//------------------------------// // terms of surrender // Story: A lost souls second chance // by Blue dragon 116 //------------------------------// The night was quickly nearing its end as Luna searched for Storm. Up to this point their was no sign of him anywhere and Luna was about to return to the hospital. Until something flashed and caught her eye there to her left was a small community park with a shallow stream running through it. And Storm was crawling out of the stream to lie beneath a nearby tree and stare at the night sky. Luna slowly trotted across the park and stood by Storms side, he didn't say a word he just continued to stare at the stars. With a sigh Luna laid down next to him and let her head rest on his chest and watched him as the night went on. All to quickly the night neared its end and Luna stood and faced her moon with a smile. She closed her eyes and took a calming breath and her horn light up a calming blue and her eyes were white as a newly fallen snow. Slowly her moon glided towards the horizon and as it began to slip away Celestia's sun began to rise into the sky. With her task complete Luna let her magic fade away and turned to see storm staring at her before he shook his head with a heavy sigh and looked away. Confused Luna laid back down across storm watching him carefully until he finally spoke. "Why?" was all he said as he continued to stare off into space not even bothering to look at Luna. Not another sound was heard as Luna tried to ponder exactly what Storm meant by that. "Why what my dear?" she said finally claiming Storms full attention as he turned to look at her his face a mask completely devoid of emotion. "Why did you bring me here" Storm said his voice as empty as his face. "Why did you give me a second chance and why do you love a monster like me?" Though as he said the last word a single tear could be seen rolling down his cheek. This caught Luna completely by surprise first off Storm actually cried and he thought he was a monster. When ever since she met him Luna never saw him act violently when it wasn't absolutely needed. "I brought you here because you are truly sorry for you horrid actions" Luna said earning a frown from Storm. "The fact you are seeking recompense shows you are not a monster and as to why I love you." Here Luna's voice faltered slightly and her face began to burn with a blush. "I love you because of who you truly are a kind considerate soul who would do anything for his friends and the ones he loves. And I love you because you and I are a lot alike and I know how you feel." Luna said with a nervous smile earning a tired sigh from Storm as he shook his head and said. "Luna you have no idea how I feel and how what I've done tares away at me." Another tear sliding down his face to quickly be swept away by Luna. "Yes I do Storm Nightmare.." "NO YOU DONT LUNA" Storm screamed looking Luna in the eye tears flowing freely down his face. "You have no idea Luna the worst you and Nightmare did was threaten ponies and attack your sister. I have watched as the life left a small child in my arms when I was the one that killed her. Ive stood by and watched entire family's be slaughtered like animals." Storm began to sob uncontrollably and rolled over with his back to Luna who sat and watched him too stunned to speak before scooting closer and humming a soft tune. Before she began to sing with a voice so soft and sweet like a choir of angels. Come stop your crying it will be all right just take my hoof and hold it tight I will protect you from all around you ill be here don't you cry for one so small you seem so strong my arms will hold you keep you safe and warm this bond between us cant be broken I will be here don't you cry cause you'll be in my heart yes you'll be in my heart from this day on now and forever more Luna's voice flowed sweetly as she sang and Storms sobs and shakes began to quite and disappear. Slowly he turned to face her as she sang his eyes still wet with tears. When She quite singing both Luna and Storm stared into each others eyes for what felt like a eternity Until Storm finally broke the silence saying. "How can you love me after all I have done." Luna smiled gently as she leaned forward and nuzzled Storms cheek affectionately saying. "A wise dragon once told me 'What you did yesterday doesn't matter I judge based on what you do today and what we try to accomplish tomorrow.' And I believe he was right and so I am now passing the lessen on to you." Hearing this Storm chuckled lightly before standing and stretching before he looked at Luna with a new found light in his eye. "The question remains of how will I ever be able to face Everypony again after all ive put them through?" Storm said waiting for Luna to get up and join him. Luna chose her words carefully and thought her response through before she spoke. "I am sure feelings will be hurt but given time all will be as it should be so don't worry so much." Luna said standing next to Storm and leaning against him gently and watching his expression as they stood their. "Come on lets get back to the hospital" he said " I need to check to see if Nightmare Moon is going to be ok and apologies to Everypony." "Yes you do" Luna said with a yawn "then when you are finished we can retire to canterlot for some well deserved rest." As they spoke the two left the park together heading towards the hospital walking close beside one another with the first genuine smiles on their faces in a long time. The rest of that day was spent discussing what storm had done during the month he was away. And what Chrysalis had shown him to make him believe them all dead but throughout the conversation's Storm caught glimpses of Nightmare Moon watching him out of corner of his eye with a strange look. Similar to the way Luna looked at him which confused him greatly . As the day moved on into late afternoon everyone began to slowly drift away to do their own things until. Only Storm remained in the room with Luna sleeping peacefully on his lap. "Thank you" Nightmare said just barely loud enough for Storm to hear her. Storm looked at her puzzled to see a lone tear slide down her face. "Wow wow wow why are you crying." Storm said "Their is nothing to be sad about" "These arnt tears of sorrow young one but thank you for the concern." Nightmare said with a week smile . "Then what are they Nightmare?" Storm said gently laying Luna to the side and going to stand by the bedside. Nightmare gazed up at Storm thinking he hardly knows me except for the stories of my past. And yet he is willing to comfort me and be here for me when I have done nothing to earn his friendship. "I can see why Luna loves you Storm" Nightmare said with a smile catching Storm completely off guard and unsure how to respond. But as if on que Luna began to stir and awoke and looked at the two with sleep filled eyes and a tired smile. "Don't worry about me" Nightmare said motioning to Luna. "Take care of your love I will be just fine." Still confused all Storm could do was nod and walkover to Luna. Who smiled warmly at him as her horn lit up and then they were in her room. Luna hugged Storm tight and then crawled into bed where she quickly fell asleep Storm fallowed shortly but his mind was abuzz with many questions. Does Nightmare have feelings for me?... And if she does how will I deal with this?.. Oh hell ill worry about it tomorrow. Storm thought before falling into a deep restful slumber at peace for the first time in what felt like ages