Days had passed until it was time for Star to return to the academy after the winter holidays. However, this moment was not the only one that was going on.
At the villains' hideout, in the Arimaspi’s territory, they had just sealed Four-Tails inside the Demonic Statue, having done that after sealing Three-Tails. Now, the statue had four eyes with iris. After this happened, the statue dropped Black Granite who fell motionless next to Echo.
“Damn, sealing a Tailed Beast is such a pain” Ulysses complained, while massaging one of his shoulders. “I can’t believe there is more of them to seal.”
“You complain too much” Grogar said.
“If we have to hear you say that while sealing the remaining five Tailed Beast, then we will have to get earplugs” Adagio said.
Chrysalis looked to the two Jinchuriki on the floor and said:
“I can’t sense any sign of life coming from them.”
“Yes, finally now we won’t have to worry about a Jinchuriki surviving the extraction anymore” the Lord of Chaos said. “Arimaspi, as this is your home, it’s you who will get rid of the bodies.”
“As you wish, my lord” he replied, while making a bow.
“As for the rest of you, I hope you continue to capture more Jinchuriki” the Lord of Chaos said. “And see if you’re not captured or defeated by the other side. I hate to have the extraction of the Tailed Beast from their Jinchuriki delayed because there is not enough of you.”
“Yes, master” the villains said, in unison.
They then got out of the Demonic Statue and the Lord of Chaos said:
“I’ll be waiting for news.”
And he and the statue disappeared.
"Well, I'd better start with the work the Lord of Chaos has given to me" Arimaspi said, while putting the bodies of Echo and Black Granite on his back. "It's going to take a while until I get rid of these two."
And after saying this, he headed for the exit. As he walked away, Moonlight looked at the lifeless body of her uncle. In some way, seeing him dead caused her some discomfort and relief flooded her heart as he drove away. Chrysalis felt this weight in her heart and asked:
"Are you okay, Moonlight? You seem upset about something."
"It's nothing" she replied coldly.
"Maybe she's upset because she just participated in the ritual that took the life of her own uncle" Ulysses said, in a mocking tone. "It seems that our beloved dark prodigy is not as indifferent as she was supposed to be."
And he laughed of his own joke.
"Shut up, Ulysses" Adagio said. "Don't you know you're not supposed to talk about things you don't understand?"
"Just ook our dear Adagio defending her little sister" Ulysses continued. "I never thought you were such a zealous sister, considering how, from what I’ve heard, you used to treat your other sisters."
Adagio squirmed her face with anger. Ulysses was starting to pass the line. Noting that talk could escalate to something worse, Grogar said:
"That's enough, Ulysses. The Lord of Chaos already told us to focus on our job of capturing the other Jinchuriki and that's exactly what we're doing. I need your help to map out the best way to capture my target."
"Yes, let's let our dear sirens be" Ulysses said. "After all, they already captured a Tailed Beast and have been useful for a change."
Adagio's anger was about to boil over when, suddenly, Moonlight advanced in Ulysses’ direction, saying:
"You talk too much, feathered head."
And just like that, Moonlight made use of her voice. It was magically magnified and focused, reaching Ulysses and he began to feel as if his head was about to explode. Taking his talons to the ears, he started groaning in pain, as he got on his knees. Everyone was pretty surprised about what just happened, mainly Adagio. She could feel all the negativity Moonlight’s voice was transmitting and how that was amazing.
"That's enough, Moonlight" Grogar said. "I think Ulysses got the message."
She stopped and Ulysses’ pain stopped. After that, Moonlight started heading to the exit. After recovering from the shock that went to see Moonlight imposing to Ulysses, Adagio followed her, saying:
"Wait, Moonlight."
And they left.
"That damn filly..." Ulysses said, while getting up. “She's going to regret this..."
"If I were you, I wouldn't do what you’re thinking to do" Grogar advised. "Moonlight’s power increases with her emotions. It seems that the darkness inside her is getting more and more intense."
"Yes, I even could feel it" Chrysalis said.
"Well, this was interesting, but I have to get back to the Dream World" Oogie Boogie said. "I may be able to still torment some dream. There's nothing that appeals more to our master than the power of fear and despair that I create with my nightmares."
With this, Oogie Boogie disappeared.
"And I have a kingdom and subjects to rule" Chrysalis said, heading to the exit. "See you next time."
"And we also have to go, Ulysses" Grogar said.
"Yeah, yeah, just give me a minute to focus the mind" Ulysses said, still a bit affected by Moonlight’s attack.
While they were at Arimaspi’s Territory, Adagio reached Moonlight, saying:
"What was that, Moonlight? I never thought you had a power like that.”
"I was just tired of hearing Ulysses" Moonlight said. "Even for a villain, he can be such a big jerk."
"I strongly agree with you on that" said Adagio. "But still, annoying him can bring you some trouble. Believe me, I know him for years… unfortunately."
"Whatever" Moonlight replied, indifferent. "You know, I want to discharge energy and the best way to do it is to comply with the will of the Lord of Chaos."
"What do you mean?" Adagio asked.
"What I mean is that it's time for Star to finally feel my pain" Moonlight answered.
Adagio was able to feel all the negativity that Moonlight emanated. It was immense. Something left her worried about her, with whom the siren had created some kind of affection.
Star was in the carriage, on his way to the academy. Timber was with him, with his head on his owner's lap. While the carriage moved in the direction of the Enchanted Forest, Star looked at his hooves. He spent the last days of the winter holidays trying to dominate haze nature, but he was still unable to combine wind and darkness. He wondered about what he could be doing wrong.
Arriving at the Academy, Star said goodbye to Timber before the Timberwolf started heading into the woods. After that, he headed to the academy in order to accommodate and then reunite with his friends. They had planned to meet at the inn of Leafgreen.
After putting his saddlebags in his room (seeing that Bramble had already arrived), he got out of the academy and flew to Leafgreen, landing in front of the inn. He went in and looked around, finally finding his three friends: Bramble, Jonagold and Gunter. However, they were not alone, as Galena was with them.
"Hi, guys" he said, as he sat at the table with them. "I hope you had good a holiday. Galena, I didn't expect to find you here, especially after... Well, after what happened with Moonlight.”
He then noticed their heavy air and realized that something was going on.
"What's the matter?" Star asked. "Why the gloomy faces?"
"Well, Star, We..." Jonagold started. “Ah don't even know where tah start."
"Something happened regarding Moonlight" Galena said.
That made Star adopt serious look and ask:
"What?"
"Relax, Star, she's all right… at least physically" Gunter said.
"So what's wrong with her?" asked Star.
"I... I heard a talk between my parents" Bramble said, cautiously. “They spoke about the capture of two more Jinchuriki."
"Two?!" Star asked.
"The Jinchuriki of Three-Tails and Four-Tails" Gunter continued. "Apparently, the Four-Tails was captured by Ulysses, the bully who escaped from Griffonstone."
"But the Three-Tails was captured in the Pony World" Galena said. "Bramble heard his father saying Golden Paladin had sent somepony to try to prevent the capture of the Jinchuriki, but... Adagio got there first. And she wasn't alone. Moonlight was with her."
Hearing that, Star felt his breathing increasing in intensity, while his heart was beating so fast. Golden Paladin knew and had said nothing? Maybe this had been the reason for Mirror Coat had gone to his training. Despite knowing the reason why Golden Paladin didn’t say nothing so he wouldn’t worry, Star felt he should have done it anyway.
"Star, I know what you're feeling" Galena said. "She's my best friend. But I also know that it must be worse for you."
"I need to go" Star said, rising suddenly and heading to the exit.
"Star, wait!" Jonagold exclaimed.
But the young Prince had already begun heading to the exit of the inn, reaching the exit.
"I think we'd better go after him" Gunter said. "We don't know what he can do in the way he is right now."
Everyone agreed and they all headed to the exit.
Star returned to the academy, landing at the courtyard and started heading to the main doors when a voice said:
"Hello, Star."
Listening that voice, Star petrified. That voice... He turned and faced Moonlight, using a cloak and hood to hide her face. However, she did not hide her face for very long, as she lowered the hood. Behind her was Adagio, who also revealed her face. Before that, students who were nearby have begun to panic, seeing the sirens. Star’s friends arrived shortly after and were shocked to see Moonlight and Adagio.
"It can't be..." Jonagold said.
"Moonlight..." Galena said.
Star continued petrified due to Moonlight’s presence. He couldn't believe that she was right there at his front. However, any trace of light and warmness that her eyes might have still had vanished. Despite knowing that the filly who was at his front was Moonlight, Star didn't want to believe on his own eyes.
The headmistresses appeared suddenly and Knotgrass exclaimed:
"How dare you to approach our academy?!"
"We will show you what happens to villains like you!" Merryweather exclaimed.
"Feel the power of good!" Thitlewit said.
And the three fairies launched their magic through their wands. Seeing that, Adagio reacted and, using the power of her pending, she created a barrier that deflected the attacks of the three fairies and then unleashed an energy pulse that pushed them back.
"That power…" Thistlewit said.
"It seems our magic doesn't work" Knotgrass said.
"So let me try to use mine" Melody said, appearing from the inside.
She, seeing Moonlight and how she was focused on Star, realized she had to act quickly. The only problem was Adagio.
"Moonlight, whatever you're thinking of doing, don't do it, please" Melody asked.
"This doesn't concern you, Melody" she replied without taking her eyes off of Star. "Stay out of it."
But Melody prepared to do something, when Star said:
"Do what she says, Melody."
"But… I can't" the General of Music said, looking then to Adagio. "Especially when she's here."
Adagio smiled and said:
"I don't think of doing nothing but prevent you from interfering. If you want to, Melody, we can settle accounts, but I think this could cause some... collateral damage. "
Melody realized what she meant. That place was full of students. If she tried to do anything against Adagio, innocent could be caught in the crossfire. It seemed that nothing could stop the clash between Star and Moonlight.
"Moonlight, I..." Star began.
"You know, Star, I use to love very much" Moonlight said. "I've always had. Even though you only see me as a friend, I never gave up on you. Until the day of the flying derby try-outs. You made me to think that you also loved me and so I tried to express my feelings. But you broke my heart... and now I'll break yours."
"Please, Moonlight, don't let the darkness of Lord of Chaos control you" Star begged. "I know your true self is still there. Please..."
But Moonlight refused to hear him and take a deep breath and began singing. It was the same song she used to defeat Echo Wing and Three-Tails.
However, that song was even more powerful, and Moonlight’s darkness was in its strongest state. All ponies except for Adagio were affected by her dark song, including Melody, however, she was focusing on Star, as he was the one who was receiving most of the pain caused by Moonlight’s dark song.
She couldn't be more pleased, since she was finally making Star feel the same pain, the same humiliation she felt the day she accepted the darkness inside of her heart. However, even so, Moonlight couldn't help but feeling a slight tightness in her heart, something she chose to ignore.
Star could feel all the power of Moonlight’s dark song. The pain was so great, it was vastly worse than when she was corrupted. He didn't know how long he would take. His conscience was starting to become increasingly blurred, while his survival instinct began to try to subdue him in order to stop all that suffering that was being inflicted to him. However, this also would mean that Nine-Tails’ would try to take over. In fact, Star began to feel Nine-Tails taking advantage of the situation to subdue him.
Then, when Star thought that nothing would prevent him from being overwhelmed by Nine-Tails, he noted all the others that were also suffering from Moonlight’s song, feeling the same pain. He had to do something, he had to make Moonlight to stop. Gathering all the courage inside him, Star rose up, determined not to let himself succumb before Moonlight’s song.
"Moonlight, please..." he said, while approaching her. “Stop...”
But she wouldn't stop and the power of her voice was only getting stronger. Star, repairing as the others were suffering, said:
"Please, Moonlight, don't do this. If you want to hurt me, do it, but leave the others alone."
Hearing that, Moonlight stopped briefly singing, getting surprised to hear him say something like that.
"I am the object of your anger" he continued. "I'm the reason you're in the situation you are now. If you want to punish me, do it, but let those who are not to blame out of this."
"Don't listen to him, Moonlight" Adagio said. "He is just trying to trick you. Don't forget that now you're his enemy now."
"I would never do that" Star said to Moonlight. "Not to you. Since I lost you to the Lord of Chaos, I haven't stopped training to be able to bring you back. I know it's my fault, that I should have been more sensitive about your feelings. But that has changed and I'm willing to pay the price for all the suffering I've caused you."
"Prince Star Knight..." Melody started, standing up too.
"No, Melody, I got this" Star said to her. "I can do this. I'm the only one who can."
The General of Music wanted to protest, but decided to trust the young prince. After all, he had the gift of being able to do find ponies’ inner light.
Moonlight just look at Star and then a haughty smile appeared on her face and she replied:
"If that's what you want, then so be it."
With this, Moonlight continued her song, this time focusing all the intensity of her power on Star in such a way that her song left to make effect on the others around. Star could feel an immense pain in his head. It was as if he had a band playing loud music in his own ears.
He could feel his brain vibrating while the pain made to him almost impossible to formulate any clear thinking. But, to Star, there was only one thought in his mind and there was a force that compelled him to not lose his focus: the desire to have Moonlight back. That gave him the strength to resist the effects of Moonlight’s voice and allowed him to get close.
She, seeing this, increased the intensity of her power, but even so, despite being affected, Star didn’t stop from advancing. It was then that their looks crossed. The way he looked at her transmitted everything Star felt. So, Moonlight began to remember all the happy times she lived with Star since they were little foals, including the moments that were of their own and the moments with their friends. It was those memories that caused the spark that made the light return to her heart.
When this happened, and remembering all the evil she had done, all the pain she had caused to her loved ones, tears came to her eyes. They were tears of sorrow and remorse, something that everyone around could feel, including Adagio.
"Moonlight..." she said.
Adagio had never seen Moonlight that way. It seemed that all the evil she had put in her had just made her suffer more than the pain of a broken heart. Weeks ago, Adagio wouldn't have attached to something as trivial as compassion, but the care that was created with Moonlight began to make her think otherwise.
Moonlight looked to Star. A tender smile appeared on his face, as he realized the change that he had caused on her. That smile and the way he looked at her, made Moonlight realize how much he really loved her. It also made her smile and, quietly, she returned to singing.
This time, she did so with the intention of expressing her love for Star and not to cause pain and suffering. It was as if her dark song had just reborn from the ashes like a phoenix. A warm wave struck the hearts of all those who were present. Melody smiled as she felt all the positive emotions Moonlight’s song had. Adagio, however, due to her status as a siren, began feeling the painful effects that a song like that had on the servants of the Lord of Chaos. Unable to endure, she disappeared.
Moonlight finished her song and then took her look set to Star. She smiled at him tenderly and said:
"I love you."
"I love you too" Star replied.
And the two continued with a passionate kiss while the other proceeded to cheer them. A pulse of pure energy was released from their kiss and an intense light left Moonlight and, when it disappeared, she had returned to her former self, without any trace of siren. The two finished their kiss and exchanged a tender smile once more.
They couldn't be happier, but they weren't the only ones, since their friends were quick to join them, welcoming her. The other students and the headmistresses followed the example, while Melody just observed. The moment she had just witnessed was simply magnificent. Finally, things were starting to improve.
Watching the scene from a distance was Adagio. Despite feeling frustrated and angry by Star Knight have been able to bring Moonlight back to the good side, she couldn't help but feel happy for her to have found happiness. Adagio made a slight smile and then disappeared.
The news about Moonlight’s return quickly spread until they reached her parents and, immediately after, they came right up to the academy to meet with her. As he watched her hugging her parents and brother, Star smile.
"It seems everything is back to normal... at least for now, isn't it?" Golden Paladin’s voice said, while he appeared alongside Star.
"Yes" he replied. "I couldn't be more happy for her to be back. And I suppose you talked to Moonlight on what she knows about the Lord of Chaos, right? "
"She told me about what she remembered" Golden Paladin said. "Some of her memories are a bit… clouded. Unfortunately, she can't tell us where the current hideout of the villains is. But she confirmed to me the Lord of Chaos and his villains have sealed Three-Tails and Four-Tails and are already planning to capture the next Jinchuriki and he brought Arimaspi back."
"Arimaspi?" Star asked, remembering the stories that Gunter had told him about that creature. "The monster who always tried to get the Idol of Boreas?"
"I guess the Lord of Chaos is so needy of villains who is willing to give new opportunities to those who have already failed to him" Golden Paladin answered.
There was a pause and then Star asked:
"Do you think that Moonlight will be fine, after everything that happened?"
"I'm not the best pony to answer that question, young Prince” Golden Paladin answered. "But I wouldn’t get worried by that. Moonlight is strong and will get through this. What I'm afraid of is that your motivation is now compromised, now that she's back."
"Or Moonlight’s return might have given me some ideas of how to perform a task that has been quite difficult to do" Star replied, with a smile.
And, by accessing his magic, Star released a thick haze that he was controlling in order to make her take various shapes and textures.
"My, my, it looks like you did it" Golden Paladin, impressed said. "This is really the haze nature."
"After what happened, I realized what I was doing wrong" Star said, dispelling the fog. "I was trying to get the wind and darkness together without realizing the best way to do it. I was trying to force them to join, when I should try to do naturally. After all, the darkness is part of nature, in the same way that it's part of us."
Hearing this, Golden Paladin realized that Star has learned a lot more than just a new nature.
In Discordia, at the throne room of the castle of the Lord of Chaos, he was sitting on his throne, while Adagio was kneeling before him, at the bottom of the staircase to the throne.
"How did you allow Prince Star Knight to awake Moonlight’s light?" the Lord of Chaos asked. "I'm quite disappointed, Adagio."
"I'm sorry, my Lord" Adagio said. "I couldn't stop her from going after the prince, but I really thought she could defeat him. You should have seen the negative power that she freed… It was immense!"
"There was a reason for me to want to keep her away from Nine-Tails’ brat because it could happen precisely what happened today" the Lord of Chaos said. "No matter how darker is the night, it can become illuminated with just a slight spark of light. But... I believe that this is water that can pass under the bridge."
"My Lord…" Adagio began. " That means you're not going to punish me?"
"Why would I do that?" he asked back. "It would be a waste of my time, especially since I predicted that something like this could happen and I made sure she didn't remember our hiding place. In addition, she had already find her usefulness, since it was she who brought me Three-Tails. Now, Adagio, if you don't mind, let me be alone."
"Yes, master" she replied, bowing her head.
Rising up, Adagio began heading to the exit of the throne room, although she couldn't help but notice the great discomfort she felt when she heard the Lord of Chaos talking in that way about Moonlight.