//------------------------------//
// Chapter 3: A Fallen Star... 
// Story: The Black Sun 
// by Super Ponyman 
//------------------------------//

(Main Hallway, Canterlot High)

Burning Star trudged down the hallways of Canterlot High School, Twilight now slung over his shoulders like a sack of potatoes.

He had decided to go ask the principals of this school (who just so happened to be Celestia and Luna and AlSO went missing a few days ago) for help.

To his surprise, no one at school thought this act of him carrying a student that was knocked out Cold down the hall as unusual...

But to residents of Canterlot High that have dealt with She-Demons, Magical Mind Control Sea Witches, Corrupted Goddesses of Magic, and Memory stealing stones...

This was by far the most sane thing happening.

A few teachers had tried to ask him questions as to why Twilight was slung over his shoulders.

They were quickly silenced by a glare from Burning Star's furious blue eyes.

(Canterlot High, Twilights Classroom)

Burning Star approached one of the classrooms and laid Twilight down as he walked in.

The first person he ran into was one of Twilight's nerdy friends, Moondancer.

And By ran into, he literally smacked his body into hers and knocked her down.

"Ow! Watch where you're going, pal. You just knocked me over." She said, clearly annoyed by the utter lack of manners from Burning Star

Burning Star looked down and saw Moondancer upon the floor, he then lifted her up by her shirt and said. "Where is the Dean of the student body? I need some information from her."

Moondancer raised an eyebrow behind her glasses, "And what sort of information would that be?"

Burning Star dropped Moondancer into her seat, picked up Twilight, and brought her in.

He sat her in her seat before removing his camouflage sweater and turning it into a pillow for her head.

"I need to know where Twilight Sparkle lives, she was working late into the night and foregoing sleep again." Said Burning Star, who was  leaning against the wall near Twilight's desk.

Moondancer asked an obvious question, "Wait, are you one of Twilight's friends? How come I've never seen you before?"

Burning Star shrugged, "I've been in a long distance relationship with Twilight. Up until recently, I didn't think she would need me to come in and help with her projects on the research of Magic and its various uses."

He was telling the truth, he did come to help Twilight with magic from a long distance world, but he purposely left it out of context. The last thing he needed was for someone to call the police on him.

Drawing From past experiences, Burning Star has always hated law enforcement... since he had been running from them the majority of his life.

Moondancer tilted her head and asked, "And why did you choose to come out of the blue to help Twilight? I don't even know you, and Twilight tells me everything. I'm her lab partner."

Burning Star sighed, "Because even Twilight has secrets, and if I came out into the open I would put her and her family in danger."

He wasn't lying, he did risk endangering Twilight. Black Sun most likely knew how much she meant to him...

But that wouldn't stop him. It hadn't stopped him from crossing dimensions to stop Midnight, and it won't stop him here.

Moondancer considered calling for one of the other teachers coming in, but then she felt Burning Star's gaze upon her.

She shakily replied, "Twilight lives in the east part of town, near the Public Library. Her friends all live nearby, I swear they are like her roommates or something."

Burning Star nodded, "Thank you, now one more thing... why didn't you call for help?"

Moondancer replied, "Well you seem to know Twilight well enough, and how she is OBSESSED with figuring out how magic works. I think that you've been watching her grow up, even when she turned into Midnight Sparkle."

Burning Star feigned a worried reaction, "I... remember that day. I am glad that she had friends to help her and welcome her here. By any chance do you know why Crystal Prep was disbanded? I had went there before to search for Twilight, yet I found no trace of the school or her. Pray tell, what happened?"

He was telling the truth about everything he was saying, except the last one. He was taking a guess as to why Twilight was here...

Moondancer shuddered, "Cinch was convicted of a crime with her treatment of the Shadowbolts and verbal assault by forcing the coach to run them ragged, or he was going to be fired."

Burning Star rolled his eyes, "I knew Cinch, well my father knew Cinch." He said through a feigned reaction of annoyance.

Truthfully, His father Sombra had known Cinch. She was one of his tutors that Sombra had brought back from beyond the grave to assist in teaching him Dark Magic.

He didn't really like her much, so he wasn't surprised her being reduced to ashes by one of Burning Star's little fits.

That tantrum was actually what made Sombra take him as his personal protégée, he may have been the first to join him... but he wasn't the only.

Well, he was the only one to survive, This to King Sombra, meant he was strong.

And the King knew he was... he had written a book on him!

Who knew the Shadow King was an author under the name K. Arbmoss?

He found this message in the obscure book he found while he was in Sombra's library, written in his former teachers handwriting.

The book was called, "An Assessment of Ponykind."

"Only the strongest thrive. We assume evolution is for a uniform reason: To survive on the bare essentials. But, perhaps not. Dominance is a desire, not a need. So, whatever gave us this ludicrous thirst for supremacy is not on nature's side."

Burning Star wanted to finish up the conversation as quickly as possible, so he asked. "What is her address?"

Moondancer responded quickly, she also was trying to get out the conversation with the large man with blazing red hair and a sword strapped to his back. "She lives in Apartment 457, Star Street Housing Complex. If you can't find it, Sunset Shimmer lives down the road."

Burning Star had heard about Star Street Housing back on Equestria, it was run-down and out of the way. 

And a hotspot for magic duels... many of which he had to break up.

What was Twilight of this world doing there?

The answer hit her like a ton of bricks, "Right, needs to practice her magic away from the authorities... don't want herself to be called a freak. I should make a note to have that place refurbished when I get back home." he thought to himself.

Burning Star reached down to scoop up Twilight, who had awoken during the conversation.

She reached into her pocket to put on her glasses before saying, "Burning Star? What are you still doing here? Shouldn't we be..."

The Equestrian of Fire cut her off by saying, "Going back "home" to "talk"?" He wiggles his eyebrows while saying "Home" and "Talk".

Twilight raised an eyebrow in confusion, before realizing what he meant and saying. "Y-Yes! We need to go talk about how my studies on magic are going, ok?"

Moondancer attempted to ask another question, but Burning Star and Twilight were out the door before she could blink.

(Main Hallway Closet, Canterlot High)

Twilight had pulled Burning Star out of the classroom and into a nearby closet before saying, "What are you doing?! I think you know that someone my age has school today!"

Burning Star shrugged, "Never been a big fan of School, Twilight. Is it ok if I call you that? I feel like calling you, "Twilight from This World" would set off a few people to my true intentions."

Twilight looked shocked, not at the name, but at his opinion on school. "B-But education leads to a successful life, Burning Star?! How come you dislike it?!"

The Equestrian of Fire clamped one of his hands over her mouth before saying, "Quiet, I can't risk being discovered. Fine, go to your classes, today should be an easy day as it is the first day of school and all... I will see you later, Twilight."

With that Burning Star waited until no one was in the hall, before jettisoning Twilight and dashing down the hall at a speed that would have impressed Rainbow Dash.

Twilight walked off to class, wondering what he meant about "being discovered"

(Main Street, Canterlot City)

The Equestrian of Fire had his camouflage hoodie on with the hood pulled up, he couldn't risk his face being shown.

If Black Sun was capable of destroying an entire security detail and getting in and out without Eclipsio knowing... 

Who knows if he was watching at all times?

That was the major reason he wanted to stay concealed.

The other one, was his appearance.

While many of the people living in Canterlot had various hair colors, his red hair and tall stature made him stand out.

There were red-heads in the city, hell... Sunset was red-headed. 

But her hair was mixed in with golden streaks. His hair was a bright, bright red. It was very similar to his fire-wreathed mane in hue.

Burning Star walked into a fast food joint and ordered a hamburger meal.

While Ponies were alien to eating meat, he was different. King Sombra was a primarily a carnivore, as evidenced by his sharp teeth and fangs.

Burning Star did eat plants, but he preferred meat more. Unlike most ponies, he had a pair of canines, and one stuck out of his mouth during his famous fang-lined smirk.

He greedily devoured the hamburger meal before leaving the tray on the trash like a good customer. 

He walked past more people, everyone was staring at him.

Some mothers pulled their kids close as he plodded along like some sort of Giant beast.

Burning Star was no beast, well not at the moment, but he was Giant.

He looked in the window of a store, he easily was 6 foot 4 inches, and his furious blue gaze coming from his hood did frighten him a bit.

Burning Star pulled down his hood and let his hair hang out into his hood.

He tried to crack a smile, but the glass only reflected his fang-lined grin.

Burning Star wandered over to a bench and sat down, thinking to himself.

"This isn't going well. I'm supposed to fit in, not stick out like a sore thumb."

"What is wrong with me?" He said audibly.

He heard a voice, "Burning Star? Is that you?"

The young adult looked up to see Sunset Shimmer, holding an ice cream cone in one hand, and a bag in the other.

Burning Star sighed, "Yes. It's me... Can we please talk somewhere private?"

Sunset Shimmer noticed the sullen tone in his voice and nodded, "Ok. Come to my house, I'm right up the block."

Burning Star shuffled to his feet and walked with Sunset, who noticed something about him.

"Are those... tears in his eyes? What happened to you?"
She said to herself, walking to her home on the end of Main Street

(Sunset's House, Canterlot City)

Sunset's house was pretty large, and most were curious why she had this home if she lived all alone...

Sunset unlocked the door to her house and Burning Star stepped inside and held the door for her.

Sunset stepped in, closed the door, and said to him, "Ok I can tell something is bothering you. You're never this quiet, Burning Star. What's wrong?"

Burning Star said nothing as he shuffled over to the coat rack and placed his sweater on one of the hangars, he then walked over to the court and face planted into the cushions.

Then the tears came, Burning Star wailed. He wailed like he was there was no tomorrow... his tears were hot like boiling water and caused steam to erupt when they hit the floor. 

Sunset walked over to him and put her soft hand on his hair. She said to him, "Its alright, Burning Star."

The Equestrian of Fire shot Up and screamed, "No it is not ALRIGHT Sunset! What is alright about what's happening?! Huh?!"

Sunset was shocked by the sudden burst of energy from Burning Star. She said to him, "I can see that this "Black Sun" issue is on your mind. Do you want to talk about it..."

Silence from the boy, then one word.

"Fine."

Burning Star was about to cry again, but Sunset gave him a tissue to dry his eyes. She said to him, "What happened with Black Sun?"

Burning Star quietly said, "He won... Black Sun defeated me."

Sunset Shimmer was curious, "But, you did fight him as hard as you could, right?"

Burning Star nodded, his expression extremely sad. "...Yes. But I still lost... I pulled out as much power as I could to keep the ponies I love safe, but it wasn't enough. I lost, and now he has Celestia and Luna."

Sunset looked at Burning Star and bit it her lip at seeing him so down, she said to him. "You protected those close to you, you had no clue he would show up."

Burning Star snapped his head up and said, "You don't get it. I'm supposed to be the hero! I'm supposed to be the one who always defeats the villain and saves the day... but I couldn't even save Celestia and Luna from a freak in a suit of armor... what am I if I can't save the day, Sunset? A temperamental and petulant child who somehow got friends through ponies feeling sorry for me?"

Sunset sighed and said, "No. You are a good friend to you're Twilight, and you deserve your friendships. Why do you think you don't?"

Burning Star's tone grew angry, "BECAUSE I AM A HORRIBLE FRIEND! From my point of view, I only became friends with Twilight to get back at my father. When that was over, I didn't know what to do. So I played along, I ruled the kingdom... and I hated lying to everyone about being their friend. I never deserved friendship, Sunset!"

Burning Star got up and his hair ignited into smoke, "the only conclusion to my story would be either banishment or dying alone! I killed ponies, Sunset! I killed them out of anger and out of reasons I don't even remember, and I LIKED IT! Tell me, is there reform for a villain that enjoyed what he did?"

Sunset thought back to what she did, then said. "I enjoyed making life hell for others, I really did. But through some SERIOUS karma, Twilight and her friends stopped me from destroying my chance at friendship. Personally, I think you're similar to me... albeit more violent."

She put her hand on his. His hand was hard and covered in various scars on palm, probably from the tide of battles that he had gotten into time after time.

She looked at his face, it was tough yes... but he looked tired. He looked extremely tired, tired of the violence... tired of the evil...

His eyes were so tired, and concealed it so well.

Sunset saw right through him and said, "You never matured, did you? Deep down, you're still so alone. You still feel alone in a cold world, that no one likes you, right?"

Burning Star only nodded, and Sunset continued. "Judging from what I can gather from what you said to me, you never got the chance to take a breath. To just step back and breathe for once... to find out who your were. You were so concerned with trying to be a hero, trying to make everyone happy so maybe they would overlook just how miserable you were on the inside. How long have you hid this from Twilight, Star?"

Burning Star sighed, his voice so tired. "All my life... I've hid my sadness behind my heroism. I became a good guy because I felt that if I was good, I would actually matter... that I would finally have done something good. Without my heroism, I'm nothing Sunset!"

Sunset cupped his face and said, "I don't believe that, Burning Star. You're feeling upset because you made a mistake, you weren't a hero."

She continued, wiping his tears away. "Now, you feel like no one will care about the real you, the person and pony that cares so much about the world... but is dying slowly inside. Why do you hide this? If I know Twilight, she is perfectly willing to help you. But, she can't help you, and I can't help you if you don't let us..."

Burning Star said nothing, before Sunset suddenly hugged him and said, "Black Sun hurt you. He reminded that you were only doing this to hide, didn't you?"

Again, nothing from Burning Star.

Sunset then felt tears hit her skin, Burning Star was crying.

Crying tears of true sadness... of a man that has felt so bad all his life, and hid it for so long.

The door to the kitchen opened and six girls came out.

From what Burning Star could observe, these were the human versions of the Elements of Harmony.

Only Fluttershy was missing, staying with the other members of Burning Star's party.

Burning Star turned to the group and asked, "How much did you hear of that?"

Pinkie said, her hair flat. "Everything. I'm floored, usually I would find something to give, something cheer you up. Some sort of way to make you smile, but it sounds like you haven't really smiled in a long time."

Applejack sat down next to the fiery man and said, "Ah have heard very honest statements, and ah can tell a truth from a lie. Ah can say that I've never met someone say something so honest, so gosh darn brutally honest."

Rarity's makeup was running, it was clear she felt bad for Burning Star. "Darling, you aren't alone... we will help you the best we can. I promise you, you can and will feel better."

Rainbow Dash sighed and said, "Dude, you must have been so sad for so long, and you still were willing to care so much for Twilight and your world? God damn it, you're so loyal it hurts."

Twilight Sparkle stepped forward, her glasses were visibly fogged up and her cheeks peppered with tears. She said to Burning Star. "I-I'm sorry that this all happened to you. Just... wow. That is all I can say, wow."

Sunset squeezed the former Alicorn of Fire tighter and said, "You will get better, just let us help you. Black Sun can wait, you cannot fight him like this... you can't even fight at all."

Burning Star looked around as the rest of the girls gave him a massive group hug, he muttered something under his breath.

"Thank you."

(Sunset's House, Stairwell)

Meanwhile from the Stairwell, Fluttershy was crying.

She was crying for a boy she hadn't even met, but from what she heard... she felt so bad for him.

So so bad, it hurt.

Shadow Armor was busy with Frostclaw setting up the room, while Prince Eclipsio was busy standing around with Flutters.

He was busy telling her about what he came here to do when Burning Star stared bawling his eyes out.

Unlike the girls, Eclipsio didn't feel bad...

He scowled, he scowled and it became an ugly grimace on his face.

Fluttershy looked at the scowl on Eclipsio's face and asked, "Why aren't you upset? Didn't you here what happened?"

Eclipsio's response was so blunt it was painful to hear, "He should be focused on the mission, not solving his emotional turmoil."

Fluttershy's eyes widened and she about faced before saying, "What? H-How can you be so uncaring, that is your friend down there..."

Prince Eclipsio snorted out, "No he isn't. He is an ally, not a friend, Ms Fluttershy."

Fluttershy frowned, she poked him in the chest before saying. "Why are you so insensitive to his pain?! He is clearly hurt deeply, and all you can focus on is your mission?"

He practically roared at the timid girl, which he never did. He grabbed her wrist and twisted it... HARD. "DO NOT LECTURE ME, COWARD. YOU KNOW NOTHING ABOUT ME, NOR ABOUT BURNING STAR!"

Fluttershy shrank back before saying to him, "Now I get it. You never cared, did you? This is all about the mission."

Prince Eclipsio twisted harder, causing Fluttershy to silently scream. He said to her, "I Don't have time for emotions, Goodnight Ms Fluttershy... and good luck consoling that... emotional wreck. While you all waste your time with him, I will be doing my god damn job, Finding a way to destroy Black Sun."

With that, Prince Eclipsio let go of Fluttershy and stomped up to his room, muttering curses.

Fluttershy clutched her wrist and said, "You don't see it yet, but you're just as nasty as Black Sun. You don't feel sad or happy, you don't feel anything at all, except frustration."

Fluttershy walked down to Burning Star and gave him a hug, telling him such kind things because... that is what she does.

But with no one noticing, Shadow Armor was listening as well.

The Black Knight thought about what Burning Star said, and a single tear rolled down his cheek.

When he heard what Eclipsio said, and heard Fluttershy's silent scream... he clenched his fist so hard that his palm began to bleed.

He said to himself, "If this is what Eclipsio cares about, then I'm going to side with Burning Star... this mission can wait. Helping my friend that has helped me so much is important to me. Celestia and Luna would want that..."

Shadow Armor walked over to his bed and fell asleep.

Night fell across Canterlot, and a lone figure in armor overlooked Sunset's home. It was Black Sun, and he was perched on a nearby roof.

It said out loud, "You are hurt... I will make you feel worthless, pathetic... then I will destroy you Burning Star. I will destroy you and everyone you care about."

With that, Black Sun took off and flew off into the setting sun.