//------------------------------// // Unrest // Story: A Flare of Light // by NightSky //------------------------------// "Comm checks. All security sound off," Armor's voice said in Flare's ear. Flare had slowly transformed over the night; his dragon form was unaffected by the previous day's events and was strong still. He awoke the next morning with little of the weakness he had felt before. "Stage team standing by." The guard named Hurricane said from his post on the stage. Rumors had spread quickly about the explosion, and many citizens had panicked as a result. Celestia called an announcement for the public to calm these rumors. "Celestia team, at stage and standing by." Crusader's cocky voice said. Security was tight, guards perched on the roofs, watching the crowd for any suspicious activity. Since they were at a shortage of guards, and since Flare was still technically a bodyguard, he was assigned to Luna's team. "Luna team, inbound to stage, ETA one minute," Thorn said into his headset. They were strange contraptions, enchanted by some magic to let ponies communicate over distances. Flare's fit strangely since it had been hurriedly adapted for a dragon's size. "You're behind schedule, Luna team, pick up the pace," Armor said, directing the guards, "announcement begins in five minutes, Princesses enter the stage in four. Good luck." And with that, his headset popped as he switched channels. The chariot Flare, Thorn, and Luna were riding on stopped. Flare exited first, glancing for any threats, before turning to help Luna off of the chariot. Thorn followed as they escorted her to behind the stage. "Luna team in position," Thorn reported. Celestia and her team were already waiting there. "Sister," she said in a serious tone, "I do not want you to say anything during this, let me do the talking. Some of these rumors concern you, and I do not wish for the public to twist anything you say against you. Once it is over, we get back on our chariots and leave, stop for nothing, understand?" "Yes sister, but why are you being so serious about the matter? You've never been so tense about these announcements before." "Because the public is scared, and when they are scared, they start making scapegoats. Some still fear you, and that may drive them to do brash things. Now, no more time to talk, let us begin." And with that, Luna and Celestia ascended the stage while Flare and the guards remained below, observing the crowd. The crowd erupted in cheers as the Celestia entered the stage, but some went quiet as Luna entered. Celestia quickly silenced the rest. "Citizens of Equestria, I gather you here today to discuss a matter of great importance. Yesterday at around 4 o'clock Canterlot time, an explosion rocked the training fields of the Canterlot castle." The crowd began to stir at this, but they stopped as Celestia continued. "There are several rumors floating around on what caused the blast, and I am here to address these claims. Some of you connected this to the threat on Canterlot we recently received, but this is not so. The blast was caused by a failure during a training exercise, nothing more. No pony was killed in the blast, though two were injured. The increased security guards around the city would have stopped any assailant from getting anywhere near the castle." Celestia paused to let her words sink in. "To the second rumor. Some of you have accused Princess Luna of arranging the explosion. These claims are absolutely outrageous," Celestia began to let anger and scorn into her voice, and Flare doubted it was fake, "My sister is completely loyal to Equestria, and she harbors no ill will against anypony. You still see her as Nightmare Moon, and you need to stop. Nightmare Moon was a monster, created by loneliness and grief. She is gone now, defeated by the Elements of Harmony, and my loving sister is here instead. You must learn to forget the past and continue on into the future. That is all I have for you. I hope my words have calmed you." "Look alive, Princess teams, here they come." Armor said as the Princesses exited the stage. the guard teams smoothly met with each princess as the separated and headed to their separate chariots. Then it went wrong. A barrier fell, and a wave of ponies with notepads and recorders began to charge through, droning questions like bees. Guards began to make another wall to block them, but it would not last long. Armor's voice immediatly filled their ears, "All security, barrier down, barrier down! Princess teams, Omega signal, get them outta there NOW!" "Flare, get her to the chariot, I'll stop the crowd," Thorn said. Flare nodded an affirmative. Now that the situation had become serious, any of Thorn's distrust or hate for Flare was gone. Turning back to the tide of reporters who were overwhelming the guards, he shot his wings out fully on both sides, adding another link in the wall of guards stopping the reporters. Flare and Luna hurried down the alley for which they came. Flare scanned the area around them, adrenalin pumping. Suddenly, a red blur flew out from a shadow. Flare realized it was a unicorn, and it's horn was glowing and crackling with fire. Flare snapped a wing between Luna and the assailant, as the unicorn exploded in a fiery blast. The blast was immense, both Flare and Luna were throw back by it. Being a dragon, Flare wasn't burned, but Luna was not so lucky. He looked from the spot where he had landed to see Luna lying limp nearby, her coat charred at spots. "Oh no," Flare whispered, pulling him self up and running to where Luna lay. "Flare, sitrep! What the buck just happened?" Armor called over the headset. "Some crazy bastard attacked us. Luna is hurt, I am intact. I'm going to get Luna back to the castle, have something waiting for us when we arrive." Flare gently scooped Luna up in his hands, careful not to move her much. Once she was secure, he leaped into the air and flew as fast as the wind would take him back to the castle. ____________________ As he set down, he was swarmed by a medical crew. As gently as he could, he laid Luna down on the medical trolley they had with them. Immediatly the doctors began talking, although to Flare it sounded more like chittering, with each other. Flare hastily transformed back into a pony, then hobbled slightly as he regained his balance; he was still weak from the previous days events, although not nearly as much as before. He followed the medical crew and Celestia as they sped Luna to the medical wing of the castle. They soon lost him since they were traveling much faster then him. Once he reached the medical wing he simply followed the sounds of the doctors to a room. The doctors were swarmed around Luna's bed, handing each other things, writing things down, and applying bandages and medicines. Celestia stood emotionless on the side, watching their work. "How is she, doctor?" She asked the lead doctor as he approached her. "She looks worse than she is," the doctor, and both Celestia and Flare breathed a sigh of relief, "she was knock unconscious by the blast and burned slightly, though it would have been much worse is she took the fire directly. We have given her painkillers and sleeping medicines, she will be out for probably two more hours, and she shouldn't do much moving for a few days to recover." "Thank you doctor," Celestia said. The doctor nodded politely and left the room with the other medical staff. Celestia walked next to where Flare was standing at Luna's bedside. "Thank you, Flare, for saving her." "I just wish I could have done more," Flare said remorsefully, looking down upon the sleeping alicorn. "It could have been worse, Flare, much worse. Be thankful that you only have to watch her heal," Celestia said, joining Flare in watching Luna. She let out a frustrated noise and slammed her hoof down on the ground, "oh, this is all my fault, I should never of had her come to the announcement." "Hey, calm down," Flare set a hoof on Celestia's shoulder to calm her, "there was no way you could have known this would happen." "Yes, yes there is," Celestia said, a tear running down her cheek, "this isn't the first time this has happened. Several attempts have been made before, though never as bold or successful as this one was. I should have noticed the trend and protected her more." "You did protect her more," Celestia looked up at him, "You assigned me to her. If I hadn't gotten been there to block that attack...I don't even want to imagine what could have happened." And with that, the conversation faded away. The two of them stood beside Luna in silence. Celestia finally pardoned herself. "It will be better if you are the first pony she sees when she awakens," she said as she left, "oh, and tell her I left her some work she can do in her quarters while she rests." And she was gone. Flare continued to stand beside of her, holding one of her hooves with his. He looked over her now mostly clean coat, although a few char marks remained where the burn reached her skin. Flare thought about what would have happened if he hadn't done what he did. Eventually he gave up this trail of thought, since most of what he thought of was worse than what had happened. Finally, Luna began to stir. She let out a soft cough as her eyes snapped open. She began to panic, not knowing where she was. Flare squeezed her hoof and placed one on her shoulder to calm her. She began to calm down, looking over at Flare with dilated eyes. She raised a hoof up to Flare's cheek, then all pretense snapped and she broke down sobbing. She embraced Flare and he embraced her in return. "It's ok, it's ok," he said comfortingly, "you're safe now." After a little while Luna's crying died down. She released her grip on Flare and he released his. She then tried to get up from the bed but stumbled and collapsed before Flare could stop her. Flare chuckled as he walked around to the other side where she lay. "Doctor said you shouldn't do much moving for the next few days." "Oh great, now you tell me," Luna said with annoyance as Flare helped her up from the floor. "Your sister said she left you some work in your quarters that you can do while you rest." "Great, so I'm bedridden for the next few days." "Eh, I blew up yesterday and I'm a bit better today, so you won't be bedridden for that long." "If you say so. But Flare?" She asked with a hint of mischief. "Yes?" "I don't think I'll be able to make it up all those stairs, would you mind carrying me?" She asked, blushing. "Sure," he said, laughing. He transformed back into a dragon and scooped Luna up, walking upright down the halls. "Um, Flare, how do you plan on getting up the stairs walking upright, I don't think the ceiling is high enough." Flare looked down at her and winked. "Don't worry, with what I'm planning, I won't need stairs." He walked out into the garden under the tower in which they lived. He spread his wings, and smoothly flew up the side of the tower, though not at any fast pace, for there was no hurry. He gently dropped down onto the balcony outside of Luna's quarters and made his way inside. Just as Celestia had said, a pile of books and writing utensils were set beside of Luna's bed. Flare gently set Luna down on her bed. She crawled halfway under her covers and situated herself. "Is there anything else I can do for you?" He asked. "No, that is all I needed," she said smiling. Flare smiled back, then turned to leave. "Oh, and Flare?" "Yes?" "Thanks again for earlier," Luna raised up from her bed and kissed Flare on the cheek, then sank back into her bed, levitating the first book and quill over from the pile. ____________________ "No practice today, Flare," Roarad said to Flare outside of the dinning hall, "I'm still a mess from yesterday, and you're not exactly fine either. We could use a break, so relax for the afternoon." "Yeah, I guess we'll do more training in a few days, since tomorrow we will be at the wedding," Dawn added. Flare walked into the hall and hesitated; the table where he usually sat was empty. They must all be practicing for the wedding. So Flare simply gathered some food on dishes and turned to leave with them. "Where you headed?" Crusader asked, trotting up behind him. "Just bringing my food and Luna's up with me since nopony from our table is here today." "Yeah, rehearsing for the wedding and all that. Anyway, how are you feeling? That was quite the excitement this morning." "I'm fine, since the attack was with fire and I'm fireproof, but Luna got pretty beat up by it." "Yeah, so I heard." "Well, I should get this to Luna before she gets too ravenous. "Ok, see you around Flare." "Yeah, you too," Flare said, transforming back into a unicorn so he could use his magic to carry the food. Most ponies had seen his talent before, but those who had not froze and watched in disbelief. Flare smirked, levitated the two plates of food, and walked out of the hall. Flare was halfway back to the tower when Armor passed him. "Have you seen Cadence anywhere?" he asked. "No, why?" "I'm trying to find her. Twilight upset her, accused her of being 'evil' and some other nonsense." "Really?" "Yeah, I don't know what's gotten into her over the past few days." "She's probably just being a little overprotective of you." "I thought that too at first, but this was too far." Armor said as he stormed off down another hall. Well then, Flare thought, continuing on his journey back. Walking up stairs while levitating food proved to be tricky, but Flare was careful and did not spill anything. He knocked once on Luna's door before entering. Luna laid in her bed where Flare head left her, although she had already completed several of the books Celestia had left for her. She looked up over the rims of her large glasses as Flare entered the room and smiled. Flare laughed lightly and walked over to Luna, setting one of the trays on the table beside her bed. He set the other at a nearby desk where he sat. "I see you still have those glasses." "Yes, and I intend on keeping them, no matter what everypony else thinks of them," Luna said with a hint of annoyance. "Ok," Flare said absentmindedly. "What's the matter, you seem...lost." "No, just pondering I saw something on the way over here," Flare said, his mind flashing back to what Armor had said. "Oh really, and what might that be?" Luna said, her attention now fully on Flare. "Apparently Twilight did something today, made accusations against Cadence during the practice for the wedding. Cadence apparently fled the scene and I bumped into Armor as he searched for her. Luna, he seemed pretty upset." "That is strange, very strange," Luna said, puzzled, "that doesn't sound like something Twilight would do. She's smart, but not rude." "Are you saying you believe her?" "Not at all, but it does add suspicion to things. Twilight is rarely wrong, she thinks very well and tends to see things that others do not. From what my sister has told me, Twilight knew Cadence very well when she was younger, so I would almost believe her if she doubted Cadence's legitimacy. But I will have to think more on the subject." "As well as eat more, you haven't touched your lunch yet," Flare said, changing the subject and feasting on his own assortment of food. "My, when did you become Mr. Bossy?" Luna asked jokingly, taking a bite out of a bread roll, "what next, feeding me by hand?" "If need be," Flare said equally as jokingly. They finished their meals in silence, and Flare with food in his stomach he soon found himself drifting into sleep. ____________________ Flare resurfaced from his slumber a short while later. He could tell by the change in light that it had only been a few hours. But those hours had been put to good use. He looked over to Luna and almost laughed. She had fallen asleep halfway through a book. She leaned back on the bed, her glasses lying crooked on her face and the book strewn in front of her. Flare smiled, it was adorable. He quietly rose and went over to her, gently removing the book and glasses, setting them both on a table. He pulled the bed's blanket farther up; she stirred slightly at this but did not awaken. He then moved his own chair to her bedside and watched her as she slept. His mind flashed back to the morning, when he had looked down at her weak, burnt body from the blast. She looked better now, though her coat was still slightly charred at spots. He sat and watched her for a while longer, then he heard the door open and close. He did not need to look to know who it was. "Do you need me to leave you two alone?" He asked. "No, it's fine." Celestia said, levitating her own chair to Luna's bedside. "What happened at the rehearsal today?" Flare said suddenly, anxious to find the answer. "Ah, you heard about that," Celestia said with a sigh, "I don't know what processed Twilight to say what she did, but she accused my niece of being evil and corrupting. Cadence ran away, and the rehearsal was ruined for the day. I have no clue why Twilight would say such things, and it troubles me because I have very seldom heard a lie from her, but her claims this time were simply outrageous. Cadence loves Armor with all of her heart, I know that for a fact." "Well, maybe you should try looking at it from different angles, maybe that will show you something you missed earlier." "Perhaps," she said, turning her attention back to Luna, "how long has she been asleep?" "I don't know, I fell asleep before she did, but probably two or three hours." "Ok, enough sleep for now then," Celestia said, and she nudged Luna slightly to rouse her. Luna's eye's fluttered open and she looked lost for a few seconds. "Oh buck, I fell asleep in my work again, didn't I?" Flare laughed and nodded. Luna gave him a mock look of scold, then looked to Celestia. "Yes sister? You awakened me, so I assume you need to tell me something?" "Yes I do, sister," Celestia said, her voice becoming a mixture of sadness and seriousness, "Because of your weakened state and the attempts against you, I feel that you would be safer not going to the wedding tomorrow." Luna was crestfallen. She did not say anything, though, since it was true. The public was very jumpy now, and Luna had just barely made it through the last attempt on her life. "I know, Luna, it's not a decision I want to make either, but it must be made for your safety." "Ok," Luna said miserably. "Hey, cheer up," Flare said, "I don't plan on going to the wedding, either." "You're not?" Celestia said, surprised. "You don't have to miss the wedding because of me," Luna added. "I know. But I'm a dragon, people are terrified of me," Celestia opened her mouth to object, but he answered her question for her, "Even as a pony I have fangs and snake eyes. I would disrupt the peace of the wedding; it will be better for the public if I don't go." Celestia still looked a bit shocked. "Well, I never thought of that," she suddenly regained her composure, "that was really all I had to say, Luna, I hope you feel better soon." "Thank you, sister," Luna said as Celestia rose and left. She then turned back to Flare. "That was the biggest load of crap I've ever heard. You know we can fix your appearance as a pony so you would look normal." "Eh, I had my suspicions," Flare said triumphantly, using a small amount of fire magic to heat up a piece of leftover bread to eat, "besides, I like my exotic looks, they make me feel special." "special, yeah right," Luna said, "Though why are you missing the wedding?" Flare shrugged, "Seemed boring. I'm happy for Armor and Cadence, but honestly I would be bored out of my mind at a wedding. And besides you could use some company while you recover." Luna smiled. "Thanks," she said quietly, "I could use some company. But now I need some more sleep; I begin to work the night in a few hours." "Alright." Flare said. He sat beside of Luna's bed as she drifted off to sleep. He then went out onto the balcony and watched the city from there. It was the usual late afternoon buzz; ponies going to and fro from the buildings, shopping, or just chatting with friends. Flare watched them, thinking back to when he would watch Ponyville from his cave only a few short days ago. He soon found himself dozing off. ____________________ Flare stood at the entrance of his cave. Confused, he looked around, not recalling how or why he was here. "Flare..." a elderly voice called from inside. "Dad?" Flare called, hurrying inside, "You're alive?" Then he saw his father and gasped. His father was covered with burns and shards of glass. He looked over to the tomb, which looked to have been smashed open with some sort of explosive. "Where's Mom?" Flare asked, becoming scared. "Oh, don't worry about her," Strike said, pointing over to the other side of the cave. There his mother lay, or at least her skeleton did. "What happened to her?!" Flare screamed, terrified. "Her time came, as did mine, and as has yours." Strike said, stepping towards Flare menacingly. "Dad, don't make me do this," Flare said, transforming back into a dragon to try to intimidate Strike. "You always did prefer dragons, didn't you?" his father said, his horn beginning to glow with lightning, "You always liked your mother more then me, at least now you can join her..." And with that, Strike fired the lightning from his horn. ____________________ "AAAAAHHHHH!!!!!!" Flare roared, ripping himself from his nightmare. He looked around as his adrenalin rush ebbed. He was still at the castle, on the balcony, safe. He must have transformed during his dream, because he was a dragon now. He felt tears roll down his face as he began to cry. "Flare?" He turned to see Luna standing uneasily at the balcony doors. "It's ok, Flare," she said, walking over to him and hugging him. He hugged her back, although it felt like he was holding her up also. He did not cry nearly as long as he did a few nights ago; he was simply scared, and Luna's presence helped ebb that quickly. But he did not release Luna; the night was cold and she seemed happy with sharing his warmth. "Luna...I need to go back to the cave." "What?" Luna looked up at him, sadness and surprise mixing on her face. "Why?" "I had a nightmare about the cave, I need to make sure my parents are safe still." "How long will you be gone?" Flare thought for a moment. "If everything is alright, I should be back about noon tomorrow." "Ok," Luna said, looking down glumly. "Hey, don't be like that," Flare said, lifting Luna's chin with one of his hands, "I'm not leaving forever. I'm barely leaving for a day." "I know, but I don't like being alone. A millennium on the moon can change a pony." "Then I'll make sure you're never alone again when I get back," Flare and Luna locked stares with each other. Slowly their heads moved closer to each other. Flare lifted a hand to Luna's cheek, wiping a sad tear away. Flare extended his neck the final foot between them and kissed Luna. She resisted slightly at first, then gave in. This lasted for what seemed like eternity. Finally, though, it had to end. Flare broke the kiss, turned, and leaped into the night sky, glancing at the stars to tell which way to head. Luna opened a hole in the sphere surrounding the city for him to pass through. He looked one last time back at Luna, then turned and flew off into the night.