//------------------------------// // Chapter 5: A Beautiful and Yet Dark Night // Story: The Elements of Fate // by jrain91 //------------------------------// Luna starred down from the balcony, looking at her elder sister playing and partying with the new bride and groom as well as their friends. Part of her wanted to join in the festivities, but it just didn't seem right for some reason. The last few nights she had started feeling more and more lonely and often thought about her past and all that her and her sister had trudged through. They had happy memories, sad memories, scary memories as well as regrettable memories. Despite the variety, however, all of them were still a vital part of who they are now. This night, however, these feelings of loneliness were stronger than ever. “Everypony's having a good time down there. I should really go down there and join them, but I can't help feeling that I don't belong.” Luna said while still looking down at the crowd of ponies. She then slowly turned to the wondrous full moon that she had created that night. “What is my real purpose? Is it really to just raise the moon every night? With no pony to ever be beside me?” she asked herself with tears welling up in eyes. She then began to think back like she had so many times before. “I remember the first time mom tried to teach me to fly.” “That's it, Luna now just try flapping a little faster!” mother cheered while I was flapping my wings to the best of my ability. “I can't mommy they're not big enough yet.” I said. “Don't worry honey, you'll get it eventually!” mother said with a smile on her face that warmed my heart. “You still can't fly yet little Lulu? You're hopeless!” mocked a voice coming from the royal castle in Ponysopalis. “Tia, shut up! You know you're older than me so of course you can do it.” I yelled at Celestia whilst sticking my tongue out at her. “Now, now, girls don't fight. You know daddy's off on a business trip right now. He's still trying to keep peace with the draconicai, even when all others say that's it's a fruitless effort. You don't want him coming back to an angry family now do you?” We glared at each other for a little bit before I finally apologized. “Why did you apologize Lulu? I'm the one that said the mean thing.” Celestia asked. I looked down at the ground and spoke up, “Because I love you sis and I don't want to fight with you.” Celestia looked surprised and started to blush at what I had said. “I'm sorry too, Lulu. I shouldn't have said those things.” Celestia said while looking down smiling. Mother then called both of us over to her and hugged us tightly. “Now that's what I like to see from my girls. Daddy would be so proud of you two if he were here right now And you know that I am, my little ones. I hope you are always there for each other. Why don't we go get some dinner? Celestia you can help make Luna's favorite salad can't you?” “Sure mom, although I still don't understand why she likes those nasty eggplants.” Celestia said as Luna's flashback ended. “That was a beautiful day, but I it was so long ago. If only mom and dad could have stayed with us instead of going to the battlefield like they were warned against doing. The fools! They should have stayed.” Luna said while still staring at the moon. She then heard Cadence's voice from below, “Luna! Why don't you come down? We're having a lot of fun!” Luna walked to the edge of the balcony and shouted, “I appreciate thine offer, but I'd like to be alone at this particular moment.” “Well ok, but you're welcome down here if you change your mind.” Cadence replied with a slight worry in her voice. Celestia just looked up her sister and wondered what was going through her head. “Cadence, huh? I doth remember when sister and I met her on the outskirts of Manehattan so long ago.” Luna said as another flashback began to fill her mind. “Tia, why don't we stay in Manehattan? It seems like a nice enough place.” I asked my sister. “Yes Luna, it is nice, but I think it will be better to start over in a small and quaint town; instead of a bustling city. That way we could make more of a difference in the other pony's lives. You understand what I'm getting at don't you, Luna? Besides, the city of Manehattan is going through some kind of civil disagreement at the moment and both sides are very angry with each other; it will likely turn violent soon. ” Celestia said back. “ I understand sis, but isn't there anything we can do to help? I mean we can't just leave them like this, can we?” I asked with a saddened tone. “'Tis not our place Luna. We are not from here and thus, shouldn't get involved with their civil disputes. It saddens me as well, but this is for the best. Trust me.” the white alicorn replied. Although I didn't fully agree, I went along with sister's judgment. With that being said, we departed the grand city of Manehattan. On the road heading East, I noticed something peculiar on the side of the road behind some brush. “Tia, what do you suppose that is?” I asked. Celestia looked over to where I was pointing and saw what seemed to be a pink, yellow and purple pony tail! “Why it looks like a tail Luna!” Celestia said while trotting over to it. Once over there, she saw a little pink filly, maybe about five or six years old. She had passed out and was barely breathing. “Oh my! We have to help her!” I cried. I quickly grabbed some food out of my saddlebag while Celestia tried to wake the young pegasus pony up. At last the little pony woke up just barely. “My dear, do you need something to eat? It looks like you haven't eaten in weeks.” Celestia asked. “Y-yes... p-please.” the pink mare barely whispered. After eating most of the food that we had, the pink mare was back in good shape. “Thank you so much! I almost died out here!” the pink mare said. “We saw my dear, if it weren't for Luna's keen eye you probably would have.” Celestia said while I started blushing. “Thanks again to both of you and by the way, my name's Cadence. What's yours? And how did you become alicorns?” “My name is Celestia and this is Luna. And we were born alicorns. What were you doing out here all by yourself?” Celestia asked. “They kicked me out of the city.” Cadence said starting to cry. “City? You mean Manehattan?” I asked. “Yes, I was trying to calm down the political leaders and end the civil dispute in the city, but they kicked me out. I just wish I had the power to make a difference.” Cadence said with tears streaming down her face. I then smiled at her and said, “I could give you the power to make a difference if you want!” Celestia glanced over at me and said, “Are you sure you want to use it now Luna? You know each of us can only use it once it our lifetimes.” Cadence looked confused and asked, “What is IT?” “My sister and I have a spell that can turn either an earth pony, a pegasus or a unicorn into an alicorn, but we can only use it once in our lives. And yes, sis I am sure. She can create much good in this world, I am sure of it!” I exclaimed with conviction in my voice. Cadence looked at me in disbelief, “Could you please do it then? I want to be able to help. I HAVE to help! Ponies should love each other, not fight over pointless things!” Cadence roared. Celestia nodded to me, and then I flew up into air and shot a mighty bolt of sparkling blue magic onto Cadence. The process was relatively quick, but you could tell that the horn growing did hurt a little bit. After the blue energy had dispelled there stood a new alicorn: Princess Cadence! We then hurried back to Manehattan to see if Cadence could do what she so strongly desired to. Once they reached the town they immediately demanded an audience with both of the leaders of the city at the same time. Being alicorns as we were, this request was granted though the people didn't see how this would help. Once in the meeting, Tia and I stood back and let Cadence do all of the talking. The meeting seemed to be going fine for a while, until one of the leaders brought up the main reason for the argument: that most of the rich ponies had to pay less and got more privileges than the poorer ones. Cadence tried to explain that they could give equal money and taxes to each pony, but none of the leaders would listen. Soon, the once peaceful discussion came to a boil. Ponies were yelling, threatening each other and even started to hurl things at one another. “Stop! Stop!! STOP!!!” Cadence shouted as her newly formed horn began to glow pink. Suddenly, what seemed to be pieces of a broken heart shot out her horn and immediately shot over to each one of the politicians who were too busy fighting to notice. The pieces then flew into each one's head and met in the middle to form a perfect unscathed heart. After this happened all the fighting stopped and the leaders just starred at each other wondering why they were fighting each other. It wasn't long before they came to an agreement that the amount each pony got wouldn't change, but those who made over a certain amount would have to pay a higher tax than the ones that didn't make as much. At that moment, Cadence's flank began to glow as a beautiful crystal heart formed as her cutie mark. A few days later me and my sister left Eastward again, we asked Cadence if she wanted to come and she said, “Not right now, but I will follow shortly. I need to make sure things here are all worked out first.” Tia and I just nodded and left to be on our way. As the flashback ended, Luna walked back to the edge of the balcony and said, “I guess I made the correct choice after all.” Though there was now a slight smile on the princess of the night's face, another memory soon wiped it away. “How could I forget about the most recent one? The bad news that I received after I was changed back from Nightmare Moon.” Luna said while entering her third and final flashback. “I know Luna, it's OK, let's head back.” my sister said to me after I had apologized to her; and we then headed back to the castle. Once we got there, all of the royal guards greeted me as if nothing had happened; I'm guessing that was sister's doing. It was almost winter time again and sister had some disheartening news for me. “Luna, my sister, I'm not sure how to tell you this so I guess I'll just spit it out.” sister said to me. “What is it, Tia?” I asked her with worry, since she looked troubled. “Well Luna,” she then paused for a moment. “You see we are on the last snowflake that Snowdrop made.” I looked at my sister in disbelief and began to hastily think of a way to spare it. “Can't we just keep it sister? Must we use it? It's the last thing I have to remember her by!” I pleaded, but to no avail. “No Luna, you know that she wouldn't want us to keep it selfishly for ourselves. She wanted the joy of the winter snow to be shared by everypony.” sister explained to me. I silently hung my head and agreed, then I ran off to the bedroom, where I spent the rest of the night pondering on my old friend. A couple days later Celestia and I dropped the last Snowflake of my beloved friend. And just I was about to say goodbye, sister said something to me. “Luna, that snowflake wasn't the last thing to remember her by. You have your memories of when you spent those important times together and those will always stick with you no matter what.” I couldn't believe what I had heard! She actually said something that made me feel better. I knew it wasn't the first time, but after being banished to the moon for a thousand years, it seemed like it was. Luna then exited her flashback and decided to go fix something to eat. During her flashbacks, however, another pony back in Ponyville was also having them! Back in Ponyville while finishing feeding Fluttershy's animals; Ice Breeze walked outside of the cottage and remembered back to some memories of his own. “Man it's been a long while since mom and dad perished.” he said with his ears flopping downward along with his moral. “I still remember when mom and dad tried to teach me how to be a royal guard. Hehe I was awful at it.” he laughed while starting to fade into his past. “AGAIN, ICE BREEZE! FOLLOW THROUGH WITH YOUR SWING!” my dad would always yell, he was always so critical. That's when mom came in, “Honey, don't be so hard on him. He's trying his best.” “Storm Caster dear, if I don't go hard on him then he won't end up a good soldier.” dad explained to her. “Yes, Shock Wave I know, but he's only a colt. His body can't handle too much yet.” Then I spoke up and said, “Don't worry mom, I'm ok. I want to keep going father, I need to be as strong as possible for King Dusk and Queen Dawn.” both mom and dad just looked at me and smiled. Then I concentrated on my next strike fully. “Ok then Ice, come at me again. Let's see what you've got son.” dad told me. “Alright dad, you asked for it! HAAAA!” I screamed as I charged at him with full speed and all of my might. Our swords struck each other with great force. Dad seemed surprised at the speed that I was able to muster. “Son, that was incredible! I've seen very few ponies your age that can move that fast. Even the king and queens daughters can't move like that! It turns out that you will make a fine guard after all my son.” dad said smiling before I passed out from exhaustion. Ice's mind then returned to the present and he realized that he was still at Fluttershy's cottage. So he went inside and told Angel and the others goodnight and started back home. On the way back he saw the Everfree Forest to his right. This got him thinking about his old magic tutor Genevere. “Genevere was the first friend I had since my parents. Though we weren't as close as me and Shield. And she taught me lots of useful things.” he said while fading back into memories. “So, you know nothing of magic? For an alicorn, this is quite tragic.” she told me the first day of training. “So what's first?” I asked. “We will start with the most basic of magic spells. Levitation is now where your mind must dwell. To do this simple task, all you must do is focus on an object and let it in your magic bask.” “OK I'm focused on that rock, now what?” I asked. “Now just imagine it in the air. And it will float on without a care.” she told me. I did as she told and sure enough it worked! I spent time perfecting the levitation and we then moved onto magic blasts and force fields. “Now my dear Ice. These two subjects are almost exactly similar so teaching them together proves nice. For a beam just focus your magic at your horn. And for a force field focus it around your form.” Once again, her instructions were dead on. Except for the fact she never told me to hold the field in place. So it kind of ended up being a circular energy blast. And not to mention all of the elixir training. She taught me which plants went well with which and what ailments they each helped. But the most important thing she taught me was to respect diversity. She did this a couple simple sentences which also happened to be the last sentences I heard from her before I left. “You have learned much my child in these past years. But one more lesson you must learn to break others around you into cheers. This lesson is the most important I have to teach. So suck these words in like blood to a leech. There are all sorts of ponies out there. Each with their own set of cares. But no matter what their talent is, they all play a role. They continue to do so up until nature's final bell toll. So next time you see another pony no matter what shape or color. Be polite and kind and know that you are all as important as the other.” Ice then snapped back into present time to find out that he'd almost arrived at his house. And to this day, he keeps those words in his heart and soul! He finally reached his house, with it now being around eleven o'clock at night he decided to call it a night. So he went upstairs and crawled into bed. Despite being tired however, he thought back to one more moment: the vision he had in cave a thousand years ago! And so, once again, a flashback occurred. After the two ponies came and hit me with that rock, I felt like nopony would ever love me or even care for me as a friend anymore. And that was the case for the following thousand years! Finding nutrients for that long of period wasn't easy. I had to constantly find different sources further and further away from the cave that I had made a home out of. I had thought about giving up lots of times, but that changed when I saw them that night. The night before I set out to Ponyville, I had a certain dream that reaffirmed my convictions. “This life is so lonely, maybe I should just end it tomorrow.” was what I thought that night; then I fell asleep. The dream started off in a thick fog so I couldn't see anything at all, but then I heard something, “Ice, did we hear you correctly? You want to kill yourself?” a familiar voice asked. “Who's there? Show yourselves!” I yelled still wondering whos voice that was. “You've forgotten us already? I know we died in the war a long time ago, but at least remember your parents, son.” I started to cry as he saw the silhouettes of my parents: Shock Wave and Storm Caster walk out of the fog. “Mom? Dad? Is that really you?” I asked while crying like a little colt. “Of course it is dear. It seems you've had a rough life since we've been gone.” mom said. “It has been, mom. I've only had two real friends and they're both dead. There just seems to be nothing to live for anymore.” I said while running over to them. Once I got over there, dad hit me square on the head knocking me back onto the ground, “I don't wanna hear you talk like that! You're part of the royal guard family, self-pity isn't an option! Do you understand?” dad yelled with tears in his eyes. Then they both looked at each other and came over to where I had been knocked down at. Once there, they both grabbed me in a huge hug and started crying, “We're so sorry we couldn't be there for you through the hard times. Though we had jobs as royal guards, we also had responsibilities as parents, which we neglected.” “No, it's OK. You had a job to protect Equestria, it wasn't your fault. I still love you no matter what you did or didn't do in the past. And I don't blame you for what has happened to me over these long years. I just don't see the worth of living anymore.” I said back while hugging them as well. Then mom spoke up, “But son, you must have a reason to live. Or else you wouldn't still be here.” “That's right son, you still have something that you need to accomplish. We don't know what that something is, but it can't be overlooked.” dad followed. “Your dad's right and besides you haven't fallen in love yet. Nopony should die without experiencing true love. And who knows, maybe she'll be an alicorn like you.” I just looked at her and laughed, “All of the other alicorns are dead they...” I was then cut short. “Don't be so quick to suspect things. You might be surprised at the end result.” I just nodded my head in agreement. “We don't have much time left Ice, we love you. Please don't forget that. And know that we are always looking over you and we are so proud of what you've become. You just have believe in yourself and in your destiny!” mom and dad said simultaneously as they disappeared. “No worries mom and dad. I know that you both love me and I'll keep my head up high, I promise. Goodbye, I love you forever.” With that, Ice finally came back to present time with a big grin on his face as the stars seemed to form the image of his parents. He then drifted off to sleep not knowing that he'd meet somepony special there. Back at the castle, Luna was growing more and more bored by the minute. “Hmm, perhaps I should go join the party. It is quite dreadful up here by myself.” she said. She then walked toward a window that showed the town of Ponyville and she sensed something of interest to her. “What's this? A troubled dream? Well maybe I can help ease their rest for tonight.” Ice was sleeping restlessly when all of a sudden he heard a loud shout in his dream, “ART THOU OK? YOUR DREAM SEEMS TROUBLED!” “Whoa, who's yelling? I don't recognize your voice at all.” Ice replied. His eyes then widened as he saw a beautiful dark blue alicorn mare with a mane and tail that resembled the night sky itself. This mare looked equally shocked to see that the source of the dream was also an alicorn. “W-who are you? You're an alicorn! How can that be possible?!” Ice stammered. “I-I am Princess Luna. I watch over the night time and the dreams of ponies, who art thou? I wasn't aware of another alicorn other than sister and Cadence.” Luna replied. “My name's Ice Breeze, it's a pleasure to meet you your highness.” there was then a brief pause. “WAIT, WHAT? THERE ARE TWO OTHER ALICORNS AS WELL?” Ice shouted. “I AM QUITE IMPRESSED WITH YOUR ROYAL CANTERLOT VOICE! And yes, me and the other two live in the capital city of Canterlot. I am just as surprised to learn of your existence as well Ice Breeze.” Luna said. She then started to blush and asked, “Would thou mind if we stayed in thy dream awhile? I am most bored right now and I am quite intrigued by your existence. I would love to hear where you came from and where you've been.” Ice answered, “Sure, I don't mind. Stay as long as you want, it's not often I get to be in the presence of a beautiful princess.” Ice then realized what he had just said, “Oh, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to say that. Please forgive me, your highness.” he begged. Luna just looked at him awkwardly and started laughing, “'Tis OK Ice Breeze, nopony's ever told me I was beautiful before. Thank you.” she replied while blushing. “Just Ice is fine, My princess.” he said. “Then thou shall just call me Luna, nothing more.” she replied. He nodded as they both just continued to stare awkwardly at each other. “So Ice, where doth thou hail from? It is most odd to see other alicorns.” Luna asked. “I was born in Ponysopalis, my parents were the captains of the royal guard.” Ice replied. Luna looked shocked and replied with, “Your parents were the royal guard captains Shock Wave and Storm Caster?” “Yeah they were, how did you know that?” Ice inquired. “I know that because King Dusk and Queen Dawn are my parents!” Ice's mouth gaped open, “I thought princess was just a title given to you because alicorns are so rare, but you really ARE a princess!” Ice then got more serious “Which also means you've been alone and without parents for this long as well.” Luna got quiet and managed to speak, “W-well I haven't been completely alone. I have my older sister Celestia, but she stays too occupied to spend much time with me nowadays. But enough about that how did you end up here?” Ice then began to explain in detail about his time with Genevere and then his days in Neighbraska. Luna then stopped him after that. “So, you lost your best friend right before your eyes as well?” she asked while staring at the ground. Ice looked at her and saw she was starting to tear up. Before the tears came all the way out, however, Ice had walked up to her and wiped them away with his hoof. Luna then opened her eyes back up and looked at him with a look that implied great thanks. “Yes I did, I'm guessing you have as well or you wouldn't be acting like this.” Luna nodded her head and explained, “Her name was Snowdrop and she was the first friend I ever had besides Celestia and my parents. I was there at her hospital bed when she died.” More tears started to fall out of Luna's eyes, but then Ice wiped them away again and said, “Losing a friend is never easy, but they always give us something worth keeping.” Luna looked at him with a questionable look on her face, “And what pray tell would that be?” Ice just smiled and using the tears he gathered from Luna, formed a heart of water, “It's the precious memories we keep in our hearts. The pony's body may be gone, but their spirits never fade away. I learned that recently from my parents. They're always with us!” Luna gazed at the heart and she saw the image of Snowdrop looking back at her with a big smile on her face, “He's right Luna, I'm always here for you and I always will be. You are my best friend after all.” Luna heard Snowdrop's voice say. “S-snowdrop?” Luna asked in a confused voice and she then saw the Snowdrops reflection nod and fade away and all that was reflected now was Luna's chest; right where her heart was. Ice just looked at her with a smile, “You saw her again just now didn't you?” Luna looked up at him and ran over and hugged him, “Yes I did! You're right, she's not gone!” she said while still hugging Ice. The two then continued to talk throughout the night, all the while growing more and more comfortable with each other. But while this was going on another, more sinister happening was ahoof! Meanwhile in the Morphius Valley, (a valley known for its ever changing landscape) on the outskirts of Equestria, the changeling queen Chrysalis was in her fortress planning another raid on Canterlot! “I cannot believe that those two blasted ponies were able to repel us! It's disgraceful and humiliating!” she said while sitting on her black spiky throne. Two changelings then entered the throne room, “Are the preparations ready for the next attack?” Chrysalis asked. Both of the changeling shook their heads up and down signaling that they were indeed ready. “Perfect! Now we just have find an opportune time to strike! Now my dear changelings we're off to the caves under Canterlot to await the time to attack! Soon they will pay for making a fool out of me, for I have a trump card this time! And with that being said, Chrysalis and the two changelings teleported to the Canterlot caves in order to execute their plans!