Darkrim and Luna walked silently through the caverns. Every now and then, the dark alicorn would watch at the distraught unicorn, attempting to come up with something that could cheer him up.
Meanwhile, Darkrim looked utterly defeated. His hopes for return were shattered now as the only creature that could have helped him to return to his rightful place was now his nemesis. The impending war between Tartarus and Equestria was like a hanging blade over his head, adding even more anxiety to his broken heart.
His only glimmer of hope now was the night alicorn walking besides him. Her reassuring gaze made him feel a lot easier in this hard time. As they continued their walk the two reached the same hole from which Luna entered the caverns.
“Come on, climb on my back,” Luna spoke to Darkrim.
Darkrim hesitantly obeyed the night ruler's request. The night alicorn managed to barely spread her wings as they both ascended out of the caves and into the Everfree forest. Luna lowered Darkrim onto the ground below as they both began to walk through the forest.
Luna noticed how the night was coming soon to a close. She knew she had to be back at Canterlot soon, but she couldn’t just leave Darkrim.
“Darkrim,” she spoke somberly at the distraught unicorn.
As she spoke out his name, Darkrim fearfully gazed upon Luna.
“Yes, princess?” he responded.
“I know how hard this must have fallen upon your heart,” Luna spoke comfortingly.
“I will survive somehow,” Darkrim replied, fainting a smile.
“I know,” Luna continued, “But realize I don’t want you to be hurt. I know how it feels to be exiled from your home and even being betrayed by those closest to you,” Luna connected to him.
As Luna spoke, small tears started to appear in her eyes, making them glisten in the moonlight. Darkrim just looked at her with both compassion and understanding.
“I’ll get used to those two,” Darkrim responded and sighed “It’s the loneliness that’s the hardest to adapt to.”
As he said that, Darkrim’s head slumped back down. Luna noticed this and quickly straightened his head up with one of her wings.
“My dearest, prince,” she spoke calmly with a kind smile on her face “I would be most honored if you would accept my hoof in friendship,” Luna extended her hoof.
Darkrim’s eyes glistened in joy as he accepted her friendly gesture.
“You really mean that? Even after all of the things I did?” Darkrim continued.
Luna nodded her head.
“But where will I stay? Considering Basilisk vengeful spirit the caves are out of question,” Darkrim said.
Luna placed her hoof on her chin as she thought hard about it.
“Well,” Luna stated “You are most welcome to stay at the Canterlot Castle,” Luna winked.
Darkrim’s eyes widened in surprise.
“Really?” he asked in shock.
“As my friend, it would be my honor,” Luna responded.
“I am speechless,” Darkrim spoke, still a bit in shock “You have done so much for me, my dearest princess!” Darkrim’s eyes watered up.
“It’s the least I can do,” Luna said, covering the unicorn with her wing “And I promise you: We shall get you back on your rightful throne!” Luna spoke with determination proudly booming in her voice.
“Thank you so much princess”, Darkrim said as he rushed into Luna’s embraced. Luna held Darkrim with her wings close to her.
As Darkrim hugged Luna something began to happen.
A shine on his flank appeared, as a cutie mark of the moon with three stars nestled in it began to format itself.
After a few seconds Luna released Darkrim from her embrace as she looked on to the fading night sky above them.
“Come now, my sister is waking up,” Luna spoke as Darkrim climbed onto her back.
As they drifted away to Canterlot, a shining new dawn broke through the night as the reborned Sun chased the darkness away.
Darkrim could feel it in the air that something great and new was on the horizon.