//------------------------------//
// Black & White (edited) 
// Story: The Last Heroes of Equestria 
// by ZeroStar 
//------------------------------//

	The night was brisk and the sky was clear except for the aerial feats of the great Wonderbolts. Orion, A Unicorn with an icy blue coat, a darker blue mane with a white streak going through it, was standing amidst the crowds at the Canterlot castle. “Another year another stuffy Gala.” Orion sighed out of boredom and walked over to the banquet table grabbing a small cup of Celestia’s favourite punch. “Oh punch, you are truly my only friend.” Orion levitated the cup to his lips and took a sip. From the other side of the room Orion heard some shouting. “I am Prince Blueblood, how dare you assault me!”,  taking interest, Orion looked over and saw Blueblood storm off away from a Black Pegasus with a spiked red and green mane. “How curious.” Orion said as he pushed up his glasses. From behind him a voice Orion knew very well appeared. “I see you are enjoying yourself.” Orion turned and saw Princess Luna. “Oh… hey Luna. Yeah the Gala is a bust every year. Filled with snobs and squares.”, Luna chuckled to herself. “Well you don’t have to come to these you know.” Orion looked over at the lunar princess with a grin. “Well then how am I going to show off my Magical hat and cape, My enchanting hat and cape, My mystical hat and cape My-”
“Please stop. I got the point.”
“Sorry.”
“Its okay Orion. Actually I was meaning to tell you something.”
“You have piqued my interests.” He said as he looked over at Luna quizzically. “I want you to stop your teaching job here and go to PonyVille.”
“Whats in PonyVille?”
“I fear that there might be followers of Blackheart.” 

	Blackheart, the unicorn that worked with my great great grandfather, Star Swirl the Bearded. Choosing to betray Star Swirl and to use dark magic, Blackheart became corrupted wanting to destroy Canterlot. Star Swirl caught wind of Blackheart’s plans and told Celestia, who imprisoned him inside a tall tower for hundreds of years.

“I will pack immediately.” Orion turned away from the Princess and made his way to the castle courtyard, the perfect place for his secret door. Upon reaching the entrance, Orion was about to cast a spell to unlock the door but, before he could he heard a voice behind some bushes. “How are you doing mister bird?” Orion peered through the bushes seeing a yellow Pegasus flying near a tree smiling politely like she didn’t have a care in the world as she talked to a bird. Orion’s watched the delicate Pegasus intently. “Hmmm I see, she doesn’t look at all like a threat, I guess I could try opening the door.” Orion stepped back and walked up to a stone wall. Quietly Orion spoke “Ianua”, after this the wall shimmered as if it were made of water. Walking through Orion made his way into a big room with a rounded high ceiling gazing up at the stars. Pieces of paper and scrolls filled all the tables, the walls were covered in bookshelves and symbols. Orion walked over to a cabinet, opening it he grabbed a saddle bag and a few scrolls placing them inside. “Hello?” A voice came from the castle entrance. The same voice as before? Orion thought to himself. “Is anypony there?” No, not the same voice, somepony else.  Orion looked around the corner to see a purple unicorn. “Oh hello, I didn’t know anypony was here.”
“Its quite alright, Who, may I ask, are you?”
“Oh, I am Twilight Sparkle, Princess Celestia’s best student.”
“Oh really? Celestia’s best student?”
“Yeah, You don’t sound impressed.”
“Well I’m not.”, Twilight was shocked to hear that someone wasn’t surprised about her connection with the princess. “What? But the Princess Celestia is the greatest magic user in all of Equestria!”
“Yeaaaaah, Tia is pretty good but, not the best.”
“Wait… Who is the best?” Twilight sounded a little shocked and confused. With a sudden outburst Orion lifted up his front hooves and brought them down making a snap sound while saying “I AM!” Twilight was startled at what Orion had done. “H- how did you do that?”
“Do what?” Orion raised an eyebrow. “You snapped… with both hooves.” Orion looked down at his hooves. “I’m not quite sure.” From the doorway another voice called out to somepony. “Twilight? You in here?”
“Yeah I’ll be right there.” Twilight looked back to Orion. “I better be off.”
“It was a pleasure taking to you Miss Sparkle.” Orion’s horn started glowing and he vanished into a blip of light.

Orion stood at the entrance to PonyVille somewhat early in the morning thinking to himself, ‘So… the cultists are hiding out in this town, I better not draw attention to myself.’, Stuffing his wizard hat and cloak into his bag, he began walking again. Nopony was awake at this time. “Hey, you seem new.” Orion looked up and saw a grey pegasus mare with a blonde mane and tail. “Yeah I am, you wouldn’t mind showing me around would you?”
“Not at all but. WAR HEART!” A black Pegasus with a red and green striped mane landed down near the grey mare. “What is it Ditzy? This guy bothering you?”
“Not at all, War Heart, I want you to show… I forgot to ask your name.”
“Orion.”
“I want you to show Orion around PonyVille.” War Heart made a low grumbling noise as if he wasn’t pleased about what he heard. “Fine.” Ditzy Doo flew close to War Heart and kissed his forehead. “See you later.” Ditzy flew off and left War Heart and Orion standing alone in the entrance of the town. “So what are you doing here?”, War Heart asked without looking down at Orion. “Business.”,  Orion quickly replied. War Heart looked at Orion sceptically. “Right. Well follow me.” War Heart began walking into the town, as they made their way, more and more ponies woke up and began walking around.

“Here we are, the last stop. The Library.” War Heart knocked on the dragon carving covered door, out walked Twilight yawning. “Oh… Hey War Heart.”
“Its a pleasure to see you again Miss Sparkle.” Twilight lifted up her head and looked at Orion. “Its you! I saw you at the Gala the other day.”
“That’s right, My name is Orion.”
“You look tired Twilight, want me to make some breakfast?”, Twilight smiled as her eyes closed from just waking up. “If you don’t mind.”, War Heart and Orion walked inside and War Heart started cooking. After they all ate Twilight began asking Orion some questions. “So you said you were the best magic user in Equestria… What did you mean?”
“Well I’m not the best, that would be my great great grandfather was really good with magic. He even invented some of the spells actually. When Celestia found about his great magical ability she gave him a workshop in the Canterlot Castle, which is why I was at the castle, kinda like a family business.”
“You have an interesting past.”
“You know it Twilight.”
“I am curious though.” Orion raised an eyebrow at Twilight. “Oh?”
“Who was your great great grandfather?”
“You might have heard of him, Star Swirl the Bearded.” Twilight stared, mouth open in disbelief. “She okay?” , War Heart shrugged and continued to sit quietly. “Hey… Miss Sparkle? You okay?” Orion waved his hoof in front of Twilight’s face. She quietly muttered something but neither of them heard it. “What was that?
“Star Swirl, You are a direct descendant of Star Swirl!”
“I guess that means you heard of him.” , Twilight quickly grabbed Orion’s hoof with hers. “ Please teach me what you know!” Orion rubbed his chin with the hoof Twilight wasn’t clinging to. “Hmmmm… Yeah I guess so.” , Twilight let go of Orion’s hoof and started to bounce up and down continuously saying Thank you. “Lets go outside though, I think I need some fresh air.”

As Twilight and Orion walked through town, he began telling Twilight about some magic he knows. “Tell me Twilight, how does one cast a spell?” , Confused, Twilight gave the only answer she would think would be right. “You cast spells with your horn right?”
“And what else?” Twilight looked over at Orion. “What do you mean?” Orion stopped and turned to Twilight. “Well… My ancestor had found another way to cast magic besides the horn. Would you care for a demonstration?” Twilight nodded. “Might want to step back then.” Twilight took a few steps back. “Now… which one to use. Oh I know!” , Orion began taking a stance readying himself. “Ventus.” Suddenly as said the word a violent gust of wind shot from Orion causing him to fly back several feet into a small pile of hay. Twilight jumped in concern and surprise quickly running over to Orion. “Sweet Celestia! Are you alright?” Orion tried stand up and stumbled over. “Yeah I’m oka-” Falling over Orion bumped into a big red Stallion. As Twilight watched Orion she noticed a thin layer of a magical blue aura cover Orion. As he came in contact with the stallion some small bolts of lightning shot off causing the stallion to be pushed a few feet away, leaving Orion on the dirt ground. Twilight ran over to Orion. “What was that!?”
“What was what?”, Orion asked picking himself up off the ground. “That… Aura thing, it was like that one time.” The red stallion walked over to Orion and Twilight. “Uhhh… Twilight.” , Twilight turned towards the stallion. “Oh, hey, Big Mac, you okay?”
“Yeah, it just caught me by surprise.” Orion looked over at Big Mac. “Well hello, Orion.” Macintosh looked over at Orion. “Big Macintosh, you can call me Big Mac. I have a question.”
“Oh? Whats that then?”
“How did such a small pony like you, send me flying like that?”
“Actually I also want to know how.” Said Twilight with interest. “Well I guess I have to tell you then. My ancestor, Star Swirl had one downside to his magical ability and it turned out it stayed within his bloodline.”
“What do you mean?”
“That aura you saw and the thing that made you fly several feet was a defence mechanism of my bloodline. I came to know it as the Star Barrier. The Star Barrier sends out a force of pure magic to protect me from harm.”
“How did I not read about this in my books?”
“Star Swirl never told anyone but family about it, he didn’t want others to worry about him.” A quiet rumbling started to grow louder. Orion and the two other ponies looked around. In the distance, a herd of cows were stampeding through PonyVille. A orange coated pony ran along side the cows, her blonde ponytail wiping in the wind. Big Mac jumped out of the way onto a crate, Twilight teleported to the side where none of the cows were. Before he could do anything Orion was being trampled. As Orion hit the ground, a burst of pure blue magic covering his entire body erupted from Orion, sparks shot off as it sent three cows flying, one landing in a tree and the others causing the stampede to slow down and then halt. Twilight, Big Mac and the orange pony walked over to Orion, he laid on the ground bruised and unconscious, A cut going down the side of his face. “What in tarnation was that Twilight?” Asked the orange mare. “I guess that was his Star Barrier.”
“His what-now?”
“Big Mac could you help carry him to the hospital, AppleJack could you come with us?”
“Sure, Id like to meet this here new pony.”

Orion began to opened his eyes, to his right was what looked like the orange pony from before. “Hey there Sugar cube, how ya feelin’?”
“Ow, like I was trampled by a bunch of cows. I’m Orion by the way.”
“Twilight told me about you. I’m AppleJack, I’m Big Macintosh’s younger sister.” Orion continued to look at AppleJack. “Uhmmm… You okay?”
“I don’t know if it’s the magic or not but, You have really pretty eyes, you know that?” AppleJack looked away from Orion with a confused look on her face. “Oh you’re awake!” Twilight walked inside the room. “What happened to me?”
“You were trampled by the stampede of cows. Oh also your Star Barrier went off again.” Orion sat up straight, he looked as if he heard some horrible news. “Oh no, that’s not good.”
“Whats not good?”
“Whenever one of the barriers are released stronger barriers will happen. That was the second one of five barriers.”
“What are you saying?” There was worry in Twilight’s voice. “There are five barriers. The first is the Core Barrier, it would only effect a really small area. The second is the Body Barrier, that is the one you saw before.”
“Then what are the other three barriers?”
“The third barrier is the Earth Barrier, its range could destroy several houses. The fourth is the Sky Barrier, the range of that could take out just about half of PonyVille.”
“Whats the last barrier?” Twilight asked sounding like she didn’t want to hear it. “The final barrier is the Star Barrier, this barrier is strong and big enough to destroy all of PonyVille and then some.” Both AppleJack and Twilight were quiet, a little shocked from what they heard. Orion started to get up out of the bed. “I wouldn’t want to harm anypony with something like that.”
“No you don’t need to go.”
“Sorry Twilight, I‘ve made up my mind.” Orion walked out of the hospital and down the street. As he walked passed a dark alley way. A hooded pony stood in the shadows, just barley noticeable. “You know you can’t stop it.” Orion stopped and looked down the alley. “What do you mean?”
“The Dark one will rise. Blackheart has returned.” Orion quickly turned towards the alley but, the hooded pony was gone. “I cant go just yet.”, Orion said to himself.

Orion made his way to the outskirts of PonyVille, he stood at a field. “Here we are. This will do.” Orion started to concentrate, his horn and eyes began to glow. “DUCO!” From the ground rock and stone were shooting out of the ground constructing a dome, on the inside tree trunks held up the structure and the stones made the base. “Now time to lighten the place up. Caerula flammis!” Along the walls of the construct blue flames appeared. “There we go.” Orion stepped outside of his newly made workshop.

Orion walked into PonyVille, walking quickly like he had something to do. Kicking open the door to Twilight’s library he quickly made his way to Twilight. “Orion!? I thought you left?”, Twilight exclaimed in surprise.
“I was going to, but I remembered I had a task I must complete before I can go. There is something I need to tell you.” Orion said as he grabbed her hooves. Twilight’s face began going red. “W- what is it?”
“You need to tell me you wont tell anyone. Promise me!”
“I promise.”, she said as Orion let go of her hooves and walked away. “I was sent here by Princess Luna. We believe there is a group of followers. A cult if you will. This certain cult follows a unicorn, one that worked with Star Swirl, Blackheart.”
“I never read anything about him.”
“He was corrupted and turned to black magic instead of staying to the natural white magic us unicorns use. If it wasn’t for Star Swirl, Equestria would have been destroyed.”
“Why are you telling me all of this?”
“You are close with the Princesses and also very powerful with magic, If not you, who could I trust?”
“You have a point.”
“I had just built my work shop in the field outside PonyVille. I just came here to tell you to be careful.”
“Thanks Orion.”

The night air was cold and there were a slight breeze passing by, The moon full and glowing. Orion was awake working on a way to suppress the Star Barrier inside his body instead of having it explode all at once. “NO! NOT AGAIN!” He yelled throwing papers off of a wooden table. “What am I missing! Its right there and I cant get it!” Orion smashed his hooves down on the table and a surge of bright magic blasted out over the table. “Wh- how?” Orion sat and thought about how that was possible. “What did I do to make that happen. Emotions?” Orion tried to calm down and imagine the star barrier. Orion felt the barrier start to appear over him, he heard objects being thrown and breaking on the walls and floor. Opening his eyes Orion could see the world differently, the world had a strange vision to it. The colors were blending with the shadows and he could feel the essence of all of the towns magical abilities. The barrier started to retreat inside of Orion then quickly blasting out and sending everything flying off the ground and crash into the walls. Orion stood on the stone floor panting, exhausted from the use of that much magic. “Well… I think… I think I got it.” 

AppleJack was working on the orchard harvesting a fresh batch of apples until she heard an explosion from a little ways away, turning to see what it was, a cloud of black smoke rolled up over the treetops, an expression of fear and concern came to AppleJack’s face as she started to run towards the source of the smoke. In the middle of a clearing laid the most recent addition to PonyVille, Orion. “What in blue blazes happened to you?” Orion laid still due to being unconscious. AppleJack ran back and got Big Macintosh to carry Orion back to their home on Sweet Apple Acres. Orion slept for one and a half days. When he came too all he saw was the amber eyes of a young filly. “AppleJack! He’s awake!” AppleJack quickly walked into the room “I was getting worried there for a second. How are ya feelin’?”
“Ow, my head. I’m okay, I guess… What happened?”
“I don’t know, I heard an explosion and saw the smoke. When I got there you were unconscious.” Orion laid there thinking, Apple Bloom and AppleJack watched Orion as he stayed quiet. “I can’t stay here, It’s not safe.”
“What do you mean ‘not safe‘?” AppleJack asked cautiously. “There are some ponies after me, bad ponies who will hurt others to get to me.”
“And you expect us to send you on your own, we don’t do that to our friends.”
“Thank you and be prepared the ponies after me are very stealthy and skilled in combat.”
“No problem. We got Big Macintosh.”
“Optimism, that’s good.” Orion hopped out of the bed he laid in. “I will need a disguise for when I’m not here.”
“Well I reckon Rarity can fix you up some new duds. Not sure about yer’ face though.”
“Can you go out and get me a some clothes, I can do the facial change on my own.”
“Alright then.” AppleJack left the room and walked off to Rarity’s. As she got there Rarity was in the middle of fixing up a red coat. “Hey there Rarity, I got a favour to ask ya’.”
“My Dear AppleJack. What can I do for you?”
“I have this Stallion at my place and he asked me to get him some clothes. I was hopin’ you could help me out.”
A spark of inspiration sparked as Rarity heard the news. She quickly agreed and got to work. “I was just thinking of making something a little country and this gives me the PERFECT OPORTUNITY! Dear AppleJack, please wait for a little bit as I get this done.”
“Sure thing, Rarity, just don’t make it to fancy ya’ hear.”
“Yes yes whatever you say, Darling.” Back at Sweet Apple Acers, Orion was still in the room, he sat on the bed, meditating. Apple Bloom walked into the room and said in her average country accent. “What are ya’ doing?”
“It is a technique from the eastern kingdoms, It is called Meditation. It clears the mind and relaxes the body.”
“Do you think I could get my cutie mark from it!?” Orion shrugged. “Its worth a try.” Apple Bloom jumped up onto the bed and sat down beside Orion crossing her legs like he did. They both sat there in silence for a few minutes until. “When does it happen?”
“What does what happen?”
“The relaxing, I’ve been doin’ this and still nothing.”
“Not sure, maybe meditation isn’t for you.” Apple bloom opened her eyes and looked depressed. “Oh, I was hoping to get my cutie mark.”
“Be patient, it will come, eventually.” After Orion said that, AppleJack walked inside the room holding a bag in her mouth. “Herr Ouu go.” She said placing the bag on the ground. Inside was a brown vest with the letters R A stitched into the collar in a fine gold thread. “R A, I wonder what that stands for?” Apple Bloom said. Orion picked up the vest and put it on. “Now time for the facial change. Orion stood still, his eyes quickly shot open and began to glow with his horn. From Orion’s hooves his coat started to change colour, from a icy blue to a deep red. Making its way up, his tail grew shorter and turned red, his mane the same thing. The only thing not effected was his horn, the once icy blue horn was now a deep red. “I might need something to cover up my horn.” Orion looked over at Apple Jack and smiled. “Hey AppleJack, mind if I use something for a bit?” AppleJack backed away a bit. “What?” she asked with some caution in her voice. “I want to use your hat, It would fit over my horn perfectly hiding it.”
“Oh, I guess that’s alright.” AppleJack handed her hat over to Orion. “Thanks… You know… if you let your mane go free, it could look a lot nicer.”
“I might try that then.” Orion smiled and put the hat on. “Perfect fit, don’t you think?”
“Wow Orion, you look like a new pony.”
“I will also need to change my name, Orion would give away my identity. Hmmm…”
“Well what do you have in mind?”
“R A, R A. Red coat… That solves the R, now A.”
“Why not Ace?” Apple Bloom answered sweetly. “That’s not a bad idea.” Apple Bloom smiled, happy she could help. “From now on, whenever you see me like this, refer to me as Red Ace.”
“Sure thing, Ace.” AppleJack chuckled to herself at how silly the name sounded.
“I wonder what Big Macintosh will think when he sees Orion like this, Ey AppleJack?”
“That would be interestin’ ta see.”
“Well, If I fool him ‘m sure I can fool the ponies after me.” Orion walked out of the room and down the stairs leading outside. AppleJack and Apple Bloom watched from the window in the room. “Hey there friend.” Orion said as he walked over to Big Macintosh. “Oh uh, Howdy there. Do I know you?”
“Oh right I forgot to introduce mahself, I’m Red Ace.”
“Nice at meet ya, Ace.”
“I’m AppleJack’s stallion friend.” After that Big Mac’s face became serious as he walked over to Orion. “You hurt AppleJack even the slightest… I’ll break all of your legs.” Then he went back to his normal blank look and walked off. Orion stood there stunned. “The clop did he just say?” AppleJack and Apple Bloom walked out of the house. “What did he say?” Apple Bloom asked somewhat excited. “He… he.”
“What did he say?” Orion walked over to AppleJack and whispered what Big Macintosh had told him. AppleJack chuckled as she heard what he said then she saw Orion’s face and her mood became less happy. “Yur serious?” Orion nod his head. “Oh dear.”
“What is it? What did Big Macintosh say?”
“Sorry Apple Bloom, this isn’t for fillies ears.” Apple Bloom looked up at them both not amused. “Fine keep yer secrets.”, she said as she walked off. “Should we tell him?”
“Maybe not, We could use this to our advantage”
“What do you mean?”
“Well, since Big Mac doesn’t know its me, we could take his advice and say I’m your new… ‘Stallion friend.’” AppleJack began to blush. “I- uh- I guess so. Maybe we should walk into town, tell the others about you.”
“Not now, I think well… we should spend some time together before you introduce me to the others.”
“Alrighty then.”

After a week AppleJack and Orion got very fond of each other getting closer by each day. In the morning Orion and the Apples were sitting at a table eating, Orion quickly finished his food and his conversation with Apple Bloom on how he got his cutie mark. Turning to AppleJack he said. “I think its time.”
“Sure, I think Rarity would preciate us seeing her, showing off yur new duds.”
“Lead the way my dear.”, Orion moved some of AppleJack’s mane that hung in front of her face.
“Thanks, Sugar Cube.”, AppleJack smiled at Orion and he back at her. “Awwwe.”, Apple Bloom said as she watched them, the two of them looked over at her then back to each other and started to blush with embarrassment. AppleJack lead Orion towards Carousel Boutique and opened the door. “Hey Rarity.”
“Oh AppleJack, what a pleasant surprise.”, Rarity paused to see the dark red stallion dawning her fashions. “And who is this classy gentle colt?”
“This here is my Stallion Friend, Red Ace.” Orion tilted his hat at Rarity. “Ma’am.”
“It’s a pleasure to meet you Red Ace.”
“I assure you that the pleasure is mine.”
“Well now, AppleJack, you got yourself a charmer.” Orion smiled glad that she approved of him. “I just wanted to bring him over, show you the stallion who the new duds was for.”
“Charming and fashionable, Don’t let this one get away, AppleJack.”
“I assure you I wont, I was just introducing him to the gals, so we will see you later okay.”
“Very well. Again, pleasure to meet you, Red Ace.”
“Once again, pleasure is mine and call me Ace.” AppleJack and Orion left the shop and headed to Twilight’s Library. Orion opened the door to the library and walked inside. The floor was covered in books of many shapes and colors, A purple unicorn picking them up and shelving them. “Oh, hello, may I help you?”
“Hey, Twilight.”
“Oh, hey AppleJack. Who is your new friend?”
“Oh this is my new stallion friend, Red Ace.”
“Nice to meet you, Red Ace.”
“Same here.”
“So AppleJack is he the reason you’ve been missing for a few days trying out your new stallion?” Twilight said as she raised an eyebrow. “Very funny Twi.”
“Have you seen anypony else yet?”
“Yeah we stopped by Rarity’s first.”
“What did she think of him?”
“I think her exact words were ‘Charming and fashionable’.” Twilight giggled to herself. “Sounds like she likes him. Better watch out there, AppleJack.”
“Whatever you say Twi. We’re going.”
“Have fun you two.”, Twilight said in a suggestive way, The two ponies left the library. “Hey, AppleJack, I want to say something.”
“What is it?”
“Well, when I’m done with my orders here… I was thinking that-.” As Orion was about to say the last words Rainbow Dash had crashed into something right in front of them, Fluttershy not far behind landed beside her. “Nice landing there, Rainbow.”
“Oh… Hey AppleJack. Whose the guy?”
“His names Red Ace, he’s my… My new stallion friend.” Rainbow Dash was a little stunned as she heard the news, Fluttershy seemed happy. “So you are AppleJack’s new Stallion, huh.”
“That’s me.”
“Its really nice to-” Fluttershy said in her natural quiet tone. Orion smiled at Fluttershy. “If you’re with AppleJack you need to be tough. ARE YOU TOUGH!?”, Rainbow screamed as Orion looked over at AppleJack looking like he was saying ‘Is she serious?’.” AppleJack nodded. In the loudest most growly voice he could muster. “YYYYYYEEEEEEEEEESSSSSSS!!!!!” Rainbow stood still as Orion’s voice filled her ears. “Now that’s what I like to hear!”, Rainbow shouted while Fluttershy was hiding under a nearby table, covering her eyes. Orion walked over. “I’m sorry, was I too loud?” Fluttershy looked up at him. “Just a little bit.” She stood up and walked back over to Rainbow and AppleJack. “So, where are you two off to?”
“We were planning on heading over to Pinkie’s. Might as well get the party out of the way.”
“Wait what? What party?”
“Pinkie likes to throw parties for new ponies.”
“Well that’s nice of her.”
“If you two are going we might as well tag along. Means less people to gather.”
“Alrighty then lets go.” The four ponies walked over to Sugar Cube Corner where Pinkie Pie leaned over the counter looking somewhat bored. As The four of them entered her mood perked up quickly. “Hey girls!”
“Howdy there Pinkie. I have someone for you to meet.” Red Ace walked up beside AppleJack. “This is Red Ace hes-”
“Your Stallion Friend.”
“Yeah… How’d you know?”
“Pinkie sense, whenever my hooves feel tingly, means somepony met somepony special.”
“Well we brought him over since we know how much you love throwing new ponies parties.”
“I’d LOVE to throw him a party! Stay here as I get the things.”, Pinkie bounced off. “She’s nice.”
“She can be.”

As more and more ponies get there, Orion started to survey the crowds to see if they’ve seen a suspicious pony lately. Most of them said no and the others were no help. The party was ,at first, slow, not much ponies were there and then, all of a sudden, as Orion walked down stairs the party had doubled in size and War Heart, the giant black Pegasus carried in a barrel. “Hey there.”
“Oh, Hey Orion, new coat color?”
“H- wha- How did you know?” War Heart shrugged. “Just did.”
“Don’t tell anyone, I need to stay hidden.”
“Why?”
“I’m on a mission from Princess Luna. So just. Shush okay?”
“Whatever you say, guy.”, War Heart said.
Orion noticed the barrel that was strapped to War Heart’s back. “What’s in the barrel?”
“Oh this? Just a drink from my place.”
“Yeah, but what is it?” War Heart set the heavy barrel down and grabbed a cup from the counter pouring some inside. “Here, try some.” Orion was ,at first, hesitant, but then came to enjoy the taste of the drink. Before he knew it, the entire party was filled with drunk ponies. War Heart watched and laughed at them as they did some stupid things. Orion sat on a couch, somewhat intoxicated, feeling a slump next to him. Next to him sat Fluttershy. “Hey there, handsome.” She said in an unnatural seductive tone. “Oh hey… Fluttershy?”
“Yes?” She leaned in getting closer. “Are you hitting on me?”
“What if I am? What are you going to do about it?” She said into his ear as she strokes the other side of his head. “You know I’m with AppleJack right?”
“Oh who cares about silly old AppleJack. You have me here.”
“I’m not sure I’m comfortable with this.”, Fluttershy leaned in and whispered into his ear. “You’re going to love me.”, with a menacing sound of promised violence in her voice. “Okay.”, She became happy once again and rested her head on him as her arms were around his neck. Orion looked over to War Heart, he mouthed the words ‘Help me’ to him. War Heart just chuckled to himself and shook his head and walked away. AppleJack walked in and saw Orion being snuggled by Fluttershy. Orion noticed AppleJack and looked down at Fluttershy then back up to AppleJack, his expression changed to a shocked look as he furiously shook his head. AppleJack walked over to Orion. “So, what do we have here?”
“I can explain!”
“Sure ya’ can.”
“She threatened me!” AppleJack looked at him, as if she was saying ‘are you serious?’, “Well, She’s not threatening you now.”
“She has a very good grip.”
“Grip on what?”
“You aren’t making this easier for me!”
“Don’t worry, I don’t mind.”
“You don’t?”
“As long as I get to join in.” AppleJack leaned into Orion and starts to- Orion suddenly wakes up with AppleJack leaning against him. Orion thought to himself, ‘Did I just have a dirty dream of Fluttershy and AppleJack? Not sure if gusta, but pretty gusta.’ Orion looked over to his right and sees Fluttershy nuzzling against his leg. ‘Oh clop! Was it a dream? I don’t remember!’ War Heart walked over to Orion, “Have a nice nap? You needed it after the night you had.”
Orion’s eyes widened as he thought, “oh clop, what happened?”
“Who knew you were so good at Karaoke.”
“What?”
“Yeah, You, AppleJack and Fluttershy had a trio.”
“Oh… so that’s what happened.”
“Yeah, I didn’t see all of it, I kinda left after you three started making out. Later, Orion.”, War Heart walked out of the room. “I’m getting all my legs broken…”, Orion fell back asleep, waking up later to see AppleJack gone. “I wonder where she went off to?” Attached to the wall was a note, reading, ‘We have taken her, if you want to see her alive, come to the abandoned house, near the edge of town. Come alone, or else.’, Quickly getting up in shock, Orion charged out the door and onto the street. He had cast a spell changing him back to his natural icy white and dark blue. Running towards the abandoned house. The door hung open, the house was dark and lifeless. Orion walked in cautiously. “AppleJack, you in here?”, Before realizing it, a pony ended up behind Orion, knocking him unconscious.

Orion awoke to a room made of cement, stone pillars holding up the foundation. The room was lit by candles with a symbol painted on the wall of a black star with a red droplet in the middle. On the other side of the room laid an unconscious AppleJack. “APPLEJACK!” A hooded pony walked in. “Well well well, I see you’re awake.”
“Who are you?”
“Call me… Rose Shadow.”
“What do you want?”
“What do I want? I want the world plunged into darkness.”
“I cant let you get away with that.”
“Id like to see you try and stop me.”, A few more cloaked ponies walked inside. “I want you to take care of him.” Then She walked out of the room as the two new ponies began to kick and stomp at Orion. A few more cultists came in and started to bring their hooves down on AppleJack, she cried out in pain and slowly began to go limp. Orion couldn’t feel her presence anymore. Orion’s vision began to blur and then darken. Then… suddenly the pain stopped. Orion stood over the ponies, he could feel all of the magical essence of the town. Orion’s eyes glowed a bright white. Walking over to AppleJack he stood above her concentrating on his magic, His hooves began to glow a bright blue. Orion stomped them onto the ground sending a shock wave through the stone floor causing the pillars to shatter and collapse in on itself. Orion knelt and nuzzled AppleJack and they both vanished in a flash of a bright blue light.

Orion and AppleJack appeared back at Sweet Apple Acres, levitating AppleJack, he brought her to her bed and laid her down. A tear dripped down as Orion walked through town in a rushed pace walking towards his workshop. “I wont give up, I wont let them get away with what they have done.” The doors flew open as Orion walked towards them, he stopped inside his workshop. “What happened back there?” , A brief flash of memory. Another barrier was activated through the trauma of seeing AppleJack being harmed, The cultists were tossed across the room like play things. Orion stood up and looked over at the other cultists, eyes glowing and sparks shooting off his body. One brought out a knife and the other charged at Orion, The charging pony hit Orion and knocked him to the ground but was also tossed away by the barrier. The next cultist took the knife and slashed Orion across the eye, cutting deep. Orion turned away from the cultist in pain. The cultist lifted up their knife for another strike but, as they brought it down, a bolt of lightning shot out and sent them into the corner, their chest fried from the burst of electricity.

Orion lifted his hoof up to his left eye, looking down at his hoof he saw blood drip down from it. “Well that explains the pain.”, Rummaging through a drawer, Orion found some bandages and covered up his left eye. Grabbing a few scrolls and placing them in his bag he teleported back to the house. The building was now collapsed, rubble of wood and stone was now in its place. Concentrating, Orion began to lift the pieces of the house until he saw the stairs to the basement. Most of the cultists were crushed by the cement and one was fried by the lightning to their chest. One of the cultists began to crawl away, one of their back legs broken. Orion walked up to him and lifted him up, “What are you planning!?”
“Eat shit.”, Orion started getting furious and threw the pony on the floor. “I’m only going to give you one more chance! What are you planning!?”
“Why do you care!? Just because your mare was hurt, you want revenge!? Maybe you’re on the wrong side, mate.” Orion grabbed the knife that the cultist had cut his eye with, “Now tell me, where all of you are meeting. If not, I won’t be the only blind pony here!”
“Okay, okay.”
“That’s more like it.”
“We were all-”
“We were all?”
“We…” The cultist began gag from the foam in its mouth. “WHERE!” In choked back words and gurgles the cultist said “E-ever… free.”, saying that the cultist’s head lowered as he died. Orion stood up and teleported outside.

Orion stood at the edge of the Ever Free Forest. “I’ve heard a lot about this place, but I must push on. They will pay for hurting her!” Orion charged inside the forest searching high and low for any sign of the cultists. As Orion knelt down to rest he could feel the area growing colder. Not thinking about it Orion continued to rest. Out from the bushes walked a creature, legs like a wolf except hairless and white, the body was hunched over with its spine protruding out its back forming spikes of ice. The arms were long with fur around its forearms, fingers long like branches and claws like icicles. Its head was shorter than a normal dogs face and its ears were long and pointed. Teeth sharp and clear as well as 2 tusks dangling down from its top jaw like icicles. Orion looked up at it and jumped back, its glowing blue eyes watching him. “Wh- what are you?”, The creature didn’t speak, it slowly began to walk over to Orion. Orion slowly began to back away but, the creature’s reach was long and its hands big. It grabbed Orion by the horn and pulled him closer to it. It stared at Orion in the eyes, Orion couldn’t help but stare back at the ice creature. “What are you doing here?”, The creature looked over to a small gap in the trees, on the other side was hooded ponies walking by. “The cultists.”, The creature nodded. “I came here to stop them, they… they hurt somepony special to me.” The creature looked back at Orion and let go of his horn. In a voice that sounded like several whispers the creature spoke. “I will assist you.”
“You can talk.”
“Indeed I can.”
“What are you?”
“I am a Ghellu, a frost creature.”
“Never met one of your kind before.”
“My kind is only few, most of us were hunted by the Griffons.”
“Whats your name?”
“In my language I am known as The Frozen Ranger, but you may call me Fir”
“Well Fir, how do you plan on helping me? Fir looked over at the cultists and back at Orion. “With this.” Fir stretched out his arm and his index finger’s claw began to glow blue, cutting through the bandages Fir touched Orion’s eye. The bandages fell, Orion’s eye was healed. “What did you do?”
“I have given you a gift.”
“I feel different, I feel… controlled, calm.”
“I had felt that you were greatly superior in magic then almost any being I have felt before…but.”
“But?”
“But there was something wrong with you.”
“What do you mean?”
“Because of your magical ability your life was shortened.”
“What? How?”
“Your magic was eating away at your life span slowly killing you.”
“What did you do to me?”
“I have replaced that slow killing with something else.”
“Something else?”
“One point of every year you will loose all ability in magic, as well as become extremely weak.”
“I guess that’s better then dying.”
“Now, lets go stop them.” Orion’s eyes began to glow. His voice echoed. “Way ahead a ya’.”, The two walked over to a cave entrance where 2 cultists stood guard. “WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE!? ARNT YOU SUPPOSED TO BE DEAD!”, Out of Orion’s horn a bolt of lightning shot out leaving a burning mark on the cultist’s side. Fir stared at the other cultist shaking with fear, inhaling, fir leaned back and shot out a blast of frost from his mouth, freezing the pony in place. “Looks like he… got the cold shoulder.”, Orion jested. Fir looked over at Orion, “What?”, Orion questioned.
“Are you serious?”
“Shut up.”, Orion said as Fir chuckled to himself while the two ran into the cave. They stopped as they came to a room, where several of the cultists were standing around another repeating some words. “Drun faal dilon In. Drun faal dilon In. Drun faal dilon In.” the words began to quiet down as the middle pony began to speak. “We gather here today to bring forth our fallen Master, so that he can bring this world into darkness. Begin the ritual!”
“How are we going to stop them?”, Orion asked the Ghellu.
“We must destroy the ritual.”, Fir suggested.
“Thanks Captain obvious.”, Orion retorted
“What do you suggest?”, Orion sat in thought for a few seconds, “Well I have one idea.”
“What’s that?”
“ATTACK!!!”, Orion leaped over the rocks of the cave and down at the cultists, Fir followed after him. The cultist in the middle looked over at Orion and Fir. “Stop them!”, Orion took stance and cast a fireball at the cultists, Fir charged the others and cut their sides with his long icicle-like claws. “Is that all you got?”, A few more cultists ran at Orion and Fir, quickly Fir shifted over and blasted the cultists with his frost breath. Orion and Fir turned to face the ritual, the middle pony laughing. “Hahahahaha You bloody foals, The time has begun, the master has risen!”, As she continued to laugh a burst of dark purple fire shot out from under her. After a brief second of inferno, the same mare stood there, surrounded by the other cultists. After the fire cleared, the cultists began to bow to the mare in the middle of them. “Oh, it is great to be back.”, the mare inhaling deeply after her sentence.
“What the…?”, The mare took off her hood, long dark purple hair flowed down her face and around her horn. “Well this is new. Never was a mare before.”
“You must be Blackheart.” The mare looked over at Orion, her deep purple eyes filled with anger. “Why yes, I am. New and improved. Who are you?”
“Orion, the 4th descendant of Star Swirl the Bearded!”
“Another Swirl eh?
“You fought against my ancestor Star Swirl.”
“That’s right, my old friend Swirl.” The mare began to walk closer to Orion. “Then he betrayed me!”, She said in a angered voice. 
“Betrayed you? YOU BETRAYED HIM!”, Orion shouted.
“They would want you to think that, Star Swirl was such a good pony. Hahahaha, what a joke.”
“I can’t have you insult my heritage that way!”
“Boo hoo hoo. What are you going to do, Stop me?”
“That’s exactly what I’m going to do.” Fir lunged out at Blackheart only to be stopped with the telekinesis. “Is that the best you can do?”, the mare said as Orion started channelling his magic. “Fir! Get out of here!”, Fir looked up at Orion and quickly dashed off leaving Orion and Blackheart. “Whats this? Does the little pony want to be the hero?”
“You hurt her… And for that… YOU WILL PAY!”
“What are you doing!?”
“OPENING RESTRICTION SKY BARRIER!”, As Orion finished his command the entire cave blasted full of a bright blue force, everything inside being pushed and crushed against the stone walls. Orion’s eyes opened, everything around him was rubble, the walls were scorched from his blast. In a pile of rubble a leg from a black pony laid limp. “That… teaches… ya‘.”
“Teaches me what?”, Blackheart began to stand up out of the rubble. “Teaches me how much of a screw up you are? That wasn’t a spell, that was child’s play.”
“How… How did you survive that!?”, Orion was angered as well as saddened from the sight. “Oh, it was easy really, I just needed to make a small barrier around myself at the right time.”
“All of that… She’s dead… Because of you.”, Orion slumped to the floor, eyes wide. 
“Oh don’t be so hard on yourself. If it wasn’t for you, she wouldn’t have died that slowly. She would have died faster! Hahahahahahaaaa!”
Orion sat on the floor speechless.
“Oh what’s this, the silent treatment? Well doesn’t matter really, I was going to just kill you and go about my business. But… I guess I can leave you to wallow in pain for a while. Taa taa for now.”, Blackheart vanished in a cloud of smoke and Orion sat alone in the shattered remains of the cave. “I cant believe it… She died for nothing. I- I’m not even strong enough to stop Blackheart. The world is doomed.”, A hand was placed down on Orion’s shoulder. “Its not over yet.”, Orion looked up to see Fir. 
“What do you mean?”
“I want to show you something Orion.”, Fir said as Orion looked up uninterested, “What is it?”, Fir placed his hand on Orion’s heart. “Can you feel it?”
“Feel what?”
“The beat of your heart. The heart that beats for that one you care so much for, even if it has been only a day or even a week. I can tell you truly love her.”
“What does it matter… she’s dead.”
“Is she?”, Orion felt a spark in his magic. He could feel all of the life rush back into AppleJack. “How… I was positive she died.” Fir chuckled. “I have been around for a long time, trust me when I say. Love, it can work in mysterious ways.”, Orion stood up with a smile. “Fir…”
“Yes?”
“Thank you.” Orion said just before teleporting out of there. 
“Anytime young one.”

Blackheart stood in the middle of a field, the skies were covered in thick black storm clouds, the plant life around her began to die as she stepped, as did the birds in the sky. “It sure is good to be free again.”
“So you are the pony that’s doing all of this.” A growled voice said from behind Blackheart. “And who may you be?”, Blackheart turned to see a big black Pegasus with a spiked out green and red mane. “War Heart, Protector of PonyVille.”
“So I’m in Ponyville, eh? That explains this earthy feeling.”
“If you don’t stop now, I will have to stop you, forcefully.”
“Then come on Pegasus, give me your best shot.”, Blackheart said with a hint of a challenge in her voice. War Hearts wings spread open as he bolted off the ground at Blackheart. A wave of sound took over as War Heart flew closer, dodging War Heart, Blackheart teleported out of his way but was stumbled by the gusts of air. “Not bad, for a Pegasus.”
“Not bad, for a unicorn.”
“But now… Its my turn.” Blackheart’s eye became black as coal and her horn glowed with a black aura as well. “Sopor Aeternam!”, War Heart started to become weak. “Wh- whats going on?”, He said as he fell on the ground. “Not much really, just a little sleep spell. Make sure you wont be able to move.”
“When I get free I’m going to-” Blackheart closed his mouth with telekinesis. “That’s enough from you.”
“Then how about somepony else.”
“Well well well, the Swirl is back. Come to apologize?” Blackheart chuckled to herself. “Not exactly, I came to join you.”
“Really? What made you choose the dark side?”
“The pony I loved has died, the good side has nothing for me now.”
“Now that is a good stallion. You made the right choice.”
“I thought so.”
“Come here. I have a task for you to do.” Orion walked over to Blackheart. “You see this Pegasus, I want you to kill him. Right here and now.”
“Is that it? I thought you were going to give me a challenge.”
“Think of this as initiation.” Orion walked over to War Heart. “Sorry about this. Evanescere.”, War Heart was gone in a bright blue light. “Is there anything else you need me to do?”
“For now… no. That will be all.”
“Good. Congelasco!” Blackheart froze in place. “Well, looks like some pony has done their homework.”
“I may not be as strong as my ancestors. But I will stop you.”
“What ever happened to, the good side has nothing for you?” Orion smirked. “It was merely a lie.”
“Bravo. Now I guess you are going to kill me where I stand.”
“Not sure about that.”
“Good. Since… You suck at freezing ponies.”, Blackheart’s horn glowed and she was freed. “I thought you were going to break free. Which is why I had a failsafe.”
“And what’s that then?”
“Me.” Blackheart teleported behind Orion and kicked him. “You? Please, a pony in magic kindergarten can stop you.” Orion struggled to get up, Blackheart teleporting over and kicking him down again. “Like a useless toy. Tell me, useless toy, do you have anything to say before you die?”
“Yes I do.”
“Oh this better be good. What is it?”
“Opening restriction Star Barrier.” Orion began to glow as he was lifted up into the air. Over Orion’s hooves were an aura of light blue. “Didn’t you already show me this trick before? Its getting kinda old.”, Orion teleported in front of Blackheart, hitting her cross the face sending her flying by, teleporting again Orion looked at her limp on the ground. Blackheart kicked up and she flew a few feet away. “Looks like you learned a new trick.” Orion stayed quiet, constantly teleporting over to Blackheart hitting her down. “Well why don’t we put our differences behind us, imagine. I can resurrect your Marefriend!”
“Sorry… but no.” Orion brought his hooves down on Blackheart’s chest sending the full force of the Star Barrier inside of her, her chest crushing down and making her heart explode instantaneously killing her. War Heart was freed from the magic and the sky began to clear. “Looks like I did it.”
“You did well for a Unicorn.”
“Thanks War Heart. Sorry I cant stay for the victory, there is… somepony I need to see.”
“Its okay.” Orion teleported and found himself in the entrance of Sweet Apple Acres. Quickly rushing upstairs he found AppleJack asleep on her bed. Quietly he walked up to her and gently nuzzled against her, AppleJack woke up. “H- hey Orion.”
“AppleJack.”
“What is it?”
“I… I need to go.”
“What do you mean?”
“What I had to do is done, I have to go back to Canterlot.”
“I… I understand.”
“Don’t worry, I will be back.”, AppleJack watched as Orion stepped back a bit. “Oh and AppleJack.”
“Yes?”, Orion started to tear up as his horn began to glow. “I love you.”, With that he vanished in a flash of light.

For the past week AppleJack hadn’t seen or heard about anything from Orion, Until. “Excuse me. Miss AppleJack.” AppleJack turned. “Ye-…” Before her was a dark icy blue pony, his mane a little messy since last she saw, his eye fully healed showing a noticeable scar going down his right eye. “I- is it you?”
“Sorry I’ve been gone for so long.” AppleJack walked up to him, her head down. “It- its okay. I just missed you that’s all.”
“Oh AppleJack.”, Orion knelt his head down and brushed hers with it, “You don’t need to worry about that anymore. I have built a home for myself in the field I fought Blackheart. I will be able to visit whenever I want.”
AppleJack began to tear up, “Thank you.” For the next week, the two seemed inseparable, As the two of them sat on the porch Orion’s horn began to glow a bright yellow. “Well that’s interesting.”
“What is it Sugarcube?”
“Well it only does that when Tia wants me.”
“Go… I will be here when you get back.”
“What if she wants me to go on some kind of long quest?”
“Then when you get back, we can work on your bucking.”
“See, that’s why I love you so much.”
“Good luck.”