The Legend of the Light Kingdom

by Rakoon1

First published 28th of August, 2015

The story about how the Light Kingdom was creating and how it fell under a stone sleep, as well the reasons that led to it.

With his brother's influence over the pony world growing gradually, the Lord of Order decides to use the original star seed to fight the Lord of Chaos. For that, he chooses a young unicorn with a pure heart to be the original star seed's receptacle and with that she becomes an alicorn princess and the ruler of a new kingdom full of light called Light Kingdom. To help her, the Lord of Order send the Generals of Order. However, the Lord of Chaos will try to put and end on this new kingdom so he can continue with his plan of conquer the pony world, something that can happen when a certain pony arrives to the Light Kingdom and starts to connect with the princess.

Note: This story is a prequel of my main saga.

A Way to Battle the Darkness

At the beginning, there was nothing. It was all a complete void. In the middle of this void, there was a being whose magic nullified itself due to being the perfect harmony between light and darkness.

Tired of all the emptiness around him, the creature decided it was time to change all that. He freed all his magic, enveloping it around him, and it just exploded, filling the void at a breakneck speed, having the creature as its own center. The filling of the void was abrupt and chaotic. It was complete chaos. For that reason, the center of the universe took a shard of light and molded it to form a maker entity that tried to organize all the chaos from the creation to create order and harmony. For that reason, the maker entity became known as the Lord of Order.

Later, the Center took a piece of darkness and molded it, forming a destructive entity designed to destroy what the maker entity had built, with this one creating chaos and disharmony, so his brother could build again. For that reason, he became known as the Lord of Chaos.

The two then continued their work as creator and destroyer, with one creating, the other destroying and the first creating again. Because they were trapped in a vicious cycle, the pace of the creation didn’t follow the expansion of the universe.

One day, the Lord of Order came to a empty world and decided to harmonize it. Using his magic, he created the sky and the earth, the day and the night, the sun and the moon, the oceans and the continents, as well as the seas and the rivers and only then allowed the existence of life, animal and vegetable. When he was satisfied with his work, that world was dominated by various forms of life, and those who ruled it were the ponies, all of various types: earth ponies, unicorns and pegasus. They all lived in peace.

But as always happens, peace never lasts forever. Like a fly attracted for the fruit, the Lord of Chaos came to that luminous world and was shocked to see how the light had taken that world. Seeing it would take a lot of time to destroy all that creation, he decided that the best thing to do was making the inhabitants destroy themselves.

Therefore, he tried to use his amazing powers of persuasion and manipulation in the ponies, but his brother managed to capture the darkness he inserted in the world and lock it in a box that the Lord of Order gave to a filly of pure heart, ordering her to never open it. Seeing he would never be able to accomplish what he wanted without freeing the darkness inside the box, the Lord of Chaos seduced the filly and made her open the box, releasing part of the darkness inside, and, with it, he managed to create divisions between the three tribes of ponies.

Seeing what his brother was trying to do, the Lord of Order decided not to let him destroy his latest perfect creation and managed to avoid the war, but was unable to end the mistrust between the three tribes. The mistrust created grew in size and intensity and attracted the Wendigos. The situation was worsening and worsening and the Lord of Order didn’t know what to do.

The Lord of Order was sitting on his throne, musing on everything that was going on in his perfect creation, like the way his brother was able to change the course of things. He had to do something to be able to turn the game in his favor, for the sake of his creation.

He couldn't let ponies continuing with their conflicts, it was too dangerous. Although they were of different kinds, they continued to be ponies. They were letting their differences interfere with the friendship that could be born among them and that was destroying their own home, increasing also the power of the evil creatures created by the Lord of Chaos.

It was then that he realized there was a way to release his creations from the influence of his brother and master of darkness, though it was too risky. He opened his hand and invoked the source of all magic in that world: the original star seed. It was time to use its light, but he had to choose the perfect way to use it, or else his plan could fail.

He snapped his fingers and one of his mirrors came to him and the Lord of Order started to use it to observe the situation. The only thing he could see was snow and ice created by the Wendigos that was created by the distrust and enmity between the kinds of ponies. Suddenly, he faced with something that interested him very much. It was a group of unicorn nomads who were trying to find a place to settle down, but the Lord of Order was more focused on their leader.

She was a young unicorn quite pretty, but her beauty was not only in the outside, but also in the inside. Her name was Aurora. The Lord of Order could feel her kindness and generosity, seeing the way she encouraged her people to continue and even how she helped the weakest, such as children and the elderly. She was intelligent, fair and a natural leader.

Seeing how the young unicorn was with her companions, the Lord of Order wondered if that goodness extended to other kinds of ponies. His suspicions were confirmed when he saw Aurora giving a little of their already limited food to a poor family of the earth ponies, managing to touch their hearts.

Impressed with that act, the Lord of Order wondered if that could be the answer to his dilemma. He approached the original star seed of Aurora’s image on the mirror and saw that it began to shine more intensely, probably feeling the purity of heart.

The Lord of the Order realized that Aurora was his only chance to be able to change the balance of power in his favor.

Author's Notes:

As you can see, I used part of the prologue of my story The Light Kingdom to start this first chapter because I thing it's the better way to start this story. After all, to write about the Light Kingdom, I have to start with how Princess Aurora became an alicorn princess.

Revelations in the Dream

The group of nomad unicorns stopped to camp when night fell. They set up their tents and began to prepare their meal. Aurora was in her tent to rest from the great day of walking, while delighting herself with her meal.

"Well, it was an intense day" she said. "My hooves hurt from all the walking. A good rest is very welcome."

It was then that sopony entered in her tent. It was one of her direct subordinates, Thunder Spark.

"I'm so sorry, Lady Aurora" he said.

"What's going on, Thunder Spark?" Aurora asked.

"It's our food reserve, mi lady. It’s near of the critical level."

Aurora sighed. She suspected it was something like that. Since those snows began, it became even more difficult for her people to find food. Even the earth ponies refused to sell their food to Pegasi and unicorns. Since then, they were limited to wander, hoping to find a fertile land and some food to take. Despite sometimes having the luck of find plenty of food, the snow caught them. So they began heading south in search of a place to settle down. But even a large supply of food must come to an end.

"I was afraid this might happen" Aurora answered. "But we have no choice but to continue to go south."

"Do you think we can find some place that is not subject to all these snow and ice?" Thunder Spark asked.

"Somewhere, all this snow must stop" Aurora replied. "We just have to find that same place."

But seeing the uncertainty air of Thunder Spark, Aurora approached him and said, putting her hoof on his shoulder:

"Have faith. I'm sure that we will find the perfect place and save our people from starving."

Those words made Thunder Spark smile and then he made a slight bow to Aurora and left the tent.

Aurora was lying on her bed and was thinking in her own words. The truth was that she had begun to doubt what she had just said. She was afraid they wouldn't find the land she said to exist before their food supply came to an end. However, she could not allow her people to grasp her discouragement. She couldn't show the weak part.

Not realizing, Aurora started to close her eyes and fall asleep. It was then that she found herself in a place full of light. It was a relaxing place where she couldn't distinguish neither the ground nor the sky.

"But where am I?" she asked, looking around. "What is this place? Am I dreaming?"

"Yes and no" a voice replied.

A bright light appeared and when it disappeared, the Lord of Order appeared.

"Who are you?" Aurora asked.

"I'm the one who created everything you can see" the Lord of Order replied. "I’m the source of all that is bright and good. You can call me the Lord of Order... or your master."

"Master?" Aurora repeated, still atonic with what she was presenting.

"Yes, I’m your master because you prefer to be good than bad" the Lord of Order said.

But seeing that Aurora was still somewhat speechless, the Lord of Order said:

"I know you're probably thinking you're having a crazy dream, but I assure you that this dream is very real."

It was then that Aurora seemed to come back to normal and said:

"I'm sorry, but it's a bit hard to believe that I'm talking to a deity."

"I understand that" the Lord of Order said. "But dreams are the only way I have to communicate with the beings of this world. At least, since he began to dominate it."

"He?" Aurora repeated. "Who is he?"

"My brother, the one who brings destruction and darkness" the Lord of Order answered. "He is the source of all evil. For you, his name is Lord of Chaos."

Hearing what the Lord of Order was saying, Aurora realized:

"Wait, so he's the one who's causing all that snow and ice?"

"Not directly, but he is responsible for that" the Lord of Order answered. "I created this world quite meticulous in order to be full of order and peace without compromising the balance between my creation and my brother’s destruction. But he came to this world and began doing what he knows best: destroy. For this, he manipulated ponies and turned them against each other. The peace between the three kinds of ponies was damaged and they began to fight among themselves. I managed to end this war, but the mistrust remained and that made the Windigos to act."

"Windigos?" Aurora repeated. "You're talking about the evil spirits which feed on fighting and hatred, bringing ice and cold? Wait, but that means that all this is happening because..."

"Yes, it's all because of the hatred between the three kinds of ponies" the Lord of Order completed. "With the growing hatred, my power and influence decreased, while my brother’s grew stronger."

"And what can I do to overcome this situation?" Aurora asked.

"Nothing" the Lord of Order replied. "Unfortunately, my brother now has too much power in this world for me or anyone to do anything. Only when ponies learn to forget their differences and create bonds of friendship with each other is that things can change for the better."

"So, if the reason for you visiting my dreams is not to reverse the situation, so why did you come?" Aurora asked.

"Well, I have been watching you, Aurora, you and your people" the Lord of Order replied. "I could see the great kindness and generosity that exist in you. It would be a shame to see it disappear in the coldness of my brother’s evil. So, I plan to save them and keep my current influence in this world."

"Does it means that... you are going to help us?" Aurora asked.

The Lord of Order beckoned. Aurora smiled of happiness. He felt so luckily by know that the torment of her people would end.

"Now listen me very carefully, Aurora" the Lord of Order said. "I'm just going to say this once."

Aurora beckoned and paid attention to his words. The Lord of Order began to say:

"If you travel further South, without fear of what you might find, trusting and not doubting, you will find the most fertile land in this world, a land protected from my brother’s touch. But be careful, because in order to enter in this paradise, the heart of the one who lead his or her people have to be worthy. This means that you have to put away my brother’s darkness."

"Don't worry, I won't give in to darkness" Aurora assured.

"Don't get too confident" the Lord of Order advised. "My brother always finds a way to get what he wants. But I have faith in you. I know that you will be able to withstand and protect your people. Good luck."

And there was an burst of light and Aurora awakened from your sleep to gasp. For a moment, she thought that al that was just a dream, but something told her that what had just happened was very real.

So she made a decision: she would continue to lead her people to the same place the Lord of Order had talked about.

Temptation

After the revealing dream that Aurora had with the Lord of Order, she continued to lead her people in direction of the place he had indicated. It wasn’t very easy, how many ponies didn’t believe in what their leader had said about having been visited in a dream by a powerful entity that pointed to her a land that, to them, could not exist.

However, without them knowing, their movements were watched cautiously. The Lord of Chaos, the Lord of Order’s evil brother, observed that nomad tribe of unicorns walking toward the land that his creator brother had shown to them. He didn't take long to realize what the Lord of the Order was up to.

"So, my dear brother, do you think these ponies with horns are worthy enough to get in your island of light that is in my sea of darkness?" the Lord of Chaos asked. "I don't think so. You can still be fighting me for the dominance of this world, but you won't win. It's too late. But, just for the excitement of the game, I'm going to have fun with your little pawns."

And he laughed.

Aurora’s tribe continued walking with her in the lead. At one point, Thunder Spark addressed to Aurora:

"Lady Aurora, please listen to me. Don't you think it was better to spend the night here or, at least, rest a little?"

"No, Thunder Spark" Aurora said. "We have to continue.”

"But our people can barely walk" Thunder Spark protested.

Aurora looked at her people and saw that Thunder Spark was right. Although the young and strong ones were still able to walk, the youngest and the eldest were immensely tired. She then realized that she had been too obsessed in getting to the place that the Lord of Order had talked about that she hadn't even realized that she was harming her people.

"You're right, Thunder Spark" she said. "I'm sorry. Is that I want to get to our new home as soon as possible."

"You're talking about the legendary place that the deity of creation spoke to you in dreams?" Thunder Spark asked with a bit of skepticism in his voice that Aurora noticed.

"I know it sounds crazy, Thunder Spark, but I know that dream was real. I can feel it."

"But what if it isn't?" he asked.

"As I said to you in the other night, we have to have faith" Aurora replied. "Even if my dream is not real, surely there has to be a place where our people can stay."

Although he still felt himself somewhat uneasy with all that, Thunder Spark accepted Aurora’s words. It was then that he noticed something in the distance.

"I can't believe it" he said.

"What?" Aurora asked.

"Look, mi lady" Thunder Spark said, pointing with the hull. "It's a castle."

Aurora looked at where Thunder Spark was pointing. In fact, not far away, there was a castle made of dark blue stone.

"You're right, Thunder Spark" Aurora said. "It's really a castle."

"I think we may have found a place to stay, mi lady" Thunder Spark said.

And the nomad group of unicorns advanced towards the castle, happy to go to be able to get some rest. When they were closing, they saw a unicorn stallion with a Cape at the entrance of the castle.

"Welcome" he said to Aurora and her people. "I see you are a group of travellers immensely tired."

"Yes, my good sir" Thunder Spark said. "I wonder if we could enjoy your hospitality."

"Of course" the unicorn replied. "I am happy to give to travelers a room to rest. My name is Dark Night."

"I'm Thunder Spark" Thunder Spark presented himself, and then presented Aurora. "And this is our leader, Lady Aurora."

She made a slight nod. Dark Night approached her and took her hoof, kissing it cordially and saying:

"It's a pleasure to meet a mare as beautiful as you, Lady Aurora."

Although his actions were quite cordial, Aurora couldn't feel comfortable with Dark Night. There was something about him that wouldn't give her confidence. The kiss that he had given to her in the hoof seemed to her so cold. In addition, he seemed to emanate an heavy and uncomfortable aura. Even the castle gave her the creeps.

Her instincts told her to stay away from that place as fast as she could and not look back. However, she knew that her people were on the edge of exhaustion and couldn't compel them to give more than they had. In addition, their food reserves were running low and they had to restock. All of these arguments were what made Aurora to accept Dark Night’s hospitality.

His castle was immensely hospitable, with a warm fireplace, plenty of food, warm baths, rooms with comfortable clothes and some servants. Aurora struggled to only serve herself only some food and some sleep, in addition to get some supplies to Dark Night.

In addition to the physical comforts, she also struggled to maintain its coexistence with Dark Night or with any of the inhabitants of that castle expressly in the basics. She didn't want to make connections that could prevent her from get out of there as soon as possible.

However, there was who among her people that were doing exactly the opposite. Mainly Thunder Spark. He seemed to be enjoying too much the riches that castle kept. He even had established friendship with Dark Night, something that Aurora didn’t like at all.

It was for Aurora’s great relief that the next day dawned and, with the tiredness of her people now non-existent, she prepared them to continue their trip with their wagons supplied with food, drink and blankets. At the entrance of the castle, with everything ready to go, Dark Night tried to convince Aurora to stay.

"Please, Lady Aurora, are you sure you don't want to stay a little longer?" he asked.

"No, Dark Night, I don't want to take advantage of your hospitality" Aurora said.

"But it's not abuse at all" he replied. "I am happy to have you in my castle."

"I'm sorry, but we can't" Aurora said. "We have places to go. Besides, we can't risk get stuck in the blizzard there’s out there."

"One more reason to stay" Dark Night said. "My castle can accommodate you all."

"It’s a tempting invitation, but I'm afraid I have to refuse" Aurora replied.

"But, mi lady, I think it would be better to accept" Thunder Spark said. "It would be the best."

"No, Thunder Spark" Aurora replied firmly. "I’m sorry, but we have to get to our destination as quickly as possible."

She started walking away to resume her journey, but then she heard Thunder Spark saying:

"No."

That made everypony to gasp and Aurora turned to him, asking:

"What did you say?"

"I'm sorry, Lady Aurora, but I will not obey that order" Thunder Spark said.

"What do you mean?"

"What I mean is that I'm not going to spend my energies looking for a place that you say that exists. I just can't. Not when there's a generous pony like Dark Night willing to give us shelter to face the harsh winter that is invading our world. And I'm not the only one thinking that way."

And it was then that a handful of stallions, all about Thunder Spark’s age, stood by his side.

"We refuse to go with you" Thunder Spark said.

Aurora couldn't believe what she was hearing. Thunder Spark, who had been always by her side from the day she received the leadership of her people when her father died, who always helped her and advised her, was rebelling against her and encouraging others to do the same. It seemed that what she felt about that place was proving to be true.

"But, Thunder Spark..." she started.

"Please, Lady Aurora, listen to me" Thunder Spark said. "I don't want to risk our lives in search of a dream. Please, stay with us at Dark Night’s castle."

For a moment, Aurora found herself wanting to accept Thunder Spark’s request. But it was then that the words the Lord of Order told to her began to sound in her head: without fear of what you might find, trusting and not doubting. Those words made her say:

"No."

"But..." Thunder Spark started.

"If you want to stay, stay" Aurora said. "I will not stop you. But I'll continue to believe in my faith, something that apparently you don't have."

She then turned to the rest of her people and told them:

"Those who want to stay, you can stay. You’ll not have my resentment. But those who wish to continue, follow me."

And, having said this, Aurora began to walk, pulling one of the carts with supplies. She waited until a certain distance to see if she was walking alone or if somepony continued to believe her. When she did that, she saw that most of her people were still with her. Thunder Spark and his friends, on the other hand, stayed at Dark Night’s castle, something that was very painful to Aurora to see.

When night fell and the nomad group set up camp, Aurora was in her tent meditating in what had happened that day.

"I'm glad you stayed true to my words" a voice said in her head.

When Aurora found herself, she was again in the dream world, facing the Lord of Order.

"Even though you had a hugely tempting offer, you refused just to find a place that, according to your right hoof’s words, is just a dream."

"It's not just for that" Aurora said. "It wasn't just because of my faith on the existence of the paradise that you told me that I continued. I just didn't feel comfortable in that place. There was something in Dark Night that doesn’t inspire me confidence."

"I understand" the Lord of Order said. "You fully trusted your instincts. I'm happy for that. Keep going, my dear, you're in a good way. You won't reach your destination before the end, that I can guarantee."

And with those words, the Lord of Order unleashed a burst of light that made Aurora wake up. Having heard what the Lord of Order had just said, Aurora became very happy to know that they were very close to reach the paradise he had talked about. And she knew that her firmness in wanting to move away from Dark Night’s castle contributed to this approach. However, it had a very high price.

In Dark Night’s castle, Thunder Spark and his companions had been captured by Dark Night and his servants, who revealed to them with the appearance of ponies with dark tones, more pointed ears, sharp teeth and red eyes, when the night fell. He took them to the throne room where there was the Lord of Chaos sitting on the throne there.

Using his spear, he released dark magic beams that hit Thunder Spark's friends one by one. When they were hit, they became motionless, with their hind legs falling on the ground, while a closed flower appeared over their head and then opened, revealing a kind of hexagonal bipyramidal crystal seeds with a fragile-looking light. This light would eventually become extinct, filling the seed with darkness that then turned Thunder Spark’s friends into the same dark beings Dark Night and his servants were. His time came and he was hit, making the same closed flower appear above him and opening it up, revealing the seed with light.

"I'm impressed" the Lord of Chaos said, sitting on the throne. "That Aurora resisted my darkness. I see my brother chose very well."

The Lord of Chaos observed how Thunder Spark’s star seed stayed without its and was filling with darkness and how he was involved along with the seed by black roots that, when they disappeared, showed Thunder Spark transformed.

"But I will not lose. This world will succumb to my darkness."

And he laughed.

Arriving to the Paradise

Author's Notes:

I'm sorry for the delay, but I wanted to finish The Taking of Tartarus first. I hope you enjoy this chapter. By the way, don't forget to vote in your favorite villain in http://www.poll-maker.com/poll478564x00574f07-19

Aurora continued her quest to bring her people to the land the Lord of Order had spoken to her about. Despite the situation with Thunder Spark and his friends, Aurora managed to maintain the loyalty and the trust of her people. However, she couldn't help feeling regret for leaving Thunder Spark and the others. After all, he'd been helping her since the day she took the leadership of her people. However, that was not the time to feel remorse, as she had other ponies that depended on her ability to lead.

The Lord of Chaos was watching her through the mirror in his throne room. Since Aurora refused to stay at Dark Night’s castle to continue the search for the land that his brother had talked about, the lord of all evil won a certain interest on her.

"Interesting, even after everything that happened, even after her right-hoof had turned against her, she remains very determined to find this land my brother told her about" he said. "All right, whatever the plans my brother has for them, I won't allow him to ruin the damage that I've caused to this world. Pandora!"

In his mirror, the image of Pandora, the filly who had given in to her curiosity and freed the Lord of Chaos’ darkness from the box where the Lord of Order had placed it, allowing the invasion of Chaos and at the same time being corrupted by it, appeared.

"What do you want, my master?" she asked, making a bow.

"Use the dark powers that you possess to prevent this Aurora and her people to continue with their journey" the Lord of Chaos replied. "It is imperative that you don't miss this."

"Don't worry, master" she replied. "I will give my best."

And she disappeared.

A place close to where Aurora and her tribe were going, Pandora appeared at the top of a cliff, watching them.

"Looks like you caught the attention of my master" Pandora said. "You must be very special for that to happen. Well, here's a special treatment required especially by the Lord of Chaos."

And she laughed, while showing her true face and focusing on her horn a lot of dark magic. Pandora released a dark magic beam into the sky and then a giant black cloud with green lightning appeared. This cloud began to increase in size, spreading across the sky, as it ran towards the group of unicorns that was nearby.

Aurora, ignorant to the danger approaching, walked sunk in her thoughts. She only could think about the moment where they would come to the place that the Lord of the Order talked about. It should be pretty close. Or so she hoped. Aurora just hoped to arrive as soon as possible, before the others decided to follow the same example that Thunder Spark and others did.

It was then that the voice of the Lord of the Order told her in her mind:

"Aurora, watch out!"

She looked around, expecting to see the Lord of Order, but she couldn't see him. It seemed it was a telepathic message, trying to warn her about any danger approaching. Aurora looked around and then saw, with great horror, the great black cloud created by Pandora approaching them quickly. She knew it could only be something created by Chaos.

"Everyone, run!" she exclaimed.

The others, listening her, look around to see what would have taken their leader to tell them to run and then they also saw the black cloud. Everyone started running in order to escape it, but the cloud was faster. Aurora, knowing that soon enough it would catch them, turned to it and fired one of her magic beams, but it only went through the cloud's gaseous body. Without any other alternative, Aurora ran with her people, trying to make sure that no one stayed behind.

However, it was then that the cloud reached them and they expected that it would swallow them and maybe destroy them. Suddenly, when the cloud was just six hooves of distance from them, it hit in something that stopped it suddenly and made it swerve. It appeared to be a kind of barrier made of light. This barrier then launched an intense light that undid the cloud completely. Pandora, seeing that, couldn't believe in what she was seeing.

"What?!" she exclaimed. "But how is that possible?!"

It was then that the light that had undone the cloud approached her and hit her. Pandora felt an intense pain that made her dematerialize to somewhere else.

"No!" the Lord of Chaos exclaimed, after seeing that. "I was so close!"

After a few seconds to calm down, the Lord of Chaos said:

"You may have won this battle, brother, but I'm not giving up. I will not allow you to have a single chance to win this world back. I won’t!"

Aurora was aghast at having seen the way that black cloud was destroyed, but she was even more aghast when she turned around and came across the place where they were. It was perhaps the most beautiful place that she had ever seen. Everything about that place, since the grass to the plants and even to the small animals, sparkled with an intense pure light. A forest surrounded that place, with the trees also emitting an intense light. What caught her attention were the fruits that all plants had were small seeds made of Crystal with bipiramidal hexagonal shape, where in them there was an intense pure and white light. All unicorns of her tribe were flabbergasted to see such beauty.

"I hope you are not disappointed" a voice said.

They turned all and saw the Lord of Order.

"Lord of Order" Aurora said, drawing a huge smile on her face, glad to finally see the Creator himself. "What an honor to meet you in person."

And, having said this, she made him a bow. Her people exchanged glances with each other, but then followed the example of their leader. When they arose, Aurora asked:

"This is it? Is this the place you told me about?"

"Yes, it's here" he replied, filling Aurora and its people with happiness. "Be welcome to the epicenter of all the positive energy that runs in this world. I hope you treat this place with all your love and respect."

"You can be sure about that" Aurora replied. "I and my people will do it."

"Great" the Lord of Order. "Here you will find a fertile land. Here, your crops will fruit more quickly than anywhere else. Here, you can flourish in a way that nopony ever flourished."

The Lord of Order’s words seemed to be cheering up immensely Aurora’s people.

"However, for this to happen, you have to fulfill a certain condition" the Lord of Order said, imposing a huge silence between the group of unicorns.

"A condition, my lord?" Aurora asked. "What condition?"

"As you can see, this land has its light from the seeds of the plants of light" the Lord of Order explained. "These seeds are very precious, because they are the source of all life. Their name is star seeds. Every being has at its core seeds like these, including ponies, like you. It’s the light that they possess that enables the sustenance of life itself and that illuminates the darkness. As such, the only condition that you have to do is to collect all the mature star seeds and expose them to the night sky once a year."

"Why?" Aurora asked.

"That, my dear, is a surprise" the Lord of Order replied. "A surprise that will surely make up for all the hard work of gathering the star seeds. Do it tonight and then on the same night next year and so on. You will see that it will be worth having suffered so much to get when your plantations begin to grow."

And, with these last words, the Lord of Order disappeared in a burst of light. With his exit, Aurora turned to her people and told them:

"I know you're all tired from our journey and after we escaped that threatening cloud, but, please, if you have any energy left, I ask you to use it to collect with me all these star seeds before night."

Aurora expected that her people would not accept her request, and she could see that some did not seem to be willing to accept it, but then some of them advanced and began to harvest the star seeds that were closer, putting those they were collected in empty baskets. Soon, everypony followed their example and Aurora, happily, also started to harvest the star seeds.

When started to evening, they had already collected almost all the mature star seeds they could find. After their work was done, they waited, waiting for the beginning of the night. The moon appeared, as well as the sky covered with stars. It was then that the sharvested star seeds began to shine with more intensity and began to rise in the air, towards the sky. Everpony became flabbergasted when they saw that happening. It was a show worth of seeing. The star seeds, reaching the sky, simply turned into stars, illuminating the dark sky. The Lord of Order was right. That surprise certainly compensated for the work they had been harvesting the star seeds.

After the last star seed have been taken, everypony noticed how the soil underneath them shone brightly for a few moments. Remembering what the Lord of Order said, Aurora went to get a seed of apple tree and, with everyone watching, she buried it and then watered it, moving away from it a few inches after this. Suddenly, much to everyone's astonishment, a grown adult tree came from the seed in seconds, with flowers. The soil of that place was so fertile with the ascension of the star seeds that their crops took very little time to grow. As the Lord of Order said, all that long journey was worthy.

In the next few days, Aurora and her people had already installed and planted their crops. Finally, they had managed to get to a place where they could live and thrive, protected from the darkness of the Lord of Chaos.

The Rise of Aurora and the Coming of the Generals

It had been a year since Aurora and her people had come to the land the Lord of Order had spoken about. That year was arguably the best year Aurora’s tribe ever had. Being in that land, they managed to produce more than they had been able to produce. With that terrain reducing the time of cultivation with its ability to accelerate the growth of crops, the food problem quickly dissipated.

However, despite her people being adapting quickly to that wonderful land and full of light the Lord of Order had entrusted them, Aurora couldn't stop thinking about those who had stayed behind. It was inevitable. Thunder Spark had been always by her side and it costed her thinking that if he had faith in her for some more time, he and the others who had stayed with him in Dark Night’s castle could be living with them in that paradise, away from darkness.

But then something started to happen. One by one, all the unicorns of Aurora’s tribe, including her own, began to adopt a single coat type. Their coat began to irradiate light in the same way as all the land irradiated. That started to scare a little the ponies that began asking Aurora constantly to talk to the Lord of Order to know what was happening. She, also wanting answers to that phenomenon, started trying to talk to the Lord of order, waiting for him to answer.

"Please, my lord, answer to my prayers" Aurora said, when she was alone in her cabin. "Something is happening with me and my people and we want answers. Why are our coats starting to irradiate light in the same way that this land? What's happening to us? Please, Lord of Order, answer our questions."

Aurora waited for an answer, but nothing happened. She sighed. Apparently, the Lord of Order should be too busy to bother to answer their questions.

Suddenly, a bright light engulfed her and, when Aurora found herself, she was in the same place where the Lord of Order used to contact her in dreams.

"Despite what you might think, my dear, this world is my priority" a voice that Aurora knew quite well said.

She turned and faced the Lord of Order.

"So I'm dreaming, I'm not?" Aurora asked.

"Actually, no" the Lord of Order said. "This is very real. You asked for answers, Aurora, and that is exactly what you’ll have."

"Well, the only question I have, my Lord, is: why are our coats irradiating light?" said Aurora.

"A very simple answer" the Lord of Order replied. "The fact that you started to consider this land your home, the fact that you care it properly, allowed the creation of a bond between you and it. It made your inside star seeds make themselves even more luminous, in such a way that the light began to be seen on the outside."

"So, what is happening is natural?" Dawn asked.

"Yes, you are no longer normal ponies, my dear" the Lord of Order said. "Now, you're light ponies. Official inhabitants of the Light Kingdom."

"Light Kingdom?" Aurora repeated. "That's the name of this land? But why didn't you tell us?"

"I was wondering if you and your people could be the chosen ones" the Lord of Order said. "But now I have proof that you consider this land your home and you will do anything to protect it, it's time to move on to the next phase of my plan to illuminate the darkness in the world."

There was a strong light and the on the hand of the Lord of Order emerged a star seed. But this star seed was different, since it had the shape of a lotus flower and had a brilliant light raspberry light.

"Is that... a star seed?" Aurora asked.

"Yes, but it's a pretty special one" the Lord of Order replied. "It's the original star seed, the onr that originated all the other star seeds of this reality."

"It's so beautiful" Aurora admired, delighted for its beauty.

"I know" the Lord of Order said. "After all, it is through it that my power flows in this part of Creation. Without it, I would lose the full control over this world. And that's why I'm going to give it to you, my dear Aurora."

Upon hearing that, Aurora was quite shocked.

"What?" Aurora asked. "But... I don't know if I'm worthy. And if something happens and I lose it? And if I'm not able to look after it?"

"A long time ago, I relied on a small filly the responsibility to keep the darkness away, but she didn't have the maturity required" the Lord of Order said. "Because of this character error I made, my brother got into this reality. However, I know I can trust you, Aurora. Beyond your pure heart, you possess a maturity that will allow you to discern what is right or wrong and resist temptation."

The Lord of Order’s words seemed to bring a certain comfort to Aurora, convincing her that everything would be all right.

"Besides, I know you will take good care of it, because you will have no other choice, since it will become your own star seed" the Lord of Order said.

"What do you mean?" Aurora asked.

"Star seeds are nothing more than simple vessels" the Lord of Order explained. "What matters is the light inside of them. It’s the light that brings life and it is the light that I wish to protect."

"But what does that have to do with the fact that the star seed will become mine?" Aurora asked.

"It's not the star seed that will be yours" the Lord of Order replied. "It's its light. What do you say, Aurora? Do you want to be the vessel of my light?"

That request caught Aurora completely by surprise. She didn't even know what to say. But then her desire to thank the Lord of Order for everything he had done for her and her people made her answer:

"Yes, I accept."

"But you have to know one thing" the Lord of Order said. "Holding the light from the original star seed may cause some changes in you."

"It doesn't matter" Aurora said. "You did a lot for us. If I do this, I can thank you for everything you've done, so be it."

"Very well" the Lord of Order said.

And, with this, the Lord of Order made a gesture and Aurora felt the flower that contained her star seed appear and open up, revealing it. Her star seed contained an intense white light, a result of becoming a light pony. The Lord of Order then made a gesture on the original star seed and it was then that the light inside it went out and started heading to the star seed of Aurora. It penetrated in her star seed and, in doing so, the light of Aurora’s star seed adopted the same color as the original star seed’s. After this, Aurora’s star seed released a burst of light that overshadowed everything for a few seconds.

When the light faded, Aurora’s star seed had transformed into an exact replica of the original star seed, becoming in the new original star seed, while the former one was destroyed. After this, Aurora’s star seed returned to her flower which then disappeared.

"Everything is ready" the Lord of Order said. "Arise, my dear, and see the new you."

Aurora rose up and it was then pegasus wings opened. When Aurora looked at her new wings, she was terribly shocked.

"But..." she said. "I have wings!"

"Yes, this is a result of becoming the bearer of the original star seed" the Lord of Order said. "Your power became immensely big and your body adapted to that power. Now, you're not a unicorn anymore. You're an alicorn, the first to exist in this reality."

"I... I don't know what to say" Aurora said, still aghast at the fact that she had wings. "This is amazing."

"But there's still more" the Lord of Order said. "Being an alicorn, you will have the title of Princess."

"Princess?" Aurora asked. "But I don't have royal blood."

"It doesn't matter" the Lord of Order said. "The simple fact of being an alicorn gives you that same status. From now on, you will be Princess Aurora of the Light Kingdom."

Aurora couldn't believe that was happening. Aside from the fact that now she possessed the light of the original star seed, she had become an alicorn and a princess. The amount of responsibility that the Lord of Order had given him was immense and let Aurora immensely nervous. But she managed to control her nerves and then said:

"You can count on me, my lord. I will do my best to not disappoint you."

"I know you will" the Lord of Order said. "And, to help you in this task, I will give you some assistants."

And, having said this, the Lord of Order snapped his fingers and then seven star seeds appeared. However, these star seeds were different from any others that Aurora had seen. They contained a different light, as it was not white, having each a different color: yellow, dark blue, light blue, green, purple, orange and red. One by one, the star seeds launched their respective light and, from those lights, unicorns, either stallions and mares, appeared. From the yellow star seed appeared a stallion with a strong air, with an old gold coat with a sword with white wings as Cutie Mark, golden and mustard mane, pale gold hooves and yellow topaz eyes, whose body was covered by an armor. From the dark blue star seed appeared another stallion with duke blue coat with a scale as Cutie Mark, cerulean and platinate blue mane, very dark blue hooves and distant dark blue eyes. From the light blue star seed appeared a third stallion with dodger blue coat with a mirror with the infinite symbol as Cutie Mark, maya blue and majorelle blue mane and blue sapphire eyes. From the green star seed appeared a mare with olive coat with a three as Cutie Mark, apple green mane adorned with fresh leaves and emerald eyes. From the purple star seed appeared a fourth stallion with an orchid coat with a pallet and brushes as Cutie Mark, unkempt fandango and red-violet mane and purple amethyst eyes. From the orange star seed appeared a second mane with pumpkin coat with a circular sheet music with notes and clefs as Cutie Mark, orange-red mane and orange tourmaline eyes. At last, from the red star seed appeared a little filly with ruby color coat with a heart with a right angel wing and a left bat wing as Cutie Mark, a mane that had the perfect combination of vivid red, dark red and bright red and eyes like rubies.

"Princess Aurora, let me introduce you six of my Generals of Order, representatives of elements of order: Golden Paladin, the General of Peace and the leader of my Generals" he pointed to the stallion from the yellow star seed. "Perfect Scale, the General of Balance" he pointed to the stallion from the dark blue star seed. "Mirror Coat, the General of Knowledge" he pointed to the stallion from the light blue star seed. "Leaf Mane, the General of Nature" he pointed to the mare from the green star seed. "Purple Smoke, the General of Talent" he pointed to the stallion from the purple star seed. "Melody, the General of Music" he pointed to the mare from the orange star seed. "And, for last but not least, Heartbeat, the little and cute General of Affection" he pointed to the filly from the red star seed. "My Generals, meet Princess Aurora. She will be your princess. You’ll be her subordinates and built a kingdom and spread my light throughout this reality."

The seven Generals made a bow to him and Golden Paladin said:

"As you wish, master."

He and the others approached Aurora and knelt down before her and Golden said:

"We are at your service, Princess Aurora."

Aurora couldn't believe that she had seven of the most powerful followers of the Lord of Order under her service. But she wasn't intimidated and responded with a smile:

"I'm happy for that."

"Very well, I wish you good luck" the Lord of Order said. "Don't disappoint me."

And there was another burst of light that overshadowed everything.

The light ponies were unconcerned when an intense light appeared, overshadowing them all. When she disappeared, everyone saw Aurora and gasped, seeing her as an alicorn.

"My friends, please, listen to me" she said. "I talked to the Lord of Order and he said that what's happening to us is perfectly natural. Our connection with this land got so strong that the light of our inside star seeds got so strong which is now visible on the outside. This just demonstrates the trust that the Lord of Order can place and us. That confidence led him to deposit the light that governs this world inside of my star seed, what turned me into an alicorn. Now, it's our job to turn this land into a kingdom worthy of the pride of the Lord of Order and able to spread his light through the rest of the world and I promise that I will lead with kindness and justice as princess of this new kingdom, the Light Kingdom."

The light ponies hailed, but then Aurora asked them to stop and continued:

"To help us in this task, he sent seven of his Generals."

There were small bursts of light of various colors and the Generals of Order appeared next to Princess Aurora, something that stunned the light ponies.

"So, this is the Pony World, the central realm of the Pony Reality, the great creation of our master" Mirror Coat said.

"It's so beautiful" Melody said.

"Beyond beautiful" Heartbeat said. "It's so bright."

"Enough of contemplations" Golden Paladin said. "We have work to do. Purple Smoke, deal with the buildings."

"Let's do it" Purple Smoke said, advancing. "Dear light ponies, prepare to be dazzled."

Melody grunted and said:

"No matter what reality we are, he is always the same exhibitionist."

Purple Smoke carried his horn with magic and then he hit the front hooves on the ground. Then, out of nowhere, buildings decorated with star seeds appeared, along with bright roads. The cabins which already existed were transformed and embedded.

"And now, to finalize..." Purple Smoke said.

He carried his horn with magic again and hit again with the hooves on the ground and, to everypony's amazement, a huge castle appeared. It was a castle that had a big, round base and in the middle there were two gigantic towers. At each end of the back of the castle there was a medium sized tower, taking about half the height of the largest ones, and at each end of the front there was a further small tower.

"Amazing" Aurora said, amazed.

"Yes, but it needs finishing touches" Leaf Mane said.

"You read my thoughts, Leaf-Mane" Melody said.

"Uh, I also want to help!" Heartbeat exclaimed excitedly.

"Hey, don't ruin perfection" Purple Smoke said.

"We're just going to put it even more perfect, dear brother" Melody said. "Let's go, girls."

The three carried their horns and released magic beams to the castle and, when stopped, it seemed that the castle was the same, excluding the bridge that now linked the two great towers near the top, where in the middle there was what seemed to be a sphere that should contain a special division.

"And it seems that now it's my turn" Perfect Scale said. "This land needs something to keep it standing in the face of any adversity. So…"

He charged his horn and hit with the front hooves on the ground, creating a pulse of energy that went throughout the area of the Light Kingdom. However, it did not seem to have happened nothing.

"What happened?" Aurora asked.

"This is what happened, Princess” Scale replied.

And he invoked a magic screen that showed, to the great astonishment of everypony, a place full of diamonds.

"This is the Diamond Domain, what will keep our kingdom standing, no matter what happens" Perfect Scale said. "And it's all thanks to the Diamond Heart."

And he showed the heart of the Diamond Domain, where the largest existing diamond seemed to be loading all the others with energy.

"I can see why the Lord of Order sent you" Aurora said. "You are very powerful."

"Not as powerful as you, princess" Golden Paladin said. "You have the most powerful of lights in this reality. Even more powerful than ours."

"And, according to the logic, the stronger the light, the more powerful the power" Mirror Coat said.

"All we're doing is just the beginning" Golden Paladin said. "First, we will strengthen our kingdom and then the light will be unleashed and we will return to our master what is his."

Aurora giggled and said:

"It seems too simple."

"But it's not simple" Mirror Coat said. "In fact, is quite complicated."

"The Lord of Chaos is too powerful and too slick" Scale said.

"But I'm sure that if we work together, we can beat him" Golden Paladin said.

Aurora also agreed. Now that kingdom was her responsibility and if the duty of her kingdom was to help rid the world of the Lord of Chaos, so that's what she would do.

"Aurora... I mean, Princess Aurora! "one of the ponies called, pointing to the sun that was setting. "The day is coming to an end."

"We have to prepare to deliver the star seeds to the sky" Aurora said.

Golden Paladin waved and then said:

"Very well, then let the light ponies take care of it. There is one thing that we have to show you. Follow us."

Aurora nodded and, while the light ponies were preparing the star seeds to their raise to the sky, she followed Golden Paladin and the other Generals in the castle. Upon entering the foyer, Aurora was hugely surprised by the beauty of the castle. She then saw a figure in relief on the wall representing her and the seven Generals.

Then, they started climbing up the stairs that led to the towers, entering in one of them. While they were climbing, Aurora noticed that the interior of the tower, which should be equal to the other, there was a huge cylinder in the middle of spiral staircases, at the top of the tower they were climbing, containing aligned strings of various sizes, each one containing a hammer in position.

When they were near the top, they entered in the bridge that linked the two towers. They went through it and then reached the division located in the middle. When they entered, Aurora was astonished by what she found. It was a division mainly occupied by a large round platform with stairs where there was a machine with sprockets on the edge with a spherical base in the vertical, where there was a round groove in the center and four around it. Besides that, the machine had a large lever.

"What is this place?" Aurora asked, looking around.

"It's something that was created with the combined magic of Purple Smoke, Heartbeat, Leaf Mane and Melody" Golden Paladin explained. "This will allow our defences remain strong with the passing of every year."

It was then that Aurora saw something ascending to the sky and saw that the process of the ascension of the star seeds had already begun. There was one year that she had seen that phenomenon for the first time and now she was watching it for the second time. It was still immensely beautiful. When the process began to end, Golden Paladin said to Aurora:

"It's time to show what we wanted to show."

"And what is it?" Aurora asked.

Golden Paladin waved to Melody and then she invoked a translucent sphere of the size of a hoofball ball with a rippling golden glow inside of it.

"This is the Jewel of Life, what will be the ultimate defense of our kingdom" Golden Paladin said.

“What do you mean?" Aurora asked.

"We will have plenty of time to answer that question, princess" Golden Paladin said. "But for now, just enjoy the show."

That left Aurora confused. But then Melody put the Jewel of Life in the central groove of the spherical base of the machine. After this, Heartbeat loaded her horn with magic and created an energy pulse. Aurora, feeling the amount of positive energy in this pulse, felt her heart being flooded by love. It was then that her star seed, now the original star seed, appeared and launched a beam to the Jewel of Life which began to shine with more intensity. The star seed came back into its flower and disappeared.

It was then that the sprockets began to rotate, progressively increasing their speed. The hammers began to play the strings and a song began to soar. It was immensely beautiful and harmonious and could be heard throughout the kingdom. All turned to the castle and saw it beginning to radiate a golden light, giving it a much more stunning aspect.

Aurora listened intently the music. It was immensely beautiful. It could convey calm and tranquility. Her opinion was shared by the other light ponies which heard the song. But of course the best was yet to come.

Then, on each side of the four smaller towers and on the outside of each of the great towers, came from their insides structures, which gave the impression the towers have wings, and on the outside of the top of each of the great towers appeared three big pointers. On each tips of the structures appeared branches that stretched and made appear flowers that opened and released lights that began to accumulate in the structures of the great towers until they take the form of two huge wings made of light that opened, spreading the light, something that made a lot of sighs. The light ponies then made a bow and their lights intensified, as well as in whole kingdom.

It was then that the wings of light disbanded and the music began to stop. As it stopped, the flowers closed and disappeared, while the branches collected themselves, followed by the structures. When they were gone, the music was playing their last notes. The music then stopped.

“That was..." Aurora began. "I don't even have words."

"This is the perfect way to enhance our light" said Golden Paladin.

"Beyond that is a great way to celebrate the ascension of the star seeds" Heartbeat said.

"Yes" Aurora agreed, giving a laugh. "I just hope to be a good princess to this kingdom."

"We know you will be" Golden Paladin said. "The Lord of Order chose you and that's enough for me."

He then invoked a crown that then put it over Aurora and, after that, he and the other six Generals made him a bow.

That's how Aurora became the first alicorn princess, the Generals of Order arrived to the Pony World and the Light Kingdom was born.

The Corrupted General

Since the foundation of the Light Kingdom, things in the Pony World seemed to be going better to the Order side. With Princess Aurora and the Generals of Order to retrieve what the Lord of Chaos had taken from the Lord of Order, soon the Pony World began to recover the stability it had before.

In a land located to the north of the Light Kingdom, the three tribes of ponies founded a new kingdom called Equestria, all thanks to Golden Paladin and Heartbeat that had used their skills of diplomacy and empathy to influence secretly the ponies to get along and find friendship. This action sent the Windigos away due to creation of a heart of fire created by the spark of friendship.

Further north, thanks to the joint efforts of Mirror Coat and Heartbeat, a new kingdom was created with a new breed of ponies, the crystal ponies. This new kingdom called Crystal Empire had also a crystal heart that could project the love and hope of the ponies all over the world, which ended up also influencing other creatures.

All this led to the loss of influence of the Lord of Chaos in the Pony World, something he tried to fight, but to no avail. Therefore, he decided to opt for another approach. Instead of trying to conquer the central realm of that reality, he began to conquer all the realms that constituted the Pony Reality. This turning point in the game caught Aurora and the Generals by surprise, which gave to the Lord of Chaos a clear advantage. When they found themselves he had contaminated with his darkness so many realms, what forced the followers of Order, who were unable to release these realms, to seal them in order to not contaminate the others.

However, the Generals didn’t know that this would lead to a situation that would force them to make a tough decision.

It all started about three years after the founding of the Light Kingdom, when Aurora, Golden Paladin, Mirror Coat, Leaf Mane, Purple Smoke, Melody and Heartbeat were summoned by Scale to a isolate part of the Light Kingdom. When they get there, they found him.

"Scale, but what's going on?" Golden Paladin asked.

"Yes, why did you call us?" Aurora asked.

"Because of this" Scale said, pointing.

They become shocked by what they were seeing there were half a dozen light ponies who were all petrified in black stone.

"But what happened?" Aurora asked, approaching her old petrified friends.

"I don't know" Scale answered. "I've found them in this way.”

"I can't believe this" Golden Paladin said.

"Someone stole the lights of their star seeds" Mirror Coat said.

"That's awful!" Heartbeat exclaimed.

"But who would do such an atrocity like this one?" Leaf Mane asked.

"Yeah, who?" Melody asked.

"I think we're asking the wrong question" Purple Smoke said.

"Purple Smoke is right" Mirror Coat said. "We should be asking ourselves who could do something like this. A magic capable of stealing the light of star seeds is not something that can be found in any place."

"Do you think a villain of the Lord of Chaos could have done this?" Aurora asked.

"Given that we are in a remote area of our kingdom, is possible" Golden Paladin said. "But, if that's true, then we're dealing with a very powerful villain."

While Aurora and the others were trying to find out what was going on, Scale quietly moved back in order to find the perfect place to attack. But it was then that Heartbeat, whose sensibility was extremely sharp, was able to sense a dark presence right there on the edge of them, a presence about to attack. Scale prepared his magic to start the process of absorption of the lights of their star seed, but when he fired, Heartbeat turned around and said:

"Don’t think about it!"

And she created a strong barrier that deflected Scale’s attack. That made everypony to turn and realize that it was Scale who attacked.

"Scale, but what are you doing?" Aurora asked.

"Are you out of your mind?" Golden Paladin asked. "Why did you attack us?"

But Scale just stood staring at them with an evil smile on his face.

"I can feel it" Heartbeat said. "He's a threat."

"What?" Leaf Mane asked. "It can't be."

"Is it a villain who is taking Scale’s form?" Melody asked.

"It must be a villain quite able to take the form of another pony almost as perfectly as me" Purple Smoke said.

"No, it’s not that" Heartbeat said. "This is without a doubt Scale."

"This doesn't make any sense" Golden Paladin said to his youngest sister. "Why would Scale attack us."

"Actually, it makes sense" Mirror Coat said.

"What do you mean?" Golden Paladin asked, turning to the General of Knowledge.

"Think, Golden" Mirror Coat said. "Who else do you know, besides the Lord of Order, capable of taking the light of star seeds within the borders of the Light Kingdom? Is that even being near the boundaries of the Light Kingdom, I doubt a villain could do this."

That theory of Mirror Coat, although plausible, was not accepted by Golden Paladin. He simply could not accept that one of his siblings, especially a brother that he admired and that was quite close, could do something like this. But Scale gave a laugh and said:

"It seems that when the impulsive one and the mirror head work together, they can do the most interesting discoveries."

Upon hearing that, the other generals were even more shocked, mainly Golden Paladin.

"No, it can't be" Golden Paladin said. "You did this?"

"How could you have done this, Scale?" Aurora asked. "I thought we were all on the same side. I thought we were friends."

"Dear princess, don't get me wrong, but I honestly don't think you could call to our relationship of friendship" Scale said. "After all, our role here was to serve you, not to be your friends. As to the why I have done this to your friends... Well, I just wanted to draw your attention."

"You mean distract us to steal our lights too" Mirror Coat said.

"You want our lights?" Leaf Mane asked to Scale. "Why?"

"Isn't it obvious?" Scale asked. "To get your powers."

Seeing their confusing air, Scale said:

"Tell me one thing. How's our situation with the Lord of Chaos? It's true, we did release most of the Pony World from his influence and we're counting on the help of other kingdoms in this realm. But what about the other realms? Why did we, instead of undoing what the Lord of Chaos did, which is basically our mission as generals, seal those realms?"

"It was to protect the other reals" Mirror Coat said. "There was too much damage. Repairing them would only cause even more problems, and would take a long time and, in the meantime, more realms would be affected. Seal them was necessary to preserve the balance."

"And what do you know about balance, Mirror Coat?" Scale asked. "I'm the General of Balance, not you. And that is precisely why I want your powers. When I have the power of all the special lights, I will have enough power to launch the Pony Reality in a perfect balance and keep it intact, even from the Lord of Chaos."

"You're out of your mind completely" Purple Smoke said. "How could you even think that?"

"Why would I explain my complex way of thinking to an idiot like you?" Scale asked.

"Hey, I'm not an idiot!" Purple Smoke exclaimed.

"So you say" Melody said, what made the General of Talent look to her.

"You don't understand" Scale said. "I'm just doing this for everyone."

"Liar" Heartbeat said. "Remember that I can feel your intentions. You're just justifying your actions with distorted reasons of your responsibility as General of Balance to satisfy your selfish and greedy desires."

That made everypony look at her and Heartbeat said:

"What? I can learn a lot through emotions and feelings."

"Honestly, I don't care about what you think I feel, little sister" Scale said. "Because soon you'll be petrified in black stone, just like everypony else."

And he launched a magical beam. This time, Golden Paladin was the one that defended. He said:

"Mirror Coat, teleport the princess to the Castle now."

"No, I want to help you" Aurora said.

"No, Princess, your star seed is too important" Golden Paladin said. "If Scale is able to capture its light, then everything is lost. We take care of our brother. Go!"

Without any alternative, Aurora waved. Mirror Coat created a mirror portal that Aurora went through.

"It doesn't matter if you transport Princess Aurora to the Castle" Scale said. "As soon as I'm done with you, I’ll take care of her."

"You're not going to get close to her" Golden Paladin said. "And we'll make sure of it. Now!"

Melody was the first to attack, launching a supersonic scream that reached Scale, who tried to defend himself. However, Leaf Mane used her magic and made roots appeared and involve Scale completely. But, after a few seconds, the roots simply burned and were reduced to ashes. Scale appeared with a smile and asked:

"That's all you can do?"

"Not at all!" Purple Smoke exclaimed, turning quickly into purple smoke and beginning to approach Scale.

Purple Smoke tried to involve Scale to stun him, but he used his magic and, when Purple Smoke found himself, he had returned to his pony form, falling just in front of Scale.

"Looks like I've got my first special light" Scale said, carrying his horn with magic to prepare to absorb Purple Smoke’s light.

But a root conjured by Leaf Mane appeared, grabbed him and took him back to the edge of the others.

"It is useless to fight him is this way" Melody said. "He will just negate our powers."

"Yes, his abilities to balance our attributes in order to negate them are a huge problem" Mirror Coat said.

"Then leave this to me" Golden Paladin said. "Between us, I'm the one that does not depend much of the magic of attribute."

"Are you crazy?" Leaf Mane asked. "He can absorb your light. Don't forget that he has the light of half a dozen light ponies."

"I know that, but we have something that he doesn't have: teamwork" Golden Paladin said. "Mirror Coat, you’ll deal with my defense. It will so much easier for me to attack."

"As you wish" Mirror Coat said.

"Heartbeat, use your empathy to try to predict his attacks" Golden Paladin said.

"You can count on me, Goldy" she said.

"The three of you try to act if I need to" Golden Paladin said to Leaf Mane, Purple Smoke and Melody.

"Yes" they responded in unison.

Golden Paladin advanced and Scale said:

"So our beloved leader wants to be the first to lose his light."

"I'm not going to lose my light" Golden Paladin said. "Not as long as I have the support of my true brothers and sisters."

"You're good with words, but they will not do any good" Scale said.

"That's what we're going to see" Golden Paladin said, creating then a yellow light sword on his horn.

Scale followed his example and created a dark blue light sword. After this, the two fought in duel. Golden Paladin was arguably better, being in control of the duel. When Scale could find a moment to attack Golden Paladin, the latter or was protected by Mirror Coat’s defensive spells or was warned by Heartbeat.

Scale then pulled away to catch his breath, but roots created by Leaf Mane appeared and tried to catch him, but the General of Balance managed to avoid them. He did the same with a supersonic scream from Melody and Purple Smoke’s toxic smoke.

The General of Balance and the General of Peace came back to fight a duel of swords. This time, Scale had a plan to defeat Golden. If he couldn't do it normally, then he would play dirty. And then he made a trip to Golden that fell to the ground and was quickly subdued by Scale.

"It seems that this time it's me who wins" Scale said, smiling, carrying his horn with magic. "And now your light is mine."

But a smile appeared on Golden’s face and he replied:

"Do you really think so?"

And cracks appeared in Golden and he broke in so many pieces.

"A glass clone?!" Scale exclaimed, not wanting to believe.

And the real Golden Paladin came up and knocked Scale down, subjugating him.

"We've known each other for so long, Scale" Golden Paladin said. "You should know differentiate me one of Mirror Coat’s glass clone."

"But when..." Scale began, and soon remembering the only time he was not attentive to Golden Paladin. "Those attacks from Leaf Mane, Purple Smoke and Melody were to distract me while Mirror Coat proceeded to trade you with a glass clone."

"Precisely" Golden Paladin said. "And then Heartbeat played with your thirst for power to ensure you wouldn't know the difference between us. As you can see, Scale, power is not everything, when compared to teamwork."

And, having said this, Golden Paladin loaded his horn with magic and golden chains appeared out of the ground and wrapped themselves around Scale. After that, the General of Peace rose. Scale tried to free himself, but the golden chains of Golden Paladin were known as being unbreakable.

"Get this off!" Scale exclaimed.

"No way" Golden Paladin said. "I used my most powerful chains. You're not going to get them out."

"Very well" a voice said. "You finally managed to defeat him."

They looked and saw Princess Aurora landing.

"Princess, what are you doing here?" Golden Paladin asked. "I told you to stay in the castle."

"I know, but I couldn't help but wonder..." Aurora began.

"About your petrified friends" Heartbeat completed.

"Yes" Aurora replied. "I want to get them back and that's exactly what I'm going to do."

She turned to Scale and told him:

"You're going to return the lights you stole."

Scale made a naughty smile and said:

"Good luck with that. Only I can do this magic on the Order side, in addition to the Lord of Order."

"That's what you think" Aurora said. "Remember that I've got the light that originated this reality. My light is more powerful than the light belonging to any General."

And, having said that, she charged her horn with magic and Scale groaned a little, while the flower that contained his star seed appeared and opened, revealing his star seed. And from it came out half a dozen white lights that went to their respective petrified pony. Their flowers appeared and opened, revealing their empty seeds which absorbed their respective lights, making the brilliance that previously had reappear. Their seeds, including Scale, came back into their flowers which disappeared. The ponies were then freed and then came back to the way they were before. After this, Aurora turned to Scale and said:

"I'm sorry you had to come to this, Scale, but, unfortunately, you don't give us no choice. You will be imprisoned in our dungeons with total surveillance."

And, with this, Aurora used his magic to transport Scale to the dungeons of the castle.

And so it was in this way that Scale, the General of Balance, was defeated and imprisoned. At least, until the moment when the Lord of Chaos set him free.

A Vicious Dark Pony

After the fall of Perfect Scale, Aurora and the Generals of Order decided that Perfect Scale would be forgotten. For that, they assured that Scale would never come out of his cell, all thanks to Golden Paladin and his special magic, such as the golden chains. After this, Purple Smoke removed Scale from the figure at the foyer of the castle and transformed the large seven-pointed star in the Great Hall in a six-pointed star. The generals also sealed the entrance to the Diamond Domain, creating a new one behind the figure. Finally, Aurora has decreed that nopony could ever mention Perfect Scale, in order for him to be forgotten for good.

The Generals of Order had been very affected by Scale’s betrayal, but the one that was the most affected was Golden Paladin. He and Scale were great friends and the fact that it was Golden Paladin who arrested him left the General of Peace quite saddened. He turned away from the other Generals, isolating himself and spending a lot of time at the border.

One day, months after what happened with Scale, Aurora was walking through the halls of the castle when she found Heartbeat.

"Heartbeat" she called her.

"Yes, princess?" Heartbeat asked, turning to her.

"Did you see Golden?" Aurora asked. "I don’t see him for some time."

"Well..." Heartbeat said, wondering if she should or not tell. "I also haven't seen him, but I know where he is."

"You know?" Aurora asked.

"It's pretty much the only place I see in his memories" Heartbeat said. "I know it's not very correct watching somepony's memories, but he has been so sad."

"I know" Aurora said. "That's why I wanted to talk to him. I wanted to help him get through all that has happened. Can you tell me where he is?"

Heartbeat smiled and waved.

On the part of the border from where Aurora and his tribe get in the Light Kingdom, Golden Paladin was sitting on a rock looking out across the border. That was his favorite place when he needed to be alone and, in those last months, he has needed it too much. He couldn't stop thinking about Scale.

It was then that he felt a hoof over his shoulder. Golden turned and saw it was Princess Aurora.

"Princess?" Golden asked, while Aurora sat on his edge. "What are you doing here?"

"I came to see how you were doing" Aurora replied. "I've seen you so little lately that I started to get worried."

"Let me guess" Golden Paladin said. "You found out where I was through Heartbeat."

"Yes" Aurora replied.

"She's always getting in my life" Golden Paladin said.

"I prefer to think that she cares about you."

"She cares too much, in my opinion."

That made Aurora drop a laugh, but Golden Paladin remained serious. The princess then said:

"Look, I know you don’t want to admit it, but I can see that you're hurt for what Scale did. Mainly, because you had to put a stop to his plans."

"I’m sorry, princess, but you're wrong" Golden Paladin said. "I'm not suffering because of that traitor. And, besides, I just did what my duty told me to do."

"Maybe that's what you're saying is true, maybe not" Aurora said. "Only you can answer that, but I know there's something else besides that. I can feel it. Scale's actions aroused in you something that's troubling you and I want to help you."

Golden Paladin was silent. Initially, he didn't want to open up with Aurora. Being the General of Peace and the leader of the Generals of Order, he should be disciplined and control his own emotions. But Aurora’s warm look and smile made him go through his pride and answer:

"Scale was one of my best friends, one of the Generals with more influence and power. He let himself be corrupted by his own pride and greed. Princess, and if this happen to any of my brothers and sisters? And if I'm forced to arrest another General? Worse, what if I let myself be corrupted like him? That possibility is something that does not cease to haunt me."

Now Aurora understood. Golden was not dispirited by Scale’s betrayal. He feared becoming like him. But the Princess of the Light Kingdom wouldn't let Golden be worried about that, especially because of who he was. She took his hoof and said:

“Golden, listen to me. You will never become like Scale."

"How can you be so sure?" Golden asked.

"Because I know you" Aurora said. "You are the bravest, the most honorable and the most selfless pony that I know. And I haven't even said a fraction of your qualities. A pony like you will never end like Scale. You're too good for that. But there is also another reason. Just because you are afraid of becoming like him proves that you are completely different and that you will not let that happen."

Aurora's words were heard by Golden with his full attention. It looked like they had some power that made his doubts begin to disappear and a smile appeared on his face. Princess Aurora had that effect on him. She could always make Golden feel better and he loved being in her company, something that made him wonder about what he could feel really by Aurora.

It was then that his thoughts were interrupted by a voice screaming:

"HELP! SOMEPONY HELP ME!"

The screams were coming from outside of the borders of the Light Kingdom.

"But what is this?" Aurora asked.

"I don't know" Golden Paladin answered, descending from the rock, followed by Aurora.

They looked and saw somepony approaching. It seemed that he was staggering and he looked beat up.

"HELP!" the stranger shouted again.

When Aurora came back to hear that voice, she noticed it was somewhat familiar. It was then that she finally recognized it. But it couldn't be. The princess looked more closely and saw him: Thunder Spark, tired and injured.

"It can't be" she said, starting to move forward. "Thunder Spark?!"

The stallion looked and then saw her and exclaimed:

"Lady Aurora!"

Aurora started running towards him, but before she could cross the border, Golden Paladin appeared in front of her, blocking her way:

"Wait, princess!"

And, conjuring his magic, Golden activated the shield that surrounded the Light Kingdom, preventing anypony from entering or leaving.

“Golden, what are you doing? "she asked. "He's an old friend of mine."

"What's the matter, Lady Aurora?" Thunder Spark asked with a confused air, reaching the shield and failing to pass it.

“Golden, let Thunder Spark get in" Aurora said. " We can trust him."

"I'm sorry, Princess, but I'm just doing my job" Golden said. "This could be a trap."

"Ridiculous" Aurora said. "Look at him. Thunder Spark needs help."

"There's only one way to find out who he really is" Golden Paladin said. "Heartbeat!"

And, appearing with her super-speed, Heartbeat appeared.

"Oh, I'm glad you're better, Goldy" she said. "By the way, I’m sorry for having been snooping around. I was really worried about you."

"Forget about it now" Golden said. "I have a job for you."

Heartbeat then noticed Thunder Spark and asked to Golden Paladin:

"What do you want me to do?"

"Examine him" Golden Paladin ordered, pointing to Thunder Spark.

Heartbeat quickly crossed the border, making the light that radiated from her getting weaker, getting muzzle to muzzle with Thunder Spark. Then a smile appeared on her face. She took a few steps away from him and then said:

"Reveal your intentions."

Heartbeat's words seemed to have affected Thunder Spark that started to moan and it was then that he became a dark pony, much to Aurora’s shock. Thunder Spark, after he had transformed, started acting wild, trying to attack Aurora, but Golden’s protection shield prevented him from attacking.

"Thunder Spark…" Aurora said.

"I know" Golden said. "He is a dark pony. The Lord of Chaos should have sent him to attack you, princess. Turning his body into a normal pony, he hoped that you would let him enter in the Light Kingdom."

"I can't believe..." Aurora said.

"Don't worry, princess" Golden said. "We're going to save him. Heartbeat, he's all yours."

"What?!" Heartbeat asked.

Then Thunder Spark, having heard her, turned to her and prepared for the attack. He attacked, but Heartbeat was too fast and could dodge with immense ease.

"Can you explain to me why do I have to fight against this dark pony?" Heartbeat asked, while dodging. "After all, you are the General of Peace."

"But I am the leader and I’m telling you to deal with him" Golden Paladin said. "Besides, you've a purifying touch, remember?"

"Oh, yeah" Heartbeat remembered, stopping.

When Thunder Spark approached to attack Heartbeat, she quickly touched his forehead. When the hoof touched him, Thunder Spark stopped and an immense light went to him who started moaning. It was then that the flower which contains the star seed appeared and opened. Thunder Spark’s star seed appeared, but it was black. But the light that was passing to Thunder Spark quickly made the star seed recover its light. Black roots appeared, involving Thunder Spark, and when they are gone, the stallion was back to normal, falling on his hooves.

With the danger now dealt, Golden Paladin deactivated the shield and left Aurora approaching Thunder Spark. She reached his edge, and he began to regain consciousness.

"Thunder Spark, are you okay?" Aurora asked.

Thunder Spark, feeling an immense headache, looked at her and asked:

"Lady Aurora?"

"Yes, it's me" Aurora said, smiling.

That made Thunder Spark smile too, being glad to see Aurora.

"I'm so glad to see you again" he said.

It was then that he noticed Aurora’s wings.

"Mi lady, you have wings!" Thunder Spark exclaimed. "And you are wearing a crown."

"This is all a gift from the Lord of Order, as well as what he promised us" Aurora said, beginning to help Thunder Spark cross the border of the Light Kingdom. "Look."

Thunder Spark was speechless before what he was watching. The beauty of the Light Kingdom enraptured him.

"Amazing" he said. "There are no words..."

"Our people are prospering in these immensely beautiful and fertile lands full of light" Aurora said.

"And who are they?" Thunder Spark asked, referring to Golden Paladin and Heartbeat.

"Well, Thunder Spark, these are Golden Paladin, the General of Peace, and Heartbeat, the General of Affection" Aurora said. "They and their siblings are the most loyal followers of the Lord of Order who were sent by him to assist in the construction of our kingdom."

"Kingdom?" Thunder Spark asked.

"Yes, the Light Kingdom, what you are seeing" said Aurora, pointing to the urban area of the kingdom. "But now I'm curious, Thunder Spark. What happened? The last time I saw you, it was almost five years ago at Dark Night’s castle."

"Five years?" he asked. "It's been five years?"

"Yes, but don't you remember anything?" Aurora asked.

"No, nothing" Thunder Spark answered. "The last thing I remember it’s me and the others being captured by Dark Night. Suddenly, he and his servants became different, with darker tones and red eyes. They took us to a being with a malignant air that turned us into beings like Dark Night and the others."

"I'm sure this being that you mentioned is the Lord of Chaos" Golden Paladin said.

"Lord of Chaos?" Thunder Spark repeated.

"He is the younger brother of our master" Heartbeat said. "He is physically quite similar to the Lord of order, but he's bad, cruel, mean, liar…"

"I think he got it" Golden Paladin said to his youngest sister. "It turns out that you, Thunder Spark, and your friends fell into his temptation. That led you to be turned into dark ponies to serve him."

"What are dark ponies?" Aurora asked.

"They're dark beings whose star seeds, instead of having light, have darkness" Golden replied. "They serve the Lord of Chaos unconditionally and their bodies are modified to adopt the darkness that they contain. Fortunately, certain beings like us, the Generals, or you, princess, can turn this darkness into light and so heal those who were infected."

"I see" Aurora said. "Fortunately, you came to meet us, Thunder Spark."

"Even if it was the Lord of Chaos who, probably, sent him to attack you," Golden Paladin said to Aurora.

"Well, luckily, my Generals were here to protect me" Aurora said. "Well, it's time to go back to the kingdom. Thunder Spark needs treatment."

They then returned to the Light Kingdom. The light ponies were surprised and happy for the return of Thunder Spark. Reaching the castle, purple smoke appeared and Purple Smoke materialized, telling to Princess Aurora:

"Princess, I'm glad I found you. I just finished your portrait and I must say it's fantastic."

"I'm sure of it, Purple" Aurora said. "Let me introduce you to an old friend of mine. His name is Thunder Spark. Thunder Spark, this is Purple Smoke, the General of Talent."

"It's a pleasure" Thunder Spark said.

"I say the same thing" Purple Smoke said. "And I have to say that your Cutie Mark is amazing. But also what could be expected of a creation of mine."

"Creation?" Thunder Spark asked.

"Yes, Thunder Spark, Purple Smoke is the creator of the Cutie Marks" Aurora said.

"But, after all, how many Generals there are?" Thunder Spark asked.

"A lot, but here there are six" Heartbeat replied. "Well, before we were seven."

But she then received from Golden a look that made her say:

"But now we are six."

"Well, I see I have a lot to learn" Thunder Spark said.

"But I'm sure you will learn everything quickly" Aurora assured, putting a hoof on Thunder Spark’s shoulder.

The Lord of Chaos was observing the scene through one of his mirrors, sitting on his throne.

"Damn, I was so close! If it wasn't for that General of Peace, probably I would have the original star seed in my hand. But this is not over yet. I can still have that star seed. I just have to wait for the right moment."

Sun and Moon Together - The Birth of the Three Alicorn Sisters

A century passed after the creation of the Light Kingdom and Princess Aurora hasn't aged one bit, as well as the Generals of Order. The fact that she was an alicorn with the power of the light of the original star seed prevented Aurora of getting old and the same happened with Golden Paladin and others. Unfortunately, that meant to Aurora have to see her friends grow old and die, including Thunder Spark, but due to the fact that now she could see the renewal of generations worth the immortality.

During that century, the Light Kingdom prospered even more, getting bigger and brighter. The young light ponies began to be born with light coat and Aurora really liked to see them growing up to learn the ways of their kingdom. Young ponies by their turn admired Aurora and the Generals of Order.

The other kingdoms of the Pony World also seemed to be prospering like the Light Kingdom, all in perfect harmony. But this harmony had some bumps sometimes.

One day, Aurora was sitting on her throne dealing with royal issues with her advisors, accompanied by Golden Paladin, when the doors of the throne room opened and a guard appeared, saying:

"Your Highness, you have a visitor waiting for you."

"Can this visit wait?" Aurora asked. "At the moment, I'm a little busy."

"Princess, this pony says is a little urgent" the guard said. "This is a problem that arose in Equestria."

That left Aurora a little worried. Equestria was the greatest kingdom in the Pony World and one of the most important and influential ones. If there were problems there, the Lord of Chaos could figure out a way to use this in his advantage. Being thinking the same as Aurora, Golden Paladin turned to the advisers and told them:

"Okay, I think we'd better leave this for later. A more urgent subject needs the attention of Princess Aurora."

And the advisers left the throne room and then Golden told to the guard:

"Send this Equestrian pony get in."

The guard nodded and left, making a bow to Princess Aurora. Shortly after, a normal unicorn with roasted yellow coat and light brown mane entered, making a bow to Princess Aurora.

"Your Highness, it's an honor to meet you finally. It is also an honor to meet you, General of Peace."

"The honor is all ours" Aurora said. "But, please, tell us what brought you here. What emergency is that which arose in Equestria?"

"Well, it's a bit complicated..." the unicorn said. "My name is Comet Light and I am a servant of one of the families with more influence in Equestria. As you probably know, Your Highness, Equestria was governed by both tribes of ponies that founded it equally."

"Of course" Aurora said. "In fact, Equestria was founded on the principle of equality."

"Indeed" Golden Paladin said. "I and my sister, Heartbeat, were responsible for influencing your founders in using that same principle."

"Well, it turns out that with the growth of our kingdom, it was decided that the power to rule should be delivered to a single ruler and deploy a monarchical system, much like the Light Kingdom and the Crystal Empire" Comet Light explained.

"And, let me guess, that raised a lot of disagreements between potential candidates" Golden Paladin said.

"In fact, we were able to reduce the candidates" Comet Light said. "The problem is that the two remaining families don't get along very well and the competition between them has become somewhat... hostile."

"And you need us to help you" Aurora said.

"Yes, please" Comet Light said.

"Of course" Aurora replied, turning then to Golden. “Golden, I think we're going to need your diplomatic capabilities."

"Of course, Princess, as you wish" Golden Paladin said.

"Despite your choice, dear Aurora, allow me to add one more pony" a voice said.

And an explosion of light appeared and the Lord of Order appeared.

"Lord of Order" Aurora said.

"Master, it is an honour to see you again" Golden Paladin said, while making him a bow. "But what are you doing here?"

"I have an interest that this mission to succeed" the Lord of Order said. "So, I want to suggest another pony to go with you to Equestria."

"Who?" Aurora asked.

"Heartbeat, of course" the Lord of Order said. "Her empathic ability can prove crucial in this mission."

"But master, this mission type seems being ordering more my diplomatic skills" Golden Paladin said.

"You see, Golden Paladin, sometimes a disagreement can be resolved without resorting to complex plans of diplomacy" the Lord of Order said.

And, having said this, the Lord of Order disappeared.

"Well, I don't know what he meant by this, but we're going to abide by his advice" Golden Paladin said, something that Aurora agreed. "Heartbeat!"

And she showed up with her usual entrance with super-speed, something that surprised Comet Light.

"Did you just call me?" she asked to Golden Paladin.

"Get ready because we go to Equestria" he replied. "We have a mission."

"Great, I'm going to get Mr. Teddy!" Heartbeat exclaimed, leaving quickly and getting back in a few seconds with a teddy bear. "I never leave on a mission without him."

And so, Aurora, accompanied by Golden Paladin and Heartbeat, headed to Equestria, along with Comet Light, more precisely to the city that served as its capital. Having already prepared everything, Comet Light took them to the central building of the city, where the inhabitants gathered to important meetings. He entered and then announced:

"Your attention please! Here it is Her Highness Princess Aurora in the Light Kingdom and Their Excellencies the Generals of Peace and Affection."

And Aurora entered, followed by Golden Paladin and Heartbeat. As soon as she walked in, everypony stood up and made a bow.

"Thank you so much for all these bows, but I'd like to know who are the potential leaders of this kingdom" Aurora said.

"It's us, Your Highness" a voice said.

Aurora turned and saw two unicorn stallions. One of them had a yellowish with coat with a sun with two clouds as Cutie Mark and a yellow mane. The other had a purplish blue coat with the Canis Majos constellation as Cutie Mark and a crimson mane. Both were accompanied by their respective families.

"My name is Sunburst, Princess Aurora" the first stallion, introduced himself.

"And I'm Eclipse" the second stallion said.

"All right, let's treat this matter in a calm and civilised way" Aurora said.

"Of course, princess" Sunburst said. "As long as Eclipse admits that I would be a better ruler for this kingdom."

"What?!" he asked, turning to his opponent. "But I have more skills than you!"

"You've to be kidding" Sunburst said. "I have more qualified leadership skills."

"Yes, if the kingdom was inhabited by sheeps" Eclipse answered.

It didn’t take long until both families begin to argue.

"Please, my dear friends, calm down" Aurora asked, but without success.

While Aurora tried to calm the two families, Heartbeat was playing with her teddy bear, throwing him in the air and catching him. All those problems were stressful to Heartbeat. She thought all those problems of the ponies were uninteresting, as were all about the same thing. Especially those in which, as it was the case, involved ponies who wanted to satisfy his ego.

It was then that she saw something that caught her attention. Although all members of the two families are arguing, Heartbeat saw that not everypony were arguing. In the family of Sunburst, it was a young mare with light grayish yellow coat with the Milky Way as Cutie Mark, very light orange and dark moderate blue and slightly desaturated red eyes. In the family of Eclipse, it was a young stallion of the same age as the mare with very dark blue coat with a dark grayish blue star as Cutie Mark, very dark grayish violet and very dark violet mane and very dark desaturated blue eyes. They instead of participating with their respective families in the arguing, they were exchanging glances with each other. Heartbeat could feel what they were feeling. It was a warm and pleasant feeling, something that the General of Affection knew quite well.

"Ok, that's enough!" Golden Paladin exclaimed, carrying his magic and creating a burst of light that made everypony stop arguing and turn to him. "This argument is ridiculous and will not solve anything."

"Golden Paladin is absolutely right" Aurora said. "If you want to decide who will be the ruler of Equestria so you have to do it without resorting to petty and meaningless discussions."

The two families got quiet, somewhat embarrassed by their actions.

"All right, let's do this" Golden Paladin said. "What we will do is to interview the two families individually to hear what you have to offer and why should you rule Equestria. After that, we will take the decision of who we find more appropriate. What do you say?"

They didn't say anything, seeming to agree with the suggestion of Golden Paladin.

"Great" Aurora said. "So let's start with Sunburst and his family. Heartbeat, do you want to join us?"

Heartbeat, who noticed that the young mare and the young stallion got out softly, replied:

"No, I think I'd rather take a look at the city. Mr. Teddy doesn't like boring meetings."

And, having said this, she went out.

"Honestly, I don't know why the Lord of Order said to bring her" Golden said.

"Come on, Golden, you know Heartbeat" Aurora said. "Not everything she does can be explained logically. Probably she will figure this out without us repairing, if he had not figured out now."

"Yes, but in the meantime, let's deal with this matter objectively" Golden said.

Heartbeat advanced through the city, following the emotional trail of the young mare and the young stallion. Then she saw them, near a small lake. Using her invisibility spell, she approached them.

"Nobody followed you?" the young stallion asked.

"No" the young mare replied.

And the two then exchanged a big hug, followed by a kiss. After the kiss, the young mare said:

"Cosmos, this situation between our parents is getting worse. Princess Aurora and her Generals even had to intervene. "

"Don't worry, Galaxia" Cosmos said. "Everything will be fine."

"Do you think so?" Galaxia asked. "Our parents hated each other and they will never accept our relationship."

"So, if they don't accept our relationship, we will ran away" Cosmos said.

"What?" Galaxia asked, not wanting to believe what she had heard.

"I can't live without you, Galaxia" Cosmos said. "I want to be with you and I will not allow our families to ruin what we have."

That statement made Galaxia smile and then she said:

"I love you, Cosmos."

And the two started exchanging kisses of love.

After they had heard the two families, Aurora and Golden withdrew into a room to discuss the matter.

"This is impossible" Golden said. "I can't find a solution to this situation. None of those two has the capacity to handle this kingdom."

"Calm down, Golden" Aurora said. "I'm sure we can work this out. Don't forget that for every situation there is always a solution."

"I'm starting to doubt about that" Golden said.

"So I'm glad you have me" Heartbeat said, appearing. "I may have the solution to our problem."

"Seriously?" Golden asked, a little skeptical. "And what is this solution that the great General of Affection may have that the General of Peace doesn’t have?"

"Didn't you notice?" Heartbeat asked.

"In what?" Aurora asked.

"Well, when those idiots started arguing among themselves, there were two of them who didn't join the fight: Eclipse’s son, Cosmos, and Sunburst’s daughter, Galaxia" Heartbeat said. "Let's just say I felt that there was something between them, so I followed them secretly and found out that they are in love."

When they heard that, Golden and Aurora exchanged a look and the latter asked:

"Are you sure?"

"You're talking to an expert" Heartbeat said.

Golden then remembered the Lord of Order’s words.

"Sometimes a disagreement can be resolved without resorting to complex plans of diplomacy" he said. "This is what the Lord of Order meant."

"Makes sense" Aurora said. "If the two heirs of the two competitors are in love, then the problem over who will govern Equestria is resolved."

"Yes, but there is a small problem" Heartbeat said.

"Yes, you're right, Heartbeat" Golden said. "With parents like those, it's going to be a little difficult to use their relationship to end this disagreement."

"You have an expert with you, remember?" Heartbeat said, referring to herself.

Aurora and Golden exchanged a look and waved.

With all gathered to hear Aurora and her Generals’ decision, the inhabitants of the Light Kingdom appeared and Aurora asked:

"We have decided who will rule Equestria."

"So who did you choose, Your Highness?" Sunburst asked.

"Obviously it was me" Eclipse said.

"In fact, we have chosen both families" Aurora said.

That left everypony confused.

"How so?" Sunburst asked.

"There's no way I'm going to share power with him" Eclipse said, referring to Sunburst.

"Finally something we agree" Sunburst said.

"We weren’t talking about you" Aurora said.

And so Heartbeat approached quickly and said, looking to Cosmos and Galaxia:

"Come on, don't be afraid. You can express your feelings at ease."

Heartbeat was able to feel the fear of the two, but, using her empathy, she gave them a sense of security that made Cosmos move forward and say:

"I have something to declare. I love Galaxia."

That left everypony, mostly Sunburst and Eclipse, shocked.

"What?" the two family heads asked.

"We know that you may not approveour relationship, seeing the problems that exist between our families, but I'm not going to let that ruin my love for Galaxia."

The Cosmos’ courage caused Galaxia also won the courage to say:

"I echo Cosmos’ words."

"Galaxia…" Sunburst said.

"Dad, I love Cosmos" Galaxia said, putting herself next to her loved one. "He is the love of my life. I will not allow this senseless fight parting us apart."

Sunburst and Eclipse didn't know what to say. Golden advanced and said:

"You might not be best friends, but there is one thing I hope you guys have in common: the happiness of your children."

"Their love is pure and strong" Heartbeat said. "And I know what I'm talking about. After all, I am the General of Affection."

Golden and Heartbeat’s words made the two family heads meditate. That's when they turned to each other and Sunburst said:

"If this feud is making my daughter getting away from me, so I'm willing to finish it."

"Yes, I feel the same way" Eclipse said.

And, with this, the two bump the hooves, sealing the peace agreement, something that left Cosmos and Galaxia quite satisfied.

It was then that a burst of light appeared and the Lord of Order emerged.

"Very well" he congratulated Aurora, Golden and Heartbeat. "You managed to end this dispute."

"Thank you, Lord of Order" Aurora said, while she, Heartbeat and Golden made a bow.

"And now I can do this" the Lord of Order said, extending his closed fists.

He opened them and two star seeds appeared. One had a golden light and the other had a moderate cobalt blue light.

"What are you thinking in doing, my lord?" Golden Paladin asked.

"Now that you've found the rulers of this kingdom, it's time for me to give more special lights to who deserves them" the Lord of Order said, turning then to Cosmos and Galaxia. "It's been a while since I've been watching you. You have so much potential and you form a great team together. It's something that I want. I want you to become my followers and guide your kingdom on the path of peace."

Cosmos and Galaxia exchanged a look and then they waved to each other.

"We accept" Cosmos said.

"Perfect" the Lord of Order said.

It was then that Cosmos and Galaxia’s hidden flowers turned out and opened, revealing their star seeds. After that, the lights of the two star seeds the Lord of Order had in the hands started heading to the star seeds of two lovebirds, with the golden one going to Galaxia and the moderate cobalt blue one going to Cosmos. There was an explosion of light and, when it stopped, everypony was amazed with what had happened. Cosmos and Galaxia had become alicorns, like Aurora. Galaxia had darker shades in the hooves, wings and horn, a fluid mane with the dark moderate blue part of her mane with stars. Cosmos also had the fluid mane with the coat covered by stars.

"We are..." Galaxia started.

"Alicorn" Cosmos completed.

"I turned you into alicorns because I decided that you were reliable enough to take control over the Sun..." the Lord of Order said, making a gesture to Galaxia "and the Moon" he made another gesture to Cosmos.

"You mean that now we control the day and the night?" Cosmos asked.

"Yes, and I hope that you use your powers wisely" the Lord of Order said.

Cosmos and Galaxia shared a look and then said:

"We will."

And so, Cosmos and Galaxia became the King and Queen of Equestria, becoming responsible for rising up the Sun and the Moon.

It wasn't long before they get married and then have their first daughter, Ingrid, which turned out to be an alicorn like her parents, but having the power over snow and ice. After that, they had a second daughter, Celestia, and then a third daughter, Luna.

Their younger daughters would become the successors of their parents' powers and rule Equestria when they parents have abdicated their status of king and queen to live in Harmonia, the Lord of Order’s kingdom, where many of his followers with special lights live after their jobs had come to an end.

However, Ingrid would become the Snow Queen after her heart has been broken by discovering that the stallion she loved didn't love her but Celestia, which resulted in her imprisonment.

Author's Notes:

Queen Galaxia and King Cosmos are based on the images that belong to auveiss, at DeviantArt.

The Creation of Tartarus

Despite the fact that the followers of Order were dominating the Pony World almost completely, that did not prevent the Lord of Chaos’ servants of trying to change the balance of power.

First, there were the beings who inhabited the Desolate Area, the place in the Pony World that had been irreparably corrupted by the Lord of Chaos. Those shapeshifter beings called Changelings loved consuming the love of the ponies, which gave them immense power. Their queen, Queen Chrysalis, was immensely cruel and mean, but Aurora and the Generals could always keep her and Changelings in order.

But there were also other villains trying to get their way.

Pandora had tried to retrieve her box which was hidden at Everfree Forest, but Purple Smoke and Melody were able to stop her. Unfortunately, this did not stop the evil filly from discover the location of the box, something that she would use later to obtain it.

Mirror Coat could stop the Gorgon sisters, who threatened to turn ponies into stone. Despite the danger that their stare represented, the General of Knowledge, using his magic over the mirrors, managed to use their stare look against them and turn them into stone.

A mysterious nine-tailed fox called Kitsune also represented an immense danger to the ponies, due to his ability to manipulate fire. Fortunately, Leaf Mane managed to contain this creature, despite her weakness against fire.

But beyond these villains, there were also those who were more dangerous.

From the most remote seas, the Sirens tried to bring disharmony and conflict to the ponies, using their siren voices to manipulate them. Their voices could even affect the Generals of Order, causing them immense pain. But there was one pony who wasn't affected by them: Melody. Using her powerful voice, she managed to put an end to the threat of the Sirens.

Feeling the suffering of his subjects, Arbor, the King of Trees, left his home at the Enchanted Forest, the realm that was in direct contact with the Pony World, and began using his control over plants to make the ponies pay for what they have been doing to them. But his power over nature was not enough to combat Leaf Mane’s who managed to defeat him, being forced to imprison him.

From Wonderland, that was cursed by her and then sealed by the Generals, the Queen of Hearts tried to dominate the Pony World, ripping out the hearts of ponies to control them. However, there was a pony that she was not able to rip the heart: Purple Smoke, whose abilities to become smoke and imitate talents of others have proved to be useful. He was able to rip the heart of the Queen of Hearts and thus subdue her.

A dark creature that could suck love and happiness called Wraith started haunting the Pony World, wanting to invade the Crystal Empire. But Mirror Coat was able to stop him, trapping him in an isolated part of the Mirror Realm.

Due to her broken heart caused by Celestia, Ingrid became the Snow Queen, threatening the entire Pony World with an eternal winter. Fearing that her sister could do because of her, Celestia asked the Lord of Order to stop her, but without anyone knowing the reason that led to her corruption, as she wished that Ingrid could find forgiveness if she get to know what she was doing. It was then that Heartbeat, using a magical urn, managed to imprison Ingrid.

All these arrests were filling quickly the dungeons of the Light Kingdom in such a way that probably wouldn't be more cells available. There was also the problem that probably the cells would not be able to contain these villains for a long time. This was a problem that Golden Paladin was trying to solve.

While walking by the border of the Light Kingdom, Golden Paladin thought the perfect way to contain villains. He knew he would have to create a specialized prison to contain all those villains. But he would have to find a guard who was trusted to keep that same prison.

It was then that he heard a sound coming from some bushes nearby. Golden turned to there, preparing for anything that might show up. It was then that he saw a young black-haired dog appearing. The amazing thing was that it had three heads. Seeing Golden, the three-headed dog began to growl.

The General of Peace, not wanting that the young dog attacked him, intended to win its confidence. Ceasing his magic, Golden approached cautiously, without making any sudden movements. The dog, continuing to think that Golden Paladin was a threat, continued growing to him.

"Relax..." Golden said, continuing to approach with caution. "I’m your friend. Don't be afraid."

And he began to approach his hoof to the dog. Then the middle head approached and started sniffing his hoof and, after a while, licked it.

"It looks like we're friends" Golden Paladin said, starting to pet each of the heads of the dog. "But tell me, what are you doing here?"

The dog lay down on its back and Golden Paladin started petting it.

"Don't tell me you're lost" he said. "Wait, don’t you have a home? Well, if is that so, would you like to come with me?"

The dog barked, something Golden accepted as an affirmative answer.

He then took the dog to the castle, but not everypony was very pleased with this decision.

"You have to be kidding" Mirror Coat said, while the dog explored the throne room. "You can't be thinking of leaving this creature living here?"

"Mirror Coat, don't be so serious" Golden Paladin said.

"Yeah, it's not so bad" Heartbeat said, approaching the dog and starting to cuddle him. "It's not true? Yes, it is. Yes, it is."

And the dog then went to Heartbeat and started to lick her, while she laughed.

"I have to agree with Golden, Mirror Coat" Aurora said, sitting on her throne and seeing the dog. "This dog seems to be quite lovely."

"It's lovely now" Mirror Coat said. "But when three-headed dogs grow, they become very aggressive. They are almost practically unbeatable creatures."

"Don't tell me..." Golden Paladin said, thoughtful.

The doors of the throne room opened and Melody entered, saying:

"Hi, guys! You won't believe what I did today. I climbed the Everhoof Mountain and it was so much fun. Well, besides the fact that there is little breathable air up there, but it's one of the advantages of being immortal. Hey, who's the dog?"

"It doesn't have a name yet" Heartbeat said, while petting the dog. "But it's so cute."

"Yes" Melody said. "Come here, boy."

The dog then went to her with its tongues out. Melody began to pet the dog and then began to sing for him. That's when the dog suddenly started sleeping.

"Look, he fell asleep" Melody said.

"It's normal" Mirror Coat said. "Three-headed dogs fall asleep when they listen music."

"Oh, it's so cute sleeping" Melody said.

"Yes, you're right" Heartbeat agreed, approaching.

"Of course it is" Mirror Coat said. "Until it wakes up. Why don't we take it while it is asleep and put it far away from here. I can get a portal."

"Mirror Coat, take it easy" Aurora said. "This dog still does not represent any threat to us."

"At this moment" the General of Knowledge said.

"I had an idea" Golden Paladin said. "Mirror Coat, you said that three-headed dogs tend to be quite strong when they grow up, right? And what if I train this dog to be a guard dog?"

That left everypony pretty surprised.

"Are you crazy?" Mirror Coat asked. "Do you really think you can train it?"

"Why not?" Golden Paladin asked. "All creatures can be tamed in one way or another. In addition, Melody can put it asleep, if it gets out of control."

"That's not a bad idea" Aurora said. "We need all the help we can get."

Mirror Coat tried to refute that idea, but he knew that his warnings would not be heard. Then he said:

"As you want. But don't count on me to walk him. I go to my library. I have a lot of work to do there."

And he created a portal that he crossed.

Golden turned to the sleeping dog and said, smiling:

"Welcome to your new home... Cerberus."

And so, Golden Paladin adopted Cerberus and trained him to be an excellent guard dog. Soon Cerberus really grew to be a big strong dog.

Finally, Golden Paladin managed to outline a way to control all the villains that had been locked and still get more space for other villains. He created a golden tower full of cells on the walls, with the largest ones at the bottom and the smallest ones on the top. Golden Paladin even created a solitary under the tower where he put the most terrifying villains he and his brothers and sisters faced: the Sirens, Arbor, the Queen of Hearts, the Wraith, the Snow Queen and… Perfect Scale. He put this tower within a mountain and in the cave leading to the entrance of the prison, he put Cerberus, charging him of its protection, something he did for centuries, always doing a good job.

And this was how Tartarus was born...

The Arrival of Sombra

Exploring the dense forest that separated the Light Kingdom from Equestria was a unicorn stallion. He had dark grey coat with three green crystals as Cutie Mark, he had a black mane with moderate cobalt blue streaks, black hooves and grayish sap green eyes. The name of this stallion was Sombra.

Sombra liked to explore. It was one of the things he liked the most. After years of living and exploring Equestria, he decided to explore what lay beyond its borders. He decided to start across the south border. It was said that the Light Kingdom was in that area and he left, wanting to meet it. He heard about its beauty, the Generals of Order... and Princess Aurora.

Crossing the dense forest was something very hard to do, since it did not seem to have been made to be crossed on hoof because of the way the plants were all together and how many of them contained thorns.

Finally, after a few days, he managed to reach the other side and became pretty amazed at what he found. Everything radiated light, including animals and plants. Sombra was eager to explore that place and everything it contained.

Suddenly, he heard a small explosion nearby. It seemed to be a kind of a struggle. He advanced to there and then saw that it was really a fight. It were Changelings, who were being led by their own queen, Queen Chrysalis. They were fighting against ponies that Sombra recognized as the Generals of Order. Princess Aurora was salso there. Sombra was impressed with her beauty. He'd never seen such beautiful mare.

The seven fought with great mastery. he'd never seen unicorns as powerful as them. Leaf Mane could use the land itself to overthrow the Changelings, Purple Smoke used his smoke to disorient them to attack then, Melody used supersonic screams extremely strong that even Sombra could feel them, Mirror Coat could defend and counterattack, Heartbeat could overthrow the Changelings with bursts of red light that left them with massive burns and Golden displayed excellent fighting skills both with magic and hoof-to-hoof combat. But Princess Aurora was the most impressive, as she faced Queen Chrysalis alone, and gave her a good fight.

The two ran their horns like swords and Chrysalis asked Aurora:

"Why don't you give up, princess? Why don't you let us get in your kingdom full of light and..." she licked her chops “… love?"

"You can forget that idea, Chrysalis" Aurora said. "I’ll never yield the kingdom that the Lord of Order entrusted me."

"So I'm going to have to do it by force" Chrysalis said, getting back and carrying her horn with magic.

She cast a magical beam that Aurora defended. She then counterattacked, but Chrysalis dodged.

"Aurora, this is useless" the Queen of the Changelings said. "You know perfectly well that we can continue this fight for a long time."

"At least the time of my Generals finish with your Changelings" Aurora said with a smile. "When that happens, they will help me against you."

"That if you're not then defeated and at my mercy" Chrysalis said.

It was then that Sombra noticed two Changelings that were advancing towards Aurora. They were going to attack her from behind. Golden also saw them and tried to stop them, but the Changelings who he was fighting with prevented him from advancing.

"Princess, look out!" he exclaimed.

When Aurora notice the Changelings, it was too late for her to react. The love-sucking creatures prepared to attack. Sombra had to do something to save her. So, getting out of his hiding place, he loaded his horn with his light amber aura and then cast a spell that, upon reaching the two Changelings, petrified them in green crystal. That caught everypony by surprise.

"What?!" Chrysalis asked.

And then Sombra quickly moved ahead of Aurora and said to the Queen of the Changelings:

"If you want to touch Princess Aurora, you have to go through me first."

"It will be a pleasure, your scum" Chrysalis said.

She carried her horn for a new attack, but a magical beam almost hit her, forcing Chrysalis to cease her attack. She turned and saw that the Generals had defeated her Changelings. The attack had come from Golden Paladin.

"No way, Chrysalis" Golden Paladin said. "Not today."

Realizing that, if she didn’t retreat now, she would risk getting caught and sent to Tartarus, Chrysalis said:

"We're not done yet."

And, having said that, she and the Changelings that were still able to stand up, and were helping the others who were too weakened quickly, flied away. Sombra sighed. He was glad that the Generals had managed to get rid of the other Changelings, because he wasn't sure if he could struggle a duel with the Queen of the Changelings.

"Thank you" Aurora thanked Sombra. "If it wasn't for you, I don't know what would have happened."

"Well, it was nothing" Sombra said, blushing slightly. "Luckily, I was close."

"Yes, a coincidence that turned out in our favor" Leaf Mane said.

"On behalf of myself and my siblings, I'd like to thank you for saving Princess Aurora" Golden Paladin said, making a gesture of thank. "Although I have been unable to do so."

"Don't worry, Golden" Aurora said. "There was nothing you could do with all those Changelings."

"In fact, Chrysalis’ methods are becoming increasingly refined" Mirror Coat said.

"Yes, it seems that old Changelings can still learn something" Purple Smoke said.

That made Sombra give a laugh.

"What's your name, stranger?" Aurora asked.

"Sombra, Your Highness" Sombra answered, making her a bow.

"Please, call me Aurora" the princess said. "After saving me from these Changelings, I believe call me your Highness is too formal."

"As you wish" Sombra said.

"Can I ask you the reason why you're in this part of the border?" Golden Paladin asked. "It's a bit unusual to find ponies venturing in the dense forest without being on the road."

"Well, I'm an explorer" Sombra said. "I like to travel and explore new places. And as I had not yet come to the Light Kingdom, I thought I could explore it. Also, as I like to go through difficult paths, I decided to avoid the road."

"Impressive" Leaf Mane said. "It’s not everypony who decides to venture into the forest willingly."

"Yes, even I prefer to use the road when I cross the forest" Melody said.

"Maybe to avoid misalign your dear mane" Purple Smoke answered her provocatively.

"Unfortunately, my dear brother, not everypony has the same metamorphic abilities you have, nor the ability to turn into smoke" Melody replied, returning him the provocation.

"Ignore them, they are always like this" Aurora said to Sombra.

Heartbeat appeared in front of him and sniffed him a bit, saying then:

"You smell good. So, you're not a threat, that's why I like you."

"Ah... thanks" Sombra thanked, who had already heard about the General of Affection’s eccentric and childish behavior.

"Look, if you've come to the Light Kingdom, so let me invite you to stay at the castle" Aurora said.

"No, that's not necessary" Sombra said.

"It's the least I can do for everything that you have done" Aurora said. "You saved the day."

"Well, when you put it that way, it seems I have no choice but to accept" Sombra said.

"Perfect" Aurora said, turning then to her generals. "I hope none of you have no objection."

But they shook their heads, saying they didn't object. Golden was the last one to answer. He wasn't sure it would be a good idea, mainly because they did not know Sombra. But the reason told him it was the best way to thank him for everything he had done for Princess Aurora and that, if he was a threat, Heartbeat would have denounced him. So, he replied:

"But of course he can stay."

"Perfect" Aurora said. "Then we'd better get back to the kingdom."

They returned and Sombra was amazed with the beauty of the Light Kingdom. I had never seen anything like it. In addition to the light that radiated from the buildings, the roads and the light ponies, there was the architecture which used star seeds as ornaments which that was sublime. But what amazed him the most was the castle, the great pride of the citadel of the Light Kingdom, with its two greatest towers that were known as being the largest musical instrument that existed in the Pony World.

Upon arrival to the castle, the Generals began to disperse, having their own business to attend. Aurora then asked to Sombra:

"And what if I took you to your room?"

"It would be an honor, Your..." Sombra said, remembering after what Aurora had said. "I mean... Aurora."

And the two prepared to advance. Golden wanted to follow them, but Aurora said to him:

“Golden, could you check the perimeter of the kingdom? After this attack from Chrysalis, I would feel safer if I knew that there is no more Changelings around."

Although he didn’t want to leave Aurora alone with Sombra, Golden replied:

"Certainly, Your Highness."

And Aurora and Sombra moved away and, sighing, Golden Paladin turned to do what the Princess had told him to do, when he faced Heartbeat who said:

"Well, I never thought I'd see the day."

"What are you talking about, Heartbeat?" Golden Paladin asked, passing by her youngest sister.

"The day when I'd see you jealous" Heartbeat said.

That made Golden stop and turn to her, asking:

"What are you talking about?"

"Please, Goldy, didn't you think I would notice you have a crush on Princess Aurora?" she asked. "After all, I'm an empath."

"You're wrong, I don't have..." Golden Paladin started, lowering of his voice so that nopony but them two could hear. "I don’t have a crush on the princess."

"Of course you do" Heartbeat said. "And I know that since... Well, since suddenly were reduced to six Generals."

Golden realized that Heartbeat was aware of his feelings for Aurora when they intensified when she helped him overcome his depression that the General of Peace had fallen, fearing eventually become like Scale. He then asked:

"Does anypony else know?"

"No, just me" Heartbeat answered. "But this secret will not remain secret if you express your jealousy that way."

"I’m not..." Golden started.

"Of course you are" Heartbeat said. "That's why you hesitated to accept Princess Aurora’s idea in letting Sombra stay here, despite the fact that he saved her life, which is another thing that pisses you off, and I didn't have identified him as a threat."

That was what Golden Paladin didn't like about Heartbeat’s empathy, because it prevented him from keeping secrets from her.

"And what do you think?" he asked. "This jealousy of mine is justified?"

"Well, I managed to detect a certain attraction between them" Heartbeat said. "But this may be because Sombra finds Princess Aurora quite pretty and because Princess Aurora is delighted to Sombra for him having saved her life. It’s still quite early to tell. But, Goldy, try not to make this a drama, okay?"

Golden sighed and said:

"Okay, I will control my jealousy" he said. "I better go watch the surroundings of the kingdom."

And, having said that, he pulled away and, while she saw him moving away, Heartbeat said:

"I don't know why, but I have a bad feeling about all of this."

A New Love and a Broken Heart

It's been a few days since Sombra had arrived to the Light Kingdom. During this interval of time, Sombra visited several places in the Light Kingdom. However, he was not alone.

Princess Aurora had decided to accompany Sombra during his visit to the Light Kingdom and show him the wonders that her kingdom had. She simply enjoyed his company and hearing his stories about the places in Equestria he had explored. She also told him about the places she had been while leading his people to a land where they could settle before her first meeting with the Lord of Order.

There was only one pony who didn't like this relationship between Sombra and Aurora: Golden Paladin. The General of Peace, every time he saw them together, talking and laughing, he felt even more jealous. His jealousy was getting bigger and bigger in such way that the others began to get suspicious. Heartbeat, it was the only one who knew about Golden’s feelings for Aurora, tried to divert their attention, while trying to appease Golden’s jealousy.

"You know, I don't even know what she sees in him" Golden said to Heartbeat, with them in her room, whit her eating one of her lollipops which were floating around her room. "Ok, he is charming and an explorer, but he only explored Equestria. I've explored realms and realities. I think that's better."

"Yes, of course it is" Heartbeat said, rather indifferently. "A lot better."

"Besides, I know her for centuries... literally" Golden said. "He only knows her for a few days."

"I see" Heartbeat said in the same tone.

Repairing the tone that her sister was using to answer, Golden asked:

"By the way, are you hearing what I'm saying, Heartbeat? Is that if you rent your ears, the least you could do is pay attention."

"But I'm paying attention to you" Heartbeat said. "The truth is that you're always saying the same thing. How Sombra is not indicated to Princess Aurora and everything else. Don't you have any other concern beyond that?"

"I’m sorry if, after what happened with Scale, this is my first emotional concern" Golden said, sarcastically.

"You know, I have the perfect cure for you" Heartbeat said.

"You have?" Golden asked. "What?"

"Chocolate cake" Heartbeat said, extending a hoof, while a plate with a chocolate cake landed there. "There's nothing like a good sweet to drown our sorrows."

"This is your cure?" Golden asked, septic. "Chocolate cake?"

"Of course" Heartbeat said, swallowing the chocolate cake at once. "Look, Goldy, I know I said you could count on me to support you in this crush of yours for the Princess, but don't you think you should act more?"

"What do you mean?" Golden asked.

"For the Lord of Order’s sake, Goldy, Princess Aurora and Sombra are increasingly close to each other because you can't follow your own feelings" Heartbeat said. "Why don't you try to express your feelings for her?"

"Are you crazy?!" Golden asked. "Of course not! I am one of her Generals. It's not in my code of honor falling by the pony I serve."

"Hello!" Heartbeat exclaimed. "You're already in love, big brother. The point is that you can't express your feelings. Maybe for fear that they will not be matched or because your honor and duty tell you that it's the wrong decision."

"Would you stop with that?" Golden asked. "It annoys me how you analyze my feelings in that way."

"I don't know if you noticed, but that's my job" Heartbeat said. "Besides, you're the one who asked me for help."

"Yes, well... I think I can solve my problems by myself" Golden Paladin said, starting to head to the exit.

"Wait, are you sure you don't want cake?" Heartbeat asked, while extending the hoof, where more chocolate cake had landed.

But Golden Paladin simply came out of her room.

"Ah, dear brother, you are so wrong" Heartbeat said.

Determined to relieve himself from thoughts that were tormenting him, Golden decided to take a stroll through the gardens of the castle. Then he came across something that he didn't expected. Aurora was with Sombra, chatting and laughing. Seeing them like that, Golden’s jealousy made his anger towards Sombra increase. He just wanted to go out there and keep him out of the mare he loved.

"It must be hard to see them that way" a voice behind Golden said.

He startled and turned, facing Mirror Coat.

"Mirror Coat" he said. "What do you mean?"

"Don't try to hide, Golden" Mirror Coat said. "I've realised your feelings for the princess."

"What, but how..." Golden said. "Was Heartbeat who told you about this?"

"Despite the faults that our dear sister may have, Golden, she would never betray a friend" Mirror Coat said. "Especially you. She didn't tell me anything. I may not have her empathy, but I'm a good observer. Don't forget I can observe through the reflexes. When curiosity comes over me, there's nothing that can stop me from finding the truth."

"Yes, I see" Golden said, returning to look to Aurora and Sombra.

"Why don't you tell her?" Mirror Coat asked. "I know I'm not the right pony to give this kind of advice, but if you really like Princess Aurora, you should tell her about that."

"I can't and you know that" Golden said.

"I assume Heartbeat also advised you to do the same" Mirror Coat said. “Golden, you know that when Heartbeat and I agree on the same thing, usually…"

"You and Heartbeat should learn to meddle with issues that are not your concern" Golden Paladin said gruffly.

And, having said that, he walked away.

Golden exited from the citadel and headed up to the border of the Light Kingdom. He felt so frustrated with everything that was going on. Everything was so perfect until Sombra appear. Of course, if it wasn't for him, that battle against the Changelings could not have ended well, but he could have just followed his way. Instead of that, he remained in the Light Kingdom and destabilized everything. Golden just wished Sombra to disappeared.

"Rough day, I assume" a voice said.

Golden Paladin froze upon hearing that voice. He knew it perfectly well. He turned and saw that, right next to the border, on the outside, was the Lord of Chaos. Seeing him, Golden Paladin put himself in attack position and asked:

"What are you doing here?"

"Take it easy, you don't need to be so aggressive" the Lord of Chaos said. "Don't forget that, unfortunately, I can't get into that kingdom full of light of yours."

"It doesn't matter" Golden said, beginning to charge his horn with magic. "You're going to get out of here."

"Whatever you say, also I was just passing through" the Lord of Chaos said. "I was hoping to find some way to get in, but my brother, when he wants to keep me away, usually can do a good job. At least, until I find a solution that plays in my advantaged. The question is that I was passing by and I couldn't help but noticing your sad look. Did something happen?"

"None of your business" Golden snarled him. "Now, get out!"

"Jeez, what a bad mood" the Lord of Chaos said. "I just wanted to help you. You know that I am an excellent listener."

"I don't need your help" Golden said coldly. "I don't need anything from you. Now, go away!"

"Whatever" the Lord of chaos said, turning his back. "It's a shame. I could really help you."

And, having said that, he disappeared.

After that, Golden’s anger calmed down. Honestly, he didn't expect to meet with the Lord of Chaos. he didn't expect him to come to him. It was then that he realized the reason. Lately, he has been leaving the jealousy dominate his heart where he allowed darkness to get in. The Lord of Chaos should want to use it for his doing. Golden realized that whole situation was corrupting him from within, just how Scale was corrupted. His fear of ending up like his fallen brother seemed to be beginning to materialize.

The Lord of Chaos returned to his castle at Discordia and, sitting on his throne, watched Golden through one of his mirrors.

"Interesting" he said. "Something must have happened to this sudden darkness that appeared in the heart of the leader of the Generals of Order. But what could it be? Well, whatever it is, it maybe can help me a lot."

The Lord of Chaos gave an evil laugh.

When the night fell, Aurora walked through the halls of the castle. She never felt so happy. Since Sombra had arrived, Aurora finally found the perfect companion. It wasn't that she didn't like to get along with her subjects or her Generals, but Sombra stirred her feelings in a way that she had never felt before, starting when he saved her from Chrysalis. Sombra was fun and sweet and the two had a lot in common, something that approached them to each other.

During the early days when he arrived to the Lught Kingdom, Aurora didn't really know what she was really feeling, but as the days passed, she finally realized: she was in love with Sombra. But she didn't know if he felt the same way. However, she wasn't going to let this question to haunt her for much longer.

She came to the door of Sombra’s room and, decided with what she was going to do, she knocked. It didn’t last long until she could hear hoofsteps approaching and the door opened with Sombra appearing.

"Aurora?" he asked, slightly surprised. "What are you doing here at this hour of night?"

“Sombra, I have to tell you something and it can't wait"she replied.

"Ok, what is it?" Sombra.

And, unannounced, Aurora simply kissed Sombra, touching his lips with hers. The young unicorn stallion was surprised with that gesture. However, he couldn't break it. To Aurora, that kiss was sweet and warm, feeling the softness of his lips. The kiss was broken and Sombra asked:

"What just happened?"

"Sombra, please listen to me" Aurora said. "I'm in love with you. Since we met, I have been feeling this feeling for you. I thought it was because you saved me, but being with you during all these days, I realized that what I felt was real passion. I love you, Sombra, and I hope you feel the same way about me."

Sombra didn't even know what to say. He had been caught by surprise. He didn't expect that Aurora feel all that for him. But he couldn't help but smile. After all, he also felt something similar for her, but he had not said anything for the simple fact that she was a princess. Then, he passed on of his hoof through Aurora’s face, which made her look at him in the eye. Sombra then said:

"I do."

That made Aurora smile and both went back to exchange a new kiss, this time a more intense one, since it was full of passion from both parties. With the mutual attraction now assumed, the two were unable to resist. They came into the room, with Sombra closing the door, kissing, and landed on the bed, where they could then consummate their passion.

Without them knowing, somepony was watching them from the shadows of the hall where Sombra’s room was. It Was Golden Paladin. Seeing Aurora and Sombra kissing and getting into his room, the General of Peace felt an immense anger and frustration. He noticed that now his love for Aurora was impossible.

In the next day, first thing in the morning, Aurora left the room, having been escorted to the exited by Sombra.

"It was a night to remember" Aurora said to him. "I loved it."

"Good" Sombra said. "So I know it wasn't the only one who loved it."

That made Aurora drop a laugh.

"I better go," she said. "I have to get ready and then I have to take care of some royal business. Do we meet later at the usual place?"

"You bet" Sombra answered.

And, with this, the two exchanged a kiss and Aurora drifted away, with Sombra seeing her walking away and with a smile on his face.

The Lord of Chaos' Most Loyal Servant's Birth

The relationship between Aurora and Sombra, despite having been hidden by those who already knew about its existence, including the involved ones, soon started to be noticed, especially by Generals of Order. In fact, this has become the main topic of conversation among them.

"So, have you noticed how our princess is always with our guest?" Melody asked to her brothers and sisters while they were all in the Great Hall.

That question made everypony look at her, except Golden Paladin, who had his eyes fixed on the book he was reading.

"Who hasn't noticed?" Purple Smoke asked. "It's almost like they're glued together."

"Despite not liking to talk about others on their back, I have to admit that you are right" Leaf Mane said.

"I'm sure the two lovebirds are always out there strolling around the garden, well together..." Purple Smoke said in his scoffing tone.

That made Heartbeat and Mirror Coat look to Golden Paladin, trying to see how he was reacting to the fact of listening what Purple Smoke was saying. However, the General of Peace remained indifferent, reading his book.

Melody, not liking what Purple Smoke was saying, hit him on the head, what made him exclaim, taking the hooves to where she hit him:

"AU! Hey, why did you do that?"

"Because you are talking nonsenses, as usual" Melody said. "How can you say that about our princess? It's disgusting."

"But it's the truth" Purple Smoke said. "You'll not tell me that those two are taking strolls because both think the gardens are beautiful, will you?"

"But you could moderate the tone and be careful with the words you say" Leaf Mane said.

"I think strolling around the gardens it's very romantic" Melody said. "I wish I had a stallion who was as romantic and gentlecolt like Sobra. You know what, they make a great couple."

It was then that Golden Paladin, tired of hearing about Aurora and Sombra, closed the book with strength, something that made all turn to him, and then got up and headed to the exit, saying:

"I'm going to my room."

And he left.

"But what’s up with him?" Purple Smoke asked.

"I don't know, but he seemed pretty upset" Melody said.

"No wonder" Heartbeat said. "Talking about these things in front of him."

Mirror Coat looked to her youngest sister. If he knew her well, if she kept with this, she would eventually reveal Golden’s secret.

"Hey, we were just stating an undeniable fact" Purple Smoke said.

"And expressing an opinion" Melody added.

"Well, you should be more careful with what you say and who's listening" Heartbeat said.

"Heartbeat, enough" Mirror Coat said, before Heartbeat could say more than she should. "This is not a subject to start a discussion between us."

Heartbeat seemed to have heard Mirror Coat, but Leaf Mane, who had a great capacity of observation, said:

"You two are hiding something, aren't you?"

"What?" Mirror Coat asked.

"And there's something to do with the relationship between Princess Aurora and Sombra, isn't it?" Leaf Mane asked.

Heartbeat and Mirror Coat stayed quiet, but their silence was confirming.

"You really know something" Melody said.

"Tell us what it is" Purple Smoke said.

The two General stayed quiet. Knowing those three, they wouldn't leave them alone until they told them what they knew.

Golden left the room, bringing his book levitating. When he started heading to his room, he encountered, to his misfortune, Aurora and Sombra.

"Hello, Golden" Aurora greeted.

"Hello, princess" Golden said, making a bow to Aurora and then addressing to Sombra, trying to use the most cordial tone he could. "Hello, Sombra."

"Hello, Golden" Sombra greeted, who noticed the distant tone that the General had used to greet him. "Is everything all right?"

"Of course" Golden said. "But, if you don't mind, I have things to do."

And, having said that, Golden pulled away.

"Golden seemed strange" Sombra observed.

"Maybe he’s just tired" Aurora said. "You know, he works a lot. Keeping this kingdom safe from the followers of the Lord of chaos is no easy task. Well, I have to go too. I have to go take care of some business."

And, having said that, Aurora shared a kiss with Sombra and said:

"Goodbye, my love."

"Goodbye" Sombra said.

And Aurora drifted away.

However, in the Great Hall, Melody, Purple Smoke and Leaf Mane continued to wonder what Heartbeat and Mirror Coat were trying to hide.

"Now that you started, you have to finish" Melody said.

"Yeah, let us hear it" Purple Smoke ordered. "What do you know about Golden we don't?"

"I have to admit that I also have curiosity" Leaf Mane said.

Heartbeat and Mirror Coat stayed quiet for a few seconds and she then asked:

"What do we do now?"

"Now you ask?" Mirror Coat asked. "You're the one who got us into this situation."

"Yes, but we can't escape this situation easily" Heartbeat said.

"You're right" Mirror Coat said. "They won't stop until they find out the truth and we cannot risk calling too much attention. Very well, you tell them."

"What?!" Heartbeat asked. "Why me?"

"Because you're better at this stuff than me" Mirror Coat replied.

"Don't wash your hooves to me!" Heartbeat protested.

"Can you stop this and tell us once and for all what you know?" Melody asked.

Heartbeat and Mirror Coat still were arguing about who should tell by looks, but the General of Knowledge seemed to have won, because Heartbeat sighed and said:

"Okay, okay, but you have to promise you won't tell anypony, okay? This is Goldy’s secret and nopony can know."

"We promise" the three Generals said at the same time.

Heartbeat took a few seconds before answering:

"Goldy... is in love... with Princess Aurora."

That revelation left Melody, Purple Smoke and Leaf Mane astounded.

"Wait…" Melody said, trying to recover from what she had just heard. "What?!"

“Golden, our Golden, is in love with the princess?" Purple Smoke asked.

"That explains his behavior since Sombra arrived" Leaf Mane realized.

"That's right" Heartbeat said. "Only me and Mirror Coat were the ones to notice. What siblings we have..."

"I'm still amazed" Melody said. "I never thought that Golden could be in love with Princess Aurora."

"Yes, I didn't even know he could fall in love" Purple Smoke said. "I mean, after Mirror Coat, he is the most serious of us all. No offense, Mirror Coat."

"Don't worry" he said. "I'm proud to be who I am."

"Guys, remember, not a word of what I just told you" Heartbeat said. "Mainly to Princess Aurora and Sombra."

"Don't worry, Heartbeat" Leaf Mane said. "We're not going to tell anypony about this. Right, guys?"

Melody and Purple Smoke waved. Heartbeat was relieved, because she knew that her siblings would do anything to keep that secret.

What they didn't know was that Sombra had heard everything, standing at the entrance of the Great Hall. After finding out that Golden was in love with Aurora, Sombra realized the reason for him to be so cold to him. Despite knowing that Aurora loved him, he couldn't help but be insecure enough with what he'd just heard. And then he walked away.

He moved away from the citadel, going to a remote and quiet place, on the edge of the border. He needed to think about that. Sombra had been caught by surprise with this revelation about the fact that Golden Paladin was in love with the same mare he was. None of this had happened before to him.

That situation also made him insecure, after all he only knew Aurora for quite a short time. Golden Paladin knew her best. And what if Golden made that she left him? Sombra simply didn't know what to do.

The Lord of Chaos observed Sombra from his mirror, sitting on his throne.

"I see" he said. "So it's because of him that Golden Paladin has been so conducive to darkness. Interesting. But what soul so... vulnerable. No doubt that he can be quite useful."

Sombra was still lost in his thoughts and insecurities when a voice said:

"I notice that you look lost."

Sombra raised his head, looking around to see where that voice was coming from.

"Who said that?" he asked.

"Me" the voice said again.

And the Lord of Chaos appeared outside the border. Seeing him, Sombra asked:

"Who are you?"

"Well, I could lie to you and introduce myself as someone I'm not" the Lord of Chaos said. "But I'd like to be your friend, so I'm going to tell you the truth. I am the Lord of Chaos."

Hearing him telling that, Sombra adopted a cautious position.

"The Lord of Chaos?" he repeated.

"From what I see, you've heard of me" the Lord of Chaos observed.

"Of course" Sombra answered. "You are the evil brother of the Lord of Order. The master of all villains. But what are you doing here? You shouldn't be in the Light Kingdom."

"The power of the Light Kingdom is always weaker at its borders" the Lord of Chaos said. "Besides, technically, I'm not in the Light Kingdom. Don't worry, while you're on that side of the border, I can't hurt you."

Despite what the Lord of Chaos said, Sombra doesn't let his guard down. He asked:

"What do you want?"

"The question that you should do is what you want” the Lord of Chaos said.

"What do you mean?"

"You know, I can feel that you are in trouble and I want to help you" the Lord of Chaos said.

"Do you really think I believe that? As if the Lord of Chaos would help somepony else but himself."

"Like I said, I want to be your friend. Besides, you're not in a position to refuse help. If my observations are correct, you have a love problem. You're afraid that somepony will steal the mare of your dreams."

Sombra was stunned when he heard that.

"How do you know that?" he asked.

“Because it’s always the same" the Lord of Chaos said. "The only thing that can make a stallion like you lose the head is a mare. And, in most cases, there is always a love triangle. And, with the triangle in which you are inserted, I would also be concerned. After all, competing with the General of Peace by the affection of Princess Aurora is quite complicated."

"How do you know..." Sombra began, remembering who he was talking to. "Never mind. But I don't need your help. I don't have to compete with Golden to win Aurora’s affection. I've already got it."

"Maybe" the Lord of Chaos replied. "But what about in a few years? Don't forget that you, unlike Aurora and the Generals, are mortal. As such, you will grow old and die, while they stay young forever."

Sombra giggled and asked:

"Do you really think you can convince me with that? I know perfectly well that I will die and that Aurora will continue to live. But, for me, her happiness is more important. If, after I die, she wants to be happy with another stallion, even though that stallion is Golden, so I just have to be happy for her."

"A very noble sentiment" the Lord of Chaos said. "But don't forget that before you die, you're going to have to grow old. Probably, Aurora will leave you when your vital force and beauty begin to leave you."

"Aurora would never do that" Sombra said. "She's too good."

And, having said this, he turned his back to the Lord of Chaos and prepared to walk away. However, the master of all evil was not willing to give up and had one last card to use.

"What if I told you that you could become immortal?" he asked.

Hearing that, Sombra stopped. Although his conscience was telling him to not listen, the dark side of his love for Aurora urged him to listen what the Lord of Chaos had to say.

"That's right" the Lord of Chaos said. "I know a way for you to stay immortal. Just think about it, you could be with her forever and ever. Your love would be eternal. Not even Golden Paladin could break it."

The tempting words of the Lord of Chaos were starting to take effect in Sombra, who was being dominated by its desire to stay with Aurora forever.

"You just have to do a little thing" the Lord of Chaos said.

Golden Paladin, unable to stay in his room with nothing to do (once he had finished his book), decided to take a walk through the gardens of the castle. He sat in the shadow of a tree, trying to relax. However, he couldn't. Every time he closed my eyes, I could only imagine Aurora next to Sombra.

"Hello, Golden" a voice said.

Golden opened his eyes and faced Sombra. However, he seemed different. He had a heavy cold look and her features were inexpressive.

"Sombra?" Golden asked, rising up. "What do you want?"

"I discovered that you love Aurora" Sombra said, bluntly.

Golden was shocked when he heard that.

"What?" he asked.

"Don't try to deny it" Sombra said. "I know that from a reliable source. Your brothers and sisters must learn to lower the tone of their voice when they trade secrets."

Golden realized that Heartbeat and Mirror Coat should have told the other Generals about his crush on Aurora and that Sombra had heard everything. However, he managed to maintain a firm stance and asked:

"So? What do you want?"

"I want to know your intentions" Sombra said. "If you want to win her affections, just know that I'll not let that happen."

Golden then aired a smile and said:

"Looks like I'm not the only one to be jealous. But it also appears that, unlike me, you're pretty insecure, even having already won the princess’ love."

"You'd be also insecure if the situation were reversed" Sombra answered.

"You can think whatever you want, but you don't have to be afraid of me" Golden said, approaching. "I know my place. Don't worry, my relationship with Princess Aurora is based in respect and friendship. Regardless of any feelings I may have for her, it will not pass from that."

And he passed for Sombra and began walking away. Feeling anger boiling inside of him, Sombra turned to Golden and started to load magic on his horn. However, instead of his normal magical aura, his horn was surrounded by a black aura engulfed by a vivid violet mist with light brilliant green edges. Then, he fired a powerful magic beam against Golden.

He, feeling an attack approaching, turned quickly and created a shield that protected him from the attack, although it was difficult to defend it. Upon seeing the attack, Golden Paladin managed to understand its nature.

"But this is..." Golden started, not wanting to believe. “But this dark magic. Where did you get it?!"

"It doesn’t matter where" Sombra said, carrying his horn again with dark magic. "What you need to know is that I'm going to beat you with it."

And, having said this, he launched a magic beam even stronger than the previous one. Golden created a shield to protect himself, but the very nature of dark magic made it start feeding his own magic, which eventually begin to create cracks in his defense until it managed to break it and then hit him.

Feeling the beam hitting him, Golden felt an immense pain, as he felt the flower of his star seed appearing and opening, revealing the seed with yellow light that it held. With the exposure of the yellow star seed, the defense that surrounded the Light Kingdom began to flicker, getting immensely weak, something that left the light ponies quite nervous, asking what would be happening.

"No…" he said. "My star seed…"

Seeing the star seed, a manic smile appeared in Sombra’s face, as he remembered the words of the Lord of Chaos:

“So you can achieve immortality and, at the same time, get rid of Golden Paladin by stealing the light of his star seed. By doing this, you will become the new General of Peace and Princess Aurora will be yours for the rest of eternity. I will give you the spell you need, but you will have to use all your anger to activate it.”

Sombra was a step to finally get what he wanted: stay with Aurora forever. He just had to get the Golden’s star seed’s light and he could obtain immortality. He started approaching with his horn creating sparks, due to his increasing excitement. Then, suddenly, a voice exclaimed:

"NO, SOMBRA!"

A pulse of light magic hit Sombra and pushed him a few meters behind, forcing him to protect his face with the front hooves. When he managed to look, he found Aurora, along with the other Generals.

"Aurora..." Sombra said.

"What are you doing?" Aurora asked, not wanting to believe in what the stallion she loved was about to do. "You were trying to steal Golden’s light?"

"I was just trying to save our love" Sombra said. "Don't you understand? With Golden’s light, I can get rid of the restraints of mortality and stay with you forever."

"But steal Golden’s light would be like kill him" Aurora said. "Without it, he would become at lifeless black stone statue."

"So?" Sombra asked, shocking Aurora. "He was on the way."

"Sombra..." Aurora began, still not wanting to believe that she was talking to her loved one. "But what happened to you?"

"I feel a negative energy immensely strong in him" Heartbeat said. "I can't even believe. Until a few moments ago I couldn't feel anything. It came out of nowhere."

‘What happened to him?' Aurora asked to herself.

She turned and saw Mirror Coat making Golden Paladin’s star seed going back to the inside of him, but the process left the General of Peace greatly exhausted, also because of the impact that Sombra’s attack had done. She then headed to Sombra:

"Sombra, despite the love that exists between us, that doesn't give you the right to hurt my friends or hurt anypony."

"You don't understand" Sombra said. "I'm doing this for us. I'm doing this so we can stay together!"

"If so we can stay together is required the sacrifice of my friends, so I prefer that doesn’t happen!" Aurora exclaimed.

Those words were as stab wounds to Sombra. He never thought he had to hear Aurora saying that.

"What did you just say?"

"What you heard" Aurora said. “Sombra, I love you, but I don't want us to be together if it is necessary to commit a crime against the laws of Order."

Sombra contorted his face furiously.

"This is all because of him, isn't it?" Sombra asked, pointing to Golden. "You like him, don't you?!"

"What are you talking about?" Aurora asked, don't understanding what Sombra wanted to say.

"Please, it's pretty obvious" Sombra said. "Golden loves you."

Aurora became motionless when she heard that. The other Generals also became like that, because they didn't know how Sombra knew that, as they were unaware that he had heard that from them.

"What?" Aurora asked, looking to Golden who returned the look to her.

"So that's it" Shadow said. "I was not nothing more than a toy in your hooves. A hobby."

"No, Sombra..." Aurora said, turning back to him. "I love you, really..."

"LIES!" Sombra yelled.

And an intense black aura began to involve Sombra. The force that was freed was such that made everypony cover their faces to protect themselves. It was then that a huge laugh was heard and a voice said:

"It seems that everything is going according to the plan."

Aurora and the Generals petrified when they heard that voice. They recognize it anywhere.

"Lord of Chaos" Aurora said.

And he appeared by Sombra’s side, saying then, laughing:

"Guilty."

"So, it was you" Aurora said, looking angry to the Lord of Chaos. "You did this to Sombra!"

"Sorry, my dear, but he did that to himself" the Lord of Chaos said. "He's being consumed by jealousy. I must say that, unlike Golden Paladin, he has an inability to dark magic, which made things a lot easier."

“Sombra is a good pony" Aurora said firmly. "A pony capable of love."

"But also capable of hate" the Lord of Chaos refuted. "Love is a powerful tool. There's no doubt about that. But when the object of that love is lost in an abrupt way, love becomes hate that acquires the same force that the same love had. And I can show you that."

He turned to Sombra and told him:

"Sombra, show your true power."

And then the black aura became more intense and Sombra's eyes began to glow red. His star seed was revealed and Aurora and the Generals saw, shocked, as it lost its light and it was filled with darkness, returning then to the inside of Sombra. Fangs appeared, his mane became completly black and Sombra’s horn changed in shape, getting more pointed and curved, and adopted a red color. The crystals of his Cutie Mark also became black and, when the red glow left Sombra’s eyes, their iris became bright scarlet and their pupils became deep scarlet, with the eyes involved with the same aura of his horn. Aurora and the Generals were astonished with such transformation.

"Darkness has reached the Light Kingdom!" the Lord of Chaos exclaimed. "Very well, Sombra, destroy the Light Kingdom."

"As you wish, my master" Sombra said.

"No, Sombra!" Aurora exclaimed.

But he didn't hear her and he carried his horn with magic and turned his body into black smoke so he could fly. When he was above of the citadel, he began to destroy it, which caused the light ponies start running and screaming. The guards, seeing Sombra, tried to attack him, but they were no match for him.

"The kingdom is being attacked" Golden Paladin said, trying to get up. "We have to... stop him."

However, he was too weak and his legs finally give in.

"You're in no shape to fight, Golden" Leaf Mane said.

"Golden" Aurora said. "I got this."

"But princess..." Golden started.

"You're in no shape to fight" Aurora said. "Furthermore, Sombra is my responsibility, so I have to stop him."

Golden wanted to say something, but he stopped because he realized that Aurora was right about him not being able to fight. So he nodded, saying:

"Yes, Your Highness."

"Mirror Coat and Purple Smoke, I need your help" Aurora said.

"You can count on us, princess" Purple Smoke said.

"We will give our best" Mirror Coat said.

"And I want you three to take care of Golden" Aurora said to Heartbeat, Melody and Leaf Mane.

The three waved and then Aurora took flight, Purple Smoke turned into smoke and followed her and Mirror Coat went through one of his portals.

Sombra continued to try to destroy the Light Kingdom, while the light ponies were fleeing in terror.

"Sombra, stop!" Aurora’s voice exclaimed, whit her approaching, flying, and stopping. "This will end now."

"And it'll stop" Sombra said. "When you and your kingdom are no more!"

And, having said that, he began attacking Aurora, who was dodging the attacks, while sometimes she made some counter-attacks. What Sombra did not know was that that was not Aurora, but Purple Smoke using his shapeshifting powers. He was fulfilling the role that Aurora had entrusted him: to distract Sombra so that he does not attack the Light Kingdom and give her time to prepare her attack.

The real Aurora was at that time preparing a spell that the Lord of Order taught her to situations like the one they were facing. As it was a spell that took time to use, she was hiding thanks to the mirror magic of Mirror Coat.

However, Purple Smoke continued to dodge Sombra’s attacks. As he did not have his full powers while he was transformed, the only thing he could do was dodge. However, the tiredness and inexperience in flying meant that he would be hit by Sombra sooner or later. He was hit and the spell Sombra used launched Purple Smoke against one of the great towers of the castle, where he was pinned. Sombra prepared a final attack, but then he saw Purple Smoke be surrounded by purple smoke and coming back to his true form.

"What?!" he asked, not wanting to believe. "But where is Aurora?"

"I'm here, Sombra!" her voice replied.

Sombra turned and saw Aurora, who had prepared the spell and had revealed herself, still in the air. In the tip of his horn, there was an intense light that blinded Sombra partly.

"I'm sorry, Sombra, I love you, but I can't let you destroy my kingdom, my subjects and my friends."

And with her eyes full of tears, Aurora released the spell which resulted in an intense magical beam of light that hit Sombra who hadn’t time to react. The impact was hard and painful and created an explosion that sent Sombra away, beyond the limits of the Light Kingdom. The explosion also strengthened the Light Kingdom, restoring its natural defense against Chaos.

The light ponies, free from danger, began the cheer their princess, who had saved them from great danger. However, Aurora did not feel happy or satisfied at all, because she had just broken her own heart.

After Sombra’s defeat, the reconstruction of the destruction Sombra had caused began, but, with the help of Purple Smoke’s magic, the process was quite fast. However, Golden reposed in the infirmary. At that time, he was reading a book. Then he heard a voice saying:

"Can I?"

Golden looked and saw Aurora.

"Princess" Golden said, rushing to close the book and to straighten his posture. "Of course."

Aurora approached and observed:

"Looks like you're better."

"Yes, I just need a good rest" Golden said.

"I'm glad for hear that" Aurora said.

There was a short awkward silence and then Aurora said:

"Listen, Golden, I wanted to talk to you about... You know, about your feelings for me."

"Princess…" Golden started, trying to find words to say.

However, Aurora said:

"You don't have to say anything, Golden. I understand the feelings that you have for me. I just wanted to know if we can be just friends, that's all."

Golden did not respond immediately, meditating. Despite what he felt about Princess Aurora, Golden Paladin knew he couldn’t force her to love him, if he wanted to follow his heart, especially after what happened with Sombra. But also, for centuries, he has been living with Aurora keeping their friendship and ignoring the affection he had for her. The General then smiled and said:

"Of course, Princess. We will be just friends."

Aurora smiled and then gave a hug to Golden and said:

"Thank you, Golden."

And so, having said that, she moved away, with Golden smiled, satisfied that his relationship with Princess Aurora has returned to normal.

After Aurora’s attack, Sombra was sent to a remote place in Equestria. After getting up, the Lord of Chaos appeared.

"Master" Sombra said, making a bow before the Lord of Chaos. “I apologize for not being able to fulfill your wish."

"It doesn't matter" the Lord of Chaos said. "You can still redeem yourself."

"How?" Sombra asked, rising up.

"Creating an army of dark ponies to invade the Light Kingdom" the Lord of Chaos said. "Now that you shacked their defenses, it's the perfect time to plan an attack."

"Very well" Sombra said. "I will now create an army for you."

"No" the Lord of Chaos said. "We have to be careful. The attack has to be a surprise. For that, we must not draw attention. Create an army subtly. This may take months, but we can also give our enemy an illusion of well-being that will make them lower the guard."

"I understand" Sombra said. "I'm going to start preparing everything."

And, having said that, he disappeared.

"Finally, it has arrived the perfect time to attack the Light Kingdom" the Lord of Chaos said. "And when it goes down, the original star seed will be mine, as well as all this reality."

And he laughed.

The Fruit of an Intense Passion

A few weeks had passed since the incident with Sombra. Since she was forced to banish Sombra, after having seen him to succumb to the darkness of the Lord of Chaos, Aurora kept look saddened. The passion she had for Sombra had been quite strong and lose it like that caused a great impact on her heart.

Fortunately, after his feelings have been revealed so abruptly, Golden Paladin managed to maintain his friendship with Aurora, after all. It seemed that nothing in the dynamics between the two had been changed, although it was hard to Golden to be near Aurora for a long time.

However, Aurora began to feel strange. Suddenly, she started feeling some nausea and headaches, as well as strange food cravings. Her humor was too unstable, leaving her very happy or sad or angry over little things. Her period was late, but she didn't give a lot of importance to this, since the whole thing with Sombra had left her immensely stressed. But the reason for all this, was soon explained.

One morning, Heartbeat had just come out of her room, sighing:

"Another beautiful morning."

But it was then that she saw Aurora passing quickly for her, with her face with a slightly greenish tone.

"Hello, Princess..." Heartbeat started greeting, but Aurora didn’t replied and drifted away quickly. "… Aurora?"

Heartbeat wondered what was wrong with her. Not realizing, she used her empathy and then she felt something that left her stunned. She could notice two completely separate entities within Aurora. She was sure that one was Aurora’s, but the other, although little intense, couldn’t be identified by Heartbeat. But this second identity was different. It seemed to be pure and innocent. It was then that she realized and took the hooves at the mouth, not wanting to believe.

"It can't be!" she exclaimed.

"Looks like you got it too" a voice said.

It was Mirror Coat that had appeared next to Heartbeat.

"I can't believe" Heartbeat said, yet overwhelmed by her discovery. "This is… surreal. But, wait, how do you know?"

"Dear sister, you may be able to feel the emotions of a developing baby, but I'm an observer and I noticed the signs" Mirror Coat said. "Taking into account the logic, I guess we know who the father is."

"Yes, and I have a bad feeling about this" Heartbeat said.

"Although I prefer the logic to feeling, I think it's safe to say that you're right" Mirror Coat said.

Aurora, after having barfed, came out of the bathroom, facing Mirror Coat and Heartbeat staring at her.

"Why are you looking at me like that?" Aurora asked.

"We want to know if there is anything you want to tell us" Heartbeat said.

"What do you mean by that?" Aurora asked, not understanding.

"I guess she doesn't know" Mirror Coat said to Heartbeat.

"Yes, and when she do, I bet she's going to faint" Heartbeat said.

"And she would also like to know what you're talking about" Aurora said.

Mirror Coat and Heartbeat traded looks between each other. The former said to his sister:

"Tell her."

"No way" Heartbeat said. "When we told to others that Golden was in love with the princess, I told them. Now it's your turn."

"It doesn’t matter who says it or not, just say it" Aurora said. "What's going on?"

"Well, it turns out, Your Highness... Heartbeat and I realized..." Mirror Coat started. "We realize that you are..."

"You're pregnant!" Heartbeat exclaimed.

That news made Aurora stay without reaction.

"I thought you wanted that I was the one to tell" Mirror Coat said.

"But you were taking too much time and I didn't contain myself" Heartbeat said.

"What..." Aurora began. "What did you just say?"

"You're pregnant" Heartbeat said. "I know this because I can feel the emotions of a developing baby. It's amazing how a being that has no defined organs is already sentient."

But Heartbeat didn’t say more, because Aurora just passed out.

"I told you she was going to faint" Heartbeat said to Mirror Coat who rolled his eyes.

When Aurora came to herself, she was lying on her bed with Mirror Coat and Heartbeat around.

"Are you okay, princess?" Mirror Coat asked.

"Yes, I think I am" Aurora said, sitting and taking the hull to the head. "But I just had the strangest dream ever where you told me that I was pregnant."

"Oh, that was not a dream" Heartbeat said. "It really happened."

"What?" asked Aurora, not wanting to believe.

"Please, princess, don’t faint again" Mirror Coat said. "After all, you have a life growing inside of you."

When Mirror Coat said that, Aurora took her hull to her womb.

"I'm pregnant?" she asked.

"Yes, princess" Mirror Coat said.

"I can’t… believe it" Aurora said, still shocked by the news.

"Given how you spent a lot of time with Sombra, it's a wonder you don't believe" Heartbeat said.

That comment made Mirror Coat throwing her a disapproving look.

"What?" Hearbeat asked. "Too much?"

Aurora rose up and addressed to her mirror, contemplating her reflection. Now that she looked well to herself, she really noticed that she was actually emitted a certain glow (more than the one her luminous coat emitted). She was really pregnant. And with Sombra’s child. She didn't know how she should feel, whether sad or happy.

"Princess" Mirror Coat called. "Is everything all right?"

"Yes" she replied. "Can you please leave me alone?"

"Sure" Mirror Coat replied.

"And please don't say anything to the others" Aurora said. "Mainly to Golden."

"Don't worry" Mirror Coat said. "We will protect your secret."

"With our lives" Heartbeat said. "Well, technically not with our lives, since we are immortal, but..."

"She got it" Mirror Coat said. "Come on, let's go."

And the two Generals left Aurora’s room, leaving her alone to process everything.

The Princess of the Light Kingdom went back to her bed, where she laid, gazing at the ceiling. It seemed that the universe wanted her and Sombra to stay connected. Despite the love that held them together was destroyed, it was replaced by a foal, created by the intense passion that both felt for each other.

Aurora took the hull to her belly, massaging it, still not wanting to believe in it was a baby. She had already imagined herself as mom, but when she became Princess, this idea was forgotten. Now, that dream came back to haunt her, becoming reality.

But she didn't stop worrying about how her baby would be. It was true that the foal was her child, but it was also Sombra’s. And if he or she became also... evil, as his or her father? When she thought in such thing, Aurora moved away that thought. After all, when the baby was conceived, Sombra was still good, that Aurora had no doubt. However, she could predict how would be his or her life. After all, the light ponies were still quite shaken with incident with Sombra and knowing that their princess was pregnant with a servant of the Lord of Chaos would probably leave them appalled and outraged.

"I hate when you look that way, my dear" a voice said.

Aurora startled, when she heard that voice. She looked and saw that it was the Lord of Order.

"Lord of Order" Aurora said, rising up and making a bow.

"Please, there is no need for you to so formal" the Lord of Order said, while Aurora stood up. "After all, you're carrying a life inside of you, aren't you?"

"Yes" Aurora said, discouraged.

"You don't seem quite excited" the Lord of Order observed. "A pregnancy is reason for joy."

"I know, but..." Aurora started. "But this foal is Sombra’s child. I'm afraid that the others may hate him or her for it."

"Yes, this foal is Sombra’s child" the Lord of Order said. "But it’s also yours. Although it is not in my control how everyone will react to this pregnancy, I can only give you courage."

"Thank you" Aurora thanked.

"You're welcome" the Lord of Order said. "But right now, let's get to what really brought me here."

"What do you mean?" Aurora asked.

"I gave a look to the future, after the incident with Sombra" the Lord of Order said. "I was wondering what it could bring to the balance of Creation. And what I saw wasn't very nice."

"What do you mean?" Aurora asked. "What did you see?"

"I can't tell you exactly" the Lord of Order answered. "Aside from the fact that the future is quite fickle, its knowledge can bring serious disturbances in the delicate balance of time. But I can tell you that dark times are approaching. The Darkness is advancing and will try to take over the world. Even the Light Kingdom may be affected."

"What?" Aurora asked. "Are you serious? But what does that have to do with Sombra?"

"Everything" the Lord of Order said. "He is the center of everything that will happen. His hatred for you and the Light Kingdom is growing rapidly and may lead him to attack you."

Aurora had figured that this would happen. After all, Sombra felt betrayed by her. It was also this sense of betrayal that turned him into what he was now.

"How long do I have until the Darkness comes to the Light Kingdom?" she asked.

"Not much" the Lord of Order said. "One year at best. But, Aurora, I have to say that it will be your decisions that will decide where the future will advance, not only to the Light Kingdom, but also... to your foal."

"What do you mean?" Aurora asked.

"That you will be responsible for his or her safety" the Lord of Order said. "After all, this is the role of a mother: ensure the safety of her child at all costs."

And, having said that, he disappeared in a burst of light. It was typical of the Lord of Order: give vague and mysterious advices.

Aurora brought together the six Generals of Order in the Great Hall and told them what the Lord of Order said to her (except the part about her baby). When she finished, Purple Smoke said:

"Who knew that Sombra would give us so many headaches."

That made Melody give him an elbow and then making a gesture to Princess Aurora. Purple Smoke realized what he just said and then said:

"Oh right."

"It doesn't matter who is our enemy" Golden said to his brothers and sisters. "The point is that we must protect the Light Kingdom at all costs. Princess, don't worry, I will increase the defenses and monitoring in the vicinity of the border."

"Thank you, Golden Paladin" Aurora thanked.

"I can put the plants more alert" Leaf Mane said. "If the enemy approach, they can attack them."

"Yes, that's a good idea" Golden said, addressing the other generals. "We all can do something and that's what we're doing."

Everypony waved.

At the end of the meeting, when everypony started to leave, Aurora called:

"Mirror Coat, Heartbeat, wait, I want to talk to you.

The two approached and Aurora said:

"Can we talk in a private place?"

Realizing what she wanted to talk, the two Generals waved. They went to the Mirrored Library, as Mirror Coat knew when somepony walked in or out.

"What do you want to talk with us, princess?" Heartbeat asked. "Is it about the baby?"

"Yes, taking in count what is happening, I need help on this subject" Aurora said. "Following what the Lord of Order said, the future of my foal is in my hooves and, having regard to what is coming…"

"You want advices from us" Mirror Coat concluded.

"Yes" Aurora said. "The future of the Light Kingdom is uncertain and, frankly, it's not very encouraging. Furthermore, I am afraid that when the Lord of Chaos find out that Sombra and me have a child, he's going to want it and turn it on one of his villains. So, I want to ask you to help me figure out a way to protect him or her."

"All of a sudden, I don't remember anything" Heartbeat said.

"I may have an idea" Mirror Coat said.

"Seriously?" Aurora asked, sketching a smile.

"And what's it?" Heartbeat asked.

"It's a virtually perfect plan if executed with precision, capable of protecting the foal from the Lord of Chaos" Mirror Coat explained. "But it requires a sacrifice from you, princess."

"What?" she asked.

"You'll have to give up the motherhood of your foal" Mirror Coat said. "In other words, as soon as he or she is born, you will have to get away from him."

That left Aurora without expression.

"What ridiculous idea, Mirror Coat" Heartbeat said. "How can you ask a mother-to-be to abdicate her own child?"

"It's the only alternative" Mirror Coat said. "If everyone knows that Princess Aurora is pregnant, the Lord of Chaos will also know, and it's obvious that he’ll know who the father is. If we keep the pregnancy a secret until the time of the delivery and, after that, give him to another family to raise, he will be safe."

“Seen from that perspective, it is a good idea" Heartbeat said. "But you can't expect..."

"I accept the idea" Aurora said, breaking the discussion of the two Generals.

That made the two turn to her.

"Princess…" they said.

"If it has to be done to protect my future son or daughter in the future, so be it" Aurora said.

Heartbeat and Mirror Coat didn't say anything and, after a few seconds Aurora asked Mirror Coat:

"What do we have to do?"

"Don't worry" Mirror Coat said. "I've got it all figured out. Also, I've already picked out the perfect family to host the foal."

"Are you sure?" Aurora asked.

"Of course, I'm sure they will be pleased to receive him or her" Mirror Coat said.

"Well, then I leave it in your hooves" Aurora said to Mirror Coat.

He nodded and went through one of his portals.

The General of Knowledge addressed to the neighboring realm of the Pony World: the Enchanted Forest. It was a realm consisted in a massively extensive forest, divided by kingdoms. Despite each kingdom had their own traditions and laws, there was one who was the overlord: Falancia.

This kingdom was ruled by King Nightshade and Queen Delicacy, a couple of unicorns. King Nightshade had a persian indigo coat with a heart surrounded by ivies as Cutie Mark, cadet gray mane, very dark violet coatless hooves and rosewood eyes. On his head, there was a golden Crown decorated with sapphires and rubies. Queen Delicacy had gray coat with a hand mirror as Cutie Mark, chestnut mane and brownish red eyes. She possessed an immense beauty, wearing dazzling gowns too.

Mirror Coat appeared to the king and the queen in their quarters, explaining to them the situation about the Light Kingdom and Princess Aurora.

"Therefore, Princess Aurora needs to find a way to protect her unborn foal from the Lord of Chaos" Mirror Coat said, ending the explanation.

"I see" King Nightshade said, next to his wife. "But what does that have to do with us?"

"Because I know you both want a child, but that, unfortunately, can't happen" Mirror Coat said.

Hearing what Mirror Coat said, Queen Delicacy gained an air that was a mixture of nervousness and excitement and asked:

"Does that mean..."

"Yes, that's exactly what's on your mind, Your Highness” Mirror Coat said. "We ask you to adopt Princess Aurora’s future foal and raise him as yours."

A smile appeared on Queen Delicacy’s face who looked to her husband and asked:

"Do you hear what I'm listening, Nightshade? We have the possibility of being parents."

"Are you sure you want this?" King Nightshade asked.

"More than anything" she said. "You know I always wanted to be a mother. Now, I have a chance to be it, even if it's with a foal that is not of my own blood."

King Nightshade, who loved to see his wife happy, consented with the head and said to Mirror Coat:

"We accept."

"Perfect" Mirror Coat said. "One more thing. In order that we can lose the Lord of Chaos, I suggest that Queen Delicacy pretend a pregnancy for everypony to think that the foal is hers. Once the baby is born, I bring him or her and you can stay with him or her. Agree?"

The king and the queen shared a look and then nodded to Mirror Coat.

"Perfect" he said. "Then I will communicate your decision to Princess Aurora."

When Mirror Coat was preparing to go through his portal, Queen Delicacy said:

"Wait, Mirror Coat."

He turned to her and asked:

"Yes?"

"I can imagine what Princess Aurora must be feeling, so I'd like it to be her to give the name the foal" Queen Delicacy said. "After she is his or her mother. I'm sure she will choose the perfect name."

"I’ll tell her the message" Mirror Coat said.

And, having said that, he went through the portal.

He returned to the Mirrored Library and communicated to Aurora the decision of King Nightshade and Queen Delicacy.

"I'm glad that you picked a good family to my colt, Mirror Coat" Aurora said.

"Yes, I'm surprised too" Heartbeat said.

"Princess, Queen Delicacy says you can choose the name of the foal" Mirror Coat said. "She sympathizes with the pain you must be feeling for going to be separated from your child to protect him or her."

"I am grateful to the queen" Aurora said. "But, now, Mirror Coat, I want you to do something."

"Whatever you want" Mirror Coat said.

"I want you to seal all the information, existing and future, about my pregnancy and everything that can relate the foal to me or Sombra" Aurora said. "I don't want the other Generals to know."

"Of course" Mirror Coat said. "You can count on me for that."

"I really hope all this work" Aurora said.

And so, weeks went by, with Aurora, Mirror Coat and Heartbeat hiding the pregnancy from other Generals and ponies. Meanwhile, King Nightshade and Queen Delicacy announced to their people the future arrival of an heir, following Mirror Coat’s plan of faking a pregnancy. When Aurora's belly started to grow, she, Mirror Coat and Heartbeat had to invent a way for her to leave for the remainder of the pregnancy without anyone knowing.

While Aurora went to the castle of the Lord of Order to spend the rest of her pregnancy (since Harmonia was the only place that the Lord of Chaos could not reach), Mirror Coat created a glass clone of Aurora controlled either by him and Heartbeat to create her kind and wise personality. Despite suspicion from Golden, the General of Knowledge and the General of Affection managed to play the role very well.

Finally, the day of the birth of the foal came. Aurora's water had broken and she was ready to give birth. Mirror Coat led the labor, while Heartbeat was giving forces to Aurora, encouraging her to continue. After long minutes of immense pain and pushing, the cry of a baby was heard.

"It’s a colt" Mirror Coat announced while holding the newborn.

Aurora couldn't contain herself of happiness, as she could finally meet her son. After Mirror Coat have cut the umbilical cord and cleaned the baby, wrapping him in a blanket, he handed him to Aurora and she observed him. He was a beautiful alicorn colt with dark violet coat, black mane and very dark violet coatless hooves.

"He's so cute!" Aurora exclaimed.

"Yes, but you know, in a certain way, he's just like Sombra” Heartbeat commented.

The baby then opened his eyes that had the same shade of green than his father’s. That made Heartbeat say, startling:

"Ah! Even his eyes are the same as Sombra’s. I mean, before he was corrupted."

"It doesn’t matter" Aurora said, admiring her son. "He's perfect."

It was then that Mirror Coat said:

"Your Highness, it's time. Please say goodbye."

Aurora said to her baby:

"Be a good colt and grow up to be big and strong, but also generous and brave. To help you in this, I chose the perfect name for you: Valiant Heart."

"Oh, it's a beautiful name!" Heartbeat exclaimed.

Aurora gave a kiss on the forehead of his son and then handed him to Mirror Coat, saying:

"Goodbye, my Valiant Heart."

With the colt in his hooves, Mirror Coat created a portal and crossed it.

In Falancia, the king and queen were waiting for the arrival of Mirror Coat in their quarters. Queen Delicacy was lying on the bed, as had been announced that the queen had gone into labor. King Nightshade was walking from one side to the other, impatient.

"Where is he?" he asked. "He should have arrived by now."

"Calm down, my dear" Queen Delicacy said. "He should be here in no time."

And, soon after she say that, a portal appeared and Mirror Coat appeared, carrying the newborn foal.

"Your Highnesses, here he is" Mirror Coat said.

"It’s colt?" King Nightshade asked.

"Yes" Mirror Coat said, advancing to Queen Delicacy.

He handed her the foal and she was delighted when she saw him.

"He's so cute" she said.

"You're right, Delicacy" King Nightshade said. "He looks pretty healthy. But... He is an alicorn. Will not call too much attention?"

"Not at all" Mirror Coat said. "You can say that the Lord of Order had blessed you with an alicorn son so the Enchanted Forest can be protected from his evil brother."

"What's his name?" the Queen Delicacy asked. "What name did Princess Aurora choose?"

"Valiant Heart" Mirror Coat responded.

"Valiant Heart" the Queen repeated, looking with a huge smile to the baby. "That's a nice name."

"Well, I have to go" Mirror Coat said. "I have to help Princess Aurora to recover so she can return to the Kingdom of light as soon as possible. The Darkness is coming and we have to be ready. And remember. Don’t tell the truth to anypony."

And, having said this, he went through the portal.

And so, Aurora and Sombra’s son became the Crown Prince of Falancia, the main kingdom of the Enchanted Forest.

The Light Kingdom Falls and a New Hope Borns

After a long time of planning and preparation, Sombra, who now called himself King Sombra, had created an army of dark ponies strong enough to invade the Light Kingdom. Under his leadership, the dark ponies moved to the kingdom that was the source of all light in the Pony Reality, facing all the barriers created by the Generals, being able to make it. They were now trying to break the last barrier, the most powerful one. It seemed to be able to endure, but it would not last forever.

The guards walked from one side to the other, putting themselves at various strategic combat positions, led by Golden Paladin. However, even the General of Peace realized that the chances of winning this war were declining dramatically.

He then advanced to the throne room, entering and saying to Aurora, who was sitting on her throne.

"Your Highness, King Sombra and the dark ponies are currently attacking the Light Kingdom. Our shield is hanging in there, but I doubt that will hold them eternally. He is quite powerful, especially with the Lord of Chaos supplying him with more dark energy. What are we going to do?"

Aurora didn’t want to believe that things had got to that point. Sombra, her former lover and father of her son who was now at the Enchanted Forest, was trying to destroy her and the Light Kingdom. The attack was so intense that she didn’t another option but to use her last resource.

"The situation is quite serious, Golden Paladin" Aurora said. "I'm running out of options. If we can't keep Sombra of getting in, I'm going to have to take the most drastic decision."

"Your Highness, are you talking about..." Golden Paladin started.

"Go call all the other Generals of Order" Princess Aurora ordered. "I want all of you in the Great Hall."

"Yes, ma'am" Golden Paladin answered.

He made a bow and then he headed to the exit, leaving. While advancing to go get the others, Golden Paladin couldn’t stop of considering all the work he had done to protect the Light Kingdom and Aurora as a failure. Because of that, Princess Aurora would had to sacrifice her life to ensure the future of the Light Kingdom.

In the throne room, Aurora stood up from her throne and down the platform stairs. After doing so, she advanced a few steps forward and then she turned to the throne. She closed her eyes and then her horn was loaded with magic. Aurora then launched a beam that struck the central jewel of her throne, and it began to glow and cast a beam of light to the center of the room and it was then that a circular hole appeared and a pillar appeared with a bell jar, where there was the Jewel of Life. Aurora approached the pillar and used her magic to remove the dome and then grabbed the Jewel of Life with the hooves. She observed it for a few seconds and then said:

"I have no other option. I'm going to need your power, Jewel of Life."

And, having said this, she drove up to the gates and left, going to the Great Hall to wait for the Generals. After some minutes, the doors were opened and then Golden Paladin entered along with Mirror Coat, Leaf Mane, Purple Smock, Melody and Heartbeat.

"Princess, Golden Paladin told us what you want" Mirror Coat said. "Don't you think it's a little hasty?"

"Mirror Coat is right" Melody said. "Use the Jewel of Life is too radical."

"Unfortunately, Melody, the radicalism is all we have left" Aurora replied. "Sombra and the Lord of Chaos managed to win this war. But we cannot let them win this world. The Lord of Order gave the best of him to create it."

"Princess Aurora, I don’t to disrespect you, but I think we could fight" Purple Smoke said. "I'm sure we could win. We are much stronger. I personally could take a good portion of the fark ponies thanks to my shapeshifting capacities and my toxic gas form."

"Yes, as a cocky like you could do it" said Melody.

"I'm not the only cocky pony in this room, sis" Purple Smoke replied coldly.

"Don't start you both" Golden Paladin ordered. "We are in a very serious situation. Sombra is in this possible moment trying to overthrow our barrier and will not last long he manage to do it. Princess Aurora decided to use the Jewel of Life because in that way we can save the kingdom and the light ponies. If we fight, we could lose one or both."

"Thank you so much for your support, Golden Paladin" Aurora thanked, smiling. "Your support is very important."

"I trust you blindly, Your Highness" Golden Paladin replied, doing a bow, even that he didn’t want that to happen.

"And I'm with Golden" Leaf Mane said. "Not only because I don't like to fight, but also because I know that we have to think in the Light Kingdom and in all those living on it first."

"But we all know what happens if we activate the Jewel of Life" Mirror Coat said. "All the star seeds of the Light Kingdom will be absorbed by the jewel and we all will turn into stone."

"Everypony but me" Aurora corrected. "As you know, the Jewel of Life will require all the energies of my body. My star seed will survive, but I won't."

All were silent before that revelation. Princess Aurora filled her lungs with air and continued:

"When the time comes and my star seed finding a new host, its light will release one of you so that our Kingdom can have a hope to resurface."

"And which one of us will be?" the past Heartbeat asked.

"The original star seed will know who it will release" Aurora replied. "But now, we must continue with our ritual, before Sombra can break our barrier."

The six Generals of Order waved and then they placed themselves in their respective place in each one of the points of the star. Aurora put the Jewel of Life ahead of her and closed her eyes, beginning to focus magic on her horn. The Generals did the same. It was then that her aura intensified and she opened her eyes, revealing them completely white. The Jewel of Life began to glow with intensity and then it broke free from Aurora’s magic, rising up of Aurora. The gem then freed six energy beams that hit in the Generals’s heads and made the flowers containing the star seeds appear and open up to reveal them. The General’s star seeds began to shine and the beams of the spheres have adopted, one by one, the color of their respective star seed. Then, the Jewel of Life launched a beam to Aurora, which made her flower show up and reveal her star seed, the original star seed, which had the form of a lotus flower, whose color was equal to the aura of its possessor, with a brightness so intense that it blinded. The beam connecting the star seed to the Jewel of life gained its color and then the jewel freed several waves of energy that spread everywhere.

It was then that a big show happened. Star seeds of white light appeared as a sea of light, coming from all sides: walls, pillars, on anything on the castle and also from overseas, starting then entering in the Jewel of Life. They should be all the star seeds that existed in the Light Kingdom, which gave light to the buildings, the streets, the plants, the animals and the ponies. When the last star seed entered in the jewel, the lights began to fade. While doing that, the whole kingdom started being turned into stone, from the outside to the inside. It was distressing seeing the beautiful plants and the gentle animals to be covered by a layer of cold, hard stone, but worse was seeing the ponies petrify, some in panic and others sad.

It was then that the castle itself began to petrify. Soon the interior of the Great Hall where they were began being turned into stone and it was then that also the two big towers also petrified. The entire Light Kingdom was turned into stone, with the exception of its Princess and the six Generals.

"Listen to me" Aurora said. "When our star seeds were gone, the Jewel of Life will hide in this castle, and only you, my Generals, could set it free in the presence of the original star seed. Search it, please, and protect it from the Lord of Chaos. Despite the Jewel of Life being inviolable, it is the only thing capable of bringing the Light Kingdom back to life, aside from my star seed, you hear? These two things are the most sacred things that can exist."

The Generals waved and then Princess Aurora closed her eyes and her magic intensified and so the Generals’ star seeds were released by the jewel and they left through the windows, rising in the sky and then walking away as shooting stars to north, in the direction of Equestria. Without their seeds, all the Generals of Order turned into stone. It was then that the Jewel of Life went down and then introduced in the center of the star which was also the center of the circle. Aurora opened her eyes, turned to her star seed and said:

"Come on, my star seed, seeks a new place for you. As soon as your light came to shine again, our kingdom will know the right time to wake up."

And it was then that Princess Aurora disappeared and the original star seed issued a strong glow and also disappeared.

When the last trace of light disappeared, the last barrier started to crack and then broke and, as soon that happened, Sombra entered, along with his dark ponies.

"Finally, we..." Sombra began.

But then he noticed the petrified kingdom.

"No…" he said. "No, it can't be! The Light Kingdom is... petrified! That means..."

He, along with a pair of dark ponies, advanced to the castle, entering in it and then going to the Great Hall. Entering there he saw the Generals of Order petrified and shouted:

"Those bloody petrified bastards! And I bet that damn princess expel the original star seed!"

"Calm down, master" one of the dark ponies said.

"Yes, we found this original star seed" the other said.

"Idiots!" Sombra exclaimed, turning to them. "Don’t you realize that the original star seed will not appear until it finds a worthy bearer? It can take centuries!"

"Centuries of waiting, something that I despise, when it comes to conquer a world" a voice said.

Sombra shivered and turned, facing the Lord of Chaos, who appeared.

"Master."

"I think I told you to bring me the original star seed of that my brother's princess" the Lord of Chaos said.

"I know, my Lord, and I am so sorry" Sombra apologized, making a bow, along with the dark ponies. "But Princess Aurora should have used the Jewel of Life."

"And now we have to wait an indefinite time until the original star seed appears" the Lord of Chaos scolded.

He then became pensive and then said:

"Looks like I'm going to have to improvise during that time. I'm going to have to spread my darkness as much as I can, while the original star seed doesn’t appear. Sombra, I'll give you one last chance."

"I’ll do whatever you want, master" Sombra said. "Anything."

"Invade and conquer the Crystal Empire" the Lord of Chaos ordered. "Make the crystal ponies your slaves. Without love and light, their crystalline coat will fade and the crystal heart will weaken, which will give me more easily to invade Equestria with my darkness."

"As you wish, master" Shadow said, preparing to leave.

"And, Sombra, don't fail me again" the Lord of Chaos said. "I don't want to have another incompetent on my team. For that, I have Discord."

And having said that, he disappeared.

Sombra then went to the foyer and started heading to the exit with his dark ponies, saying:

"I can't believe what happened! That idiot alicorn ruined my plans and my reputation before the Lord of Chaos! On top of that, he compared me to Discord. I mean, at least I made the Light Kingdom turn into stone, while Discord turned into stone for those Equestrian princesses."

He then stopped and noticed the figure in relief of Princess Aurora and the Generals of Order. Seeing Princess Aurora’s smiling face, a growing anger appeared in Sombra, who remembered her betrayal, and he loaded his horn with magic and cast a magic beam so powerful that it was able to break the indestructible stone and destroy Princess Aurora’s face. And after that, he left.

The five star seeds of the Generals of Order flew through the sky, entering in Equestria, after that, they took different paths: the red star seed went to the north, landing near the Crystal Empire and creating the Oasis of the Heart to protect itself. The orange star seed landed near of the city of Vanhoover, in a cave where it created musical crystals. The green star seed landed in a desert land, creating a dense forest who soon would be called Hollow Shades. The purple star seed landed at the Hayseed Swamps. The blue star seed landed at Rambling Rock Ridge, creating a set of defenses to protect itself, including the Sphinx. The yellow star seed landed at a cave in San Palomino Desert, creating also a set of defenses.

For centuries, the once powerful Light Kingdom remained quiet and still.

Until…

A cry of baby was the beginning for a newborn unicorn filly who would be called Twilight Sparkle by her older brother and would become an alicorn princess and save Equestria many times. But the first amazing thing she did happened after she made her first cry, as the light inside of her was felt by one of the statues of the Generals of Order, releasing her from her stone sleep. However, without her red star seed, she remained unaware of her true identity, only knowing two things: her duty and her name… Heartbeat.

The End