> The Darkness inside > by Fluttersight > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- > Prologue > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- “Hush now, quiet now It’s time to lay you sleepy head Hush now quiet now It’s time to go to bed” Blazes mother and father sang to him as he tried to sleep and slowly his head sagged his eyes closed and he succumbed into a dreamless sleep. Blaze sunk into a sleep of where he could only see black, but it wasn't scary, he felt warm and safe. The dark was never a scary place for him when his parents sung him to sleep, it was more of a happy place, seeing how he rarely dreamed. In his sleep his body kept getting warmer, until he begun to sweat. Eventually the smell of smoke begun to fill his nostrils. SMOKE? Why can i smell smoke thought blaze as he opened his eyes and saw nothing but black. Am I still dreaming? he thought to himself. Blaze felt his face with his hooves to discover a blindfold was tied around his face. “Mum, Dad what’s happening?! DAAD WHERE ARE YOU?” he cried frantically and although he was blindfolded he jumped out of bed and ran. He knew the house like the back of his hoof and made his way towards a window that was located at the end of the hallway. As he ran he felt heat searing through his flank he screamed and ran faster. Luckily for Blaze the hallway was bare, so he had no chance of crashing into anything. The searing heat in his flank began to burn and he almost stopped running from the pain. “I can’t stop i...” He told himself as he forced his body to keep going. There was a loud crash as he broke through the window and landed on some prickly bushes outside of his house. As he fell his blind fold got caught on a piece of glass that remained on the window and was torn from his face. He saw that he was in the bushes near his house, which was burning, he wanted to scream but nothing came out. He just stared frozen at the horror of his family’s house in flames and that's when the reality hit him, his mother and father never answered his calls. As quick as he could he scrambled to his hooves and ran towards his parents room, his parents had a window, that they always had open to let in the morning sun, which they always loved waking up too. He got to their window and saw the window closed, and his parents lying on the ground, blood pouring from their necks. They were dead he didn't have a home. He would have to fight to survive. He turned his back, and did the hardest thing he could do. He closed his heart to all the emotions that threatened to overwhelm him Blaze decided to look for a job and a place to stay. Trixie hid in her room pretending to be sleeping, hoping that her step father and mother would not come and wake her. She had washed all the dishes and windows, swept and mopped the floors. The whole house was clean, she did everything they had asked of her. Surely they would leave her alone, but no, she heard footsteps coming up the stairs and braced herself for what was coming, the door was flung open, it was her stepfather. “TWIKSHI” he slurred clearly drunk “TWIKSHI WAKE UP, DID YOU CLEAN EVEWYTHING TODAY? AND DON'T LIE TO ME, BWAT” “Y-yes father i did “ the wide-eyed, terrified filly answered . “Really? Well then why are the rubbish bins full and the lawn not mowed?” her step father replied menacingly “Oh no” she thought i can’t believe i forgot them ”I’m sorry! I forgot, I'll do them first thing tomorrow. Please don’t punish me ill-“ she was cut short as something hard hit her in the mouth. Trixie saw little stars dance in her vision she felt him hitting her harder and harder. The filly didn't bother to scream, she knew nobody would come to help. Her body was in agony, yet she still didn't make a sound. oh no he isn’t stopping she she panicked tears rolling down her cheeks he's going to kill me Her last thought as her world went black and she knew no more, her step father walked out of the room. ‘Hmm, you’re of age now aren't you? Well tomorrow night ill teach you how to treat your step father.” He muttered and began a cruel laugh as he wandered down the stairs looking for his bottle of cider. When Trixie woke up it was just after midday, she went to the bathroom and looked at the damage. “Hmm not too bad” she said. "A black eye, a few bruises, swollen lips and cuts. Better than last time he got drunk" she said shuddering, remembering the glass bottle that was broken on her face. Remarkably though she had no scars from the last event. "I had better start cleaning or I'll get it worse tonight and i mustn't forge-huh.". Trixie had made her way to the kitchen and was stunned at what she saw. Everything was clean, bins emptied, no empty bottles in sight and the grass outside the kitchen window had been cut. There was a note on the fridge: Trixie rest up and heal your wounds from last nights... misunderstanding. I have some plans in which i require your help. “He needs my help? I-I WHAT?!” Trixie had no idea what was happening but she did as she was told and waited for his return. After a short time the front door opened “Hey Trix come here and give me a hug.” At first Trixie stood there, looking dumbfounded. She then slowly and hesitantly walked over and timidly hugged her step father. ”I have something to talk to you about.“ He said with a smile. He walked into the kitchen he returned a few minutes with two drinks of cola. “Here drink this” He handed her one of the colas. Trixie did as she was told and began to drink her cola. “Tastes a little funny” she said “Must be a bad batch. How are you feeling?” he replied, watching her intently. “Umm... a little light headed. Come to think of it, i think i need to sit down.” She said groggily, her head beginning to spin. “I'll take you to your room. You look like you need to rest.“ The older stallion said with a sly smile. Trixie nodded wondering why she felt so tired and why her step father was being so nice. He was never this nice well except when....but no, he wouldn't do that with me... would he? “Here we are let me help you into your bed my dear” his smile widened Trixie knew that he had done something to the drink he had given her. Trixie was fighting to stay awake the pills her stepfather had put in her drink were taking effect. She felt heavy and her eyelids were fighting to stay open. She felt groggy and didn't know what was going on until it was too late...almost she felt something warm touching a certain part of her she gasped "n-no stop what are you doing?” Trixie stammered. “I’m teaching you how to be a woman now shut up and hold still” he replied “N-no, not with you! NO!” And with that Trixie let loose the most powerful spell she knew one she learned from a royal guard who saw her being picked on by other bigger ponies, it was starburst, a non lethal but very painful spell. It stuns and blinds the victim for up to a minute. She could feel him getting closer soon he would be inside. “NO!" She screamed she closed her eyes charged her horn and fired off her spell. There was a blinding flash of light, a horrible scream and heat. “Wait, heat? There shouldn't be any heat!” Trixie opened her eyes, what she saw horrified her the room was on fire so was her stepfather “oh my gosh! What have i done?” Her stepfather fell to the ground screaming and squirming in pain, cursing Trixie's name, demanding she put the fire out. Trixie stared at her stepfather in a moment of shock and then started to run, down the stairs, through the kitchen and out the door. That night Trixie Lulamoon ran away from her house, her family and started a new life, as the great and powerful Trixie and as she ran she buried her memories until all she could remember was fire. > Midnight Bubbles > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- It was midnight and screams of agony echoed throughout the castle dungeon, Midnight blaze was hard at work the stallion he was working on had barley made a sound all night, he was tough this one that was until Blaze used his magic and slowly pushed a nail towards his eye closer...closer there was a soft squelch as the nail punctured the stallions eye and finally Blaze heard the sweet sound of agony, then he turned to the mare his job was done he knew everything, they were part of the cult of the moon and they were going to kidnap the daughter of the Lulamoon's and sacrifice her to bring back nightmare moon, now it was time for some fun. “Stop, please stop this” pleaded the mare. “we told you everything please just stop it.” she sobbed. She had a red coat and a straw coloured mane, her cutie mark was a large red apple. The stallion however was the opposite with a straw coat and red mane his cutie mark was three green apples. These were all details that Midnight Blaze had written down during his... interrogation he would always write down these sorts of things he didn't know why it was just always something he did.. ”Please just shut up the interrogation is over and now its time for the execution .” He said in a monotone voice not a trace of emotion in his voice. “Your sick you know that you and that bitch of a pri-" There was a sickening crack as the stallion was silenced His head was turned at an odd angle. Blaze turned to the mare his gaze merciless and asked “Any last requests Mrs...?” “You can call me Mrs Apple" she said quietly, and yes I have one request.“ she passed Blaze a letter with a shaky hoof. ”Send this to my family. That’s the address, just send it through Pegasus mail." Midnight blaze was stunned usually when he asked this he was usually cursed and screamed at or they would plead for their life sometimes they would ask for him to end it quick he never got any real requests and because of this he accepted he could have ignored her request but he saw no harm in it and he hadn't left the castle in a long time, so he turned to the mare looked in her eyes and replied "sure thing" and with that Blaze continued with the torture of the traitor until after what seemed like hours she finally gave up. The next morning, Midnight blaze went to the post Pegasus but since he hadn't been out in a while so he got a little lost, apparently the post office had moved since he was last out and he was getting irritated he looked over and saw a day guard, "May as well ask Mr goldy over there" he walked over to the guard "Hey there goldy can you tell me where the post office is? I'm kinda lost." "Sir, if you make another remark about my armour, I will have you down at the station for questioning" said the guard menacingly. Blaze for the second time that day was stunned. "You really think that a golden fairy like yourself could even touch me? Well then, try it, you little whelp." The guard took a step forward ready to incapacitate this public nuisance when he saw his cutie mark, it was a full moon on fire, his eyes widened in horror as he realised how close to possible death he had come. "Shadow! Sir, forgive me I didn't recognize you without your Armour. The post office is right behind you look for the grey Pegasus." Blaze nodded and walked away still a little tense, he saw the grey Pegasus she was wall eyed and had bubbles for a cutie mark. I wonder what her cutie mark represents? thought Blaze. “Um, I brought a letter. The address is on the envelope” he said quickly “Oh, it’s for the apples! she exclaimed. "I know them, they're really nice. They always give me an apple muffin... Mmm... muffins..." she stood there staring with a hungry look on her face "OH! Sorry I zoned out, uh, That will be two bits.” The mare said happily as she held her hooves out. Blaze passed her the bits and made to walk away. “Um, mister" The mare trotted up to Blaze quickly, keeping a slight distance. She then lowered her head to the ground and started shyly kicking at the dirt. "Mister? W-would you be my friend I don’t have many a-and you seem nice." She looked up at blaze with one eye and smiled. "My name is Derpy.” Blaze raised an eyebrow at the mare “No, I will not be your friend. What are you, stupid? Stop being such a foal!“ At those words Derpy sat on the ground, making a thud sound as her rump hit the ground. Her ears drooped and so did her wings as she proceeded to kick at the dirt again. “I-I'm so sorry for asking” Tears were forming in her eyes "it’s just I don’t really have any friends. Every pony is always nice but I know they just want me to go away. I’m sorry, I just wish some pony would be my friend bu-“ Blaze looked at the sad, lonely mare and saw a little of himself in her. He too didn't have any friends. All the other ponies treated him different too, they were nice but scared of him. They all just wanted him to disappear. Just like all the ponies wanted her to disappear. A little bit of Blaze opened up and before he knew it his hooves were around Derpy, hugging her. “Wha-?“ The mare yelped in surprise. “It's okay Derpy." Blaze didn't know what it was like to have friends. He didn't know what to do, he was clueless. What if I became Derpy's friend? After all it was only one pony. That was when Blaze decided. I want to see what this whole "friendship" fuss is about and gave it a try. "Derpy, we can be friends. I-I don’t hate you.” The tears in Derpy's wall eyes that had threatened to fall, rolled down her cheeks as a massive smile crossed her face. Blaze let go of the mare and went to give her some space, but as soon as he took a step he was knocked to the ground by Derpy's hug. She had leaped up into the air and tackled Blaze down to the ground. Blaze had to fight his normal reaction to being knocked to the ground, which was to get up and fight the attacker. But Derpy wasn't the enemy, she was now his friend. Suddenly blazes head felt like it was about to explode you don't need friends get rid of her I'm the only one you need "Who are you.” Blaze asked out loud. “It's me, Derpy.” The mail mare said confused, still hugging him. “Are you okay, Blaze?” “I-I'm fine, I’ll see you later okay Derpy.” Blaze said as he broke from her embrace and started to trot away. “Okay bye!” Derpy replied in a very loud voice, waving her hooves in the air at him. Blaze stopped as a thought hit him. “Wait how did you know my name?" He asked, turning towards Derpy. “Oh that’s easy I’m the mail mare! It's my job to know every pony’s name.” The mare announced happily and with a wave Derpy flew off, her body on an odd angle as she flew, narrowly missing a lamp post on her way up into the skies. . “What in Tartarus was that I felt? Some pony else in my head? I think I should go to the keep and sleep it off. The princess is going to yell at me anyway” He muttered to himself as he made his way back home. “Hmm, where am I and how did I get in these woods?” blaze looked around but all he could see was trees. There was a blinding flash and Blaze's vision took a while to recover and slowly he began to see silhouette. The silhouette slowly took the form of Derpy. But something was different, she didn't have that happy look in her eyes as she did when they had met. She was huddled in a corner, afraid. Slowly a shadow began to form over her body and more fear crept over her face. Another silhouette appeared in front of Derpy and it slowly took form of a stallion he didn't recognize. The pony was laughing at Derpy as she cowered, it made Blazes blood boil he wanted to kill him. He tried to charge up some magic into his horn to cast a spell. but nothing happened. His magic wasn't working, he couldn't even move. He tried using all his strength to just to move one hoof. But as he tried there was a bright flash and Derpy was standing there looking at him. Hiding behind her was a little filly that looked just like her. There was another flash, there was no Derpy this time, but an azure mare with a silver mane she softly whispered in his ear. “You’re on the right track, keep going and you will find me. You will find more than hatred, it may take many years but you will find me, look to the forest." And as quickly as the flashes had came, they disappeared leaving him in blackness. Blaze awoke to find the world was upside down after he righted himself and put on his armor he walked to the mess hall and started eating breakfast it was decent today pancakes and orange juice afterwards he checked his duty roster . Day guard it read….”WHAAAT!” Blaze stormed through the castle “CELESTIA! WHERE ARE YOU?” he screamed at this point the royal guard tried to stop him with stun spells and non lethal weapons. But Blaze confused them with illusion magic, he walked through all of them before they realised he was cloaked. He walked quietly into the throne room sealed the door and used a sleep bolt on the two guards "Princess, why am I now on patrol during the day?" "Because you're ready for it" she replied proudly. "B-but princess I don't want to be a day guard I- "Blaze you will do as I say or I will confine you to your quarters without any meals" she said a little more sternly. Blaze lost it. "What you think you can ground me? I'm not your child, Tia, I may be young but you can't tell me what to do I-" Blazes head started to pound he saw red he felt his magic charging" I WILL DESTROY YOU IF YOU GET IN MY WAY TIA YOU CANT CONTROL ME ANYMORE I WILL HAVE REVENGE FOR WHAT YOU DID TO HER" magic flared around his horn a dark purple aura replaced his usual red one. He fired a spell of his own creation, one that made you feel whatever Blaze wanted you to feel. "Oh no” cried blaze coming back to his senses “oh no, oh no, oh no princess, are you okay princess?” he asked the pony he thought of as his mother. “I-I’m fine” she stuttered. “Are you okay, Tia? I didn’t mean it, I should not have lost it like that I-“ “That was not you. That came from inside you.” “you mean it was- “Yes, shadow broke free. This is why I want you on day guard so you can see that mare you met more often it will help keep the shadow in check“ she replied. "Okay" was all he could say, he bowed and left. His shift started soon. "How did she know about Derpy” Blaze said aloud. "Ah well the princess knows all, I guess” he started to think about the silver maned mare, wondering who she was as he headed on patrol. It was a sunny day in Ponyville and Big Macintosh and Applejack were working around the farm when Derpy arrived there with the letter. Derpy liked the apple family, they treated her nicely and never made fun of her she landed a couple of meters away and announced proudly “Hi! I brought you a letter, is Granny Smith here?” Big Mac replied first ”Nope.” Apple Jack offered more information as she usually had to after her big brother spoke;”She’s in town at the moment won’t be back for a while either” Derpy scratched the back of her head with her hoof and looked at the letter one more time. "Well, I can come back later then." She announced happily. Derpy spread her wings, ready to take off, she had just left the ground when a rope crossed her vision and wrapped around the letter. The letter was then pulled from Derpy's hoof. She turned around to see AppleJack observing the letter. The mail mare landed, looking confused, but not questioning what just happened. "I recognize this writing..." Applejack said in a quiet voice. Big Mac peered over his sisters shoulder to have a look at the writing on the envelope, but before he had the chance to see it, the envelope was torn away to reveal a letter. Derpy landed, wanting to know what was going on, it must have been an important letter if it was snatched from her like that. She sat down with a thud, watching the apples as they read the letter. She begun to feel uncertain about staying when she saw their faces slowly fell. Applejack stared at the letter after she had finished reading it, tears forming in her eyes. Big Mac made his way towards Derpy, a sad look on his face. "Who gave you this letter?" Derpy's ears drooped as she answered. "One of the guards at the castle... Why? What's wrong?" Big mac went over to Applejack and took the letter from her and shoved it towards Derpy, as if he wanted the thing to disappear. The only thing he said was "Read it." Derpy took the letter and begun to read it. Dear Granny Smith, Apple Jack and Big Macintosh, If you are receiving this letter we are sorry but we cannot return to you…ever we are a part of a movement trying to reverse the banishment of nightmare moon and we have been caught and most likely executed by the shadow. Your father and I just want you to know that we will always love you no matter what. Derpy stared at the letter, tears rolling down her cheeks. ”How… HOW COULD YOU” she screamed and flew off towards Canterlot a few hours flight for her but she didn’t care she had to…well she didn’t really know but she had to confront him. Blaze was sitting in a cafe, on his break from his first day of patrol when he heard a voice calling his name. "MIDNIGHT BLAZE! WHERE ARE YOU? MIDNIGHT BLAZE" Blaze recognized the voice, it was Derpy's. He turned to see Derpy flying over the area, seeking him out. Somehow she spotted him almost instantly, she did a nose dive towards him and almost landed perfectly, if it wasn't for the table he sat at getting in the way. Derpy had landed on Blaze's table, knocking it over and spilling his coffee. Blaze stared at the coffee he had yet to drink, and mourned it for a moment. "WHAT DID YOU DO?" Derpy had tears in her eyes as she faced the stallion. Blaze stared at Derpy, seeing the pain in her eyes, pain that he must have caused. 'What are you talking about?" Blaze asked. "Where did you get the letter from?" "I got it from a mare, it was her last request." The look of horror on Derpy's face made something snap inside Blaze. What is this feeling I-I don’t want to lose her. The thought popped into his head without hesitation. “Derpy I...I care about you please don’t hate me I couldn’t bare it you’re my only friend except the princess I-I….” and with that Derpy started recovering from what she had just heard, just as she was about to reply Blaze charged magic into his horn and teleported away. Derpy stood there, she felt slightly... angry? Derpy had never really been angry before but when she was, it was for a good reason. All her life people talked over the top of her, drowning out her voice as she tried to have her say. And Blaze, he didn't even let her have a say, he disappeared before she could open her mouth. Enough was enough, Blaze was her friend, and friends should always listen to each other. Derpy was determined to find Blaze, so she could speak her mind. “Well,” She said out loud. “It looks like I have a letter for the princess”. “Hmmm” said the castle guard “Everything seems to be in order, go on in.” Though he thought to himself why would they give such an important letter to a regular mail mare? Especially one with such weird eyes. Oh well it’s none of my business, I guess. Derpy walked calmly to the princess, as calm as she was there was still a part of her excited to be in the palace. She had to force herself not to explore the place. Derpy reached the princess and asked “Princess can yo-“ “KNEEL BEFORE ADDRESSING THE PRINCE- “cut in one of the royal guards “It's okay, Captain. Stand down.” Ordered the princess, a slight annoyed tone in her voice. The guard saluted and stood down The princess looked at Derpy and recognized her. “Derpy... The shadow does not want any visitors. He is…out of sorts” “With all due respect princess. I…WANT…TO…SEE… BLAZE” she said through clenched teeth. At this, Celestia smiled “If he means that much to you, alright. But I must warn you, he will hurt you.” “I know.“ Replied Derpy. “But I need to explain something to him. I’m used to pain anyway, so I will be fine.” “I’m not talking physical pain.” replied the Regal Mare, a sad look crossing her face. “Neither am I.” The grey mare told Celestia with shadows in her eyes. With the last words Derpy said, Princess Celestia nodded at one of the guards and ordered him to show Derpy to Blaze's room. As she walked in to blazes room she was hit with a chilling wave of sadness, that awoke memories deep inside her very being, sending a chill down her spine causing her to shudder. “D-Derpy, why are you here? Go away, GO AWAY! Please, I couldn’t stand to hurt you just go GO” the stallion pleaded as he saw the mare walk in and shudder. Derpy stood her ground, sitting down with another 'thud' sound and replied with “No, I won’t abandon you.” There was determination all over her face, and Derpy tried her hardest to focus both her eyes on him but didn't succeed. “Whywhywhywhywhywhyhwhyw-“he cried hysterically. “Blaze stop.” She said quietly, getting up and walking closer to him and immediately he stopped. “I may have a disability but I’m not completely stupid. You’re hurting and you’re scared that you will hurt me and I will abandon you. I’m telling you I will always be your friend." Derpy placed herself next to the stallion, who was sitting on his bed, his hoof covering his face. "I know this because you’re hurting me now in one of the worst ways possible I’m re-living every horrible moment in my life over and over but its okay, I don’t hate you." Derpy placed a hoof on his shoulder. "You’re the nicest pony I have ever met you have your problems but so do I and…we need each other so… I’M NOT GOING TO LEAVE YOU OKAY.” And with tears running down her cheeks she hugged the blue maned stallion, with that the spell broke and she was no longer in the darkest part’s of her mind. She was in her friends room hugging him and calming him down. She knew if their roles were reversed he would do the same for her, she started smiling through her tears because she finally had a true friend who cared about her. > The changeling of the guard > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Derpy had been getting her mane ready for an hour, she wasn't sure why, but she wanted to look good for Blaze. They were goings out for lunch, but it wasn't like a date or anything just two friends having lunch. So then why did she have butterflies in her stomach, Derpy now straightening her feathers, to make them look neat, again she had no idea why but she felt like it was necessary. She wondered what it would feel like if Blaze touched her wings, his hooves running through her feathers... She shivered at the thought. She then thought to herself as she trotted out the door. I can't think about that sort of thing! Right now I gotta get ready;. Midnight Blaze was standing in front of the mirror in his bathroom. He was trying to work up the courage to ask if Derpy liked him more than a friend. Sure it had only been a couple of weeks since he told her about the shadow in side him, but she hadn't run away, she accepted him for who he was. He was sure she felt the same way him, but if he was wrong it might ruin their friendship and that was something he didn't really want to risk. Determination crossed his mind as he thought of going on with his friendship and never asking what she felt about him. "I'll ask anyway, I doubt it will get that awkward and I'm sure she feels the same" he was ready, that was until he felt something slither into his thoughts. "What about her present you forgot to buy her? You're going to make her cry again... Hahahaha". Blaze was horrified, the shadow was right. He couldn't believe he forgot Derpy's present. He started searching through his entire house like a wild animal, tipping over furniture, pulling out draws, rummaging through every cupboard and he even tried looking under his bed. But he couldn't find anything decent or anything she would like, so he gave up and decided to to apologize and get her something on the way to The Stable, The Stable was a a quiet little restaurant close the castle. Blaze wanted to take her to The Horse and Cart but she had refused point blank and wouldn't say why. In the end she agreed to The Stable because it was small and not so crowded. Derpy must not like being around big groups ponies he thought. "But she was fine yesterday at the castle when she came to see me" he said aloud, a frown forming on his face ,Blaze recalled how she had flared her wings up when nopony would let her through. The entire crowd had parted to make way for her. "She really does have beautiful wings..." He said to himself, a dreamy look replacing the frown. Blaze was day dreaming when the doorbell rang. He jumped in surprise. They had both agreed to meet here because it was closer to to their destination, but she wasn't meant to be here for another half hour. So who could be here? He took a deep breath and calmed down. He opened the door. No-pony was in sight as he glanced around. He started to shut the door when something on the ground caught his eye. It was box, a beautiful box at that. It was covered in jewels. Ruby's, emerald's, sapphires and even diamonds. Blaze picked up the colourful box and brought it inside. He put it on his kitchen table, the only thing to have luckily not been thrown around through his wild quest, looking for a present for Derpy. He stared at the box for a bit, not sure what to think of it. He even circled the table staring at it intently. Could I trust it? I mean it's only a box... Blaze decided to see what was inside of the box and slowly, he opened the lid to reveal a folded piece of paper. He opened the piece of paper: Thought you could use these, but you owe me. Remember that. - O Blaze was worried, whoever had sent this knew him and he now owed a favor to some mystery pony. He decided that he would cross that bridge when he came to it. He looked at what else was in the box he saw two bottles one was blue and its label read: When you're wet and out of breath, Take a swig and fill your chest "Not very clever... I don't understand what it does. I wonder what the other one does" he said it was a purple black colour the label read: This here potion will help hide your motion Be careful and smart, stay in the dark Lest you become your enemies next mark "Well that's simple" he stated out loud" it's an invisibility potion ill keep it on me... Might come in handy later." He looked through the box again and what he found made his eyes widen in amazement. It was a gold necklace with seven sapphires each one trimmed with gold...in the shape of derpy's cutiemark. "This is perfect! She will love it. Whoever this "O" guy is, he deserves a medal" Blaze checked the time Derpy was going to be here soon so he decided to finish getting ready, humming as he brushed his mane waiting for his love to knock on his door. Derpy was excited. She was almost at Blazes room. He said he had a present for her. She loved presents and her wings were flared out making every-pony move away from her. Even the castle guards. She trotted happily up to Blaze's front door tucking her wings away and knocked. The door opened to reveal Blaze. He was wearing a black collar and purple tie. He looked really cute. The bubbly mare kept shuddering trying to keep her wings from snapping open, "He looks so amazing. Nothing but a collar and tie yet it still makes him look sexy". She thought. She noticed his room was a mess "What happened here?" she asked. Blaze opened the door and saw it was Derpy. She was wearing a beautiful dress. The base colour was a midnight blue, covered by a white see-through veil, making her dress look like a starless night. The trim along the entire dress was a bright gold colour. Completing her dress, a set of 4 dark blue shoes covered her hooves and a pair of muffin shaped earrings. She asked what had happened to his room. " Oh, umm well I couldn't find something and I freaked out and...." he stopped mouth agape. He only really noticed how beautiful Derpy looked "you look stunning" He said without thinking, making Derpy blushed, he saw her shiver as she tried to stop her wings from opening in arousal " I mean you always look good but you look beautiful right now." Derpy couldn't stop herself, she had never been complimented so much in her life, it made her feel so happy. Wings snapping open, she launched herself at Blaze, her front legs pinning him to the floor. She leaned closer her face was almost touching his. Derpy felt so confident about herself now. "D-Derpy what are you do-" Blaze was cut off as Derpy's lips met his she was kissing him suddenly her tongue pressed against his lips he parted them. He couldn't believe what was happening. There was a cute mare kissing him but it was more than that. It might sound cliche, but it felt as if they were connected on a deeper level. He was sure she felt the same way. They broke apart. Blaze saw the look in her eyes and nodded taking her to his room. Derpy was...well she was a lot of things. Exhausted,happy and rather hungry. They had skipped their date, not that she really minded. She recalled earlier how adept Blaze was at sex, but that wasn't even the best part. Sure he could do things with his tongue that made her feel like she was on fire,and yeah he wasn't exactly quick. No the best thing was the cuddles. They were just lying there cuddling. Derpy had her head resting on his chest and Blaze was stroking her mane. She had never felt so content. Slowly she fell asleep to Blaze's heartbeat. Blaze never thought Derpy could be that forward. He would like to say that after he had led her to his room that he was dominant, but he wasn't. Derpy seemed to have dark side. As soon as he was on the the bed, she used her hooves to gently massage his colt-hood. Slowly at first, but soon his colt-hood stood firm, and she was stroking it faster. Blaze was in total bliss. That was what he thought, until her mouth covered his shaft. He moaned. He had never felt this before. Her moist tongue working it's way around. He couldn't take any more"I'M GONNA COME" and he did, and to his surprise she smiled and swallowed. "So" she said lustfully "Your turn" Derpy didn't know how Blaze would react, and to her surprise he got up and looked at her. His horn glowed purple. She felt herself lifted off the floor and gasped as her mare-hood started to tingle. The closer she got to the bed, the more intense it became. When she touched the bed, it was as if a bolt of lightning had struck her. She yelped with pain and pleasure. "Sorry a little too much power. Here let me kiss it better" Blaze said slyly. Derpy squealed with delight as she felt his tongue flutter over her slit. She was already rather wet from the ride to the bed his tongue working away. She was almost at a climax when she felt teeth nibble in just the right spot. She moaned and came all over his face. She looked down shyly and saw Blaze lick his lips and smile. Blaze awoke to a knock on his door. He slid out from under Derpy's wings and opened the door "Yeah what do you want?" he said without looking up. Princess Celestia looked at Blaze, his fur was sticking to his muzzle and legs. She smiled "Blaze you have an assignment today. Get ready- oh and who is the lucky mare?" Blaze was confused. Slowly his brain clicked "Oh shit. S-sorry Tia. Um its Derpy." He smiled "Uh well I had better, uh clean up. Bye princess" The princess chuckled and walked out to the castle gardens" well well, look's like he is finally ready" Just then the hairs on Celestia's neck stood. Some-pony was watching her and they were powerful. She readied herself for the confrontation "Come out, I know your there. What do you want?" A royal guard walked out from behind a tree. It was Shining Armour . "Princess are you okay? What's going on? Something feels off. I came looking for you, I haven't seen a single guard either. I th-" he was cut off because he was hit square in the chest with a wad of sticky green goo. The impact stuck him to the wall behind him. He was dazed and his vision was blurred. When he got his vision back what he saw horrified him. The princess was in a giant ball of goo, with changelings surrounding her, then in a bright green flash they were gone. Blaze made his way to the throne room, He had given his room a quick tidy and Derpy was still asleep when he had left so he left her a note with the necklace attached. As he walked through the castle, he started getting edgy "Where are all the guards...? Seriously, maybe it got something to do with my assignment. Hmmm well i'll find out soon enough... I guess" he muttered to himself. He had reached the doors to the throne room and there was still no sign of any guards. He then realised what was going on and the lack of guards. He looked up at the glass ceiling and confirmed his suspicions. There were no stars in the sky. Nightmare Moon was being resurrected. Blaze shot a bright pulsating grey flare into the sky. He knew that help would come soon so he casually he opened the doors and walked into the room. He saw the princess in a ball of anti magic goo and at least over fifty changelings in the center of the room was a pony. He couldn't make her out other than she had a blue coat and a silver mane, her magic had been drained almost completely. The changlings saw him. " It's the sssshadow! Kiillll hiim, KILLL HIM NOW" cried the leader who was a full three feet taller than Blaze. The first five closest to him were incinerated in a gout of dark fire. The three that took their place were picked up with magic and thrown into the hoard behind them. Then Blaze charged, something no unicorn would do. Most unicorns were trained to kill their foes at range but Blaze was a close quarters expert. He reached the mass of of changelings and just before they could touch him he sent another wave of fire through the first five lines. He then started fighting hoof to hoof. He parried a blow meant for his face and back-hoofed a changeling so hard that it back flipped scattering more behind it. Blaze then bucked one so hard he felt it's ribs break. He then he round house kicked another while simultaneously sending more fire from his horn. He saw three more fall from his fire, as well as snapping the neck of the one he kicked. He then teleported beside the princess catching his breath. "COME ON YOU STUPID INSECTS, HOW CAN YOU LET ONE PONY TAKE OUT SO MANY OF YOUR BRETHREN? KILL HIM!" the commander screamed he saw how tired The Shadow was. He had killed twenty of his men while injuring at least a dozen more, but he was not infallible. The next charge would see him dead and with that he charged a bolt of acid at the guard they had caught when suddenly, he felt hooves either side of his neck. He felt a sort of pressure on his neck, and then he fell lifelessly to the floor. Blaze was angry as hell. He was furious. He couldn't beat them like this. Sure, he took out twenty, but there were still around thirty left. He didn't have the energy to fight the rest. He looked at the pony being drained of magic, and realised he knew her. It was that mare! The one he had been dreaming about. And then he broke, his mind shattered. He had failed to protect the princess this mare and the castle. All that was left was Derpy and he wouldn't lose her no matter what. Derpy watched from the darkness. She got Blazes note this morning as well as the necklace she was wearing it now. She was in the middle of brushing her mane when she saw the signal. As fast as she could she made her way to the Throne room. By the time she got to the throne room Blaze had lost it, she saw two more of her allies watching, one had killed the commander. Derpy's eyes were on Blaze though he had lifted three changlings in the air she expected him to throw them but what happened terrified her to her very core. He ripped them apart. First was their wings and then their legs were ripped off. Green blood splattering the ground where they hovered over. Then they fell..one by one, they floated, only to be ripped open. When they all fell Derpy thought it was over she started walking towards Blaze when her apprentice landed next to her. "Master Wolf, more changelings are coming!" exclaimed the assassin in training. "How many?" replied Derpy "Just over a hundred." she said grimly Derpy sighed "Tavi you and the other recruits, try to free the princess i'll help the shadow hold off the enemy." Octavia was stunned "B-but master you cant." "I CAN AND WILL" Derpy shouted "Now help the princess, we cant win without her" " O-okay master, but please be careful" she ran off to gather the others. Derpy landed next to Blaze, he had purple mist swirling around him "How can I help, Shadow?" she asked Blaze looked at Derpy he had tears of blood running down his cheeks. "After the battle, save me please" he said quietly then added in a sinister whisper "Stay with me and kill" he started laughing maniacally. Derpy could feel her sanity fleeing she started to laugh with Blaze she wasn't scared anymore not when the bloody tears started rolling down her cheeks. Not when the fifty dead changelings started putting themselves back together. Another hundred alive changelings landed in the courtyard, it was a really big courtyard. Derpy was giggling like a little filly, she looked at Blaze, who smiled and nodded at her. Derpy leaned forward towards Blaze and kissed him passionately, then stepped forward and flared out her wings sending hundreds of needles into the ranks of the changeling army the first three lines fell immediately and seconds later they rose to join Blazes side. Celestia was free at last thanks to the assassins "Stay here my rescuers, you will just be killed otherwise." She looked at the blue unicorn and a thought occurred "Protect this filly with your lives I will be back shortly" and with those words, she teleported away. Blaze and Derpy were walking through the battlefield slaughtering any in their way, they walked up to the leader. Their coats were green, they were covered in the gore of countless changelings. Blaze and Derpy spoke in unison. "You are worthless, your army is now ours. Free to summon as we see fit. Your soldiers souls will feed our hunger and make us stronger, this kingdom is under our protection and any threat shall be devoured twisted and risen again and again until the foe is vanquished." Blaze then grabbed the general changeling and headbutted him causing his horn to stab through his neck. He let the leaders body drop to the ground and turned to Derpy "Be free from my hold and save this silly unicorn." Derpy blinked, she and Blaze were surrounded by the their army. She shuddered at how she had felt Blaze was still crying his cheeks stained crimson "Blaze come back to me... Please everything's fine, everypony is safe now." Clear tears started rolling down her blood soaked cheeks "Please, I have just found you. I cant already lose you, I need you to come back" she drew Blaze towards her and he embraced her. "Thank you. For bringing me back to the light. I can't believe what I just did." he turned to face Derpy with a sad look haunting his face. "I can feel them in my head. The Changelings, I freed them from the tyranny of their queen. But now I have enslaved them, forcing them to be my personal army.... Ah well I guess it couldn't be helped lets go and find that unicorn." They walked over to where she lay only to be stopped by Octavia. "Let us through little cub, we mean no harm, we are going to help her" Derpy said in a low tone. "O-okay master" she replied weakly still horrified at seeing her mentor change like that. Blaze kneeled and touched his gore covered horn to the unicorn he injected a large amount of magic hoping it would revive her essence and to his surprise it did the mare stood up and glared at Blaze. "How dare you inject THE GREAT AND POWERFUL TRRRIXIE WITH YOUR DIRTY MAGIC" she bellowed at Blaze but soon her gaze and voice softened "B-but Trixie thanks you, all the same for your help but she must go now. Trixie is late for an engagement in some backwater town called Ponyville." And with that she let off a smokescreen and disappeared. Blaze was happy he knew her name. There was a flash of light "Tia!" He saw her face. "Whats wrong? How can I help? What is happening?" He looked at the pony next to the princess she was huddled on the ground, sobbing and repeatedly telling it to stop. She was a little taller than a normal filly, she had an indigo coat with a light blueish grey mane. Princess Celestia raised her head, giving Blaze a sad and urgent look. "Shadow take away the dark from her. Please take it away" Blaze understood he walked over to the the mare and touched his horn to hers. > Of agony and lust > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Celestia couldn't believe it it was an intimate thing too touch your horn to another unicorn let alone an alicorn and she could not help but blush as Blaze held his horn against her sister suddenly he broke contact with a shudder. "There" he said" the darkness has receded into me" he frowned" i-i feel like a part of me is restored" he turned to Luna" you took this from me but how, you have been in the moon for a thousand years...what am i WHAT DID YOU DO TO ME"Blaze saw the princesses look at eachother and nod. "Blaze" said Luna "you have to understand it is better if you don't know im sorry but next time i swear ill tell you next time but for now you must forget". Celestia charged her horn and with a tear in her eye she fired at Blaze. Blaze saw everything in slow motion the bolt of magic was a spell that altered memories"she is going to erase pat of my memory" Blaze did the only thing he could he caught the spell with his horn and threw it against the ground dissipating it and walked up to Luna who still hadn't regained her magic, he punched her in the jaw flipped her on her back and rested a hoof on her neck he looked directly at Celestia" Tia this your last chance to tell me who i am or you will lose her again now start talking. "I can't i said i wouldn't i promised please dont do this" Celestia pleaded then she did something unexpected something unforgivable in a flash of light Derpy was teleported in front of her her horn aimed at her chest. Blaze looked calm no sweat he didn't widen his eyes and he didn't flinch but underneath he was an inferno of of emotions he couldn't believe she would do this, "Tia your next action will prove whether your sister dies or not also it will either make me kill you or listen to your explanation think very hard on this now...let...Derpy...GO!!!! Blaze was losing control he was angry and it was only now that Celestia relised it, on the word go dark purple black flames flared around Blaze she heard Luna start whimpering in pain then she started to scream, where Blaze had his hoof she could see Luna's coat burning leaving charred flesh Celestia cried out " ok Blaze you win ill let her go" she propped Derpy " there now stop" he kept his hoof on Luna forcing her to burn Celestia couldn't take it he wasn't listening to her she tried again B-Blaze please i let her go stop this LEAVE LUNA ALONE!!, nothing she wanted to stop blaze but knew if she killed him all of equestria would burn she also knew that this was the only way to get him to stop. Derpy was scared not of Blaze but because of what he was doing and also because Luna's screaming was unbearable"Midnight Blaze stop this!!" his head shot up "it's over stop alright just stop" she trotted over to him smiling she felt the fire she was burning but she had to stop him she stood facing him he looked scared like he didn't want this but couldn't stop she leaned forward and kissed him the fire died down when Derpy opened her eyes she noticed Blaze was crying she took a step back she knew she was burnt badly she saw Blaze stare at Luna for a second then he smiled and walked over to her she felt something cool fall on her cheek them her whole body started to cool down she looked down and saw her burns healing before her very eyes even her coat was growing back she looked at Blaze went to say something but a wave of exhaustion overwhelmed her she relised she was falling then darkness took her. Blaze saw Derpy fall to the ground but he couldn't hear what Tia had said he knew he should stop but he didn't know how " what do i do i can't stop the fire suddenly he heard his name he looked up it was Derpy she was getting closer smiling he felt calmer she was in the flames with him he could see her burning "no stop please im hurting you i dont want this i need to speak out loud WHY CANT A SPEAK OUT LOUD" he felt something touch his lips it was Derpy her grey coat now black and where her coat had burnt off was red and getting darker by the second then it stopped he felt tears on his cheeks, he heard Luna gasp in surprise he looked down and saw her burns healing starting from where blazes tears had landed he ran to Derpy making sure to get some tears on her cheek it was amazing it was like watching a stone land in a pond causing it to ripple outwards, with each ripple her coat grew lighter when she was fully healed she looked at Blaze smiled and passed out. "gah my head"Derpy opened her eyes and looked around she was in a white room on a bed with plastic sheets obviously she was in a hospital she thought hard trying to remember why she was here then she remembered the heat she looked at her legs "huh grey no burns i no bruises what happened to me i should be dead or at least badly burned"she was startled when she got a reply it was Blaze. You were i nearly killed you and lulu i can'e believe i lost control like that the princesses forgave me but Tia will never trust me again lulu does" he looked Derpy in the eyes he saw nothing but love and relief" but what about you can you forgive me i hurt you terribly and yes i know i couldn't control it but that's not the point, the point is do you still trust me...will you stay with me, Blaze looked up and took a step back Derpy was angry hell she looked furious his heart plummeted but before he could teleport away he was hit square in the muzzle" wha!! "HOW DARE YOU EVEN ASK ME THAT" Derpy couldn't believe it that he would think that she had walked through fire for him suddenly she quietened down and gave Blaze a look that almost broke his heart. "Derpy calm down ok i don't understand why your so angry i-... "You don't understand why i'm angry" she flared out her wings" i walked through fire for you i fought in a battlefield of crazy for you" she started shaking" i love you Blaze and you don't relise how much and it makes me really unhappy you know what Blaze run......RUN!!!! Blaze ran he knew this was going to hurt and it did when no less than fourteen six inch needles embedded themselves into his flesh he lost feeling in his legs and his magic wouldn't charge properly Derpy walked up to him and used her wing as a lever and hauled him on her back. "Time to go home" she said happily" oh and don't worry ill take out the needles after some...fun" she smiled seductively" but only after you talk about what happened alright everything. Blaze was confused" uh Derpy honey what are you doing" she had tied Blaze to a chair not that it was needed" im a little confused can you explain whats going on" Derpy blushed" no Midnight im first ok now do you love me" there was a hint of anger in her voice. Blaze thought for a moment did he love her" yes of course i love you your everything to me im sorry i upset you but my it's turn now ok. "NO!! not yet" she walked over to him and pulled two needles from his neck and gave him a quick but passionate kiss" ok next question" she batted her eyes" do you find me attractive. "Yes you are the most attractive mare i have ever seen no other pony compares to you in my eyes now tell me whats going on cause i am really lost" "Midnight last question that mare Trixie you dream't about her right so what is she to you tell me what do you feel for her. "I-I want to protect her" he turned to the grey mare" just like you am i right you want her safe here with us well ANSWER ME" he stood up needles falling from his skin"well" Yes i do.