//------------------------------// // Chapter 13: Truth about Lance Justicestrike // Story: His Light, Her Darkness // by Shadow Master //------------------------------// Throughout the late night till morning, Equestria-Mystic Alliance Ponies were having good time for celebrating their many victories from the battles across the Dark Mystic Realm. In the early morning at the large main camp, Jade Emperor, Mystic Council and Royal Sisters were having small meeting brief that it was time to finish their Third Mystic War with their enemies, once and for all. Some of Mystic Council wanted Shadow Dragon, Twilight Sparkle and their teams to be back on the action but most disagreed and decided to let them had more rest and spent more quality time together. And of course, they were able to finish the enemies off once and for all... Mane Six were having great time and night with their love-interests they were in love with... Fluttershy and Terrorcreep were sleeping. But instead of sleeping on their beds, they were upside down while having their tails hanging on the branches like the bats. They yawned lightly as they opened their eyes. They looked at each other for a while. She got blushed. She was about to cover her face with her wings, but her tail got shaken and let go from the branch. About to fall to her death, he quickly grabbed her. She smiled embarrassingly while he smiled gently. He helped her up as her tail took a grip on the branch. Both of them looked at each other for the moment. They both smiled gently. They hugged while letting their bodies touched and wings to cover them. They both breathed heavily as they had their own fun... On the clouds, Rainbow Dash and Soarin were sleeping and snoring out loud and together. Scootaloo giggled happily and in amusement for looking at her idol sleeping with her favorite hero. Spitfire was with Scootaloo. She gave a teasing smirk to Scootaloo, who gave a wink in agreement. Spitfire threw a peddle right on Soarin's and then Rainbow's head. They snorted out before yawning out loud. They looked at each other and gave a smile. Rainbow Dash got her face blushed. Soarin smiled as he nuzzled on her face gently. She gasped and nuzzled back on his head. They both then kissed with each other's lips. Spitfire and Scootaloo smiled in amazement. Pinkie and Cheese's tents. They were both got up in the morning. They bounced around and across the large main camps of Equestria-Mystic Main Camp. They were more energetic and fun-loving ponies. They were having fun yet enjoyed it very much. They looked at each other for the moment. They both smiled happily before they headed off and had more fun such as playing games, eating cakes and sweets, drinking more drinks and singing together about 'Smile Song'. Within the tent, Trenderhoof was cooking and brought the breakfast before the sleeping Rarity. He nuzzled on her head gently for three times. Feeling his muzzle, Rarity slowly got up and yawned loudly. She smiled at her finally love-interest: Trenderhoof. They both looked at each other for the moment. She kissed on his muzzle passionately for a while. He then nuzzled her gently. Sweetie Belle jumped on both to fell on their breakfast. Sweetie Belle smiled uneasily as both Trenderhoof and Rarity got up and glared at her for the moment. Their faces were in mess. They then smiled and laughed happily. Sweetie Belle laughed as well. On the plain field, Applejack and Caramel were sleeping under the tree. They both smiled happily as they felt each other's heads. They nuzzled each other gently before kissing on each other's lips. Apple Bloom called them both, causing them woke up at once. They turned and glared at Apple Bloom. Instead of glaring and shouting, they both gasped in surprised. Apple Bloom had set the apple breakfasts for both of them. They looked at each other for the moment before they smiled. They and Apple Bloom had their own breakfasts together. At the lake, Twilight and Shadow Dragon were sleeping on the sleeping Dragoking's long and grip neck. Nyx and Spike brought the breakfast of apple, pancakes, orange juices and even vegetable Dim Sum. They poked on Dragoking's neck for two times. He slowly had his neck up and yawned lightly. He turned and smiled at them both. He nuzzled on the children's heads gently before licking on their faces gently. He turned and nuzzled on both Shadow Dragon and Twilight Sparkle up. They both moaned in tirelessly before they got up slowly. Loosening his grip on them both, they both climbed on his head. The Hydra lifted his head and lowered it down for them to walk. They, Nyx, Spike and Dragoking had their breakfast together. They were enjoying it happily. Spike and Nyx took the large steak and gave it to Dragoking to feast. Twilight and Shadow Dragon looked at each other for the moment. They both smiled happily as they nuzzled on each other's head for the moment. They then kissed on each other's lips. Nyx, Spike and Dragoking smiled happily in seeing both Shadow Dragon and Twilight Sparkle to be together. Nothing can gone wrong... Shadow Dragon, Twilight Sparkle, Spike, Nyx and Dragoking were on their way back to Equestria-Mystic Alliance Main Camp. They smiled happily while looking at each other. Almost reaching to the camp, they looked shock and surprise in seeing their familiar faces had been gathered around at Shadow Dragon's Camp. "What's going on?" Twilight asked in concern. Applejack passed the white letter to Shadow Dragon as she spoke in concern, "This just came in the morning. I don't know why, but deliver it to you, Shadow Dragon." Shadow Dragon took the letter. He opened and read it. While he continued reading the letter, his expression of firm turned into feared and concerned. His legs were shaking in fear and concern. His eyes were in concerned and frightened. He dropped the letter down. He was filled with shock and concern as he moved back slowly. Mane Six and their boyfriends, Royal Sisters, Shining Armor, Princess Cadance, his family members, Dragon Strike Force members, Cutie Mark Crusaders and Spike looked concern and worry of Shadow Dragon's looks. "Shadow Dragon?" Twilight Sparkle asked in concern. Shadow Dragon was out from his reality. He shook his head gently while showing his determination and anger. He turned to his team as he gave the order, "Blazefist, Saber, Tailtech, Aqua and Lightningblade, we're going to meet with Swipestrike..." "Shadow?" Everyone asked in concern and worry about Shadow Dragon's strange behavior. "That's an order. And I'm gonna need some advice from Lightningblade in dealing with situation." Shadow Dragon said darkly and determinedly. Concern and worry about Shadow Dragon's behavior, they reluctantly agree and obey the order as they nodded their heads. His remaining friends looked concern and worry of what had happen, and why Shadow Dragon became so secretive, fearful and raged. What was written from the letter? Shadow Dragon took the letter up and kept it underneath his armor. He turned to the front; preparing to move out and lead his team. Twilight galloped and headed to the front. She looked at him and spoke, "Shadow Dragon? What's going on?" Shadow Dragon turned and shown his gentle and kindhearted look. He nuzzled on her looks gently and passionately, "It'll be fine. I'll be back, Twilight. Don't worry, I will be fine. I promise." Reluctant and concern of his doing, Twilight took a deep breath and nuzzled his face, "Please, be careful. Don't get yourself hurt." "I won't. I promise, Twilight. Don't worry," Shadow Dragon said calmly as he nuzzled her face gently. He turned and glanced at both Nyx and Spike, "Now, you two. Keep your mother well and check. Got it?" Nyx and Spike nodded their heads, "Got it!" Shadow Dragon smiled gently. He turned as he headed off. He was followed by Lightningblade, Aquastroke, Blazefist, Tailtech, Saber Dragoon and even Dragoking. They were heading for the next mission, something very essential to him. Twilight smiled for a while before she looked down and took a deep sigh, "I'm really worry about him." Applejack approached to Twilight and gave her a pat. She comforted, "Don't fret, Twi. He'll be fine. Besides, he hadn't used his powerful and dangerous powers to fight with his enemies. He'll be fine. He is a hero. He knows what he's doing." Twilight looked concern and worry as she spoke, "That's what I'm really worry about..." Whatever Shadow Dragon was doing, it must be good reason of why he did it... Shadow Dragon and his Dragon Strike Force (Lightningblade, Aquastroke, Blazefist, Saber Dragoon, Tailtech and Dragoking) had arrived at another strong and impenetrable defense fortress which was made of harden and strong metal and steel: Steel Curse Fortress. They all charged straight to the battlefield as they fought and battled against the various and large army of Dark Mystic Demon Soldiers. Using his speed, Lightningblade unleashed and stroke his Lightning Katana through his Dragon Lightning Strike on the straight line group of Dark Mystic Demons. Aquastroke launched and blasted both her Water Beam Blast and Fireball Blasts on them while punching and kicking with her hardened Earth right hoof and her spiritual Air left hoof on them one-by-one. Using his Typhoon Crystal Blaster, Tailtech blasted on them. Using his skillfully Dragon Twin Swords, Saber Dragoon charged and stroke his blades at his enemies. Blazefist unleashed his fiery and blazing hooves and fired while battling against his enemies. Dragoking roared in anger as he charged in and battled against his enemies through swiping his tail on his enemies, stomping his claws on his enemies to the ground, launched and strike his neck and headbutt at his enemies one-by-one and even gobbled them up. Shadow Dragon was at very front as he battled and fought against Dark Mystic Ponies as he swung, stroke and thrust his Darkness Blade at Dark Mystic Ponies one-by-one while avoiding the attacks and blasts in dodging and blocking them from his enemies. Dragon Strike Force continued battling against their enemies while charging straight to the gate of Steel Curse Fortress. After they broke through, they continued battling and fighting while climbing up the stairs. Lightningblade; concerned and worried about Shadow Dragon's behavior, headed up and met up with him as they both had discussion while fighting with their enemies. "Want to tell me what's going on?" Shadow Dragon took a deep sigh, "Sorry, Lightningblade. When I received the letter, I didn't want to believe it but something tells me... it's the truth." "What do you mean?" Lightningblade asked as he swung his katana in launching his Blue Lightning Strike at three Dark Mystic Ponies to the ground. "I actually have a son..." Shadow Dragon answered. Everyone gasped in shock and surprise of what Shadow Dragon had said, with their looks and widened eyes. Shadow Dragon had a son?! Blazefist was filled with concern and shock. He blasted his Firestorm Strike on two enemies of his. He exclaimed in shock, "You had a son?! But that's impossible! When?! And how?!" "Did you date with another girl before Twilight?" Aquastroke asked in concern before punching her Hardened Earth Hoof on first enemy and then the second. "Well, wasn't that great and amazing," Saber Dragoon chuckled a bit in amusement before blocked the attacks from his first enemy. He then jumped up and swung his swords on his enemy's back. He landed and struck his sword at his second enemy. He then threw his sword on third enemy. Shadow Dragon groaned in annoyance before punching his enemy to the ground hard. He spoke, "I really don't know! I have not met with anyone before in my life. And trust me, I don't know how I got a son in the first place!" Unknown enemy was about struck his sword on Shadow Dragon, Tailtech blasted his blaster at his enemy's chest and said, "I think it's best that we rescue him from this 'Swipestrike'. And we'll get the answer from your son, and especially who his mother is." Aquastroke jumped kicked her Fireball Blast at Dark Mystic Soldier down and exclaimed, "Tail's right. No point of argument when we don't even know what's really going on if we don't get him back." Shadow Dragon grabbed and threw Dark Mystic Soldier off from the stairs. He turned and glanced at his allies. He nodded, "Agree, everyone. And thank you for understanding and supporting as well." Blazefist smiled as he approached and had his right hoof on Shadow Dragon's right shoulder and spoke calmly, "That's what best friends are for. Come on. We need to rescue your kid." Lightningblade nodded his head, "Yes. But we must be careful with Swipestrike. He is one enemy we must not underestimate." "You don't need to tell me twice, sir," Saber spoke calmly. Shadow Dragon nodded his head in agreement. He turned and headed off to the top, followed by his allies. They had to rescue Shadow Dragon's mysterious son and get the answer from him... On the top floor of Steel Curse Fortress, Swipestrike tapped his sword on right shoulder gently for five times. Lance Justicestrike was tied up on the cross-shaped stick in diagonal. Swipestrike sat on his cushion and sheathed his sword. "If you're going to finish me up," Lance snarled in anger, "then do it, jerk-ass!" Swipestrike chuckled darkly and evilly, "Man... I can't remember of how much you remind me of your old pony and even your mommy. You certainly got your father and mother's bravery, courageous and self-sacrifice. You are one tough and brave pony, alright... Your mom's name was Iris Crystal, wasn't it?" Lance gasped in shock, "H-How did you know that?! My mother and father never had met you before..." "Actually, I really had. But not really the same pony they once knew before..." "Can you give me a straight answer, buddy?!" "Now that would be telling. I ain't gonna tell till your daddy came. And the truth of how I survive his wrath will be explain..." BANG! Swipestrike smirked darkly as he was expecting someone. He looked up and found angry Shadow Dragon came out from the downstairs, along with his allies. Shadow Dragon looked at Lance Justicestrike. He was in shock and surprise. He was like he's looking at his own reflection but this one was different than him. Lance Justicestrike was surprise as well. His tears flown down on his face. He was in tears of joy like he was meeting with someone. "So, that's..." Shadow Dragon asked in surprise. "Dad..." Lance Justicestrike called softly, "I can't believe it... It's really you. I finally meet you..." Swipestrike chucked darkly and cruelly, "What a great family reunion we have here. This was like before, don't you agree? Except this involved of father-son saving than husband-wife saving, Shadow Dragon." Shadow Dragon and his team was in shocked of what Swipestrike had said. What was he talking about? How did he know about them so much and especially about Lance Justicestrike? Who was he? What did he meant 'this was like before'? "Who are you?!" Blazefist demanded angrily. "How did you know of all these stuffs?!" Saber demanded. Tailtech nodded his head, "And more importantly, how do we know you're not lying?" Swipestrike chuckled darkly, "Well, I'm not expecting you to know me quickly. But you should. And I'm really thankful by your generosity. Because if you hadn't, I would have achieve my true power and immortality..." Swipestrike removed his mask off from his face. Shadow Dragon and his Dragon Strike Force armed themselves as they prepared to fight with this mysterious enemy. As soon as he removed his mask, he dropped it to the ground. Swipestrike revealed himself to be 40s with his right scarred eyed and two scarred claws on his cheeks, his teeth was more of fangs and his eyes had right crimson demonic and left greenish monstrous. He chuckled darkly. Shadow Dragon gasped in shock, "No... It can't be... You! You were alive?!" "How is that possible?" Lightningblade asked in shock. "We saw you killed thousand years ago," Aquastroke said in concern. Shadow Dragon's eyes narrowed in anger and raged as he spoke darkly, "So, it makes sense now... You knew Iris Crystal was alive after some incident and especially I have a son. And you've been following and spying on me ever since your death. Wasn't it, Drake Blackstar?!" Swipestrike/Drake Blackstar chuckled darkly and evilly, "You always have manage to figure things out in the end. Just like before, isn't it, old buddy?" Shadow Dragon snarled in anger, "I'm gonna kill you for everything you had done to me!" "Bring it on!" "Everyone, stay out of this fight! Anyone tried to interfere will answer to my wrath!" Shadow Dragon turned and charged at Swipestrike. They both had their Darkness Blade and Killer Sword clashed on the middle for the moment. They departed at once. Shadow Dragon swung his blade on Swipestrike's top but dodged down and thrust at his chest. He quickly moved back while deflected the attack on his right before swung his sword at him for five times in diagonal but his Swipestrike blocked and deflected the attacks. They both continued swinging and striking their swords at each other hard and quick while dodging the attacks of dodging down, move to left and right, and jumping up. Swipestrike snickered. He hovered on to the wall from his back. He pushed himself and charged straight at Shadow Dragon to the ground hard. He grabbed his former rival and hit him on the ground hard six times. He took and threw him to the walls hard. Swipestrike turned an threw his Killer Sword at Shadow Dragon. Spotting the flying sword's coming straight at him, Shadow Dragon dodged down. He then grabbed it and charged at Swipestrike. He first swung both of them on Swipestrike's head, but his foe dodged down. He then slammed his first sword on the ground, but his enemy jumped to left side. He quickly attacked on the left but his enemy jumped to right. He continued slamming and striking his swords at Swipestrike, who continued dodging the attacks about twelve times. Swipestrike smirked darkly as he quickly jumped and kicked on his Killer Sword out from Shadow Dragon's right hoof. He used his left hoof in taking the second sword out from his right sheath while his left hoof grabbed the first one. He armed himself in ready to battle while Shadow Dragon armed himself ready. Both of them charged in and swung their swords at each other on left, right, top and bottom hard and quickly while blocking and dodging the attacks for few times. Swipestrike; using X-Shaped Swords attack, stroke and thrust at Shadow Dragon's throat. Shadow Dragon lowered down on his back barely letting them passed. Shadow Dragon quickly swiped and kicked Swipestrike's legs to fall. He then kicked his enemy's face to the top. He then punched on his enemy's face for five times before on his chest about four times and then, swiping his legs down. Shadow Dragon jumped and slammed his enemy to the ground hard as he punched on his enemy's face for ten times. Shadow Dragon was about to give Swipestrike for a hard punch, but yelped painfully. He looked down and found the first Killer Sword struck on his chest. He screamed in pain as he departed from the blade. He breathed and coughed heavily as he fell to the ground hard. "DAD!" Lance screamed in fear and worry. Swipestrike chuckled evilly and darkly as he stood up from the ground. He glanced at the wounded Shadow Dragon. He armed himself with his twin Killer Sword, "Any last words?" Shadow Dragon growled in anger, "Go to Hell!" Shadow Dragon threw his knife at Swipestrike's left shoulder. Swiperstrike yelled in pain as he turned and headed straight to Lance's Crossed Stick. Upon reaching to it, Lance gave him a hard headbutt. Swipestrike got pushed back while pulling the knife out. Swipestrike growled in anger, "I'm gonna kill you! You hear me! But first, your kid!" He turned and stabbed the knife on Lance's stomach hard. Lance screamed in pain. Shadow Dragon and his team gasped and yelped in shock. Lance growled and groaned in pain before giving Swipestrike a headbutt. Swipestrike yelled painfully before growling in anger as he held his head tight from his right hoof. "You both are dead! You hear me?! DEAD! Kill them NOW!" Swipestrike disappeared in black smoke. Shadow Dragon galloped towards Lance Justicestrike. He cut the ropes from four sides of crossed stick. As Lance fell, Shadow Dragon grabbed him. His teammates galloped towards both of them. Before they could do anything, more black smokes emerged and appeared on the ground and ceilings. Dark Mystic Soldiers and Demons emerged out and armed with their weapons. Shadow Dragon growled in anger as he had his son on his back while armed with his Darkness Blade, along with his teammates. They had to get out from the fortress before thing gotten ugly, and especially Lance Justicestrike was in grave danger... The day had become evening. Twilight, Nyx and Spike continued waiting at Shadow Dragon's camp. They were all looked worry and concern. Tao and Applejack entered the camp and checked on them of how their well-beings. They were okay yet concerned over Shadow Dragon. They wondered where he was... "SHADOW DRAGON AND HIS UNIT HAVE RETURN! THEY HAVE RETURN!" The Royal Guard shouted. Twilight gasped in surprise. She got up and exited the tent, followed by Tao, Applejack, Nyx and Spike. They were about to meet up with Shadow Dragon. She waited for him too long. She can finally meet up with him and have a talk with him. As they headed to the front gate, they stopped and saw many ponies including her friends and family members. What was going on? As she headed to the front, Twilight stopped as her eyes and looks widened in shock. She was looking at the injured and wounded Shadow Dragon, and his back had the mysterious black Pegasus. His teammates looked wounded and exhausted. What had happen to them?! Everyone had returned to their own camps. Twilight, Tao and Princess Cadance helped in treating both Shadow Dragon's and the mysterious Pegasus's wounds and injuries. Shining Armor, Nyx and Spike brought the water, rice and salad for both of them to eat. Mane Five, Dragon Strike Force, Shadow Dragon's family members, Royal Sisters and Cutie Mark Crusaders were waiting on outside of the camp as they wondered how and what had been going on, and especially the mysterious Black Pegasus. As soon as Twilight, Tao and Princess Cadance treated two stallions' wounds, they asked Shadow Dragon to have dinner. But he denied as he was not hungry and wanted to sleep. Both Twilight and Tao looked concern and worry about Shadow Dragon's behavior, and even both Spike and Nyx. Shadow Dragon stood up while grunted painfully, "Don't worry about me... Just take care of Lance... That's important..." Shadow Dragon headed to his room of camp. He has his curtain closed. He then got on his bed and slept. His eyes was filled with flowing tears of despair and pain. Twilight, Tao, Nyx and Spike looked concern and worry, and even both Shining Armor and Princess Cadance. What had happen to Shadow Dragon? What caused him more distance and concern? "What has gotten to you," Twilight asked in concern. She turned and glanced at unconscious Lance Justicestrike, "Who are you?" Who was this Lance Justicestrike? What was his relationship with Shadow Dragon? Dream World: Lance Justicestrike moaned painfully as he slowly got and stood up. He found himself lost in the world of darkness. He gulped in concern. He was alone. No! He can't be alone! He didn't want to! He needed someone to help him! He looked around of him. He found more of Demons surrounded him as they chuckled darkly evilly while dancing around. They armed their swords, spears, pikes, shields, axes and knives in front of him. Lance yelped in fear as he covered himself up while lowered to the ground. He had himself shaken in fear while muttered in feared and pleaded. The demons approached to him as they prepared to kill him. Had the end come? A light brightened and shot straight on the first demon, followed by second, third and all of them got blasted by the pure lights. Lance gasped in shock as he got up slowly. He looked around of his surroundings. He was in shock and surprise. What had happen? "Lance... Lance..." The feminine yet gentle voice spoke. Lance gasped in shock and surprise as he recognized the voice well. The light hit on his back. He slowly turned to his back and found the bright light blinded and glared on his eyes. He blocked the view. The appearance of shadow figure slowly coming out. She revealed herself to be a cyan Alicorn with two stripes of pink and white of ponytail navy mane and tail and her Cutie Mark was Heart Shape with angelic wings and Chinese Character: Love. "Mom..." Lance spoke in happiness. Lance's mother smiled, "Lance... Are you alright?" "Yeah, I'm fine. Thanks to you. But... I was so stupid for joining the Dark Mystic Ponies. I thought it was the only way to meet with Dad. For the first time, I finally found him. I felt... happy and great. But..." "But?" Lance growled, "I was angry and upset. How could dad chose Twilight Sparkle as your replacement?! I don't want any mare to take your place! Nopony takes it! I don't want you to be replaced! No one replaced Iris Crystal's place!" Lance's mother or known as Iris Crystal sighed; knew how pain to him if anyone wanted to replace her, she spoke: "I know, son. But know this, Lance... Twilight Sparkle never wanted to replace me. She wanted to help your father. I know that... because she and I share the very same feelings for him. We both love him so much..." "Are you sure?" "Yes, Lance. I'm certain. My son... You are a good boy for loving your father, despite a bit angry and upset for unable to be with him after so many years... So, don't worry about it, my son. You're not only have a father, but also have someone to be with you: a mother and siblings. It was great to have someone be there for you." "But... What if she hates me? What if... those two hate me? Besides... they and me - I don't think we can get along." "Lance, no matter how different we really are, we always love each other. Do you know why?" "Why, mom?" "Because we are family. If Twilight really loved him, then I want you to help her and especially your father to be together. Can you promise me that?" Lance thought for the moment. He didn't like the idea of having someone to take his mother... but he didn't want his father to be lonely, and so did he. Having Twilight and her children maybe his only chance to cure his loneliness. Maybe he should. It was what his mother wanted: him to move on and had a happy life. Lance sobbed and had a despair tears for the moment before he looked up and glanced at his mother, "I promise, mom." Iris Crystal smiled as she approached and hugged him, "I know you will, my son. Always know that I'll be in your heart. Remember, love your new family as you had for me. No matter how different we are, we'll always love each other. We are family. Goodbye, Lance..." Lance gasped in shock, "Mom?" Iris Crystal departed and slowly moved back. Lance shook his head in denial as he charged in, "MOTHER!" Lance continued charging straight at Iris Crystal; hoping to stop her from leaving. He quickly hugged her tightly. He refused to let her go! Dream World End: Lance continued hugging the mother he once loved tightly and hard, "Don't leave me, mom. Please..." "Excuse me, sir... I think you're mistaken for someone else..." The voice spoke gently. Lance gasped and looked in shock and surprise. He turned to his left and looked at the pony he was hugging. He found Twilight Sparkle, who was in shock and surprise by his hugging. He then looked around of him. He found Nyx, Spike and Tao. They all looked surprise and shock by his reaction. Nyx approached Lance and asked, "Why did you hug my mommy?" "Yeah, why?" Twilight asked curiously. Lance sighed as he bowed before Twilight, "Please, forgive me, your highness. I was dreaming... Dream of my mother." "Your mother? What was she like?" "She... she was almost like you, Princess." "Really? Wow... I didn't know I had a doppelganger. Someone to remind you. I still don't think it's coincidence about you hugging me." "That's because it wasn't. You were so much like her... It makes me... happy or upset." "Why?" "My mother loved someone you are loving with: Shadow Dragon." Everyone gasped in shock and surprise of what Lance had said. How could that be possible?! There was someone else before Twilight Sparkle loved him and he was Lance's father? "Wait, seriously?" Spike asked in shock. "Who- Who are you? Whose your mother?" Tao asked in concern and worry. Lance Justicestrike took a deep breath as he knew this would come. He answered, "My name is Lance Justicestrike. My mother was... Iris Crystal." Tao gasped in shock, "But... But that's impossible. The daughter of Princess Celestia and Lord Azure Phoenix was alive?! Blazefist - he told me about the incident. She died. How could she live?" Twilight gasped in shock, "What- What's going on?! I don't understand." Nyx and Spike were confused and concerned as well. Before any of them could ask, Shadow Dragon emerged from his room. They all turned and looked at him. They wondered of what was really going on. Shadow Dragon took a deep breathe, "It's time I tell you the truth. And especially of how I became the Dark Mystic Pony. And soon, Lance will tell his story of how he was born and how Iris survived." Concerned of what Shadow Dragon had said, Twilight nodded her head firmly for finally to learn and understand what really had happen to him and Iris Crystal. Shadow Dragon narrated, "Thousand years ago, I met a beautiful mare named Iris Crystal. She was a Pegasus, but turned into Alicorn for proving herself worthy as kindhearted and noble princess. She and I became friends and we spent time together for having fun and studies on histories, arts and military. But she was betrothed to Drake Blackstar. He was nothing but rude and arrogant prince. She never wanted to marry him. And so she and I had left to a new place for our new life. We both got married. But things didn't go well when I faced Dark Curse and his army because wanted to test me, he asked me to join his side for New Order and warned me about staying in the Light. Drake Blackstar came and kidnap her. He demanded me to challenge her. I fought him with everything I had to save her. I defeated and killed him, but at the cost... I've lost her. That was where I chose the darker path. I named myself as 'Dark Mystic of Vengeance'. There was no turning back until... she came and pleaded me to leave and save my home. And I did but banished to Equestria eternally..." Heartbroken and despaired by Shadow Dragon's tragic story, Twilight looked down as she shown her painful, despair and shocked looks. Tears came out from her eyes and flown down on her face. She burst into tears - tears of pain, despair and loss. She felt sorry and pain in hearing about it. She felt pity for Iris Crystal. But there was one thing did not explain... How did Lance Justicestrike came to his existence? Tao turned to Lance and asked, "How did you came to this realm, Lance?" Lance cleared his throat as he explained, "It was someone else. Someone who was able to travel through Time and Space, saved my mother and took her to a safest place from Dark Mystic Ponies. It was at her father's home: Xuchang on Land of Ma. It was that day I was born. She acted as kindhearted and noble medicine pony, who risked everything and everyone. I helped her and even asked about the tale and story of my father. I was happy yet angered and upset that my father couldn't be there for me and my mother. She and I had spent nearly 300 years of living until she grew weak and ill. She never stops from helping, saving and curing ponies across the Equestria. She never gave up until her last breath. She asked me to deliver the message to my dad: 'I'll always love and care for you, whether you had move on or lost. There will always be friendship, family and love with you'. I believe in her. I carry that message until I can see and meet you. And so I did. And I'm sorry about mother. She really loves you, dad. She wants you to move on and never let pain stop you..." Shadow Dragon was in heartbroken, feared, concerned and despaired of what he had heard. His former wife was alive and had a child from beginning? She left and lived at Land of Ma for safe haven? She helped and saved lives? Why didn't she find and see him? Was it because of Dark Curse and his Dark Mystic Ponies that they will used them as leverage in against him? He stomped his right hoof on the table hard. He wasn't hating his family, and especially his own wife. He was hating Dark Curse for bringing deception and miserable upon him. All he wanted was peace with his own family, and especially to prove himself as one of Mystic Ponies. He wanted to become strong to protect his family, friends and love while fulfilling his dream: unification and alliance of Equestria and Mystic Realms. But it was all for nothing... Shadow Dragon turned and exited the camp. Everyone looked upset and despair of what had happen. He was in heartbroken, shock and scared of what he had learn... Twilight turned to Lance as she said, "You must have hate me for trying to take your mother's place." "Twilight," Lance said in guilt and shame, "I didn't mean -" "It's okay. I understand that very well. If it were to me, I would try to learn, understand and lover her than hating her. And I'm sure she was not bad or cruel than nopony love her children. She will love and care for the first child, no matter where he came from or whose mother he loved." "You... you mean..." "Yes, Lance. Even if you're Iris's son, I would still treat you as my own son - just like what I did for Nyx and Spike. After all, you are Shadow Dragon's son." Lance gasped in shock and surprise. Was his mother right about Twilight Sparkle? She was so much like his mother and especially her kindness and love. Lance smiled as he hugged her, "Thanks, Twilight. You really are so much like my mother. But thanks for accepting me, and I'm sorry for doubting you." Twilight was shock and surprise, yet she smiled in happy as she hug him back, "It's okay. I know you didn't mean it. You were lonely. But you are not." Tao, Spike and Nyx approached to Lance and Twilight. They all smiled in welcoming Lance Justicestrike to family and friends. "I'm going to have a big brother!" Nyx exclaimed happily as she jumped and hugged Lance from behind of his. Spike hugged his legs, "This is gonna be cool and awesome family!" Lance chuckled lightly, "Easy there, squirt. I don't want to push my luck. I just need to get use to new family." Tao smiled as he patted on Lance's back, "I'm sure you will. After all, you are the son of Shadow Dragon. A warrior like you, will always love and care for his family, friends and love. You are so much like your father, Lance." Lance smiled as he nuzzled on his grandfather's head, "Thanks, grandfather." He took a deep sigh, "I hope my dad is okay." Twilight patted on his mane gently, "He will be. After all, he had overcome everything. No matter how hard it was, he can handle it. He is a strong pony." Lance smiled in happiness. He agreed with what Twilight had said. Shadow Dragon can handle it, and he sure can. He knew it. Outside of Shadow Dragon's camp, Flare Tiger had witnessed the event. She smiled happily in seeing the event and especially the family reunion of Lance Justicestrike and his father. "Everything goes exactly as I had hope, grandpa Shadow Dragon," Flare Tiger said with a smile. Will the happiness come true? Will Shadow Dragon overcome his despair? Will Lance finally be together with his new family? To be continued... Review and Suggest...