//------------------------------// // Chapter 32 // Story: The Sun of My Heart 2: Love's Flames // by BlueSun52 //------------------------------// The Play of the Century? Part - III After a couple of weeks of practicing and getting the lines right, everyone was getting the play ready for the Spring Festival. The festival was only one day away and everyone was confident that the play was going to to be smash including Soul. As they got the stage ready, Soul was overlooking the entire setup from top to bottom. “Good job with the set, guys,” Soul said. “Make sure that the slides are aligned properly and we get a good lighting for tomorrow. Background characters, please make sure you hang up your costumes were they need to be and remember where they are. Main characters, hang up your costumes in the main hangers. We don’t want them to get mixed up like last time…. Zero.” “That happened one time! Let it go!” Zero yelled. “I got the lightning all set up, is this good?” Micro Chips asked as the lights over the stage brighten up. “Perfect! Now make sure they’re dimmed down during the dramatic and sad parts,” Soul replied. “Will do!” “Alright everyone, we did a good rehearsal today and the stage is all set for tomorrow! I can happily say that we are ready for the Spring Festival” Soul said. Everyone let out cheers of joy and a round of applause. “Now let’s all rest up for the night and be back here eight o'clock sharp!” Everyone started hanging up their costumes, getting the props in the storage room and the lights were turned off before they all left the gymnasium. As they left the school, Zero, Fluttershy and Soul all walked together towards the parking lot. “Man, I am so pumped up! I can’t wait for tomorrow and everyone in the audience seeing me as the star! This is just so awesome!” Zero excitedly said. Fluttershy giggled. “Yes, it really is exciting! And I’ve come a long way with dealing with such a large crowd,” she said. “How did you get over your fear of large crowds?” Soul asked. “I imagine them all in their clothes,” Fluttershy replied. Soul and Zero looked at each other confused before they looked at Fluttershy. “Uh, don’t you mean in their underwear?” Zero asked. “Oh my, why would I imagine that? Seeing every woman and… man in there in their underwear…. Oh dear, that’s enough to make me faint,” Fluttershy explained. “Ooookay?” Soul said. “.... Anyways, good job with tonight, you two. Thanks so much for putting everything into your acting.” “No problem, Soul! We’re happy that you gave us a chance to be your main stars of the show,” Zero said as he gave a toothy smile. “We’re more than willing to do this for you,” Fluttershy said also with a smile. “By the way, I know you shared this with just me and Zero but have you told anyone else about your plans to…. ask Sunset?” “Well, I did tell Swift too but I made sure he wouldn’t tell Pinkie. Though I wish I didn’t because her senses have been going off the charts and she’s trying to get him to crack,” Soul replied. “Hopefully, he’s a strong willed man and he won’t break easily.” “AAAAAAHH!” Swift screamed as Pinkie whipped him once more in the rear. Swift was hung from the ceiling by his arms wearing only his trunks that were torn up from the back after constant whips from Pinkie. She was wearing her dominatrix outfit that left little for the imagination and held a black whip in her hand. “Okay now that we got done with the fun part, tell me what you’re hiding!” Pinkie demanded. “.... Wait, that was the fun part!?” Swift asked. “That’s not the answer I’m looking for!” Pinkie yelled before whipping his rear again. “AAAAHH!” Swift cried. “Okay! Okay! No more! Soul is planning on proposing to Sunset after he’s see if his play is successful!” Pinkie let out a gasp and dropped her whip. *Oh my gosh! This is so exciting!” she chimed before hopping up and down. “I have to tell Sunset about-” “Pinkie, please! Soul made me promise I couldn’t say anything about until he propose to her! You have to keep it a secret!” Swift pleaded. “But Swift! You know I can’t handle secrets! That’s why I leave them up to you,” Pinkie explained. “You just tortured me five seconds ago!” “I really wanted to know!” “You’re messed up in the head!” Swift yelled. “Anyways, don’t tell Sunset! Don’t tell anyone what you just leaned or I will take my promise for marrying you after college!” “You wouldn't dare!” “Try me!” “Alright, you win! I won’t tell anyone about it!” Pinkie said. “Just don’t take away my dreams being Mr. Pie!” “.... Pinkie, you got the roles mixed up agai-” “I’m gonna go and get ready for the festival tomorrow! I promised a lot of people to do all kinds of awesome things!” Pinkie said before she started walking up the stairs of the basement. “Good night, Swift!” The lights went off and Swift was left alone in the dark as he still hung from the ceiling. “.... PINKIE!” “I’m sure Swift could handle it,” Zero said. “I’ll see you guys tomorrow. And I’ll see you on the stage, my fair lady~” Zero held Fluttershy’s hand and kissed on it. Fluttershy giggled. “I’ll be seeing you too, my prince charming,” she joked. Zero chuckled before he walked off and soon drove off in his car. Soul and Fluttershy continued down the parking lot until they reached Soul’s motorcycle and Soul hopped on to it. “Well I’ll see you later, Fluttershy. I’m gonna go home and spend sometime with my girl,” Soul said. “Or should I say, my soon-to-be fiancee!” Fluttershy smiled for a moment before her expression turned into a concerned one. “S-Soul.... are you sure that you want to do this?” she asked. “I mean, it does seem kinda sudden and I am happy that you want to do this but are you really sure about this?” Soul thought for a moment before he looked at Fluttershy. “I’ll admit, it does seem sudden and maybe a little rash too but… I love her so much and I just can’t hold back how much I want to spend the rest of my life with her,” he replied. He scratched his chin for a moment. “Maybe…. I’ll talk to her about it. Make it to where she doesn’t get suspicious about my plan.” “I think that would be a good idea,” Fluttershy said. “Hopefully everything will turn out okay. I’ll see you tomorrow.” Soul nods and smiles before he turns on his motorcycle. He drives off into the streets and makes his way towards his home where his loving girlfriend awaits for him. Soon he made it back to the apartment and came through the door to see Sunset was sitting on the couch. Sunset looked up to Soul with a smile. “Hey Soul!” “Hey, baby!” Soul leans over and kisses her on the cheek. “How are you doing?” “I'm doing well, thanks for asking. How're you?” Sunset asked. “I’m doing good. The play is all set for the festival tomorrow and I can’t wait to see everyone enjoy the play!” Soul replied. “I can't wait to see it either! It'll be great! I just know it!” Sunset chimed. “I’m happy you’re excited!” Soul said. He sits next to Sunset and wraps an arm around her. “I love you so much, Sunset.” “I love you too, Soul,” Sunset said. “Listen Sunset, there’s something… I wanted to ask you about.” “What is it?” “How much… do you want to be with me?” “Well...after all that we've been through, and all that we've experienced together...I definitely want to be with you for a very long time,” Sunset replied “I was just asking because… We’ve been together for almost twenty months and… I don’t exactly have much to give back to you. I don’t even have hardly anything planned after college…. But I do want to be with you no matter what. And I’m willing to prove that to you. Sunset’s eyes widen. “S-Soul…. What are you saying?” she asked. “Well…. I was waiting till tomorrow to ask after the play but I think I didn’t make it vague enough, heh. Just hold on a sec.” Soul got up and went off for a moment before he walked back into the room and got on his knee with a small black box in his hand. Sunset gasped as she brought her hands up to her mouth. “Sunset… Will you do me the honors… of being my wife?” Soul opens the box to show off a small diamond ring inside. “Ooh my....sweet Celestia almighty…” “Will you, Sunset Shimmer… Be Mrs. Writer? To be my, Mrs. Writer?” Soul asked. Sunset remained quiet as she stared at the ring. Soul composure was starting to loosen as he was getting nervous. ‘Oh crap! Maybe the guys were right and this was too early!’ Soul thought ‘… I-I have to think of something or-’ “S-S-Soul....I-I-I....I don't....oh god....I don't know what to say,” Sunset said still dumbstruck. “Will you…. say yes?” Soul asked. “I-I don't...o-oh man...this is so sudden...I was thinking this sort of thing might happen, b-but I didn't imagine it'd happen this quickly....w-wow...I'm being proposed to,” Sunset said. Soul sets the box down and sits next to Sunset. “Sunset… You are the most important girl in my entire life. You may have been a part of my life for almost two years but you’ve always were there for me and cared for me like no else have ever done for me. And… if this is too early for you, I’m more than willing to wait a little longer. Even though I want to be with you for the rest of my life now,” Soul said. “Soul.....I-I....I think...I might want to be with you for the...rest of my life too....b-but...I need time,” Sunset explained. “Oh…. I understand…” “I-It isn't a no Soul, not at all....I-if anything...it's just a when,” Sunset said. “So… When do you think you’ll be ready?” Soul asked. “I....I don't know…” “I see…. Well, no matter what, I still love you, Sunset. And I am willing to wait for you,” Soul said before he planted a kiss oner Sunset’s lips. Sunset pulled away from the kiss and looked at Soul with a smile. “Thank you Soul...you're the most amazing man I've ever met,” she said. “And you're the most beautiful woman that I am so amazingly lucky to be with,” Soul said smiling back at Sunset. “I guess we're both amazingly lucky then~” Sunset said with a sultry tone. “Guess we are~” Soul said and brings Sunset closer to him before kissing her on the lips once more. Sunset wrapped her arms around Soul’s neck as she kissed him back passionately. Their tongues danced around with one another before Soul gently pressed Sunset’s back against the couch and laid on top of her. Sunset let out a small moan while she rubbed the back of Soul. As Soul was kissing her, he went underneath her shirt as he rubbed on her belly tenderly and she shivered with delight from his touch. Sunset gently pushed Soul away from her for a moment as she gazed up into his ever loving eyes. Sunset smiled warmly. “Soul… I’m sorry about making you wait to marry me,” she said. “But… I am ready for you to take me.” Soul thought on Sunset’s words for a moment. He looked down at her and gazed into Sunset’s eyes before he smiled and gave her a kiss on the lips. “... I think we held this off for far too long~” Soul said. “Ooooh, we sure have~” Sunset agreed as she gave Soul her bedroom eyes. Soul gets off of Sunset before she lifted her up bridal style. He carried her over to their bedroom before he closed the door behind them and placed Sunset on the bed. Soul took off his shirt and jacket while Sunset smirked and watched him unclothed himself. Soul soon laid beside Sunset and smiled back at her. “Ready to do this for real?~” Soul asked. Sunset licked her lips. “I was always ready~” she replied. Soul slyly smiled before he leaned down and kissed Sunset. The moon was high up in the air as Soul and Sunset were having a long passionate night of intimate love. Time had incredibly slowed down for them as they are now knowing each other in ways they could never have imagined. A couple hours later, Soul and Sunset were on the bed together laying under the covers after so much intense love. They panted as Sunset laid her head on top of Soul’s shoulder taking in what they had just experienced. “W-Wo.... Wow.... That was just.... Amazing,” Soul said feeling in awe. “Y.... Yeah.... woah,” Sunset said. “So that's what we've been missing out.... Bout time we did this.” Sunset lightly giggled. “Yeah, me too,” she said. “Did... You enjoy it?” Soul asked “Yeah...it was amazing!” Sunset chimed. “Heh, I'm happy you enjoyed it,” Soul said before he kisses Sunset in the cheek “You felt so unbelievable! I.... there's just nothing I can describe about how you felt to me.” “Yeah....I can't describe how you were either...just...wow,” Sunset elaborated. Soul looked at Sunset and held her hand. “ am so deeply in love with you.... I don't want to leave your side ever,” he said. Sunset looked up to Soul and smiled. “Yeah, me neither,” she said. Soul and Sunset kissed one another before their eyes felt heavy to them and soon fell asleep in each other's arms. Soul was walking up towards the school early in the morning while Sunset was holding onto his arm lovingly. Sunset nuzzled under Soul’s neck and he kissed her on the cheek. As they walked, Zero and Fluttershy were standing by the doorway and they saw the two coming towards them. “Morning Soul, ready to show everyone your awesome play with your most valuable actor?” Zero asked with a bright smile. “You know it!” Soul replied and gave Zero a high five. “I’m gonna head on inside. Got a couple of things I need to do to get the festival ready. I’ll see you later, lover boy~” Sunset said before she gave Soul and peck on the cheek and headed off. Zero and Fluttershy watched Sunset walked off as she hummed to herself. “Wow, Sunset seems to be in a really good mood,” Zero commented. “What did you guys do last night? Did you have an early celebration or something?” “Something like that,” Soul replied. “I was trying to see if Sunset would be willing to marry me and well…. I ended up purposing to her on the spot.” Zero eyes widen and Fluttershy covered her mouth. “You went ahead and purposed!?” Zero shockingly asked. “.... How did it go?” “We…. pretty much decided that it was too early to get married. She loved the idea of it but she just felt that it was too early to get hitched yet. And I agreed with her, I guess it was just so much going on that I couldn’t really think straight,” Soul explained. “It’s okay, Soul. I’m sure she was happy to know that you would want to be with her that way,” Fluttershy said. “But umm… Why are you two so happy if she didn’t wanted to get married?” “Let’s just say that we decided to finally express ourselves in a way that took too long to express,” Soul replied with a sly smile. For a moment, Zero and Fluttershy didn’t understand until Zero made the same sly smile as Fluttershy’s cheeks went red. “O-Oh… my,” Fluttershy stuttered. “Ha! I knew you two would do it sooner or later,” Zero commented. Soul chuckled. “Anyways, we should head inside and get everything ready for the play. After that, we’ll enjoy the festival and have a blast before we do the play!” he chimed. Zero and Fluttershy noded happily and the three head inside to prepare the play. After a while of preparing for the play, everyone went out and enjoyed the Spring Festival as the entire front of the campus was filled with food stands, games and a huge bounce house. People were eating the large variety of food that the school provided, trying out the games, children playing in the bounce house with a few of their parents joining and most were just chatting with one another. Soul and Sunset were walking around the festival as they held hands while Sunset took a bite out of her chocolate covered banana on-a-stick. “Enjoying yourself?” Soul asked. “Hmhmm! I’m really have a great time with you, babe!” Sunset replied before she peck on Soul’s cheek. “Oh! Did you say that your parents were going to be here or were they going to wait til it gets near time for the play to start?” “My mom said that they would be here with Novel,” Soul replied. “Soul! Sunset! Over here!” Soul and Sunset looked over to the source of the voice and saw Dawn was waving at them with Novel in one arm and Comet standing next to them. Sunset and Soul waved back at them with smiles before they walked over and Soul gave Dawn a hug. “Hey mom! I’m glad you guys made it!” Soul chimed. “Well of course we be here! It's not everyday we get to see our grown man’s own play being the main event of this festival,” Dawn said before she pulled away from the hug and looked at Sunset. “How are you doing, Sunset?” “I’m doing very well, Dawn. And I see you brought your sweet, little baby girl here!” Sunset said as moved closer to Novel and rubbed the tip of her nose with hers. Novel giggled before she was reaching out with her arms. Dawn smiled before she handed Novel to Sunset. Sunset held Novel with one arm while Novel was playing with some of her hair. “Hey dad, I just remembered something, weren’t you supposed to have been shipped out somewhere for a while?” Soul asked. Comet groaned. “I don’t know, I’m getting orders like crazy that keep on getting contradicted,” he replied. “I swear the government doesn’t know jack about organizing a military. Anyways, I got new orders that I’ll be shipping out near the end of this summer so you’ll have me before I head out.” “Right, right… Hey mom, do you have any plans for me to go to some college?” Soul asked. “To be honest, sweetie, I didn’t know what kind of college would be right for you. I mean I don’t think there’s really a reason for me to send you to a college on a course that you would more than likely not learn from and use any of the skills,” Dawn explained. “Other words, you don’t have the money to send me to college?” Soul retorted. “No! No! We so have the-” “Granny Smith doesn’t count.” “Don’t get smart with me, boy!” Everyone laughed as Dawn made a small pout before she cracked a smile. Just as Soul was talking with his parents, he felt a tap on his shoulder and he looked behind to see Watermelody. “Hey Soul, we need everyone back at the stage ready for the play,” she said. “But the play isn’t until another hour,” Soul pointed out. “I know but Photo just got word that someone important is going to attend the play. She wants everyone to come in early and be ready for everything to start,” Watermelody explained. “I see, alright I’ll be there in a moment,” Soul said before he looked back. “Sorry guys, I gotta head off and get the play ready a little more earlier than I thought.” “It’s fine, bud. Go out there and show us the best play ever,” Comet said. “We’ll be cheering for you in the crowd,” Dawn said. “Good luck, babe,” Sunset said before she leans in and kisses Soul on the cheek. Soul smiled before he places his hand under Sunset’s cheeks and pulls her close for a deep passionate kiss that made Sunset blush and moan into it. Dawn and Comet both blinked before they looked away at their son’s personal moment. Soon Soul pulled away from the kiss and smiles at Sunset before he heads off. Sunset let out a content sigh as she walked Soul away. She then looked to both Dawn and Comet while Dawn gave Sunset a raised brow. “.... Umm…. He’s very loving today,” Sunset commented. “Hmmm…. Very well, I suppose he is excited for such a day as this,” Dawn said. “Just please keep the sheets cleaned up as soon as you two are finished.” Sunset blinked before she blushed violently. “.... I-I know,” she said. Dawn giggled before she started to walk off. Sunset looked at Comet and gave him confused look before he shrugged at her. A large crowd gathered into the gymnasium as they were taking seats for the play. Soul peaked through the curtains for a moment seeing where his friends and family were. He saw all his close friends sitting with their parents almost close to one another before seeing Sunset sitting with his mother, father while holding Novel in her arms. Applejack, Big Mac, Applebloom and Granny Smith were sitting next to them as well. Soul smiled before he looked back at the stage to see everyone was ready. “Alright, is everyone ready?” Soul asked Watermelody. “Yes! The set is stage and everyone is ready to go!” Watermelody chimed. “By the way, who was that important person coming here?” Watermelody was about to speak until Photo Finish popped right in front of her. “Countess Coloratura!” Photo answered. Everyone were letting out gasps and had surprised but stopped when Zero was shrieking in excitement. “Countess Coloratura is here!? EEEEEE!” Zero jumped up and down for a moment before he froze and looked to see everyone was looking at him. He changed he demour and had a calm expression with his hands in his pocket. “Oh? Countess Coloratura is here? That’s cool….” Photo blinked for a moment before looking back at Soul. “She is the biggest pop star to have ever risen! I’ve heard rumors as of late that she’s been looking around for talented youth to attend to one of the most prestigious universities of all time! Cambridge University!” she explained. “.... What’s Cambridge University?” Soul asked. Photo Finish let out a gasp and felt woozy before falling over only for her two helpers to catch her midway down. When they stood her back up, she approached Soul and grabbed him by the collar of his shirt. “It is where the most gifted and prestigious students of the fine arts can go and harness their skills!” she explained. “Having such an invitation from the university is almost impossible to gain! Only pop stars, famous actors and Emmy winners can hand out invitations from the school!” “Even Michael Bay?” Soul asked. Photo let out a weary sigh. “Yes, unfortunately even Michael Bay can hand out invitations for the university,” she replied. “But that’s not important right now! Some of us have a chance to be apart of getting an invitation!” “Alright, alright, I get the idea,” Soul said. “But let’s not let this invitation and Countess Color get us all- “Coloratura,” Photo corrected. “Get all worked out,” Soul finished. “Right now, we’ve put together this play and did a magnificent job on our practice days. Now, let’s make this the perfect play and wow everyone in the crowd! Are we ready!?” Everyone let out cheers letting Soul know that they were ready. “Alright, everyone! Let’s do this!” All the attendance waited for the play to start as a woman with pale green skin, teal eyes and dark indigo hair with teal streaks in her curls sat at the front of the rows of chairs with her manager and Principal Celestia and Vice Principal Luna. “It is just an honor that you would attend our school’s play, Ms. Coloratura,” Celestia said. “I’m happy that the school would let me see this play. I’ve been so exhausted with my tour as of late and needed some down time for myself. When I heard about this festival and a play going on, I thought I would like to attend and see this,” Coloratura said. “I just wish that rumor about you giving invitation for Cambridge University wasn’t spreading like wild flower!” Coloratura’s manger said. “Granted, it would made a great publicity stunt but surely a small time school play wouldn’t have a chance at that.” “Don’t be so sure of that. Our students are quite skillful and can do so much with what little they have,” Celestia said. “Either way, I’m sure your students have put together a wonderful play and I hope to see what it's about,” Coloratura said. The lights soon dimmed down and Soul’s voice could be be heard. “A long time ago in a far away land, lived a princess and her beloved knight. It was a time of peace for their kingdom and all seemed right within the world. But unknown to the two, dark forces are hiding within the shadows and their plans for the two will change everything that they know. This is their story. I give you, The Bounded Soul.” The curtains slowly opened up and the lights flashed on the stage as the setting was inside of a room with Fluttershy sitting on a chair. She was facing a mirror and brushing her hair as she hummed a melody to herself for a moment. “Oh how this is such a lovely day. I sure hope that my handsome knight visits me soon, I miss him so terribly much,” Fluttershy said. On cue, Zero walked up to the stage and went over to Fluttershy with a smile. “Good day, my beautiful flower,” he said before he planted a kiss on Fluttershy’s cheeks. “How is my bride-to-be doing?” “I’m feeling so extraordinary, my love! I can not wait til the day of our marriage!” Fluttershy chimed. “It’s hard to believe that it's only a few days away!” Zero chuckled. “Yes, soon we shall be joined together and I get to spend the rest of my life with my own princess,” he said. “My dear, there is something I have to tell you though.” “What is it?” Fluttershy asked. “Your father, the king had asked me to escort our neighboring country’s prince to discuss a revision of the peace treaty between our kingdoms. Apparently there’s been some changes into the kingdom as of late and they wanted to go over the treaty to see any necessary changes,” Zero explained. “Why in heavens would they need to change the peace treaty? Surely whatever changes they’re doing to their kingdom wouldn’t really affect it that much,” Fluttershy said. “I’m not to sure about the details. Then again, I never really did get into all this political stuff and I am happy that I am just a knight who is lucky enough to be wedded by the most beautiful princess in all the kingdoms,” Zero said before he held Fluttershy’s hand and kissed on it. “When will you leave?” “I will be gone in a couple of hours and hopefully be back within two days. Giving me plenty of time to prepare for the wedding,” Zero replied. “Alright, come back to me safely,” Fluttershy said. “Don’t worry, I will,” Zero said before he leaned in and peck Fluttershy on the lips. Most of the audience went awww in unison. “That is so sweet!” one person said. “You can almost believe their like a real cou-” “Shhh! We’re trying to watch the show,” Night said to the person before he looked back at the stage. He looked to the side with his family and his friends looking at him with raised brows. “What? We’re not suppose to talk during a play.” The stage went dark for a moment before a couple of candles were lit by Fluttershy and Zero was gone. The window showed stars as the scenery of the room was changed to night time. Fluttershy looked as if she was getting ready for bed until a woman came rushing on to the stage with worry. “P-Princess!” Fluttershy looked at the woman and stood up. “What is it, handmaiden?” she asked. “Why do you look so troubled?” The woman took a moment to collect herself before looking at Fluttershy with sadness in her eyes. “Y-Your fiance… H-He is…. He was killed by a band of highwaymen while he and his follow knights were on their way towards the prince,” she replied. Fluttershy’s eyes widen and she covered her mouth. Her eyes became teary as she fell to her knees and began to cry. A lot of the audience were shocked and surprised about the story. “My, I didn’t expect something like this so early in the play,” Coloratura said. “This makes me wonder more what this director has planned for this.” Sometime later in the play, Fluttershy was in a courtroom setting with some of the other actors. The actor playing as the prince, walked up to Fluttershy and gave a small bow. “My condolences, princess. I am sorry to hear that your francie was killed on his way to escort me. I feel that this was my fault that his time ended just to bring me here,” the prince said. “No, it is alright…. He would have been glad that you were able to make it here safely knowing his duty wasn’t in vain,” Fluttershy said. “I just wish we were wedded before this happened.” “I can only understand your pain princess and I hope that it will go away over time. If you need anything from me, you need only to ask,” the prince said. “Thank you…. Will you mind if…. We share dinner together for just this night?” Fluttershy asked. The prince smiled. “But of course, princess,” he said. The prince held Fluttershy’s hand and gave it a kiss causing her to blush. The prince took a bow and left Fluttershy to herself before the curtains closed. Shortly the curtains closed as the stage was barely lit and a robed figure walked up to the stage what seemed to be a set for a dark hallway. The figure looked around for a moment before removing his hood showing himself as the prince. “Vazziro, it is safe to appear,” the prince said. Soon dark smoke suddenly popped on the stage before a figure covered in black armor that looked rigged and sharp with spikes sticking out. “Have you done as I asked?” Vazziro asked. “Yes, the knight is dead and the princess is in despair right now. Should we make our move now?” the prince asked. “No, she would be unwilling for me to take control right now. You must gain her trust and let her guard down. Only then will I be able to take her soul and seize her body,” Vazziro explained. “Very well then but it will take some time before she can fully trust me,” the prince said. “I have all the time in the world. Just don’t blunder our chance at this,” Vazziro explained. “Or you can say goodbye to having all the powers I have promised you.” “It will be done, Lord Vazziro,” the prince said. The curtains slowly closed and Soul’s voice could be heard once more. “As time went by, the pain in the princess’s heart never left as she missed her knight. But she soon found herself to be with the prince and slowly let him be close to her. He soon asked her hand in marriage with her father’s permission. Seeing how her true is gone and believing that he would want her to move on, she accepted the proposal. It is now the day of the wedding and the princess was ready to accept her new life with the prince…. Only to find out shortly what is to happen next.” The curtains opened again as the stage was now set like a wedding. Several actors were on the sides of the center as Fluttershy and the prince were waiting on the pastor. After the pastor gave his speech of the union, he looked to Fluttershy. “Do you take the prince to be your lawfully wedded husband til death due you part?” “I do,” Fluttershy replied. “And do you take the princess to be your lawfully wedded wife til death due you part?” “I most certainly do,” the prince replied. “Then by the power invested in me, I now pronounce you, husband and wi-” There was a loud banging sound and everyone looked to one side of the stage. The Prince stepped in front of Fluttershy and pointed towards the sound as two guards stood next to them. “How dare you interrupt my wedding! Who are you before I have my mem cut you down!” the prince threaten. A figure clad in full armor walked into view of the stage. The armor itself had scratches marks on it and the clothes were worn and torn that seemed to be caused by constant battles. The audience was in suspense of who the figure in armor was. The figure slowly reached for his helmet before taking it off to show…. It was Zero. Everyone one the stage gasp along with the audience. “M-My beloved! You’re alive!” Fluttershy exclaimed. “H-How is that possible!?” the prince said having a terrified expression. “Y-You were suppose to be dead!” Zero’s face was covered with scars while he wore an eyepatch over his left eye. He dropped his helmet on the floor before looking at the prince with anger. “You sound surprise. But then again, you should be since you ordered my death!” he accused. “W-What!? He ordered your death!?” Fluttershy asked as she stepped away from the prince. “Explain yourself!” The prince stuttered as he tried to come up with an excuse until Zero cut in. “Let me fill in the pieces. My fellow knights and were on our to the location you provided to our king until your men attacked us halfway there. My knights fought bravely but we were outnumbered five to one and it was soon that I was the only one fighting for my life,” Zero explained. “I was cornered against the cliff and did my best to hold off until the prince here came and showed his cowardice face behind his men on top of his horse. He aimed a bowcast on me and soon, I was hit in the heart and fell what was supposed to be my death…” The curtains closed for a few moments before it reopened to show a dead Zero laying on the ground with stones and rocks surrounding him as fogs rolled in onto the stage. A sad melody was being played for a few moments until a woman in white robes came onto the stage and squat down next to Zero. “You poor soul…. To be taken away so soon and so near your time of union with your love. Because of this action alone, dark forces are working behind the shadows to ensure your kingdom's destruction…. As well as take the one you love,” the woman said. She slowly got up and walked around Zero for a moment. “.... But your body is still alive, weak but alive. I will grant you a chance to save the one you love and save your kingdom…. But after that, you must serve me as my champion and fight the darkness that is to come.” The woman opened her hands and the lights on the stage were flickering on and off giving off a magical effect until Zero started to slowly stood up. He breathed for a moment before looking at himself and looked at the woman. “W-Who are you?” Zero asked. “I am a guardian of light and after you’ve completed your task, I will be your mistress. For now we must wait and watch to strike down our enemies,” the woman said. “What do you mean? You said that my love and the kingdom was in danger!” Zero said. “Shouldn’t we act now?” “You will have your chance, young knight but first we must weed them out and strike at the right time. Only then, will we be able to not only save your kingdom but also defeat the evil that hides within the shadows,” the woman explained. “Come, we shall return to my home and we can continue this discussion further.” The woman walked off from the stage as Zero looked down at the ground for a moment before he went and followed her. The curtains closed once more and after a moment, they reopened to show a home that looked to be inside of a tree. There was a table as the woman and Zero entered into the room and the woman soon took a seat. Zero did the same and looked over at the woman for a moment before he spoke. “Alright, what exactly are these dark forces you speak of?” Zero asked. “They are demons that take make deals with humans to cause chaos and misery wherever there is peace. They do not have physical forms which is why they use humans to carry out their dark deeds,” the woman explained. “Right now, I have hunted this powerful demon that had caused so much destruction to so many lands and now, it has its sight on your home.” “How do we stop it?” Zero asked. “I believe that the demon plans on taking a body and I believe it is the princess it's aiming for. It will try to take over her body and when it does, it will be the perfect time to trap it within this crystal ball here,” the woman replied as she pulled out a round glass ball. “Once we do that, I will take it and will be able to dispose of it easily.” “Alright, sounds easy enough. When will we make our move?” Zero asked. “We wait and be patient,” the woman replied. “We’ll see what’ll transpire.” “Very well then,” Zero said. The curtains closed for a moment before it reopened again to show them back to the present. Zero pulled out his sword and pointed it towards the prince. “Call forth your master now, coward!” Zero demanded. “You have to force me before I give up a chance of immense power!” the prince said before he grabbed Fluttershy. Fluttershy let out a scream as she tried to get out of the prince’s hold. Zero was about to stop him until his guards blocked him off between the two. The prince quickly dragged Fluttershy with him. “Kill him!” the prince commanded before he dragged Fluttershy off the stage. The guards came at Zero and one swung his blade at him. Zero quickly blocked it before he kicked the guard back and swung his sword at the other. The guard blocked him and attempted to punch Zero. But Zero quickly dodged it before he grabbed the guard’s arm and spun around with him before making him collide with the other guard. Zero quickly knocked out the two guards before he pursed the prince and Fluttershy off stage. The curtains closed before shortly opened as the prince kept on dragging Fluttershy while she struggled against him. The set looked like they were on top of the castle with several poles and robe. “Lord Vazziro! All of our plans have been compromised! What should I do now!?” the prince shouted out. Everyone can hear Vazziro’s booming voice. “Then I have no choice… have the princess ready for me to enter,” he said. “But you said you couldn’t be able to enter into a willing-” “DO NOT QUESTION ME!” Vazziro boomed. “Just do it and get ready!” The prince did what the demon said before he tied Fluttershy to a poll. He pulled out some chalk before making a circle around Fluttershy as she cried out. “P-Please! Don’t do this!” Fluttershy begged. The prince ignored her before he was finished and looked up. “Everything is all set, my lord!” he said. “What should I do now!?” “Step in the ring with the princess and I shall enter into her,” Vazziro replied. “Do you trust me?” “I do, my lord!” “Good.” A chanting could be heard in the back and as it went on, Zero ran up to the stage and stopped near the circle. “Fluttershy!” Zero shouted. “Zero!” Fluttershy cried out. “It’s too late! She’s the demon’s vessel now!” the prince declared. “NNOOOOO!” Zero yelled. The audience gasp as the lights turned red and were focus on the prince and Fluttershy. Just as the lights focused in, it soon was only at the prince as he acted strange and started to stumble on the ground. “W-What!? What’s happening to me!” “I will gain a vessel, alright. But it was never my intention to take the princess… but you instead,” Vazziro explained. “You were my ideal vessel to use and now, I will take your form and have the princess for myself!” “Aaaaaaahh!” The prince fell onto his knees and his face down on the ground before smoke covered the entire stage. The smoke cleared within seconds and standing by Fluttershy as she looked fearfully that Vazziro stood next to her. He looked at his body and admired it. “Finally, a body I can use for my own,” He then looked at Fluttershy and cupped her chin. “And I fair princess to use it on~” “Never in your entire life!” Zero shouted as he raised up his sword and charged at the demon. Vazziro quickly pulled out his sword and blocked Zero’s attack. “Whatever I seek and desire, I always get what I want!” he said. “Now dead warrior, face me and die!” The two dueled on the stage with their swords. As they fought, Fluttershy tried to struggled out of her ropes. Zero parry Vazziro’s strike before and he spun and tried to elbow him in the face but Vazziro blocked the elbow with his arm and pushed Zero away from him. He then brought up his sword and tried to strike down at Zero. Zero quickly blocked the attack and the the were in a deadlock until Zero got his leg on Vazziro’s knee and the separated when he pushed on it. Vazziro let out an angry growl. “You cannot stop me!” he said “I will conquer this land like I have many kingdoms for centuries! You will fail!” “No, demon! You’re time has come!” the woman in white appeared on the stage with a staff in her hand. “Today your reign of evil will fall and I will banish you from this realm forever!” The woman raised her staff up and circled with it as she was about to cast a spell on the demon. “Grrrrr! If I fall, then I will take the princess’s life with me!* Vazziro raised his sword up before he charged right towards Fluttershy. Fluttershy’s eyes widen before she looked away and closed her eyes. Zero yelled before he charged in front of Fluttershy and quickly blocked Vazziro. But Vazziro parry Zero before he brought around under and stabs Zero through the stomach. The audience gasp as Zero’s eyes widen and let out groans of anguish. Fluttershy looked back and her eyes widen as they were tearing. “N-NO!” she cried. The woman in white looked at the demon angrily before she finished chanting her spell and cast it. Vazziro pulled his sword out of Zero before he looked about in fear. “No! Noooo! NOOOOOOOOO!” Vazziro disappeared as smoke popped under him and was gone from the stage. The woman in white soon cut Fluttershy down from her pole. Fluttershy quickly got down on her knees and held him up in her arms. “N-No! Please be okay! I-I don’t want to lose you again!” Fluttershy cired. She looked up to the woman with hope in her eyes. “Y-You can bring back to life, right!? You did it before!” The woman looked at Fluttershy with a sorrow expression. “Atlast, my powers could only bring someone back to life once. I cannot give something that I have already restored,” she explained. “ I am sorry.” Fluttershy teared up before she looked back at Zero and covered her face. She sobbed loudly as the audience were stricken with grief. As Fluttershy wrep, the woman rubbed her chin for a moment before she knelt down beside Fluttershy and placed her hand on her shoulder. “There maybe one way he could live on,” the woman said. Fluttershy looked up at the woman shocked. “But you said that he couldn’t come to live,” she said. “True, not physically. But I can bring him back to live as a spirit and bind him to your Soul. No one but you will see him and the both of you will spend your days together here in this realm until the day of your departure from here has come,” the woman explained. Fluttershy stood silent for a moment before she looked back at the woman and nodded. “Yes… I want to have my knight back,” she said. The woman nodded before she stood up and raised her staff up. She chanted for a moment before she slammed her staff down and smoke popped over Zero’s body. Soon most of Zero was covered in white and he looked at Fluttershy with a confused look. “P-Princess?” “My knight… I-I wish there was more I could do but… It seems that destiny wants to keep us apart even more,” Fluttershy looked down. Zero looked at her for a moment before making a small smile. “No matter what form I take, I will always love you and would be happy to see you wake up every morning. I may not be able to hold you again til you free yourself from your body but knowing that you’re safe now is enough to make me happy,” he said. Fluttershy looked up and smiled at Zero. The curtains slowly closed as Fluttershy and Zero were about to attempt a kiss. Soul walked up to the stage with a smile while he was wearing a noblic outfit. “And so, the princess eventually became a queen after her father’s passing. Many had made offers to be her husband but she refused and turned them all down as her knight was the only lover she will ever accept in her life. She ruled fairly and her kingdom had experienced an even greater peace that they couldn’t have imagined. They say that destiny had kept her from her lover. But I say, that her love for him is the reason he still gets to see her everyday as the Queen and the Knight are forever bound together even in the great white clouds of the heavens. This was their story. And this is their happily ever after.” A few seconds had passed as Soul heard claps being made by a few before everyone in the crowd were clapping and applauding. The curtains opened behind Soul as all the actors and stage crew looked at the crowd and bowed and waved at them. Zero and Fluttershy stood side-by-side of Soul before they all took a bow which caused the crowd to applaud even more. Soul looked out at the crowd as he smiled happily knowing that his play was a success. And unaware of the bright future that is ahead of him as Coloratura looked up at him with a smile and pulled out an invitation card to Cambridge University out of her jacket. “Kid… You’re going to have a great life,” Coloratura said to herself.