This is the next story in my Fanfiction - Story Of An Alicorn.
After saving Valder from Celestia's magic, Luna has fallen into her own dream walk coma. This will tell the story of Valders efforts to save her from herself, and bring her back home.
WARNING! Reading of Story Of An Alicorn is a must, as it outlines several major characters and plots that will appear in this story.
...beep...beep...beep... The sound of the crystal beeping is all that can be heard. Twilight Sparkle sits on a chair nearby, asking herself, Why her? Why not me? Twilight looks down at the now visible lump extruding from her belly. She sighs and gives it a rub.
“Twilight?” She looks up and sees Valder standing in the doorway. “How long have you been here?”
“Not long, I've been thinking.” Valder walks over and sits beside her.
“Now how many times have I told you; that's a bad habit,” Valder puts his wing around Twilight and smiles.
“I know but, I just want her to come back,” Twilight grabs hold of Valder sobbing heavily.
“Twilight, I might know of a way to save her,” Twilight lifts back her head and looks at Valder straight in his eyes.
“Really!?” Twilight looks back at the hospital bed and it's occupant.
“Yes, what do you think I’ve been doing for the last three days?” Valder lifts his wing from Twilight and walks over to the bed, “I have been searching the Royal Library for any information on Luna’s dream walk gift.”
Twilight sits on the opposite side of the bed and stares down at Luna, “So you can save her?” Twilight looks up at Valder. “You can bring her back?”
“Maybe, I don't know...It's just a very complex spell; but I think I can.” Valder places his right hoof on Luna, “Though I'm not sure how her body and mind will take it!”
Twilight walks around the bed, “What do you mean?”
“The spell involves somepony going into Luna's mind and literally dragging her out; but it's never been done before.” Valder looks back at the heart crystal beeping every time Luna's heart beats. “There's more though, only I can go in!”
Twilight suddenly jumps forward, “No! Y-You can't!” Twilight grabs Valder around the waist.
“I have to Twilight, I'm the only one who can perform the spell,” Valder pushes Twilight away from his chest and looks her in the eyes, “I have to do this Twilight, it was my fault she's in this state; I-I have to go!” Valder walks to the door, “I have to prepare for the spell, I have gone over it with Celestia and she agrees; I'm the only one strong enough to do it.” Twilight approaches Valder and hugs him again.
“Are you sure it will work?” Twilight asks, tears in her eyes.
“Yes, now I have to go; if you have any questions I'm sure Celestia can help you.”
Twilight kisses Valder and he returns the kiss, “Hurry back!” Valder turns and winks.
“Don't I always!”
Valder walks down the corridor of the hospital noting the empty rooms; he smiles. That is until Rainbow Dash almost walks into him. “Oh hey, Valder,” Rainbow Dash states while rubbing the back of her head.
“Greetings Dash, going to see Luna I take it?” Valder looks confused as Rainbow doesn't answer. “OK, I won't keep you then, um nice talking to you”, Valder nods and continues on his way; yet he can't help but think 'what was that all about?'
Rainbow walks past several doors looking at the fact they're mostly empty. she stops when she comes across the room holding Princess Luna, Rainbow sighs and pushes open the door.
“Hey, Dash,” Rainbow looks over to the nearby seating and sees Twilight lying there; with a book between her front hooves.
“Same old Twilight, huh!” Rainbow says gesturing to the book.
“Oh, yeah just passing time, um how are you doing?” Twilight folds away the book while sitting up.
“I just came by to check on you; and Luna,” Dash trails off slightly.
“Dash, what's wrong?” Twilight asks.
“We're all worried Twilight!” Rainbow says, tears forming. “None of us think Luna will come out of it! Or what state she'll be in when she does!” Rainbow cries putting one hoof over her eyes trying to wipe away her tears.
“I know, I'm worried too but we may have a chance to save her!” Twilight explains.
“What!?”
“Yes, Valder may have found a way to save Luna; but it involves a lot of risks,” Twilight turns and walks to the window overlooking Canterlot.
“What kind of risks?” Rainbow asks, walking over and sitting beside Twilight.
“Well, the main one is the fact that the spell is mainly unknown, second is that whoever does the trick might put their life at risk.”
Rainbow taps her chin, “But Twilight, what pony is doing the spell?”
“Valder is,” Rainbow jumps back slightly.
“What!?”
“Apparently, he's the only pony strong enough to do it!” Twilight says as she looks down.
“Oh, don't worry Twilight; Valders a strong pony he can handle it!” Twilight nods.
“I suppose your right, I mean if he can't do it; no-one can,” Twilight says looking back at Luna's figure, unmoving.
Valder reaches Canterlot by the late evening, after spending a few hours at Twilight's. He lands on Luna's balcony noting the dark curtains and dreary colour scheme. He pushes open Luna's balcony doors. After walking inside he sits next to Luna's bed sighing to himself.
“Luna, right now you would have something important to say; but me my mind is blank,” Valder sighs again only for the bedchamber light to switch on.
“Valder! What are you doing here?” Celestia asks walking towards him.
“Sorry princess, I just came to...” Valder looks down at the bed.
“You came to get answers, didn't you?” Celestia sits next to him, “But you didn't find any?”
Valder looks up at Celestia, and seeing her smile; lifts himself up. “No! I didn't, I don't understand Celestia! I thought coming here would settle down my anxiety. Now I'm not so sure.”
“I understand,” Celestia says. “I have come here ever since the 'accident', but I can find no answers either!” Celestia walks over to the door, noting the damage from before has now been repaired.
Valder joins Celestia and he to notices the damage gone, but his eye's never leave the spot Twilight fell.
“Princess, can I ask you something?” Celestia turns around.
“Sure, what's on your mind?”
“How would you proceed?, I mean if it was you?” Celestia sits on her haunches.
“Well, I would say you have covered every base, but...”
“But?”
“But have you considered what might happen when you enter Luna's mind?”
“Yes, which is why I came here! I wanted to see if what I was doing was the right thing” Valder leaves Celestias side and walks to the window. “This could kill Luna or me, or both of us! Do I have the right to do this? Do I have the right to save her!?”
Celestia feels the confusion in Valders voice, “You are her father! If anyone has a right to do this it's you!”
Valder looks back at Celestia seeing the tears in her eyes, “You're right! If I'm going to do this I need a positive frame of mind, I have to get a final few things ready before the spell” Valder turns and hugs Celestia. “Thank you my daughter, even though I wasn't there for you; I will be now!”
Celestia holds Valder closer, feeling the warmth of his embrace. “Be safe father!”
Valder breaks the hug and walks out onto the balcony, after stretching his wings and getting his bearings; he turns back to Celestia standing in the door way. “I will start the spell at first thing tomorrow, please I would like you there,” Celestia just nods. “Thank you!”
After Valder takes off Celestia turns back to the bedchamber and gives a long sigh, looks like she'll be raising the moon again. When the moon finally rises above the city Celestia stares at it for some time, remembering the good times she and Luna have had since her return; a tear rolls down her face. “Please my sister, come home!”
Early next morning Valder arrives at the hospital, meeting several ponies at the main entrance. Many give him updates on the princess's condition, but he was satisfied that no changed had occurred over night. Valder walks to Luna's room, still having one doctor follow him.
“...Princess Luna's blood pressure and brainwave activity still read normal,” the doctor finished as they reach the hospital room.
“Thank you doctor, I think that's all I need to know.” The doctor bows and hands Valder the clipboard holding Luna's records. “If there's anything else, I should be starting.”
“Of course, be careful, Prince Valder.” The doctor bows his head to which Valder reciprocates.
After the doctor had left, Valder let out a small sigh and opened the door using his magic. He enters the room, only to be greeted by Twilight and all the elements.
“Valder, is it time?” Twilight walks up and hugs him.
“Yes, I'm afraid it is,” Valder wraps his wing around Twilight. “Thank you everypony for coming, I wanted you all to be here because...” Valder looks towards Luna. “...Because you all have been there for me and Luna, and I know with you all here nothing can go wrong.”
Valder was about to continue, when the room door opened; revealing Celestia. Valder stops and everyone bows.
“Please rise, you all have saved Equestria so much; you have no right to bow,” Celestia looks over to Valder. “And you, Prince Valder; you are doing something that I should have done a long time ago!” Celestia walks over and kisses Luna's forehead, “saving my sister.”
“Princess Celestia, I thought you wouldn't want to be here for this,” Valder replies.
“I didn't want to miss this, besides my whole family is here.” Celestia walks to Valder and they both embrace each other.
“AWWW!” Is heard from everypony else.
Valder breaks the hug and turns to the others, Celestia taking her place beside Twilight; both looking very nervous.
“Everypony, I will not lie. How this spell works is still a mystery for me! I have read and re-read many texts containing all the information I need to recreate the spell.”
“But what does the spell do, exactly?” Twilight asks.
“The spell...Gives the caster the ability to dream walk.”
“You mean like Princess Luna?” Twilight asks again.
“Yes, It is the only way I can enter her mind and save her, from what ever is keeping her in this state.”
Valder walks up to Luna's bedside and sits down.
“What do you need us to do?” Celestia asks.
“Nothing as of yet! But be ready for anything; I have no idea how long the spell will last or how long I will be in there.”
“Be careful!” Twilight states a tear running down her face.
“I will, now I will need everypony to be silent as I concentrate.” Everypony nods.
Valder closes his eyes, the magic of his horn flaring slightly as power builds; after several minutes sweat pours from Valder as the strain gets to much. Then just as everypony thinks the spell failed, his eye's shoot open; both bright white.
Valder opens his eyes, but what greets him is not what he expected. It was dark, very dark. There was no light anywhere! Valder walks forward, but with no light it seems like he wasn't moving at all.
“Well, this is unnerving!” Valder says to himself.
Valder just keeps walking until after what seems like an hour, a door appears out of nowhere. Valder walks around it, inspecting every detail.
“Why is this door just sitting here?” Valder asks out load, the small voice in his head telling him to open it. “But it goes nowhere, I don't understand.” The voice tells him to open it, “alright, here goes!”
Valder pushes open the door, not using his magic unless it's necessary. What greets him on the other side brings hope to his heart.
“Luna!” Valder shouts, finding Luna lying in a cage; as he shouts Luna looks up.
“What! Stop tormenting me! I told you everything I know, just...let me go!” Luna says lowering her head back again.
“Luna, It's me! Valder!” Valder walks up to the cage and places his hoof against it.
“Just leave me alone!” Luna shouts, crying into her hooves.
“Luna remember when you entered my dream? We talked and you asked me why I keep visiting this dream? I said to you that I can't forget, that I have to remember; so I can't make that mistake again.”
Luna looks back up and squints her eye's, “Father?” she speaks.
“Yes! My daughter.” Luna jumps up and puts her legs through the cage bars.
Valder returns the hug. They keep the embrace for several seconds.
“Oh! how quaint, dear old daddy has come to rescue you!” Valder looks around but Luna just cringes.
“Luna what's wrong?” Valder looks down, Luna just shivers.
“That's right, you don't know me!” A small purple mist forms around the cage and coalesces behind Valder. “Let me introduce myself, I'm Nightmare Moon.”
Valder turns around and steps before the alicorn calling herself Nightmare Moon.
“Did you put my daughter in this cage!?” Valder asks anger raging in his voice.
“Me! No, No! That was my...partner, he should be around here somewhere,” she looks around.
“No games, release her...NOW!” Valder shouts the last word.
“Oh my, such anger; no wonder my partner likes you,” she lets out a small laugh.
Valder steps forward, “I SAID NO GAMES!” Nightmare Moon just laughs.
“Father, please!” Valder turns around, Luna cries through the bars; holding them in both of her hooves.
“Luna what's wrong?” Valder turns to her and presses his nose against hers.
“Father, please don't do this; just leave me!” Luna whispers.
Valder goes to respond but stops as a red mist starts to swirl around the cage.
“What now!” Valder turns to Nightmare Moon, who just shrugs; still grinning.
The red mist coalesces beside Nightmare Moon, forming a body Valder never wanted to see again.
“Hello, brother!” Darkside says.
“You're no brother of mine!” Valder shouts back.
“Touchy ain’t we!” Darkside mockingly replies.
“Why are you here?”
“Because I want to be,” Darkside nuzzles Nightmare's neck. “And to be fair, I like it here!” Darkside laughs.
“But why Luna?”
“Because Luna already had an...how do you say...evil streak,” Darkside gestures to Nightmare.
“When Luna got hit by my dear sisters magic, it was just a matter of reaching out from my mental prison and pulling him in; you where just so emotional at the time you didn't feel it!” Nightmare adds.
“Why have you kept Luna here, let her go!”
“All in due time, all in due time; but first I have a proposal,” Darkside says.
“We want no part of it!” Valder states stepping between Luna and Darkside.
“Oh, but you haven't heard my idea yet; it will be fun!” Darkside walks around the cage causing Luna to squirm.
“Let Luna go and...and...I'll listen,” Valder finally says; gesturing to Luna's cage.
“Father! No!” Luna shouts.
“Luna if it gets you out, then so be it!” Luna looks down and nods, tears still visible on her cheeks.
“Fine!” Darkside nods and Luna's cage disappears.
“Father!” Luna shouts as she runs to Valder and hugs him tightly.
“Yes, yes; all this sentiment is giving me a headache,” Darkside retorts.
“My love, shall we begin?” Nightmare walks forward.
“Very well, the 'game' we will play is going to be fun!” Darkside walks to Valder, “It's this simple, we will play several scenarios from Luna's mind here and if...'if' you survive we will let you and Luna go; permanently!” The grin never leaving his face.
“And if we die?” Valder asks.
“Then your bodies will be ours!” Nightmare responds.
Valder looks to Luna still held in his embrace, she looks back and nods; the fear in her eye's.
“You have a deal!” Valder says through gritted teeth.
“Good! Let start shall we?” As Darkside finishes, the area around Valder and Luna fades away and is replaced by a green field full of lush grass; the wind blowing a gentle breeze. Tree's can be seen in the distance and a small village, though it looks abandoned.
“Luna, where are we?” Valder asks, looking down at her.
“I'm not sure! Though I have some thoughts.” Luna replies.
Valder was about asks something else, when Darkside appears as a floating head before them.
Darkside's floating head disappears amid a fit of laughter; Valder and Luna stare at the air until they realise Darkside is not coming back. Valder frowns before walking away, Luna following after him. Both of them walked for 2 hours, not saying much; just glancing at different landmarks as they walk pass them. Luna stops, just before bumping into Valders flank.
Luna walks around and stops, seeing Valder staring at the floor. A look of anger on his face as he surveys a small road way.
“Father, what's wrong?” Valder at first doesn't respond, but after turning and seeing Luna his face softens into a smile.
“I'm sorry Luna, I can't help but seem, all this is familiar.” Valder extends a hoof gesturing to the town now closer.
“I have to admit, all this does seem familiar to me too!” Luna replies.
“I guess, some of Darkside's memories are coming back to me!” Valder rubs his temple.
Luna puts one hoof on Valders shoulder.
“Father, I don't want to hear about him, you're here now; and together we will find a way to beat him and HER!”
Valder notices the raise in Luna's voice, though he says nothing about it.
“Lets go, the town should be down this road; maybe there's still somepony there or at least something to tell us where we are.” Luna nods her agreement.
As the town comes into view, Valder and Luna notice several ponies building a barricade. The barricade looked rushed; only a few items bore any strength and though there were posts, it wouldn't take much too break it. For a few minutes Luna and Valder watched the ponies add more stuff to the barricade, until one pony stopped to stare at them.
Looking around frantically the pony gestured over to them, “Psst! Come quick!” It says hushed, still looking around.
Looking around, Valder and Luna approached the hushed pony. “What's going on?” Luna asks.
“You shouldn't be out there, what if the chaos army catches you!” Upon hearing this Luna drops her head, ears flat.
“Luna, what's wrong!” Valder asks, putting a wing around her.
“Wait! Did you say Luna?” The unknown pony asks.
“Yes, why?” Valder replies.
“It's just that, well, one of the princesses is called Luna.” The mare states.
Luna perks up a bit upon hearing her name spoken, “Um, excuse me!” Luna says. “Can you tell me something? Are the princesses here?”
The pony shakes her head, “No! Goodness No! If they were here the army of chaos would burn this town down, and kill everypony.”
“Just to ask, Where are we exactly?” Valder questions, looking around.
“You don't know?” The mare asks. Valder shakes his head. “You're in what's left of Erlincolt, not much to look at but...It has it's own charm.” The pony sighs, “But now with the two armies surrounding us, I think Erlincolt is in it's final days.”
Valder and Luna look at one another, Luna gives a gesture for Valder to follow her out of ear shot of the mare.
“Father, we need to leave; now!” Luna says abruptly.
“Why? Luna, Tell me what's wrong?”
“Father, I know now where we are! Erlincolt was the first major battle between our rebellion and Discords army.” Luna replies, anguish on her face.
“Luna, why are you so upset?” Valder gives her a small hug.
“Because the town doesn't survive!” Valder reels back, “during the battle several units from Discords army broke off from our fight and levelled the town. But the worst thing they did was kill virtually everypony in it, only a few survived; out of a town of three hundred!” Luna breaks down, tears flowing down her cheeks.
“Is...Is she going to be alright?” The town mare asks, slowly approaching.
“Yes, she will be fine,” Valder looks up at the mare. “What's your name?” He asks.
“It's Cutter, Saw Cutter.” Valder nods.
“Thank you, Miss Cutter; My name is Valder and this is Luna.” Luna stops crying and looks up nodding, trying to look presentable.
“Hmm, your names are weird, they don't match your looks at all!” Saw Cutter replies.
“What do you mean?” Luna asks.
“Well, Valder your a pegasis and Luna your a unicorn.”
“That can't be! We are both alicorns.” Valder says.
“Look for yourself,” Cutter tosses a broken piece of glass to Valder, who finds that his magic doesn't work and drops it; Luna however catches it before it hits the ground and levitates it up to them both.
Valder presses his hoof to his face as his eye's widen in shock, before him a brown pegasis sits mimicking his action; while Luna sits quietly, looking at the white unicorn staring back at her.
“This is impossible!” Valder states, then a realisation comes to his mind, “Darkside!” He says in a loud tone. A small fit of laughter falls on the breeze passing by.
“Shush! We don't say his name around here!” Valder and Luna look back to Saw, who makes a 'lower your volume' gesture with both forelegs.
“Why?” Luna asks.
“Why? Because Darkside is evil, and the one in charge of the chaos army!” Cutter says, shivering after saying it.
Valder stands up and walks to the barricade, giving it a small kick. “You know this barricade won't stop anything!” To prove this point he kicks a small wood plank, and the section of barricade falls out.
Several ponies nearby come over and shout at him, Valder just walks away further into town.
“Is he alright?” Cutter asks Luna.
“I'm not sure, let me go talk to him; It was nice meeting you Cutter!” Cutter nods.
“Same to you...Uh...Luna!” Cutter walks back to the other ponies rebuilding the barricade.
Luna gallops to catch up to Valder, she finds him striding pass ponies too afraid to speak.
“Father!” Valder keeps walking, “FATHER!” Luna shouts causing Valder to turn, but what she sees next shocks her even more; Valders eye's were glowing white. “Father! What was that about?”
Valder stares at her, “I AM SICK OF THESE GAMES!” He finally speaks, but not in his standard voice but the royal Canterlot voice. “DARKSIDE IS PLAYING US FOR FOOLS, THIS TOWN IS DONE FOR; YOU SAID SO YOURSELF!”
Several ponies nearby turn to hear the conversation, some ask questions to Luna.
“What does he mean?”
“Are we done for?”
“Are we going to die?”
Luna grabs Valder and she moves him off to another area, “Father! Please! Speak to me!” She shakes Valder by the shoulders.
Valder looks down to her, the light still blinding in his eyes. Luna reaches up and places her front hoof on his face. “Father, please! Come back to me!” Valder stares back unmoving until the light drops from his eye's, “Father!” Luna hugs him, and to her delight she feels his wing wrap around her.
“I'm sorry,” Valder whispers into her ear. “I'm so sorry!”
“I'm glad your back,” Luna says, Tears flowing down her cheeks. “What was that? You used the Canterlot voice!”
“I don't know, I felt so angry; and it happened! I can't explain it!” Valder lowers his head to rest on Luna's shoulder.
“Father, what do we do?” At that time Cutter comes around the corner.
“Um, sorry, I didn't mean to intrude; I'll just go!” Cutter says backing away.
“No, wait! Cutter!” Valder calls out, “It's OK, we're just having a family moment.”
“Oh, I see, so you're...” Cutter asks.
“Yes, we are father and daughter!” Valder replies.
“Well, um, I'm just here to say the town elder would like a word.”
“Oh, what about?” Luna asks.
“Nothing much, just how long you will be staying.”
“Well, lead on Cutter.” Valder gestures with his hoof.
For several minutes, Valder and Luna are lead through many different side roads and back alleys. Saw Cutter leads them to a small building near the centre of town adorned with the towns heraldry.
Saw Cutter knocks on the door. Swiftly a small slit on the door opens, “I've come to see the town elder!” Cutter says to the figure behind the slit, The figure looks to Valder and Luna. “They are friends, the elder requested them.” Cutter replies to the figures glare.
After a few more seconds the door opens revealing a well built stallion, who quickly gestures for them to enter. “The elder is upstairs, in his chambers,” The pony states pointing a hoof aloft.
“Thank you, Cassius.” Cutter says while nodding. Valder and Luna just nod appreciation, to which the pony mimics.
“Seems like there's a lot of protection here,” Valder states; looking at all the guards positioned in different places.
“Yes, this is the towns main public building, it houses all of the towns records and important information.” Cutter replies.
“Impressive!” Luna states looking around.
“Thank you, coming from somepony who has never been here before, it's a nice welcome.” Cutter reaches a door guarded by two earth ponies, Valder of which notices there armour seems worn and dull; probably never been maintained in a long while. “Is my father in?” Cutter asks.
“Yes, my lady,” the first guard answers.
“He is waiting for you and your...Guests.” The second guard adds, looking Valder and Luna over.
The guards push open the door to reveal a large chamber decorated in finery, several book cases full of books and scrolls permeate one side of the room; while a large desk sits at the other. A hunched figure wearing a long red robe sits writing at the desk, the pony's mane a silver colour mixed with some darker grey shades.
“Father!” Cutter shouts running over to the desk.
“Ah, my daughter! So nice to see you,” the figure looks over to Valder and Luna. “Are these the guests you told me about?”
“Yes father, they came from the main road!” Cutter says the last bit with some apprehension.
“Hm, not many ponies travel the road as of late,” the elder says, rising and walking to Valder and Luna. “It has become too dangerous to walk to the city, with the armies surrounding us!” The elder comes within two feet of Valder and Luna giving them 'the one eye' look.
“We are sorry to be a problem for you!” Luna replies.
“Not at all! We like getting new visitors, though you couldn't have come at a worst time!” The elder approaches the room only window. “I would just ask one thing?” He turns back around.
“And what would that be?” Valder asks.
“Who's side are you on?” Valder and Luna stiffen up at his question. “Well?”
“At this point, no pony's!” Valder quickly responds, Luna just nods.
“Well then, we will get along just fine!” The elder gives a small smile. “I think I should introduce myself, Cutter, Wood Cutter at your service!” The elder gives a small bow.
“Nice to meet you Wood Cutter, I'm Luna and this is my father Valder.” Luna replies, giving a small bow of her own; to which Valder follows.
“Such, um, strange names for your appearance.” Wood Cutter replies, glancing back and forth between Valder and Luna.
“Yes, your daughter explained that already,” Valder says gesturing to Saw.
“I hope you didn't take offence?”
“No, not at all, It's a family thing!” Luna states.
“So, how long will you be staying in my town?” Wood Cutter asks, sitting back to the desk.
“We're not sure, not long; but beyond that!” Valder shrugs.
“Very well, I hope you find our town to your liking. Though most places have up and left, so there isn't much left to see.”
“That's fine Mr Cutter, I'm sure we can find something to occupy ourselves.” Valder replies, heading for the door.
Before Valder can open the door, a large stallion bursts in; completely out of breath.
“Sir! We have bad news!” The stallion shouts.
“What is it, Maximus?” Wood Cutter asks.
“The chaos army is on the move!” Wood Cutter stands up, abruptly.
“What!?”
“Yes sir! But it gets worse; They are heading here!” Wood Cutter now starts to pace about the room.
“Dammit! What about the princesses army?”
“They are moving too! Both are going to converge here!” The stallion starts to panic.
“Maximus! Assemble the militia.”
“Yes sir! Right away!” The stallion bolts back out the door getting the two guards too follow.
“Mr Valder, Miss Luna; I would suggest you take shelter with the others civilians.” Wood Cutter says. “Saw, you go with them!”
“Father, no!” Saw replies.
“No arguments! I don't want my only child being caught up in this!” Wood states to Saw.
“*Sigh* Fine!” Saw finally answers, “I guess you better follow me.” Saw says to Valder and Luna.
Valder turns back to Wood Cutter, “Good luck, Mister Cutter!” Valder says.
“I will need it! But thank you, just you and your daughter be safe!” Valder and Wood Cutter exchange bows.
As Valder and Luna leave with Saw, Wood Cutter glances back to the window. The stallion from before enters the room.
“Sir, the men are waiting.”
“Thank you, Maximus.” Wood Cutter says turning around, grabbing his armour and sword from a nearby glass case. He removes his robe and begins to fasten his armour on.
“Sir! Are we going to fight?” Maximus asks.
“Yes, my friend. For my ancestors are my witness, Erlincolt will not fall, while I draw breath.”
Saw continued to lead Valder and Luna down various side roads and lanes, until the three came to a small building coloured in a drab grey. Saw walked up to the brown door nestled in a small alcove in the front wall. She knocks twice, three primary knocks; followed by 2 quick knocks.
“Who is it?” A gruff voice sounds from within.
“Cutter, Jr!” Saw replies.
The brown door slowly opens. A brown stallion peeks between the small gap he created.
“Saw!” The stallion throws open the door embracing Saw in a tight hug.
“Hi, uncle!” Saw manages to say, gasping for air.
“I haven't seem you in days! We thought you went out on one of those scouting trips.”
“No uncle, father would never let me go!” Saw says with a huff.
“And rightfully he should!” He states back. “Oh, and who are these two?” He asks, finally noticing Valder and Luna.
“They are friends come to hide, until things blow over that is!”
“I'm afraid they can't stay here! Saw, we already have too many here as it is!” He answers.
Valder steps forward, bowing before Saw's uncle.
“Greetings sir! I know you have your hooves full and me and my daughter would hate to be a bother to you! But maybe we could pay our way some how? Help with supply runs, even taking care of little ones.”
“I'm sorry! We just don't have the room, Cutter, this war will be the end of this town; you know this!” Saw's uncle states looking back to her.
“I...I,” Saw looks to the ground.
“Then may your ancestors shine down on you!” Luna says walking away.
“Luna!” Valder shouts following after her. “What was that about?”
“Father, those ponies had more than enough to worry about than us! And besides If they couldn't help us, then there's no point in arguing!” Luna states turning and facing Valder.
“The only people left in this town is the militia then,” Valder says.
“Then we find Cutters father and help him, and judging by how me and Celestia found this town after the main battle; they are going to need all the help they can get!”
/~~~~~~~~~~~~\
“This. is. it!”
“I'm sorry sir! These are the only ponies that stayed!”
“But there's barely thirty of them!” Wood Cutter states over looking the main town square.
“They are all dedicated, sir!”
“Fine. Lets go inspect them then.”
Wood Cutter walks down the stairs leading out of the town's main public building. As he approaches the first line of town militia, he notices some are very nervous and are struggling to hide it.
“Mares and Gentlecolts!” The three lines of militia straighten. “By now all of you have heard the rumours of the two armies converging on Erlincolt, I won't lie; they are true!” Multiple whispers are heard from the militias ranks. “But I am not scared! I vowed to defend this town with my life, and by the ancestors; I meant it!”
Wood Cutter begins to explain what the town charter means, he continues to explain how the town's heraldry is more than just a flag. As he gets to the towns local anthem, an armoured stallion runs up to him panic stricken.
“Sir! We have a problem!”
“What is it? I am quite busy here!” Wood replies with slight anger at being interrupted.
“There's an emissary, to see you sir!”
“Who is it?” Wood asks.
“Sir! It's Princess Celestia herself!”
All the ranks of the militia gasp out in surprise. Wood Cutter just stands there, a look of fear on his face.
“Understood!” He finally says, calming his expression. “Go back to your post and I'll handle it!” The stallion salutes, to which Wood responds in kind. “My friend, see to the militia and hand out assignments; the battle maybe closer than we thought!”
“Yes sir!” The stallion next to Cutter salutes.
Wood Cutter trots off to the main gate now covered in a large barricade, when he reaches it he climbs the makeshift stairwell and looks over the edge.
“Who goes there!?” He shouts.
A Large white pony, dwarfing even the guards next to the bright white carriage at his gate; appears to him.
“I would have expected more of a welcome from Wood Cutter, the leader of this town.” Her tone regal in every way.
“Princess Celestia! How nice of you to grace us with your presence!” Wood Cutter bows.
“Well? Are you going to let me in or not?” Celestia raises her eyebrow.
“Of course!” Wood turns to the gate guards, “Open the gates!”
After nearly a minute of groaning the gates open, allowing Celestia and her entourage to enter.
“I am sorry princess, you can't be too careful these days!” Wood apologises stepping down from the platform near the gate.
“I understand Mr Cutter, the area is not safe as of late.”
“It seems you know me a great deal princess?”
“Yes, I also knew your father! Tree Cutter.”
“My father?” Wood seems to be taken aback by this information.
“Of coarse! I met him several times but he never knew me, I had to keep disguised; so my true form was never revealed.” Celestia replies.
“We should go to my office, there we can talk more: do your guards need anything?”
“They have supplies in the carriage, enough to last our trip.”
“Very well, follow me princess.” Wood Cutter gestures with a slight bow, towards the main square.
/~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~\
Valder and Luna had left Saw behind to finalise some things with her uncle, they had crossed back into town and headed for the main square; hopefully to offer assistance to the town militia.
“Father?” Luna says not looking towards Valder.
“What is it Luna?” Valder looks down to her and notices the sad look in her eye's.
“Did you ever, miss me?” Luna continues to look forward.
Valder stops to think about Luna's question, many times he has asked himself the same thing. Every time he does though, only one question remains; just how much of Luna and Celestias lives did he miss as Darkside?
“I can't answer that!” Luna stops and turns.
“But why not?” Luna steps towards Valder, “I think I deserve an answer!”
Valder looks away. Thinking that maybe now is not the right time to tell Luna the truth.
“Luna,” Valder feels the sorrow and pain well inside him. “I can't tell you because I...I don't know myself, I never could!”
“But why? Father!”
“Because that part of me, I never want to see again!” Valder pulled back, sensing his outburst was more anger filled than he wanted it to sound.
Valder stared into Luna's eyes, the hurt of not knowing her mother, the pain of seeing the countless atrocities he committed as Darkside; It was all too much for him to bare.
“Luna I think you should go back to Saw,” Valders dameanor changed, only one thing now settled on his mind.
“No! I want to fight with you!” Luna shouts back.
“Don't fight me on this! I can't risk losing you; not again!” Valder forces his emotions down.
“Father I...” Luna sees the light resurfacing in Valder's eyes. “Fine!” Luna finally gives in, “just come back safely, OK?”
Valder just nods. He stays, still watching Luna walk out of sight; back the way they came.
“I'm sorry, Luna! But there are things I can't tell you yet!” Valder thinks as he gallops towards the town centre.
/~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~\
Luna arrives back at the house Saw's uncle resided. She collects herself, steadying her breathing before knocking on the door. To her surprise it was Saw who answered.
“Luna! What are you doing back here?” Saw asks, her surprise evident.
“It's along story Saw, may I come in?”
“Of coarse, sorry it's just abit chaotic in here.” Saw replies.
“Is there anything I can help with?” Luna asks.
Saw ponders for a second, then gestures towards a large area to the side. As Luna enters, Saw's uncle and another pony are trying to repair a broken mangler.
“Broken piece of junk!” Saw's uncle states, hitting the mangler with a hammer.
“Uncle!” Saw says, causing the two ponies to look up.
“Luna, nice to see you again! I hope my attitude wasn't too brash last time, we are all under a lot of stress lately.”
“I take no offence, I understand.” Luna replies.
Saw walks over to the mangler, giving it a quick kick.
“Uncle, you're still not trying to repair this old thing are you?”
“My dear, this mangler has been in the family for two hundred years!” Saw's uncle gives the mangler a tap with his hoof. “And by my fathers ghost, I'll get this thing working!”
Luna now approaches the group.
“Excuse me? I might no how to repair it!” Saw's uncle gives Luna a look.
“You think you can fix this thing?”
“Yes, If my memory serves me correct this is an...Eggleton 5?” Luna asks.
“Yes, how did you know?”
“I had an uncle once, he was quite a antique repair pony before he past away.” Luna replies, hopeful they couldn't detect the lie.
“Well if you think you can, be my guest!” Saw's uncle states, gesturing Luna forward.
Luna walks to the mangler, looking over every inch of it.
“Ah! I think I might know the problem.” Luna gestures to the two large rollers. “See these rollers, they need to be replaced; their seized up.”
Saw's uncle looks at the rollers and indeed the ends are rusted tight.
“Well I’ll be damned, thank you Luna; how did we not noticed that before!”
“Well you are very busy! Maybe you just needed another pair of eye's.” Luna replies with a smile.
“Thank you anyway, Oh my I didn't introduce myself earlier.” Saw's uncle washes off his hooves. “My name is Clear Cutter.”
Luna touches his outstretched hoof.
“Nice to finally know you Mr Clear Cutter,” Luna says.
“You helped me, now let me help you!”
“Help me, I don't understand!” Luna replies.
“You and your father is it? You want to help in town, I can give you locations of ponies requiring help; if you wish?” Clear Cutter says.
“Well, My father just went to join the militia!”
“What!?” Both Saw and Clear shout.
“Yeah, my father said that the only ponies left to help is the militia.” Luna states.
“But the militia, even my father wouldn't take a complete stranger; even if they needed help!” Saw says.
“Well, my father is no stranger to combat he was head of our villages personal guard unit.” Luna responds.
“Really? Why didn't you mention it?” Saw asks.
“Guess at that time you never asked but now...” Luna shrugs.
“I just hope my brother accepts, by the ancestors; the militia needs it!” Clear Cutter states.
/~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~\
Valder walks back to the town centre, taking longer than it should. He thinks about what Luna asked him, but shakes it from his mind; When the time is right, Luna will get the truth but not now!
Valder finally reaches the town square, upon seeing the militia he heads to what looks like the guy in charge.
“Are you the one in charge here?” Valder asks the pony.
The pony turns around, and recognises Valder.
“Mister Valder, What are you doing here?” The pony asks.
“I've come to join the militia, if you'll have me?” Valder gives a slight nod.
“I can't make that decision, but Elder Cutter can!”
“What's your name?” Valder asks.
“Maximus, Lt Maximus.”
“Well, Lieutenant; where is Mr Cutter?” Valder looks around.
“He has an important guest, and cannot be disturbed at this time!”
“Damn, then maybe you can give me something; at least until he comes back.” Valder responds.
“But why? Don't you have a daughter to think about?” Maximus asks.
“I do, but she's an adult now, able to make her own decisions.”
“Very well, I do need somepony to back up the front gate; maybe you can be that pony?”
“Of course! I am no stranger to guard duty!” Valder replies.
“Oh, you used to be guard?” Maximus asks, looking surprised.
“Not army, no! But I was my home villages senior militia guard.”
“Oh really, then you should have my job!” Maximus chuckles.
“You doing a grand enough job as it is!” Valder replies with a smile.
Maximus gives Valder a small piece of paper telling the guards at the gate that he is a temporary replacement.
“Just show that and the guards will except you!”
“Thanks, Lieutenant!” Valder says with a salute.
“No problem Valder, see you soon!” Maximus replies with a salute of his own.
Valder heads to the main gate of town, but before he gets there he spots the white carriage.
'Is that a royal carriage?' Valder thinks as he passes it.
At that moment something happened, either it was Darkside or Nightmare Moon but Valders reflection changed. It wasn't the pegasis from before but now he was himself, in all his white alicorn glory.
/~~~~~~~~~~~~~\
Darkside sat watching Valder's progress with a smile on his face.
'You can't change fate, Valder; you will die!' Darkside thinks to himself.
“What's so funny, my love?” Nightmare Moon asks from behind him.
Darkside just realised he was laughing.
“Nothing my dear, just seeing how our bodies are doing!”
“So, have they died yet?” Nightmare asks taking a place next to Darkside.
“No,” Darkside smiles. “But they will soon! The armies will arrive soon and then, the true fun can begin!”
“Wait!” Nightmare shouts, Darkside notices what Nightmare has seen.
“How! This is impossible!” Darkside now stares into the reflection mirror. “How did he change!?”
“Maybe we should-” Nightmare was cut short by Darkside.
“No!” Darkside places his front hoof on Nightmares shoulder, “Let him have this one; besides, It might be amusing!”
/~~~~~~~~~~~~\
Valder just stands there, unable to comprehend what has happened.
'I have my body back, my true body!' Valder says in his head.
“Princess Celestia, did your meeting go well?” Valder stiffens, it was one of the guards from the carriage. “Princess?”
Valder turns around, the guard backs away in shock.
“Y-Your not the princess!” The guard now clearly panicking.
“Um, no! Just don't say-,” before Valder could finish; the guard blew a small horn from under his armour. “-anything!” Valder facehoofs.
The remaining guards from the carriage and several town militia come running, all brandishing weapons of multiple types. That is not the thing that worried him the most though, because right at that moment a familiar princess came to see what's going on; Elder Cutter by her side.
“What's going on here?” Celestia asks her guard.
“Princess, we have caught a pony; but you may want to brace yourself!”
“Non-sense, what could this pony possibly be!” Celestia answers walking passed the guard to the crowd of ponies.
Celestia walks toward the guards and militiamen, as they part she is greeted with a harrowing sight. Both Valder and Celestia catch each others eye's.
Valder was left stunned staring into the eye's of Celestia, as her guard crowded around him shouting orders he didn't hear.
“Enough!” Celestia shouted, her guards retreating from her voice. “Who are you? And why do you look like me?” Celestia asks Valder, every ounce of her was showing fear but she was not ready to give in to it.
“Princess, maybe this is a question meant for private conversations.” Wood Cutter states.
Celestia looks to Cutter and back to Valder, “Very well, bring him to the Town Hall; our conversation will continue there!”
Celestia and Wood Cutter turn around and start to walk back to the Town Hall, Valder felt a sharp object stab into his ribs; looking round he sees the unmoving eye's of one of the towns militia. He gets up and follows the guards thinking over in his head exactly what is he going to tell the princess.
/~~~~~~~~~~~~~\
“Luna!” Saw shouts, “Where are you?”
“I'm here!” Luna calls from one of the back rooms.
Saw runs in almost knocking over her uncle.
“Whoa! Calm down girl, Looks like you've seen a ghost!” Clear Cutter states.
Saw ignores him and continues for Luna.
“Luna, you have to come with me!”
“What's the matter Saw?” Luna asks.
“It's your father, the town guard has him prisoner!” Saw replies, panic settling over her face.
“What!?” Luna shouts, “On what grounds?”
“Apparently, he changed shape to mimic Princess Celestia!”
'Oh no! Father, what have you done?' Luna thinks. “Take me to him!” Luna finally says.
“I can't! The guard has him in the town hall, It's off limits; even to me!” Saw States.
“Please can you take me there?” Luna asks.
Saw looks to her uncle, shock evident even on his face.
“OK, but you already know the way.”
“I know but with you by my side, I might appear less of a threat.” Luna replies.
“What!?”
“Long story Saw, now is not the time though! Please we need to go!”
Saw just nods as they head out the door into the main street, Saw's uncle calls out but they were to far away to hear him.
/~~~~~~~~~~~~~~\
“Now that we are in more...Private setting, I expect you to answer my questions!” Celestias face was a mixture of anger and caution. “Again I shall ask, Who are you? And why do you look like me?”
Valder looks around the room, It was a small room probably centred around interrogation than comfort; several shelves of vials adorned each wall. Valder snapped back as he felt a hoof hit him across the face.
“The princess asked you a question!” Wood Cutter Shouts, while nursing his hoof.
“May I remind you Mr Cutter, I promised I was not a threat and I meant it; but if you ever hit me again you better mean more than just causing me pain!” Valder says, calm though angry.
Wood Cutter reels back, shock stunning him for several seconds. “No It-It can't be! Mr Valder!?”
“Yes, Mr Cutter.” Valder Looks to Celestia, “to answer your questions princess, My name is Valder and I look like your because I am an alicorn!” Valder looks back to Wood Cutter, “And this is my true form. The pegasis was just a disguise.”
“That's impossible! Me and my sister are the only alicorns alive! We would have sensed you!” Celestia says, though her anger has slightly dropped.
“And you would be right princess, you and Luna are the only alicorns alive; at this time!” Valders explanation catches both Wood and Celestia off guard.
“What do you mean at this time?” Celestia asks, now more curious than angry.
“What I mean princess is that I am from another time, far into the future; I came back to witness an event that changed the history of Equestria.” Valder looks down at the ground, “However the events transpiring here do not coincide with the historical facts! For instance princess you didn't come here to Erlincolt until after the battle takes place! Yet here you are now standing in it's town hall.”
“And who wrote these historical facts?” Celestia asks.
“Your sister, Princess Luna.”
“My sister! How?”
Before Valder can answer the door to the room opens revealing Saw and Luna, “Father!” Luna shouts out.
“Luna!” Valder calls back then just realising his mistake.
Celestia looks at the new white unicorn with confusion, Valder realises Celestia didn't hear him call Luna 'Luna'. Luna stops and looks at her sister, every inch of her remembers how Celestia was so confident and a little bit ruthless. Luna steps between Valder and her sister.
“I won't let you hurt him!” Luna says.
Celestia taken aback by this recent intrusion, smiles.
“And who might you be?”
“I'm Valders daughter, we came here together to escape the chaos army.” Luna replies.
“Even so this was a private conversation, also he looks like me! Something I am curious to find out about.” Celestia says turning and looking out of the window.
Valder sat silent during the exchange of words, but he was also confused as to why Luna was now appearing to him in her disguise and not her normal form.
“My daughter,” Valder finally says getting Celestia to turn. “The princess has not harmed me and does not wish to harm me! Also this could prove to be the opportunity we have looked for.”
“Father, what do you mean?”
“According to the historical facts, Princess Celestia was not supposed to be here before the battle yet here she is. Maybe it is a sign that we should help her!” Valder gives Luna a wink.
“What! But...But that's not possible! The scrolls mention her to be miles away at this time!” Luna looks to Valder and he gives her a small nod, she smiles and continues. “No! Something must be wrong either the historical texts were incorrect or something was hidden, to conceal the truth!”
Celestia just sits patiently, listening to Valder and Luna play out their ruse.
“Believe it or not, I was not going to visit this town as I had a lot of preparations to do for the battle. But I had this feeling, that I had to visit Erlincolt or I would never see it!” Celestia adds in.
Valder thinks about this for a moment, then came to a conclusion that this game of Darksides, is not going to play according fact.
“Luna, I think this memory of yours Is being altered by Darkside. If Celestia is here now and she wasn't before, I can speculate that the battle won't follow the same rules as it did before.” Valder whispers to Luna.
“I'm starting to get that feeling Father too, but how can we survive if we don't know what's going to happen?” Luna replies.
“I don't know myself, but maybe by helping Celestia; we can up our chances!”
Valder looks to Celestia while standing to his full height, with Luna standing by his side.
“Princess Celestia, how would you like another alicorn in your army?”
“I wouldn't say no! But how can I trust you?” Celestia walk up to Valder and looks him square in the eye. “How do I know you won't turn on me when my backs turned?”
“Because princess, I also want what is best for Equestria and my daughter!” Valder puts one of his wings around Luna getting her to sigh in response.
“Very well, I will take you back to my camp and both me and my sister will see what you are capable of.” Celestia goes to walk pass Valder but stops, “will your daughter be coming?”
“Yes your highness, I made a promise to her mother to keep her from harm and the best place for her is by my side!”
“Good, I know the importance of family.” Valder notices a small gleam of regret pass Celestias vision before she continues. “My sister is all I have and I can respect your decision.”
Valder nods to Celestia as all three bar Wood Cutter leave the room, as the three ponies walk down the short flight of stairs leading out the front door of the town hall; they can't help but see militia and guard running around almost frantic.
“Princess!” A guard shouts.
“What is it? Why is everypony panicking?” Celestia asks her guard.
“Your highness the chaos army has arrived! They are outside the town now! We have no escape!” The guard says, clearly he has not been in a battle like this before.
“Guard! Calm down and tell all of the towns militia they are now under my command! Go now!”
“Yes princess!” The guard salutes and runs off.
“Valder, his offspring; I am indeed in need of your help, does your offer still stand?” Celestia asks, turning to Valder and Luna.
“Yes, princess; it does!” Valder replies, seeing Luna nod beside him.
“Then I need you to make sure all the towns remaining civilians are looked up tight and protected, can you do this?”
“Of course your highness, we will go at once!” Valder salutes and takes off with Luna following close behind.
“One thing I have to say, this version of Celestia; Is really scary!” Luna says.
Valder and Luna share a small laugh, but grow more determined as Saw's uncles house comes into view.
/~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~\
Darkside let's out a large yawn, “Ugh! This is getting boring! When Celestia turned up I thought things were going to heat up! But now they have fizzled out again!” He turns to Nightmare, “by the way, sending in Celestia early was a good touch; almost makes me wish I thought of it!”
Nightmare looks to him, a confused look crossing her face.
“I didn't send her in! I thought you did it!?”
“What!?” Darkside looks back to the mirror, “Interesting! It seems our little game is adapting to the memory intrusion. No matter we will just up the fun and see where it goes from there!”
Darkside points his horn to the mirror and says as he blasts a small beam of energy into it, “Brace your self my brother, things are going to get messy!” Darkside laughs followed by Nightmare Moon.
/~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~\
Wood Cutter sits at his desk thinking over the events that has just transpired. How long has Valder been here? How will the battle play out? Will his militia be ready? Those are but a few of the thoughts crossing his mind before he was interrupted.
“Sir! Shouldn't we be joining our men?” Maximus asks.
“Why? It seems the princess has everything under control, besides I bet she has commandeered my militia; so there's not much I can really do.” Cutter replies.
“Sir! I don't care what the princess says, you are my commander and I will follow you to my death!”
Wood Cutter stands up and walks to his friend, putting a hoof on his shoulder.
“I know my friend, what would your father say if he was alive today eh?”
“He would probably kill me before saying how proud he was of me.”
“That he would, so shall we see what the princess has in store for us?” Wood Cutter asks, giving Maximus a smile.
“Yes sir!” Maximus salutes, before both of them walk out laughing.
/~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~\
Valder and Luna approach the house holding the last of Erlincolts civilians. Valder turns to Luna as he thinks his normal form maybe to shocking for the ponies inside.
“Luna, I think you should knock; in this form I maybe too...How should I put it...Scary!” Valder says gesturing to himself.
“OK Father, if you think that is best.” Luna replies as she walks up and knocks on the door.
“Yes! Who is it?” A familiar voice asks from the inside.
“It's Luna and Valder!” Luna replies.
“OK then! Just a minute!”
Multiple locks are heard undoing, then the door slides open revealing Clear Cutter.
“Hello dear! What brings you back here?”
“We came to check on you, and warn you that...” Luna trails off.
“...To say that the chaos army has arrived.” Valder says moving into view.
Clear Cutter just stood dumbfounded, clearly he was expecting somepony much smaller.
“Um...Luna dear? Who is that?” Clear asks.
“My father! Valder,” Luna replies with a stern face.
Clear takes a few moments to look Valder up and down.
“Well, you certainly have grown...a lot!”
Valder smiles, “What you see here Mr Cutter is my true form, the pegasi was just a disguise.”
“Disguise for what?” Cutter asks.
“That is not important now, the chaos army is here and we have been sent by the princess to help in the defence of the town.” Valder says.
“Oh, well! we are all safe here. The basement is reinforced so it would take a lot to get to us.” Clear Cutter says looking back into the house then back to Valder, “But between you and me. I think with you helping I don't think we can lose!”
Valder laughed at that. “I'm only one pony, I can't be everywhere at once.”
“I maybe some earth pony in a little backward town, but i'm not stupid; Mr Valder. I know what you are, your an alicorn and if your half the power that the alicorns of myth can do; then the chaos army will have a fight on their hooves and claws.”
Valder laughs a little, but turns to Luna. “Luna, I think the civilians are safe here. We should get back!”
“Oh! Before you go can you do me something?” Clear calls after them.
“Sure.” Luna replies.
“Can you give the chaos forces a beating for all of us!”
“We can try, but you should all have plans to escape if things get to much!” Valder says.
“We will I promise you that!” Clear gives them a wave off and closes the door again.
Valder turns to walk back to the town square, Luna quickly falls in by his side.
“Well, one good thing will come of this!” Valder says.
“What's that?” Luna asks.
“At least we know Clear survives!”
/~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~\
The chaos army sets up camp on the outside of the town, the camp contains many different types of creatures. The bulk of it seemingly made of small black winged creatures. Many creatures just sit sharpening weapons or making sure their equipment and armour is fitted tight. Standing on the hill over looking Erlincolt stood three figures, eyeing their next prize.
“How longer do we have to wait my men are restless!” Says a large Minotaur covered in scars, and wearing a large axe over his back.
“Your men are always restless!” Replies one of the small black winged creatures clad in armour, also sporting some small hatchet axe on his belt.
“You better watch your tone whelp, I fought in more battles than you have brethren!” The Minotaur turns and points to the camp.
“You just try it! Then you'll see why i'm not a servant like the rest of my kind!” The creature flies up to be eye level with the Minotaur.
Before the two can come to blows, the figure standing in front of them turns.
“When you two have quite finished, we have more important matters!” The figure states. By its look the figure was a unicorn, sporting a horn jutting out from a helmet covering the pony's face. The armour he wore was black with blue highlights, but he carried a air of dread almost causing the very air to drop in temperature.
“Sorry Lord Frost, it won't happen again!” The Minotaur says bowing to the figure.
“Make sure it doesn't Axe Hammer, I won't warn you again!” Lord Frost says.
“I too apologize Lord! We are just eager to fight!” The winged creature adds.
“I know you are Black Wing! But we must be cautious, the princesses army won't be far away!” Frost turns to look at the town again.
“Black Wing, I have an assignment for you! That town though it is not our objective, I want you to take three full battalions and when the battle starts; take the town!”
“Yes Lord! I will go and assemble the force now!” Black Wing takes off after bowing his superiors.
“He is a nuisance! Why do you even keep him around?” Hammer asks, crossing his arms.
“He maybe a nuisance, but he is useful; anyway, I have a special assignment for you!” Lord Frost turns to a table set up behind them, unfolded is a large map of Erlincolt.
“How did you get a map of the town sir? If you don't mind me asking?”
“I have my sources!” Frost looks to the Minotaur with an angry look, causing the Minotaur to walk back a step. “Anyway...” Frost points to a building on the map. “...This is the main building for the town, it is also the head quarters of the town's militia. The leader is called Wood Cutter.” This made both of them laugh for a second. “Don't underestimate him! He commands great respect from his men and he is also the towns mayor.” Frost pulls away from the map and looks to his subordinate. “I want you to kill him before the battle starts! Are you up to the task?”
“I was born ready! I am your hand Lord; point and I will kill for you!” Hammer replies.
“Good! Good! Now go you don't have much time,” Frost says turning back to look over the hill once more.
Lord Frost stands quietly, watching the town; he hears the Minotaur take off and smiles.
“Today this will all burn, and it will be glorious!”
“That fool, once I kill this pony I’ll kill Frost and all his forces will be mine!” Axe Hammer states as he circles the buildings. “This place was so easy to infiltrate, almost like they expected me!”
Hammer continued on his mission knowing that the battle would start soon, hiding in the shadows as guards or militia passed. He almost got caught several times, cursing himself over his stupidity. Hammer finally makes it to the centre of town, guards and militia line the streets and alleyways; but his true target was in sight. Unfolding a piece of paper he scanned the area looking for the pony in the picture. However what he did find was more disturbing.
“No! How is she here?” Hammer looks to the main building as Princess Celestia walks out of it's main door. “Dammit! This just got interesting.”
/~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~\
Celestia was in her element right now, after sorting out the town militia and her own guards; Wood Cutter had also approached pledging his service. At first the princess had refused but after Wood explained that every militiaman was like family, she had to let him join the preparations. Sighing to herself before stepping out into the daylight, she knew today was going to be a test; and she hoped Luna wasn't far away.
“Princess!” Celestia turned to see one of her guards approach.
“Yes? Have you a report for me?” She asks.
“Of course princess, we have reinforced the south wall but many holes are still present. We have sent militia to the main gate as you ordered, however the other alicorn and his daughter are still unaccounted for.”
“Unaccounted for, how?” Celestia took on a expression of annoyance.
“We are not sure princess, the other guards spotted them heading for the civilian shelter and then nothing.”
“I'm sure they will turn up soon, besides they pledged themselves to the militia.” Celestia says calming her mind.
“Yes princess, should I return to my station now?”
“Yes, keep an eye out for anything suspicious. I feel the enemy might try something before the battle.” Celestia states.
“Of course princess,” The guard bows before running back to his post.
Celestia looks toward the militia thinking that maybe coming to Erlincolt was not the best of ideas.
/~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~\
Axe Hammer watches the guard turn and run away toward the east of town.
“Good! That guard has gone, the militia may be push overs but Celestia's guard are not.” Hammer looks back at the picture then back to the militia patrolling. “He's not here! Oh well, I hoped it was going to be easy.”
“You really thought that didn't you?”
Hammer freezes up, but slowly turns around to find Celestia standing behind him on the roof.
“Celestia!? No, wait! You're not Celestia!”
“Oh! Took you a while to figure that out did it? Considering my voice is that of a stallion!”
“Who are you?” Hammer asks tensing up.
“Me! I'm Valder, a close personal friend of Princess Celestia. And a small word of advice...Don't sneak across roof tops! Especially if you're a large 6 foot tall Minotaur.” Valder leans forward. “It makes you look like an ass!”
Axe Hammer stands up and grinds his teeth, in one swift movement he grabs his battleaxe.
“No pony insults me! Do you know who I am?”
“Some idiot that thinks he can win against me?” Valder deadpans.
Hammer now seethed with rage. This pony was messing with him, one of the best fighters in the chaos army.
“I will kill you! Then I will kill who I came for and be done with this place as it burns!” Hammer shouts, though he can't help but look back at why the guards and the princess haven't heard them yet.
“Oh! If your wondering why the princess and her guard haven't come yet, you can thank my daughter for that!” Valder says.
“Shame, I would have loved to kill both you and the princess; would have made my day!” Hammer states, smiling.
Valder throws his head back and laughs. “You are full of yourself ain't you, you have no chance against me! So Celestia is way out of your league.”
“Then why don't we find out? You, me, now!” Hammer points his axe at Valder.
“Why not? Might get me warmed up for when the smart one's arrive.”
Axe Hammer can't believe the nerve of this pony, he may look like Celestia but he doesn't even look combat efficient. Besides his stance is amateur, he could strike anywhere and score a hit.
'This fight won't last long!' Hammer thinks, curling his mouth into another grin.
Axe Hammer charges forward, bringing all his speed to bare as he swings for Valder. The axe cleaves through the roof tiles, covering the area in dust and shrapnel.
“Hah! That was too easy!” Hammer exclaims. Only to retract his statement as when the dust clears; Valder is nowhere to be seen. “What!”
Hammer looks around frantic as he tries to get a bearing on Valder, little did he know his target was behind him. Feeling a light tap on his shoulder, Hammer feels his body go cold.
“My turn!” Valder says as he turns and kicks Hammer onto a nearby roof. The force causing Hammer to lose his grip on his axe as it falls to the street below. “Ouch! Now I know that had to hurt!”
Hammer slowly rises to his feet, feeling air once again enter his lungs. Hammer breathes slow calm breaths as he feels something inside is definitely broke.
“Argh! He hit me once! How can I be hurt so badly!?” Hammer clutches his side. “Dammit! I shouldn't be losing! I am Axe Hammer! The greatest warrior of my tribe!”
Hammer shuts away his pain as Valder calmly flies over and lands on the roof.
“What's a matter? Hurt already?” Valder asks rhetorically.
“Shut up!” Hammer shouts. “Don't mock me! Even if I die; you're coming with me!”
“Oh i'm so frightened!”
Hammer lets out scream of rage as he charges again, Valder however just stands and picks his moment. Just before Hammer gets to him, Valder blasts him with a burst of magic from his horn. Hammer was so close he had no time to dodge and took the full force of the hit. Hammers body flies through the air and down to the street, landing only metres from Celestia and Luna.
“What I my mothers name is that!?” Celestia says out loud as this body hits the ground, blood flowing from multiple wounds.
“That princess would be the assassin I told you my father spotted climbing the roof tops.” Luna says.
“He was probably sent by the enemy to kill me.” Celestia replies.
“I don't think so princess, no pony knows you're here apart from your sister...Right?” Luna asks. Celestia nods. “So that means, he was here for somepony else!”
/~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~\
Lord Frost stands upon the hill still, a smile still planted on his face thinking about the carnage and death to follow. A small black shadow approaches behind him, bowing; before Frost turns to the hunched figure.
“Has he failed?” Frost asks.
“Yes lord, before he even got close!” The figure states.
“His failure is his own! The plan does not change, I am ordering full deployment. The princesses will be dead by days end for my name is Lord Black Frost!”
/~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~\
Axe Hammer tries to move but pain racks his every muscle, added to the fact he finds himself tied to a chair. He struggles against the robes and other bindings, he looks around only to be greeted with pitch darkness.
“Where am I?” He growls.
“You're awake? Good!” A hidden voice asks.
“If your going to kill me just do it already!” Hammer shouts.
A laugh breaks out from the darkness, the tone mocking him.
“Kill you? If I wanted you dead, I would have used a much stronger blast to knock you off the building!”
Hammer eye's widen as he now knows his opponent.
“You! I will kill you for this!” Hammer shouts again.
“Please, you couldn't defeat me before, you barely even made an effort! And besides i'm not alone!” Valder states as a light is turned on.
Axe Hammer lets his eye's adjust to the light, he spots Valder but also Celestia and to his surprise his primary target. Valder moves and circles him, however just behind Valder was a new pony; a white unicorn. Hammer stares at this new unicorn, he hasn't seen her before but he has deep feeling like he should know her.
“Now! We are going to ask you some questions and maybe, just maybe we will let you live!” Valder says returning to his previous position. “Princess Celestia, would you like to ask the first question?”
“I would like that!” Celestia says with a frown on her head. “What was your mission here? And don't lie we know you're here to kill somepony who is it?”
“Why would I tell you?” Hammer replies followed by a small chuckle.
“Because then I wouldn't do this!” Valder says lowering his horn. The bindings glow white then an arc of power surges through Hammers body causing him to scream. “Now answer the question!”
“I...I...Won't give you SPIT!” Hammers reply was followed by another arc of power.
“We didn't ask for spit! Celestia asked who were you here to kill?” Wood Cutter adds in.
“Heh heh! I thought that was obvious? We don't know you were here princess, and certainly not you! That leaves one other.” Hammer replies.
“Me!” Wood Cutter answers a stern look on his face.
“Now your catching on!” Hammer states getting more arcs of power. “You know i'm starting to like this!” Hammer says looking to Valder.
Luna looks on at the scene before her, she never knew her father could be capable of this; but through her own experience the creatures of the chaos army shouldn't be shown any mercy. But this Minotaur did look familiar, then her mind clicks.
“Father! Stop!” Luna shouts. Valder raises his head and turns to Luna.
“Why?” Valder asks.
“I need to speak with you, it's about the reason we are here.” Luna makes a 'follow me gesture'.
Valder looks to Celestia and Wood Cutter.
“I'm sorry Princess, Elder Cutter, my daughter needs to speak to me.” Valder nods his head and walks out of the doorway behind the other ponies.
Luna is standing outside the room which is being flanked by two militia ponies, when she sees Valder exit Luna walks to one of the nearest windows.
“Luna what's wrong?” Valder asks as he sits down next to Luna.
“That Minotaur needs to be let go!” Luna states with a serious look.
“What!?” Valder shouts getting the nearby militia to jump.
“Father, that Minotaur helps us stop Darkside!”
“Luna, what do you mean he helps you?”
“Three years from now during our attack on a base near the Everfree Forest, that Minotaur is left for dead by his commander and we help him. Me and Celestia manage to convince him to help us. He distracts Darkside during our final battle and he gets killed in the process.” Luna explains.
“Are you sure it's him?” Valder asks.
“Yes, at first I didn't but now; i'm sure it's him.”
“This creature just tried to assassinate Elder Cutter, do you think he will allow the Minotaur to just leave!?” Valder asks angrily.
“No, which is why you have to convince them!” Luna replies.
“Me! Why me?”
“Because they trust you! And to them i'm only your daughter, I have no purpose to them just you!” Luna looks out the window. “Please, he must make it out; our lives might rest on him.”
“Luna, I...” Valder starts but is cut off when Luna tackles him.
“Father! Look out!”
CRASH!
Valder and Luna are sent spiralling away from the window as something crashes straight through it. More heavy crashes and explosions are heard coming from outside.
“LUNA! WHERE ARE YOU?” Valder shouts franticly digging through the rubble laying around, he doubles his efforts as a blue hoof sticks out of the stone pile. “No! Luna!”
Valder uses his magic to lift up a large stone block as he clears out the smaller ones by hoof. His heart goes cold as Luna lays still. The shouting of guard and militia outside in the streets can now be heard. He looks back to the room he and Luna just left to see debris blocking the doorway. Valder turns back to Luna as she stirs.
“Father...?” Luna speaks, her eye's half open.
“Luna, thank the heavens you're alive! I thought I lost you!”
“Father are you OK?”
“Luna what were you thinking? You could have gotten yourself killed! I can't lose you; not again!” Valder says as tears form in his eye's as he holds Luna closer.
Luna returns the hug as a blast of energy removes the debris blocking the hallway. Valder and Luna look over and see Celestia walking out of the previous room covered in cuts and bruises.
“Valder are you OK? What about your...” Celestia freezes. “What! This can't be!”
Luna looks to Celestia who is staring directly at her, then she looks down to her body and sees she is no longer white but dark blue and alicorn.
“This isn't what it looks like, princess.” Luna states calmly.
“WHAT DO YOU MEAN NOT WHAT I THINK! YOU WERE MY SISTER ALL ALONG!” Celestia shouts as several guards run up behind her.
“No! She is not your sister; not yet anyway!” Valder adds in.
“What is that supposed to mean!?” Celestia asks.
“Princess we don't have time for this! Clearly Erlincolt is under attack!” Luna says.
“Fine! But when we have a free moment, you and I are going to have a talk.”
All three of the ponies followed by the guards leave through the hole in the wall, they all stand still. Mouths agape. Carnage is all around them, bombs and fireballs rain from the sky. Several buildings are on fire already yet no pony has started to put them out. But what shocks them the most is on the hills beyond Erlincolt, the princesses army has engaged the chaos forces.
Carnage. To find a meaning to that word you would have to go to the most devastated areas of the world. But not here, all you had to do was look out of a window and carnage was everywhere.
The armies had clashed outside Erlincolts borders, the ground was already soaked red and black with dead. The different colours of magic and otherworldly abilities flying back and forth through the air. Erlincolt wasn't faring much better, several guards and militia were lying unmoving on the ground. Many more lay injured.
“Valder! You and Luna go and reinforce the outer guard! I have a feeling Erlincolt won't be free of the chaos forces advances!” Celestia shouts.
“Princess! We should really stick together!” Valder replies.
“If you two are as powerful as I sense you to be then you do fine on your own!”
“Celestia I...” Luna starts to say.
“Go! You may be Luna but my sister is out there!” Celestia points to the battle. “I'll be fine, don't worry!” Celestia then runs off with several of her guards following close behind.
“Father! We should go.”
Valder nods to Luna after watching Celestia round a corner and disappear. The battle rages out on the fields but both of them pay it no attention as militia stop and stare as two alicorns run past them.
**** **** ****
The ground was stained with blood and black scars. Lord Frost stood on his command dais smiling over the carnage and death his army was dealing. Soon the princesses would be dead and another land will join the glorious embrace of chaos. Frost thought for a moment and scowled as he looked towards the town, he should have heard something by now. It was simple attack the town and kill everypony in it, even the weak bat creatures could pull something like that off. It didn't help that he lost his top assassin, no matter how he hated him he always got his target; but this time something had gone wrong.
“My lord, I have a report from the town!”
Lord Frost turns quickly to find a creature that looked more like a mixture of a pony and a lizard.
“Jezziar, I didn't think you lowered yourself to being a messenger.” Frost stated.
“I was the only one that had the competence to get to you under these circumstances.”
“Indeed. What message do you bring?” Frost asks turning back to the battle.
“The attacking force met an obstacle. Princess Celestia is in the town.”
Frost felt a twinge of surprise but quickly suppressed it.
“Celestia is cut off from the army then?”
“She does have some of her royal guard with her and the town militia...But that is not the biggest news sir.” Jezziar explains.
“Then out with it!”
“It seems there are reports of two more alicorns in the town as well, one resembles Celestia but is a stallion and the other bares a striking resemblance to Princess Luna.”
Lord Frost stands quiet for several minutes, the expression on his face not that of fear or shock but more of understanding.
“That would explain why it's taking so long to capture the town.”
“Yes sir, between Celestia and these two others our forces are out matched.”
“Jezziar bring my carriage up, I will see to these new ponies myself.”
“Do you think that's wise sir? We have no information on their capabilities.”
Frost turns and bucks Jezziar in the chest sending him reeling. “Don't ever question me again! I am afraid of no pony!” Jezziar nods as he rises. “Get my carriage!”
**** **** ****
Valder raises up and kicks two bat creatures in the face sending them sprawling to the floor unmoving. Luna fires beam after beam of magic taking out several creatures flying over the fight.
“Father! There's too many! We have to fall back!”
“They have cut us off Luna! There is no way out!” Valder shouts looking over his shoulder at the increasing tide of black winged creatures. “We have to find other guards and militia! We need to concentrate our defence!”
“Where do we go!?” Luna asks firing magic and taking out two more creatures. “They are endless!”
Valder kicks and fires his own magic destroying and killing the enemy, but Luna was right. The creatures had come out of the towns sewer system as they were heading for the wall. The creatures hesitated at first but attacked when Valder blasted three of their kind. The fight had been going on for almost an hour, several militia had joined to help but only ended up getting killed for their efforts. Valder and Luna were getting tired, the constant tide of enemy crossed with the physical and mental use of all their magic has left them running dry.
It didn't help that both Valder and Luna were covered in what the creatures use for blood. Luna had taken a few cuts to her flank and sides, the pain and blood loss starting to effect her. Valder was not much better having been pierced by an arrow in his upper right shoulder. The battle was a losing fight for them and Valder knew it, the enemy was too numerous. Valder spins as he hears Luna cry out. Valder sees Luna do down amongst a group of flying creatures they were poised for the killing blow.
“Luna! No!” Valders horn erupts in a blast of magical energy, blasting back the hoard of creatures around him. The enemy lacking the knowledge of alicorn spells back off hesitant to see what Valder will do next. “Luna! Speak to me!” Valder shouts, running to Luna's side.
“Father, I'm ok. I just need to rest.” Luna replies unable to stand.
“No Luna! Don't rest! We need to get out of here, find the others.”
“Father! We can't win this! Just except that!”
“Never! As long as your alive and so am I, I'll never give up! I came into your mind to save you and be damned to hell and back I will save you! Even if it kills me!” Valder states lifting Luna up with his magic.
“Father you can't hold me and fight at the same time, you have to choose!”
“No! I refuse to leave you!” Valder throws up his head and shouts. “Darkside! I will kill you for this! You will suffer at my hoof if me or my daughter dies! I swear to you that!”
The winged creatures close in for the kill, their weapons raised in readiness for the killing blow. Valder closes his eyes as he charges up one final spell.
“Stop!”
Valder looks around for this new voice. Valders eyes settle on a black carriage, it was adorned with runes and symbols Valder did not recognise.
A figure clad in black armour steps out of the carriage, it's horn visible on it's head.
“All chaos forces are to back off!” The figure says. The winged creatures shrink back forming a circle around Valder and this new unicorn. “So? Princess Celestia has a new alicorn in her ranks.” The unicorn looks down and spots Luna. The unicorns expression changes to that of confusion as he looks back to the battlefield behind him. As he turns back a smile is plastered over his face. “Oh Princess Luna? But your not are you? You don't have that certain aura. I suspect you are but a shadow, a reflection of the real one fighting out there.” The unicorn gestures to the fighting on the hills. “So tell me, who and what are you?”
Valder positions himself between the unicorn and Luna. “I am Valder and you already know that I am an alicorn, so let's just skip it!”
The unicorns face displays a small tinge of shock, then just softens as the unicorn laughs.
“This might be fun for once! Better than just mowing down helpless ponies that can't even hold a blade.” The unicorns face suddenly lights up as though he just remembered something. “Pardon me where are my manners? I should introduce myself. My name is Lord frost, and I will be your death today.” Lord Frost flashes a grin.
Valder uses his magic and lifts up a fallen sword. “Not if I have anything to say about it!” Valder growls.
“Please! You are injured and can barely stand, also judging by your magic you are almost burnt out. Why don't you just lay down and I'll make it quick.”
Valder starts to laugh. Frost just looks on in confusion. “Lay down, are you really that desperate for a win or are you just naïve?” Valder asks.
“You dare call me naïve!? I will see to it that you are hung from the highest post for all to see!” Frost shouts, right before flaring his horn. However, what spell he had brewing was interrupted as several blasts ruptured amongst his army, flinging and killing his troops in every direction. “What!?” Frost shouts looking around.
“Ah Frost! You finally grace us with your presence!” Both Valder and Frost look up and see Celestia hovering with several guards at her side. “I thought of you as too much of a coward to show your face.”
“Celestia, it is also nice to see you again. But I’m afraid my time is short and my master is so adamant that I destroy this pathetic little town.” Frost turns back to his carriage. “So I’ll leave you in the capable claws of my forces.” Lord Frost bows and steps into his carriage, before Celestia can hit the carriage with an attack, Lord Frosts army attacks.
Celestia and her guards dodge the first set of attacks, missiles of magic and wooden arrows shoot towards the princess and her protection. Celestia dives down and fires beam after beam into the hoard of winged creatures. Celestia looks down and sees two of her guards casting a shield over Valder and her downed duplicate sister.
Valder looks up and sighs as the guards maintain the magic shield. Valder drops the sword from his magic and walks over to Luna, when he kneels beside her Luna looks up to him.
“I'm sorry father.”
“What for?”
“I should be better than this, Frost was right, I am but a shadow of the real Luna.”
Valder nuzzles Luna's neck. “You are the real Luna.” Valder looks around. “I just think it's this place! It's not letting us use our full power, probably Darksides doing.” Valder looks back to Luna. “But I promise you daughter, we will get out of this.”
“Father, please don't make promises that you can't keep.” Luna replies.
“It's a promise I can keep Luna, for I will die before you do, I can promise you that.”
Luna was going to respond when Celestia flies through the shield and lands in front of Valder.
“It seems I came at the right time, Frost is a powerful unicorn.” Celestia says.
“You know him?” Valder asks, standing back up.
“I do but that is a story for another time, we must get you to safety.”
“I want to fight.” Valder states.
“In your condition it would be best not to.” Celestia turns to one of the unicorns. “Guard Gleam, do you still have some potions left?”
The unicorn turns around, without focusing off the shield. “I have your highness.” The guard replies.
“Please, may I have two?” Celestia asks.
“Of course princess.” The guard lifts two potions out of a hidden pouch in his armour, Valder looks closely and sees they are actually two vials.
Celestia takes the two vials and thanks the guard, she then walks over to Valder and Luna holding the two vials out to them in her magic.
“These vials are healing potions, they should help you recover enough to walk.”
Valder takes the vials in his magic, noting how weak he truly was. “Thank you princess.” Valder floats one vial over to Luna, holding it when she drinks.
When Luna has finished Valder drinks from his own vial, the taste was bad but then anything good for you will always taste bad. Valder feels the potion working already as energy comes back to his body, Luna was already getting up beside him.
“I never realised how quickly those potions work, it's been awhile.” Luna says, flexing her wings. Valder follows suit opening and closing his own. “Father? What do we do now?”
“I don't know we are still weak Luna, our magic is too low to fight but we can help in other ways.”
“Like what?”
“Like getting ponies out of town, before it burns.” Valder says. Celestia raises an eyebrow.
“And how do you know the town will burn?” Celestia asks.
“Isn't it obvious princess? That Frost unicorn will not let this town survive. I can see already that your guards and what's left of the militia is pushing the chaos forces back. When he sees the battle here is lost, he will have no more reason not to bring out the big weapons. I'm actually quite surprised he hasn't used them already.” Valder answers.
“Then if that's what he'll do, we must stop him!” Celestia says. “But first we must find my sister.”
Luna cringes. “I-Is that a good idea? I mean what will your sister say about me?”
Celestia leans forward slightly. “You will tell her the truth.”
Valder nods. “Fine, but we must evacuate this town, the ponies here can't die needlessly.”
Celestia nods, then turns around to Guard Gleam and whispers into his ear. The magic shield drops, Valder and Luna flinch but relax as there are no more enemies in the vicinity. Celestia’s guards with the help of the town militia have completely run the enemy back. Valder, Luna and Celestia started to walk back to the main town hall, only to turn back when aloud horn was heard over the sound of the battle.
All three alicorns turn back and look at the hill were the enemy army was encamped, several large black objects were being hauled to the hill top. When the objects reached the top they all turned and faced the town. Valder frowned, looking to Luna and Celestia, he notices they too have the same expression.
“So he is going to do it?” Luna asks, not averting her gaze.
“Seems like this town just became forfeit.” Celestia states.
Valder starts to run back into the centre of town, Celestia and Luna not far behind.
“Father, how long do you think we have?”
“I don't know Luna, but we must get everypony out that we can.”
The three alicorns don't look back as several large thumps echoed from the hill.
Chaos, that's all it was. When the first round hit, there was only chaos. Ponies that huddled together in shelters built to protect them, died together when the shelters collapsed. Families killed off because somepony got a bloodied lip. Valder ground his teeth together, another family just got burned before he could reach them.
“BUCK YOU FROST! BUCK YOU TO TARTARUS! I WILL KILL YOU FOR THIS!” Valder screams, his voice causing several ponies around him to halt.
“Valder!”
Valder turns to see Celestia trotting up to him.
“You must show composure, the others will not falter if you stay strong.”
“How can I stay strong!? What is the point of this!? This is senseless slaughter! All for what!? Because you sent him limping home!?” Valder fires a beam of magic and destroys an incoming round. “I will see that evil wretch burn for this!”
Celestia calmly places a hoof on Valders shoulder. “You must help clear the town, that is our goal Valder. Your Luna needs help two streets over, go to her.”
“what about you?” Valder asks, finally calming.
“Me and my guards can handle here, go.”
Valder bows his head before sprinting off. Another round smashes a building nearby, Celestia wheels around and starts shouting orders.
“Save the towns ponies! Forget the buildings! The town is lost!” Several guards nearby drop water buckets and fan off into the houses. Celestia turns her gaze towards the hill and the black cannons. “Valder is right! Frost, you will burn for this.”
Lord Frost stood on the hill top, he smile for all the world to see.
“Do you see now princess!? Your little rebellion is over, you will die here and it will be my greatest legacy!” Frost shouts towards the town, following it with a laugh that could freeze hearts.
Frost turns away and walks to his command table, he glances over several maps before one of his subordinates approaches him.
“My lord!” The creature says, bowing to one knee.
Frost looks up at the creature who dares to disrupt him, he demeanour changes as he sees it is one of his own 'chosen'.
“What is it?” Frost growls.
“You have a message for you in the 'tent'!” The creature gestures to the large tent behind itself. “It is from the general.”
Frost winces. He may be evil but General Darkside is something different entirely. Darkside wasn't just evil, he WAS evil, evil in it's purist form. Lord Frost had met General Darkside on several occasions, not one had been a positive experience.
“Very well, I will go see what the General wants.” Frost replies, heading down and approaching the tent.
Frost walks in and lowers his head as a magical projection of General Darkside's face hovers a foot off the ground. The projection just stares at him.
“General Darkside, I am honoured by your message.”
“Can it Frosty! You hate me and I hate you, live with it!” Darkside replies. “I didn't want to message you but Emperor Discord deemed it necessary!” Darkside pauses. “You are ordered to withdraw!”
Lord Frost looks up from his position. “Come again?”
“Emperor Discord has ordered the withdrawal of your forces, they are to merge with Lord Fractures forces near Cliff Town.” The boredom in Darkside's voice was all to plain. “I don't want any of your excuses this time! You know what will happen if you disobey this order, and it won't be a slight trip to the mines again!”
Frost quivers. “I understand general.”
“I'm sure you do.” The projection shimmers. “I have informed Lord Fracture of your arrival, don't be late!” The image of General Darkside fades out, the general chuckling as his image disappears.
“Bucker! If he wasn't my superior I would kill him!” Lord Frost shouts, stomping out of the tent. Many of his weaker demons back away and cower under his rage. “Ordering me to leave! I'm winning!” Though much to his anger he had to obey. Turning to a larger minion Frost points to it. “You! Order the general retreat, Emperor Discord has need of us elsewhere!” The minion salutes and runs off leaving Frost to brood. “Bucking General Darkside!”
Valder bucks his hind legs crushing another demon, sweeping around he knocks another down leaving it to the spear of a guard standing next to him.
“The demons seem to be thinning out sir!” The guard states, thrusting his spear into another bat creature.
“I don't care! They all die!” Valder shouts blasting three apart with his magic. “This town will not be destroyed!”
The guard nods as he thrusts and stabs his spear in all directions. Valder looks up and spots Celestia taking out the air based creatures, her magic use was precise and calculated, it was no wonder Celestia would become Equestrias ruler with Luna. Valder was brought out of his thoughts as Luna came into his vision, but it was not HIS Luna.
Valder watches as a mass army of royal guard and night guard charge through Erlincolt, after another ten minutes the battle was over. Valder looked to the hill and could see that the large cannons were gone and most of Frost's army was retreating.
“Did...we...win?” Valder looks down and spots a short militia mare standing near him, the mare was only half his size in height yet was covered in black blood. “Sir?” Valder snaps out of his trance as the mare looks up to him. “Have...we saved...Erlincolt?” Valder looks back to the hill then back to the mare.
“For now, who knows when they will return.” Valder sees the mare nod and drop her sword.
“But at least for now, we have hope.” The militia mare bows a farewell and trots off to be with her surviving companions.
Valder watches her go and thinks about her words. So much death and destruction yet the ponies here still have hope for the future. Smiling Valder turns as Celestia drops down before him.
“You fought well for one of our kind. It's a shame I have to do this!”
Valder jumps in surprise as a magical field envelopes his body, in anger he glares at Celestia.
“What is the meaning of this!?” Valder shouts.
“You are an anomaly Valder, so is your daughter. I cannot have two anomalies running around in times of war. You have many questions to answer and I believe this is the only way to get them.” Celestia nods to her guards and Valder is tethered to two unicorns who move to take him away. “I'm sorry but it must be done.”
“Sorry, that's funny coming from you! In my time you sat alone for over a thousand years! But then again I can see why, turning on your allies must be natural for you!” Celestia puts up a hoof and the unicorns stop.
“What do you mean I sat alone?” Celestia asks, walking up to Valders magical prison.
“You betray Luna. You betray your own sister! Granted she does something horrible, but instead of helping her you banish her! Straight to her birthright, without a goodbye or even a sorry!” Valder shouts. “You then spend the next thousand years ruling over Equestria by yourself. And it eats at you!”
“Who are you?” Celestia asks, her face squinting in confusion. “You are an alicorn yet you act like a common pony, you are most perplexing.”
“Just because I have wings and a horn doesn't make me any more important than the ponies around me! When you royal types figure that out then give me a call!” Valder spits, turning his back on Celestia.
“Don't you turn your back on me!” Celestia says bristling with anger.
“I don't answer to you princess, just buck off and leave me be!” Valder replies without turning.
“What is going on here?” Valder turns to see Luna but more importantly it wasn't his Luna. “Sister, who is this?”
“Luna this is Valder, he helped save Erlincolt.” Celestia answers.
“Then why is he trapped in a magic bubble? He isn't dangerous is he?”
“He is powerful but no, he is not dangerous.”
“Says you! Let me out and I might just forget this!” Valder states, thumping a hoof on the magic barrier.
“Father!” Valder looks behind him as his Luna runs up to the magic bubble. “Why are you trapped in there?”
“My daughter, it seems the princess has had another idea about our temporary alliance. I am not to be trusted and I am to be locked up.”
“I said no such thing, do not twist my words!” Celestia shouts. Valder's Luna walks around the bubble only to come face to face with herself.
“You are me!” Celestia's Luna states as her eyes shrink to pin pricks. “H-how is this possible?”
“They are from the future if their story is to be believed, one thousand years in fact.” Celestia says in a monotone voice.
“The future? Then were is my flowing mane? Has something happened to Equestria?”
“Equestria is fine.” Valder replies. “But you are not.”
“What do you mean?” Celestia's Luna asks, walking up to Valders bubble.
Valder sighs. “You see Princess Luna we are in....”
Valder and his Luna are suddenly enveloped in a bright light and torn away from Erlincolt. They both crash to a stony floor as the light fades, Valder rubs his head and checks on Luna before looking forward and seeing Darkside standing over him.
“You...” Valder says with a snarl.
“Me.” Darkside replies with a grin. “I'm sorry I had to pull you out like that, had I have known you would blab to the princesses like that then I would have brought you out sooner.”
“Why would it matter?” Valder ask, standing to his hooves.
“What?” Darksides asks, with a bored tone.
“I asked! Why would it matter? It's a memory, it has already happened!” Valder sees Darksides smile drop from his face. “It's not is it?” Valder asks as a realisation hit's him.
Darkside turns away. “I have no idea what you mean.”
“Yes you do! These trips your sending us on, these games. Their more than just games ain't they?” Valder steps towards Darkside. “Their real!”
Darkside whirls around black and red flames coming out his eyes. “HOW CAN THEY BE REAL! THEY ARE IN HER HEAD!” Darkside's eyes return to their normal red colour as he coughs. “Sorry about that, I just can't seem to control it sometimes.”
“So why do I get the feeling that these games mean more to you than just getting our bodies.” Luna says. “And where's my tormentor?”
“My dear nightmare has retired for the evening, she trusts me you know, which is quite funny when I think about it.” Darkside crosses over to the mirror. “Now, I have chosen another wonderful time in your little life princess one that you will find quite enjoyable.” Darkside touches the mirror and it shimmers to reveal a forest, a forest both Valder and Luna recognise.
“The Everfree?” Valder asks. “Why here?”
“This is where your next trip will take place, this memory takes place five months after Erlincolt. You and your sister Luna have driven Emperor discords force back from the outer edges of Equestria. At this time I foalishly believed we could still win against you, and I sent two of my final best commanders against you. There are many battles between our forces before you meet me but this is the last time you face leaders of their quality.” Darkside steps away from the mirror and allows Luna and Valder to approach it. “One little piece of advice, don't stray too far from each other. You have no disguises now as my magic no longer works after Erlincolt, I cannot influence your memories only allow you into them.”
“Then we can refuse if you have no magic.” Luna states.
“I said in the memories, out here my magic is still better.” Darkside ignites his horn to prove a point. One blast of magic later Valder and Luna are pushed into the mirror. “Toddles my friends, safe landings!”
The portal closes and Valder falls through the air, however being an alicorn he had wings. Opening his wings Valder saves himself and glides gently to the ground, looking around Valder panics as he finds Luna is nowhere to be found. Running into the nearest bushes Valder calls for Luna, when he finds her she is lying prone on the ground and surrounded by six guards. All night guard.
“Why is the princess out here?” One asks, it's voice a growl.
“I don't know, Princess Luna was back at camp....should we take this one there?” The second guards says, turning to a more armoured night guard. “Sir?”
The more armoured guard nods. “Yes, the princess would want to see her.”
Valder watched as the guards lifted up Luna and carried her away, Valder hits himself on the head. Why didn't he save Luna? Why didn't he fight them off? All these questions run through his head, yet the only one that concerned him was how he was going to get Luna back. And without hurting any guards.
Valder followed the guards all the way back to their camp, and it wasn't a small one either. From his hiding place Valder surveyed the camp, multiple guard towers, hundreds of ponies and many tents. To Valder this place seemed more like a staging area than an outpost or a supply depot.
Valder carefully made his way closer to the cloth materialised outer walls of the camp. Using his horn Valder cuts a thin strip down the cloth and slides in. Slowly moving his way from tent to Valder got impatient, there were too many tents for him to search, that was until the conversation of two night guards got his attention.
“You see the pony the patrol brought in?”
“Yeah, it was Princess Luna. Though I thought she was in her command tent?”
“She is, I wonder who this imposter is?”
Valder heard enough and with his magic he grabbed one guard and slammed him against the ground, the other tried to run but was pulled back and his mouth held tightly shut. Valder held the guard up and stared directly into his eyes.
“I am going to give you one chance to answer me and your not going to lie, got that?” The guard nods. “Where did they take my daughter?” The pony mumbles something and Valder releases the guards mouth.
“I don't know your daughter!”
Valder tightens his magic grip. “The pony the patrol brought in! Where did they take her!?”
“The medical tent! That way!” The guard points towards the centre of the camp. “You can't miss it! Big red cross on the side of it!”
“Thank you.” Valder says before slamming the pony into the ground and hiding the two unconscious guards.
Luna opens her eyes, her body racked with pain. She tries to move her head but blinding white lights cause her to wince and close her eyes again. On her third try to take in her surroundings Luna manages to find herself in a bed with blurred shapes moving about outside a curtain.
“Father? Is...Is that you?” Luna rasps, her throat was dry. When there was no response Luna speaks louder. “Hello?”
A figure stops outside the curtain and a hoof opens the fabric and peers inside.
“You are awake. That's good.” The figure states. “You were hurt badly when they brought you in.”
“Where am I?” Luna asks.
“You are in the nightguard staging area, some of our guards found you outside the camp.”
“My father, is he here?”
“Father? I don't understand princess, your father has been dead for five years.” The figure replies.
“B-But that can't be! He was with me only moments ago! Who are you!? Where am I!? Somepony help!” Luna shouts as the figure stabs something into her leg. Luna finds herself drifting off but catches the last thing the figure commands to another passing pony.
“Get the princess, the patient is hysterical.” Luna sees the figure turn their gaze back to her as her eyes finally close.
Valder sneaks past more guards, his size not making things easier. Valder stops and hides behind a tent as seven more guards pass by in some form of single file march.
Moving again the medical tent comes into sight and it wasn't going to be easy to reach it. The tent stood almost in the middle of several other tents equally as large, and the twenty or so guards standing around wasn't good either.
“Dammit!” Valder curses to himself. A smile rises as he spots armour hanging on racking near by. Reaching inside himself Valder uses a magic spell he hasn't used in a long time and turns himself into a white pegasis of standard height. Looking over his body Valder nods, the effort required for this ability was taxing but for Valder he could keep it up for a while.
Grabbing the armour in his magic and 'borrowing' it Valder slips it on, noticing how the armour morphs to change him into a bat like pony.
“Guess this will have to do.” Valder states giving himself one last look before with a heavy sigh he steps out into the open. “Here goes.”
Valder crosses the field and approaches the large medical tent.
“Halt!” A guard shouts. “ State your business!”
Valder stands to attention. “I was sent here to guard the imposter until the princesses arrival.” Valder replies trying to sound as official as possible.
The guard looks Valder over. “I haven't seen you before.”
“I just transferred over, heard this was the best unit.”
The guard narrows his eyes. “Carry on.” The guard moves out Valders way.
Valder walks passed the guard and let's out a held breath as he walks through the medical tent. Valder walks pass many beds with injured ponies resting on them. He thinks about healing them but the effort would cause his disguise to fail, shaking his head he tries to find Luna.
Valder comes across a bed surrounded by a curtain with three guards standing by, Valder goes to enter the curtain but a guard stops him.
“The patient is not to be disturbed until Princess Luna gets here!”
Valder wanted to say something witty but nothing but a smirk came to his face.
“Oh but you see, the patient will be coming with me and there's nothing you can do to stop it!” Valder's horn glows bright and the guards step back a few steps. “You should run now.”
The guards all look to each other an then bolt for the exit, Valder smiles as his disguise fails and he was now standing in his tall white glory. Several nearby patients cover there eyes, some just stare in awe at the large white alicorn standing near them.
Valder opens the curtain and peers down at Luna lying on the bed, her eyes were closed but she was breathing steadily. Valder lifts up a hoof and prods Luna.
“Luna wake up, we have to go.” Valder smiles as Luna starts to stir. “That's it, it's me, father.”
“F-father? Is it really you?” Luna says, opening her eyes and giving Valder her own faint smile. “My body aches....”
“We have to leave, they have called you from this time.” Valder says, turning his head to see that nopony has turned up yet. “She will be along any minute.”
“I can't....I feel so weak....I can't move...” Luna tries to move but her body gives way and she falls back to the bed.
Valder feels a slight bit of panic rise in his chest, in a small use of his magic Valder lifts Luna off the bed and places her on his back.
“Father you can't fight them all.” Luna says weakly.
“I can very well try!” Valder states, turning around and heading for the exit.
Valder breathed a sigh of relief as the medical tent exit quickly approached.
“Luna we're almost out, then we can go somewhere safe.”
Valder exits the tent only to snarl as half the guards in the staging area were waiting outside with one angry looking princess at the fore.
“WHO ARE THOU?” The princess shouts.
Valder snarls again. “DON'T YOU YELL AT ME MISSY!”
Valder stands his ground as this times Luna walks forward.
“You dare speak to me like that!” Valder was mentally sighing in gratitude she didn't use the voice again.
“I speak to anypony that shouts at me like that!” Valder stands up tall as Luna on his back shifts around.
“Interesting.” The princess moves around Valder, keeping a wide distance. “You certainly are an alicorn I have no doubt about that, but who are you?” The princess stops and gazes at her duplicate on Valders back. “And why are you removing her from our care?”
“I'm called Valder and you already know her name.” Valder replies nodding his head to Luna on his back. “I am taking her away because I can't trust you or anypony here to help her.”
“And you can?”
“More than you know! My magic isn't weak.”
“Oh I know I can sense it, but it's curious. Your magic is familiar to me and yet it's not.” The princess walks back and stands in front of Valder. “Wait, I see something, something in your eyes when you look at me. And you called my duplicate your daughter, that can't mean....” The princess steps back. “GUARDS!”
Valder flinches as a pony comes from nowhere and bucks him in the side, Valder growls and uses his magic to fling the pony through another tent nearby.
“You hurt my daughter and I’ll kill you!” Valder shouts as two more ponies attack him.
“Stop!” the two guards stop mid attack and back away from Valder. “You are him aren’t you? Your Darkside....My father?”
Valder spits to the ground. “Don't you dare call me that name! I am nothing like him!”
“I can see it in your eyes, the darkness and hate. You were there too at Erlinberg, all those years ago.” The princesses horn glows and Valder readies himself.
“Stop this!” Both alicorns freeze as Luna on Valders back raises her head. “Why are you two fighting? Father, she has remembered us and discovered the truth. I can't walk let alone help you, stop this foalishness and just accept her help.”
“I can't Luna, if I give in all she's going to do is lock me up away from you, I won't have it!”
“What if I gave you my word you won't be harmed or locked up?” Valder turns his gaze back to the princess. “Contrary to belief I'm not that kind of ruler, my sister on the other hoof.”
Valder laughs suddenly and the princess gives him a curious look.
“Why do you laugh?”
“I'm sorry but it's funny, I'm standing before the princess of the night with half of her forces surrounding me and you are saying your not harsh like Celestia.” Valder replies, slightly shaking his head. “I just find it funny, considering.”
“Considering what?”
Valder shakes his head again. “Sorry but the future shall remain the future.”
“Fine but answer me this, why are you here?” The princess sits down, narrowing her eyes.
“I can tell you but first I need to heal my daughter.” Valder says lowering Luna to the floor and giving her a scan with his magic. “I know what's wrong.”
“Fine, heal her and then we can talk.” The princess waves a hoof at the guards and they disperse.
Valder lowers his head and nuzzles Luna before lighting his horn and touching Luna on the forehead, seconds later a yellow aura surrounds Luna and then disappears. Valder watches as Luna raises her head and slowly gets back to her hooves, a look of pain still on her features but she manages a smile anyway.
“Thanks father.” Luna says nuzzling Valder in return. Turning to her past self Luna drops her head low. “I'm sorry for all of this, we are trapped here but if there's some place we can talk we will tell you all that we know.”
“We can speak in my private tent.” The princess says, turning around and walking away.
Valder and Luna follow after the princess, passing by a few guards they both notice the stares which are immediately stopped by Valder when he gives the guards a glance.
“I don't like this Luna, it feels wrong.”
“I know father, I can feel it too. But please make this work, I know she is a memory but Darksides magic has changed everything. She shouldn't be able to remember us and certainly not you as her father.”
Valder sighs. “I just hope that something good will come of this.”
Both Luna and Valder follow the princess into a large tent, unaware that several creatures of chaos origin were watching them from afar.
