that without Twilight and her friends around, he was utterly lost on what to do with himself. It was then that a whirlwind of fillies blew in.

“We’ve got the perfect idea on how to get your Cutie Mark!” Sweetie Belle squeaked happily.

“Yeah!” Scootaloo added. “It’s awesome!”

Understandably, Flare Blitz had his doubts. But he was so bored that he’d humour them for a while.

“Okay, lay this perfectly awesome idea on me,” he said.

“Well, how does a Cutie Mark in Bungee Jumping sound… from an AIRSHIP!!” Scootaloo’s eyes sparkled with excitement. This was gonna be awesome!

Were they serious!? Bungee jumping from an airship! What the hay were these kids’ parents doing, letting these fillies do dangerous crap like this?

***

An hour later, a very worried stallion and three hyper fillies stood aboard the deck of a luxury airship. It sort of looked like a silver and purple blimp that had a ship’s deck suspended from it. Two wings protruded from the sides of the deck and flapped steadily. Flare simply assumed that magic supported the ship’s propulsion.

“Remind me again where you got this thing?” Flare said.

“Some family members ah mine from Canterlot own it,” Apple Bloom replied. “They’re the one flyin’ this doohickie.” She waved to a mare and stallion that were at the wheel.

“I see…” Flare said slowly. “And remind me again why I’m here.”

“To earn your Cutie Mark in Awesomeness!” Scootaloo said happily. “It’s gonna be. So. Awesome!”

Flare had doubts, serious doubts, as to both the success of this mission and the level of his sanity. He took a long hard look at the ground far below and then to the bungee cord around his rear legs. His decision was made.

“Not gonna do it” he said flatly. “No way and no how will I jump from this airship”.

“Aw c’mon!” Scootaloo whined. “Ya just gotta do it.”

“Well if he doesn’t want to then we really can’t make him,” Sweetie Belle pointed out. “That just wouldn’t be right.”

Scootaloo went to protest but had no response. “Oh alright,” she said dejectedly, “Let’s head back down then.”

The pilot nodded and turned the ship and Flare sighed with relief. But the sudden movement then caused him to lose his balance… and fall from the ship. Good thing that cord was still attached.

It didn't stop him from screaming like a little filly though…

***

Later, all four ponies once again stood on solid ground and Flare’s coat had turned pure white.

“Let’s never, ever, EVER do that again!” he said fiercely, secretly happy that he had been made a unicorn instead of a pegasus.

“Well that was a total bust,” Scoots complained, glancing at Flare’s still blank flank.

“Then it’s time for my idea!” Sweetie Belle giggled happily.

Flare groaned. He knew that he walked into this. He knew that he had complained he was bored… but now he wished that he was back at home in the library, practicing his magic.

No such luck there.

He eventually found himself in Carousel Boutique, and Sweetie Belle giving him a ponypedi. What the buck?

“Can somepony please explain this to me?” he said with an exasperated sigh.

“Maybe your Cutie Mark will be in not listening to anypony?” Sweetie replied. “You will be a fabulous model for today. I think it could really work.”

Well at least this didn’t involve freefalling from a blimp. But Flare began to question on how this would affect his masculinity. It took nearly an hour, but between the three girls, Flare Blitz had his hooves filed and polished, and his coat brushed. His mane had been brushied and styled and well, he looked good.

He glanced in a mirror and whistled appreciatively. “I guess I scrub up alright,” he said, slightly surprised at the results.

“And now it’s time for a fabulous outfit!” Sweetie Belle squeaked. She disappeared behind a large curtain and he heard her grunt with effort as she pushed a pony-shaped mannequin from behind it. It had a long flowing, fuchsia dress on it.

“A dress? I’m not wearing a dress!” Flare crossed his hooves. “No way, No how!”

“Aw don’t be like that Flare~” Sweetie Belle cooed. “I read that stallions used to dress up as mares for plays and whatnot years ago, so what’s the harm.”

“And how long ago was this?” he asked, as Apple Bloom wondered the same thing. Guys wearing dresses was just plain silly.

“Couple hundred years, give or take.” Sweetie Belle said nonchalantly.

“Ah thought so,” Apple Bloom replied. “Y’all can’t make Flare wear that, he’ll look ridiculous.”

“I think he’ll look adorable~” Sweetie retorted as Scootaloo pretended to gag.

“That wouldn’t even fit me,” Flare pointed out, but his comment fell on deaf ears as the three fillies continued to argue at an increasing volume.

After a consensus was reached, the three girls turned to see that Flare had bailed on then, the front door to the boutique still swinging slightly.

“I’ll take it that he wasn’t interested.” Sweetie noted.

***

Flare had run from the boutique as fast as he could. Once he stopped he found himself at Sweet Apple Acres.
He walked through the orchards, taking in the sweet scent of apples when a loud crack brought him back down to earth.
He glanced around and saw Big Macintosh bucking some trees in the western orchard Flare was currently strolling through.

“Heya Mac!” Flare called out as the draft horse turned to meet him.

“Well howdy there Flare,” he drawled. “What can I do fer ya?”

Flare walked up to him and gave the tree a solid buck, causing the apples to fall neatly in the buckets. “Not much, just escaping the clutches of your sister and her friends.”

“Wha? Applejack?”

“No, Apple Bloom and the Cutie Mark Crusaders,” he said and pointed to his flank with a hoof. “They’ve had me running around all morning doing crazy stuff to earn my Cutie Mark, I drew the line at wearing a dress.”

“Do ah even wanna know?” Mac asked him.

“Eenope” Flare replied and the two of them chuckled.

Mac walked over to the next tree and continued to work. “Y’all have prolly heard this a million times by now, but yer Cutie Mark will come when it comes, aint no amount of rushing is gonna help.”

“I hear ya Mac,” Flare agreed. “But your sister is awfully persistent,” he said, sighing a little.

“That she is.” Big Macintosh agreed. “Stubbornness runs in the mares of this family.”

Flare agreed. He’d seen how stubborn Applejack could be, but then…

“I suppose most mares are like that,” he voiced the last part of his thought.

“That they are.” Macintosh agreed and bucked the tree. “So uh… how’s it goin with Miss Twahlight?”

The question caught Flare off guard and he missed the tree he was about to kick. “T-Twilight!?” he said. “Uh… well I decided that I wanted to do right by her and I've been studying up on Equestrian customs and courting rituals while she isn't around…”

“Courtin’ rituals?” Mac asked. How old were these books?

“Yeah, like getting her a flower that’s the same colour as my coat to show that I’m interested” he said. “Stuff like that”.
Now that was an out-dated ritual. Maybe back in Granny Smith’s time… “Well maybe Miss Twahlight might actually like that?” he thought. She was into books from what AJ had told him, though he really didn’t know her personally.

There was a shout as the CMC approached the farm, looking for the runaway stallion.

“Ah bugger, they found me.” Flare said. “Guess that’s that.” He looked at Big Mac. “Thanks for listening Mac,” he said.

“Anytime,” he replied, bumping hooves with Flare as the Apple Bloom, Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle ran up to them.

“Hey there Big Brother! Ah’m glad ya found ‘im!” Apple Bloom said happily.

“Eeyup.” Big Mac simply said and went about his work.

Sweetie Belle gave Flare a hard stare. “Care to explain why you ran off mister?” she said with a hint of annoyance.

Flare shrugged, “I just didn’t think that wearing a dress was my ultimate destiny,” he said. “No offense Belle.”

“None taken,” she replied. “So now what?”

“We should go back to the clubhouse and revise our strategy.” Scootaloo suggested. “And we still hafta give him the initiation speech.”

Flare raised an eyebrow, initiation ritual? Eh, why not. Truth be told, he was actually kind of having fun, though he had no intentions of telling anypony. Ever!

“Lead the way!” He said and followed the three bouncing fillies to the other side of the farm.

***

Flare had to admit, he was impressed at the clubhouse. It was a decent sized structure set in a huge tree close to the farmhouse. Just judging by the outside, you could probably fit 20 or more ponies in there.

“She’s a beauty, huh?” Scootaloo said proudly. “It was a total dump until Apple Bloom fixed it up!”

Wait! Apple Bloom fixed this? He gave the fillies an odd stare. “And you still don’t have your Cutie Mark?” he wondered aloud.

“Well that’s ahbvious aint it?” Apple Bloom replied and Flare resisted the urge to facehoof. It was obvious, painfully obvious what her special talent was, though it had little meaning if somepony else told her.

As they were about to climb the ramp, there was a faint whistling sound. It seemed to be coming from the air and as Flare looked up to find its source. Something crashed into him and he was greeted with a world of blackness.

He awoke a short while later, groaning. He noticed that he was on his back and something heavy was on top of him. He opened his eyes and was greeted by the sight of a cute, grey Pegasus mare entwined in his hooves. There was a light gasp as he looked left to see the CMC all with the same red-faced surprised expression.

“Do you think doing something like that earns you a Cutie Mark?” Scootaloo asked quietly.

“Ah… don’t know,” Apple Bloom replied softly.

“It’s like something out of one of Rarity’s Mules and Bon books,” Sweetie Belle whispered.

The mare opened her eyes and looked directly into Flare’s.

“Mmm? Oh! Hey there Flare Blitz!” she exclaimed, her golden eyes fixing on his. Well one of them anyway. The other seemed to be getting a good view of the clouds.

“Hello Ditzy.” Flare wondered if she did this on purpose.

The mare gave a single flap of her wings and propelled herself to her hooves. “Sorry ‘bout that,” she said sheepishly. “I have a little trouble with landings sometimes.”

“S’okay,” Flare said, getting to his hooves and blushing slightly. “You said you were looking for me?”

“Oh?” she rummaged about in a saddlebag for a moment before presenting a letter. “Da, da, da, da daaaaa!” she sang happily. “You have a letter!”

“Um, thanks?” Flare replied, still feeling a little awkward. Ditzy nodded happily and flew off, leaving the stallion to wonder what the hay happened.

Dear Flare.

He instantly recognised the hoof writing as Twilight’s.

You're probably wondering why we aren't back yet so I thought to send you this letter to explain things.
It seems that ‘test’ (I nearly had a heart attack on the way here) that Princess Celestia has for me requires me to travel to a place called the Crystal Empire. I can’t really tell you more than that since I know little myself. Spike and the others are with me so if could you please inform Rarity and AJ’s families for me that would be great.

We should be back by tomorrow afternoon so you’ll have to fend for yourself for tonight. I hope you’re having luck with finding your Cutie Mark and your magic.

Yours Dearly.

Twilight Sparkle.

Flare showed the letter to the girls, who quickly glanced over it.

“So they won’t be back until tomorrow, huh?” Scootaloo said. “Any idea on what you’ll do Flare?”

“Probably just go home, make dinner and sleep.” Flare shrugged as he glanced at the setting sun. “Not much else to do.”

Apple Bloom thought for a moment, and then a bolt of inspiration struck her. “How ‘bout a slumber party?” she suggested. “An Flare can come too!”

“A slumber party?” Flare questioned. He remembered the one he had in Canterlot with the princesses. Though without Pinkie, this one should be a bit more tame.

“I think it’s a good idea!” Sweetie Belle agreed with Apple Bloom. “We can work on new crusades and eat sweets and play games and…” she trailed off as she giggled and bounced up and down.

“But is a slumber party really awesome enough?” Scootaloo asked.

Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom were already sold on the idea though.

“We can sing songs!”

“And tell scary stories!”

“And have makeovers!”

“And, and… ah I got nuthin”.

Flare sighed; it seemed that there was no way out of this, though hanging out with them made him feel like a little foal again. It was kinda fun in a nostalgic sort of way.

“Fine,” he agreed. “But we still need to tell your parents and decide on where we’ll have this.”

“Right here in the clubhouse,” Apple Bloom said. “Just meet us back here tonight, we’ll get everything ready.”

Flare nodded and headed off, shooting a quick glance behind him as he walked. “So now I’m having a slumber party with kids?” He chuckled. “Dad would tan my hide and tell me to grow up if he knew… and Mother would probably want to join in…”
As memories of his parents came to him, he began to feel a sharp pain in his heart. He knew that staying in Equestria was his decision, but he still wondered what his parents were doing, if they knew he was okay.

He let out a soft sigh as he walked back to town. “I wish I could have at least said goodbye to them,” he whispered.

Author's Note

So I've made some edits to this chapter and the others will get the same treatment soon. I'll unpublish them. edit and then republish them.

Yeah... that works... I think?

Chapter Six - Home Sweet Home!?

Chapter Six – Home Sweet Home!?

The sound of the ocean liner’s horn filled the air as humans and Pokémon alike were bustling about. Three Pokémon slipped off of the S.S. Anne and onto Vermillion docks unnoticed.

“So, we’re finally in Kanto, then?” Lucy, the young Pikachu, asked her friends.

“It would seem so,” Velvet, the eccentric Espeon, replied. “It was what was announced over the ship’s loudspeakers.”

“I’m just glad you can understand human speech.” Lucy brushed some dust from her fur and stretched. “But it’s such a pain to come all the way here from Sinnoh.”

“We owe it to Flare,” Sapphira, a powerful Garchomp, said. “We have to tell his folks what happened to him.”

“But we barely know what happened to him!” Lucy argued. “Just that he decided to stay in some other world with a bunch of weird creatures.”

Sapphira frowned and clenched her jaw. She knew that Lucy was right; they knew nothing about what had happened, other than the brief messages on the crystal that they had been given. Arceus had appeared, given them the crystal, and told them that their friend was alright.

And it had pissed Sapphira off to no end.

So much so that Gallade had told them to leave Alamos Town before the raging dragon destroyed it completely. The crystal had messages for both Flare’s parents and Virizion, though Sapphira was loathe to speak to that stupid legendary. It was a unanimous decision to go and see Flare’s parents in the Kanto region. So the three Pokémon had snuck aboard the S.S. Anne, a world-touring cruise liner.

And now, several months later, they stood in Vermilion City.

“So how do we get to Fuchsia City from here?” Lucy asked. “That’s where Flare’s parents live, right?”

Sapphira nodded. She had known Flare the longest out of the three of them, and the Ponyta had spent hours telling her about his home. “The Laramie Ranch is close to some place called the ‘Safari Zone.’”

Velvet was busy looking at a signpost, gauging the quickest way to get there. “If we follow this route along the ocean, we should be able to get there in a few days.”

Lucy and Sapphira nodded, and the three Pokémon began their quest towards Fuchsia City.

***

Sunlight streamed through the large windows of Twilight’s observatory. Two ponies, who had finally succumbed to the realm of sleep, stirred and grumbled as the bright light dragged them back to the waking world.

“Make it go awayyy~” Flare groaned, pulling the covers over his head.

“Can’t,” Twilight mumbled back. “Sun’s too big to blow up…”

The two lay in blissful silence for a few more minutes before somepony threatened to beat down the door. Or Sunshine might have been gently knocking to rouse the occupants within; same difference.

Flare groaned once more and slowly dragged himself out of bed. It took a lot of effort and a few minutes, but he eventually made the epic quest down the stairs. He opened the door to reveal the smiling maid on the other side.

“Good morning, Lord Flare!” Sunshine chirped happily, and then took note of the stallion’s dishevelled appearance. “Oh, my… did you have a rough night?”

“You… could say that,” Flare rubbed at his eyes and yawned. After an all-night gaming session with Luna, followed by some ‘romantic’ time with Twilight, he’d only gotten about two hours of sleep.

“Well, I’ve come to tell you that breakfast will be served soon, and you and Lady Twilight have an appointment, no?”

Flare blinked as his mind slowly became aware, “Oh?... ooohhh-“ He ran back upstairs to wake his marefriend. “Twilight, wake up!” Flare’s body began to glow with magenta light, and with a bright flash, he soon found himself teleported outside.

Flare frowned and sighed, “Seriously not cool, Fairy.” He walked past a surprised Sunshine and back upstairs. Standing back from the bed, he pulled back the covers with his magic and cleared his throat.

“It’s time to get up, Lady Twilight!” He said sternly, prodding at her with his horn.

She waved a hoof to bat him away, but the flail had no effect. She stretched and slowly sat up, tilting her head left and right until she heard a satisfying crack.

“We only just went to bed; remind me why we are getting up so early?” Twilight wasn’t a morning pony at the best of times, and the lack of sleep only made her more irritable.

“Sparkler.” Flare’s reply was short and sweet, but it did the trick.

Twilight’s half-lidded eyes shot open, and she almost fell out of bed. “We’re late!?” She went to race downstairs, but found herself being stopped by Flare’s magic. “What the-?”

“Calm down, hon, it’s only breakfast.” He put her down and smiled. “Now, why don’t we go take a nice, hot shower and have some breakfast with Celestia and Luna.”

“Alright,” Twilight’s smile suddenly changed and she gave him a look that really lit his fire. “So we should save time and shower together, hmm?”

“You are utterly insatiable,” Flare chuckled, but he certainly wasn’t about to disagree.

***

“Flare?” Celestia looked over the stallion after the couple had turned up to breakfast. “You look absolutely exhausted. Are you alright?”

Flare gave her a hollow stare as a whispered moan escaped his lips.

“Apparently there are limits to even Flare’s legendary stamina,” Twilight blushed slightly as she sipped her orange juice.

“Really?” Luna was surprised; even after the gruelling training she put him through, he never looked this beat down. “May I ask what sort of training he was doing?”

Twilight paused as she thought about how to answer that.

Should she?

Could she?

Twilight gave Luna her most sincere smile. Oh she most certainly would.

“Just some repetitive-motion exercises,” Celestia suddenly coughed into her teacup as Flare just continued to moan like a zombie. Spike blinked and looked around the table at the various reactions. Had he missed something?

The chefs brought out a fresh pot of coffee, and once Flare smelled its delicious aroma, he perked right up. “Good morning, everypony!” he chirped happily.

“Well, look who’s finally awake,” Celestia chuckled. “Do my faithful students have their day planned?”

Twilight nodded and her horn flashed, summoning forth a long checklist. “After breakfast I have some time allotted for some sightseeing around Canterlot. I want to get some gifts for Shining and Cadence too.”

Flare sipped his coffee before wrinkling his nose and pushing the mug aside. The coffee smelled good, but its taste didn’t match. “Guess I’ll head over to Mocha’s place later,” he muttered, craving some of her amazing blend.

Celestia dabbed at her mouth with a napkin and looked at Twilight, “Do you think you could spare a few moments for your teacher? There are some things I’d like to discuss with you.”

Twilight paused and nodded excitedly. “Of course I do, we aren’t scheduled to leave until later this afternoon, anyhow.”

Flare got up after downing a glass of water. “Then I think I’ll go and visit a friend in the meantime… and get some real coffee.” That last remark earned him a glare from the chef in charge of breakfast.

“Bring some back for me,” Luna yawned. “I could use a good cup after last night.”

Flare nodded, and after giving Twilight a goodbye kiss, he headed for his preferred place for all things caffeinated, The Daily Grind.

“Come, Twilight, let’s go to my study.” Celestia also excused herself from the table. “We can talk there.”

Twilight followed her, leaving Spike and Luna alone at the massive dining table.

“Do you ever get the feeling that everypony forgets you are even here?” Luna voiced her thoughts out loud.

“All the time,” Spike sighed. “All the time…”

***

Flare whistled cheerfully as he strode through the streets of Canterlot. He made his way through the crowded streets of the Cloud District, the home of the noble families and the Palace itself, and towards the Artisan District, which housed both Mocha’s café and Silvermane’s forge.

“I sure hope that Mocha is open this early,” Flare said to himself as he turned into a large park that separated the Districts. The sun shone through the trees, bathing the ground in speckled light. The birds chirped merrily, and Flare found himself slowing his pace and enjoying the scenery.

The birds suddenly fled, screeching loudly before the park plunged into an unsettling silence.

As Flare looked around, wondering what caused the disturbance, a voice called out to him.

“Enjoying ourselves?” The voice made Flare’s blood run cold. Something about it felt… dark.

“Who’s there?” Flare ignited his horn, continuing to glance around.

The shadow of a nearby tree shifted and warped, and a creature that Flare thought he would never see again emerged. Its dark body shifted slowly, like a living shadow, as its blue eyes stared right through him.

“Darkrai…” Flare’s voice was a barely audible whisper as the Pokémon rose from the ground and hovered in front him.

“So we finally meet face to face,” Darkrai spoke. “I’ve heard so much about you… defeating the great Arceus, harnessing the power of Magic. It’s quite impressive.”

Flare wasn’t sure how to respond, Darkrai sounded impressed, but every fibre in Flare’s being was screaming at him to run like hell. “W-what do you want?” he choked out, wondering where his voice had gone.

Darkrai chuckled, and his gaze continued to bore into the unicorn. “Oh, nothing much. But I have plans, wonderful plans, and you are in my way.”

“In your way?” Flare shook his head, trying to clear it. “I don’t think we’ve ever met, aside from that one time in Alamos Town.”

“I’m afraid that Darkrai was not me… I have spent the better part of a millennium sealed away.”

Clouds began to gather and darken as Darkrai remembered spending a thousand years in the dark, cold void. “My plan was flawless, until that bitch alicorn betrayed me!” His rage began to build, and Flare took a step back, only to have a tendril of darkness snag his leg. “But things will be different this time. This time, those stupid ponies will never see it coming… until it’s too late!”

A scorching Flamethrower struck the nightmare Pokémon, who simply chuckled in response. “Ooh, that almost hurt.”

“You touch one hair on anypony here,” Flare’s eyes were filled with rage, “and I will kill you!”

“You’re quite welcome to try,” Darkrai sneered and slammed Flare with a Shadow Claw, sending the ponymon spiralling through the air. Before Flare even hit the ground, Darkrai snared him with a Psychic attack and slammed him into the earth.

Flare coughed from the ferocity of the attacks and tried to retaliate with a Solarbeam, but Darkrai appeared in front of him and grabbed his horn, yanking down hard and smashing Flare’s face into the dirt. “How on earth did you beat Arceus? I mean, I know he let you win, but still…” He phased back a few feet as Flare’s body exploded with flames.

“You want to see how I did it? Fine by me!” Flare poured all his power into his Twilight Blaze attack and launched himself at Darkrai.

“Noooo!” Darkrai screamed at his oncoming defeat… or not. He phased into a nearby shadow, avoiding the attack, before re-appearing and slamming Flare once more.

“Why do you bother?” Darkrai asked, genuinely curious. “You have no chance against me, and your death is imminent. Just give up, and maybe I’ll make it painless.”

“Go suck a Muk!” Flare Blitz returned and began to charge a Solar Beam, but something was blocking the sunlight.

“I have a barrier around this whole area,” Darkrai said. “No one will hear as I tear off your limbs.”

Flare charged at him with Quick Attack, but Darkrai raised a hand and stopped Flare in midair with a Time Freeze spell. “Do you think you’re the only Pokémon that knows magic?”

Darkrai’s other hand began to glow with pink light as he focused a Spacial Rend attack. “Now prepare to be scattered across space/time… in the most painful of ways of course!”

Flare tried to break free of the spell that bound him, but it was futile. Darkrai’s magic was powerful, and there was nopony around to help him.

“It’s a pity, really,” Darkrai suddenly said, pausing his attack. “I could use some good help like you. Pokémon that can safely use magic are quite rare… but alas, I know that you would never sink to my level.”

The magic even bound Flare’s voice, so his torrent of curses went unheard. Darkrai pitched his arm back, like he was ready to throw a ball, and aimed at Flare. “Goodbye, Flare Blitz.”

“So this is it? I go down as simple as that?” Flare closed his eyes and waited. “I’m sorry, Twilight, I’m so sorry…”

Darkrai used the Spacial Rend, and as it travelled towards Flare, the unicorn could feel a pair of hooves wrap around him.

“Just hold on,” a familiar voice said to him, “I’ll get you out of here…”

There was a sound that caused Flare to scream in pain, like a million panes of glass shattering. And in an instant, Flare was plunged into a world of frozen silence.

Darkrai floated there; a smouldering crater was all that remained of Flare Blitz and the other pony that had appeared. “Too bad I can’t kill Arceus or the Alicorns that easily... at least not yet, anyhow.”

***

Twilight Sparkle paced around the entrance to Canterlot Castle, where she was supposed to be meeting Flare.

“Where is he?” she muttered irritably. Flare was supposed to be there almost twenty minutes ago. Was he running late?

Then she got a good idea. “I’ve never got to use this spell before.”

She focused her magic and cast ‘Dusk Shine’s Fast Friend Finder Spell,’ a spell used to get the location of someone the caster considers a friend.

After a moment or two, Twilight’s eyes shot open and she took an uneasy step back. She had gotten a fix on him for just a moment, right before he vanished from her magical sight. “Wait, where did he go?”

***

It was dark. Cold... Really cold.

Flare’s breaths became shallow and laboured as he struggled to take in what little oxygen he could. It was like trying to breathe while under a thick blanket, and with the pain he was in and the fear that he might die... it was not a good combination.

“What is this? Where am I?” He fought off unconsciousness for as long as he could, maybe a few seconds, before the darkness claimed him once more.

***

Celestia settled onto her throne, and she was about to let the first of her visitors in when the large double doors burst open and a distraught Twilight ran in.

“Twilight!?” Celestia was caught off guard for a second. “Whatever is the matter?”

“It’s Flare! I can’t find him!” Twilight almost yelled, her voice echoing around the empty room.

“Well, Canterlot is a big city, perhaps he is simply-“

“I used a tracing spell to find him, but he vanished!” Twilight cut her off. Celestia was about to admonish her for doing that, when another pony ran into the room in tears: Princess Luna.

“Lulu? What-?”

“I felt it again, only stronger this time!” Luna’s eyes were wide and her whole body was visibly shaking. “That darkness…”

Celestia fell silent as the pieces fell into place. “I think Day Court is cancelled…” One of her guards turned to her.

“Are you sure, Your Highness? There are a lot of-“

Celestia’s wings flared, and for the briefest of moments, anger flashed in her eyes. “Court is cancelled. Apologise to our guests and then send them home!”

The guard paused and then saluted. “By your orders, Your Highness!”

“Princess?” Twilight was confused now. Where was Flare? And what was wrong with Luna?

Celestia’s horn lit up, and with a flash of golden light, the trio of mares was whisked away to the princess’s chambers. “We have much to talk about, but first we must find a way to get Flare Blitz back!”

She placed a blanket over Luna and laid her on the bed. “Rest, little sister; the darkness will not claim you again. Of that, I promise!” Celestia turned to her student and summoned a quill and paper. “I need to know everything you saw with that tracing spell.”

Twilight nodded and began to recite what she had sensed: the feeling of Flare’s magic vanishing with an explosion of unknown power, along with another’s, a mare close to her heart…

***

A pained groan escaped the unicorn mare’s lips as Sparkler slowly opened her eyes. Wherever she was, it was dark, and a soft rain fell on them. She raised a hoof and gently rubbed the base of her horn, trying to ease the painful throb in her head. She looked around, trying to get her bearings, and saw the crumpled form of Flare lying a few feet from her. His body was covered in wounds, and he looked like he wasn’t waking up.

“Flare…” A failed attempt to get up resulted in Sparkler crawling on her belly towards him. “Hey… Flare?” She poked at him with a hoof, and a pained groan indicated that he was at least alive.

“Well, I feel about as great as he looks.” Sparkler flinched as a beam of light waved in the distance. A voice could be heard, but Sparkler couldn’t understand it. She could feel unconsciousness claiming her again. “Just freakin’ great.”

When Sparkler awoke again, the scenery had changed drastically. Instead of waking in the dirt and the rain, she was now in a comfortable bed. Several wires attached her to a machine, but a quick burst of magic detached them. The machine let out long, continuous beep, and Sparkler soon silenced that as well.

“Where am I this time?” she wondered aloud. She slid off the bed and headed towards the door, but just as she reached it, it let out a little hiss and opened, revealing a creature that scared poor Sparkler out of her wits. She lashed out with magic once more and lifted the creature off of the floor, pinning it to the wall.

“Where am I?” she shouted. “What is this place? And where’s Flare Blitz?”

***

The day had started out normal enough for Nurse Joy. Trainers brought in their Pokémon to be healed, some wanting a place to stay for the night. But it was the night when things had gotten strange. Late last night, a powerful flash of light had caught her attention while she tended to the sick Pokémon in her care. It had been raining all evening, and she thought that the light was from a lightning strike.

She headed up the small mountain to see if any Pokémon had gotten injured and stumbled across a sight like none other. Two Pokémon that she had never seen, or even read about, lay in the small clearing, covered in wounds. She had brought them back to the Pokémon Center for recovery, but things had only gotten stranger.

Their biology was like nothing she had ever seen, but it was similar enough to that of a Pokémon that they seemed to respond well to treatments. Their shape was similar to that of a Ponyta or a Blitzle, and after an all-night study session, she still had more questions than answers.

She had entered the room with the purple Pokémon to check up on it, only to find that it was awake and even walking around. The Pokémon now had the startled nurse pinned against a wall with what appeared to be Confusion or Psychic and was looking quite angry.

“Shh, it’s okay,” she said soothingly, keeping her composure. It was not the first time that a wild Pokémon had awoken confused and scared of its surroundings. Medical School even taught Pokémon Nurses how to deal with such an event. Remain calm and try to soothe the Pokémon with soft words and a closed smile. Don’t show teeth or make direct eye contact, nothing that could be interpreted as a challenge.

“Shh, it’s okay,” she said again. “Calm down, little one; it’s alright. No one is going to hurt you.”

Sparkler asked the creature a barrage of questions, but when it opened its mouth to speak, the unicorn couldn’t understand a word. “It doesn’t seem to understand me either… Maybe I should just put it down and try to find Flare... Wait! I have an idea!”

Joy was lowered to the ground, but before she could breathe a sigh of relief, Sparkler placed her horn near Joy’s head and cast the translation spell that Twilight taught her. A bright light erupted in the room but died down shortly after.

“I wonder if that worked?” Sparkler asked aloud and the dizzy nurse scowled at her.

“I’m not sure what you were trying to do, but perhaps a little warning would be appropriate!”

Sparkler blinked and then grinned. “I think it did, say something else.”

Nurse Joy was confused... again. Now the odd Pokémon could talk? Just what did it do to her?

Before she had time to ask, the door opened up as the white Pokémon she had found shuffled inside, with Joy’s assistant nurse draped across its back. “I’m sorry, Joy,” she wailed. “This one is really strong; I couldn’t stop it.”

“Flare!?” Sparkler ran over and hugged the stallion, knocking the intern off of his back. “I was worried. Are you alright?”

Flare nodded slowly, but his eyes remained cast down at the ground. “Yeah… I’m okay.” He glanced at the nurses and blinked. “I can’t believe that we’re here, though… how did it happen?”

“What do you mean? Do you know where we are?” Sparkler let him go, dropping back down onto all four hooves.

“Yeah… I know where we are.” He took a breath and coughed slightly. His entire body hurt, but it was nothing compared to the worry that plagued his mind and heart. “We’re in my world, the world of Pokémon.”

Nurse Joy and her assistant watched the one-sided conversation. While they looked similar to other Pokemon, but they spoke an odd language. The purple one was talking in Kantonese now, but the cream one didn’t seem to be able to talk.

“Do you think you could do that light thing again?” Joy asked. “I could probably help you two out once we all understand one another.”

Sparkler nodded, eliciting a look from Flare. He could understand what the humans were saying, but couldn’t answer back… until Sparkler touched his horn with hers and used the translation spell again.

“There! That should do it.” Sparkler smiled.

“Do what?” Flare replied, but Nurse Joy answered instead.

“Whatever that trick is, we can understand you now… Flare was it?”

Flare nodded, “That’s right, my name is Flare Blitz.” He motioned towards Sparkler, “And this is Sparkler, a friend of mine.”

Sparkler bowed her head politely, but now wasn’t the time for idle chatter. “Flare, how did we get here? I remember trying to teleport you away, back to Twilight… but then-“

“It must have had something to do with the attack Darkrai used.” Now that Flare thought about it, it was pretty similar to how he wound up in Equestria.

Thinking about Twilight brought back the thrashing he got from Darkrai and the knowledge that the Pokémon was still in Equestria, ready to do Arceus-knows-what.

“We have to get home as soon as possible!” he said. “Where are we, anyhow? Sinnoh? Unova?”

“The Kanto region; Fuchsia City, to be precise…”

The words had barely left her mouth when the stallion gasped and fled the room. Sparkler paused for just a second, and then followed after him. He had bolted out to the main foyer, eliciting some shrieks of surprise from several trainers there. The front door gave a small hiss as it opened up and he raced outside into the bright sunlight.

“I don’t believe it… it’s really…” Flare’s whispered tones could barely be heard.

Sparkler caught up to him once he stopped. “Flare? What is it?” She puffed slightly, still feeling fatigued. “What makes this place so special?”

Flare was silent as he took in his surroundings. It had been many years, but one never forgets the place they were born and raised.

“This is Fuchsia City,” he explained. “It’s close to the ranch where I was born.”

This was his home? Sparkler looked around and saw creatures that defied explanation. Tall, pale-skinned creatures, wearing a variety of clothing, walked about, chattering away. Other creatures were there too. A small, purple rat ran past her, leaping into the arms of one of the bipedal creatures. There were more around, all of them as different as night and day.

“Just what are they?” Sparkler asked out loud.

“The tall ones that all look similar are called ‘humans.’ They can be found all over the world, and most of them are friends to us Pokémon.” When he said that it made him feel somewhat odd. It had been a while since he had thought of himself as more Pokémon than pony. Pushing that thought, along with many others, to the back of his mind, he continued his explanation.

“The rest are Pokémon of all different kinds.” He pointed to the rat that Sparkler was watching. “That one is called a Rattata, and the one over there is a Pidgey.”

He motioned towards another one and suddenly stopped. “And that is… actually, I have no idea what that Pokémon is.” The one he pointed to reminded him vaguely of Vulpix and Ninetales. It walked upright on two legs and had yellow and white fur, with large red tufts protruding from its ears.

For some reason, it also had a large stick sticking out of its tail.

And Flare thought it was kind of cute…

Shaking his head, he looked towards the eastern exit of the city. “Maybe I should visit home while I’m here?” The comment was said so casually that Sparkler finally snapped out of her haze and looked alarmed.

“Flare? What about getting home? How did we even get here!?”

Flare was already bolting for the gate. “I have to see them!”

Now Sparkler knew something was wrong. A dark creature had attacked him in the middle of Canterlot, a creature that could still be there, with all of their friends and their loved ones!

“Flare! I really don’t think that this is the time to…” Her words went unheard, Flare was already in the distance. “W-wait for me!” she called out and ran after him. The last thing she needed was to be stranded alone in a strange world filled with stranger creatures.

***

“And that’s everything,” Twilight explained. The tracing spell had detected both Flare’s and Sparkler’s magical signatures right before vanishing into thin air. Twilight knew that Flare didn’t know how to teleport, and Sparkler could only teleport a mile or two on her own. With another pony, that distance was considerably shorter.

Celestia wrote every detail down and gave her notes a second read over. “Along with what Luna felt, this is shaping up to be a dire situation.”

“And there’s that,” Twilight said. “What is wrong with Princess Luna? What’s this ‘darkness’ that she spoke of?”

If this was truly the work of that creature, then Celestia could not afford to be enigmatic about this. “It’s a tale that I purposely left out of the history tomes.”

Twilight’s mouth hung open. Princess Celestia, her mentor, just admitted to re-writing written history!?

“What I am going to tell you must never leave this room, for it could cause quite a few problems for a particular stallion we all love.”

Twilight nodded and listened intently as Celestia told her beloved student a tale of darkness unlike any other and the real story behind Nightmare Moon.

***

Sparkler panted heavily as she tried to keep pace with Flare Blitz. But resistance was futile, and she soon found herself lagging behind.

Flare didn’t even notice, or did and simply didn’t care. Sparkler was trying to decide which it was, but her train of thought derailed as she ploughed straight into his behind.

“Oof! Flare? Why did we stop?” She turned her attention to whatever it was that Flare was staring at, only to see a large, wooden sign arching over the entrance to what appeared to be some kind of farm.

“This is Laramie Ranch,” he said. “It’s where I was born.”

Flare walked inside, following the winding dirt path deeper into the farm. Sparkler followed, but his attitude was still bugging her. Twilight meant everything to Flare; he had given up this world just to be with her. So why was he acting like this? Why was he avoiding the topic of going home?

Looking around the farm, she saw more Pokémon, and Flare mentioned their names as they walked past them.

“Those are Tauros, and those are Dodrio.” His pace quickened slightly, but once they got closer to a field a little south of the farmhouse, he slowed down again.

“Is something wrong?” Sparkler asked, but didn’t honestly expect him to answer.

“I… I don’t know,” Flare actually responded!? “I don’t know if I can face them.”

“Your parents?” Was this was he was so antsy about?

Flare nodded his head. “I’m not exactly the Ponyta they brought into this world anymore.”

“You’re still Flare Blitz, right?” Sparkler placed a hoof on his shoulder and gave him a sincere smile. “If your parents are any kind of parents at all, then they’ll love you no matter what!”

Sparkler knew that better than anypony. Ditzy had taken her from that horrible orphanage and loved her like her own child. Sparkler initially repaid that love with distrust and horrible behaviour, but the pegasus didn’t give up, and Sparkler saw that she wasn’t like other foster parents, that she loved her, no matter what!

The moment was broken, however, by a surprised gasp that startled both ponies. They spun around to see a human girl with long blue hair staring at them.

“Well now, jus’ whut in the heck Pokémon are you two?”

“Lady Laramie?” Upon hearing the strange-looking Pokémon speak her name, the poor farmer passed out.

“Well… that happened,” Flare said, standing over the unconscious human.

***

Celestia knew it would provide few results, but she had sent several search parties out regardless, hoping it was just a misfired teleport.

But her fears were confirmed when the search parties returned empty-hoofed.

“So is it really him, then?” Twilight asked her. “This ‘Darkrai’ is responsible?”

Celestia nodded slightly, “Given Luna’s reaction, it is a strong possibility.” She had thought the seal she had put upon him would last forever, but as all things she had used the Elements of Harmony for, Discord, Nightmare Moon, it would seemed that Darkrai’s seal had faded too.

Sure, Nightmare’s was intentionally set to a thousand years, but the rest were meant to be permanent.

“All powerful seal, my flank,” Celestia muttered into her teacup. She looked around the room and a thought occurred to her. “Twilight, I need you to send for the Elements of Harmony at once. I’ve sent word to the Crystal Empire for assistance, and Discord still refuses to answer my summons...”

“Discord!?” Twilight was still dubious about the crafty Draconequus. “Are you sure that’s really necessary?”

Celestia nodded, looking out towards the calm city. “If it truly is Darkrai… it still may not be enough.”

***

“Do you have healing magic?” Flare asked Sparkler, who simply huffed.

“Oh? So now you talk to me? Now that you actually want something from me?”

Flare snorted, “And what’s that supposed to mean?”
Sparkler’s voice rose as she got angrier. “What do you think? You’re acting like a mule!”

Flare’s own temper began to rise. “A mule!?”

“You heard me!” Sparkler yelled. “Ever since we left that city, you’ve been cold, and frankly… you’ve been acting like an asshole!”

Flare’s eyes flashed and his horn lit up, right before he realised what he was doing and backed down almost instantly. “I-I’m sorry, Sparkler…” What was he doing? Was he actually about to attack Sparkler? Just because she called him out and was right!

Sparkler said nothing and looked at the human. “She seems to have just fainted; a simple rejuvenation spell should fix that.” Her horn lit up, and she prepared to cast, only to have a stream of flame shoot just over her, singing the fur on her back.

“AAH! Flare, what the!?” She turned to find out what the hell was wrong this time, but her voice got caught in her throat. A large Rapidash stood nearby, flames lingering around its mouth.

“Step away from Lady Lara!” he demanded with a gruff voice, as the flames on his back intensified.

“Wait! We’re trying to help-” Sparkler was cut off as the Rapidash used Flamethrower again, only to have it stopped by Flare’s shield.

“I said get away from Lady Laramie!” The Rapidash growled again, and Flare Blitz placed himself between it and Sparkler.

“If you would stop and listen, maybe you’d see that we are trying to help her, not harm her!” Flare said back. “I thought you were more patient than this, Supernova!”

The Rapidash, apparently named Supernova, paused and gave Flare a hard stare. “How do you know my name, boy? I don’t think we’ve met.”

“Oh, we’ve met alright,” Flare replied. He turned back to Sparkler. “Can you please heal Lady Lara while I talk with this dunderhead?” He started to walk off, but stopped and turned back to her. “Also, cast that Translation Spell again. You can’t understand Pokemon here yet, can you?”

Sparkler nodded and lit up her horn again, tapping into Flare memory and pulling the necessary information. After a few awkward glances between the Pokémon and the unicorn, she went back to using the rejuvenation spell on the human girl.

“Who are you?” Nova looked at the slightly smaller stallion; there was something about him, something… familiar.

“Can we find Ashley first? Then we’ll talk.”

“You know my wife as well?” Nova was getting more puzzled by the minute.

Flare on the other hoof, sighed mentally. “I guess they didn’t get my message crystal. Did Arceus not give it to them?”

The two stallions walked off, leaving Sparkler, who was currently freaking out over what to do when the girl woke up, behind.

“So you won’t even tell me your name? Despite knowing mine?” Supernova was getting nowhere with the stoic unicorn, and it was frustrating him to no end.

“Sorry, not until we find Ash.”

“So what about your friend? What’s her name?”

“The one you tried to kill? Her name is Sparkler.”

Nova snorted, “I wasn’t gonna kill her. What kind of Pokémon do you take me for?”

“…Sorry,” Flare replied. “I’m just having doubts as to what lengths a Pokémon will go to in order to get what it wants.”

“Sounds like you’ve had it rough,” Nova said. “Need any advice? I used to be good at giving it.”

“Used to be?”

Nova sighed and looked at the clouds rolling slowly across the sky. “My son, he’s my pride and joy… but I haven’t seen him in a long time now. Last I heard, he was in the Sinnoh region… doing Arceus-knows what.”

Flare felt a stab of pain go through his heart. “Maybe your son found a place that makes him happy?” Flare said. “A place he truly belongs?”

“I hope so,” Nova said. “Well, enough of this sappy crap, let’s find Ash so you can get explaining!”

Flare nodded and they headed for the stables, where the female Rapidash could be found.

***

Lara Laramie awoke to see the strange purple Pokémon looking down at her, its horn shining lightly.

“Good to see you’re alright.” Sparkler smiled and Lara backed up, stumbling over herself.

“Now, ah dun want any trouble… wait a berry-picking minute, ya’ll can talk?”

Sparkler smiled; the human’s accent instantly reminded her of Applejack, only slightly more nasal.

“My name is Sparkler. Miss Lara, was it?”

Lara nodded. Was this Pokémon like that Meowth that she had seen all those years ago? “Tha’s right, mah name is Lara Laramie, owner of the Laramie Ranch.” She picked herself up and brushed some dust off of her overalls. “Now ah gotta question fer you. What the heck kinda Pokémon are you?”

“A Pokémon?” Sparkler wondered how best to answer this. She was certainly no Pokémon, but she didn’t know how the human would react to that knowledge. Second choice, play along and pretend she was a Pokémon. “I’m a… Unicorn. Yes, my species is Unicorn.”

Well, it wasn’t a total lie.

“So whut about the other one?” Lara asked, looking around to see where it had gone. “Is he a Unicorn too?”

Sparkler nodded, “Yes, and he’s wandered off with a Rapidash named… Supernova was it?”

“Nova!?” Lara headed off to the stables, “The old stallion’s had a bit of a temper ever since his boy left the ranch… not that ah’d blame him.”

Sparkler tilted her head. “His son? Did something happen?”

Lara nodded; she remembered that day like it was just yesterday. “We had a request fer a Ponyta that excelled in battle and at racin’. The buyer offered an absurd amount o’ money and ah didn’t quite trust ‘im.” Lara played with one of the straps on her overalls as she continued the tale.

“I let the Ponyta leave the ranch, ta git away from that man… but ah didn’t expect whut would happen next…”

“What happened?” Sparkler asked.

Lara sighed, “That man came back, with a bunch o’ crooks no less, an’ attacked the ranch. He was gonna take all of mah Pokémon.” She looked out the field at the herds of Pokémon grazing there. “If it weren’t fer all of ‘em fightin’ back so hard, ah reckon he woulda gotten away with it.”

“So this villain was defeated, then?”

“Eeyup, but that Ponyta never did come back.” Lara looked down and sighed again. “Ah do hope Flare Blitz is doin’ okay.”

“Flare Blitz?” All this time, they had been talking about Flare? Sparkler felt a little bad that she had found out about a part of Flare’s life like this. It felt like she was intruding on his privacy.

But on the other hoof, she could at least give this girl some peace of mind.

“I think he’s doing alright; I’d bet my horn on it, actually!”

“Y’all really think so?”

Sparkler smiled, “I know so!”

Lara returned the smile, and they continued their trek to the stables where Nova and Flare had gone.

***

Flare Blitz’s heart was beating a mile a minute. It had been a little over a decade since he had seen his family, and ever since he had decided to stay in Equestria, he thought he’d never see them again.

“You alright, boy?” Nova asked him. “You look like yer gonna be sick.”

“Y-yeah, I’m fine!” Flare responded. “Let’s do this!”

Nova raised an eye. Was this odd Pokémon nervous about meeting Ashley? And just how did he know them? Nova was sure as hell he had never seen him before, and was equally as sure that Ash hadn’t either.

The Rapidash nudged the stable door open and stepped inside. “Ash? You in here?”

A voice responded. It sounded a little like Applejack’s, only it was more mature and had a honey-like richness to it. “Ah’m in here, Nova.”

The female Rapidash stepped out from one of the alcoves and looked in their direction. Her red eyes sparkled like Fire Rubies, and her mane shimmered like the sunset. She walked towards them, her gaze never leaving Flare’s.

“It… it has been so long,” she whispered, a stream of tears falling from her eyes as she wrapped her forehooves around Flare. “But I never once gave up. I knew that one day, I would see you again.”

“I missed you so much!” Flare replied, his own tears falling to the floor. “I’m sorry, I’m so sorry.”

Nova blinked a few times, trying to process what was happening. “Wait! WHAT!?” He looked outright pissed that his wife was hugging another stallion. “Care to share, anyone?”

There was a moment of silence, and Ashley burst out laughing. “Oh, Nova, you still don’t see it?”

“See what?”

Ash looked back to Flare and smiled warmly. “He’s changed so much, and I’ll expect that he will explain why…” Flare smiled sheepishly. “But you really don’t recognise your own son?”

“My… son?” Nova looked at the unicorn, right as Sparkler and Lara walked into the barn.

Flare Blitz nodded and looked at his parents. “It’s been a while, but I’m home…”

Lara looked just as confused as Nova. “What do y’all mean, ‘Ah’m home’?”

Flare walked over to the human and nuzzled her. “My name is Flare Blitz, Lady Laramie.”

Lara’s eyes widened as she stared at the unicorn. “T-that’s… is it really you?” He looked nothing like a Ponyta, but there were his eyes and his fiery, red mane…

“It’s a long story, so y’all might want to take a seat…”

***

Darkrai floated in the night sky; the city of Canterlot was far below him.

It looked so defenceless, so utterly pathetic.

“Is it time?” the dark creature asked the night sky. “Are all preparations set?”

A pair of red and green eyes stared back at the Pokémon. “Infiltration is complete, and the ponies don’t suspect a thing. But we have other things to discuss…”

“And what of our other partner?” Darkrai asked, ignoring that last part. “What is her current standing?”

“Her forces are in route as we speak, and infiltration of that settlement is almost complete,” Sombra replied. “But what of our deal? What of the Crystal Empire?”

Darkrai turned his cold gaze to the unicorn, “The Empire and its inhabitants will be yours, to do with as you please… provided you are able to prove yourself worthy.”

“Fret not, Nightmare Lord, our combined might will not be stopped. Not by the
Princesses, nor by the Elements… you have my word.”

Darkrai looked back at Canterlot and smiled. “Then let us begin… The morning to come shall be their last!”

Author's Note

Well... so that happened.

Darkrai, Sombra and an unknown third party have joined up. Who is it? Discord? Chrysalis? Trixie? Snips and Snails?

Maybe it's another pokemon?

Time will tell...