Love has everything to do with it

by Furstreak

First published 26th of December, 2012

Sequel to 'What's Love got to do with it?' Where a few years have passed since the fall of the King of Equestria.

Sequel to 'What's Love got to do with it?' If you haven't read it, then please do so. Otherwise you will be lost. Updates available possibly once a week or more if I have time.
(Look below for DESCRIPTION)

Twilight has spent the past five years traveling across Equestria and many other nations to try and locate a spell or magical item that would release Midnight Flame, King of Equestria, from his stone prison. Many things have happened since his imprisonment, and many lives have changed in that time as well. What will become of the king once he has been freed from his stone prison? Stayed tuned and find out.

★Chapter 1 "The search."

It has been five years since the fall of Midnight Flame, by Screwball the Mad. The Dark Alicorn had been scheduled to marry his brides on Hearts and Hooves Day, only to be struck down by a curse that had turned him to stone. Before he fell however, he took down Screwball the Mad, along with the help of an elemental pony of fire called, Kindle Ro, by becoming a magical set of armor on her so that together, they would bring Screwball down and remove her from this world.

Upon turning to stone however, one of Midnights brides would not stand to see him remain in this state, and vowed to travel throughout the world to find a cure for his curse. Twilight Sparkle, the student of Princess Celestia, the Goddess of the Sun, and Ruler of Equestria. She would travel the lands across the globe in search for a magical item, artifact, or spell that would release Midnight and Kindle from their bonds so that they could carry on through life as normally as possible.

The time though, that it had taken Twilight to find the necessary items in order to break the spell, had also taken its toll on the brides as well. Celestia had not given up hope, as she was accustomed to time passing her by without notice. Rarity would be one to take things the hardest, as she was the first to fall for the human turned Alicorn, and in essence, has spent the most time with him. After the first month of having locked herself away, she finally returned into the folds, and began to work with her materials once again. She once again, getting her life back on track so that she may continue to support herself and Sweetie Belle.

After a year, one could barely tell that she had even changed in the slightest. It would have seemed that she had gotten over Midnight without much change. That, was of course, until one would catch her sleeping and see the tears rolling down her face onto the pillow. She would cry herself to sleep almost nightly. Remembering all the good times she once had with her stallion.

The next in line would be Applejack. The strong, young earth pony that ran Sweet Apple Acres, had taken the hit fairly hard. She was still young and vibrant, able to take care of her family, along with dealing with the loss of her loving stallion as well. She would remain vigilant, and hopeful that, in time, she would be able to be with her stallion once again. As time pressed on though, it would continue to wear on Twilight to the breaking point on several occasions. She would be traveling across the land, far and wide. Finding fights that she did not want to be a part of but would endure, only to start to run low on her magic. This would be when she would use the Hearth's Warming present that Midnight had spent an entire day to make. The magical gem battery that could regenerate magic for its user within minutes. Twilight had run into many different foes during her trip across the world. Manticores, Hydras, magical beasts of all shapes and sizes. Many of which, almost ended her life on several occasions but failed, meeting their demise in the end.

Five years it took, almost to the day, before Twilight had finally run across a magical item that could remove a curse of stone. It was in the griffon nation, in a small shop down a dark alley, on the bad side of town, near the capital. We go to this point in time to witness Twilight's reaction.

Twilight had just entered into a dusty, old antique shop, coming in from the rain outside so as to avoid catching a cold. She was cold, and semi-damp as she pressed the hood back from her rain cloak.

"I hate the weather this time of year. It’s always so tiring to move through the cold rain. It feels like........ like........" She trailed off as she heard the ticking of claws against the cold, wooden floor.

"Like it is pulling all of your strength from your very being?" An elder looking griffon stated as he pressed through a beaded curtain from a back room. One of his taloned paws trailing up to his beak as a single claw pressed his glasses further up his beak toward his eyes. "Ah, it looks as if I have a new customer in my midst. What, pray tell, brings a young unicorn to this old buzzard’s antique store hmm?" He asked, giving a curtful nod.

"Well, I don't want to seem rude, but I was just trying to get out of the rain for a short time. I've been traveling for a long time now and I am at my wits’ end with my search." Twilight said as she came over to the counter and lay her chin onto it, giving a sigh.

"Now don't fib, you saw this old shop and thought to yourself, 'I wonder if there is anything interesting in there?' Am I right?" He chuckled, seeing Twilight's sheepish grin.

"Well, I have been searching for something, anything that could help me save a loved one for many years now. So, unless you have a spell book or an item that can turn a cursed, stone pony back into flesh and blood again, I doubt you could help me." She sighed.

"An item that can turn stone back into flesh and blood, eh? That sounds like a cockatrice got a hold of your friend." The griffon chuckled softly but stopped as he saw Twilight's sad expression. "I am sorry, please forgive this old buzzard. It is not often that a being finds this old store." He stated as he turned around behind the counter and began to peruse his shelves. "Let me see here.......... Ah, here we are." He smiled as he pulled a small item from the dusty shelves. Gently brushing away the dust that had gathered onto it over the many years it had rested silently on that particular shelf. He turned back to Twilight as he placed the item onto the counter in front of her, she lifting her head and giving it a skeptical look.

"What is that?" She asked as she gave it a peculiar glance.

"This, my dear, is a magically preserved cockatrice eye, set inside a diamond with a mirrored back so that it cannot set its user in stone. This item is extremely rare as it was used for many evil purposes in the far past. The third king of Griffonia had plundered this item during the war against the worg nation. After it was stolen and used against the king, turning him to stone, it was thought to be lost forever. Until a lone griffon came to me one day with a small chest of valuables. Amongst the many items within the chest, was this item. The Cockatrice Stone. It can turn those who oppose you, to stone, and then back again, when or if you choose to do so." He chuckled as Twilight reached for the item but stopped as he pulled it back to himself.

"This item is very dangerous, and not meant for those who would use it to do harm. So I am sorry to say that I cannot sell it to you." He stated but stopped as he looked to the lavender unicorn before him, her eyes watering and quickly running down her cheeks.

"I......... I've searched for something like this for five years.......... I........ I only want to turn my stallion back into flesh and bone. I would bring it right back............ Please......... If you can find it in your heart to help me............ I'll give you everything I own............. just to have him back in my arms............" She trailed off as she had finally met her breaking point. Falling to the floor in a heap as her eyes flowed like rivers, each little tear drop that fell from her cheeks and hit the floor, quickly soaking up the dust that it hit and turning it to a mucky gray.

The griffon gave a saddened smile to see this young mare so willing to give up everything just to have the love of her life back. He looked her over, seeing a few scars from previous battles, matted fur from not having bathed in some time, along with her mane and tail that was badly disheveled, making her look more crazed than sane.

"My dear?" He began as he looked over the counter to her as she looked up to him with saddened eyes. He reached over the counter and held out the necklace with the pendant attached to it from his talons, lowering it to her. She looked to it as she wiped a tear away from her face, then looked up to him with pleading eyes. "I can tell that you were being honest with me and have no plans to use this item for any evil deeds. Take it, and free him from his slumber." He smiled as he dropped it from his grasp, quickly being caught by Twilight's magic as she gazed at it before standing up and jumping over the counter to pull the old griffon into a loving hug.

"HAAAAhahahaa. Go on now youngin. Give your stallion my best once he is free. And tell that old mare Celestia, Grizzle said ‘hello’." He chuckled as Twilight smiled, letting him go and then quickly making her way out of the shop. She gave a happy sigh as she placed the item around her neck, holding it close to her chest before turning around once the door closed, only to see an empty storefront. She pressed on the door for a moment, seeing it was now locked and gave a questioning glance as she peered through the windows to see an empty store inside.

"Grizzle huh? I owe you one my friend." She stated as she turned back around, her horn glowing brightly as she used every bit of her magic to teleport to Canterlot.

Author's Notes:

Big thanks to ReFro for editing!

Chapter 2 "Breaking out!"

The cool air of the land swept across the New castle of Canterlot leaving behind an unforeseen warmth that caused many ponies to give a sigh of relief from the normally cold winter day. It was early March and soon, Winter wrap up would be right around the corner. Two newbie guards were standing at the front gate, idly chatting as ponies continued to saunter by without a care. That was of course until Twilight Sparkle appeared in a flash of light and the crack of a whip in front of them. The two guards looked at her in stunned silence for a moment before their postures lowered into a defensive stance.

"Who goes there?" One of them shouted toward the surprised unicorn.

"Twilight Sparkle, Princess Celestia's protege and student." She spoke as she nodded to them. "I have urgent news for Princess Celestia. I must speak with here immediately regarding the King." She stated quickly causing the two guards to stare at her for a moment before opening the gate and letting another set of guards inside take her into the castle.

After a short walk into the castle. The three arrived in the throne room where Celestia was sitting in her throne to the side of a larger empty throne next to hers. Several scrolls floating in her magical grasp as a quill was writing onto them. Once the Sun princess heard hooves along her throne room's marble floor, she looked up, giving a loud gasp as to what she saw before her. Dropping everything in her grasp she opened her wings and glided swiftly to the floor below and pulled her student into her loving embrace.

"Twilight, it has been so long since I have seen you." Celestia spoke out through a choking cry. The two smiling and hugging each other as the guards stepped back out of the room to give them some privacy.

"It's good to be home Tia." Twilight giggled as she nuzzled her mentor and best friend.

Celestia pulled away from Twilight as she looked her over once. "My dear, you look as if you have gone through Tartarus itself before coming back through once more to get here. What has happened to you to put you in such disarray?" She asked as they began to walk out of the throne room and toward her quarters.

"Tia, I think............. I think I found what I was looking for, but I need to see Midnight to be sure." She stated with unease causing Celestia to pause in her steps for a moment before continuing toward the palace garden.

"Twilight? Do........ Do you really think that you have found what we will need to turn our stallion back to normal?" She asked as a hopeful expression spread across her face.

"Well, I was given this item just recently by a griffon who seems to have known you in the past. Grizzle asked for me to tell you hello." Twilight smiled up to the princess seeing her beam.

"That old birdbrain is still alive? I haven't seen him in almost four hundred years." Celestia laughed loudly which was completely out of the norm for her.

"Birdbrain? It's not like you to say such things Tia." Twilight giggled seeing her mentor blush.

"Grizzle is a very old friend of mine. He was one of the first griffon's that I had met when I arrived on this planet. We became close, but never got serious. He was nothing more than a dear friend to me. For the past several hundred years however, I had lost touch with him when he began to dabble in magical artifacts. One day he just disappeared, and I never heard from him again." Celestia sighed before giving her student a smile as they strode into the palace garden.

"Don't you think we should get Applejack and Rarity to be present during this moment?" Twilight asked as she looked to Celestia.

"As much as I would like to say yes my dear, I must decline. The reason being that if this item doesn't work, then it will only cause more heartache for them. This way we can avoid depressing them further in such a case that it doesn't work." She stated causing Twilight to nod sadly.

"Very well then." Twilight said as they finally arrived to the statue of Midnight Kindle. The elemental pony that was covered in armor that was Midnight Flame. Twilight pulling the necklace from behind her trench coat and floating it from her as she faced it toward the statue before them. She gave a nervous glance back to the princess before turning her vision back to the necklace and began to pump her magic into it causing a beam of energy to shoot out from its center before it hit the statue causing it to glow.

A few tense seconds passed by as they listened to the stone crackle slightly before it began to move. They watched in awe as the legs moved into a more relaxed posture before the stone covering the body began to fall away slowly. First cracking and sending small segments before larger chunks fell away. It took almost five minutes before the stone had all but fallen from the two ponies. Kindle shook her head slightly as she swayed.

"Ugh, what happened? The last thing I remember was..............." She trailed off as Midnight's voice spoke up.

"Screwball! WHERE IS SHE?!" He shouted causing Kindle to move into a defensive stance and look around herself, only to stop as they noticed Celestia and Twilight standing just a few feet from her, both in tears as they spoke.

"M-Midnight?" Twilight began as she moved closer to him only to stop due to the heat that Kindle was putting off.

"Girls? What's going on? I thought Canterlot was destroyed?!" He spoke out as Kindle continued looking around.

"Midnight, can you please return to your regal form? We have much to discuss." Celestia spoke out rather bluntly, surprising Midnight.

"Tia? It's not like you to be so blunt............." He trailed off as the armor glowed slightly from Kindle before separating and turning into the Dark Alicorn once again. After a few seconds he was bowled over by Celestia and Twilight who began crying loudly as they held onto him.

"Girls? Whats wrong? You're acting like you haven't seen me in months." He stated giving a slight chuckle as he hugged them tightly. "Just how long were we in that stone prison?" He asked as the two pulled away from him slightly.

"Midnight............. you've been imprisoned within that stone for five years." Celestia stated causing his eyes to go wide.

"F-five........... years? Tia, please tell me you're joking." He choked out as he looked from her to Twilight.

"It's been just over five years actually. It's early march right now." Twilight said as she looked up and into his eyes, smiling now that she had her stallion back.

"But, why so long? How did you turn us back?" He asked as he pulled them closer, holding them to himself as he spoke.

"I've been traveling the globe to find something to free you from that curse that Screwball had placed on you. Today was the first day I've been back in Equestria in almost three years." Twilight stated as she rubbed her cheek against his chest.

"Wait, you mean to tell me that you've been searching for a counter spell to turn Kindle and me back to normal for five years, and haven't even went home during that time? What about the others? What about your friends and family?" Midnight asked in shock.

"I........... couldn't leave you like that. I love you, and to have you taken away like that. It broke me............ for the longest time I couldn't do anything, so I vowed to return you to normal or die trying." Twilight said as she looked up into his eyes as tears streamed down her face. Midnight pulling her close and wrapping his wings around two of his ladies.

"Thank you............. I don't know how I could repay you for what you did for me love." He said softly as he hugged them.

"Ahem." Kindle cleared her throat to gain their attention since they had obviously forgotten she was in the same room with them. "Five years huh, I hate to break up such a tender moment, but in that time did you happen to find a counter spell to remove my elemental abilities as well? Because I don't want to go insane. Plus I would like to live a normal life as well, without burning everything within twenty feet of me to the ground just by passing it by." She groaned, rolling her eyes.

"I am sorry Kindle. We did not mean to keep you. You will however be pleased to know that I have had the chance to learn the counter spell to return you to normal." Celestia stated with a smile. "It will only take a minute to cast if you are up for it."

"Please do, I can't wait to get back to normal. Then I can finally take a normal bath." She giggled slightly.

Midnight watched as Celestia's horn lit up, a beam of magic shooting out and hitting Kindle. The fire pony stood there with her eyes closed tightly for a moment as the fire around her body slowly changed back into her normal mane and tail. After a few moments longer her normal coat color returned before she let out a gasp as the transformation was complete. She fell to the floor giving a shiver as she curled up.

"S-s-s-s-s-sssssoooooo c-c-c-c-c-cold." Kindle whispered out as she shivered before Celestia lifted her within her magical grasp and placed a warming aura around her.

"That would be a side effect from returning to normal. It should pass shortly. Until then however I will place a small warming shield around you and have you placed into your own quarters within the castle." She said giving the now normal pony a smile. Kindle giving a nod as she continued to shake slightly as she followed one of the butlers out of the room and into a guest bedroom down the hall.

"Now then." Celestia began as she turned back to Midnight giving him a smirk. Only causing him to raise a brow at the sudden change. The Alicorn pressed forward to the Dark Alicorn giving him a rough kiss before pulling away. "You have two more ladies to visit before you can take your rightful title, 'King Midnight'. As well as see a few other ponies who have missed you quite a bit."

Midnight stood there in shock for a moment as he smiled, shaking his head for a moment to clear the fog, he looked to the regal Alicorn in front of him.

"First things first, I would like to see my son and daughter before anything else." He stated causing the two ponies to smile warmly at him.

Chapter 3 "Catching up."

After walking through the new castle, Midnight had quickly become accustomed to its layout, compared to the older castle that had been destroyed not long before his imprisonment in stone. A short time passed before they arrived in the hall way that lead to Celestia and Luna's quarters. But there were two new rooms along the hall as well.

"Midnight, please go to my quarters and wait there please. I will bring the children to you." Celestia smiled softly to him as he gave a nod and sigh.

After quickly making his way down the hall and into Celestia's quarters, he immediately noticed how the decor had changed since the castle had been rebuilt. The room was no longer decorated in the bright gold that he had become accustomed to from his previous time in there. It was now a bright red and purple with gold accents. The room along every wall housed many books much like Luna's room had in the past. On the balcony stood a large telescope much like the one that Midnight had gotten Luna during his first Hearth's warming in Equestria. As he continued looking around the room at all of the new surroundings. A knock came at the door, just before it opened revealing two blindfolded foals that were being led into the room by Celestia and Twilight. Behind the two stood Luna, who's eyes went wide as tears began to stream from her face upon seeing Midnight. She placed a hoof onto her mouth to keep from speaking out in surprise.

"Alright now, you may remove your blindfolds." Celestia stated as the two quickly shook them off and opened their eyes to see Midnight standing before them.

"D-daddy?" Marina spoke out in shock.

"Father?" Starlight spoke out as well in shock before they bolted across the room, slamming into their father while crying.

"My babies..............." He choked out as he held onto them, his own tears falling to the floor as he held onto them for dear life. Afraid to let them go in fear that they would vanish if he did.

After a few minutes had passed and many tears shed, they separated as they began to speak to one another.

"Daddy, where have you been? Momma said you had been turned into a statue." Marina stated as she rubbed her cheek, wiping away a few tears that had stained her fur.

"That is true my dear. Do you remember when Screwball destroyed Canterlot? That is when she also turned me to stone, but that was also her last mistake. She will never hurt another pony ever again." Midnight smiled as he hugged his son and daughter.

"Father, I've missed you." Star spoke up in a slightly more elegant tone, surprising Midnight a little.

"I've missed you as well my son. Please though, there is no need to be formal while we are alone. You may do and say as you please." Midnight smiled before seeing his sons eyes begin to water slightly before he burst into tears, wailing into his fathers embrace and hugged him tightly to his chest.

"There there, let it out. I know it has been a long time, and you will never have to worry about me leaving you again." Midnight chuckled to his children.

After a short time and some catching up, the foals had to go and attend their daily classes within the castles school. Midnight promising to be back in time for them to have finished their classes for the day. Normally he would have stayed in the castle to be with two of his ladies, but he had two other ladies that he had to visit, along with quite a few friends as well.

Some quick arrangements were made before Midnight had teleported to Ponyville. He would return in a few hours to meet his foals as they left class so that he could catch up with them more before he would then talk to Celestia about setting up the formal ceremony to have him be officially crowned to become King.

XXX

Midnight appeared in a flash of light and the snap of a whip just outside of the library, Twilight at his side. She headed toward the library, taking in a deep breath as she entered. Midnight stood outside as a scream erupted from within the library, followed by some crashing and then crying. After a moment of waiting he went inside to see a large purple and green dragon sitting on the floor and holding the purple unicorn to him, all the time blubbering like a foal.

"This is too precious." Midnight chuckled causing both of their attentions to snap to him.

"MIDNIGHT!" Spike yelled as he picked Twilight up and ran over to the Alicorn as they gave each other a hug and pat on the back. "Wow bro, you haven't changed a bit." Spike chuckled as he looked him up and down.

"Benefit of being stuck in stone for five years I guess. You've change a lot though. Look at you, you're huge now." He laughed as he looked at the dragon before him. In the five years Midnight had missed, Spike had grown at least four feet taller. His arms and legs had extended outward to accommodate his new height and weight, while a pair of drake wings had sprouted from his back. His spines had even grown sharper and moved down his back.

"I must say, I can't wait to see how you fly now." The Alicorn chuckled.

"I've gotten pretty good at it. Dash has been teaching me a lot as of late, after she and Spitfire took a break, we got together to train before they ended up back in each others hooves." Spike groaned out, rolling his eyes.

"Dash and Spitfire huh? Guess that's why she shot me down when I asked her for her hoof." Midnight chuckled but stopped, seeing their shocked faces. "Shut up, it was over five years ago, and do NOT mention that little comment to Dash." He groaned as he felt a pang of worry fill his gut. "Anyway, I'm going to go and find the others to surprise them. Do they all still live in the same places?"

"Well, Dash still lives in her cloud home just outside of town. Same spot it has been in for as long as I can remember. Fluttershy and Big Macintosh live in your old house now. Rarity is still in the same spot as well. Applejack is at the farm with Applebloom, and Pinkie Pie is still living at Braeburn's house. I'll let you talk to them though about the past five years, you are going to have your hooves full I think for the next month at least." Spike chuckled as he raised a brow toward the Alicorn. His arms still wrapped around the purple unicorn hugging her tightly.

"Alright then, I'll be back by here before I head to Canterlot to pick up the foals from class. Don't you leave doll." Midnight said giving a wink to Twilight.

"You won't be able to get rid of me that easily." She smirked.

XXX

Midnight was making his way through town as he had done in the past, but now many of the ponies that he had seen as foals before, had grown quite a bit in the time that he was gone. The town had been slightly remodeled as well. More street lamps had been placed along the streets. Homes looked to be in better shape than before. Plus there seemed to be quite a few more ponies living in the small town that he had never seen before.

As he walked along, he met a few faces he hadn't seen in some time. One being Vinyl Scratch who still had her trademark sunglasses and the mp3 player that he had gotten her on Hearths Warming. They chatted for a few minutes while walking in the same direction before separating as he came upon his first stop. Carousel Boutique. Taking in a deep breath to steady himself, he pressed through the front door, the bell signalling his entrance. After a couple of seconds he heard a voice that was a little unfamiliar to him.

"Coming." The mare shouted just before arriving in the front room of the boutique. She stopping and letting out a gasp as she saw the stallion standing at the door.

"Sweetie?!" He spoke in a startled voice as she ran across the room and wrapped her hooves around his neck, crying loudly into him as he sat down and wrapped his wings and arms around her. "Oh Sweetie, I'm so sorry for leaving you like I did." He said as he hugged her tightly to him. After a moment he heard another voice that he knew all to well.

"Sweetie? Who was at the door dear?" Rarity spoke up from the kitchen as she made her way into the front, only to stop and gawk at the sight before her. "M-Midnight?! Is it r-really you?" She stuttered as her eyes began to fill to the brim, only to explode outward into a waterfall of tears as she bolted across the room as he pulled a wing and hoof away as she collided with him. The hoof and wing being replaced as he hugged the two ponies to him.

After a few minutes of water works, Midnight had separated from the two mares and had gone to sit on the couch with them. Rarity piping up as she continued to cry ever so slightly.

"Midnight, I can't believe after all these years that you've returned. Twilight said she would find a counter spell and then return. But I never thought she would. Oh my! Does that mean she has returned to the library?"

"She is there with Spike as we speak. I'm going back there before I head back to Canterlot to pick up my kids from class." He stated, giving a smile.

"Well then, I guess that means you still have yet to visit the others then doesn't it?" Rarity asked giving a smirk.

"Yes, but I don't want to rush this. It has been five years after all." He sighed.

"Do not worry about me darling. I survived five years without you, I can survive a few more hours since I have seen you just now. We have a lot of planning to do. So don't get too carried away with the others." She smiled giving him a wink.

"I'll meet everypony today and then set up a date with each of them to get caught up properly." Midnight chuckled but stopped as he noticed Sweetiebelle fidgeting slightly. "Sweetie? Something wrong?" He asked.

"Have you seen Applebloom or Scootaloo yet?" She asked.

"Not yet, I had to see this one first thing upon getting into Ponyville. Of course you were at the same spot as well." He chuckled giving her a loving hug.

"Thank you Midnight." She said giving him a hug in return.

"Midnight huh? Since when did the uncle get dropped?" He chuckled seeing her blush.

"Since I got older and realized that you're not actually my uncle. You're my brother-in-law." She picked.

"So I guess that means no more little fillies screaming UNCLE at me and dog piling me onto the ground anymore." He pouted.

"Oh you just wait until the others see you. Scoots and AB are going to have a field day with you. You just got off lucky with me." She chuckled.

"Hoo boy, I think I may regret having returned. Knowing those two, I think I may be in for more than I can handle." He chuckled.

After a few more minutes of chatting, Midnight left the boutique, heading toward Sweet Apple Acres. It was a short walk, but he still had two other stops to visit as well. One being Braeburn's and Pinkie's house just across from his old house. Along with Fluttershy's and Big Macintosh's home which was his old home. Then to the final house within the farm to see his final lady, Applejack.

Chapter 4 "Catching up with friends and their families?"

After finally making his way out of town, Midnight had arrived after a few minutes of walking, to the edge of Sweet Apple Acre's. As he walked along though, his old home and Braeburn's came into view. It was still early in the day, just after lunch if Midnight could determine the suns actual spot in the sky at that moment. So there was just a couple of hours left before his children would be out of class. Although he would hate to make these next few meetings quick, he could always come back the following day to make amends and spend more time with everypony.

Making his way up to his old house, his ears swiveled forward as he heard some giggling coming from behind the house, then laughter. Of course, being his nosy self he couldn't help but make his way to the far side of the house and peek around the corner to see what foals were making playing back there. As he peeked around the corner, her smiled seeing two little foals playing on a swing set. One a little earth pony and the other a pegasus. The little pegasi was pushing their sibling on the swing before jumping onto the one next to them and using their wings to propel them backwards quickly to gain height before folding them back and squealing loudly as they swung forward.

'This is to cute.' Midnight thought to himself as he watched the duo play. After a minute though he turned, heading back to the front of the house and trotting up onto the porch. Giving the door a quick knock, he listened as a feminine voice announced herself from inside.

"Coming." She spoke out as she opened the front door, gasping upon seeing the Alicorn standing there smiling to her.

"Hey Shy, been a long tiiIIIIIMMMMEE!" He squealed out as he was suddenly wrapped into a hug by a shivering pegasi. He sat down quietly as he let her sob quietly into his chest for a few minutes until she finally pulled away, wiping her cheeks as she went.

"Midnight, when did you......." She gestured to him with her hooves.

"Twilight found a counter spell thingy and freed me this morning. She's at the library right now, while I'm out saying hello to all of my good friends." He said while giving her another hug.

"I should say so, she has been gone for five years, as have you. Have you gone to see the others yet?" Fluttershy stated rather boldly without a hint of shyness in her voice.

"I was just going to go see Pinkie and Braeburn next, unless the big guy is home. I'd like to say hello to him." He chuckled.

"Macintosh is in the fields with his sisters bucking apples as they always do. I am here taking care of the foals. The same as I have since they were born." She giggled but stopped as realization hit her. She turned to see the confused look across Midnight's face before giving a giggle. "Macintosh and I had twins. Come outside and I'll introduce you to them." She beamed with pride as she headed through the house and out the back door, Midnight hot on her heels.

"Kids, we have a very special visitor. Please come and say hello to him." Shy stated loudly to the children as they quickly left the swing set and trotted quickly over to her before stopping as they looked up to the Dark Alicorn in awe.

"Children, This is Midnight Flame, he is a friend that has been away for a long time. He is the one who set your father and I up on our first date." She giggled giving a slight blush.

"He looks really neat." The little colt pegasi stated as he fluttered his wings, flying around him to get a better look.

"He's reeeeeeeaaaaaaallllllllyyyyyyyyyyyyy biiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiig!" The little filly earth pony stated while staring up to him. Midnight lowering his head toward the filly and smiling.

"It's very nice to meet you miss.........." He trailed off hoping she would get the hint.

"I'm Honey Luck." The little earth filly smiled brightly.

"And I'm Little Macintosh." The colt stated proudly as he landed next to his sister.

"Well then miss Luck, and Lil'Mac. It's a pleasure to to meet you." Midnight smiled to them causing them to beam back.

"Can we go an play some more?" Honey asked Shy causing her to nod.

"Yes, but just for another twenty minutes, lunch is almost ready." Shy said causing them to nod before running back to the swing set.

Midnight and shy turned, heading back into the house. Chatting along the way.

"Two kids huh? I bet that was a surprise." Midnight chuckled seeing her smile softly.

"It was, especially for Macintosh. It was around a year after you were............. well, it was about a year after that when we had them. Following Apple family tradition, we didn't find out if they were a filly or colt until they were born. Even then we didn't know we were having twins. It was a very big surprise. It was just a good thing that we had already picked out a colt and filly name ahead of time." Fluttershy giggled as they sat down at the kitchen table, looking out the window to see the two still happily playing on the swing set.

"I'm glad they turned out healthy and happy. I bet Big Mac had more pride than any other father in Ponyville when he found out he had two foals instead of just one." Midnight chuckled.

"Yes, he was, and still is. Your son and daughter have come over quite often to play with them as well. I just feel awful though that they had to be without you for so long though." Shy sighed looking to the ground.

"Hey, it's all in the past. I have a long future ahead of me though to make up for it, so don't think for a second that I would neglect them anymore than I already have." Midnight chuckled as he pulled the yellow pegasus into a gentle hug.

"I'm glad that you havent' changed Midnight." She giggled. "Now go, say hello to Pinkie for me. I have some lunch to prepare for my babies." She smiled to him as he gave a nod in return. Taking his leave he wave goodbye to the foals and quickly trotted across the road to Braeburn's home. Just as he was about to knock on the door however, he was bowled over by a couple of ponies. One he recognized immediately as Pinkie Pie. The other being young colt with a golden coat with a bright red mane and tail.

"OH MY GOSH! Midnight! You're back!?!?!?!" Pinkie shouted as she hugged the Alicorn tightly around the neck making him squeak out.

"Nice to GCK see you again Pinkie." He managed just before she let go ad sat down on his chest while smiling down to him.

"Now Pinkie, ah toldya teh stop pouncing visitors an'all. Ya'll er gonna scare'm off at this rate." Braeburn's voice carried on from inside the house. He stopped at the doorway as he noticed the large Alicorn laying on his back beneath the hyper pink pony. "Holy............. MIDNIGHT!? Is that really you?!" He shouted in shock as he shooed Pinkie and the young colt from atop of him.

Midnight turned over giving a laugh as he pulled himself upright, then sweeping the three into a big hug. "Yes it is, and I have missed that Pinkie hug terribly." He chuckled before setting them down.

"Momma? Is this the pony you told me about?" The little colt asked as he beamed between Pinkie and Midnight.

"Momma?! So I take it you and Braeburn........" Midnight smirked to the two causing them both to blush.

"Married once we found out she was with this'n." Braeburn chuckled as he pulled the colt into a noogie hug, only to make him giggle loudly and pull free before tackling the stallion to the floor.

"Yep. Golden Ginger is our little bundle of joy." Pinkie giggled as the colt bolted to her side giving a bright smile, Braeburn right behind him.

"I'm very happy for you two. I take it my son and daughter come by to play with him as well as Fluttershy's foals?" He asked while cocking a brow down to the young colt.

"Yep, we have all kinds of adventures!" Golden beamed.

"OH! Have you met the others yet?" Pinkie asked as she looked out the door and around at seemingly nothing.

"All that's left is Applejack, Big Macintosh, Applebloom, Granny Smith, and Scootaloo, among other friends." Midnight smiled but stopped as he noticed the sad expression on Pinkie's face.

"Um....... Midnight........" Pinkie trailed off as her mane and tail began to deflate slightly. Braeburn placing a hoof onto her should and giving her a nod toward the kitchen.

"Ah'll tell'em sugar. You go on inside." The yellowish stallion said before stepping out onto the porch and closing the door behind them.

"Braeburn?" Midnight began but stopped as he watched the saddened expression spread across Braeburn's face.

The two took a seat on the porch for a minute before the earth pony began.

"Night, Granny Smith passed a couple years back." He spoke in a low tone causing Midnight to visibly stare in disbelief. "Ah'm sorry, but she caught a nasty cold a couple winters back. It got worse an she refused any magical medical treatment. All apples'er stubborn like that. She passed in her sleep though, so she didn't suffer none. AJ, AB, and Big Mac took it purty hard though. After loosing their parent's and having their granny teh take care of'em for so long. It was a hard hit for'em. When ya go over there teh suprise'm, don't mention Granny Smith none awright?"

The Alicorn gave a heavy sigh as a tear streamed down his cheek. Looking up to the earth pony he gave a saddened smile before speaking.

"Thanks fer letting me know. At least I can do something to help them ease through it all. Now that I'm back an'all." He smiled softly. "Guess I had better get over to the farm and say hi. Not long now before I have to go pick up the kids from class., but I'll be back in a day or so. I have a lot of catching up to do."

"Thanks fer stopping by Night. Tell cuz ah said hi." Braeburn shouted as the Alicorn trotted quickly from the porch and toward the farmhouse within Sweet Apple Acres.

★Chapter 5 "Catching up some more."

As time ticked away, Midnight had been making his way as quickly as he could toward the farmhouse. Listening as he went to make sure that he didn't pass the Apple family by as they were bucking trees in the field. He paused for a moment as he swiveled his ears to hear some crunching of hooves in the snow in the field to his left. Glancing to the side, he saw three ponies cresting the hill and slowly walking toward him. Big Macintosh pulling a large cart with several trees and tools lying in it. Applejack next to him chatting away, while Applebloom, now almost as big as AJ herself, trotting next to her elder sister.

As they continued on, the two eldest of the trio stopped as they looked back to see Applebloom just standing there. Motionless and eyes wide in shock. Following her glance, they looked forward to see a Dark Alicorn standing about twenty yards away.

"Is that......." Big Mac trailed off as he stared unblinking toward his brother-in-law.

"Midnight?................ MIDNIGHT!" Applejack shouted as she took off like an orange bullet right toward the Alicorn. Applebloom doing the same while leaving her big brother standing in place just gawking.

After what seemed like an eternity, Applejack and then Applebloom bowled the Alicorn over into the still snow covered ground. He laying on his back with his wings wrapped around the two mares, hugging them tightly as they cried into his chest.

"P-please say it's really you! Please tell meh it's not just another illusion." Applebloom managed to speak through sobs.

"Illusion? Me? Now could an illusion do this?" He chuckled before hugging the young mare tightly to him. She squeaking out at the familiar feeling of warmth that only her brother-in-law could emit.

"Well, I've known illusions that could do that before. Maybe if you told me something only you would know, then maybe I would believe you." Applebloom chuckled as she wiped a tear from her cheek.

"A secret huh................. I got it." He chuckled as he leaned up and whispered into Applebloom's ear, her face turning a blistering red as she looked down to her prior uncle.

"Yup, yer him alright." She chuckled nervously only to cause Applejack to laugh.

"Darn tootin. So when did yer sorry tail get freed from stone?" Applejack chuckled as she nuzzled into his neck lovingly.

"Twilight managed to find the spell and freed me earlier this morning. She's at the library with Spike right now. You should go see her as well. I just came by for a quick visit before heading back to Canterlot. Just thought I would let everypony know that I'm back and ready to attempt to start our lives over again. That is......... if you're still interested." Midnight stated as he looked around before resting his vision on the orange earth pony currently sitting on his chest and hugging him tightly.

Applejack pulled back, giving a smirk and pulling her hat to the side, she placed it to the side of Midnight's head and hers as she blocked her little sister’s vision. Before Midnight could react, his lips were met with Applejack's for a few hard seconds, causing him to go rigid for a moment before she pulled away, giving a smile and placing her hat back atop her head.

"What do you think, sugarcube?" She chuckled seeing Midnight's shocked expression and still puckered lips.

"I think that answered my question." He smiled before slowly getting to his hooves just as Big Macintosh came down the hill with the cart still attached to himself.

"Hey bro." Mac smiled softly to the Alicorn.

"Howdy lil bro." Midnight chuckled back to the red earth pony. "Miss me?"

At this, Big Macintosh unstrapped himself from the cart and quietly walked over to the Alicorn before giving him a hug as well. Surprising Midnight highly before he hugged back. The two separated as they gave each other a rough pat on the withers.

"So you and Shy had twins huh?" Midnight chuckled seeing the stallion burst ten deeper shades of red. "I couldn't be happier for ya."

"Thanks bro, It was ah big surprise when they were born. Never thought ah'd have a couple lit'lins, maybe one, but two in the first round. Dang." He chuckled.

"Well, we can all get caught up soon enough. It's almost time for me to pick up my foals from class in Canterlot, but I will return a little later today. I've already seen the others, so this was the last stop." Midnight smiled but stopped as he saw Applejack's stern gaze.

"Last stop huh?" She snorted in slight annoyance.

"Of course! You know I always save the best for last." Midnight smirked, giving AJ a wink and causing her whole body to burst out in a brilliant shade of red. Applebloom and Big Macintosh giving a chuckle upon seeing their sister so embarrassed.

"Now ya'll better not be teasin meh, or yer in fer a world o'hurt." She snapped back with a chuckle but stopped as Midnight moved over to her, quickly pressing his lips to hers.

"No worries there love. I'll be back in a little bit though. I believe it is time to pick up the kids. And don't worry, this isn't a dream." He chuckled as he pulled a couple of roses from his stash portal and tossed them to the mares before him before vanishing in a flash of light. AJ and AB catching the roses and giving girlish giggles as they began to shout.

"MIDNIGHT'S BACK!"

Macintosh gave a chuckle as he looked toward Canterlot. "Ah think things are about to get back to normal. Well, as normal as they used to be with that big goof around." He chuckled.

XXX

After a quick teleport and a short flight to the entrance of the school, Midnight took a seat next to the gate's entrance as he waited for his foals to come out. The bell rang out loud, causing the Alicorn to jump slightly as he turned his head to see a plethora of foals running out of the building. Many with satisfied expressions for having been released from their torment for the day. Others reading books, and a few leaning on one another. "Awwww, first crushes are so cute." Midnight chuckled to himself as he watched a few couples pass by, oblivious to the world.

After a few minutes had passed by, Marina, now slightly taller than she used to be, headed out of the front entrance with Starlight at her side. They were talking back and forth for a minute before they noticed their father standing quietly at the gate, then galloped over to him giving him a loving hug.

"Hello daddy! Thanks for picking us up. Aunty Luna usually picks us up because momma is always busy." She sighed in slight annoyance.

"Aunty Luna huh? I bet she's loving that phrase." Midnight chuckled. "So, did we learn anything today?"

"A little bit about Equestrian history, although I'm not really that good at remembering things." Marina stated as she scratched the side of her head with a hoof.

"You just need a memory spell cast on you so you'll remember everything." Starlight chuckled as he gave her a playful nudge.

"You know, only you can say that because you don't need it. Being an Alicorn makes things like remembering what to do seem like a trivial task." Marina sighed. "That's probably why you're in my class when you should be in a different class with foals your own age."

"Hey, I still have friends that I play with that are around my age. Plus there aren't any bullies in the school, so I don't have to worry about anypony being picked on. I'd say that everything is going pretty smoothly for the time being. Plus, with father back, he can teach me a lot of new things." Starlight stated with a smirk.

"Well, first things first." Midnight began, catching their attentions. "I am going to have to set up a few meetings, among other things with a few ponies. So we will need to hold off on any real playtime for maybe a week. Then I promise you that we will do something fun."

"I guess a week is ok." Marina said as she looked to Star who just nodded. "Just don't keep us waiting, or you might wake up with a salad on your head one morning." She giggled.

"OH! Or marshmallows stuck in his ear and nose!" Starlight giggled.

"Salad and marshmallow attacks!? NO!!!!! MY ONLY WEAKNESS!" Midnight pulled a hoof up to over his eyes giving a dramatic fainting spell as he fell over, only causing his foals to giggle out. "Anyway, let's get you back into the castle so I can begin preparations."

"Preparations for what, daddy?" Marina asked only to see him smile.

"For me to officially become king of course." He grinned before they all set off toward the castle.

Author's Notes:

Edited by ReFro

Chapter 6

After stopping off for some ice cream with Marina and Star, Midnight and his foals had made it to the castle within just a few minutes of walking from the school. As they were walking into the castle, Midnight began to talk to them about what they had learned that day.

"Ugh! it was so boring!" Marina groaned. "Nothing but history all day, but lunch was kinda fun." She giggled causing her father to cock a brow.

"Was it now? And what pray tell was fun about lunch?" Midnight asked giving a smirk.

"A colt came by our table and flirted with sis." Star chuckled as he trotted ahead of Marina, getting a gasp from her as she took off after him around their father.

"STAAAAAAR! I told you not to tell Daddy!" She squealed out as she kept chasing the giggling colt.

"Come now you two, no fighting." Midnight chuckled as her scooped the two up in his magical grasp and set them to either side of him. He looked over to Marina giving a soft smile. "So my little girl has a colt friend?" He continued chuckling as he watched her ears lay flat against her head and her cheeks blushing a bright red.

"Nooooooo................... Maybe? I don't know." She sighed finally as she lowered her head. "Don't feel bad honey, you'll know if it's meant to be in time. Just don't do anything silly during that time. Just be yourself........ well, as much as you can be considering." He trailed off seeing her look of discomfort.

"I know daddy, it's still hard though at times. The hive keeps calling for me to return.......... and the queen............ my real mother.............. She is not happy that I left all that time ago. I was one of her best operatives. Now that I have you, somepony that was willing to give me everything in exchange for nothing............." She trailed off as tears threatened to fall from her eyes.

"Hey, none of that now." Midnight chuckled softly as he pulled the young mare into a loving embrace and nuzzled the top of her head. "I'll love you no matter what, And the same goes for your brother." He laughed as he swept the colt up with a wing and hugged him as well.

*BUUUUUURP* "Scuse me." Marina tittered as she pushed away from her father.

"Ok you two. Now that we're in the castle, go finish any homework you have and then you can go play for the rest of the day." He smiled.

"But what about our royal duties?" Star asked while cocking his head slightly.

"Royal duties? Seriously?! You're kids! Kids are supposed to have fun and go play with other kids. Go on....... I'll talk to your mother about those so called 'royal duties' when I find her." He laughed before shooing them off.

The two foals cheered as they gave Midnight a hug before bolting down a corridor toward their rooms. The dark Alicorn being left behind as he made his way down the corridor and finding a guard to ask him where Celestia was currently at.

A short time passed by as he had finally located the princess who was in a meeting with Princess Cadence and Shining Armor. Upon entering the room, everypony fell silent. That was until Shining Armor stood and walked over to him before wrapping the Alicorn into a tight hug. Cadence giving a heartfelt smile toward him as well. The two stallions separated while giving each other a pat on the withers.

"Midnight, been a while since we have seen you. It's about time my little sister found a spell to get you out of that stone prison." Shining smiled softly toward the Dark Alicorn.

"Yea, have you gone to seen her yet? She is in Ponyville at the library. She and the others are catching up, maybe you should go and surprise her." Midnight chuckled to his brother-in-law.

"I think we can arrange that. But for the time however, we were just here to visit with the princess and to show her her new niece." Shining chuckled as the two trotted back to the table. Midnight cocking a brow as to what he had just heard.

"A new niece? I'm beginning to think that having kids is coming into fashion as of late." Midnight chuckled as he looked to the white unicorn.

"Well, after getting everything settled in the Crystal Empire. We thought it was time to start a family." Cadence giggled as a blush covered her face.

"Well then, I would love to see the little one. Where is she?" Midnight smiled to the couple but stopped as Celestia spoke up.

"As much as I would love for this meeting to revolve around family, we have more dire things to speak of." Celestia spoke up in a more serious tone, causing the others to look to her. Cadence speaking up next.

"Yes, as we were saying before Midnight entered. The Crystal Empire has seen a massive growth in the presence of changelings as of late. It has come to the point that we have had to acquire enchanted stones and attached them to our guards armor as they patrol. We have run across many of them masquerading as ponies loved ones in order to feed off of their emotions."

"Wait a sec, Cadence. Did any of your guard come with you today?" Midnight asked just before hearing a shriek of a pony come through the castle.

"Yes, we always have several guard with us............. Midnight? Where are you going?" She managed to speak out as she watched the Alicorn bolt from the room.

"Oh no! MARINA!" Celestia shouted as she bolted after Midnight.

"Tia? What's going on?!" Cadence spoke out in shock just before Luna spoke up.

"Celestia and Midnight had adopted a changeling some time ago Cadence. I take it that you failed to mention this to your guard." She spoke as she rushed out of the room as well.

"Oh dear." Cadence spoke in shock as she and Shining Armor bolted from the room as well.

XXX

*Three minutes prior*

"Come on little brother, let's hurry and finish our homework so we can go play." Marina smiled happily toward her brother, eager to be able to have some fun for once since having become a member of royalty.

"I'm right behind you sis." He giggled as he followed his sister down the hall but stopped as he ran into her. "Sis?" He spoke out in shock for a moment as he shook his head.

"Did momma get some new guards? I haven't seen them before." Marina spoke out as she noticed a couple of guards at the end of the hall heading down the path toward them.

The two foals were heading down the long hallway toward their rooms, about half way down the hall were their mothers room and their aunts as well. In between the two sets of doors were a solar and night guard, standing watch to make sure nopony would enter any of the rooms. But at the end of the hall were two new guards in what seemed to be diamond armor with a gem placed into the chest piece adorning each of them. The two foals knew they would be safe in such a case as those two were not meant to be in this part of the castle because the other two guards that they knew, were their to protect them.

As they continued trotting down the corridor, Marina stopped for a moment as her guise flickered for just a breif moment, the look of strain crossed her face which caught her little brothers attention.

"Sis? Are you ok?" He spoke as he came to her side.

"I.......... don't know............ Something is keeping me............. from being able to hold........... to hold my guise.........." She said before letting out a grunt as it fell, revealing her changeling form.

"Let's get into our rooms and finish our homework........." Starlight was cut off as one of the unfamiliar guards that had been trotting down the corridor shouted.

"STOP! CHANGELING! SURRENDER YOURSELF!"

"What!?" Marina spoke out in shock as the two unicorns bolted toward them.

"GUARDS!" Starlight shouted causing the solar and night guard to bolt from there positions toward them. But the others were already closer and they would not make it in time. This is when Marina curled up into a ball and screamed loudly in fear.

She looked up just in time to see the unicorns horns glowing brightly, her eyes going to pinpoints as she new her life was about to come to an end. She squeezed her eyes shut as she covered her head just before hearing a loud crack of lightning, but felt no pain.

*CRASH*

"GET AWAY FROM MY CHILDREN!" Came a booming voice as she felt a heavy wind brush over her just before hearing the crash. She opened her eyes to see her father standing over the two unicorns, his wings holding them down by their throats to the floor as his mane and tail were an inferno all around him.

"Daddy?.......... DADDY!" She shouted as she tried to get up and run to her father but was held back as she bumped into an invisible force field.

"Marina, Starlight! Stay there until your mother gets here." Midnight spoke out in a thundering voice causing them to recoil slightly as they took a seat next to each other.

"What is going on here?!" Celestia shouted as she round the corner to see Midnight holding down two guard ponies who looked as if they were about to meet their end.

"These two attacked Marina." Midnight shouted in a low threatening voice as he glared at them. However he stopped as Cadence came up to his side.

"Midnight, please release our guard ponies. We failed to mention to them that Marina was a changeling. And well, you can see what happened."

"WHAT!?" Midnight shouted as he glared at the pink Alicorn before him. "These two just cast a level three lightning spell at my daughter. That spell would have killed her had I not placed a shield spell around her and Starlight." He shouted toward her causing Shining Armor to step between the two. "Explain why you are allowing your guard to kill changelings?" Midnight stated as the guards began to struggle under his wings.

"Midnight, release her guards please." Celestia spoke up as she lay down next to the foals, the shield quickly being released from around them.

"Tia, they could have killed Marina had I not intervened, and you just want me to let them go?" He stated in somewhat of a shock.

"That's what she said!" One of the guards spoke out toward the dark Alicorn as he glared up to him, only causing Midnight to slowly turn his head as he glared death at the unicorn guard.

"You would be wise to hold your tongue in my presence. Especially since you just tried to kill one of my children." Midnight growled as his horn light up, sending a bolt of lightning through his left wing and into the guard making him scream out in pain.

The Alicorn gave a snort as he turned just in time to see a bolt of lightning coming toward him but reflect off of his passive shield. His eyes narrowed as he looked to Shining Armor whose horn was white with magic. His stance defensive as he glared back.

"Midnight, it was a mistake that we failed to mention to our guard that Marina is a changeling. Please stop this." He spoke out as he glared toward the Alicorn.

"You fail to mention to your guard that my daughter is a changeling, then get angry at me for defending my own children against an attack that could have easily killed one of them? Then attack me when I attack those very guard who wished death upon one of my children? I don't know if you're just stupid or what Shining. But I am not going to let this slide. Even if it is my first day back from being stuck in stone for five years. You have wronged me on this day, twice over. Although I understand that your guards were merely protecting the castle. This is not their, or your castle. This is is Celestia and Luna's castle.........." He stopped as Celestia spoke up.

"Thereby giving me the authority to deem who and how some pony should be punished for the events that have unfolded here today."

Midnight turned his head to the white Alicorn giving a snort before he removed his wings from the two guards who slowly pulled themselves up and onto their own hooves before moving to Shining Armor and Cadence's sides. Midnight gave a snort as he walked over to them as well, stopping and not even looking at the stallion as he was at his side before speaking.

"Shining, you are my brother-in-law, and a dear friend. I will admit right now that had I been king, my decisions on your guards punishment, as well as yours for attacking me would have been harsh and swift. As I am not currently king, then I will leave Celestia to administer any punishments she see's fit to place upon you and your guard. However....." Midnight stopped for a moment as he lowered his head to Shining Armors and spoke. "If I ever find out that you failed to let your guard know about my daughter and what she is before coming anywhere near her again, and something like this happens a second time. Nothing will keep me from ripping you or your guard apart."

Midnight finished speaking and continued down the hall, stopping at Celestia's side as he looked down to her and his foals.

"Come with me kids. I think we need to leave your mother along with the others." He stated, causing the two foals to follow their father. Marina's guise popping back into place as they stepped out of the field of the gems spell.

Celestia got to her hooves as she went over to Cadence, Shining, and their guards. The one who had been hit by Midnight's lightning attack was healing himself as he continued to stand next to them.

"Please forgive Midnight's actions. He was merely protecting our children. But I would like to request one thing of you Cadence."

"Yes?" Cadence spoke in question.

"Do not kill any more changelings. We will need to speak to them so that they can advise queen Chrysalis to halt her advances into our lands. Although I understand they are simply feeding to stay alive. We do not have the right to simply kill changelings on sight for just doing what they need to do in order to survive." Celestia sighed softly as she looked to them.

"We will advise our guard once we return." Shining spoke up giving a nod. "In the mean time, let us continue on the discussion about them in a more comfortable setting."

"By the way, how is little Skyla doing?" Celestia asked as they rounded the corner toward the meeting room.

The group slowly made their way down the hall as they headed back into the meeting room they were previously in. Further discussions for that day would be a little tense to say the least. But not unwelcomed.

Chapter 7 "Protection spells."

It had been a short time since the events of the guards and foals, and Midnight had taken it upon himself to do a few things that would keep his children safe and sound. Although a bit extreme, it would ensure their safety at all costs.

Currently the foals were playing together within the throne room, each of them working on a large coloring book each. Midnight however was going through his list of spells as quickly as he could to find spells that he had already created that would aid in his children's safety. Ever so often his horn would light up and a beam of energy would shoot out from it, hitting his children to place a protection spell on them. After the sixth spell had been cast, they just ignored the rest. However, as an hour had passed them by, Celestia, Luna, Cadence, and Shining Armor came into the throne room just as Midnight was casting another spell onto the foals. This causing Celestia a moment of panic as she trotted up to them to administer a scan spell to see what had been cast on them. After the scan spell was complete, Celestia's eyes went wide as she looked to the dark Alicorn just a few yards away.

"Midnight? Are all of these spell's really necessary?" She asked in slight worry.

"They are. Just in case I'm not around at the time to protect them, these spells will do the job." He smiled warmly to her before casting another spell. "The best part is that these spell's are permanent and are immune to any and all enchantment's, curse's, and counter spells as well. The only problem with casting them though..............." He trailed off as his form began to glow a bright white before his form shrank and reappeared back in front of everypony as his human form. "Is that their potency requires a lot of magic." He sighed for a moment until his children looked up to him in wonder.

"Daddy?" Starlight spoke as he trotted up tot he human.

"Yep, that would be me little guy." Charles chuckled as he picked up the foal and tossed him playfully in the air causing him to giggle out.

"What happened to you daddy?" Marina asked as she came up to him giving a questioning and worried glance.

"I think it's time to let you two know something. My original form is what you see before you now. Your aunty Twilight cast a spell on me that turned me into an Alicorn some time ago. When I use up all of my magic, I return to my original form. But don't worry, I will still protect you two with every fiber of my being, even if I don't have magic in this form." He said with a smile as he huge his children close.

"Well then, isn't this a precious moment in time." A voice echoed playfully through the throne room causing everypony to smile. The foals both beamed to each other as they giggled out loud, jumping from their fathers embrace as they bounded around him in glee.

"Was that?" Charles spoke out just before a flash of light erupted in front of him, revealing a draconequus that was known all to well. "Discord?!"

"Right on the first try my friend." Discord chuckled as he pulled the human into a tight hug. "It's about time you got out of that nasty stone prison." He chuckled as he released the human back onto the ground.

"Yea, and I would just like to say one thing to you right now." Charles stated as he looked up to the now curious draconequus. "I'm sorry............. I never knew what you had to go through when you were in that stone prison you were captured in. Having time blink by only to have to catch up once you were freed is a terrible thing." He sighed as he gave a disheartened smile to Discord.

"My friend, I have to let you know something. Time never blinked by for me when I was encased in stone. I had to live every day in that state while in this dimension. But never fear. Just because I was stuck in stone here doesn't mean that I couldn't travel to the realm of the Gods or into other dimensions. I just came back here ever so often when I felt the presence of any creatures around my statue." He chuckled. "Eventually I was released, then re-imprisoned, then release again before the cycle repeated over and over again. I swear Tia, couldn't you have figure out all of that junk all those years ago. It was such a pain to get you to realize that Harmony could never exist without Chaos." He groaned out in annoyance.

"I am sorry for all of the hardship I caused you my friend. But you never made it easy on Luna or I, nor any of my little ponies." She tittered. "Still though, now that we have obtained that knowledge, it is a pleasure to have you hear and on good terms no less."

Spirits seemed to be quite high at the moment for everypony and draconequus as they continued chatting idly. That was until........

"Uncle Discord?" Starlight spoke out as he looked up to the draconequus.

"UNCLE?!" Charles spoke out with wide eyes as he looked to Discord and then to Celestia.

"Yes, he seems to have done what you did with the crusaders some time ago. I think it to be rather cute." Celestia giggled as she watched the draconequus picked up Starlight and hold him in his large bear paw.

"Yes my nephew?" Discord smile seeing Charles cock a brow at him.

"Can you play with Marina and I? Daddy let us have some time off from our royal duties so we can play." He beamed only to cause Celestia to give a slight glare toward the human. Charles face palming as he knew what that glare meant.

"Sure, how about we go play on the moon again? I've built a HUGE fort on there with all kinds of slides and stuff, it'll be great!" Discord chuckled as the two foals yelled out in glee as he turned around and began to head out the door with them, vanishing in a flash of light.

"WHAT?!" THE MOON?!" Charles shouted in a slight panic.

"Don't worry my dear, Discord is a dear friend, and has been since your imprisonment. He has earned all of our trust and has never faltered once, nor given us any reason to doubt him again. The children are safe." Celestia chuckled softly.

"But there isn't any air in space, its a vacuum!" Charles stated, still in a panic.

"Do you think so little of me that I would not have placed a shield around the moon to allow oxygen to be made and consumed by living beings? I am the goddess of the moon after all." Luna smirked toward the human.

"Ugh! This is to much for me right now." Charles groaned as he began to walk off.

"Where are you going?" Celestia spoke up as Charles began to exit the throne room.

"To grab a beer, I need a stiff drink." He groaned.

XXX

After making his way to the kitchen, Charles grabbed a hard cider and began his trek through the castle, idly speaking to a few guards and a few maids to find out what had gone on within the past five years. Some of the stories that he had heard seemed odd while other seemed to be down right made up. But never the less, he continued on through the castle as he consumed his pint of cider. The effects of the alcohol laden drink making his troubles seemingly melt away. Well, that was until he ran across a certain white unicorn with a blonde mane and tail.

"Blueblood, it's been a while." Charles spoke up giving the unicorn a smile. "How has these past five years treated you in my absence?"

"I beg your pardon, but who, and what are you?" Blueblood spoke out in slight disgust as he looked the human up and down for a moment.

"Heh, forgot your soon to be king already?" Charles chuckled seeing his eyes go wide.

"Midnight? B-but, when did you become free of that tacky garden statue? Much less turn into.......... whatever it is that you are now?" He spoke as he back peddled a few steps.

"Long story short, life sucks, and shit happens." Charles groaned out. "Anyway, I'll let Tia fill you in on all the details. I'm just not in the mood right now to go over all the details."

"Uh......... very well then." Blueblood stated plainly as he stepped around Charles and continued on his way.

As the two continued walking further apart, only one thing crossed their minds. 'Boy was that weird.'

XXX

After walking around the castle for a few hours and chatting up quite a few ponies, Charles had made his way toward Celestia's quarters. The day was coming to a close as the sun began to set, shedding its last few rays of light through the long hallway that held the royal sisters and foals quarters. As Charles made it to her room, the guards hesitated for a moment before letting Charles in. It had been so long since they had seen him in his human form that it caused them to panic for a moment.

As Charles entered into Celestia's chambers, he moved slowly across the room and to the balcony, opening the door and stepping out onto it before leaning onto the banister to look out toward the horizon. He watched as time crawled by slowly, turning the horizon from a dark blue, to rust red and then into black as the moon slowly began to rise. He gave a contented smile as he stared silently at the moon, then to all the stars in the sky. After a few minutes his contentment passed leaving him giving a slight pout as he looked at the stars in the heavens above. A silent tear slowly fell from his eyes, running down his cheeks before finally falling to the balcony edge that he was leaning on.

"Charles?" Celestia spoke up causing him to jump just before quickly moving his hands to his face to wipe away the tears and giving a sniffle. "Are you alright my dear?" He turned around giving a halfhearted smile as he walked by her and into her quarters.

"Yea........ yeah I'm fine." He stated as he went over to the fireplace and taking a seat onto the floor. Pulling his legs up to his chest and wrapping his arms around them as he silently gazed into the fire.

"You don't seem fine.......... please......... tel me what troubles you." Celestia said in almost a whisper as she lay down behind him while slowly wrapping herself around him, pulling him to her with a wing in a gentle embrace.

"Tia............. I know I've been on this world for a long time now............ but........" He trailed off as he looked up into her eyes, raising a hand and gently pressing it to her cheek as he continued. "I'm just.......... home sick I guess........"

Celestia sat there as she pressed into his hand. Smiling softly to him as she spoke. "Charles............ Midnight........... I understand how you feel.............. I lost my entire planet and home eons ago. You remember the story don't you?" She asked before seeing him nod. "I know how you feel. But from what you have told me about your planet from before. I do not see why you miss it. All of the wars, death, destruction, among other things. What causes you to miss it so?"

"I don't know Tia. It's just one of those feelings ya know? I haven't been there in so long, but I can't help but to worry about what has happened there since my leave. What did my friends think happened to me? What happened to all of the other people that vanished from there as well. I know Samantha made it here, as well as a few others. But, what about other living beings? Did anymore humans make it into this world during that time, or while I was a garden centerpiece?" He chuckled but stopped as Celestia pressed her lips to his cheek giving him a quick peck.

"Much has happened while you were gone my love. But now we have all the time in the world to go over it and make plans for the future as well. For now though, rest. I am sure that having to spend all day trying to catch up to everypony has been tiring, and you deserve a good rest. Please, let us go to bed." She smiled to him as she got up slowly followed by the human.

The White Alicorn crawled into bed, levitating the covers in the air as Charles followed close behind. Celestia lowering the covers onto them as they snuggled close to one another.

"Been a while since I've done this." Charles smiled softly as he snuggled closer to Celestia. "In my human form anyway." He chuckled.

"I have missed this as well." She smiled as she nosed his cheek playfully. He turning slightly and giving her a gentle kiss. "For now though, let us rest. Tomorrow will bring new light to our lives. Then we can worry about future events." She smiled as she draped a wing over Charles and closed her eyes, he closing his as sleep found them quickly.

Chapter 8 "Reminising."

The morning light pressed through the balcony doors of Celestia's quarters as it slowly crept across the room, up the side of her bed and onto the covers that lay across Midnight. During the night his magic had returned to normal, thereby granting him his Alicorn form once again. After an hour had passed with the sun radiating its warm glow onto the covers. Midnight grumbled as he turned over to face the sun as he squinted his eyes from the warming glow that had heated his covers to an uncomfortable point.

"Ugh, I'm up Tia, stop with the overheating already." He groaned before hearing a giggle. As he pulled the covers from him and stepped from the bed, he turned his head to see Celestia coming in from the balcony, a gentle smile spread across her face.

"I thought that we could have an early start this morning. You have been gone for some time and do need to get up to speed on many different things after all." She tittered as she came over to his side, smiling as he stretched his wings out and giving a full body shudder as his feathers fluffed out before his wings returned to his sides.

"Yes, I guess that would be necessary, even if it feels a little redundant." He chuckled. "So what is on the agenda for the day?"

Celestia smiled as she began to walk out of the room, being closely followed by the dark Alicorn as they trudged down the hall. After a few yards, Midnight had finally made it to her side as she began.

"As I am sure you are aware. Our wedding, although it had been technically completed, came to a crashing halt when Screwball attacked all those years ago. I have began to set the wedding up once again so that everything could finally come to completion and you could finally become king, and I queen. I have taken the liberty to advise your other brides as well of the event so that they could prepare themselves as well."

"Sounds like a plan doll, Let's just hope that no more surprises pop up this time like the last. I don't really feel like being a garden centerpiece for a second time." He groaned. "So when is the special day in question?" he asked while cocking a brow.

"I have decided to have it during the Summer Sun Celebration." She beamed.

"I vaguely remember that day from before. Is it a special event?" He asked while giving a slightly confused glance.

"It is a special day, yes. It is the day that I had imprisoned Nightmare Moon into a thousand year slumber within the moon when she refused to lower the moon, wishing to have an everlasting night unto this world."

Midnight sat there as he remembered the previous summer sun celebration that he had witnessed. Luna had not been present during the event, only requesting that she be left alone during that time. During that time though he had made a special trip, once the sun had rose, to find the night princess. He had found her sitting quietly on the balcony of her room. staring silently toward the horizon that the sun had just been launched from and high into the sky.

XXX

*Some time in the past*

"Luna? Are you alright?" Midnight asked as he stepped silently toward her as she bolted upright and began to wipe the tears from her cheeks.

"Y-yes, I'm fine.............." She said as her voice trailed off as she continued to look toward the ground in what seemed like a shamed display.

"Luna, I know that look. What has you so down?" He asked as he took a seat beside her.

"Night, you do know the story of the Summer Sun Celebration don't you?" She asked seeing him nod. "It is not a day that I enjoy as I am sure you are aware." She sighed for a moment before looking up to him. "As you know, this day was the day that my other self, Nightmare Moon, was sent to the moon for a thousand years. Although Tia did not intend on that day being a holiday of sort. The ponies of that generation had made it so. With each passing year my sister would stay up this day throughout the night, then when morning would come she would rise the sun at a great speed to the noon sky and keep it there for several hours so that the morning time would catch up before it would resume it's course toward the horizon. It was never meant to be a holiday to celebrate the night or myself, and neither does Nightmare Night. Each of those days were meant to loathe or fear me and worship the sun."

As Luna continued speaking, her voice became a little more ragged and hate filled. It was as if she had become angry again with all of the ponies across the land, not just her sister. Her vision fell to the ground as she took a steadying breath to calm herself before she continued.

"I am just tired, and lonely. My sister is the elder, and I respect her wishes. But I have been ignored for so long and feared by so many that......... that I feel as if I am just a stone in a garden of roses............ This life.............. has lost its meaning for me. I just wish that I could find happiness like you and my sister have." She sighed quietly as a tear dared to fall from her eye. She gave a gasp though as she was suddenly pulled into a hug against Midnight, his wings wrapping around her and holding her tightly to his chest.

"Luna........... I'm sorry." He spoke through a slightly ragged breath. "I didn't know that things were this bad for you........ But I will tell you this now............ At any time from this moment on........... If you need me for anything, just let me know. I may be marrying your sister, but that does not mean that I do not love you just as much as I love her and every pony or other being on the face of this planet or within this universe." He smiled down to her as she looked up through tear filled eyes.

"Do you....... really mean that?" She asked as her tears kept coming. Her expression filled with hope and longing.

"I do, an no matter what, I will be here for you for any reason you need. You need not feel alone anymore, nor hatred of these so called holidays." He smiled softly to her only to see her eyes begin to shed even more tears as she buried her face into his chest as soft sobs could be heard coming from her.

A short time passed before Luna managed to pull herself from Midnight. Her eyes bloodshot from crying so much. She gave a sniffle and smile as Midnight wiped her cheeks lovingly.

"Thank you Midnight. I am sorry you had to see this side of me." She sighed giving a nervous smile.

"Why be sorry? Everypony has feelings, and you are no different. You get sad and happy just like others do. You experience every emotion they do, as well as every experience they have many times over. The only difference between you and any other pony is that you have had to experience those same things many times over during your long lifespan. It's ok to let it out when you need to. Life is not always a bed of roses. It is more like a roller coaster. It has it's ups and its down's. But it is up to you to choose the incline. If it is to steep, you may get stuck in a rut. If it is a longer slope though, then you can go past that point over a period of time. Eventually though, you learn to adjust the angle to be just right so that the good will usually overpower the bad. But do you know what makes even the bad times worthwhile?" He asked while giving her a soft smile.

Luna looked up to him, her eyes still slightly watering as she shook her head. "No......... what?"

"Your friends and family. No matter what life has to throw at you, you can always count on them to be by your side and to help you through it." He chuckled seeing her give a soft smile in return before laying her ears back slightly as she looked up to him. "Does, that mean............... even you would............. go out of your way to help me? Even with our past being, less than kind to one another?" She asked as her eyes began to water again slightly.

"Luna, as I have said before. You are loved by me just as much as anypony else. There is nothing that I wouldn't do for yommmmPPH!" He was suddenly stopped, his eyes going wide as his lips were met with the Night princess'. After a few seconds they parted. Midnight still having his shocked expression as Luna pulled away, her entire body starting to burn a bright red from what she had just done. She gave a sheepish smile before wrapping her hooves around him and hugging him to her. After a few seconds his posture relaxed as he hugged her back.

"Midnight............. thank you............." She trailed off as they continued to share that loving hug.

XXX

Celestia and Midnight had made their way into the throne room to speak to a few ponies that had come to make requests. Although Midnight's knowledge of this particular event was limited from what he had read from the history in his world, he knew what to do, but let Celestia make the decisions as he sat at her side in his new throne.

As the time ticked by and ponies had come and made the requests of their wants or needs. The dark Alicorn had struck up another conversation with Tia in between ponies.

"So, Discord has been good for the past five years huh?" Midnight smirked seeing her smile slightly.

"He has, and from the moment you were imprisoned in stone he has been nothing but helpful, albeit still chaotic, but not in the extreme. We had both agreed to become allies in the fight to keep this world and many others safe from harm. However, he did surprise me on one occasion." She tittered softly as she began to speak to yet another pony.

"Really? What did he do?" Midnight smirked, thinking of something silly that may have happened.

"He and the human female Samantha fell in love." She smiled to Midnight whose jaw was now on the floor and proceeded to continue to fall down each step that led up to the throne.

"You have got to be kidding me?! Seriously?! Those two?! I mean............ I know Samantha hated his guts when they first met, and I did see that stupid grin and heard the comment he made about her. But seriously?! How do they even...........?" He stopped as the pony that was about to ask Celestia a question was looking at him oddly, as was Celestia. "Ugh! Nevermind. I'm going to go find Discord and talk to him about this whole thing. Then go to Ponyville for a bit. I'm sure the others are panicking about where I'm at and what I'm doing." He groaned as his horn lit up and he teleported from the throne room.

Chapter 9 "The big BANG"

In a flash of light, Midnight had teleported from the throne room to high above New Canterlot. Although it had been five years since the castle had been built, it was still his first true time to see the new structure. He would glance around and compare many of the areas to the old ones that he had seen before. The streets were a little wider and some of the buildings taller. The castle itself had shrunk slightly in width and gained in height. The streets even had drains to mediate the rain that would fall and normally just go down a small waterway that would set between the sidewalk and the street. Now though, the sidewalks had all but been removed and replaced with a smother type of street. The streets themselves were now a hardened cobblestone that would be flush to each and every stone that went along the length of the road. Only turning into larger slabs that would play as the sidewalk.

"Tia must have read some of those books I gave Twilight in the past. The even have rain gutters on the buildings now." He chuckled as he continued to fly over the city. After taking in the sights though, he though it was high time to find Discord and see exactly what was going on with him and Samantha. He gave a smirk as he began to speak out while flying.

"Discord, I know you're listening to me. Get your tail out here." Midnight spoke out and giving a chuckle as the draconequus appeared in a small flash next to the dark Alicorn, flying at his side.

"Oh you are such a bore sometimes, never really putting any effort in trying to find me." Discord yawned. "So what did you want?"

"Tia mentioned that you and Samantha are seeing each other." He grinned seeing Discord's eyes go a little wide. "Care to elaborate on that little event and how you ended up getting together with a human female?"

Discord sputtered for a moment before giving a sheepish grin. "Well, it was a rather odd change of event's I must admit. But I remember it like it was yesterday. It was a few days after you had been turned to stone........."

XXX

Work had begun to pick up the rubble of the fallen Canterlot city. Not much was left standing on the side of the mountain on which it had resided for the past several thousand years. But now, it was in shambles. The battle had taken its toll on the city and castle, literally bringing most of it to the base of the mountain and causing the rest to become to unstable to live in. With the help of Discord though, Princess Celestia, Princess Luna, as well as the Elements of Harmony and many other ponies that volunteered their time. Helped to rebuild the city back to its previous glory. It had taken almost four months, even with the magical assistance of the draconequus and the two goddesses, but it had been rebuilt. Now there was only one final thing to do.

"Discord, thank you for your assistance in rebuilding Canterlot. It would have taken us so much longer if you hadn't helped." Celestia stated with a warm smile. "Now for the final piece to be placed into the Canterlot Gardens." She sighed as she levitated the statue of Kindle and Midnight Flame that had been combined during battle toward the entrance to the garden. The sun princess slowly placed the statue onto the ground before erecting a shield around it in order to preserve it from the ravaging of time and weather.

As Celestia gazed upon the statue, Discord stood by her in silence for a short time until he heard another set of footsteps coming up behind them.

"So everything is in order now princess. The castle has been returned to normal as well as the rest of the city. The gold stores have been returned to the castle vault along with the elements of harmony and other various items that you had requested. Everything seems to be in order." Samantha stated as she looked over her clipboard to doublecheck everything.

Celestia turned as she wiped a tear from her eye from looking at the statue. She gave a soft smile as she trotted by Samantha. "Thank you Samantha, but if you will, please excuse me. I........... need to be alone." She sighed as she went into the castle. Samantha turning to watch her leave.

"She is having a hard time adjusting to the loss of Midnight." Discord stated as he stepped up to the humans side and placing his taloned paw onto her shoulder.

"I know, I just wish we could do something to help her." She sighed as she looked up to the draconequus.

"She will be ok in time. She still has her foals, sister, and friends to help her adjust to the loss. I can only imagine the pain and suffering that the others are going through as well." He sighed as he rubbed the back of his neck in thought.

"You seem to be a little down and out as well." Samantha spoke up catching his attention.

"Yea, Midnight and I were like brothers, even if he denied it." Discord chuckled. "He was an interesting character and kept me on my toes. One of the few to have ever done so."

"Hey, Night is still with us, he's just a garden centerpiece at the moment. I'm sure Twilight will find a cure for this curse in time, so don't worry." Samantha smirked giving him a gentle punch in his bear arm. "Come on, we've been working all day, how about a drink? My treat." She smiled up to him as he gave a disheartened smile in return.

The two had made their way back into Ponyville from Canterlot to grab a drink together. Seeing as Canterlot was still in the process of bein refurbished with materials to its shops and restaurants. After a short walk around the town they arrived at the local bar, taking a seat in a far corner to be away from prying eyes.

It was already later in the evening and the sun had already set in the horizon, leaving a small trace of sunlight that was turning the rust colored horizon into the darkness of the night. However, none of the bars patrons could see that since there were no windows to look out of, just bare walls that had dart boards and pictures hanging from it. The heavy scent of cigars and alcohol filled the air throughout the bar giving it a homely atmosphere. A place to go when you felt down and out. A place where you could get together with friends and just relax while having a cold beer.

As Samantha and Discord had taken a seat, a large earth pony with a mug of beer setting inside a large amber shield cutiemark trotted up to the table.

"Well now, never thought I'd see another human or even the God of Chaos come into my shop. What can I get for you two?" He asked in a slightly gruff voice.

"Something light right now please." Samantha stated causing the pony to nod.

"Hard Cider it is." He chuckled as he headed back to the bar to get the drinks.

"So......... taking me out for a drink huh? Didn't think we were that far along in our relationship." Discord chuckled toward Samantha only to cause her to sputter.

"W-what!? What relationship?! I just wanted to go out and have a drink. You just so happened to be in the right place at the right time when I felt like having a drink is all. Don't get it in your head the we're an item or anything." She huffed back to him.

"Fine, fine, I was just joking anyway. Besides your not my type anyway." He smirked causing her face to grow a little red in annoyance.

"Not your type? Really?! And how am I not your type?" She asked again as her face continued to get redder.

"Well for one, you're human, two, you're mortal, three, you couldn't handle me." He chuckled as he noticed her face getting even redder but stopped as the earth pony came back to the table with the drinks.

"Drinks'r'served. Gimme a hollar if'n ya want another round." He chuckled but stopped as he watched Samantha down her entire mug in only a few seconds, slamming it back onto the table before giving a loud burp.

"Keepem coming." She shouted. Smiling as Discord's eyes went a little wide before a smile crept across his face as he down his as well before placing the empty mug back onto the table and scooting it to the bartender.

"My my, such hostility. I do believe I am going to enjoy causing a little bit of chaos here." Discord chuckled toward the human sitting before him.

As the night went on, the drinks kept coming. Samantha's normally quiet nature turning around as she began to berate the draconequus on his continued attempts at trying to push her over the edge.

"Sh-shuddap! Yer a fucking dick discord. T-trying tah piss me off sho I get kicked outta here. *HIC* quitcher bitching and drink yer beer." Samantha spoke out in a drunken tone toward Discord. He smiling as he swayed slightly from his intake of drinks as well.

"Why don'tchu jes go'n play with some beakers, *HIC* NERD!" He chuckled as he began to laugh loudly at the face of fury plasters on Samantha.

"NERD?! Ah may be a *HIC* nerd, but ah'm smarter then ay'll could eva hope teh be ya............ ya......... funny looking squirrel thingy!" She said as she poked him in the chest.

"Ah've been'round since the dawn'o time! *HIC* My little talon has more smarts then yer whole body." Discord chuckled as he pressed his forehead to hers, staring directly and defiantly into her eyes.

"Fuck you, asshole! Ya might be older than me by like........ a MILLION years! But that don't mean shit! Ah know ah'm smarter than yew." She yelled as she ground her forehead into his.

"Fine then, what is the chemical signature for gold?" Discord spouted.

"Au, what is the fusion rate of a brown dwarf star?" She retorted in question.

"Trick question! Brown dwarf stars usually have to low a mass to cause fusion within their core in comparison to larger stars. Why do black holes have such huge gravitational pull?" He grinned thinking he had her stuck.

"They don't have a higher gravitational pull. it just that when a star collapses into a black hole, an object can get closer to it than from the surface in which that shtar was taking up. An as it getsh closher the gravitational pull gets shtronger!" She smirked seeing his surprised expression. "Final queshtion! *HIC* What happens when an unstopable force meetsh an unmovable object?" She grinned know there was no way that Discord could answer that question.

Discord looked at her in surprise before smiling to her. "It does one of two things." He began with a smirk. "It can create or destroy everything in existence."

Samantha sat there giving a puzzled look. "Explain." She spoke in a slightly less drunken tone.

"Better yet, how about I show you?" He snickered as he pulled her to him and vanished in a flash of light. Several bits being left on the table to pay for the drinks.

The two reappeared in the black voice of space. there was nothing in sight, only darkness. The two floated there for a moment before Discord pointed toward a spot in the distance.

"Now watch that area." He grinned as he pulled away from her for a second as he saw a white cloud of energy forming in the distance. It came rushing toward the spot that he had pointed at as light began to cover the area that it was about to hit. The entire are seemed to grow larger and expand outward. It kind of looked like you were high above a baron desert and was dropping a bowling ball from very high up. Once the two objects collided though, there was a brilliant white light that erupted from it causing Samantha to cover her eyes for a moment. After the light died down she gave a loud gasp as she felt something rush through her. She looked forward to the point just in time to see ruble and vapor clouds rushing around and through her as if she wasn't even there. Discord waved his taloned paw as time began to speed up. The two flew along the side of a large gas cloud and ruble as it began to form slowly. After a few minutes she gasped out as she couldn't pull her vision from what she was seeing. It was the milky way galaxy. Discord waved his paw again as the galaxy rushed outward, expanding quickly as they began to close in on the earths solar system. After a few more minutes, they watched the earth develop from prehistoric times to the time Sam had been pulled from her home world.

"Impressed?" Discord spoke out with a smirk, crossing his arms as he watched the human gawking at his awesomeness.

Samantha turned to the draconequus as her face was red. At first Discord thought she was upset, but that soon changed as she lunged at him, wrapping her hands around his neck and pulling him into a drunken kiss.

XXX

"And that my dear Alicorn, is how we ended up being an item." Discord chuckled toward Midnight who was only gawking at the story. He chuckled for a second as he looked to Discord with a smirk.

"Yer so full of shit." Midnight laughed as he gave a hard flap, launching him forward toward Ponyville.

Discord hovered on the spot giving a groan. "Why is it SO hard to believe that I time traveled back to the moment of creation and had a make out session with a mortal human female?"

Chapter 10 "Catching up some more."

It had taken a few minutes, but Midnight had arrived back into Ponyville, landing just outside the library as a certain purple dragon was making his way out the door.

"I'll be back in a few Twi, I promised to help Bon Bon out today." He spoke as he turned from the door to see Midnight standing there. "Hey big guy!" Spike smiled as he came over and gave him a quick hug. "I'll seeya later. Got some errands to do." He stated before making a quick exit down the street.

The Alicorn gave a smile as he watched the dragon quickly make his way down the street before turning back to the library and making his way inside. Upon entering he noticed that quite a few stacks of books were all around the room. Many having being pulled from the shelves before they found a spot onto another book to gather dust.

"Twi, you here?" Midnight spoke out as he heard some shuffling from Twilight's office, and then a crash. Quickly as he could, he made his way back to the room to see several large piles of books and a few that had toppled over with a purple tail twitching slightly from under it.

"*Sigh* Twi, when are you going to learn to stop making messes with your books?" Midnight groaned as his horn lit up, surrounding every book in the room with its magical glow and lifting them into the air to reveal a sprawled out lavender unicorn laying on the ground.

"I don't think I'm going to ever learn to stop making these mess's." She giggled softly giving a sheepish grin before standing up and making her way over to the Alicorn as he began tossing books toward a small glowing orb only to see them vanish and reappear back onto their respective places on the shelves within the library.

"Oh well. At least it makes you a little predictable." Midnight smirked down to her causing her to give a raised brow back.

"Predictable? Me?" She began in a mock hurt tone. "You must have me confused with some other unicorn." She grinned just before seeing Midnight advance on her then bite down on her ear playfully.

"Nope, *nibble* You're the right one alright. Only one unicorn I know that tastes like old dusty books." He chuckled seeing her face ignite in a bright red before pushing him back playfully.

"You are just awful. Not even two days back and you're teasing me already." She smirked. "Celestia! Have I missed you!" She spoke out before pouncing the Alicorn over into a large pile of books and kissing him.

After a few minutes the two parted giving each other a smile. "I guess five years is a long time to be without a companion." Midnight spoke softly seeing her eyes go wide a little before she looked away.

"I......... wasn't without a companion. At least for a while anyway." She stated as her ears splayed back in shame.

"Twi?" Midnight began to ask but stopped as she looked up to him with watering eyes.

"Night, I need to tell you this before we go any further..........." She began but stopped as a hoof gently lifted her her vision to the Alicorns before her.

"I understand love. It was a long time, and I hold no grudges against you for finding comfort in your time of need. I owe you my very life right now for spending five years of your life to free me. So don't think that anything you could have said or done would have made me angry or cold toward you from that time." Midnight said softly as he watched her eyes tear up before she snuggled into his chest.

"Thank you............. for understanding." She choked out softly.

A few minutes went by as they lay there on a stack of books before getting up and heading out of the library and down the street.

"So have you gone to see any of the girls yet?" Midnight asked as he glanced down to his lavender love.

"Pinky came by with the foals and Braeburn earlier. Even though I'm technically not her sister, she managed to get her two foals to call me Aunty Sparkle." She giggled.

"Too cute." Midnight chuckled as they continued to walk down the street. Ever so often coming across a pony that would see Twilight and come to her to say hi and see what she had been doing for the past five years, as well as talk to the soon to be king. They continued on down the street heading toward a certain boutique in the distance. Twilight's pace slowing as they got closer.

"Twi? Something wrong?" Midnight asked as he turned to see her stopped just a few yards from the boutique.

"Well........... I........ I haven't seen Rarity in so long........... nor any of my friends. What do you think she will say?" Twilight asked in a nervous tone.

"She would say to get your flank over here and give her a hug." Rarity piped up from the window just above the door to the boutique.

Twilight went stiff as she heard the ivory unicorns voice before looking up and seeing her waving from the second story window. She then gawked for a moment as Rarity's horn lit up making her vanish and then reappear before her in a flash of light.

"Twilight! Darling! It has been so long." She cried out as she brought the lavender unicorn into a loving hug. Twilight still in shock from seeing her friend teleport.

"Rarity? When did you learn to teleport?" Twilight asked in slight shock.

"Hmmm? Oh, well, during my five years of solitude from any stallions." She glanced over to Midnight. "I decided to take up learning some new magic in the off chance that Equestria would be attacked again. Luckily for me however, Our darling stallions spell list was still up here." She beamed as she pointed to her head. "So scanning some spell books among other things was quite easy and rather fun. Especially after Canterlot had been rebuilt. Oh it was such a chore to keep the stallions at bay, knowing that our darling stallion was waiting to be freed." She said as she released Twilight and pulled the Alicorn to her in her magical aura, surprising even Twilight.

"It seems as if your magic has gotten a lot stronger in my absence as well." Twilight giggled seeing Midnight surprised expression as he was brought into a loving hug.

"Yes, quite. I have had the luxury to study under the princess as well once she found out that I had acquired Midnight's spell list. As well as Trixie." Rarity giggled seeing Twilight's eye twitch slightly.

"Oh NO! I haven't been to see Trixie! I bet she is going to be so upset when she knows I waited a whole day before I went to see her." Midnight groaned.

"Well then why don't you go see her? Twilight and I need some time to catch up as well, and this would be the perfect opportunity to do so." Rarity smiled as she pulled Twilight with her into the boutique.

"I guess I could, I should be back shortly though." Midnight said before turning and heading in the direction of Trixie's home.

XXX

A short time passed before Midnight had arrive on the outskirts of town where Trixie's home was located. As he got closer to the house he could smell some freshly made cookies that had just been pulled from the oven.

"I always loved that smell." Midnight chuckled as he headed onto the porch and gave the door a couple of taps. After a minute the door opened to reveal Trixie who just stood there gaping in shock at the sight before her.

"M-Midnight?! B-but how?! When?!" She continued as she stepped closer to him as her eyes began to water.

"It's good to see you to." He smiled as he pulled her into a hug. The two sitting quietly on the porch for a few minutes before a whistle, gaining in volume, alerted their attentions to a coffee pot that had come to a steam on the oven.

They separated and headed inside the house. Midnight following the azure unicorn into the kitchen as she quickly pulled the pot from the stove and began to make herself and her guest a cup of tea. They quickly took a seat at the kitchen table as Trixie brought the drinks over along with the freshly made cookies.

"It's been what, five years I believe?" Trixie stated as she smile up to the dark Alicorn.

"Five years in stone unfortunately." Midnight sighed back. "Far to long to keep my friends and loved ones alone."

"Please don't beat yourself up. You had no idea that Screwball would do what she did, and even if you did, could you have avoided it?" She spoke out reassuringly.

"True, but still. If I could go back to that moment and do it all over again, I am positive I could have made a better choice." He sighed again as the look of pain crossed his face.

"But you can't, so as I said. No beating yourself up alright?" She stated as she place a hoof onto his giving a smile, he nodding back with a saddened smile of his own. "Good, now I wonder if you just came over to see me, or to see what I have been doing for the past five years." She smirked seeing him cock a brow.

"Is there a difference?" He asked with a smirk.

"Well you could say that." She tittered. "But just to let you know, I have been practicing quite a bit of magic alongside Rarity with the help of our beloved princess, thanks to your spell list that is." She grinned.

"So I heard." He chuckled. "Rarity gave me the jest of it when I took Twilight over to her place a short while ago. Seems you've been under Tia's wing for a few years now."

"I have, and it has helped me quite a bit in my performances. After quite a bit of effort on my part, I have learned to weave several spells together at a single time. The most I could do though is three or four depending on the difficulty. However the advance spells are still in single rotation." She smirked

"So I take it you didn't go for the worg saliva to help you to make up your own spells?"

"Heavens no!" She spoke out sharply. "I'm sorry........... I remember what happened to you in the past and didn't want to experience the same thing. Besides, I already have my family history to back me up. So there is no need for such a thing." She giggled.

"Family history? Oh, right! I almost forgot, you told me once before that your great great great, so on and so forth grandfather was Starswirl the bearded right?" Midnight stated as he recalled the story she had told him in the past.

"Yes, and it just eats Twilight up to know about such a thing. I know she has read everything there is to read about him. But knowing that I, The great and Powerful Trixie, is his descendant. Ooooooo it just eats her up." She giggled a little louder trying to hold in her bemusement.

"You know, It makes me wonder just how strong everypony has become since my imprisonment." Midnight stated as he placed a hoof onto his chin in thought. "Well, there is plenty of time for that in the future. For the moment however, I want to go ad set up some time to spend with my ladies." He said as he stood up with a smile. "I'll return in time Trixie. You should really come into town and say hi to Twilight. I'm sure you two will have plenty to speak about for the five years you haven't seen each other." He said as he headed toward the door.

"True, we will have quite a bit to speak about, especially since I'll be sitting alongside her for her studies from now on." She giggled thinking of Twilight's reaction to the whole thing.

"I can't wait to see her expression when you are sitting next to her and start asking Celestia some questions." Midnight smirked at the thought. "But for now, I've got to head over to Sweet Apple Acres. AJ is going to kill me for not showing up the other day when I said I would.

"Tell Applejack I said hello will you? And that I will try to visit when I have more time home." Trixies stated loudly as Midnight took flight.

"Will do."

Chapter 11 "The changeling tides."

It didn't take long for Midnight to fly over to Sweet Apple Acres to see his southern belle through a window of the farmhouse. He couldn't help but smile as he landed outside, the sound of his hooves meeting the ground bringing her attention to him. He smiled over to her as she gave a slight glare before getting up.

"Oh great, I'm in for it now." He groaned as he trotted up to the door, meeting her just as she opened it.

Applejack stood there with a slight glare as she stepped off to the side to allow the Alicorn to enter the warm home. Once he had made it inside, the door closed just as AJ gave an annoyed snort, making Midnight cringe a little.

"I know, I'm sorry. Things got a little hectic at the castle the other day and it prevented me from getting back into Ponyville." He sighed.

What in the world could have happened teh keep ya from gettin back'ere?" AJ snorted as she trotted back into the living room and taking a seat on the sofa in front of the lit fireplace.

"My daughter was almost killed by some guards that had failed to have been notified about her being a changeling." He spoke flatly causing AJ to visibly tense up for a moment before turning and staring wide eyed at him.

"Is she alright?" She asked in worry.

"She's fine, just a little shaken up is all. The reason though that I couldn't make it back though was because I cast a lot of spells onto my kids to prevent this sort of thing from happening again. I ended up turning back into my human form after all was said and done." He chuckled a little but stopped as AJ pressed up against him on the couch.

"Ah'm sorry. Had ah known, ah wouldn't ah given ya the stink eye." She sighed feeling a pang of regret.

"No need to feel sorry doll. I did break a promise to you after all."

"But fer a good reason, so I won't hold it against ya." She smirked back giving him a playful shove.

"I'm glad. Cause who knows what in the world you would make me do." He spoke in a mock tragic tone.

"Yer jes lucky teh have me still here waitin on yer sorry flank." She smirked back as she turned around and leaned onto him, he in turn wrapping his forehooves around her and pulling her to him.

"Five years is a long time........" He trailed of as he nuzzled her neck eliciting a soft hum from her. "I'm glad you waited though.......... I owe you a lot for waiting........... and I'd be willing to do anything for you to make it up to you." He smirked as he kissed along her neck only to make her giggle slightly.

"Ahem......" Came another feminine voice from behind them causing AJ to turn her head along with Midnight to see her sister standing there with a slightly annoyed expression. "Do ya'll have teh be so lovey while ah'm still here?" She groaned.

"I think somepony is jealous." Midnight chuckled seeing Appleblooms head erupt into a crimson.

"Ah am not! Ya'll should get a room an stop all this lovey dovey stuff out'ere in the middle'o the house." She spoke out in a huff.

"Oh come on now AB, it ain't like ya ain't had a few kissy sessions with a stallion of yer own." AJ chuckled seeing her sisters body turn a bright red.

"Really now? My little sis has a stallion?" Midnight asked with a raised brow.

"Ah do NOT have a stallion! We decided teh break it off cause he was getting a bit to touchy feely for my tastes." AB spoke up seeing Midnight glare slightly.

"He didn't try to........" He paused as AB waved a hoof.

"No..... no, don't worry. Ah done bucked him upside the head once fer trying it. The second time ah ended up hurting him a bit." She smirked. "That's when ah broke it off."

"Hurt him nothin, that boy didn't walk right for three weeks when ya bucked him in the family jewels." AJ laughed seeing her stallion cringe from the thought.

"Ouch, I know it was wrong of him to do what he did AB, but I still can't help but feel sorry for him knowing he got hit in that area." He began to chuckle. "Glad to know my lil sis can take care of herself though." He smiled seeing her roll her eyes.

"Yeah yeah, ah'm going to go and talk to Scoots and let her know your alive again Night. Which means the house is all yours." She grinned to her sister who began to blush a bright red.

Midnight sat there grinning at Applejack as she turned to him. "You know, I don't know if I should feel worried that the sweet little filly I once knew is now slightly perverse, or feel happy that I can now crack jokes with her about her sister relating toward sex." Midnight chuckled but stopped as he got a quick jab into the ribs.

"Ya'll better keep that dirty mouth shut'round mah lil sis. She might be a bit older an still know a bit about the birds'n'the'bees, But that ain't no invitation teh go and talk like that with her." AJ smirked seeing him groan.

"But right now, ah think a lil time tehgether is in order. Ah been pent up fer five years, an ah finally get ya teh myself." She grinned before turning and bowling him over.

XXX

While Midnight was getting 'caught up' with his southern belle bride to be. Another being was getting caught up in her own predicament. Queen Chrysalis to be exact, was receiving reports from all over the Crystal Empire that her Changelings were being slaughtered or imprisoned. Several of her minions had been sent back with scrolls to advise her that her presence was being requested in Canterlot.

Chrysalis sat back into her throne as she looked around the dark throne room. Many chrysalis pods were hanging from the ceiling and various overhangs, each holding another minion that was slowly growing to its adult stages before hatching and being set free onto the world to gather more love energy to help feed her slowly starving race. The queen herself feeling a hunger pang as she looked around to the ever growing empire in which she held.

As she continued to watch quietly, another minion flew in from one of the open windows that looked rather jagged compared to Canterlot's Castle. The young changeling landed a few yards from her, coming up to her and giving a bow as he presented another scroll to her.

"When will that good for nothing pony get it through her head that I will not rest in my quest to feed my changeling army." Chrysalis stated flatly in her duo tone voice just before opening the scroll to read it. After a few moments her eyes went a little wide at seeing the words written on the scroll. Giving a boisterous laugh she tossed it to the side as she moved from her throne to the center of the room as she spoke out to her minions.

"My changelings, Princess Celestia has given me an invitation yet again to come to Canterlot Castle." She paused for a moment hearing many of them chuckle all around her. "As this is the twentieth invitation she has sent, I did not anticipate her actions of what she has stated within it. I think it best to go and see what the dear little pony of the sun has to say to me. If I do not return in three days, you are to send word to every hive to go out in force and do what you will in order to gather food for the hive." She smirked hearing them cheer.

"I shall now head toward Canterlot in hopes that she will willingly do as she has promised in her last scroll." She stated before taking flight, her bug wings giving a loud buzzing sound as she took off, heading toward the City of Canterlot.

XXX

It had been a few hours since Midnight had arrived at Sweet Apple Acres to be with AJ for the day. They had spent some time alone to Applejack's and Midnight's pleasure. However, upon realizing that AJ still had a few chores to do in the southern fields, she began to crawl out of bed to go and finish what needed to be done.

"Where are you going to in such a hurry?" Midnight asked giving a smirk from AJ's bed.

"Just remembered ah got a few thing teh take care of in the south field. Seeing as its mid-day now, ah'd better get to it afor AB gets back." She groaned as she pulled her stetson back onto her head.

"Why don't you let me do it. You know, to make up for my little fib the other day?" He chuckled seeing her roll her eyes.

"Well.......... ya can do it with magic'n'all teh speed up the process. Ah heck, why not. Not like ah don't need a good nap after what ya just put me through after all." She chuckled giving the Alicorn a wink. "Ah'll write down what ya'll need teh do down there." She said as she left the room to head downstairs, closely followed by the stallion.

"Have I ever needed instructions on what to do down there?" He chuckled as he continued to follow her. After a few seconds she stopped and looked back to him with a sly grin, flicking her tail up and hitting his nose.

"Ah think ya could use some more practice, I think ya might be loosing yer touch." She chuckled seeing his mock hurt expression as he spoke.

"You wound me my dear! To the core! It hurts............ so bad." He snickered seeing her roll her eyes yet again as they finally reached the kitchen.

After a few minutes of AJ writing down what needed to be done, Midnight gave a salute and smirk before making his way outside and teleporting high into the sky. Quickly steering toward the right direction and slowly gliding toward the southern field.

XXX

"Blast this vile cold weather!" Chrysalis growled as she continued to fly slowly through the freezing air toward Canterlot. She could see it in the distance and had already been flying for almost five hours to get to this point. Using what magic she had in order to stay warm while in flight so that her wings and chitin wouldn't freeze and cause her to crash. Her stomach growled out as it was now almost completely empty. Any further expenditure would result in her, starving, or failing to bring up a guise in order to protect herself from those who would wish her harm.

At this point however, she had nothing to gain any love from in order to feed on and gain power. So she only had one choice left as she landed into a large orchard of apple trees.

"I loathe apples." She groaned as she plucked one from one of the trees near the spot she had landed in and quickly bit into it. Giving a shudder of disgust she continued eating it as it began to give her a little more strength. After several apples she could no longer stand the taste and tossed the last half eaten apple to the side as it was quickly swallowed up by the snow.

Chrysalis gave a heavy sigh as she began to trek though the frigid snow toward the castle in the far distance. She knew it would take some time in order to get there, plus there was a town between herself and her destination. She hoped to gain at least some sustenance from a few ponies before she reached the castle so that she could protect herself when it came to the negotiations with Princess Celestia.

As she continued to trot along she stopped, swiveling her ears toward the sound of wings flapping hard several times before a loud crunch was heard in the snow. She splayed her ear back baring her fangs as she recalled that noise.

"Only one pony is large enough to make such a loud flapping of their wings." She growled to herself but stopped as she peeked around a tree to see the backside of a large black Alicorn in front of her who was now floating a scroll out of a portal and reading it. She pulled back behind the tree slightly as she continued to glare at the Alicorn, not daring to move into his view. Her ears trained forward and onto him as she listened to him quietly.

"So then, just have to get a bucket of syrup from one of the maple trees that set in between every row of the apple trees in this field. Huh, can't believe that the Apple family actually delve into maple syrup as well. I remember Granny Smith telling me that during the summer the maple trees give off a nice scent that move into the apples in each row as they grow. I'll have to try one of them later." He chuckled as he looked around for a maple tree that had a decent amount of syrup in it. He took in a deep breath as he looked into one of the buckets. "I love that smell." He beamed.

Chrysalis smiled as she could feel the love radiating from the stallion as he smiled at the bucket he was looking into. She paused though as she noticed him looking around for a moment before grinning and sticking his snout back into the bucket. After a few seconds he gave a slight whinny of surprise as he pulled back with the bucket attached to his face. A few more seconds passed by as he whipped his head back and forth before the bucket flew off leaving a large, solid amber block sticking to the stallions tongue.

Midnight let out a groan of annoyance as he starred at the block. Then giving a devious smile as he pulled the bucket back onto the block of amber before his mane and tail erupted into an inferno, quickly melting every bit of snow within a five yard radius. Chrysalis gave a startled eep as she ducked back down and behind the tree. She mentally cursed herself at what she heard next.

"AJ? I thought I said I would finish up your chores out here............... AJ? Is that you?" He shouted.

Chrysalis sat there for a moment as she felt the stallions love turn to slight worry, but still held the love for the one he spoke of. She hummed quietly gauging how much power she had left and how long she could transform into a guise. She knew she could trick this Alicorn, after all, what pony in their right mind would like a solid block of maple syrup in this weather?

After quickly changing herself into an earth pony, Chrysalis smiled as she looked herself over quickly to make sure she would be an appropriate match to the stallion. Light blue coat, black mane and tail, and deep green eyes that was her own minus the cat eye slit. She was a knock out if she did say so herself. Her frame was fragile looking, but not sickly. Not as toned as Applejack but not as frail looking as Rarity's. She stopped her self examination as she heard hoof steps coming in her direction.

'Time to play possum and to feed off of his emotions.' She grinned evilly as she slowly plopped down into the snow on her side. She gave a shiver feeling the snow touch her now fur covered body before closing her eyes and giving a low moan as if she was in pain. Listening quietly she heard the hoof steps come to a halt before giving one more whimpering moan and then a soft gallop as the hooves came closer to her.

'There! I can feel it!' She thought as the galloping came to a halt next to her, Midnight giving an audible gasp upon seeing the mare laying in the snow. 'Wait............ he's worried, but I can also feel love coming from him. But how?!' She thought before feeling a gentle nudge on her back.

"Hey, are you ok? Can you hear me?" Midnight asked as he checked her over quickly.

Chrysalis continued to remain motionless for the moment before she felt a warming aura surround her along with the feeling of weightlessness as she was lifted from the ground and placed onto Midnight's back. She opened an eye just barely so she could see the Alicorn wrapping her in magic as she lay on his back curled up. He took off without another word, spreading his wings and taking flight. Within a minute he had arrived at the farm house and made his way inside.

"AJ! Need some help here love." Midnight shouted as he placed the pony on his back onto a large pillow in front of the fireplace.

"Now what in tarnation are ya'll yelling fer....... " She trailed off as she watched her stallion placing the unconscious mare in front of the fire place. "What happened'n'who is this?"

"I dunno, I was about to grab what you asked for when I heard her. She was like this when I found her. Should I take her to the hospital?" Midnight asked.

'Dammit! This will all be for naught if they try to take me to the hospital before I can get enough sustenance. Better fake the waking now.' Chrysalis thought as she gave another low moan and stirred slightly.

"Hold that thought, she's waking up." AJ stated as the two walked over to her.

"Hey, are you alright?" Midnight asked as he came closer but stopped as the pony recoiled away slightly.

'Ha! The timid and fearful body language works everytime.' "Who are you......... w-where am I? What happened?" Chrysalis spoke out in a fearful tone.

"It's alright, nopony is going to hurt you." Midnight stated as he took a seat on the floor while looking at her cautiously. "Are you hurt? I found you unconscious out in one of the fields."

'Mmmmmmmmmm that love and worry is simply delightful. I think I could spend a little while here to regain my strength, being a day late for our little get together with Celestia should be fine.' "I'm alright I think." Chrysalis stated as she began to rise but fell back onto her pillow giving a whine of pain. "Ow....... m-my leg hurts." She spoke out in a pitiful tone while wincing in fake pain.

AJ starred at her for a moment as she looked her over once again. She wasn't a hundred percent sure at that moment, but should could have sworn that she had detected a lie from the pony. She brushed it off however as she went into the kitchen to get a cup of hot chocolate for the pony.

"Here, let me help." Midnight stated as he moved a little closer, his horn lighting up as he was about to cast a healing spell onto the pony but stopped as he noticed the fear in her eyes. "It's just a healing spell, no need to worry." He stated.

"It's not that, I don't like to use magic to heal." She stated softly while looking away. 'Please let this idiot fall for that ruse.'

"Alright, I can understand your decision on that. AJ tends to have the same outlook, although I still can't fathom why." Midnight chuckled softly as he gave her a warm smile. "If you don't mind my asking, what were you doing out in one of the Apple Family's fields in this weather?"

'Dammit, think fast.' Chrysalis thought to herself. "Uh......... I.......... don't remember." She stated as she pressed a hoof to her head slightly, rubbing gently while giving a fake pained expression. Her eyes snapped open as she gave a confused look toward Midnight. "In fact, I can't remember my name either." She stated as she rubbed her head with both forehooves now.

"That's not good." Midnight spoke in worry as he looked the mare over.

'Ah, I remember that little feeling.' Chrysalis grinned internally. 'Lust is such a common emotion from stallions. To bad it isn't very filling.' She sighed.

"Here ya go sugarcube, a nice cup of hot chocolate to warm ya up post haste." AJ stated as she trotted back into the living room with the cup on a small plate on her back. Midnight pulling it from her with his magic and placing it in front of the unknown pony that was sitting in front of the fireplace.

"Thank you." Chrysalis said giving a slight blush and smile toward Midnight only to cause his emotions to flare. 'Embarassment? Such a foal emotion for such a silly way to speak. It is a rather sweet tasting emotion though. Almost like candy to me.'

"So ya don't know what happened or who ya are?" AJ asked the pony seeing her shake her head.

"No....." She trailed off looking down and giving a slight sniffle.

Aj gave a slight eye twitch as she continued to read the pony's body language. She couldn't help but feel that she was lying about everything, but just couldn't place it. Moving over to Midnight she gave him a little nudge to garner his attention before nodding back to the kitchen. He nodded back to her as she began walking.

"Please excuse us for a moment." He said as he turned away from Chrysalis, following the orange earth pony into the kitchen.

The two ponies made there way into the kitchen, moving to one of the furthest corners to speak.

"What's up?" Midnight asked as he leaned down to speak to AJ.

"Ah'm not quite sure Night, But ah think that pony is fibbing to us." She stated softly as she glared slightly toward the door to the kitchen.

"Fibbing? But how can you tell?" He asked.

"Element of honesty.........." She droned in annoyance seeing him facehoof. "Jes keep yer guard up and don't fall for a purty face sugarcube." She stated as she headed back toward the living room.

"Sorry bout that sugarcube, jes had teh tell mah stallion teh head inteh town to tell a friend something." She smiled as she nodded back to Midnight. "Better get back over to Twilight's Night. She might get worried that ya ain't been by enough." AJ chuckled.

'Damn! And I was just starting to loose those blasted hunger pains. I wonder.........' Chrysalis thought to herself giving an internal grin. "Would you mind if I tagged along? I might remember something if I go into town with you." She smiled softly toward the Alicorn.

"I...... guess it wouldn't hurt." Midnight said as he rubbed the back of his neck, looking to AJ to see if she would care only to see her nod.

Chrysalis stood up and began to fake limping toward the door but gave an eep as she was picked up and placed onto Midnight's back in a field of magic.

"Better stay off that hoof if you won't let me use any magic to heal it." He chuckled as they headed out the door. "Let's head into town, I'm sure somepony will remember you."

The two left the farmhouse heading into town, AJ sitting back and giving a worried glance as they continued to disappear into the distance.

"Sure hope ah'm worng bout her night." AJ stated softly as she finally lost sight of them.

Chapter 12 "Fool me once........."

Once the two ponies had left the farmhouse, they began the short trek into town. All the while conversing as they went. Chrysalis however was eating up every bit of emotion that she could from the Alicorn as she attempted to play with them, her ability to draw out even the smallest amount of love in order to feed on it.

"So you really can't remember anything?" Midnight asked as he continued down the beaten path from Sweet Apple Acres toward town.

'Seriously? Is this Alicorn truly this big of an idiot?' Chrysalis thought to herself as she internally sighed. "No........." She trailed off trying to pull off a feeling of being uncomfortable.

"It's a shame really. I wish there was something I could do to help you other than bringing you into town. But you don't like magic do you?" He asked as he looked back only to see her shake her head.

"Sorry, but I don't believe in the aiding of magic in order to help myself heal in any form or fashion." She stated softly as they arrived on the outskirts of Ponyville.

They continued walking through town, Chrysalis still in her guise and atop Midnight's back as they stopped ever so often to talk to a random pony to see if they knew who the young mare was. Chrysalis could feel the love radiating from the Alicorn as they stopped to talk to each pony in question. She couldn't help but feel her belly starting to fill from the love that he was emitting for each and everyone of them.

'This Alicorn is something else. The love he is emanating could very well feed an entire platoon of my minions and still feed me ever so slightly. I must find a way to ensnare his mind and bring him back to the hive.' The changeling queen thought to herself as they continued to trudge along.

As time passed them by, Midnight found the day drawing to a close as the sun began to dip below the horizon. He gave a heavy sigh as he had not found anypony in Ponyville that new the young mare that rest on his back. His hopes were starting to crumble as they had started to head back toward an inn so that he could drop the mare off for the evening.

"I hate to say it doll, but I have some business to attend to in Canterlot. Since you and I still do not know who you are, I suggest spending the night at the local inn. I'll pay for your stay and for a couple of meals as well. Is that allright with you?" He asked as he looked back to her.

'Blast it all, I need more sustenance from this idiot before I can talk to the princess. In my weakened state I doubt I will have a chance to fight against her. Hmmmmm, maybe if I can play my cards right.......' She trailed off in thought for a moment before Midnight spoke up once again.

"You awake doll?" He spoke up causing her to give a sheepish smile.

"Sorry, just deep in thought at the moment. Might I ask if I could accompany you to Canterlot? Something there may jog my memory since nothing in this little town did." She stated causing him to nod.

"Do you mind teleportation?" He asked seeing her give a nervous expression.

"Sorry.......... I don't really like teleporting. It makes me rather nauseous."

"Alright then, flying it is." He spoke out in a slightly annoyed tone as he took off into the sky rather quickly, hoping to get at least a squeal out of her as he did so. But nothing came, only silence. Even after gaining speed quickly and letting the wind rush by them, nothing came from the mare. Not a squeal, not a complaint, nothing. 'Hmmmmm." He thought to himself but stopped as they began to get closer to Canterlot.

XXX

The two ponies landed in Canterlot and quickly mad an entrance into the castle. The young mare still atop Midnight's back as he entered the castle and began to head toward the throne room. As he made it inside of the throne room he noticed his two foals talking idly with their mother. Upon seeing him enter the throne room however, they bounded over to him quickly. Starlight reaching him first and hugging him while Marina stopped a few yards short, giving an audible gasp as she cringed, slinking toward the floor and moving backwards quickly as she looked up to the pony upon Midnight's back.

"Marina? What is wrong?" Celestia asked as she came down to her side quickly, starring at Midnight as if he had done something to cause their daughter fear.

"T-that isn't a pony momma!" Marina shouted as she got behind Celestia.

"Well it seems as if my little ruse has been revealed." The mare on Midnight's back stated as she jumped down and walked toward Celestia, her limp seemingly vanishing as Midnight give her a queer look. Before she could take another step however, her form was surrounded by a plume of green flames before vanishing and revealing her true form.

"Queen Chrysalis!" Marina whimpered as she attempted to flee from behind Celestia only to have Chrysalis glare at her.

"And where do you think you are going traitor!" She spoke out as her horn lit up, sending a beam of energy toward the filly and making contact. Midnight giving a grin as he watched the spell bounce off of his daughter and bolt right back to the queen and hitting her, causing her to quickly seize up on the spot in a look of utter shock.

"Marina!" Midnight shouted to his daughter causing her to stop and look back. "Come back here, she can't hurt you." He chuckled as he walked around the frozen in time queen of the changelings. As he made it to in front of her he watched her eyes following him closely before his own horn lit up and placed a transparent orb around the queen before releasing her from her own seize spell.

Marina stepped up to her fathers side and glared at her prior queen, causing her to snarl back to her. "How dare you give me that look child! You are my very offspring, yet you forge new ties with ponies rather than your own kind! Traitor!" Chrysalis shouted in a huff as her horn lit up and attempted to blast the shield surrounding her away only to fail.

"ENOUGH!" Midnight shouted out causing the room to visibly vibrate and causing the queen to come to a dead stop. He stepped forward as he to glared at the insectoid queen before him before giving a smirk. She gave him a glare as well as he spoke up.

"I thought there was something funny about you when we first met." He spoke out causing the queen to raise a brow slightly at him.

"What are you talking about?" She stated in a gruff tone, visibly angry at being held captive.

"Your guise was flawed." He chuckled seeing her stamp her hooves angrily.

"My guise is never flawed, that is why I am the queen of the changelings!" She huffed.

"Not a very convincing queen then if I can see through your guise." He chuckled.

"Very well then, if you must insult me, then please tell me how you saw through my guise." She asked, still infuriated by the accusation.

"Well, I will admit that your guise as a pony was flawless." He said causing her to smirk. "But you gave yourself away with the way you tried to pull the amnesia trick on me." He chuckled seeing her gawk slightly.

"Explain." She asked while cocking her head slightly, curious as to how an Alicorn could figure her out so easily.

"Simple really. When a being has amnesia, they don't have preferences on certain things. Mainly how they would know that they would prefer not to be healed by magic if they couldn't remember their own name or where they lived." He smirked again seeing her face hoof.

"So how long did you know?" She asked again.

"From the moment you asked me to not heal you I had my suspicions. While we were in Ponyville however is when it hit me. Pinkie Pie always goes nuts when she meets a new pony. When she saw you and I saw her eyes light up, I knew you weren't a resident of the town. You being in the Apple families orchard and supposedly unconscious helps to prove that point."

As the two were talking, Celestia had summoned several guards to the throne room to aid in capturing the changeling queen in such a case as she attempted to attack them. She stepped up to Midnights side along with Marina who just kept glaring at the queen.

"Marina, will you and Starlight please go to your rooms and play, we will be with you shortly." She stated causing the little changeling to huff once before nodding and walking toward the exit of the room with her brother. Chrysalis starring at her the entire time until she lost sight of them.

"Now then Tia, what will we do with this one?" Midnight asked as the guards surrounded them.

"I summoned her for a reason my dear. I suspect she only did what she did in order to feed and gain some strength." Celestia frowned slightly toward the queen.

"You are correct, but I doubt a pony could understand what it feels like to starve by being deprived of something like emotions in order to survive." She droned out in a hate filled tone.

"So then that explains it." Midnight stated as he looked the queen over.

"Explains what?" She shouted in annoyance.

"Why you look so sickly. I remember when I first saw Marina. She looked as bad as you do right now." Midnight sighed toward her, giving a frown.

Chrysalis stood there as she felt the Alicorns emotions welling up. Pity, longing to help, willingness to aid, and wanting to be of assistance. She stood there a little wide eyes as she watched his horn light up for a moment. She closed her eyes tightly thinking that this was going to be a killing blow. But it never came.

Warmth.......

Joy...........

Nurturing.........

Love............

Then the feeling of hooves wrapping themselves around her as her eyes shot open in shock.

*BRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAP!*

"My word!" Celestia spoke out in a loud giggle as the changeling queen began to turn ten shades of red before pushing Midnight away, recoiling in complete embarrassment.

"Feel better doll?" Midnight chuckled as he winked at the changeling queen.

Chrysalis was without words as she sat there gawking at the dark Alicorn. Of all the things that she had ever expected to happen. This scenario was not one of them. After a moment of shock she could feel how full she actually was at that moment. A grin spread across her face as her horn lit up. She now had a full belly and could fight all she wanted without worry of starving, or so she thought as she felt her full belly suddenly go empty and causing her to fall to the floor in shock.

"B-but.......... How?" She spoke in shock seeing the dark Alicorn walk up to her.

"I forgot to mention one specific detail about the love I have for every living thing on the planet. Along with a lot of practice with my daughter in the past. The love I can emit can be one of two. One is a complete love that is unconditional. The other is conditional. I myself am not even sure how I have perfected the technique, but if a changeling wishes to do me, or any other living being harm, the love that I willingly gave them will vanish." He said as he glared at her as she held onto her belly in pain. She had used up what little nourishment she had obtained and was now dieing on the spot. She looked up to Midnight giving a pleading expression but stopped as she felt his love once again surround her.

Chrysalis' demeanor of pain slowly moved to a more relaxed state before she stood up giving a slight pant. She raised her vision to the Alicorn, her eyes still pleading. His eyes still remained stern before relaxing and giving her a smile and his full love emitted once again as it filled her belly. She placed a hoof over her mouth for a moment to block the sudden burp she was about to release before giving a slight smile.

"Now then, shall our negotiations begin?" Celestia stated as she waved the guards off.

Chapter 13 "Saving a child while feeding the enemy?"

As the three Alicorns made their way into a vacant room, Chrysalis kept eying the stallion that had given her a free meal. A million thoughts raced through her head as she continued to follow behind the duo.

'How is it possible for a being to find a way to give a changeling something as valuable as food, but fix it so that it could also be taken away in case they mean him harm?' She thought as they all finally took a seat. Her expression clearly giving away her discomfort in the situation.

"I take it you disapprove of my ability to give something that can be taken away so easily." Midnight stated seeing Chrysalis glare slightly at him.

"It is not a matter of you being able to, it is a matter of why you would create such an ability." She stated with a little venom behind her voice.

"Midnight dear, I think it best to let our guest in on what has happened in the past with Marina." Celestia piped up causing Midnight to nod in agreement.

"Chrysalis, what I am about to tell you is personal, and I want you to know that even though Marina is a changeling. Celestia and I love her as if we were her real parents. We would never do anything to hurt her, and only want what's best for her. So please know that the information I am about to reveal to you was in no way meant to hurt a changeling." He stated causing Chrysalis to continue her glare.

"Some time ago, Marina had been having some episodes in which she would go crazy from blocking what she states is a hive mind. Where she can hear countless other voices from others within your hive. She had one especially bad episode where she said that you had ordered her to kill everything in sight." Midnight snorted giving a look of anger.

'His emotions are flaring. But why would he be so angry just from something like that?' Chrysalis thought to herself as she continued to listen.

"She ended up hurting several of the royal guard that was getting ready to change shifts. They were taken by surprise that she had taken the form of a guard herself before attacking them. They managed to subdue her though before I could administer a spell to help block your hive mind."

"You WHAT?!" Chrysalis shouted as her insectoid wings buzzed angrily behind her.

"I take it you disapprove of such a method." He stated as he gave her a slight glare.

"Blocking the hive mind is an insult to the changeling race." She blurted out with a snort. "How dare you do such a thing to one of my children."

"There is a difference between having a child and having a drone to do your bidding. Marina was a drone to you and nothing more." Celestia stated with a glare of her own.

"That is a matter of opinion." Chrysalis retorted before Midnight continued.

"Anyway, up until that point, I had to find a way to prevent her from doing harm to others. We found a way through trial and error. That was what you experienced earlier."

"I must admit that what you did took me by surprise. Not only from you giving me sustenance, but having the ability to take it away as well. You are rather intriguing." Chrysalis gave a toothy smile as she placed her forehooves onto the table in front of her, trying her best to give a seductive grin.

Midnight in turn gave a smirk to her as he spoke. "Your changeling magic will not work on me." He chuckled. "I have had time to study changelings over time and have made many counter spells to prevent your mind tricks into capturing my mind in order to feed off of my emotions."

Chryslais gave an annoyed snort as she sat back in her seat before a smile slowly spread across her lips and she leaned back onto the table once again. "I have a feeling though you have not just asked me hear for negotiations." She grinned seeing them look to one another worriedly.

"You are correct." Celestia began. "We have asked you here for two things. One would be to remove your changelings from the Crystal Empire, preferably Equestria in a whole." She began but paused as Chrysalis chuckled.

"That is quite the demand. But please, do continue, what would be the second request?" She giggled.

"The second would be to completely release Marina from the hive mind so that she can have a normal life as our adopted daughter." Midnight stated causing the Changeling queen to scoff.

"Ha! Do you take me for a fool?! To ask me to remove the hive mind from a single drone is bad enough, but to ask me to remove my hive from the lands that we feed upon in order to merely survive? You are asking for us to starve to death!" She erupted toward the two but stopped as Midnight began to speak once again.

"I did not ask this unconditionally." He began causing her to cock a brow before taking her seat once again.

"Then please explain yourself. I am already loosing patience." She sighed in annoyance.

"Midnight.......... Do you think this approach to be wise?" Celestia asked in worry.

"Hmmmmm. It must be something grand in order to make the Sun Goddess worry like she is." Chrysalis smiled as she licked her lips at the flavor of the emotion.

"It would be the only way to keep the ponies of Equestria safe, and to keep the changeling race alive without worry of them taking the lives of others in order to feed." Midnight sighed as he looked from Celestia to the changeling queen.

"Chrysalis, queen of the changelings. I offer to feed your entire hive when needed as payment for our request." Midnight stated causing the changeling queens eyes to nearly pop out of her head in surprise.

"You must be joking?!" She squeaked out before feeling something coming from the stallion. It was love once again, but it began to replace some of the love she already had before stopping just shy of filling her belly almost a quarter full.

"What I have just given you was unconditional love Chrysalis. I will in turn give you a full belly while giving your hive a mixture of the two for a time until I deem that you will no longer be a threat to this land. You will continue to get 'free meals' from me on a as needed basis. I will travel to your lands willingly and give your entire hive what they need in order to survive. You have our conditions." He stated before he and Celestia rose and headed toward the door.

"We will leave you to ponder on this for a short time." Midnight began before Chrysalis raised a hoof to stop them.

"There will be no need. You have clearly made the decision for me." She began with a look of slight disgust on her face. "You have offered to feed countless changelings and their queen in return for leaving your lands and freeing a single drone from the hive mind? I honestly wonder if you are either stupid, or just plain mad?!" She began to giggle as she rose from her seat and headed toward the door, giving what sounded like a purr as she pressed passed the stallion and through the door, flicking her tail at his snout and causing Celestia to glare at her.

"Bring your daughter to me. I will release her from the hive mind. But be warned, releasing a drone from the hive mind can have, undetermined, effects to her mental and physical being." She chuckled.

"What do you mean?" Celestia asked as they followed her out of the room.

"Let it be known now that I am what she will become in time once her mind is freed from the hive. A changeling that is set free from the hive mind will seek the start her own hive in time. You are not only asking for trouble, but terrible heartache in the future. I will free her, but what she does from that moment forward, is entirely on you." Chrysalis stated as they continued into the throne room. Celestia summoning a guard to go and fetch Marina.

XXX

A short time passed as Marina had arrived in the throne room. She continued to glare at her queen as she slowly approached her. Chrysalis giving a smirk to the young changeling as she let her guise fall in her presence.

"Your parents have requested that you be free from the hive mind. What they have offered in return could not be refused. So I must thank you for not only disobeying my orders, but for also helping in unintentionally feeding the entire hive." She smirked as her horn lit up and a beam of energy shooting out, hitting the changeling and making her stagger for a moment before she rubbed her head gently.

"You are now free from the hive mind. You will never again have to listen to the mass of voices until you create your own hive. Only then will you be in control of them." She said as she turned away from the changeling. Marina swiveling her ears to attempt to listen to the whispers of her former hive but couldn't. She gave a smile before looking up to Chrysalis and giving her foreleg a hug. Pulling back and bringing up her guise before rushing out of the room to find her brother.

Chrysalis stood there in shock for a moment as she felt it. The love that she thought only ponies could give. It was love from Marina. But she couldn't understand how. A changeling could never give another love to feed on. How could this one be any different? Those thoughts stopped though as Midnight spoke up.

"Shall we go to the hive? I do have a busy schedule and would love to get this particular event out of the way rather quickly." He stated as the two began to leave the castle.

XXX

After a long flight, Chrysalis and Midnight had arrived at the hive entrance. It was in a dry desolate area of dirt and rock. Many of the mounds having hundreds of holes within them. Each and everyone revealing a changeling that began to exit said hole before giving a threatening hiss toward the Alicorn as he walked with the queen toward her tower. As she trotted along though, Midnight would soon find out how well the hive mind actually worked as changelings of many different shapes and sizes began to slowly file out of the mounds and fly toward the tower in the distance.

After another ten minutes of a fast paced trot. The two Alicorns arrived at the base of the tower. Each and every changeling within the hive clearing a path for them as they watched them expectantly.

"Chrysalis, how far does love radiate when I concentrate on the conditional one?" Midnight asked as she looked to him giving a smirk.

"I would say roughly ten yards. Give or take a few yards depending on concentration." She grinned. "With my entire hive ready to feed. I would guess that you will be here for maybe an hour. If you provide them with what you provided me with before. A quarter unconditional love mixed into the conditional?" She said while rubbing up against him playfully.

"Chrysalis, I am going to do something that I promised somepony I wouldn't do. I am doing this though to let you know that I intend on keeping my promise as long as you keep yours." Midnight stated as he concentrated directly onto Chrysalis, looking her in the eyes as they went wide in what seemed like pure ecstasy, her eyes rolled back into her head. A low moan escaping her as her legs wobbled before she fell to the ground panting. After a few seconds she looked up and into Midnight's eyes, hunger evident in them. But not for food.

"That has to have been the only time in my life that a being was able to fulfill me in a way that I cannot explain." She spoke out lustfully as she pressed roughly onto the stallion. "Plus it is the first time a being has also willingly given me a full belly of unconditional love as well. I do believe that I will enjoy feeding on you again in time. But until that moment, please, feed my hive. I will be in my tower until you have finished."

Midnight watched the changeling queen trot into her tower, a sway in her hips as she walked on. He gave a grin watching her but stopped as he heard a few chuckles from the changelings around him.

"Someone has the hots for the queen." One of them piped up causing Midnight to snap his head around as his mane turned a bright pink. In turn causing many of them to laugh.

"Alright everyone, start filing past me at a quick trot, pass the message on as well so we can keep this at a brisk pace." Midnight shouted out in the royal whee causing those within shouting distance to get into a long line filed five thick on each side of the Alicorn.

XXX

After an hour and many changelings later. The hive had finished traveling past the Alicorn and had quickly returned to their burrows. Content with having been given a full belly. Once the last few had flown off, Midnight had made his way into the tower and up to the top to see Chrysalis sitting on a large black velvet pillow as he entered the main room.

"Well now, that took far less time than I had initially thought." She purred giving a smile.

"I've done my part. You may send a messenger to request my presence here again when needed." Midnight stated as he gave a slight bow to the queen before turning back to the door.

"Won't you stay for a bite to eat?" Chrysalis purred again causing him to pause for a moment as he turned his vision back to her only to see a couple of drones come out from a side entrance. Each with a roasted pig on a platter before setting them onto a table and making a quick exit. Midnight turned back to the site giving slightly wide eyes at the sight.

"Ah........ so my intel was correct. You do crave meat unlike the pony populace that has taken over this land." She grinned as he walked over and took a seat, closing his eyes and taking in a deep breath of the cook swine that was sitting before him.

"What else has your intel told you?" He asked as his horn began to glow slightly causing his mouth to visibly glow as well.

"That you were once human, which is an omnivorous species." She chuckled seeing him grin, showing his new canines that shone brighter in the light.

"That is true. But I must admit one thing." He chuckled as his magic took a hold of the cooked swine and began to tear a piece of meat from it.

"And what would that be?" Chrysalis purred as she watched the stallion.

"I think I am going to enjoy coming by if you can have something like this waiting for me each time." He chuckled before sinking his teeth into the meat. Chrysalis giving a purr of approval upon feeling his emotion of satisfaction from having eaten something he hadn't in years.

Chapter 14 "Temptation equals pain!"

Before Midnight was aware, night had fallen across the land in which the changelings dwell. Chrysalis and he had talked for a few hours over a dinner that stallion had not come to expect from the queen. She had shared a lot of information about her race with him. Including information saying that they did of course eat solid food in order to sustain some parts of their being, along with eating certain emotions in order to fully keep them healthy. It just so happens that love is the most fulfilling emotion, but not all changelings preferred it. Some would prefer other emotions besides love. Some liked embarrassment, others anger or rage, the list would go on, and each changeling would seek out fake relationships with ponies or other species in order to fill their bellies and share it with the hive.

As the lights within the throne room to the changeling queen came to light, bringing forth an illumination that seemed to have changed the mood of the room entirely. Midnight became aware of what time int he day it actually was. Turning his head he looked out the window of the throne room to see the sun setting in the distance. Giving a soft sigh he rose from his seated position as he began to speak.

"Well then, as much as I have enjoyed out little conversation, and the meal, I must say adieu my dear." He smiled to the queen who smiled in return before rising from her seat.

"Are you sure you have to go so soon? I am sure that I could make your stay here, far, more enlightening." She purred out as her horn lit up, surrounding herself in green flames before they disappeared revealing herself as Celestia.

"Cute, but its not the same thing." Midnight chuckled seeing her pout slightly before grinning.

"That is the best part though." She purred quietly as she began to slowly trot around him, his eyes never leaving her as she spoke. "I am sure there are things that your little princess would not do for you............ to you............. that I could do in her guise." She grinned seeing the stallion cock a brow and giving a smirk.

"True, but then there would be no challenge involved. Which would make it pointless." Midnight grinned seeing the queen pout once again before her guise shifted into that of Luna's, causing Midnight's eyes to go a little wide.

"Ah, but what about the unobtainable? I can sense your lust for this form." She purred as she moved to in front of him, giving a purr as she she pressed the side of her face against his own and breathing lustfully into his ear. 'I forgot how much fun this is with someone who prides themselves on keeping temptation at bay.'

"The unobtainable is not always just that. It just gives me more satisfaction once I have obtained it. As I am sure you are aware." He purred back giving her own ear a nip and causing her to back peddle slightly giving a semi-shocked expression.

"Heh......... then what about the rare and exotic?" She smiled as she watched him cock a brow before she changed once again. This time Midnight stood in his spot, completely in shock at the sight before him. Chrysalis had turned herself into a human female, fully nude with pitch black hair running straight down her back and to her waist. Her eyes were now a brilliant bright blue, her skin almost ivory white like that of a Japanese geisha, her lips a pastel pink that showed no signs of being wet, but also no signs of being dry or unkempt. Chrysalis gave a smile before parting her lips slightly and giving a lustful moan while running a finger over her lips and down her chest. Midnight was now visibly shaken upon seeing the sight before him. His mane was almost a solid pink now as he watched the sight before him, he could feel his own conflicting emotions swirling inside him as she slowly walked forward, wrapping her arms gently around his neck and leaning up to his ear to speak.

"And the best part about a changeling is their ability to fully accommodate any species size and dimensions." She moaned into is ear. She smiled as she felt his body shake in anticipation just before she pulled back to see his face. She stopped however as she watched his eyes shut and clench themselves as he let out a few steadying breaths.

"Chrysalis.......... a-as much as I would like for t-this to happen.............. I must decline." He managed to let out as he watched her expression turn to slight shock. "Had you managed to do this same thing during my first year in this world, then you would have had me, unconditionally, and willingly. I was very weak against the advances of women in general and found myself at their beck and call when they wanted and how they wanted. But now.......... now I have a family and have made promises to all of them. I would love nothing more than for this to happen........." He trailed off as she moved forward looking into his eyes as they flashed a slight green, in turn making his flash a slight green before he shook his head and pulled back.

"Are you suuuuuure you want to leave?" She purred again seeing his eyes flash a green for several moments before shaking his head again.

"Sorry, I need to go." He stated as his horn lit up making him vanish in a flash of light.

Chrysalis stood there smiling to herself as she looked at her hands, still in her human guise. "You can't run forever Alicorn. I will have you, and your seed for the next generation of changelings." She giggled softly before it quickly elevated into a sinister cackle.

XXX

The castle was rather quiet as Celestia paced back and forth in her quarters. She had just lowered the sun as Luna raised the moon into the sky, and Midnight had not returned to the castle. The first thought to cross her mind was that Chrysalis had managed to capture the stallion Alicorn or seduce him like she had done to Shining Armor. But she also knew that Midnight had placed many counter spells onto himself in order to prevent such things from happening.

After a short time her worries had gotten the best of her as she left her room and began to head down the hallway toward one of the guards stations to advise them to send out a search party. But her trip quickly came to a halt as she heard the loud snap of somepony teleporting into the long hallway. She looked back to see Midnight standing and looking at her door for a moment before he knocked on it. Failing to even notice her at the far end of the hall.

"You know, I don't think she is going to answer." Celestia tittered softly as she came up to him seeing his surprised expression.

"She had better if she would like to hear what the future king has to report." He chuckled seeing her open the door to her quarter and slowly make her way in, Midnight following closely behind her.

"I was beginning to worry." She said softly as she went to her bed and laid down, smiling to him.

"You don't need to worry doll. Just because the changeling queen is trying to get into my pants doesn't mean that I am going to let her." He chuckled but stopped as he looked to see the look of slight anger on her face.

"What." She asked in a cold tone as she glared daggers at him. Midnight visibly backpedaling at seeing her angry for the first time.

"Uh............. yea, She tried to seduce me." He chuckled nervously but stopped as Celestia moved from her bed toward him, her horn lighting up as she cast a spell onto him for a moment before giving him an odd look.

"I see that you let her place her hooves on you, but nothing happened." She snorted in annoyance before trotting back to her bed. He giving a sigh as he trotted over with her but stop as he bumped into an invisible shield she had placed up. Pulling a hoof up and rubbing his nose once, he looked to the sun princess in askance.

"You also at some lightly enchanted food that she had prepared. Which means that you need to go the the medical wing to have an antidote administered." She sighed.

"Enchanted food?" Midnight asked in surprise before his mane became a little redder. "That little bitch........" He growled as he looked away from Celestia. Silently cursing the changeling queen.

"Go to the medical wing and tell them you need cure C-23. You should be fine afterward." she stated causing him to nod solemnly before exiting the room.

After he had arrived into the medical wing, a surprised nurse came forward giving a bow to him before speaking.

"Sire? What brings you to us this evening?" She asked as she looked up to him.

"Apparently I have eaten some enchanted food, Celestia advised me to have you administer cure C-23 on me to counteract the enchantment." He stated in annoyance.

"C-23? Oh................ alright then, just have a seat on the exam table while I go and get it." She stated as she left the room. Midnight climbing onto the table and giving a sigh.

After a few minutes of waiting the nurse came back into the room with two other unicorn stallion whose horns were glowing as they quickly shot a beam onto Midnight, locking him down onto the table, the nurse placing a magic ring onto his horn as he gawked in surprise.

"What is the meaning of this?" He asked loudly as he fought against the magic holding him down.

"Please remain calm sire. This will be a lot less painful if you don't fight." She stated as she floated out a large syringe filled with liquid.

"YOU HAVE GOT TO BE SHITTING ME!?" He shouted as his eyes went wide seeing the size of the needle.

XXX

Back in Ponyville, Twilight's ears flicked as she could hear something in the distance. Making her way from her study to the window, she opened it and stuck her head out as she listened to a shriek coming from the castle. She sighed quietly as she began to head toward her desk to write a letter but stopped as a loud burp emanated from upstairs followed by claws tapping against the floor as Spike came down the stairs rubbing his eyes with one hand while holding a scroll in the other.

"Here." He spoke out groggily as Twilight took the scroll from him, he turning around and heading back up the stairs to bed.

Twilight open the scroll and began to read it to herself as she went back into her study.

My faithful student.

Please do not be alarmed by the shriek you have just heard from the castle. Our stallion had taken it upon himself to dine with a former enemy and ended up having an enchanted meal. He had aslo divulged that our former enemy attempted to seduce him as well. Although I praise his actions for leaving in a timely manner before such a thing could take place. I thought he deserved a little warning from me as well as his other ladies for even thinking about straying. He knows that we will no longer have such a relationship in regards to him having other mares. Do not think ill of me for doing so, as I suspect that you would not want him to wander either. I had him go to the medical wing to have a C-23 counter enchantment administered before he could return to me.

Twilight rolled the scroll back up giving a giggle. "So Midnight was being seduce huh? And the princess had him get a shot as well. I wonder if he will find out that there was a pill for that as well. knowing the size of the needle and how badly the injection stings. I'm surprised that he managed to scream at all." She giggled again, finding a little humor in the situation.

Chapter 15 "Luna's Hearthwarming request."

Morning arrived far to soon for the dark Alicorn as he groaned from the light shining through the window. Pulling himself slowly from his bed in the medical wing, he winced in pain as he placed his rear left hoof onto the ground. The minor impact causing a bolt of pain to shoot through the sore spot in which the needle had entered on his flank. He gave a sigh as he looked back to the slightly swollen area before casting a soothe spell onto it to calm the pain.

"I am going to make the changeling pay for causing me this much pain." He growled out as he slowly trotted from the medical wing, heading toward the dining hall to grab some breakfast.

As he arrived within the hall, he was greeted with many different smells of breakfast. Pancakes, muffins, eggs, toast, the works. Upon arriving at his seat he gave a smile and nod toward one of the maids as they passed by.

"Good morning your majesty." She spoke out happily.

"Morning my dear." He replied before turning to the table and quickly making a plate. Stopping for a moment as he noticed Celestia glaring at him slightly. "Uh.......... Morning?" He said, giving a nervous chuckle as well.

"Midnight, dear." She began. "I think it is time we fully discussed your little get togethers with other mares, as well as your duties in becoming king." She spoke out with a hint of ice behind her words. Midnight giving a nervous swallow upon hearing them. In all of his time spent with Celestia, he had never known her to be unkind or wrathful in any way, shape, or form. To hear her speak like that seemed terrifying, and exhilarating.

"Alright then, would you like to discuss it now, or later?" He asked as he finished preparing his plate and began to dive in.

"Now would be a proper time seeing as we have the lack of company." Celestia stated flatly as she watched him look around to see nopony in sight. Not even a guard.

Midnight sat there as he could feel a pang of fear rising in his gut from seeing the stern gaze of the sun goddess sitting across from him. After a few more tense moments of silence she spoke up causing him to jump instinctively.

"I have already discussed this with the others that you intend to marry as well, and they have agreed to my decision." She spoke out as her stern expression never faltered. "We have all agreed that once each of them has bore a child by you, that in order to keep your libido under control, you are to become a gelding." She finished.

*THUD* *twitch*

"Tia......." Came the voice of Discord as he appeared next to her while covering his mouth with his bear paw. "I think *snrk* I think you may have overdone it this time." *pfffft* He began to chuckle as he floated over the table to see the dark Alicorn laying, unmoving on his back.

"I think it to be appropriate for having spent some time with Chrysalis. Even allowing her to *shudder* touch him." She shivvered at the thought.

"Still though, this turn of events has brought quite a bit of juicy chaos I must say." Discord chuckled as he poked Midnight's nose trying to wake him.

"Ugh........... huh WHAT!?" Midnight shouted as he bolted upright without looking and headbutted Discord. Both of them falling back to the ground and rolling around at the sudden pain on their foreheads.

"NNNNNNNNNNNGH!!!! Son of a bitch that hurt!" Midnight growled as he rubbed his forehead repeatedly with his forelegs.

"Ow ow ow ow ow ow!" Discord groaned as he did the same, rolling around on the ground. Celestia sitting back and giggling at the two for a minute before they finally stopped.

The dark Alicorn, after finishing rubbing his forehead, pulled himself upright as he began to speak with wide eyes toward Celestia.

"Tia! You have got to be kidding about the gelding thing! Please don't do that to me!" He spoke out in utter fear.

"And why not? You are going to have three other foals with three other mares were you not? Is that not enough? Or were you planning on keeping this open relationship status even as king?" She glared toward him causing him to cringe backwards.

After a few seconds his eyes began to water slightly as he lowered his head before giving a deep sigh.

"I'll do it............" He trailed off. "If it means that much to you to prove that I wouldn't stray, then I'll do it........."

"Midnight.........." Celestia spoke up softly as he raised his eyes to meet hers. He seeing the wicked smile spread across her face that he has seen many times before. "I was only joking dear." She stated before giving a soft giggle at his expression of complete shock.

"You........... wha............. HUH?!" He spoke out as his mouth hung open.

"Oh my, I do believe that you just got punk'd my dear boy." Discord chuckled as he rolled around laughing upon seeing the dark Alicorn's reaction.

After a moment of shock, and looking from Discord back to Celestia. Midnight furrowed his brow as he gave a grumpy expression before crossing his arms.

"Tia, that has got to be the meanest trick that anyone has ever played on me." He stated as she stopped giggling and looked to him in slight worry. "I've taught you well." He smirked before all three of them burst out laughing.

"I do hate to interrupt, but may I borrow Midnight for a moment?" Came Luna's voice as she trotted through the door and into the room.

The three of them looked back to her before Midnight stood, making his way to the princess of the night. "Yes Luna?" He asked but stopped as she nodded to the door of the room before walking toward it.

"We shall see you later my dear." Celestia smiled to her future husband as he nodded back, following Luna out of the room and walking down the hall.

The two dark Alicorns walked in silence for a couple of minutes until the had reached the castles garden. Stepping outside and into the warming rays of the sun as they melted the already almost completely melted snow. The remnants of a cool breeze slowly brushing past them as they finally stopped at a gazebo.

"Luna? You're not usually this quiet. Something on your mind?" Midnight began as they took a seat.

"Well, I thought that you have had enough time to recuperate from your time as a statue so that I may ask something of you." She smiled wickedly toward him only to cause him to feel nervous once again.

"Ok.......... what do you want to ask of me?" He asked, feeling a little worried. His worries came to fruition though as her horn lit up and a small piece of paper floated out from her regalia that she bore on her chest. Floating it over to Midnight he gave a disgruntled expression as he looked back to Luna.

"You have got to be kidding me." He stated flatly as he sighed. "You have kept this little piece of paper for five years, and you are using it now, after I haven't even been released from my stone prison for even a month now." He snorted in slight annoyance.

"Well, I thought it would be appropriate in such a case as something does happen and you get turned to stone again. Then what would this be but a useless piece of paper again?" She hummed softly while giving an innocent expression.

"Ugh!................... Fine............. When will we start?" He grumped as he glared at her.

"Tomorrow night, so get plenty of sleep. I am going to have you for twenty four hours, and I plan on using every second of it." She grinned mischievously.

Midnight gave her a disgruntled expression as she turned and trotted off with a little spring in her step. Giving a sigh he headed back toward the banquet hall to advise Celestia of what would be going on the following day.

After a few minutes of walking, and mulling over what Luna had in mind for him, he had arrived back into the banquet hall just as Celestia and Discord were finishing up their breakfast and was about to leave the table when they caught sight of him and his sour expression.

"Night? What's wrong?" Celestia asked as he came over to the table and took a seat next to her.

"Your sister, has decided to ask for her Hearths Warming present. So I will not be available for twenty four hours starting at twelve am." He groaned. "Now I have to go and tell my ladies in Ponyville. Applejack isn't going to be happy either, Tonight was supposed to be our night together, and she is pretty stubborn about keeping that option available." He chuckled.

"Luna wants her Hearths Warming present?" Discord asked while cocking his head.

"Yea, I gave it to her before I was turned to stone five years back. I gave her a piece of paper stating that she would have me for an entire day to do her bidding in exchange for forgiving me for all of our prior transgressions." He shuddered now that he thought about it.

Just as he was about to say something else, Discord burst out laughing while rolling around on the floor. After a good five minutes he had pulled himself together before standing up and draping an arm around the dark Alicorn.

"My boy, I must admit, you are more chaotic than myself at times." He chuckled causing Midnight to cock a brow. "You see, I have been around since the dawn of time itself. I knew Luna's parents as well as herself and Celestia since they were born. Although we fell out for quite some time, I have learned one particular thing about the princess of the night that I would like to advise you of." He grinned.

"And that would be?" Midnight asked, awaiting Discords answer.

"You have screwed up big time by allowing her to have you to do her bidding for a day. Did you not see the memorial in the garden?" He chuckled.

"Yeeeeeeeeeeees I saw it, and I still don't believe that she could have been so cruel as to take the life of a pony like that." He sighed.

"Midnight, dear, that pony wasn't killed by Luna. He went insane from the things that Luna asked him to do for her. It wasn't found out until later on after he had passed, but had actually died from a nut allergy that we were not aware of. He was found in a tub of peanut butter, his entire body was swollen so bad that it had............" She was cut off by Midnight who waved his hooves about as he spoke.

"OK! OK! I get the point! Good grief, this is going to suck." He groaned before standing, his horn lighting up as he spoke.
"I'm going to go tell my ladies now about this predicament. I'll be back this evening for my torture session with your sister." He stated just before disappearing in a flash of light.

"Ten bits says he caves within two hours." Discord chuckled toward the sun princess.

"A hundred bits say he lasts until noon." She grinned seeing Discords shock.

"Deal!" He chuckled as they shook paws/hooves.

XXX

After teleporting back into Ponyville, Midnight had made his way toward the library, entering ad finding his lavender love sitting at her desk reading yet another book.

"Hey love." He spoke up causing her to jump slightly in her seat.

"GAH! Night! How many times have I told you not to sneak up on me like that?!" She choked out, Midnight giving her a deadpanned expression as he spoke back.

"Seriously? I'm an eight foot black Alicorn with a fire mane and tail, How could you miss me?"

Twilight facehoofed giving a groan. "You are going to give me a heart attack one of these days."

"Well, let's see if I can do that now then shall we?" He chuckled only to cause her to cock a brow, curious. Midnight gave a sigh as he began. "Luna has decided that she wants me to fulfill her Hearths Warming present that I gave her before the whole stone incident."

Twilight sat there for a moment just staring at him before bursting into laughter. After a few minutes she finally got her laughter under control before speaking.

"Are you serious? She really wants you to do that after all of this time?" She giggled softly.

The dark Alicorn stood there with an annoyed look plastered across his face as he spoke.

"You aren't helping bookworm." He snorted. "I was telling you first so that I could get some input on what to expect."

Twilight stared at him once again before bringing a hoof up to her chin, looking a little thoughtful. "To be honest, I haven't the slightest clue as to what to expect from her. I can only tell you what I've heard from rumor."

Midnight stood there slack jawed while speaking. "You mean to tell me that you and her haven't talked much in five years while I was a garden centerpiece?"

Twilight gave a sheepish smile causing him to face hoof. "Alright, fine, I guess I had better go tell Rarity and AJ." He groaned.

"Oh, I can tell Rarity. I was on my way over there anyway. Well, I was about two hours ago before I picked up this awesome book." She giggled showing a tinge of pink in her cheeks.

"Alright, I'll go on to Applejack's then. I'm sure Rarity will be fine when you tell her." He smiled as his lady stood and walked toward the door, Midnight close behind.

XXX

After exiting the library, Midnight took flight and made his way over to Sweet Apple Acres to find the orange earth pony sitting on the porch having an early lunch. Landing a few yards from the farm house he made his way up to the porch seeing her smile brightly toward him.

"Well now, ain't it a bit early for ya teh be here?" She chuckled softly in her southern drawl.

"That's part of the reason I'm here early doll." He spoke up giving a hint of nervousness. It wasn't often that he would avoid spending an evening with Applejack. Ever since she and his other ladies had made a few rules about him skipping a night with them during their respective days together. He had only missed two days in total with AJ, while the others were quite a bit higher. The reason that Applejack's was so low was due to her being a tad bit overprotective of the Alicorn when it came to having him miss a night with her. She would get worried that being an earth pony made her look and feel to plain for his tastes, and in such, would constantly worry that he may leave her if he ever felt unloved. The days that he would miss with AJ would also result in several fights between the to. Words would fly but they would always apologize to each other in the end.

"Do you remember our last Hearths Warming eve together?" He asked seeing her nod. "Do you remember the present I got for Luna?" Another nod. "Well, she came to me this morning asking for it. She wants me to be at her beck and call for the next twenty four hours, starting tonight." He sighed seeing AJ's expression turn sour before anger took over.

"Whut?" She said flatly as her ears pined back.

"I know, I'm sorry in advance for missing a day with you, and I promise to make it up to you." He stated as he looked away from her angry expression.

"Pinkie Promise? She asked while giving him a stare of annoyance.

"Cross my heart, hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye." He groaned while doing the motions. Once it was over AJ gave him a smile, content that she had an unbreakable promise from her stallion.

"Awright then. Ah guess ah can live one day without ya. But don't take that as ah invitation teh feel happy'bout leaving me hanging." She stated in a stern voice while eying him. "Ah still'spect ya teh spend an extra day with me next week teh make up fer tehnight. Ya hear?"

"Yea, I am fully aware of the make up procedure love." He chuckled. "No worries." He gave a smile moving closer to nuzzle her, she giving one in return but still holding her stern gaze.

"Now don't ya'll try'n butter me up none, yer still in trouble fer spending one'o my nights with another mare."

"Even if it is Luna?" He asked while cocking a brow.

"Especially Luna! Dern girl hasn't been the same since ya'll were put in stone. Ah expect her to have a bit'o fun with ya." She chuckled giving a wink only to cause Midnight's eyes to go wide.

"What?!"

"Oh ya know what? Ah ain't telling ya, heh. Ah think it better for her teh surprise ya." She chuckled louder as she turned and headed back into the house, leaving Midnight standing there only gawking.

"Oh God, what did I get myself into?" He groaned, stopping as a scroll magically appeared in front of him. He reaching out with his magic to unfurl it and read its contents.

More than you know

God and company

Midnight gave a deadpanned expression as he looked up toward the sky.

"THAT'S NOT FUNNY!" He shouted only for another scroll to appear.

Really? Because we all think it was freaking hilarious

God and company

"GAH!" Midnight shouted in annoyance and he teleported to the castle.

Chapter 16 "Luna's gift and finding an old friend."

After leaving Ponyville for the day, Midnight had arrived back in Canterlot Castle via his teleportation magic. It was still mid day, and he still had some time left before he would officially become Luna's slave for an entire day. His mind was racing with what he had heard or been told, however vague it was, about what Luna had done to her previous victim.

As the day went on, he made many rounds through the castle to speak with guards, maids and butlers alike. Even speaking to his children about how the night princess had acted for the past five years and what had occurred in her presence. The stories were all but vague, some going into great detail, some funny, others sad, and one in particular that made the stallion feel for the princess of the night.

As time passed on however, Midnight was getting more and more worried about the events that was going to happen during the time he would be under Luna's hooves. He had worked himself into a fury of nervousness as his mind was being plagued with evil deeds or torture that Luna might subject him to. In fact, he was so preoccupied with his thoughts he hadn't realized that the hour was only a minute away before his worries would come to light.

The midnight hour came with the sounds of a gong being beaten to death next to Midnight causing him to shriek out in a panic and bolt under a large rug in the middle of the long hallway. The so called gong being nothing more than a grandfather clock that had just met the start of the first hour of the day for him. He managed to pull himself from under the rug giving a sigh as he glared at it.

"You scared the crap out of me! Stupid clock." He grumbled before turning to continue heading down the hallway.

"Really now?" Luna chuckled causing him to shriek out like a filly and turn completely white as he seized up on the spot, his eyes starring at his new master.

Luna gave a sinister grin before turning and walking away from him causing him to return to normal and breath once again. She stopped though a few paces away causing him to stop breathing once again as his ears trained onto her.

"From this moment forward, you shall call me mistress and do what I say without question. If you so much as hesitate or attempt to talk back to me in in way shape or form, you shall be punished." She continued walking before looking back and smiling evilly. "Severely!"

Midnight gave a whine for a moment before speaking and lowering his head. "Yes........... Mistress." He finished feeling defeated.

The two continued walking down the hall until they reached her quarters. Entering into her chambers he looked around to see that nothing had really changed since the last time he had been in there. Following closely behind her she paused at her desk, pulling out a small piece of parchment and giving it to Midnight.

"This is an enchanted parchment my dear. This will hold you to your word while being my slave for the day. It states the same thing that I had discussed earlier. Should you hesitate or disobey my orders, you will be punished. However, your punishment will not come until 12 am the following day." She grinned.

"I promised you twenty four hours. Nothing more. Nothing less Mistress." He stated with a cocked brow.

"You do realize that your letter stated that you would be my slave for a day correct?" She smiled.

"Yes, but what does that have to do with it?" He asked while cocking a brow.

"You failed to mention a day on what planet." She grinned evilly. "Mercury from your home worlds solar system has a complete revolution of 58 days and 15 hours, compared to Earth itself. Since you failed to mention this little thing in your gift, I could............" She grinned before seeing Midnight quickly signing the contract which then vanished in a puff of light.

"I'm sorry Mistress, please forgive me." He spoke out while bowing before her. Luna grinning like a bandit.

"You are forgiven." She said as he looked up only to see her grinning. "This time. But let it be known, any further disobeying will result in an automatic punishment and will be administered upon midnight tonight."

"Understood." Midnight sighed softly as he looked away.

"Oh come now, you shouldn't feel threatened. I would not make you do something that would go against your beliefs." She giggled softly seeing his ears perk up a little.

"Still though, I can't help but think that you are going to torment me." He groaned.

"Well, I do have a few things planned." She stated with a hint of song behind her voice.

"I know I am going to dread it already." Watching her move to a far corner of the room, nodding for the stallion to follow her.

Midnight watched as Luna disappeared behind a folding dress panel before reappearing with a smile while floating out several outfits. He cocked a brow as she walked over to him and placed the clothing in front of him before speaking.

"Now then, your first order is to transform yourself into my doppelganger and try these outfits on. I will need you to walk around so that I may see how they flow when I walk or move. Just to make sure that I look good while wearing them, without showing off anything that I am not supposed to."

"Wouldn't it be easier to just make a magical clone to have done this?" Midnight asked before a loud buzzer sounded off all around him, causing him to jump slightly.

"Oh, I'm so sorry my dear, that was your first strike, and a lot sooner than I anticipated as well." She giggled while rubbing her forehooves together evilly.

"Dammit." He grumbled before picking up the clothing and moving quickly behind the dress panels and doing what he was told.

After a few minutes of fiddling with the clothing and morphing his frame into an exact copy of Luna's, he stepped out from behind the panels in a frilly dress that, in his opinion, did not fit Luna's tastes at all.

It was similar to what Pinkie wore during the Grand Galloping Gala the first time except it had far more frills running in several layers toward the flank. While the top of it seemed to flow a little to high on the neck. The girdle that was made into the dress was quite confining as well as it squeezed the stallion turn mare around the waste, making his rear look quite a bit bigger than normal.

After coming out from behind the dress panels, Luna instructed him to spin around a few times, stopping at several points so that she could really look at the dress, even making him hover for a short time to see how it would handle against flight in case the need called for it.

"Alright, I don't think this dress will do. You may remove it and move on to the next one." She smiled happily as the make shift mare went back behind the panels to remove the outfit.

"Which one would you like me to try on next Luna?" He asked as she piped up.

"Just go from top to bottom in order please." She came back causing him to groan slightly as he pulled the next one from the pile.

Midnight stood there looking at the next outfit as the color drained from his face. It was nothing but a shiny faux leather outfit that looked as if it would be worn by a dominatrix. It even had a whip that attached to a belt around the waist. After a few seconds of starring at the outfit, Luna cleared her throat to garner his attention.

"I'm waiting." She spoke up.

"S-sorry, just having a little difficulty figuring out how to put this one on." He spoke up to try and give himself a moment.

As he was putting the new outfit on his brain worked overtime to come up with a way to get this torture to stop. A sinister grin spread across his face as he finished putting it on.

"Ok Lu-Lu, are you ready for this one?" He asked in a sultry voice?

Luna stood there in slight shock upon hearing her own voice speaking in such a manner. That however ended once she noticed a hoof slowly moving from behind the panels and run up along the edge of the frame. It was dressed in a shiny faux leather that shimmered in candle light of the room. Midnight pressed forward from the panels revealing Luna's form in a dominatrix outfit. He gave a smirk as he walked up and playfully trotted around the night princess who just stood stock still, staring at her own body that was trotting around in an outfit that she had forgotten to remove from the pile.

"Uh....... Midnight, you can remove that outfit now." She stated hesitantly causing him to stop.

"Oh but Lu-Lu, I can't stop now, If I did, it would be a direct violation of your orders to move around the room to show you how the outfit looks as you are walking and flying." He giggled to her as he moved slowly around her while sway his hips seductively. Luna's face burning red at watching what was going on.

He continued trotting around her for a minute before she piped up again. "Really Midnight, you can......."

"Oh but Lu-Lu, you haven't checked every spot to make sure that it fits properly, here, it feels kind of funny........" He paused as he trotted to in front of her placing his rear toward her face, leaning down onto his forehooves and then hiking his tail up as high as he could. "HERE!" He shouted as he looked back, giving a seductive lip bite and bedroom eyes only to see her eyes go wide before her face burned a hundred shades of red. To add insult to injury though, and to tip the scales, he gave a little flank wiggle while speaking.

"OOoooooh Luuuuuuna............. Such a naughty pony you are." He giggled playfully before seizing up as a bolt of lightning hit him.

Midnight now lay on the floor, smoking and twitching from the lightning bolt that had just raped him. Luna giving several huffs as she glared at him.

"I think that is enough of playing dress up!" She shouted as she turned, heading toward the door. "You will meet me in the throne room in ten minutes. Do NOT be late." She glared as she left the room in haste.

After pulling himself together, Midnight removed the outfit giving a chuckle. "I do believe that I am going to screw with the princess for the time she has me under her control." He chuckled as he turned back into his normal form.

XXX

As his time limit came near, the dark Alicorn let it dwindle down to almost an entire second before his ten minutes were up before appearing in a flash of light within the throne room, startling the night princess among other ponies that were part of the Elite Night Guard.

"I'm here, so what torture do you have planned for me now?" Midnight sighed as he trotted up her.

"Oh nothing special." She grinned mischievously as three of her guards stepped up. Each with cat like eyes that were as gold as a mid-summers night moon. Two having a set of bat like drake wings while the third was a unicorn.

"Doesn't look like something special." He snickered causing the three guards to snort in annoyance.

"I have a special task for you my dear. My three best guards have been having a time in finding an opponent that they could go hoof to hoof with on equal grounds. Nopony has been able to stand up to them at all when it comes to agility or magical prowess. I want you to fight them as an equal, here, in the throne room. While I watch of course." She grinned.

"Very well, what will I need to do? Just fight them in equal strength?" He asked.

"You may pick any race of pony other than Alicorn, if you choose a unicorn, your magic should be restricted to that of half of Twilight Sparkles current power. As a pegasus, your speed should be that of three quarters of Rainbow Dash's. You will also have only thirty spells that you may choose from as a unicorn, and only your cloud walking ability as a pegasus. As for your ability to fight and strategize, you may use your full knowledge in that area." She grinned seeing Midnight look a little shocked for a moment.

"One on one I am guessing?" He spoke up seeing the three ponies chuckle.

"Yea, at first. Then you've got to go up against all three of us." The unicorn spoke out in a raspy voice while grinning evilly.

"Heh, sounds good to me." Midnight chuckled as his horn glowed brightly, changing his form to that of a pegasus. "When do we beg..." *WHACK* He didn't get to finish as one of the pegasi plowed into him before bucking him backwards into the wall and doing a flip backwards landing in the middle of the throne room.

They all starred at Midnight's slumped form now laying on the floor for a second before the pegasi who had knocked him out spoke up.

"Guess he was just another easy big mouth." He hissed happily before he noticed the form flicker slightly. "What the?" *WHACK* Was all the he managed to get out before a he was sent flying backwards into the unicorn guard who quickly raised a shield around himself before the pony bounced off of it and into the wall adjacent to him.

"MIDNIGHT! I stated that you were to only use three quarters of Rainbow Dash's speed. How dare you disobey me!" Luna shouted causing the room to shake.

"I am using three quarters of her speed love. But you also failed to mention whether or not she was being aided by magic, or when I was combined with her as a set of armor." He grinned causing her to face hoof.

"I am sorry my guard. You will have to fight him like he is, unless you forfeit the battle." She sighed.

"The night guard never forfeits a match!" The unicorn shouted as his horn lit up sending a bolt of magic toward the now advancing Midnight in pegasus form. It hit him causing him to move in slow motion for a few seconds. The unicorn smiling as he trotted up to Midnight who was moving at a snails pace.

"Say goodnight punk." He grinned but stopped as Midnight's head snapped to meet his gaze.

"Goodnight!" *CRACK* Midnight watched as the unicorn was sent flying backwards from a quick headbutt directly to his nose. The unicorn now laying at Luna's hooves out cold while the third and final night guard glared daggers at Midnight.

"Alright pretty boy, let's dance." He grinned as he pulled a small vial of liquid from his chest plate and drank it quickly. Luna gawking slightly at the guard before grinning evilly at Midnight.

"I do believe you are in for it now Midnight." Luna giggled.

Midnight stood there as he watched the night guard grin before a slightly glow encased his frame before he vanished from sight. Midnight blinked a couple of times, looking around the room and swiveling his ears to try and find a sound, a movement, anything that would alert him to the presence of the final night guard.

*BAM*

Midnight found himself airborne along with a terrible pain in his stomach as he was bucked upwards into the ceiling. As soon as he hit the ceiling of the throne room he felt hooves wrap around his mid section, holding his wings to his sides so that he couldn't flee or maneuver. Then his world turned upside down as the floor came quickly toward him.

'There is no way this guard is stupid enough to ram me into the ground while still holding onto me like he is. Once he lets go I'll counter his move.' He thought but stopped as the ground met his skull along with the hooves around his waist slipping free just after the impact.

That dark Alicorn pulled himself to his hooves, swaying heavily as he looked around through double vision caused by the impact.

"How in the........ hell........?" He didn't finish as a pair of hooves met his stomach once again, sending him into the air and into the ceiling for a second time. The hooves wrapping around his mid section once again as he found himself plummeting toward the floor.

"Oh no you don't, fool me once." He grinned as he twisted his body so that his hooves were pointing toward the ground. "Shame on you." He laughed as his hooves hit the floor, his entire body locking up and causing the wind to be knocked from the guard as he hit Midnight's backside. "Fool me twice." He grinned feeling the grip loosen before bucking him forward and onto the floor in front of him. "Shame on....... me?!" He began to finish but paused in shock as he watched the guard fall through the floor into the shadow that lay across it.

Before the guard could fully fall into the shadow, Midnight jumped into the air and began to hover just as a set of hooves flew out from the spot he was standing over. The Alicorn didn't pause as he reached down and grabbed the hooves and pulled the guard from the shadow and began to swing him around quickly before releasing him, heading toward one of the far walls.

The guard grinned as he opened his wings and flapped one hard time heading toward the shadow covered wall. Just as he was about to hit the shadow and meld through it however, he saw Midnight appear just off of his path, with a small lantern that was now illuminating light onto the now previously shadow covered wall.

*WHAM*

The night guard was now sprawled out like a rug onto the wall, all four hooves and wings outstretched fully. He gave a low groan as he slowly slid down the wall and onto the floor.

"That............ was a dirty............ trick............." *thud* Was the last words the guard said before he fell into unconsciousness.

As Midnight turned, heading back toward the princess, he gave a smirk as his original form returned. "So Luna, got anymore requests?" He asked, giving a chuckle upon seeing Luna so annoyed.

"Considering you have only spent the better part of three hours into your present to me. I believe I have a few more things we can do." She chuckled.

XXX

A short time passed as the two ponies had made their way toward her chambers. Upon entering she instructed the dark Alicorn to have a seat and wait as she went to get something. After a couple of minutes she came back with a remote in her magical grasp, smiling toward him.

"Uh.......... what's with the remote?" He then trailed off for a moment as he got a good look at the remote. "Wait, I thought this world didn't have the same technology as my world." He spoke out just as she pressed one of the buttons on the remote. A loud click was heard as the floor in front of the two Alicorns split open and slide apart for a few seconds before a large entertainment center began to rise from under the floor. Midnight sat there, wide eyed and gawking as an eighty inch flat screen tv along with a nice surround sound speaker system at its sides finally came up and stopped. Under the tv were several gaming systems. Setting on top of the tv were a Kinect and a couple cameras that would attach to each gaming system.

A few seconds passed by as Luna grabbed an xbox controller and pressed the center button with her magic before turning on the tv. Another few seconds passed as the dashboard came up onto the screen showing that Call of Duty Black Ops 2 was in the system and ready to be played. Pressing the start button on the controller, Luna had started the game just before floating over a second controller to Midnight.

"How did you get all of this?" Midnight gawked as he looked at the massive amount of human technology sitting before him.

"Well, it's a long story." She trailed off as the game began to boot.

"No, seriously." He began. "How did you get this technology? I have tried to prevent anything major from being brought into this world since I came to call this place home. But that was because I didn't want the ponies of this world to become dependent on what my world had to offer and end up in the same boat. Please, if you would grant me just one thing, please tell me how you got this."

Luna looked away slightly for a moment as she seemed to be deep in thought. Turning back to Midnight she had a slightly concerned expression as she spoke. "Night............ some of your worlds technology has been appearing throughout this world at random over the past three years. We are not sure how or why it has been appearing like it has, but it has been getting more and more frequent as time has passed." She stopped as the start menu came up and she began to set up a zombie match between the two of them.

"And everypony thought it was wise to hide this information from me because?" He spoke out with a hint of ice behind his voice.

"We, didn't think it was such a big deal. Most of the technology that has appeared has been next to nothing in comparison to what I have accumulated here. We have had some instances where some of the technology has been acquired by many different ponies and used by accident without knowing what they were." She paused seeing Midnight's angry expression.

"I take it that you are speaking of firearms since you seem to know what this game is about." He stated while nodding to the screen that had two players on it with guns.

"Yes.............. but any weapons that have found their way into this world have all been confiscated and place within the royal vault. Among other items." She hesitated for a moment under Midnight's gaze.

"Luna, I'm not going to say that I am angry that you, as well as every other pony that has kept this information from me. But once this day is over with, I am going to find out why my worlds technology is being sent here at random, as you stated. And I will stop it. But before that event comes to pass, I take it that you need some help in this game?" He asked while raising a brow toward her only to see her grin.

"I must admit, this zombie event in this game is quite challenging. I have had several members in my group before but they have all been children with very foul mouths." She giggled but stopped as she noticed Midnight's expression of shock.

"What do you mean other members of your group?" He asked.

"Uh.......... well, it seems as if this device can allow other ponies who are playing this game to be members of my group." She smiled nervously.

"That isn't possible! This device connects to a server within a huge company on my home world which is also connected to any and every gaming console just like this in my world. Unless there is somepony in this world that knows how to alter, or already has altered this technology to allow any others who have one of these consoles to connect to each other over the expanse of acres to thousands of miles. The I highly doubt................" He trailed off for a moment as he grabbed Luna's controller and exited out of the game.

"Hey! We were playing that! What are you doing?" She shouted as she huffed toward Midnight.

"I need to check something." He stated as he pulled up the friends list screen and began to slowly type in the gamer tag of a good friend he had back on earth before pressing enter to send a friends request. A few seconds passed by before a notification popped up showing that the person had accepted the request and sent a response.

I'm not sure who this is, but by your name it should be a chick. The message read.

"That sounds like something one of my old buddies would say." Midnight chuckled.

Midnight reached for the headset and pulled it onto his head, lowering the mic as he began to speak into it before sending a message. "Hey Jake, been a long time. I'm on a friends console. How have you been bro?" He chuckled before sending the message.

"Midnight? What are you doing?" Luna asked as she looked between the screen and the Alicorn at her side.

"I'm talking to an old friend." Midnight smiled as tears threatened to leave his eyes. Luna giving a soft smile before laying down at his side as she listened to the conversation.

Another message notification popped up asking for Midnight to go into a group chat. Midnight being a little hesitant before accepting the chat invite only to see his friend as the only person within it.

"Charlie? Dude is that really you?!" The voice spoke out from the tv in a slightly shocked tone.

"The one and only." Midnight chuckled back.

"Duuuuude, I haven't heard from you in like, almost forty years. I thought you died back when your house up and disappeared off of the face of the planet." He spoke out in almost broken words upon hearing his friend for the first time in over a decade.

"Forty years? Bro, I've been gone for almost seven years. What are you talking about?" Midnight asked in somewhat of a shock.

"Bro, the year is 2055 here, did you vanish into the twilight zone or something? You don't even sound like you've aged a bit. You got a kinect with that system you're playing?"

Midnight sat there is somewhat of a shock for the moment before he responded.

"I do, but I need to tell you something bro. I haven't aged at all, so don't be shocked when you see me." He stated before hearing a loud laugh coming from the tv.

"Shutup and open the video chat ya dick." He laughed only to get a chuckle from Midnight.

"Did he just call you a............. well..........." Luna asked in surprise.

"Wow, did I just hear a lady?" The voice came back onto the tv.

"Yea............. she's a good friend." Midnight responded giving Luna a smile.

"Suuuuuuure she is, so that's why your handle is MoonGoddess. Guess that means you've been pressing buttons other than what's on the hand controller then huh?" He chuckled.

"What does he mean by other buttons Midnight?" Luna asked only to hear a deafening pause.

"Yer kidding right doll?" The voice from the tv came back.

"I'll explain later Luna. For the moment however, do you care if I continue the conversation in my......" He paused as he pulled the headset from his head and put it at a distance before finishing. "Human form? I will be on video chat and I don't want him to freak out upon seeing a talking pony on the other end."

Luna gave a nod, watching as Midnight turned back into his human form and replaced the headset before opening the video chat. It took a few moment but the picture of an older man appeared on the screen. His expression turning to complete shock upon seeing Charlie.

"What the hell?! Seriously bro, you haven't aged in all these years? You have to be joking?! Plus I heard you disappeared with your house all those years back. What the hell happened?" Jake shouted upon seeing his friend for the first time in a long time.

"Well, you honestly wouldn't believe me if I told you." Charles chuckled.

"Dude, try me. This planet hasn't seen nothing but weird for the past thirty years." He snapped back causing Charles to give a skeptical look.

"Well, before we get any further, I want to tell you that I'm no longer on earth." Charles spoke out only to see that his friends expression hadn't changed. "Doesn't that come as a surprise?"

"Charlie, I have never known you to be a joker. You've always been a smartass, but never a joker, and compared to all the shit that has happened in the past thirty years, I honestly believe you." He retorted causing Charles to cock a brow.

"Explain." He asked, hearing his friend sigh.

"Dude, if you truly aren't on earth anymore, be thankful. The disappearance of humans had begun getting bad after you vanished. At first it was a few people here and there, then it got worse. A few children vanished, then a a small business here and there. The last thing to vanish was half of a college somewhere in Ohio. There were three buildings and around two hundred college kids and a handful of professors that vanished. Everything went quiet for about five years after. Until a major event took place." He paused for a minute to rub the bridge of his nose.

"What happened?" Charles asked as he move slightly closer to the screen in anticipation.

"Well........... there was an incident that HOLY HELL WHAT IS THAT?!" His friend shouted as he jumped back and over the couch he was sitting on while staring at the screen.

Charles jumped as well at the sudden outburst and looked around him only to see Luna sitting at his side with wide eyes from the outburst as well.

"LUNA!" Charles shouted causing her to shriek out in surprise. "I though I said I didn't want to freak him out!"

"You never said I couldn't be here as well?!" She shouted back.

"Holy crap dude........................" Jake spoke out as he looked over the top of the couch toward the tv in front of him. "Is............ Is that................. Princess Luna?" He asked as he climbed back onto the couch, staring at the screen.

"Yes, I am Princess Luna............ How do you know me?" She asked while Charles just starred in awe for the moment.

"Princess Luna, Please forgive my language earlier, it's an honor to meet you." He smiled giving a slight bow. "How I know you is something of an odd tale. But to be blunt, I know you from a television show here on my world that used to be aired some time ago. It was called My little pony: Friendship is magic." He paused seeing her confused face.

"Say what?" Charles asked in an unamused tone.

"Yea bro, you remember when I told you about my daughter getting hooked on a cartoon show and then got me hooked on it as well?" He chuckled.

"Yea, and that was a cartoon about Luna?" He asked in slight awe.

"No, not just her, but a bunch of ponies. Man you really are there aren't you? I am so fucking stoked! And jealous! Dude I would give anything to meet Applejack or Rarity." He laughed but stopped as he noticed their shocked faces.

"Uh, Jake. I really don't know how to tell you this, so I'm going to be blunt." He began. "AJ, Rarity, Twilight, And Celestia are to be my brides in a few months." Charles stated causing his friend to chuckle before laughing his ass off then coming to a dead stop.

"You are so full of it dude." He laughed for a second before seeing the serious expression on Charles' face. "Seriously? I know you talked about polygamy before, but a human marrying four mares? You have got to be................ Wait! You aren't telling me the whole story. Something else happened didn't it?"

"Uh........... yea........... I got turned into a pony as well." He hesitated for a moment.

"Show me." He stated flatly causing Charles to sigh before a glow surrounded his body, his Alicorn form slowly being revealed. "You have got to be kidding me!" He shouted as he got closer to the tv, starring at the dark Alicorn. "How did you become an Alicorn?"

"I think you should blame Twilight Sparkle on that subject." Luna giggled only to get a groan out of Midnight.

"Seriously? I know that little unicorn has some powerful magic, and even gets turned into an Alicorn later in season three of the tv show. But seriously?! She turned you into an Alicorn? HOW?!" He shouted in shock.

"Wait, what did you just say?" Midnight asked in surprise.

"What? About Twilight being turned into an Alicorn during the end of season three? Yea, it happens. The princess' make her one. Why? Isn't she one there already?" He asked in surprise.

"No............ Luna? Care to divulge any information regarding this particular event that I was not notified about?" Midnight asked with a glare seeing her cower slightly.

"I am sorry Midnight, that information has been kept classified to royalty only, and since you have yet to marry my sister, you were not supposed to know about it." She stated while glaring at the human on the screen.

"Sorry, I didn't know." He squeaked.

"That information can come at a later time, for now though. I want to know what has been going on on earth. You said strange things have been going on?" Midnight asked.

"Yea, ever since you disappeared, a shit ton of stuff has happened. Right now we are fighting off an alien race that has been trying to take over the planet. The war has been going on for almost twenty years now. I'm currently in a bunker in the middle of nowhere running off of solar energy cells. To be honest, when I saw that I had a friends request on my xbox, it shocked the hell out of me." He laughed.

"Why?"

"Because the internet has been shut down for five years man. The aliens have been hacking government facilities and turning our weapons against us. In the last few years before it was shut down, they wiped out most of the large military bases that had nukes in them. They even managed to hack drones and kill off quite a bit of the human population. To see a friends request pop up on my screen made me think I was finally going mad. When I heard your voice and saw the weird looking gamer tag, I almost cracked. I'm still thinking that this is all a dream." He chuckled.

"Well it isn't, it's good to see you again bro. Can you tell me anything else about whats going on?" Midnight asked.

"Well, not much really. I've been by myself for around ten years in this home made bunker in the middle of BFE. My wife was killed in an alien attack, and my daughter.................... A group of bandits attacked.......... She was killed in the process.

"I'm sorry..........." Midnight said as he lowered his head a little.

"Don't be bro. I miss her a lot, but I know she is in a better place now, away from the cruelty of this world." He smiled but stopped as a loud rattling could be heard causing the lights within the room to flicker.

"Shit! What the hell was that?" Jake shouted as some dust fell from the ceiling to in front of him. He slowly turned to the tv gawking for a moment. "No way............ There is no way those alien fuckers..............." He paused as another rumble escaped from all around him.

"Jake? Whats going on man?" Midnight asked as he watched in horror.

"Those alien fuckers tracked this internet signal from a single xbox? You have got to be kidding me........." The screen went snowy for several seconds causing Midnight and Luna to look on in awe. They gasped however as an alien figure suddenly appeared on the screen.

"So this is what that signal was going to. Interesting to see another sentient species being able to communicate with the human menace. Don't worry though, we will be visiting your planet as soon as............" Before the alien could finish, Midnight used his magic to crush the xbox before quickly tossing it into a magical void he had quickly opened.

"MY GAME!?" Luna shouted in shock before glaring at the dark Alicorn. "WHY?!" She shouted while pouting a lip.

"Luna........... this is no time to be angry." He stated in a calm voice.

"And why not?! You just destroyed my game?!" She huffed angrily.

"Because if what we just saw was true............ then this world............. this universe may be seeing some new visitors in a short while. I can only hope that I destroyed that console fast enough so they couldn't trace the signal." He sighed looking to the now in shock night princess.

Chapter 17

For the next few minutes, Midnight and Luna had been talking about the console and what the alien had stated in regards to visiting this universe. Luna on the other hoof was still quite sore with the dark Alicorn about crushing her beloved game, but let it slide as she had around thirty more consoles hidden away within the royal vault. The only thing she would be sore about now was about getting her gamer score back to its previous number.

The two Alicorns, after some discussion, had resolved to speak of the alien incident the following day. Midnight would have to make up having crushed the console to Luna in time. For now though, he would still be doing what she asked of him. Currently they were in Luna's quarters playing dress up again. This time however, Luna had brought a few of the maids that have been the butt of a few jokes and pranks from Midnight. They were all giggling and having a wonderful time, except of course Midnight, who was now having make-up being put on his face to turn him into a pretty princess.

"You all know that you are soooooo going to regret this." He groaned as one of the maids was putting some lipstick on him.

"Now now Midnight, you owe these poor dears at least a little bit from those pranks you've pulled on them." Luna tutted causing them to all nod in agreement. "And as an order, you are to never get back at them for doing what they are doing to you at this moment." She giggled seeing them beam before an evil grin spread across their faces.

"Luna, so help me if they do something to embarrass me in public, I am going to make you pay for their transgressions." He snorted toward her sending out a small flame.

"And you are not to get back at me either, this is your gift to me and you............" She stopped as Midnight carried on.

"I know, I know, and I am regretting giving you this present. Had I known you were going to cause me so much grief, then I would never have done this." He sighed while looking away for a moment. After a second though he heard a sniffle and turned to look at Luna whose eyes were now on the verge of releasing a barrage of tears.

"Nooooo nonono, please don't cry." He stated in a somewhat comforting voice. The maids now glaring at him as he shuffled closer to the night princess.

Luna huffed a couple times as tears began to slowly stream down her cheeks. Midnight pressing his hooves to his cheeks as he watched her. "Pleeeeeeeeaaaase don't cry. I'm sorry."

The night princess paused for a moment, taking in a soft shuddering breath as she continued to pout a lip toward Midnight who was now looking worried while sitting in front of her. She gave a soft smile causing him to give a sigh of relief as his body visibly relaxed.

"I know you're sorry Night." She smiled seeing him smile back. "But you're about to be far more sorry." She gave a sinister grin causing his pupils go to pinpoints. "Ladies, you know what to do." She giggled as they all wrapped hooves around the dark Alicorn who only screamed as he was pulled backwards, away from Luna.

"NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOooooooooooooooooooo!" His cries were muffled by the giggles of the maids who all began to do various things to him.

After roughly ten minutes, the maids released Midnight who was now seething with annoyance as he looked himself over. He was now dressed in what looked to be a show pony outfit that made him look like a really screwed up peacock. His annoyance turned to a glare toward the princess of the night who was at that moment, holding a hoof over her mouth to stifle a giggle. Midnight gave a huff as he proceeded to trot around the room per Luna's request before coming to a stop in front of everypony, at which point they all busted out laughing.

'They are soooooo going to regret this.' Midnight thought to himself as he awaited Luna's command.

"Alright Midnight, you can remove the clothing and makeup." Luna tittered. At which Midnight quickly teleported out of said garments and makeup, letting them fall to the floor in a heap.

The maids quickly gathered up the items, cleaning the makeup from the floor as well, before placing the clothing back into a small closet within Luna's chambers. Luna smiled seeing Midnight so annoyed, but paused for a moment as she began to think of something new for the Alicorn to do.

"I know that look Luna, what are you scheming?" Midnight stated quickly as his eyes narrowed accusingly.

"I was just thinking." She began as she trotted toward the balcony door, exiting the room and stepping out before taking in a deep breath. "I haven't been out of the castle to really have any fun as of late." She sighed. "Actually, for the past five years. Ever since.........." She trailed off as she looked back to the now advancing stallion as he came up to her side.

"So you've been in a slump ever since I became a garden centerpiece?" He asked with a cocked brow.

"Well............. You were always around the castle, and we got to hang out a lot..........." She paused for a moment looking up the Midnight. "Having you around kept things interesting. You may be marrying my sister, but I am the one who always got to do things with you due to Tia's hectic schedule. She leaves me to raise the moon at night, along with Night court at times, but when you were around, I found those tasks far less tedious than before."

"I............ didn't know you felt so much toward me, I honestly don't know what to say." He chuckled slightly.

There was an uncomfortable silence as the two continued starring off into the sky. Their eyes tracing the cloud line in the distance for a few minutes until Luna gave a girlish giggle.

"I know, ho about we go to a club?" She smiled causing Midnight to give her a questionable stare.

"A club? During mid day?" He asked as he looked up to see the sun at its zenith in the sky above.

"You forget that there are two sides to this planet Night." She smirked.

"So you want to travel to the other side of the planet, just to go to a club. Were you planning on dressing up?" He chuckled only to get an eye roll in return.

"I usually use transformation magic before going out into the public, It helps to keep to many individuals from knowing who I really am." She smirked as her horn lit up, making her body shrink down to a normal size unicorn, along with making her wings vanish. She was now a unicorn around the same height as Twilight, her coat was still a brilliant dark blue but her mane had turned to a solid black with a white streak going through it. Her cutie mark had changed into a plain crescent moon without the black background.

"Now then." She smiled as she jumped into the air outside of the balcony, seemingly floating in mid air.

"Ah, made your wings invisible. Nice touch." Midnight chuckled as his horn lit up, causing his frame to shrink to the same size as Big Macintosh's. His coat turning into an electric blue while his mane and tail turned into a flaming red. He smiled up to Luna who watched his horn vanish from his head before he spread his wings and took flight next to her.

"You got a name to match that guise doll?" He asked giving a wink.

"Lunar Shadow." She stated with a smile.

"Not very original are we?" He groaned while face hoofing.

"Really? And what would be your name for this form?" She asked as she crossed her forelegs.

"Blazing Sky." He chuckled giving a smirk.

"Yes, just as I thought." She groaned.

"What?"

"You pick such show pony names as if you are trying to get attention." She sighed.

"And you pick silly names that say 'Don't look at me, I'm nothing special'." He snapped back.

"So!? At least I try to have fun in a club without drawing attention to myself!" She growled toward him.

"Admit it, you don't know how to have fun, so you just sit on the sidelines and watch idly as the world goes by without you." He smirked back only to see her getting redder in the face.

"I DO TO KNOW HOW TO HAVE FUN!" She shouted, causing Midnight to flip over a couple of times before regaining his altitude and flying back up to her.

"Prove it then, once we get to the club, I bet that you won't know how to have fun." He chuckled as he watched her seethe with anger.

"Fine, and if I win, your punishments will be doubled from this moment forward." She smirked.

"And if I win, you have to be my slave for a day." He retorted as the both bumped hooves to seal the bet. "So how are we going to........ *SNAP* ........... get there?" He began to ask but paused as they were quickly teleported into an alleyway next to the club in question. It was now pitch black outside as Midnight looked around before his eyes rested onto Luna who was now walking out of the alley and around the corner. Midnight quickly following behind her so that he wouldn't get left behind.

As the two stepped up to the door, a burly looking unicorn held up a hoof before pointing to the long line of ponies, along with various other species, waiting to get in. Luna smiled as she pressed forward, lifting a hoof and placing a bag of bits into the pocket on the stallions vest. He gave a smirk and nod toward the door signalling the two to enter.

The heavy beats of the music could be heard from outside of the building, vibrating the ground all around it. Many of the beings outside the club were chatting each other up while others would move a little to what they could hear from inside. As Luna and Midnight entered into the club though. The heavy bass from the speakers could be felt vibrating through their very beings. It took Midnight a minute to get used to it as Luna dragged him onto the dance floor.

She gave a smile as she began to move to the music. Although Midnight wasn't used to this particular type of music, he attempted to follow along with Luna's moves. Giving a chuckle as she would make curtain moves and stumble slightly only to laugh at her mistakes.

After the song came to a close, the two left the dance floor and toward the bar, taking a seat on a couple of stools before ordering a drink each. Luna getting a lemonade while Midnight received a water.

"So what do you think about this little club off the beaten path?" Luna asked as she took a sip of her drink.

"A little out of my league I'm afraid. I'm getting to old for this." He laughed as he took a sip from his water bottle.

"To old?" She asked while cocking a brow.

"Yea, this is the scene for kids in their mid or late teens, up til their late twenties. I'm forty now if you count the past five years." He chuckled.

"That's nothing compared to my sister and me. We are eons older than you could ever hope to be." She smirked.

"And yet you act as if you are still a teenager. That's pretty cute." He grinned causing her to spit out her lemonade across the bar before gawking at him as her face turned a bright red.

"What makes it even cuter is that you are so easily flustered from a compliment." He grinned even wider seeing her face burn ten brighter shades of red.

Just as he was about to continue trying to make the princess of the night turn into a blistering red pony. The DJ came onto the speakers.

"Hey hey HEY Everyone! This is your local DJ, sending out some new beats by the music sensation DJ-Pon3's latest album, and I have to say that they are just as sick as the rest of her previous albums! Where does she get this stuff?!" He shouted as a roar came from the crowd.

"So then, lets put something new from one of her latest albums onto the turntable and see if we can't create a ruckus!" He laughed as his horn lit up, pulling a new record from under his setup and placing it onto the turntable.

As the music kicked on, Midnight's eyes went wide and a hush fell over the crowd as they listened to it for a few seconds.

"No way she actually made that from my list." Midnight laughed as he got up and headed toward the dance floor.

"Night? What are you doing?" Luna asked as she followed.

"Doll, this was the best music to to break dance to on my world during the eighty's. There is no way in hell I am going to pass up the opportunity to dance to it on this world." He laughed as he trotted out onto the dance floor and pressed into a quick trot making a large circle in the crowd. Everyone watching as he made a twenty foot diameter circle before trotting into the center and flaring his wings out at one point when the music paused before he began to break dance to the beat.

Now keep in mind that he has had experience in break dancing as a human. But being a pony was entirely new to him while he was attempting to do many of the moves he had done as a human. However, he was doing quite a good job at moving about, even using his wings to help him balance and even giving a flap or two to throw in some new moves. Soon the floor was being stomped pretty had as many of the ponies within the club cheered loudly. Some of the other patrons even giving a hoot and holler as the song came to an end.

Once the song ended, Midnight breathed hard as he trotted back over to Luna as they headed to the bar once again. Taking a seat, she began.

"That was, rather unusual, I must say." She tittered as the next song came onto the speakers.

"That was actually pretty nerve racking. I didn't even consider how hard it was going to be while in this form." He laughed.

"Still though, you seem to have the eye of quite a few mares in here." She giggled as she gave a slight nod to the corner booth where several mares were talking and looking in his general direction.

"And I bet they are thinking that taken since I am in the presence of such a lovely mare as well." He grinned toward luna who only turned a bright red at the compliment.

"S-still, I shouldn't keep you from your fans. Even if you are mine for the day." She smirked.

"Then how about we go dance together on the next song? Show those ponies how to move those flanks." He chuckled.

"Alright then. The next song we dance together." She smirked.

As the current song came to a close, the DJ came back onto the speakers. "Alright everyone. We have a special request from a recently married couple who wants to have a change of pace to the music we have been playing tonight. So grab a partner and pull'em close, because now is the moment............ for love." He growled playfully into the mic causing the entire group of ponies to chuckle. All except Luna and Midnight who were now slightly red as they heard a slow song come onto the speakers.

"Ahem............. well..............." Midnight began as he walked onto the dance floor, Luna right behind him. The paused for a moment as they got into the dancing position and began to sway to the music. As the words of the song were sung, Luna began to grow a brighter and brighter shade of red. That was of course until she heard Midnight singing along with the song right next to her ear.

As the music came to a close, the two separated. Midnight gave her a gentle smile, however it was interrupted as she clenched her eyes shut for a moment. Midnight was about to speak up but was suddenly halted by a pair of lips pressed to his own. He stood there, frozen, as Luna pulled away from him, her lips still slightly puckered as her eyes opened. He gave s surprised smile, but it soon ended as Luna realized what she had just done and took off through the crowd and rushed out the front door of the club. After a couple of seconds Midnight took chase. As he exited the club he looked down the street one way and then the other before seeing the running mare.

"LUNA!!!! WAIT!" He shouted as he took off after her.

Chapter 18

It had taken the better part of ten minutes for Midnight to finally catch up to Luna as she turned sharply around the corner of a building at the end of the street. Once he had rounded the corner he paused to see her sitting down with her back pressed against the wall of the building as she was looking down toward the ground. He slowly trotted up to her side and sat down next to her as he listened to her softly sobbing, tears streaming from her face and slowly dampening the ground below her.

"Luna............ I................" He trailed off as he too looked to the ground, trying to find the right words to say in order to try and bring the princess of the night out of her little slump.

The continued to sit there for a few more minutes before Luna gave a little sniffle and pulled her head up to look at the stallion next to her.

"I'm sorry.............. I didn't........" She paused giving a sigh and clenching her eyes shut once again before continuing. "When you began to sing those words along with the song in the club............ I thought............... I thought I felt something............. Even with all the hell I've put you through today............. It still felt like you cared for me............ Like you wanted something............... more............. with me." She stated giving a shuttering breath.

"Luna, I don't know if you realize this or not. But regardless of the things you put me through, I will always be at your side and still be your friend." He then gave a slight chuckle as he continued. "Even if you do make me want to pull my mane out sometimes."

The two smiled softly to one another as they let out a soft chuckle. After a couple minutes of silence, they managed to take in a steadying breath each before Luna began.

"Night, I need to know something......." She trailed off for a second as she looked up to the stallion at her side, her eyes giving a hopeful expression as she began. "Do you................ feel............. anything for me?"

Midnight gave a soft smile as he looked her in the eyes. "Luna, I do love you.........." He paused for a moment seeing her eyes go wide, breaking his own line of sight from her eyes as he looked away slightly before continuing. "But it isn't as strong as the love I have for your sister and the others. I have known you for a while now, yet our interactions have been minimal. I still remember the night I stayed with you in your room at the castle, trying my best to stay awake so that I could keep you company and not leave you alone. You told me to go to sleep and then proceeded to say something I never thought I would hear you say." He smiled seeing her blush heavily as the memory came back to her.

"You wont leave me alone. Even if you sleep you have proven one thing. I will never be alone in the night again." She quoted herself out loud.

"That's right." He smiled. "I may not have the same feelings for you that I have for Tia and the others, But that doesn't mean I wouldn't go out of my way just to make you happy, or at ease when you need it."

"But............" She trailed off as her voice cracked slightly. She bit her bottom lip as she looked away, closing her eyes as she spoke. "What if I............. What if I wanted to start a relationship with you?" She stated quickly as her face flushed a brighter red.

The stallion sat there for a moment in surprise, he knew that the princess of the night might have had feelings for him before this moment, but he had never acted on it due to her peculiar behavior around him. Sometimes playful, other times acting out or giving the guise of seeking revenge. Even going out of her way to annoy him with pranks or silly behavior. His eyes widened in realization as it all came together. The times she was mean or pranking him were attempts at trying to push him away, to try and make him hate or despise her so that it would be easier for her to remain a member of royalty without having those fleeting feelings toward another pony. Being several thousand years old as well, plus having spent a thousand years on the moon in solitude meant that she had been withdrawn from the interactions with other ponies and any other life form for that matter. Having met another being that was then transformed into an Alicorn and then having given their life to save others, then coming back to do it several more times in the process of saving the planet. It all made sense now. Luna actually felt something more than friendship toward him.

"Luna........... I honestly don't know what to say at this point." He stated quietly. "You know I am and will always be your friend, I will always be there for when you need me as well. I do love you, but.............. I don't know what I should say or do in this situation." He stated as he brushed a hoof over his own withers. He paused though as he felt her leaning onto him as they sat against the wall of the building. Looking down to her he gave a smile as she snuggled a little closer to him. His hoof that was rubbing the back of his neck now found its way around the mare and gave her a gentle sideways hug.

After a few minutes of sitting there, Luna finally moved a little causing Midnight's hold to pull away slightly as he looked down to her. "Something wrong?" He asked before she moved her head to up and under his chin giving a loving nuzzle.

"No." She purred softly giving a giggle. "Just thinking of what other torment I can put you through."

"Luna." He began as she pulled away giving a raised brow in askance. "You really know how to ruin the mood don't you." He sighed in annoyance with a furrowed brow. She giving a wink and sticking out her tongue playfully.

"I try. But you're just to easy and to fun to tease." She giggled as she stood, Midnight doing the same before he looked up into the night sky to see the horizon starting to come to light.

"Looks like my day or torment is almost over." He smirked to her only to get a pout in return.

"And I didn't get to see you pull your mane out from being so annoyed." She spoke in a mock hurt tone while pouting.

"Heh It'll take more than what you've put me through to pull out a fire mane." He laughed.

Luna stood there for a moment as she looked to the sky in thought, after almost a minute she gave a sinister smile looking at Midnight who was now giving a worried expression.

"Night..........." She began, giving a slight pause as she looked toward the slowly illuminating horizon. "You know that you are going to be punished upon the days closing correct?"

Midnight groaned giving a nod as she continued. "Well, I had something planned for what you will endure as punishment, but I now feel slightly hesitant in doing such a thing to you." She chuckled nervously.

"I'm sure that it isn't anything I couldn't handle." He smirked seeing her cock a brow at him.

"Well, I am hesitant about doing such a thing to you since we............. do not know each other that well." She tittered.

At this moment the wheels in Midnight's head began to turn as he began to think over what the princess of the night was referring to. She was considering doing something to him as punishment, but she was considering not doing it because they didn't know each other that well. She just came back from a thousand years on the moon and returned to normal by the elements of harmony.

Upon coming to realize what she may be referring to. Midnight gave an inward chuckle as only one thing managed to cross his mind. Looking to the princess he gave a questioning look as if still searching for the answer.

"Hey, regardless of if you know me that well or not, if it is a punishment, then I can handle it." He chuckled seeing her giving him a slight glare, looking him up and down.

"Fine then, I will continue on with my plans. Just remember that you agreed to this without even knowing how I am going to punish you." She stated clearly as her horn lit up.

"I take it we're teleporting back to the castle?" Midnight asked only to get a nod as they vanished in a burst of light.

The two ponies reappeared inside of Luna's quarters. Midnight giving a few blinks to clear his vision, but as his vision returned, he suddenly felt himself seize up.

Luna gave a chuckle as she walked around the stallion. They both having dropped their guises as well. She lifted him from the ground a brought his face closer to her own as she began to speak in a slightly sultry voice.

"So then Night, The hour is almost upon us." She grinned looking to the clock on the wall. The minute hand almost touching the twelve in which the hour hand was already on.

"Yea, so what type of punishment did you have planned for me?" He asked while cocking a brow, his head swiveling around to follow her movements around his floating frame.

"Well, if you haven't already figured it out, Your punishment will not be harsh, in fact I think you may enjoy it." She grinned evilly. "I am going to have my way with you for a while." She giggled as her face erupted into a fire red blush.

"Yea, I thought so." He chuckled. "So why not go ahead and start now?" He smirked.

"We cannot start until the spell takes effect on you." She grinned causing him to cock a brow in question.

"Spell?" He asked.

"Yes, this scroll you signed will be changing yourself, as well as me so that your punishment can begin, but only when the clock strikes the first hour of the new day." She stated as she nodded to the clock on the wall that was fives seconds from that point in time.

As the hand finally reached twelve, each of the two Alicorns began to glow softly before illuminating into a blinding light. After nearly a full minute, the light faded revealing two new ponies.

"What happened?" Came a feminine voice that used to be deep and masculine.

"This is your punishment." Came a deep voice that was once feminine.

Midnight looked to in front of him seeing a large Alicorn stallion with a flowing star mane and tail. Not only was Midnight looking forward, but upward as well. Luna grinned seeing his look of disbelief as he slowly turned his head to see his frame no longer thick and masculine, but smaller and quite curvy as well.

"You have got to be kidding me!" Midnight shouted as he dropped his head and looked between his rear legs to verify his suspicions. "YOU TURNED ME INTO A MARE!?"

"Yes, and now you are about to get your punishment." The new stallion laughed as his magic took a hold of the stallion turned mare.

XXX

As the morning light came across the sky, Celestia gave a smile seeing yet another beautiful sunrise that she had just made possible for the world once again. Giving a contented sigh, she stepped out of her quarters and into the hallway, heading down the beaten path that she had taken countless times before.

After just a few seconds though she stopped in front of her sisters quarters upon hearing an unfamiliar male voice coming from within the room. She gave a concerned expression upon hearing a few choice words just before the door flew open and a stallion that looked just like Luna erupted from the room and sprawled out onto the ground panting and he attempted to pull himself as quickly as possible out of the room by his forelegs.

"And where do you think you're going?! You still need to punish me more!" Came an unfamiliar female voice as the stallion was unceremoniously pulled crying back into the room. His hooves digging into the cobblestone floor.

"NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOoooooooooooooooooooooooooo!" *SLAM*

Celestia stood there gawking slightly before shaking her head and continuing down the hall.

"Best not to ask, knowing Luna though, it was probably another strategic misstep." She sighed as she could heard loud whimpers coming from the room.

Chapter 19

As lunch rolled around, the castle seemed to become quite lively with many maids, butlers, and guard making rounds throughout the castle. It had only taken the scent of a fresh lunch to finally bring Midnight from his punishment session with Luna, to the banquet hall to fill his empty belly. Once he had sat down at the table however, Celestia cleared her throat as she gave him a questioning glance.

"I take it you were having fun with my dear sister?" She asked as Midnight gave a sheepish smile.

"Hey, don't blame me. Your sister is the pervert who wanted transgender relations with me. I didn't have a choice in the matter as it was a so called punishment." He chuckled as he finished, quickly making himself a plate of food.

"Punishment? For what?" Celestia asked in surprise.

"For disobeying her commands. I was lucky to only have done so once. Although..........." He paused while tapping his chin in thought. A sly grin spreading across his mouth. "Had I known the punishment was going to be turned into a reward instead, I would have disobeyed her a lot more, but then again, she is going to be quite sore for some time." He laughed only to cause Celestia to face hoof.

"Yes, another bad play in strategy, as I had warned her." Celestia groaned but stopped cold as she felt a cold glare being sent her way. She turned her vision to Midnight to see him giving a rather intense glare.

"I take it you knew about the whole punishment thing then?" He asked as his glare continued.

"I........ uuuuhhhhhh.............." She trailed off, her cheeks getting a little pinker by the moment. "She........... may have let me in on her plans." She giggled nervously.

"And you failed to mention this to me why?" He asked as a smile crept across his lips.

"Well............. considering your libido, I thought it appropriate for her to face a certain amount of wrath from you for having put you through the wringer." She deadpanned. The two Alicorns sat there for a moment before they began to laugh.

"So in other words, Luna pissed you off and you decided to give her a little payback through me." Midnight chuckled.

"Precisely." She tittered. "But now that the moment has come and gone. Don't expect to be doing that again anytime soon. Luna has always been a little eccentric, but even she surprised me with her request to punish you."

"Luna asked to bed me?" He asked in slight shock. "Why didn't she just ask me directly, I wouldn't have objected." He smirked.

"I think my sister wanted me to be aware of her interests. She didn't want you to think that she wanted to start a relationship, nor think ill of her for her desire to just rut. That, plus the fact she has this terrible fear of conception after seeing what I went through during my pregnancy." Celestia sighed.

"That explains the transgender moment. But doesn't she realize that she, and her partner could work things out?" He chuckled.

"I'm not sure I follow." Celestia stated as she cocked her head slightly.

"Well, from what I've seen in this world, you guys don't have any forms of contraceptive to prevent pregnancy, such as condoms or other related items. Luna could just use a spell or tell her lover to essentially pull out before that pivotal moment during her rutting sessions. It really isn't a big deal to think of."

Celestia sat there for a moment as she mulled over what she had just heard, her cheeks getting pinker by the moment before she spoke.

"Night, as much as it pains me to say this, you are correct." She paused seeing him cocking a brow at the comment. "I must admit that although I am a slight prude at times when it comes to speaking about such things. I have also considered looking into finding spells in relation to contraceptives. However, I do not think that such spells exist. If they do, then I have never stumbled upon one of them."

"They why not just make one up? I know Twilight is always in the process of attempting to create new types of spells. Why not just get her to do that, then have her teach you the spell once it is perfected?" He asked only to see her look away with a tinge of fear.

"I............... would rather not ask her to do such a thing." She trailed off looking toward the floor in slight shame.

"So, even you have a little bit of pride you would rather not want brought into question." He chuckled seeing her slightly shocked expression. "A Goddess that doesn't know everything, nor every spell does seem quite odd though."

"Midnight........" She stated flatly. "I have been around for eons, and you are the first being to ever think of such a thing in my presence."

"That a bad thing?" He chuckled.

"It will be for you should those words slip out in another ponies presence." She smirked seeing him furrow his brow.

"You're no fun." He grumped, crossing his forelegs.

"I have to keep at least some face in the presence of my little ponies. I am a Goddess after all." She smile warmly to him only for his eyes to go wide upon remembering something.

"OH! That reminds me. I know that you get to do that one spell once a year to go into the afterlife." He paused for a moment as he realized that the words had come out without him really thinking on them, yet Celestia did not seem disheartened by the comment. "S-sorry, but I was wondering about the spell. Is there a way that I could bring more than one pony with me or do the spell more than once a year?"

"It's alright Night, although the topic of my parents is a topic I would rather not speak of. I have grown to be able to speak of them far easier over time." She stated while looking away slightly before Midnight came up to her side, giving a loving nuzzle. She turned to him giving a warm smile as she continued.

"The reason that the spell can only be cast once a year is not because of the spell itself, but because the magic that it requires is a rare magic that the body of the caster is able to make. I can only cast it once every year, while Luna takes a bit longer. The specific magic is different for every pony. Casting the spell not only requires that rare magic, but also most of the natural magic that is used as a buffer for it. You would have to be examined by a skilled member of the medical staff in order to determine how often you would be able to cast such a spell."

Midnight gave a groan upon hearing about the medical staff, his forehoof moving back to the spot on his flank in which a massive needle had made him its bitch not so long ago.

"Uh............. it won't require any needles right? I have had enough of being stabbed by sharp objects upon getting that cure the last time I was in the medical wing."

Celestia gave a soft giggle upon hearing this before shaking her head gently. "You won't have to endure any poking or prodding. The spell needed is for medical staff use only. I would cast it myself, but I do not possess the right frequency of magic to appropriately use the spell. It takes a very fine tuned magic in the field of healing in order to accurately read another ponies magic."

"Hmmm, well, I guess using your magic as muscle to just move Celestial Bodies is just as awesome as using it for very minute tasks that require precision work. Precision magic does sound interesting though. As long as I'm not subjected to any more needles, I'll go through with it." He smirked causing Celestia to giggle softly.

"Then go on, I have a few minor engagements to attend to that may take a few hours. But do let me know what the doctor finds." She stated before rising to her hooves, Midnight doing the same as he gave a nod and began to head out of the room.

A short time passed as Midnight warily made his way back to the medical wing. He could feel a tinge of fear as the smell of rubbing alcohol and a sterile environment invaded his nose upon entering the wing. After a minute he stopped at a desk in which a nurse was seated, she had her nose in a file, as she was reading over it though she paused, feeling a set of eyes on her she raised her vision to see Midnight smiling slightly at her.

"Oh! Your majesty, how may I help you? Did the princess send you to us for another injection?" She smiled but stopped as she noticed the dark Alicorn's smile turn to a soured expression before speaking bluntly.

"I need to see a unicorn doctor so that they can scan me for rare magic."

The nurse blinked a couple of times before nodding slowly. "Please go to the third room on the left, I will have the doctor visit you shortly." She smiled sheepishly.

Another ten minutes passed by before the doctor had made her way into the room with the dark Alicorn. Upon entering the room she paused as she noticed a few cotton balls flying around the room. Midnight upon seeing her quickly put the cotton balls back into the clear container from which her had pulled them from using his magic.

"So the nurse tells me that the princess sent you to have a scan of your body's natural rare magic. No injections this time?" She smirked before seeing his sour expression.

"No more needles. If it comes to the point again where I need a shot, unless it means the difference between life and death, you are to never get one of those things near me again." He groaned.

"Very well, shall we begin the test, It should only take around a minute to complete." She smiled as she stepped over to his side. "Just be sure to remain still. I will need to first scan your frame to locate the area in which your natural rare magic is created, then I can scan that area with a fine tuned spell to determine the amount in which it is producing the magic."

Midnight gave a nod as he remained still, the doctors horn lit up shooting out a beam of magic that began to slowly move back and forth over the dark Alicorn. After a minute of magic, the doctor stopped before speaking.

"I have located the source, please continue to hold still as I scan the area." She stated seeing him nod once again before sending out a beam of magic toward his chest.

The doctor closed her eyes as she began to concentrate on the spell, a slight look of strain coming across her face while scanning. A minute passed by, then another, until finally five minutes had passed by. Midnight was starting to feel a little nervous at having stood there so long when the doctor stated it would only take a minute to do the scan. Just as he was about to say something, the doctor gave out a hard sigh as the magic finally stopped escaping her horn, ending the scan spell.

Without a word she quickly turned to the table next to her and pulled a clip board to her as she began to frantically write down something. After a few more seconds she stopped as she turned back to the now slightly worried Alicorn.

"So doc, what's the word?" He asked as she took a seat and sighed.

"Well, to be honest, this comes as a shock to me." She began as she pulled the clip board up to show Midnight the numbers on it. "This number shows the average rare magic creation by a normal everyday unicorn. This number." She moves the quill to another number. "Is the number for a magically adept unicorn. The next is a normal Alicorn, namely Celestia. The final number however............" She trailed off seeing his eyes go wide.

"Ok now that is a big number." Midnight spoke out in shock.

"That isn't all. The number below it is the rate in which you produce that magic." She beamed.

"What about the third number?" He asked nodding to the lowest number on the page.

"That................. is..................... well....................." She trailed off looking nervous. "That is your bodies ability to naturally make its own magic. Due to the low number, it appears that you have a stunted ability to create magic." She stated gently expecting him to grow angry at the results but remained calm.

"It's to be expected." He smirked seeing her confused expression.

"Expected? For an Alicorn? I don't understand." She stated in confusion.

"Doc, I was human before being turned into what you see before you. I am honestly surprised that I could make any magic at all. Humans have never had the ability to create or even use magic at all. To say that I have a stunted ability to make magic is fantastic. I am happy to be able to use magic, no matter how quickly my body makes it." He laughed.

"That seems a little odd, but I still have two more things to advise you of that seems to throw off everything I have already told you." She spoke up catching his attention once again. "You see, you body absorbs magic much fast than any pony I have ever seen." She stated as she pulled the clip board back up and pointed toward another number making his eyes go wide once again.

"It seems as if your body is like a sponge for the natural magic of this world. Your ability to absorb magic is almost a hundred times your ability to create it. This has never been documented before and in my opinion, probably the only existing instance ever to happen."

"So what does this mean for me when I use magic?" He asked giving a worried glance. She giving one in return.

"I am afraid that you must refrain from overusing your magic. Due to your ability to siphon magic from the area around you, you could inadvertently cause the environment, if not any living creatures, to become sterile to magic."

Midnight was speechless. He had no idea about what this could do to the world and those around him. He placed a hoof on his chin in thought for a moment before speaking.

"So then what would happen if I did make an area or living creature sterile to magic?" He asked.

"I am sorry to say this, but if a being or area becomes sterile to magic................... they die."

Midnight sat there, his eyes wide in horror upon hearing this. Never had he regretted becoming an Alicorn more than that moment. What could he do about this, how could he keep himself and every other being as well as the planet itself, safe from harm. Not only from those who would wish to hurt it, but also from himself.

Chapter 20

It had taken a short time for Midnight to get over the initial shock from hearing what would happen if he managed to siphon magic completely from and area or any living creature. During the time he mulled over his thoughts, his body began to move on its own, walking throughout the castle as his mind remained deep in thought.

After about an hour of walking, he found himself halted in his steps by a magical force that gently lifted him from the ground. Quickly glancing around him, his eyes fell onto Celestia who had a worried expression on her face as she sat him back onto the floor.

"Tia?" He asked.

"I called for you several times, but you kept walking. You never do that unless something has gotten you worried." She stated as she came up to his side. Both of them walking down one of the corridors in the castle.

"Yea, sorry........... It's just what the doc said that bothered me." He said softly as he looked to the floor.

"Well? Don't keep me in suspense my dear. Do tell me what she said."

After taking a deep breath to steady himself, Midnight began.

"Tia, the doc said that my ability to create rare magic is over a hundred times stronger than your own." He stopped as he heard her hoofsteps pause mid stride, looking back to see her look of shock and slight glee causing him to feel a little unnerved.

"That is fantastic." She stated with a smile but paused seeing him still in discomfort.

"It's what the rest of the results were that bothered me, and what could happen because of my carelessness." He paused as he felt a wing brush up against his side as the princess leaned on him, looking up and giving a comforting smile to him.

"She said that my over all ability to create the normal magic that is most present in this world is extremely low." He paused again to see her cock a brow in question.

"How low?" She asked in concern.

"She stated that it is considered stunted, based on a normal unicorns magic." He looked away seeing her expression of shock.

"But.... how is that even possible? I have seen you do amazing feats of magic before..........." She paused as it dawned on her. "You mean to tell me............ all of those times that you ran out of magic from doing so many spells.............. all those times when you turned back into your original human form............. That was due to your body being unable to make enough magic to prevent it from happening?"

"That's a given love, but that isn't what is bothering me............ The doctor said that my ability to pull in magic through the land and those around me is what was cause for alarm." He stopped to let that sink in for a moment, seeing her look of horror and realization he continued. "My ability to pull in magic is over ten thousand times that of any living or non living entity............. even yourself............."

She took a step back in horror upon hearing this but paused as she came back up to his side. "We will need to do some testing on this, to make sure that it is correct."

"No!" He shouted causing her to back peddle. "I will not put anypony in danger because of something that I cannot control. The doctor already stated that............" He trailed off as he squinted his eyes shut. "That if I managed to drain an area or being completely of its magic............. That area.............. or being............. will die.........." He stopped as he could feel the tears threatening to break through.

"Midnight." She spoke in an authoritative tone, causing him to tense up slightly before looking to her to see the look of a mothor about to scold a child. "You have done many, many things for this world, and do you recall at any time when you managed to kill another being by siphoning all of their magic away?"

He stopped as he thought over his time on this world, mulling over every moment to try and find a time when he did just that, but failed. Then his mind ran across several events.

"Remember when I was sick for the first time, when my body was rejecting the magic and I turned back into my human self for the first time?" He asked, causing her to nod in remembrance. From what Twilight and the staff at the hospital told me, I managed to almost completely pull in all of the magic in and around the hospital I was in. All of those ponies, they could have died Tia............ and I would have had to live with that............... knowing that I unwillingly took those lives because of a power I wasn't aware I had. I know they must have spoke to you about that event as well." He paused seeing her nod.

"The hospitals equipment was completely destroyed, their large supply of magic IV's drained dry, and many parts of the facility left useless. You and the elements are not aware of this, but Luna and I tore down the hospital and built a new one in its place once the ground had been replaced that had to be removed. It was a tedious and huge task. But we managed to fix it, without letting the public know." She looked up to see his expression turned from sadness to that of anger as he took a step forward.

"Why............. why didn't you tell me what I had done?!" He growled.

"Because you would have done something rash, like you always do when things don't go your way." She snorted in return.

"I do not always do rash things when I don't get my way." He snapped back.

"Then tell me............. tell me what you would have done had you known?" She snapped back, her wings flaring open in a fit of anger.

Midnight paused as the look of rage left his face, being replaced by that of sadness. "You know what I would have done..." He trailed off as he took a seat on the floor.

"And do you think I would have let you do something so stupid as letting you take your own life just to spare ours?"

"No............. but I know you couldn't stop me either." he grumbled.

"I wouldn't need to, you already know that I as well as everypony else loves you dearly, and would do anything within our power to help you. Magic or no magic." She stated with a smile as she pulled him into a loving hug.

"You're crazy." He chuckled.

"And you're just a stubborn old mule." She giggled.

"Hey now, who's the one robbing the cradle here?" He smirked seeing her brow furrow.

"Is that your subtle way of calling me old?" She groaned in annoyance.

"Not at all." He smirked. "I always liked the older ladies anyway." He chuckled as he trotted around her playfully.

"Really now? And why is that?" She asked while cocking a brow.

"The older the berry, the sweeter the juice. Plus the week we spent together was a shock for me. You did more things to me during that time then I never even thought possible." He grinned slyly seeing her erupt in a blush.

"MIDNIGHT! You naughty stallion!" She shouted giving a devious grin.

"What?! At least now I can say that I have the ultimate lover, and she is also the mother of my child." He grinned.

"You had better never let that little bit of information slip." She smirked as she trotted past him.

"Why? Are we embarrassed about being the ultimate lover?" He snickered.

"No, but I would wonder what the public would think about having a king who is also a gelding." She grinned evilly causing him to freeze up momentarily.

"You.......... you wouldn't!" He choked out. Celestia getting right up in his face and kissing his nose before glaring into his eyes.

"Try me, I am a Goddess after all. I doubt anypony would disagree with me." She smirked before pulling away and flicking her tail at his nose.

The dark Alicorn had a look of horror across his face before it turned into a sly grin, he quickly trotting up to her side and giving her a playful sideways shove. "You know you shouldn't tease me Tia."

"Tease you?" She asked with a cocked brow.

"Yea, making threats of pain and suffering upon my being. You know I'm all for it if its coming from you." He grinned seeing her face erupt into a bright shade of red. That was of course until he bolted down the hall laughing loudly.

"UGH! When am I going to learn?!" Celestia groaned out shaking her head and bolting after him.

Chapter 21

It had taken Midnight several hours to finally think a few things through on his ability to create rare magic. After calculating his ability, plus his ability to create or use other forms of magic in place of his own so that he wouldn't kill anypony. He had finally come to the conclusion on what to do, the only problem now would be who to pick first.

"Tia, what am I going to do? Which one of my brides to be am I going to take with me into the afterlife first? And don't say I should choose wisely because you know that isn't possible." Midnight groaned as he flopped onto the sun princess' bed.

"Well, considering you haven't seen your parent's nor mine in five years. I think you should take your son first to see not only your parents. But my mother and father as well." She stated with a smile.

"Yea, that's actually a pretty good idea......" He paused for a moment as a look of shock spread across his face. "Tia, did you happen to take starlight or Marina into the afterlife at all when I was still in stone?"

Celestia paused for a moment as she looked away and toward the ground sadly. "Night............ I didn't get the chance to within that time. I spent the better part of two years attempting to find what Twilight was looking for. After that I spent the next two years in an emotional slum only for Luna to pull me out of it during the fifth year not long before Twilight returned and freed you. I was still there for our children so please do not worry yourself. But things seemed to fall apart from the moment you were turned to stone."

Midnight gave a soft smile toward the princess as he pulled her gently into a hug, wrapping his wings around her as he spoke.

"You don't need to worry anymore love. I may not have been able to prevent those events from happening, but now I have a far greater weapon at my disposal in case the event arises when I need it." He said as she pressed away a little to give him a questioning glance.

"What do you mean a far greater weapon?"

Midnight gave a sigh as he began. "The doc said that when or if I use my magic up, my body will pull it back in at a much higher rate than any living or non living thing can replace it within themselves. If the event should arise that I will need to dispatch my enemy, I can use up all of my magic, revert back to my human form, and then steal all of their magic......... Killing them in the process."

Celestia sat there in stunned silence for a moment before pushing Midnight away with a slightly disgusted look on her face.

"Tia?"

"Midnight............. I am only going to ask you this once. Never do what you have just told me, even to an enemy.........." She trailed off as she face away from him. He coming up to her side but stopping as he noticed her wings fluff out slightly at his advance.

"I'm sorry Tia........... I didn't know something like that would upset you, I just thought....."

"Thought what?! That you could use that ability to kill off an enemy.......... Do you know what a pony or area must go through when that happens?" She snapped causing him to flinch backwards slightly.

"I'm sorry, but no........... what happens?" He asked but went stock still as he watched her turn around quickly, he horn lighting up and sending out a bright flash, blinding him momentarily.

After the bright flash faded, Midnight and Celestia were now within a long hallway. Doors traveling down both sides. He looked to the sun goddess who had a look of determination plastered across her face.

"Sub-concious." she spoke out, causing both sides of the hallway to quickly zip by them. After a minute, the end of the hall came into view as the walls slowed to a stop. In front of the two Alicorns was a large golden door with a bright sun design engraved into it that matched Celestia's cutie mark.

The sun princess stepped forward and pressed the door open, looking back and nodding to the dark Alicorn to follow her inside.

"Tia, why did you bring me into your mind?" He asked nervously as the door to her sub-concious closed behind them.

"I want to show you what a pony must go through when they have all of their magic forcefully removed from there body." She stated causing Midnights body to give a visible shudder and the coldness behind the words.

Celestia paused as she looked around the large ornate room filled with books. Shelves lining the entire room and rising so far into the sky above that it seem to be a never ending tube of bookshelves.

"Magic leech, pony death." Celestia stated loudly causing the room to rumble slightly before a book flew down from a shelf that was out of sight. She quickly placed the book onto the floor in front of Midnight as she stepped toward the door, stopping as she opened it.

"Midnight, I do not wish to relive this moment in time, so I will step out of the room for exactly ten seconds so that you can open it. I will return after that time has passed." She stated coldly as she stepped out of the room.

The dark Alicorn gave an audible gulp as he pressed a hoof to the side of the book and flicked it open once the door had closed. What he felt next, was not a memory he liked.

XXX

(A little over 1000 years into the past in Equestria)

"Luna, do you understand what you are about to do?" Celestia asked her younger sister as her horn was alight with a fervor of magic. Sparks of white escaping its tip as she forced every ounce of magic into the spell she was about to unleash.

"Tia! I keep telling you, stop calling me Luna! My name is Nightmare Moon now." She snapped back as her magic finally hit its zenith, making her eyes flash open as they were consumed with a bright light. Two of her night guard stood at her side as their horns were alight with magic that was holding her body steady.

"Stop! You don't know what will happen if you do this!" Celestia shouted causing her sister to give an annoyed snort.

"Then we shall both find out what little surprise this spell holds for us sister." She shouted as she unleashed the spell, causing the entire Everfree forest to shake all around them. Nightmare Moon gave a loud gasp as the magic erupted from her horn shooting straight up and into the sky as well as into the ground below them in a brilliant white pillar of energy. The wind picked up quickly as it swirled around the two guards and Alicorns.

*SNAP*

"Princess!" One of the guards shouted as they watched her horn crack, white magic erupting from the crack as it began to slowly spread further down her horn.

*CRACKLE SNAP*

"Luna! You must release the spell! If you do not, you may perish! Your horn is cracking!" Celestia shouted as she attempted to move toward her sister but was being pressed back by the force of the wind surrounding her.

Nightmare moon gave a loud grunt as she attempted to stop the spell, releasing it and sending a huge shockwave of magic outward from her, knocking back Celestia and both of her guard in the process.

Celestia shook her head as she tried to remove the stunned feeling she was now experiencing. After a few seconds she heard a terrified scream and snapped her attention toward her sister who was starring in horror at her forehooves that were slowly loosing their color and turning into a light grey.

"Tia?! What is happening to us?!" She spoke out as she watched the grey slowly consuming her body. Celestia bolting to her side and using a scan spell on her to determine what was going on. She paused in shock as she took a couple of steps backwards.

"This isn't possible. Your body is devoid of magic!" She spoke in shock but gasped as she watched her sister fall over in a heap as she let out a shriek of pain. "Luna?!"

"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!! My body!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! IT'S ON FIRE!" She continued to shriek out as her body began to go completely grey now.

"Night guard! We need to replenish her magic, do you know the spell?" Celestia spoke out in a loud tone causing them to nod as their horns lit up and a beam of energy being sent out and onto Luna causing her shriek of pain to pause and be replaced by an audible gasp.

Celestia stepped forward as well, her horn lighting up and sending out a powerful beam of magic onto her sister. She and the night guard stood that way for a couple of minutes until she finally fell to the ground panting, the magic from her horn stopping as she looked up to see her sister almost back to her normal color.

"Just a little more!" The two guards spoke out as their magic continued to pour out of their horns. After a few more seconds, one of the guard fell to the ground in a heap as he squinted his eyes shut before passing out.

"Dammit!" The final guard shouted as he stepped closer to the night princess as he watched the final flecks of grey slowly disappearing from her left forehoof. He could feel his reserves of magic depleting quickly, but he needed just a little more to save his princess, just a little more....................

*SNAP*

The guard went rigid in pain as his horn split with a loud crack, but he continued to press more magic out of his body, leaning over the night princess as another crack caused a section of his horn to break off and land on Nightmare moon. A golden liquid dripping out and onto her causing her whole body to glow a bright white. Another few seconds and the guard saw the grey finally vanish, being replaced by a bright white light. He gave a smile as he fell to the ground at her side, curling up into a ball as pain became his new world.

"By the maker! This............ pain.............!" He shouted as his mouth opened to scream, nothing but silence escaped him as his body began to turn grey.

Celestia watched in horror as the stallion unicorn thrashed about as his body slowly turned grey. Once it was completely consumed. He raised a hoof into his view as he watched is slowly disintegrate into ash before moving up his body. He looked into the eyes of the sun princess as a tear fell from his cheek, falling to the ground as the rest of his body crumbled into a pile of ash around the dampened spot in which his tear hit..

XXX

Celestia pressed the door back open, stepping inside to see Midnight with his head held low to the floor. Tears streaming from his face as the remainder of the memories filled his head. The sun Goddess stepping to his side as the book slowly closed and returned to the shelf from which it came.

"Do you see now Midnight? Do you see what a being must endure when they are stripped of their magic?" She asked as his eyes slowly opened revealing a now red eye instead of his normal green.

"Tell me..............." He trailed off as his vision snapped to her. "Did his soul survive? Was he able to pass on without fail?"

Celestia looked a little shocked from the question but gave a nod. "He did pass successfully. Luna, after some time to heal, managed to cast the afterlife spell so that she could see for herself that his soul had survived. She traveled alone during that moment, and to this day she has yet to reveal to me what was said. Please, do not bring this up with her. It is something, we, as siblings, have grown to understand from one another."

"That some things are best kept a secret, regardless of what was said?" Midnight finished seeing her nod. "Very well, it shall remain unsaid and unspoken." He stated as he picked himself up and quickly trotted out of the room and into the hallway, Celestia right behind him.

After a quick flash of light from Celestia, the two were now back in her quarters. Celestia stepped by Midnight but paused as she noticed his horn lighting up.

"Midnight?"

"Tia, from my calculations, I will be able to head into the afterlife once every four days. As much as I would like to take Starlight with me so that he can meet our parents, I wish to do this alone for my first trip back." He said as he released his magic before she could say anything.

XXX

After blinking a few times, Midnight looked around to see nothing but a white clouded area all around him. Golden fences and towers strewn all around in the distance along with a plethora of different species walking or flying around as well. He began to quickly fly toward a large building that he had visited before. The hall of the Gods.

Once he landed outside of the building, he noticed that any being within a hundred yards were now bowing to him. All except two humans that made there way up to him, his mother and father. Turning to them he smiled as he began to speak.

"Mom, dad, I'm so sor..." *SUCKERPUNCHED*

Midnight stepped back a few spaces before opening his mouth to remove the pain his jaw was now feeling.

"FIVE YEARS?! Five years and not so much as a hello or get bent from our son?! You haven't even brought our grandchild to see us!" The elderly man shouted causing not only the entire areas occupants to gasp out at him from shouting at a God, but also for hitting him.

"Dad, I'm sorry. You don't know what has happened in the past five years. Just give me a chance to explain, please." Midnight spoke out in a hurt tone seeing his father so angry with him.

"We will all have enough time for that in a short while." A deep voice echoed from all around them as a large octagon ring quickly rose from the cloudy ground, separating Midnight from his parents. The dark Alicorn turning around to see a humanoid figure standing across the ring with a pair of boxing gloves on and tapping them together. A bolt of lightning shooting out and hitting Midnight, turning him into his human form with a pair of shorts and boxing gloves already on his hands.

"You have got to be kidding me?!" Charles shouted in disbelief.

*DING*

"FIGHT!"

Chapter 22

"What the hell?! Just when I get here for the first time in five years you have the gall to WHOA!" Charles began to yell toward his opponent who then took a wide swing at him only for him to duck backwards and twirl away as he brought his arms up in front of him to block a second swing before giving a couple quick jabs to his face, making him stagger backwards.

Charles' opponent gave a smirk as he wiped one of the gloves across his chin to see a small spec of blood on it. "Well then, it has been a few eons since the last time a being has managed to make me bleed." He chuckled as he pounded his gloves together and started to circle the ring, getting closer to Charles as he did the same.

"Couldn't this have waited until I at least got to speak with my parents?" He spoke out in an annoyed tone.

"Kick his ass! It's the least he deserves for abandoning us for five years, and he didn't even bring our grandchild with him so we could meet him!" Charles' father yelled causing Charles to drop his guard and gawk at him.

"REALLY DAD?!" He spoke out in shock before staggering backwards from a hit and into the chained fence encircling the ring and bringing up his fists to block another couple of hits.

"Keep your head in the game boy! You don't have time to lollygag."

"So tell me." Charles began as he ducked another hit. "Is this just a boxing match, of a martial arts match?"

"I prefer boxing, but seeing as we are in the octagon. I think you can tell what to....." *CRACK*

Charles' opponent was hit hard by a direct kick to the side of his head, causing him to fall sideways onto the floor. Charles was on top of him, quickly pulling him into an arm lock and putting pressure onto it making him groan out loudly in pain as he could feel the muscles and tendons stretching past their limit.

"NNNNNNNNNNGHHH! *TAPTAPTAPTAP*"

"Garret has tapped out!" Came another voice from higher up above the ring. Charles finally seeing a floating platform with every God from the hall of Gods sitting around it, some cheering while others had big foam fingers and hats who were cheering as well.

Charles released Garret the God from his hold and quickly flipped backwards and onto his feet, taking a defensive stance just in case. However it was short lived as the octagon disappeared along with Garret, the human being returned back to his Alicorn state in the process.

"Well now that was short lived." One of the Gods chuckle toward Garret only to get socked in the nose by him. The two began to fight each other as the floating platform cleared, Most of the God's jumping to the side or down from the platform to avoid the tumbling duo. Just then however, Midnight got another sock in his shoulder by his father who still had an angry expression plastered across his face.

"Dammit dad. You know you could have just let me explain everything first before ambushing me like you did." Midnight groaned as he flipped out a wing and shoved his father backwards a few feet.

"Really? Five years without seeing you or Celestia, or even our grandchild and you want me to just sit back and listen to a half assed explanation?" He snapped back as he raised his fists in front of him. "Come on, you know I ain't like that. I prefer the hands on method."

"Your going to get your ass kicked. You know that right?" Midnight chuckled toward his father who was now turning red in the face.

"We'll see about that!" *SMACK* "HEY!" He shouted as he was unceremoniously smack on the back of the head by his wife.

"Now don't you start this nonsense. Our son has finally come to see us and you're wasting time fighting with him, even after Garret lost to him." She spoke out in a stern voice causing her husband and even the God's present to flinch slightly. She turned back to Midnight and smiled as she came up to him and wrapped her arms around his neck hugging him firmly. Pulling back she smiled to her son for a moment before her hand shot up and grabbed his ear and yanked it down causing him to yell out as he was pulled along behind her.

"OW! Owowowowowowowowow!" He kept crying out while the Gods all began laughing at his plight.

"There is no wrath like a woman scorned, much less a mom who has a child who pissed her off." Bob chuckled as he watched the scene play out.

XXX

After being drug along behind his mother, Midnight was finally released, flicking his ear a few times to get the pain to fade.

"Was that really necessary?" Midnight groaned as he took a seat onto the clouded ground, but stopped as his mother turned back around quickly and glaring at him.

"You're just lucky that is all I did. I should bust your tail for leaving us alone for five years, and you let Celestia know that as well." She growled.

"Alright I think it's about time for me to explain why I wasn't around for five years." He started, causing them to glare.

"I was turned to stone from being caught off guard by Discords daughter. Had I been able to visit while being a statue, then I would have." He stated flatly causing them to stare at him in disbelief.

"You're kidding....... seriously?" His father gawked.

"Serious as I could be." He groaned, rolling his eyes. "Now then!" He spoke up causing his parents attention to be fully on him. "I came by to let you know that I have the ability to visit far more often than I originally thought possible." He smiled nervously to his parents. "It appears that I may be able to visit once every four days, or possibly once a week if all of my calculations are correct. So that means..." He was cut short as his parents were dancing around happily.

"That means we can see our grandchildren...... and all of your wives! Oh my goodness!" His mother spoke out in glee as she hugged him tightly around the neck, his father just giving him a slight glare.

"You had better be back no later than a week boy. I would hate to have to as the alpha God to let me come down there and whip your tail."

"No worries dad. I promise I'll be back within a week, and you will finally get to meet one of your grand kids." He chuckled seeing their expression light up at the use of words.

"You mean you have more than one?" His father gawked slightly while his mother was almost in tears.

"Well, the second one is adopted, but you'll get to meet her within a couple weeks." *FLICKER*

"Oh no, is it already time for you to go?" His mother asked as she watched his body flicker slightly.

"I guess it is, but don't worry." He began as his body began to fade away, his voice becoming softer as it did so. "I will be back in a few days. I plan on letting you guys meet everyone........" He managed to finish as he finally faded away.

"Well then, what now?" His father asked as he chuckled.

"We can only wait hun." She smiled as they looked to the spot their son had previously been in.

XXX

After blinking a few times, Midnight cleared his vision as he returned to the world of the living. Standing in front of him however was a slightly glaring Celestia.

"I hope your trip was eventful." She grumbled.

"Sorry, spur of the moment thing." He chuckled. "But at least now you know you can visit your folks more often."

"I will let this little event slide, as I intend on abusing your ability quite a bit in the near future." She smirked toward the dark Alicorn as she moved toward the door. "For now however, you have three scrolls to read on my desk." She stated before exiting the room.

Midnight looked to the large desk on the far side of the room, picking himself up and then quickly making his way over before pulling the first scroll up to in front of him.

Midnight,

I want a rematch the next time you visit the afterlife. I won't be as easy on you next time.

Garret, God of universe 233542

"Idiot......" Midnight groaned as he rolled his eyes and tossed the scroll into the trash before picking up the next one.

Our dearest son,

You had better bring one of our grandchildren the next time you visit. No excuses.

Mom

Midnight gave an annoyed sigh as he read the short letter. "Yes mom, I know." He groaned, tossing the scroll to the side before picking up the final one.

Midnight,

Please come back to Ponyville as soon as you get this. We seem to be having some difficulty with Samantha.

Twilight Sparkle

Midnight facehoofed as his horn lit up. "Wonderful, what hell has she brought this time?" He groaned as he vanished in a flash of light, teleporting back to Ponyville with due haste.

XXX

"Samantha, please calm yourself AAH!" Twilight shouted as she dodged a flying lamp as it was sent toward the draconequus cowering behind her.

"I will not calm down! That flea bitten jerk called me fat! I'm not fat! I'm carrying your baby you bastard!" She yelled toward Discord as she sent a book flying toward him, only to be caught in Twilight's magical grasp.

"Ok, lamps and other things I can handle you throwing at Discord, but when you start throwing my books, that's where I draw the line." Twilight snorted as she picked up the human and pulled her through the air toward her. Samantha just crossing her arms as she glared at the two.

"I'm sorry Samantha, I didn't mean to call you fat." Discord pouted as he gave the biggest puppy eyes he could toward his love.

"Bullshit! I know you and your 'chaotic' ways. You did it to irk me and cause a 'bit of chaos' didn't you? ADMIT IT!" She screeched as she reached out toward the draconequus with open hands, squeezing the air as if trying to strangle him from a distance. Twilight looking back to him as he rubbed the back of his neck while giving a sheepish grin.

"Seriously?! DISCORD! How could you?!" Twilight spat causing him to flinch.

"I'm sorry, you know I can't go against my nature Twilight. I didn't mean to hurt her feelings, I swear........... wait! What are you doing?!" He spoke out in a startled tone as Twilight released Samantha from her magical grasp and grabbed onto the draconequus.

"You wronged Samantha in a hurtful way, now I feel it to be only appropriate that you experience the same." She smirked seeing Samantha's eyes light up with vengeance.

"You wouldn't let her hurt me would you?" He whimpered as he began to shrink under her threatening gaze.

"She will decide the appropriate actions too take against you, won't you Sam?" Twilight giggled seeing her crack her knuckles threateningly.

Sam pulled back a fist causing Discord to curl up, waiting for the blow to take place that never came. He opened his eyes after a moment to see her pointing at him. "You have a tacky goatee, and I never liked it!" She spoke out causing him to gawk for a moment before his eyes began to water. Samantha gave a smirk before exiting the library with due haste. Discord on the other hand.

"H-how could she s-say I have a tacky goatee?" He blubbered as he stroke the hair in question with his taloned paw.

"It's not tacky Discord." Twilight began but paused as Discord snapped his attention to her giving a hopeful expression.

"D-do you really mean that?" He whimpered as his eyes grew to the size of dinner plates.

"Yes?" she said in a slightly unsure voice while giving a sheepish smile. She immediately regretted it however as she was swept up in a hug by the draconequus.

"Oh, thank you Twilight! I always knew you were my favorite pony!" Discord chuckled as he rubbed his cheek against her own.

*FLASH*

"Twi, what's going on..... with........ Samantha?" Midnight had appeared in a flash from teleporting into the library, immediately speaking out as he looked around to find her, only to see her rubbing cheeks with Discord.

"Uh........... hello there." Discord spoke out as he placed the purple unicorn back onto the floor and giving a sheepish grin.

"Hello indeed." Midnight spoke as his eyes narrowed slightly as he looked from Discord back to Twilight who was now sweating bullets.

Chapter 23

"You know Discord, after seeing you with Samantha, and she almost being ready to bare your child. I would think that your interests in others would have fallen to be non-existent. Looks like I was wrong." Midnight stated as he circled Discord and Twilight.

"Night, i-it isn't what it looks like!" Twilight shouted as she shoved the draconequus from her and looked worriedly toward her fiance.

"So Discord holding you in his arms wasn't what I just saw?" He asked with a cocked brow only to make her facehoof. He then trading a wink with Discord as he let him in on the joke.

"UGH! Midnight, you know that's......." She was interrupted by Discord as he spoke up.

"Exactly what it looked like!" He spoke out loudly causing Twilight to gawk. The draconequus turning to her as he swept her up in his arms. "Twilight, I have waited so long to let you know this, but I love you!" He stated with an eyebrow wiggle causing her to erupt in a bright blush.

"DISCORD! This is HARDLY the appropriate time, place, or situation to confess your feelings to me." Twilight choked out in surprise before a wing swept her away from Discord and to Midnights side.

"Sorry to say my friend. But I will not let my love go willingly." Midnight spoke out in a threatening tone as he lowered his posture and flared his wings out.

"You dare to challenge the God of Chaos and attempt to take away his love?" Discord spoke out as his eyes began to glow. Midnight stopping quickly as his eyes went wide.

"So what are you going to do if I decide to take Twilight for myself?" He spoke out threateningly toward the Alicorn who was now waving his hoof back and forth across his throat before giving an innocent smile and nervous chuckle.

"WHAT?!" Came and shrieking yell from behind the draconequus causing him to literally freeze up before slowly turning around.

"Oh shit." Twilight stated as her horn lit up causing Midnight and herself to teleport from the library.

Discord on the other hand turned around to see Samantha with what seemed like her very being set ablaze with a blistering blue fire. She slowly began to walk toward the draconequus who quickly change into a puppy and began to give the most pleading eyes he could ever give.

"I forgot to tell you this honey, but I hate dogs." She stated with venom in her voice as she leaned over toward him.

"Yipe.............." He squeaked out before her hands were upon him.

XXX

In a flash of light, Twilight and Midnight appeared just outside of Rarity's boutique in time to hear a blood curdling scream echo through the small town of Ponyville. They looked down the street to the library tree house to see a certain draconequus flying as fast as he could from the tree house of books. Behind him was a certain human who was flying after him in a cloud of blue flames that encased her very being.

The two burst past Midnight and Twilight as they stood there in shock. That was of course until a certain ivory pony spoke up and broke them from their train of thought.

"My word! Was that Samantha chasing disco-hor-hor-ord." She spoke in a somewhat laughing tone as she covered her mouth with a hoof.

"Yea, I think our little joke on Twilight got out of hoof." Midnight chuckled but paused as he felt an icy stare penetrating his very being.

"Joke huh?" Twilight hissed.

"Oh come on! Give me a break! I walked in with you in Discords arms! You deserve at least some form of retaliation." He grumped as he took a seat and cross his forehooves giving a very disgruntled expression.

"Fine, we'll call it even then." Twilight spoke out as she trotted past the dark Alicorn into Rarity's shop.

"Wait................. you mean I won a conversation against you?" He spoke in shock as he watched her stop in the door way.

"Don't get used to it. We have more important things to discuss at the moment, mainly the wedding that is going to happen in exactly 3 months. So get your flank in here because this is the only scheduled time I have available to discuss this until the wedding." Twilight snorted in annoyance causing him to quickly follow her and Rarity into the boutique.

Upon entering the boutique however, he was pleased to see his other two brides sitting at a table, giggling quietly as they looked through a large book. Their vision trained on him as he came into view.

"Well then, it seems that you're in a better mood Tia." Midnight chuckled as he came over and took a seat across the table from AJ and Celestia.

"You have Applejack to thank for that my dear." The sun princess tittered, giving a wink to the apple farmer at her side.

"Really now? Wel please, do tell! What did you share with her to drag her from being so grumpy and into the state of laughter?" Midnight smirked, giving pause to allow her to respond.

"Oh nothin special. Ah was just tellin'er bout the time Granny Smith done walked in on ya when ya was in the shower." She grinned causing Midnight to visibly turn a pale shade of grey. "Ya had soap in her eyes an thought it was me. Opened the shower curtain and asked if she wanted teh join ya."

*SNERK* Upon hearing this, Rarity and Twilight covered their mouths with both forehooves to keep from laughing as AJ continued her tale.

"What happened?" Asked Twilight as she began to giggle.

"Granny up'n'jumped in the shower with'im. Took the better part'o five minutes afore'e managed to get the soap out proper and saw a drenched Granny Smith in the shower with'im." AJ chuckled seeing his expression of horror.

"Oh my, whatever happened?" Rarity asked as her face beamed at the juicy story begin told.

"Granny said he got outta the shower without drying off, then vanished inteh thin air. Not even a minute after that she hear somepony screaming off in the distance. Ah don't think she connected the two incidents though." Applejack finished causing everypony but Midnight to erupt into laughter.

All comotion stopped though as a scroll popped into existence in front of Applejack. Celestia picking it up and unrolling it as she quickly read over it giving a loud giggle before passing it to Applejack.

That was the highlight of the past few years of my life as well. Didn't know yer stallion had such roaming hooves.

Granny Smith

Applejack looked at the scroll in shock for a moment as she had conflicting emotions. First she laughed for a few seconds before tears filled her eyes.

"W-where did that scroll come from? Whoever did that............ t'aint funny." The farmer spoke in broken words as tears began to fill her eyes, threatening to break the gates.

"AJ, that probably was from your Granny. The afterlife does have the ability to contact the living with the help of a God." Celestia stated giving her a warm smile.

"But.......... if'n thats true.............. then why ain't mah ma an pa ever sent a scroll?" She asked in slight anger just before another scroll popped into existence in front of her. She pulling it quickly to her and unrolling it to read its contents.

We never had the chance to contact you until your stallion had asked you to marry him. We have been biding our time and choosing what we could say since each scroll only has a limited amount of space to transferred into your reality. We love you Applejack, and your brother and sister as well. Please let them know.

Love, Ma and Pa

Upon finishing reading the scroll out loud the dam burst as she began to cry out rather loudly. Midnight as well as the others moving to her side to try and comfort her as best as they could.

"AJ, it's alright. You'll get to see them soon enough." Midnight stated in a comforting tone only to cause everypony, except Celestia, to stare at him oddly.

"What ya'll mean ah'll get teh see'em shortly, ah ain't dieing!" She snort through her tears.

"Uh........ What I meant to say............." He trailed off before Celestia Spoke up.

"What our stallion was attempting to say was that he, Luna, and I have the ability to move between realities. We can move into the afterlife plane, along with a partner, for a very short time so that we may speak with and be around those that have passed, as well as the Gods of various planes of existence." She stated with a smile causing AJ to blink before beaming.

"Well?!" She smiled as she just stood there.

"Uh............ well what?" Midnight asked as he looked around to the others then back to AJ.

"Don't just stand there ya fool. Take me teh see mah folks!" She beamed.

"That would be a problem currently AJ." He said while giving a sheepish grin only to cause her mood to quickly sour.

"An why is that?!" She huffed.

"It will be a few days before I can cast the spell again. I used it earlier and won't be able to use it again for maybe four to seven days. But you are the third on my list to go with me next time." He chuckled nervously seeing her face contort to that of anger.

"THIRD?! Why ain't ah first?!" She yelled causing him to flinch a little.

"Well, my parents asked me to bring my son and daughter the next two times I visit. So that puts you as third on the list." As he finished he noticed that AJ's expression had softened, giving a smile instead of the scowl she had just had.

"Well, ah guess ah can't keep ya from doing that. It is yer folks after all. Shoot......... Ah guess a couple weeks ain't nothing big teh wait on. But ya'll better be prepared teh bring mah brother an sis as well." She smirked only to see him frown slightly.

"I can only bring one with me at a time hun. So they will have to wait as well."

AJ sat there with a hoof on her chin in thought for a moment before pulling it away and giving an approving nod. "Ah guess it cain't be helped. Still though, ah know ah'm gonna be busier than a bee's nest warding off a bear after mah honey fer the next couple'o weeks waiting on ya teh do this fer me. It's been so long since ah seen mah folks, ah don't right know what ah'll say to'em when ah see'em."

"Well, the next time I go I'll be sure to let them know when to expect you." He chuckled but paused as another scroll came into existence in front of him.

We already know, it should be within three weeks and we have nothing to do but chat up here truthfully. So we'll stick to just outside the Hall of the Gods and wait. Also, Garret said he wants a rematch. So expect him when you arrive.

The Apples

"Tell Garret if he wants a solid match with me he will be nice enough to wait until I have done what I need to do first before he takes it upon himself to be a dick." Midnight shouted out toward the ceiling causing Celestia to gawk and turn a little paler than her normal color. She began to speak but pause as yet another scroll popped into existence in front of him, he quickly grabbing it up to read it.

Never have I been spoken down to in such a manner. I am stunned that anyone, even a prior mortal would say or do such a thing when they know what I am capable of. Never the less, your challenge has been noted and accepted. You have a single month in your current planets time to meet me in the octagon once again. This time it will be God against God. No holds bar.

Garret

"Your on!" He shouted with a smirk, his eyes falling from the ceiling and back onto the others as they stared at Celestia who was shaking slightly. "Tia?"

"I fear you may have stepped into something you may highly regret my dear. Garret, while fighting, is ruthless. He has been compared to Ares, the Greek God of War in his tactics and ability to overpower any and all beings when it comes to battle. Only Ares himself has beaten Garret." She spoke in fear.

"Add me to the list hun, when I was there earlier, we fought, and I won." Midnight chuckled before another scroll appeared before them, Celestia pulling it to her as she began to read it.

We fought as humans and he got lucky, it won't happen again.

Garret

"Well then, I feel a little better about the situation." Celestia stated causing Midnight to smile. "But that only makes me more worried about you my dear." She stated flatly as she stared toward the dark Alicorn.

Chapter 24

As much as Midnight had wanted to go through the next week unscathed, luck would not be on his side during this time as Chrysalis had returned to Ponyville not two days after he had walked into the afterlife plane. The changeling queen had a keen sense about her and had managed to track the dark Alicorn to Ponyville. The weather had fared much better than her previous visit, this time it consisted of a few days after a rainfall had been scheduled for the region. Now most of the snow had been melted along with freezing slightly to the ground, making travel for unicorns and earth ponies a little more difficult.

At this moment however, Chrysalis was resting quietly inside Golden Oaks Library. Laying quietly onto a large pillow next to an over sized heater that was pouring out quite a bit of heat onto her chitin frame. Resting in front of her was an open book that she seemed to have found quite interesting. Twilight had sent Spike out to fetch Midnight for the Changeling queen so that she would finally leave the library. It wasn't long before the Dark Alicorn had arrived back at the library with the small purple dragon on his back. Stepping through the front door, Midnight let Spike down using his wing as a slide before making his way over to the changeling queen.

"Has it been a month already?" He asked as he glared slightly toward Chrysalis.

"Now now, there is no need to look at me in such a manner. It is most unbecoming of the future king of Equestria." She purred, giving a slight grin. Midnight on the other hoof just continued to glare.

"Let's get back to you lands so that we can get this over with quickly. I have a very busy schedule and do not need to waste time." He snorted as he turned back to the door but paused as Chrysalis quickly moved to his side, brushing up against him playfully.

"What's the rush? A busy schedule doesn't mean that you are required to rush. Can you not simply put a few things off to spend a little time with me and my minions?" She asked playfully, only to get a gentle nudge as Midnight pressed passed her and out the door.

"As I stated, I do not have time to doddle. So please, if you and your 'minions' wish to be fed, then I suggest you wait no longer, or risk starving for a month until I have another free day to do this."

Chrysalis gave a pout as she followed him out the door and paused just a few yards from the entrance to the library. Watching his horn light up for a moment, she gave a curt nod toward the dark Alicorn as they vanished into a flash of light, teleporting to the land of the changelings.

XXX

Appearing in a flash of light, Midnight and Chrysalis were now standing at the base of her disfigured changeling tower. Her changeling army had already gotten into the position that they had gotten into previously from the previous feeding. She moving to in front of him as he continued to glare at her..

"Why do you continue to glare at me with such malice? Do I offend you by asking nothing more than food from you?" She asked as she gave a slight pout.

"I honestly don't mind feeding you or your kind, but I do not appreciate the fact that you poisoned that little meal I had with you on my previous visit with some kind of enchantment. Why would you risk your meal ticket by angering me?" He growled softly causing a few of her minions to hiss threateningly at him, many lowering their postures into an offensive stance, but quickly returning back to their normal stance with just a glance from the queen.

Chrysalis stood there in shock slightly from hearing the dark Alicorn tell her that she had been caught in the act, but quickly regained her composure as her expression went back to neutral.

"I admit that what I did was uncalled for, but I was simply acting in the best interest of my race." She purred sweetly.

"And exactly what would be worth pissing me off enough to reconsider feeding you or your race of changelings hmmm?" He asked as his glare only increased as he pressed forward right into her personal space. He paused however as her lips met his before he quickly pulled away, startled by the action.

"Well, I was considering having my way with you since you seemed so unwilling the last time you were here. The offer still stands if you're interested." She giggled while wiggling her flank.

"I am going to have to decline yet again, and I am going to ask that you have your minions start moving in a uniform fashion like the last time. You will be the last to be fed so please wait for me in your tower." He stated coldly causing her to pout again before he moved past her to stand a few extra yards from the base of the tower.

As he took his position he readied himself as he began to emit the conditional love to feed the changelings. After a couple of hours, all of the changelings had been fed. Midnight made his way into the tower, taking his time as he climbed the long spiraling staircase until her reached the top of the tower. As he pressed through the pitch black doors of the changeling queens chambers, he was greeted by a loud growl coming from the queens belly.

"Took you long enough." She growled before recomposing herself and giving a smile and speaking again to save herself from snapping. "I was afraid that you had abandoned me and left me to starve."

"I wouldn't do such a thing to anypony, even you." He stated flatly as he trotted quickly over to her before stopping just a few feet from her. "But do to your little stunt from the last visit, you are going to get only conditional love this time. Normally I would trust a being just enough at first meeting them, but you did wrong toward me with that little enchanting stunt. So until next month, you must survive on a belly full of conditional love." He finished but began once again as he noticed her trying to start up and argue her point of view. "And you will accept the conditional love as it is all that I will give you at this time. If you wish for something more, then you will have to re-earn my trust, and that will take time." He snorted as he began to pour out the conditional love, filling her belly quickly before she let out a semi-satisfied burp.

"Very well, I shall do as you ask. But be warned............" She began but stopped as the Dark Alicorn snapped his attention to her, pressing his forehead directly to hers as his mane erupted into a fiery blaze when he spoke.

"YOU SHALL NOT GIVE ME WARNING FOR ANYTHING! I have gone out of my way to help you and your race only to be poisoned by an enchantment and then stabbed by a huge ass needle in order to remove said enchantment. I went through a lot of pain because of your little stunt and I refuse to do so again. If you want to continue being fed then you had better understand your situation!" He yelled out loudly causing her to back peddle in shock as she listened. "You will abide by my rules and you will cease in these attempts against my being. I am not interested in having relations with you and I do not want to have relations with you. I will continue to honor my agreement with you and your kingdom for as long as needed, but I will break that agreement and wipe out every last one of you if you persist. I am in no mood for this crap, so before I say anything else that would demonize me, I bid you good day!" He finished as he teleported from the tower in a flash of light, Chrysalis standing there in shock as she continued to stare at the spot that he was previously standing in.

*drip.................. drip................... drip*

The changeling queen ground her rear legs together giving a slight moan before speaking. "Oh my.............. I love it when you talk down to me!" She purred before turning back toward her throne and quickly walking behind it and into a secret room. She gave a seductive purr as she pulled a large box from the underside of her bed before pulling out a rather large toy and smiling, giving a sigh. "Oh well, this will have to do until I have that stallion for myself."

XXX

In a flash of light the dark Alicorn reappeared back in Ponyville, just outside the library. He looked around to see the cloud covered sky still darkly looming over the small town. The wind had picked up a little since his departure earlier and was now rushing past the snow covered ground, sending a chill through him as it pricked along his frame. Giving a visible shudder and ruffle of his wings, he quickly made his way into the library to see Twilight still sitting at her desk with a look of worry on her face as she gazed upon a book.

"Hey love, what's wrong? You look worried." He asked as he trotted over to her and took a seat next to her, playfully giving her hear a nip and causing her to flick it away instinctively.

"When Chrysalis was here earlier, she was reading this book, and it worries me." She stated softly as she looked up to the stallion with a slight pout. Midnight taking the chance to look at the book and read the title.

"How to win over any stallion with ease." Midnight spoke out as he read the title aloud. He gave a chuckle as he turned his sights back to the lavender love that was pressing warmly up to his side. "Hun, you have no need to worry about miss bug butt." He chuckled. "Once someone wrongs me i like she did, it is hard to regain my trust. And considering that I only see her once a month to feed her and her hive, I can guarantee you that there is no possible way that she could win my affections at all. Much less in getting me to rut with her." He laughed.

"Rutting with her? You mean she wanted................. with you?" She spoke out as her cheeks turned a lovely shade of red.

"Yea, but ever since I had to take that stupid shot in order to have the stupid enchantment removed. Not only is my flank still sore, but my feelings toward Chrysalis had been turned completely negative. The only reason I even agreed to go and feed her was because I made a deal with her and want to keep everypony safe from the changelings." He sighed but halted as Twilight nuzzled against his neck.

"That is very kind of you, maybe too kind considering what she did. Maybe you should rethink this whole thing through." She sighed softly as she looked back to the book before picking it up and tossing it toward the small glowing orb that rested nearby. The book disappearing in a flash as it was returned to the shelf from which it came.

"I've already though it over a hundred times, and as much as I would like to avoid going back to the Changeling lands, I have a higher responsibility in taking care of the ponies of this land. To do that, I must keep the Changelings fed and happy in order to keep everypony safe from them and their feeding habits. To many lives have already been lost because of such a thing. They are parasites that feed on the feelings of others. Although I would like to say that I could wipe them out without a second thought. They are still living breathing creatures, and deserve as much right to live as the next being." He sighed. "Sometimes it sucks having a conscience like mine." He groaned, laying his head onto her desk flatly.

Twilight pressed a hoof to his cheek giving it a gentle nudge as she spoke. "That conscience is quite a good one you have Night. You do more good than you think, plus you think things through quite thoroughly at times. So don't think it's a bad thing that you should just ignore. Although I don't really see eye to eye with you on some of your decisions, I can understand why you choose the things that you do when the time calls for it. Sometimes they might not be pleasant. But it gets the job done." She smirked seeing him roll his eyes and chuckle.

"Yea Twi that makes me feel a lot better." He snorted as he turned toward her hoof an nipped at it playfully.

"HEY! No biting! I know what you're doing mister!" She spoke out as she backed away giving a giggle.

"Oh really now?" He smirked as he turned to her giving a chuckle. "And how would you know about what my nibbling is?"

"Rarity told me all about your little fetish." She smirked seeing him gawk for a moment.

"That little!............................" He trailed off giving a grumpy expression before Twilight spoke up.

"Awwwwww, did I hit a nerve?" She spoke teasingly.

"No............ I was hoping to gradually get you into that little............ thing.............." He chuckled nervously looking away in embarrassment.

"Who said you had to make it gradual?" She giggle into his ear before biting down onto it and tugging him sideways, he yelling out in pain as he felt her teeth crushing his ear slightly. She continued pulling him until he was now on his side on the floor behind her desk. He gave an audible snort with a half angry half seductive look plastered across his face. That was of course until she began to gently nibble is ear and causing him to spasm.

"You know." Sh began through the gentle nibbling. "Out of all the times we have been together, I never once knew that this was a turn on for you." She giggled as she lay across his neck, holding him down as she continued nibbling.

"Just aaaaaaaaaaaanother piece to the puzzzzzzzzleeeeeeeeeeee ooooooh yeaaaaaa." He sighed happily.

"Well then, let's see what other things we can nibble." She smirked as she moved slightly, nibbling along him. She grinning like a bandit the entire time.

"You know something Twi, once we are all married, I plan on having a little nibble contest between all of my ladies. Let's see if you can out do Rarity." He chuckled seeing her smirk.

"Fine, but I warn you. I have scanned a few books on the subject. So I doubt I will have any competition." She giggled.

"We'll see." He grinned.

Chapter 25

As day five came to be present since Midnights journey into the afterlife, he had taken some precautions, and had himself scanned once again to see if his magic levels had returned to normal. Upon the doctors scan, they had determined that Midnight's rare magic level had returned to normal, as well as his regular magic. Now all that was left was to find his son and take the trip into the afterlife in order to see his parents.

After traversing through the castle and asking several of the help where he could find his son, he was told that the young prince had gone toward the barracks. The news, although confusing, did not seem to alarm the dark Alicorn in the slightest.

After making a path adjustment, he headed quickly toward the barracks. Upon arriving there however, there were quite a few guards blocking his path, all looking forward to a commotion that was going on just outside of the barracks in the main yard.

"Ten bits says the prince takes him down." One of the guard stated, giving a nudge to another guard at his side.

"Ten bits says he takes a dive this time, he looks like he's wearing down. Seven matches non-stop, and winning them all will take it out of you, even if you're a foal." The guard chuckled back to his friend as they nodded in agreement.

At this very moment there was a loud clash of metal against metal, causing all of the guard to visibly flinch and shout "Ooooooooh!" In unison as the guard that Starlight was fighting was sent flying backwards and into the vast crowd.

"Crap!" The one guard that had made the bet with his buddy groaned as he tossed a small bag of bits to him.

"Seems like my son has taken up a hobby." Midnight chuckled as all of the guard that were standing in front of him now turned their heads to see him. All of them quickly parting and standing at attention.

"Your majesty! Please excuse us. We were not aware of your presence." One of the guard stated as he bowed his head slightly.

"No need to worry yourself. I expected nothing less from the guard upon seeing the show my son had just put on." Midnight chuckled as he began to walk through the now clear path. He paused however as he heard Starlight speaking up from within the large circle of the guard.

"Alright! Who's next?! I need another challenger! A strong one! Anypony will do, just get your flank in here!" He shouted as he panted, looking around the small crowd but paused as he heard a voice from behind him speak up.

"Care to challenge me?" Midnight chuckled as he stepped through the crowd of guard. Starlight quickly turning around to see his father towering over him and giving a smirk, knowing that he was in trouble now.

"Awwwwwww." Starlight groaned in annoyance before hearing a pony in the crowd speak up.

"Uh-oh, looks like the prince just met his match!" A random guard spoke up eliciting a loud laugh from the crowd. In return causing Starlight's wings to flare out angrily.

"I have NOT met my match! I'll show you all!" He growled as he quickly made his way across the large ring. He glared at his father, giving a smirk as he spoke. "Alright old stallion, show me what you've got!" He spoke out causing the crowd of ponies to gawk at his brazen attitude toward the future king.

"Old stallion eh? Sounds like my son needs a few lessons in humility." Midnight chuckled, hearing the crowd chuckle as well.

"Enough talking! Put up your hooves!" He shouted as he bolted like a miniature rocket toward the dark Alicorn. He stepping to the side and opening one of his large wings only to have Starlight smack into it with a loud flop.

"You failed to give me the rules of the match son." He spoke up just before little Starlight bucked, his rear hooves connecting with the side of Midnight's face and making him stumble sideways slightly at the surprise hit.

"No killing, that's the only rule." Starlight spoke up as his horn lit up sending out a small bolt of lightning that hit Midnight in the side causing him to continue sideways, almost falling over from stumbling. The crowd looked on in shock as they watched their future king received two solid hits from his son without giving one in return.

"No killing? I guess that's a good enough rule. But probably the worst rule to make when going up against your father." Midnight chuckled only to cause Starlight to snarl slightly before bolting toward him. Midnight standing completely still and waiting as Starlight came at him.

The foal pulled his hoof back and swung hard to connect with his fathers nose but gawked as his hoof went straight through the Alicorn. He flapped his wings hard to stop himself from colliding with some of the guard. Turning around quickly he looked around to try and find his father but couldn't see him anywhere.

"COWARD! Where'd you go?!" Starlight shouted before getting a gentle smack into the back of his head causing him to crash into the dirt.

"GUARD! What is one of the main rules of combat?!" Midnight shouted as he stepped forward in the guise of an armed guard, then shifting back into his normal form in front of his son.

"NEVER UNDERESTIMATE YOUR ENEMY!" They all shouted in unison as Starlight wiped the dirt from his face, turning around, and then launching himself at his father once again only to be quickly sidestepped and crashing into his wing once again.

"What is the next rule that my son failed to remember?" He shouted again as Starlight quickly bucked backwards toward Midnight again only for him to duck his head as the legs swept over him. The dark Alicorn quickly raising his head and flipping the foal head over tail several times in the air.

"Never use the same attacks in sequence!" They shouted again as the foal landed on the ground on his back. His eyes spinning in their sockets as Midnight stepped over him and pressed a hoof down gently onto his chest, holding him to the round. He struggling to get the hoof off of him before he groaned out, going limp onto the ground.

"UGH! I................ yield............" He snorted out in annoyance, many of the guard cheering their future king on as he removed his hoof and helped his foal from the ground.

"Alright you lot, shows over." Midnight laughed causing them to groan slightly. "What was that?!" He shouted causing them all to stiffen up before speaking in unison.

"SIR YES SIR!" They shouted.

"Dismissed!"

XXX

After a short walk through the castle, the two had finally made it into Celestia's quarters and had taken a seat on the far side of the room on a couple of pillows. Starlight finding a comfortable spot as he looked up to his father.

"Father, I am......... sorry............. for my earlier actions." He spoke softly as his ears lay back in shame.

"It's alright, you were just caught up in the moment. Besides, it feels good to know my son can take on the guard and win in a one on one match. Doesn't help though that I have several spells placed on you to help prevent you from getting hurt or killed." Midnight chuckled seeing his sons face contort in confusion.

"Sorry, long story short, your sister was attacked in the castle by some uninformed guards from the Crystal Empire. They got their flanks hoofed to them by me, then I cast several spells onto you and your sister to help prevent you from dieing if I am not around to protect you." He stated with a smile seeing his foal nod. "For now though, we are going on a trip."

"A trip?!" Starlight gasped in surprise. "Where too?!" He spoke as he jumped from his pillow and began to fly around his father at blinding speeds.

"Into the afterlife." Midnight chuckled seeing his son pause in mid air and drop to the floor onto his hooves in shock.

"But......... doesn't going into the afterlife mean that one must die?" He asked in surprise.

"Not with a very special spell that your mother gave me. It will allow us to walk among those that have passed from long ago. I have made a promise to not only my parents, but also to your mothers parents as well to bring you with me so that you can all finally meet. It will only be for about an hour at most. So please pay attention to them and answer their questions. For it may be some time before you will be able to visit them once again."

"Yes father." Starlight said with a nod as he watched his fathers horn light up.

After a few seconds, the two were engulfed in light before fading to reveal clouds and beings of all races and types all around them. In front of them stood four beings. Two Alicorns along with two humans.

"Well now, I was expecting to have to hunt you four down." Midnight chuckled to the small group as he strode up to them. Starlight staying a few lengths behind him.

"It's about time you showed up, we've been waiting here for hours." Tom spoke up giving his son an accusing glare.

"Oh hush ya old fart." Midnight chuckled as he pulled his father into an odd hug. His mother joining in as well. The three separated giving a smile to one another before Midnight gave nod to his future in-laws, Morning Star, and Blazing Dusk. Celestia's mother and father.

"Everyone, I would like you to meet your grandson and grand foal. Starlight Flame." Midnight stated as he stepped to the side to allow his son to step forward.

"Um............ hello." He stated shyly before he saw May, Midnight's mother, kneel down while covering her mouth as tears streamed down her cheeks. She opened her arms wide waiting for the young foal to come forth and give her a hug. Starlight looking back to his father who just smiled and nodded toward her.

"Go on son. You granny wants a hug." He chuckled seeing her almost bust out from emotions. Wanting to laugh and cry at the same time from hearing those words. Starlight gave a shy smile as he stepped forward before being swept up in a loving embrace by the human female. Tom stepping up and ruffling the foals mane playfully.

"Well now, looks like this'n took after you Charlie." Tom chuckled, hearing the foal giggle at the mane ruffling.

"So I take after father grandpa?" He asked causing the male human to visibly beam at hearing that specific word.

"You bet! But it looks like you take after your mother quite a bit as well with that coat." He chuckled.

May had finally let the foal go, although reluctantly, before Dusk and Star stepped forward.

"And of course, these two are Celestia's mother and father, which also means more hugs." Midnight chuckled as the foal was suddenly swept up by a very giddy mare Alicorn who proceeded to smother the foal in kisses.

"EWWWWWWWW ew ew ew ew ew ew DADDY! HEEEEELP MEEEEEEE!" He shouted trying to get away from the affection that was being thrust upon him.

"Sorry son, you're on your own through that bit." Midnight chuckled. That was until the foal disappeared from her grasp and the foal was now in gentle sideways hug from Dusk.

"Don't worry about her my boy. She tends to get over dramatic when it comes to something she has been waiting on." He chuckled.

"Waiting on? How long have you been waiting for a grand foal grandma?" Starlight asked the squealing mare.

"Almost four thousand years my grand baby." She beamed. "And now I have not only one, but two!" Oh I can't wait to meet Marina! Those five days cannot pass quickly enough for me to meet her my dear." Starlight giggled as she danced in place.

"I can tell." Midnight chuckled.

The next hour was spent letting both sets of parents speak with the young foal without interruption from any being, even midnight. That was, of course, until they began to flicker.

"Nooooooo, is it already time for you to go?!" Star asked as she grabbed up the young foal and lovingly squeezed him to her chest.

"We only have maybe thirty seconds. Sorry this visit was so short. But I will bring him back in the near future." Midnight chuckled as he hugged his parents one last time before he and Starlight began to fade.

"We'll hold you to that!" Tom shouted as the two slowly nodded before vanishing from the afterlife plane.

XXX

Back in the castle the two reappeared back into the spots they had been sitting in. Blinking a few times to adjust their eyes before speaking.

"Well son, what did you think of your grandparent's?" Midnight asked him as they got up from their seats and began to head toward the door.

"They were............ strange. But overall......... Very nice." He smiled. "I look forward to meeting them again father."

"Me too Star. Me too." He smiled as he looked out the window into the clear blue sky.

Chapter 26

"Come on ya lazy stallion! Get yer flank in gear!" Applejack shouted toward Midnight as he struggled to latch up a plow to his frame.

"It'd be easier to do this with magic AJ." He snorted as he pulled the strap taught on his side before turning his head back to the front. "Finally!" He sighed. "Now its time to plow those fields." He chuckled giving her an eyebrow wiggle, Applejack rolling her eyes at the innuendo.

"Jes follow Big Macintosh ya dern fool. An no using magic! If ah catch ya then yer sleeping on the couch fer the next three times ya stay at the farmhouse." She smirked seeing him gawk.

"You'd make me?! Your snuggle stallion! Sleep on the couch, in the cold vacant living room?! That's just cruel and unusual punishment!" He spoke out dramatically only to make her chuckle before she slapped a hoof onto his flank to get him to move.

"Maybe, but ah ain't got no tolerance fer slackers, now giddy up!" *SWAT* She laughed seeing him move forward quickly as he began to plow through the snow.

Winter wrap up had finally begun, and everypony in Ponyville was helping out. Even Midnight along with Starlight and Marina. The two foals were currently flying alongside Rainbow Dash as she instructed the weather team on which clouds to begin clearing from the sky before moving onto the next phase of instructions.

"Alright kids, You want to help out the weather team in clearing the clouds over town?" Dash asked the two who nodded eagerly to her. "Alright then, once you're done clearing the clouds over town hall, move out and around the town in a clockwise manner and clear them as well until you reach Sweet Apple Acres. AJ said she is going to make lunch for everypony who works hard, so don't you two slack on the bucking!" She smirked to the two foals who were giving a determined smile much like her own.

"Yes ma'am!" They saluted to her as they bolted toward town hall.

"And remember Star! NO MAGIC!" Dash yelled causing him to groan, in turn making Marina giggle at him.

"Cute kids, I can see a lot of Midnight in that colt." Dash giggled before turning back to another party of ponies to give instructions to.

XXX

Currently, Twilight and Mayor Mare were visiting the teams to make sure that all the plans were going through without a hitch. The pegasi were clearing the clouds at a generous pace so that the sun wouldn't melt the excess snow at an overly rapid pace. Several of the flight teams had been scattered toward the south in order to bring back the birds that had flown south for the winter.

The animal team were still in the process of waking up each and every animal that had been hibernating for winter. And finally..........

"Whoa, look at that plow move!" Mayor mare spoke up as the crested a small hill to Sweet Apple Acres only to see a plow moving at galloping speed across the fields. The two ponies quickly making their way over to Applejack who was signalling another group of ponies to begin procedures to plant seeds into the now visible ground that had just been plowed over by the first group.

"Hey Applejack." Twilight piped up as they neared her. AJ turning and giving a smile to see her lavender friend trotting up with the Mayor at her side.

"Well howdy there Twi, Mayor." She smiled to the two before turning back to signal another group.

"Um, Applejack, who would be in that plow there?" The Mayor asked as she pointed a hoof toward the fast moving plow as it cleared another long section of the field.

"That'd be Midnight." She chuckled as he pulled quickly through the field and back over to AJ, coming to a stop and smiling down to Twilight and the Mayor. However, Twilight and the Mayor gave him a rather odd look as they finally noticed something special about him.

"Holy........... Midnight?! Did you split into three ponies again?!" Was Twilights first reaction to seeing him as an excessively large Earth pony. Midnight in turn just laughed shaking his head.

"No doll, since I'm apparently not allowed to use magic in order to do work, I change my form into that of an earth pony so that magic wouldn't be an issue." He chuckled.

"That's still cheating." Twilight groaned as her hoof met her face.

"Nope, it only counts as cheating if I use magic to increase my overall strength or cast a come to life spell onto the plow or any other spell that would aid me in any way. I simply transferred my other two parts of being an Alicorn into parts of being an earth pony. In turn I became a draft horse from my world. Or draft pony as you would put it." He smirked before coming to a stop as he noticed the Mayors unrelenting gaze.

"You ok Mayor?" He asked as she finally shook herself from her stupor.

"Y-yes, I'm just surprised is all. Draft ponies became almost extinct around the time Celestia came to this world. Not long after almost all of them fell to an illness that swept across the land. Other ponies managed to survive, and a small lineage of drafts still remain alive, but they are treated as royalty all on their own. To see you as a draft pony is........ well............ breathtaking to say the least." She giggled slightly as she covered her mouth with a hoof.

"Ah, so the Mayor does have a weakness to the opposite sex?" Midnight chuckled seeing her blush furiously.

"NO! No! It's not that................" She trailed off as she couldn't think of anything to say in order to save herself.

"Let me guess, Being the head of the town and taking control over any given situation has you itching about a stallion that could take control as well." Midnight began as he pulled himself out of the plow and jumped from it, walking slowly toward the Mayor as her eyes went a little wide at the sheer size of him.

"Midnight." Twilight began but stopped as AJ pressed a hoof to in front of her to silence her. She looking to AJ who had a huge smirk on her face as she nodded toward the Mayor who was still a burning hot red.

"And not only can he take control, he needs to be smart as well. An intelligent stallion, that can take control of any given situation, and any.......... pony that wants to be controlled." He grinned as he walked around her like a shark circling its prey. He watched as she remained stiff as a board, standing at attention and unmoving, her blush never leaving her body as it began to melt the snow that she stood in. He came to in front of her giving a smile as he stopped and lowered his head to meet her gaze. Glancing over to AJ and Twilight he gave them a wink as he turned his sights back onto the Mayor who looked as if she was about to die.

"So Mayor, How do you like it? Rough? Or gentle?" He grinned before kissing the end of her nose.

*THUD*

"Aw dang it!" Big Macintosh groaned as he trotted up and hoofed Midnight a small bag of bits.

"Big brother?" AJ began as she looked toward him in confusion while Midnight dance in place.

"I'll let Night tell ya." He chuckled as he went back to his plow and hooked up. AJ and Twilight coming over to his side giving him a questioning glance.

"Heh, long story short. I bet Mac that I could find the Mayors weakness to her preference in a mate before spring came to an end." He chuckled.

"Uh huh, an how many bits did he bet ya'll?" AJ asked in surprise as she glared at her brother.

"Not much. Just a days pay. But I won't hold him to it. It's more fun to gloat anyway." Midnight chuckled as he tossed the small bag to AJ. "Give that back to him later. I'm going to get back to plowing. Tell the Mayor I said bye when she wakes up will ya?" He laughed as he quickly hooked up to the plow and took off through the field, zooming by Big Macintosh who began yelling at him and trying to catch up.

Applejack gave a loud chuckle as she looked at the Mayor who was still laying on the ground with a dopey smile across her face. Turning back to Twilight she noticed her eye gaze still following Midnight as he bolted across the field. Trotting up to her side she stood there for a minute before speaking softly into her ear.

"I'm guessing the strong book wormy type is a bit'o a turn on fer ya ain't it Twi." She chuckled seeing twilight jump a foot away, blushing brightly as she stared at AJ for a moment before turning back to Midnight who was still galloping through the field with a huge snowball in front of his plow, much like the time she had tried using the come to life spell onto the plow before.

"Is it that obvious?" She squeaked, showing her embarrassment.

AJ joined her as they watched the over sized stallion finally turn and make his way across the field once more before she let out another chuckle.

"Can't say ah blame ya, that is a mighty fine flank we have there." She smirked, giving Twilight a nudge. "Ya kin have'm tehnight sugarcube. Ah'm gonna be a might tired once all this work is done wrapping up winter. But he's mine tehmarah ya hear?" She grinned seeing Twilight almost explode into a blush that had taken over her whole body. She gave a sheepish nod only to make AJ giggle as she went back to doing her signalling to the various teams that were wrapping up winter on the farm.

XXX

A couple of hours passed as the fields had finally been cleared and the rest of the seeds planted for the coming spring. Midnight had finished two fields by himself in the time it had taken a whole team to clear just one field. In turn, making the workload for the rest of those clearing the fields, that much less. After pulling himself from the plow he headed back to Applejack to advise her that he would be leaving to help with the weather team to finish up what was left of the related weather conditioning.

Thirty minutes passed by as he had grabbed a snack and something to drink while on his way to meet Dash to help. He had taken the liberty of turning into a full blown pegasus as well, forcing his unicorn and earth pony sides into becoming a stronger flier.

Dash was currently above town hall, sending out more fliers and giving instructions to Starlight and Marina who had finished a section of the sky that they had been assigned. The dark Alicorn making his way to their side as they took a resting stand atop a small cloud.

"Hey you three." Midnight spoke up as he landed near Dash giving her a nudge.

"Hey big guy." Dash smirk giving a nudge back.

"Daddy!" Marina beamed as she flew over to him and gave him a loving hug. He doing the same to her only to make her give a soft burp from the love he gave to her.

"Hello father." Starlight smiled giving a nod and smile. "Rainbow Dash was just giving us some final instructions on what parts of the sky we were to clear next."

"Yea, she said we could go and take care of some of the snow clouds next." Marina beamed as she flew around her father.

"Did she now?" Midnight smirked, raising a brow as his gaze fell onto the cyan pegasus at his side.

"Yea yea, it's a piece of cake. Nothing to worry about really. I mean they are just snow clouds after all. Not like the storm clouds that get pumped out of the factory in Cloudsdale. Simple task for these two. Just make sure to stay away from the darker grey clouds. Those hold some lightning in them, and sting a bit if you get hit." She chuckled.

"Will do!" The two stated before quickly bolting off into the direction just over the edge of the Everfree Forest so that they could buck some clouds.

Dash and Midnight watched the two fly through the sky as they made their way toward their destination. The two disappearing in the distance as a few clouds blocked their path.

"So Dash, what've you got for me?" Midnight asked the cyan pegasus who looked over a clipboard with several sections of the sky drawn onto them, several large red X's draw over a few areas.

"Not much left really. Just a couple sectors on the north side of Ponyville. and three toward the Everfree where your foals went. I figured they could take care of those areas pretty quick. Those snow clouds aren't that bad to buck..........." She slowly came to a pause as her hoof rubbed her chin for a moment.

"Dash." Midnight spoke in concern as he gave her a slight glare.

"Hmm? Oh it's nothing, I'm sure they've been taught in the castle about how to buck snow clouds correctly right?" She stated with a nervous grin.

"I have no clue............." He trailed off as he gave a confused expression. "How do you buck them correctly? I mean........ what happens if you just up and buck them?" He asked only to see her facehoof.

"You mean you've been here all this time and you have never learned anything about how to correctly buck clouds?" She spoke in slight shock. "You are such a lost cause." She chuckled before pulling out a quick reference guide on how to buck different types of clouds and hoofing it to the dark Alicorn turned pegasus.

After quickly glancing through the pamphlet, he gave a surprised reaction to the consequences of bucking snow clouds improperly.

"Dash, this is pretty bad. If they were never taught about this, then they might get hurt." He spoke with concern behind his words as he looked from her to the direction that his foals had vanished into.

*SNAP FLASH*

Midnight and Dash blinked as they were suddenly blinded by a bright flash of light in front of them. After blinking a few times Midnight saw his son flying in front of him with a terrified expression on his face. After seeing him like that, he then noticed the lack of Marina.

"Starlight, where is your sister?" He spoke in a nervous tone only to see his son starting to tear up.

Chapter 27

It took a couple of minutes of flight, but Midnight, along with Dash at his side, followed Starlight to the point of where Marina had supposedly disappeared. Starlight filled them in on the way.

"I'm sorry father, I didn't know what to do." Star cried softly as he continued pumping his little wings to fly as fast as he could to the spot where had had come from.

"It's ok, just tell us what happened." Midnight spoke as he pulled a little closer to his son, Dash listening as she pulled to his other side.

"Well, we were bucking a few smaller clouds and thought it was neat how they would explode outward and rain snow in all directions. We felt a little cold from each one. Then Marina saw a really big cloud and decided to see if she could make it explode like the rest of them."

Dash at that moment face hoofed so hard she almost knocked herself out.

"Then the cloud exploded and everything went white and really cold. So cold that my wings froze and I fell from the sky. Or....... Well I thought I did. But I landed on a cloud before I saw Marina fall past me toward the ground. I tried to use my magic to catch her but she fell to fast." He continued to cry out as they came to a hover just a couple hundred yards over the edge of the Everfree Forest. Midnight cast a quick visual magnification spell over his left eye as he closed his right eye and looked down toward the canopy as Starlight continued.

"When my wings finally unfroze I flew down to the canopy of the forest to see if I could find her. Then I heard a really loud roar. I........ I got scared and flew back to you." He cried as he hugged his father. Midnight pulling him away and giving him a stern look as he spoke.

"Star........ Son, you did the right thing. But right now I want you to stay here with Dash and wait for me. If I'm not back in two hours, teleport back to the castle and tell your mother what happened. I'm going into the forest to find your sister." He stated quickly as he continued to search the canopy for broken limbs. After a few moments he found what looked like the entrance that Marina had managed to make upon crashing through the canopy. He looked back to his son and Dash, giving a nod before taking a dive toward the same spot. His horned glowing in luminosity as he barreled into the canopy and crashing through it causing Dash and Starlight to cringe as the sounds of loud snapping before they covered their ears as Midnight began shouting out in the royal whee.

"Marinaaaaaaaaa! Daddy's here! Answer me honey!" He continued shouting as he barreled through the trees cutting them down as he went with his wings. Dash gawking at the amount of them that fell as he continued on only to see them stop falling after several hundred yards.

"Why'd be stop?" Dash asked as they watched for a moment before a loud roar erupted from the forest floor, then a plume of fire that they could feel from where they stood on a small cloud.

"Whoa!" They two said in unison as everything went quiet.

XXX

Back on the ground Midnight had used his blade wings spell, along with a shield spell to bolt through the foliage at record speed. Quickly clearing a large path in case Marina should be nearby and able to see and hear the falling trees, had she not heard his bellowing for her. As he made his way through the forest he came to a sudden stop seeing a large ethereal bear sitting quietly outside of a large cave that looked as if it would head underground.

The bear upon seeing the Alicorn, let out a vicious roar that shook the forest all around him. In turn spitting out a few piece of what looked like some large bug chitin. One piece landing before Midnight as he stood there in shock upon seeing it.

"N-no............... Marina................ please God don't let it be her............" He spoke as his eyes began to pour out lines of tears.

*THUMP*

A massive paw hit the ground in front of him as the bear began to take in another breath to roar at the Alicorn once more, but didn't get the chance as Midnights mane and tail erupted upward with enough force to completely obliterate the canopy above him, this in turn causing the bear to fall over backwards, racing away from the intense flames as Midnight took chance into the huge cave below.

The bear had made it quickly into the cavernous region of the cave below, quickly bolting around a corner out of Midnights sight. Once he rounded the corner, he was met with a giant paw that swatted him roughly into the wall and held him there. After a second of dizziness, Midnights horn lit up as he growled out toward the giant bear, but stopped as it released him and leaned down, taking in a deep sniff of him before pulling back and sneezing roughly.

"Well, it has been some time since I have seen you Alicorn." The bear spoke in slightly deep, but very feminine tone.

Midnight stood there in a little bit of a daze upon hearing a bear that was easily a hundred times, if not more, his size, speaking to him. Then his stance lowered as his horn lit up.

"Where is my daughter?! Did this one eat her?!" He spoke out as tears streamed from his cheeks.

The largest bear gaze a surprised expression as she looked down to the smaller one who looked up at her and whimpered slightly as it jumped into her arms, asking to be protected from the fiery beast before it.

"What was your daughter? I cannot answer the question unless I know what she was." It spoke out in a slightly annoyed tone.

"She IS a changeling in the guise of a pegasus filly. Unless this one ate her." Midnight growled as he glared at the smaller bear.

"A pegasus, you say? And she is a changeling as well? Now I do believe I have seen everything if you have taken that young one as your child willingly." The large bear spoke out in an amused tone.

"So, is she alive? Or was she the remainder of what this young one spit at me when it roared just a moment ago?"

"AND WHAT IF SHE WAS ALICORN!" She snapped as she bolted toward Midnight only to seize up in Midnights magical grasp.

"THEN I WILL TAKE ITS LIFE AS WELL AS YOURS!" He spoke out in the royal whee, making his voice vibrate the walls far harder than the bear did.

At this moment the little bear lunged at Midnight only to be caught in his spell as well, causing him to strain greatly in using his magic. He snorted a small plume of fire from his nose as the three beings glared at one another for a few seconds.

"Daddy............... Is that you............" Came a quiet voice from behind the large bears, Midnight taking no time in bolting to behind a rock that was blocking his view of the voice. He rounded it seeing the small changeling huddle in a corner away from several dead changelings that had been torn in half. Her guise had all but fallen, leaving a shivering changeling in its place.

"Marina!" He shouted as she jumped into his arms hugging him roughly and crying into his neck. He turned around and moved from behind the rock, quickly making his way to in front of the two bears as he spoke.

"I am going to release you, but I want to know two things." Midnight growled as he released the two bears who then growled at him. "One: Why did you take my daughter in her, and Two: how do you know me?"

The large bear gave a snort as she looked down to the changeling that was lovingly hugging her father. Looking back to him she began.

"We Ursa's eat changelings to survive. They are in such mass quantities that they are easy to capture and can sustain us for a long period of time due to their nature of feeding off of emotions from other living beings. My cub managed to find her after hearing her crash through the canopy not far from here. Once my cub found her, he attempted to ingest her, but failed due to being unable to bite her in half. I suspect it was due to magic protecting her."

Midnight gave her an angry glare but paused as she continued.

"For your second question, I know you because you saved my cub many years back when the world was enveloped in shadows. I was taken prisoner by the beast and almost took my cubs life in the process. He managed to get away along with many others from the forest. You managed to save them, and I thank you for that. However, had I known that this changeling was your cub, I would have warned mine to avoid trying to eat her." She stated giving her cub a slight glare. He in turn giving a whimper.

"Thank you for explaining everything. I am sorry to say that my foal does tend to get into trouble at times. I am just glad that we discussed thing rather than fight." Midnight said as his posture returned to normal.

"I am sorry you had to deal with the fear of loosing your cub, I know the feeling all to well upon being driven to try and murder my own by the shadow beast. Please do not think ill of him, he was merely hungry and thought he saw an easy prey." She said with a slight smirk. "I am just glad that your cub was enchanted. With the power you have shown me just a moment ago, I would fear that we may not have survived your full wrath upon seeing you cub no longer living. Please forgive us." She stated softly as she hugged her cub to her in a protective fashion.

"Very well, however, please be cautious about choosing your prey in the future. I understand that your cub and yourself need to feed. But please, avoid any ponies that come along." Midnight sighed as his heart began to slow down from the adrenaline that was coursing through his body.

"I understand, and thank you.......... for not taking my cubs life when you became angry." She stated as she released the cub and patted its bottom to get it to move forward toward the Alicorn. "Now say that you're sorry young cub."

The cub moved forward reluctantly as Midnight gave him a questioning glance. That stopped however as the cub spoke out in the sweetest child like voice that a forty foot bear could.

"I'm............ sowwy."

"It's alright, noone was hurt. Just be careful on ingesting random creatures, you don't want to get a tummy ache." Midnight chuckled slightly seeing him nod before he turned back around and jumped into his mothers loving embrace.

"I'll be going now. I hope that the next time we meet, it will be under better circumstances." Midnight smiled softly seeing her nod in return.

XXX

"The two hours are almost up, maybe we should go and tell mother." Starlight stated in a slightly panicking voice, that was, until her saw Dash smirk and point a hoof to the large smoking circle that was surrounded by trees. Star turning and giving a huge smile as he bolted down, colliding with Marina who hugged him back lovingly on their fathers back.

"So I take it everything's cool?" Dash smirk but paused as Midnight gave her a stern glare.

"It is right now, but this could have been avoided had you asked them if they knew about those stupid snow clouds." he snorted. "And as punishment for failing to ask, You are grounded, as well as these two for doing something this stupid."

"What?! You can't ground me! I'm twenty six years old, live on my own, and you're not my dad!" She stated as she stuck her tongue out at him and crossing her forehooves.

"Ok, now your punishment just doubled missy." He snorted causing her to laugh for a moment before she found herself falling out of the sky, then quickly being picked up by Midnights magic and placed on his back.

"And you two get the same punishment." He stated as his horn lit up again causing both of their wings and Starlights horn to vanish. "On week as an earth pony, and two for you Dash."

"WHAT?!" They all shouted in unison before he took off toward Ponyville with them riding on his back.

Chapter 28

It was later in the evening when Midnight had finally reached Ponyville with the three ponies on his back. Landing just outside of the library, he was welcomed by the royal guard that had been sent in as an escort for the foals. However, upon seeing them as earth ponies, one of the guard piped up.

"Sire, if you don't mind my asking........ Why are the young ones earth ponies?" One of the guard spoke up as he looked them over.

"These two are grounded, and will have to do everything as earth ponies for a week. You are to inform the princess of this as well. If she has anything to say about it, please tell her to send me a scroll and I will return to the castle to inform her in more detail." Midnight stated flatly causing the guard to nod before ushering the foals onto the chariot.

"And what about me?! I can't even get up to my cloud home to sleep. You've essentially rendered me homeless as well as unable to fly." She stated with a glare.

"Oh, right, that.........." He spoke out sheepishly rubbing his withers with a hoof.

"Ugh! Never mind, I'll just go and see if AJ will let me bunk at her place." Dash groaned out as she turned to head toward Sweet Apple Acres. "But you know, You shouldn't be punishing me over this. I'm sorry for what happened to Marina, but you should be blaming the princess, or their teachers. When I was that age I already knew everything about clouds. Then again, I grew up in Cloudsdale. Your foals grew up without a pony to teach them about clouds since they were in the castle for most of their young lives." She sighed. "Maybe you should punish the princess or their teachers instead. I mean, had they known about clouds from a pegasus teacher, then they wouldn't have experienced what they had." She gave a saddened smile as she began her slow trot toward the apple farm on the outskirts of town, but paused as she was pulled back to Midnight who wrapped himself around her as he spoke softly into her ear.

"I'm.......... sorry. You're right. I shouldn't have just up and given you a punishment for not knowing something. The same goes for my foals. It was a rash decision that, now that I think on it, regret having done." He sighed as his horn lit up into a soft glow as he returned the cyan pegasus' wings to her. "Now go on and get home. I'm sure your tired after today's little incident, along with those two naps you took." Midnight smirked seeing her face erupt into a bright blush.

"Y-you saw that?" She squeaked but almost screamed at him as he levitated a couple of pictures out of his stash portal and floating them in front of her.

The two pictures showed Dash laying snuggled into a cloud and sucking on her hoof while the other showed her completely sprawled out in a compromising position. The surprised pegasus lunged at the picture only to grab air as they were plucked from her grasp and placed into his stash portal once again.

"AW COME ON! You had better not show those to anypony!" She grumbled as she gave a loud snort toward the dark Alicorn.

"Don't worry, those pictures are just in case you decided to retaliate with a large scale prank on me because of your punishment." He chuckled.

"You're no fun sometimes you know that?" She sighed, rolling her eyes.

"I did say large scale didn't I?" He smirked back as he watched her face contort slightly before a grin spread across her face and she bolted. Midnight shouting back to her as she flew off. "And that means Pinkie can't help you!"

XXX

Back at the castle, the two foals had arrived with the guard. After a couple of minutes of trotting quietly into the castle they paused as Celestia came out of one of the rooms along their path. She stood frozen for a moment, staring at the two foals before her who looked like children, but were earth ponies. As she was opening her mouth to begin speaking, the two foals cut her off as they shouted in unison.

"DADDY DID IT!" Then bolted down the hall leaving a stunned sun princess in their wake.

Celestia blinked a couple of times before one of the guards trotted up to her and clearing his throat to garner her attention.

"Uh..........." She began as she looked back toward the path the two foals had went down, the guard speaking up.

"I am afraid the Midnight has taken it upon himself to punish the young ones for getting in quite a bit of trouble earlier your majesty." He exclaimed causing her to turn her attention back to him.

"Punishment? What did they do to deserve being grounded and without magic?" She asked giving a confused look.

"I am afraid that the two failed to follow the proper safety precautions when helping to clear the clouds over the edge of the Everfree forest."

Celestia stood there for a moment in surprise before a flash of light and the snap of a whip interrupted the conversation. The two turned to see Midnight walking toward them with a slight glare causing Celestia to give a worried glance. He looked down to the guard giving a nod into the opposite direction he was facing. A silent conversation telling the guard he was dismissed.

After the guard turned and left down the hall he looked back to Tia with a little more intense glare as he strode by her down the hall. He paused in his steps as he turned his head slightly only speaking two words that sent a chill down her spine.

"Follow me."

XXX

The trek from that point to Celestia's quarters were silent, adding much tension into the surrounding air. Once they had arrived within the confines of the room, the dark Alicorn quickly closed the door as the sun Goddess moved toward the balcony but stopped as Midnight cleared his throat. She looked back seeing his mane and tail burning a little more red than usual, signalling that he was indeed angry.

"Midnight?" She began but was cut off as he interrupted.

"Let me first state that yes, I am a little more than annoyed by a few facts that happened earlier to our daughter and son. Secondly I want to ask you a question, and I want an honest answer." He spoke out in an authoritative manner causing her to tense up slightly. She gave a slight nod signalling him to continue.

"Who would be the instructors that teach the pegasi within the castles academy about manipulating the weather and the dangers of certain clouds?" He asked causing her eye to go to pinpoints as she realized something.

"Midnight............. the academy in Canterlot doesn't teach anything about weather." She stated with a sheepish grin.

"Uh-huh............. so then why haven't you taken the opportunity to have an instructor of the pegasi breed, come to Canterlot to teach our children, who have wings and have no knowledge of clouds, so that they may be prepared to deal with, oh say........... Bucking a snow cloud the proper way so that it wouldn't become an explosive that turns those who bucked it the wrong way, into an ice cube?" He snorted slightly.

"I..........." She trailed off as she looked away. "I honestly never thought of that." She said with a slight pout, realizing that she had inadvertently place her foals in danger. "But why are you asking me? Could you not have taught them about...." She stopped as she was cut off by Midnight.

"Don't place any blame on me! I was human before being turned into an Alicorn." He snorted in slight anger. "Even I am still unaware of the proper methods to buck clouds. I thought it would be safe to just buck them into oblivion without a care in the world. Turns out that I don't have the knowledge for that area, much like our foals." He sighed, lowering his head slightly. "Still though, that is still no excuse. Being an Alicorn yourself, you should have realized the dangers ahead of time."

"Please Midnight, do not think ill of me. Although I am at fault, yes, do not think that I wouldn't do anything in order to protect our foals. I will see to it that the academy houses pegasi instructors., as well as earth pony instructors for future classes. Will that suffice?" Celestia asked giving a hopeful expression.

"It will, but you will still face punishment for failure to think of this ahead of time." He smirked seeing her expression turn to shock.

"P-punishment?! You would punish me?" She choked slightly as she backed up upon seeing Midnights horn lighting up.

"Yup." He smirked as he let loose his magic, a beam of light hitting the sun princess and making her glow brightly. Once the light faded away, the dark Alicorn gave a slight snicker upon seeing the princess who just stared up at him from a lower height than normal.

"What did you do to me?!" She spoke out in a higher pitched voice. Covering her mouth with a hoof upon hearing herself speak in such a higher pitched tone, she gawked as she realized how tall she now was. She looked to Midnight who was literally laughing his tail off, seeing as she only came up to his knee.

Running over to the mirror she let out a loud shriek as she saw herself. "YOU USED THE REVERSION SPELL ON ME?!" She squeaked out in shock.

"It's only for a week doll, and think of it this way. At least now you won't forget about what needs to be done in order to keep our foals safe." He snickered but paused as he noticed an angry expression burst across her face. Her horn lighting up to a blistering white.

"I'll take that as you're angry with me." He spoke before disappearing right before a lightning bolt hit the spot he was previously standing in and burning a large hole into the wall. She gave an annoyed snort before moving back to the mirror and looking herself over.

"Darn him for doing this to me! What am I going to do now?! I have day court in a couple of hours!?" She squeaked out once again. "I'LL GET YOU MIDNIGHT!" She yelled out in the royal whee causing the windows to rattle loudly. "Oooooooh I will get you indeed........."

XXX

Luna was sitting quietly in her room, having just awoken from a nap when she heard her sister yelling out in the royal whee. She gave a nervous expression as she pulled herself from her bed and began to trot quickly toward her bedroom door, but paused as a bright flash of light came from behind her. She turned to see a snickering Midnight standing there laughing softly.

"Midnight? Why are you laughing? And why did Tia just shout just a moment ago?" Luna asked as she blinked toward the dark Alicorn.

"Just so you don't worry about your sister. I gave her a punishment just a minute ago for failing to teach, or have others teach our foals about proper methods of cloud bucking." He smirked as he took a quick seat on the floor.

"And pray tell, what was the punishment?" Luna asked with a cocked brow.

"I used the reversion spell on her. She will be in the body of a foal for the next week." He snickered, causing Luna to almost erupt in laughter before she placed a hoof over her mouth to stifle it.

"You had better not be joking with me Night! I have wanted to do that spell on her ever since I saw you as a foal when Twilight had cast it upon you." She giggled. "I simply must see her." She stated as she turned and bolted to the door only for it to abruptly open ans smack her in the nose. A little ball of white bursting in and taking an offensive pose as she looked around the room.

"LUNA! I heard laughter! I know Midnight is in here!" She shouted in the royal whee before her eyes fell upon the dark Alicorn sitting on the floor and waving at her with a smile, only to quickly disappear before she had the chance to do anything.

"Ow..............." Luna spoke as she pulled herself from behind the large door and rubbing her sore nose. She paused though as she looked to see her now midget sister looking at her curiously.

Celestia gave a slight glower as she noticed Luna's face begin to contort, readying herself to laugh.

"Don't! You! Dare!" Celestia stated with ice in her voice.

XXX

Down the hall, a couple of guards were standing quietly in front of the foals rooms. Keeping watch and making sure that they did not exit the room, as they would have to remain in their for the day as part of their punishment. They turned their heads toward Luna's room as the doors literally burst outward and she began to run down the hall toward them, only to pass them at an incredible speed. She was laughing the entire time causing them to cock a surprised brow at her. That was of course until a tiny version of Princess Celestia bust pass them screaming profanities at her, now larger, sister.

One of the guards looked to the other before pulling out a small flask and tossing it into the trash can next to him.

"That's the last time I buy scotch from a griffon." He stated before they both returned to their standing positions in front of the foals room.

Chapter 29

It had taken the better part of an hour for Celestia to finally catch up to her sister before pinning her to the floor with her magic. Luna, by this point, was laughing so hard that she was crying. Celestia on the other hand, was only getting more and more annoyed.

"Heeeeee heheheheheee, Tia-hahahahahaaa! I can-hahahaha-n't believe that Mi-hih-hih-hih-dnight did that to you-hoo-hoo-hooooooo." The night princes spoke in broken words while still laughing, only to further annoy her now little sister.

"Luna! Please refrain from laughing at me! This is not the time to do such a thing! Even though you may find this event................ rather amusing. I am in need of your help." She stated in some discomfort, only to cause Luna to slowly come to a halt with her laughter. She looked to her sister giving a cocked head before speaking.

"You need help? With what dear sister?" She asked as Celestia lowered her head giving a sigh before releasing her sister.

"I have day court very shortly, and that idiot of a stallion did this to me. He doesn't realize the repercussions that would fall upon me if the court saw me like this. So I need you to take over for me until this spell wears off." She stated with a nervous smile.

"Really now? And what would be in it for me by replacing you in day court? You know how much I dislike listening to ponies complain." She groaned.

Celestia sat there for a minute, rubbing her chin in thought as she pondered on what would be a proper reward that her sister would like. After a second she smiled deviously as she pulled out a couple of pictures from Midnight's stash portal and quickly waved them in front of her before tossing them back inside and closing it. Luna gasped upon seeing them, trying to grab them with her magic before her sister could hide them once again, only to fail.

"I'll give you those photos in return. Seeing as they are the only copy, I am sure you wouldn't mind working day court for just a week to prevent those pictures from, oh saaaaaay, being shown to a certain element of generosity?" She tittered seeing her sister fuming before crossing her forelegs in front of her and sitting roughly onto the floor.

"Fine! But I want those pictures, and If you lie to me Tia, I'll use the reversion spell on you for a whole month, and then disappear for that time as well. I wonder what the day court ponies would say about seeing you as a foal.

The two sisters glared at each other for a minute before shaking hooves to seal the deal. Luna sluggishly headed down the hall toward the day court while Celestia turned, heading back to her room. As she rounded the corner she opened the portal once again, pulling out the pictures to rifle through them. The pictures in question showed Luna and Rarity during last years new years party that Pinkie had thrown.

The two ponies were a drunken mess and had been caught in several photos in some rather odd and lewd poses. Even one of Luna licking Rarity's cutiemark seductively. Celestia, being the model ruler, had refrained from drinking during the event, only to manage to take some rather risque photos of the element bearers and her sister. Although quite amusing, they were quite scandalous.

The sun princess placed them back into the stash portal before giving a soft giggle. She would have to thank Midnight for the camera that he had placed inside the portal, that was, if she didn't kill him from the reversion spell he had cast onto her first.

XXX

After finally making it back into the hall from which her's, Luna's, and the foals quarters were. She managed to travel down the hall only to be stopped by the two guards from earlier.

"I'm sorry little miss, but this isn't a place for foals to be wandering around. Have you lost your way from your parents?" One of them asked only to cause her eye to twitch slightly.

"I am rather surprised that you have the gall to ask such a thing when seeing me as a foal. Can't you tell by my regalia that........" She trailed off as she tapped her chest to touch her regalia only to press the soft fur that had been hidden by it for so very long. She quickly looked herself over before gawking. Everything was gone! Her regalia, the crown, and even her majestic looking golden shoes. All that was left was an white Alicorn foal with a pink flowing mane.

"Uh....... Snap. I think that is the princess." Singing Sword stated to his fellow guard, Thunder Snap.

"No way! This foal has a pink mane, the princess has a tri-colored mane. Besides, this little'n's way to cute to be the princess." He chuckled before pausing and seeing the foals face contort to slight anger.

"Are you saying that Princess Celestia isn't cute?" She snorted, causing the guard to back peddle into the wall.

"N-no, its not that.............. well, maybe it is............. But I've never seen a picture of the princess as a foal WAAAAAAAAAAA HAAAAYAAAAAA!" *THUD* He fell to the floor in a singed slump, black smoke coming from his slightly charred frame before the princess gave a smirk as she strode by them and into her quarters.

"Bro, when are ya gonna learn teh keep yer mouth shut." Sword stated with a sigh as he picked his burnt friend from the floor.

"When you learn to stop drinking on duty ya moron." He groaned as he patted his frame to remove the charred remains of blackened fur.

XXX

Back in Ponyville, Midnight had appeared in a flash just inside of the library, startling a certain purple unicorn and dragon who were chatting quietly. Once Midnight's vision returned to normal he looked around, his vision stopping on his lavender love and little brother of a dragon.

"Hey you two." He smiled as he trotted over, giving the unicorn a nuzzle and the dragon a quick hoof bump.

Just as he finished the hoof bump, the dragon let out a loud burp, sending a plume of green smoke out that manifested into a scroll. Twilight quickly pulled it to her, unfurling it and reading it before giving a slight gasp, and then a glare toward the dark Alicorn before putting him in a seize spell. She gave a slight smirk as she trotted around him, Spike giving them a questioning look before pulling the scroll to him to read.

Twilight looked to Spike whom began to chuckle softly as he pulled the scroll from in front of him and placed it onto the desk. She turned her attention back to Midnight, which, at this point, had most of his head released from the spell. He looked to the lavender unicorn in front of him as she gave him a stern glare. That lasted for a minute until he noticed her lip quiver slightly as the corners of her mouth began to slowly turn upward. He gave a grin before speaking.

"Yes, she's adorable." He stated only to cause Twilight to erupt in laughter and release her hold on her stallion.

"Oh my gosh! Please tell me you took a picture! I have wanted to see The princess as a foal ever since I turned you into one!" She giggled loudly, trotting in place in anticipation.

After a few seconds of letting her stew, Midnight pulled open his portal, reaching in with his magic and pulling out a stack of pictures as he began to rifle through them only to pause for a moment as he noticed a few pictures he hadn't taken, laying on top of the pile. Quickly placing them at the bottom of the pile, he rifled through them for another couple of seconds before finding the pictures he was looking for. He floated them over to Twilight who grabbed them up quickly before staring at them in awe. Then busting out in laughter and squealing out an aw as Spike came to her side to see them as well. The young dragon gave a snort, trying his best to hold in his laughter, but failed miserably as he erupted as well.

A few minutes passed by as Midnight continued to look through the pile of pictures, then began to sort them quickly before making several back up copies of them before placing all but the copies back into the portal. Placing the more risque pictures into separate piles as well.

'I knew Tia was getting into my stash somehow, but I still don't know how she is doing it.' He thought to himself as he quickly closed it and turned back to Twilight who had managed to get her laughter under control.

"I have to ask." Twilight began as she continued to giggle softly over the picture of the princess as a foal. "Why did you use the reversion spell on her?"

"Well, it was due to her not having taught our foals about proper cloud bucking." He stated in annoyance.

"There's a proper way to buck clouds?" She asked in slight surprise.

"Yea, even I don't know the proper method to do it. Yet another reason I came by here to see if you had a book about the subject. Plus I had one more thing of interest that I wanted to ask you." He stated as he trotted over to the book case to try and find a book on cloud bucking.

"Something of interest?" Twilight asked as she cocked her head in wonder.

"Yea, I was in a cave in the Everfree forest when I happened across some odd symbols painted onto the wall. I've never seen anything like it, not even in my home world." He said as he found the book he was looking for, quickly pulling it from the shelf and scanning it before returning it to its proper place in the shelf.

"A painting? That does sound rather strange. There aren't many views on the history of Equestria before the time when the princess came to this world. Most of the knowledge was lost to ages past. Especially during the great wars between the Griffon kingdom and the Worg nation. Equestria, at that time, was just a battleground for the two. As well as home to various other species that fought against each other. If I recall correctly, Equestria was ruled by another member of royalty that was once a very powerful being. Possibly even more powerful that the princesses combined." Twilight stated while rubbing her chin in thought. She trotted toward her study, entering it and then returning into the main room of the library with a large dusty book. Placing it onto a small table, she opened it and began to quickly flip the pages until she stopped onto a large ornate section of the book depicting various types of paintings.

Midnight came over to her side and took a seat as he watched her flip the pages before stopping. His eyes immediately going wide upon seeing one of the symbols that he had seen within the cave. He raised a hoof an tapped the symbol as he spoke.

"That's one of the symbols I saw. There were some others, but most of them were worn badly from weathering or scratching. The cave had a lot of changeling chitin in it. So I guess it was from them trying to find a way out of the cave from the Ursa Major." He said as he rubbed his chin for a moment, then stopping as he noticed the look of shock on Twilight's face.

"Did you just say Ursa Major?" She squeaked out in shock.

"Yea, and the Ursa Minor, her baby. Turns out that they eat changelings for sustenance. I'll fill you in on the story later, for now though, let's continue doing some research on these symbols. I'll share my memories of them with you so you'll know what to look for." He smirked slightly, Twilight giving a nod as her horn lit up and sending both of them into his mind to find the memories.

XXX

After a couple of minutes, and a memory copied. Twilight had been filled in on why Celestia had been 'punished', and what the symbols were that Midnight had seen within the cave. The two continued looking through the book and locating most of the symbols that he had seen on the walls of the cave.

After taking almost an hour to find most of the symbols, they became stuck on a conclusion to what it would have said due to the fact that Midnight had not walked around the large rock to find the rest of the symbols. Twilight looked up to the dark Alicorn in slight worry.

"Night, as much as I hate to say it. If you want to find out what the rest of this says, then we'll need to go back to the cave to find the rest of the symbols." She sighed in worry.

"No prob, we can get in and out pretty quick. The Ursa won't mind, I'm sure." He smiled down to her only to get a cocked brow in return.

"You seem oddly relaxed about going back to the cave. She stated flatly, wondering why.

"Long story short, that Ursa and her baby were the ones I saved during the whole Shadow Hunter incident years back. She doesn't mind me visiting. In fact, I think she finds it more of a relief than anything. Seeing as she can depend on an entirely different species to help her if the need calls for it." He stated with a smile.

"That............... actually sounds pretty strange. I never thought that an Ursa would be capable of such a thing." Twilight giggled slightly thinking of an Ursa being more sentient that she previously thought.

"Well, no time like the present to find out. You coming with?" Midnight asked her as he nodded to the door, only to make her eyes bug out a little.

"WHAT?! You want to go to the cave now? But it's so late now. Won't you get lost?" She asked in a panic, thinking of getting lost within the Everfree Forest just when the sun was starting to dip below the horizon.

"Bah! You know me. Always adventurous and willing to take a risk. Come on! It'll be fun!" He chuckled seeing her give a tinge a fear. "Besides, I'll protect you from all the critters. I doubt anything would want to tangle with an Alicorn anyway." He chuckled still seeing her slightly worried. After a minute he gave a groan,pulling the lavender unicorn onto his back.

"Fine, I'll use an invisibility spell you big baby." He sighed only to see her smile.

After a quick spell to turn them both invisible, and another to stealth teleport to prevent any noise or flash from happening. They had arrived at the entrance to the cave, only to be greeted with complete darkness.

"I can't see anything Night. The canopy is blocking all of the light. How are we going to get inside without a light spell to light the path? You know it would cause any wild animals to come and investigate, putting us in possible danger." She groaned slightly as her eyes whipped around to try and see anything.

"How about this spell? I haven't had the chance to use it yet until now." He smirked as his horn lit up and cast a spell onto both his and Twilights left eye, letting them see everything in a green tint of light.

"What in the..............? How am I able to see like this? And in green no less? What kind of spell was that?" She asked in shock.

"It's called night vision Twi. You now have a small orb of magic sending out infrared light outward toward everything, which bounces back and shows the image to you in front of your eye. The spell doesn't actually do anything to your eye, it just makes a small screen in front of your eye so that you can easily see in the dark. Its based off of some technology from my world."

Twilight looked around in awe as she noticed the great detail of everything around her. Even seeing a few sets of eyes looking at her from the bushes which cause her to tense up slightly.

"I think it's time to go into the cave, I don't like the look I'm getting from those things." She stated rather quickly, pushing on the back of Midnight's neck to get him to move.

XXX

After making it into the cave, Twilight continued to ride on Midnight's back through the cave to the point where he paused, causing Twilight to look around his head to see what had cause him to stop. She gave a slight gasp upon seeing the Ursa Minor that she had pacified from years back, laying quietly on the floor against what seemed like a large dotted wall. However, upon closer inspection. twilight noticed that it wasn't a wall, but an Ursa Major.

Midnight could feel her tremble in fear upon seeing how large the Ursa was in comparison to it's baby.

"Hey Twi, relax hun, everything's going to be alright." He stated reassuringly as he walked quietly around the large celestial beast to the spot where he had found Marina and the symbols. Upon moving into the spot in question, Midnight had noticed that the area had been cleaned thoroughly of the chitin from previous meals. This would help in keeping such gore from his lavender love that still resided on his back.

As they rounded the boulder, he paused as he felt Twilight give him a gentle nudge with a hoof and speaking quietly into his ear.

"There's the symbols." She spoke softly before jumping down from his back and moving over to see the rest of them.

A few minutes passed by as she and Midnight looked around the area to find any and all of the symbols in question. Some had been removed or rubbed off of the wall from the wear of time. Others still shown in a dull tint, almost completely faded from the hands of time. After a few minutes of mentally copying the symbols, the two ponies finished and quickly teleported out of the cave and back into the library.

"Night, I'm going to be up for a while translating these symbols. Do you want to help?" Twilight asked the large stallion as he stretched out his wings before folding them back to his sides.

"Sure, anythings better than going back to the castle to face Tia's wrath." He chuckled as he plopped down beside the lavender unicorn.

Chapter 30

Although normally it wouldn't have taken until dawn the next to translate all of the symbols in something that could be read by the lavender unicorn. When Twilight had scanned the book that would provide the translation to the confusing symbols, it provided her only with confusion. After many hours of not only examining the book to find the cause of the problem. She and Midnight had also taken the time to manually translate the symbols by researching each and every symbol that was within their memory.

It was now in the early hours of dawn, and the golden sun had just peeked over the horizon to shed its warm rays over all of Equestria. The dark Alicorn and the lavender love of his life had all but fallen asleep once the final symbols had been translated into legible content. It would be a few hours before they would wake, or so they thought while they slumbered quietly behind Twilight's desk.

At this moment however, Celestia had taken it upon herself, once she had risen the sun, to make a quick trip to Ponyville to see if she could locate the stallion that had transformed her into something she had not been in several millennia. Spike on the other hand, upon answering the front door and seeing her, couldn't help but give a soft chuckle while covering his mouth to attempt to halt them from escaping. He had been warned of what had happened through an early morning scroll addressed directly to him, and had also been warned that she would be giving a surprise visit to attempt to locate Midnight.

The young dragon had sent her a reply however, stating that Midnight was there along with Twilight, sound asleep in her study. Upon reading this on the scroll, the sun princess teleported into Ponyville just a few yards from the library. Once she had entered the library and made her way into Twilight's study, she gave an eery grin that looked rather maniacal compared to her normal expressions. As she made her way quietly around the desk, she could help but feel a little bad about what she was about to do as her horn lit up with magic.

Just as her horn lit up, Midnight's ears swiveled to the sound of the magic coursing through Celestia's horn. He turned his head drowsily toward her and blinked a couple of times before seeing her sinister grin. Just as he realized what was about to happen, only one word left his mouth before he was hit with a blast of magic.

"Shit..............." *ZAP*

Twilight jumped from her spot into the air and wrapped herself around a standing lamp that was next to her desk. She panted a few times as she looked around herself in shock only to see a tiny Princess of the Sun rolling on the floor and laughing so hard that she was crying.

"P-princess?!" Twilight spoke out worriedly, until she saw a little black and orange colt sitting quietly on the floor where she had just launched herself from. Connecting the laughing princess to the colt that looked just like her betrothed to be made everything click together, causing her to jump down from the lamp and trot up next to him seeing his ears splayed back and a disgruntled expression spread across his face as he glared a hole through the laughing filly that had just zapped him.

"MIDNIGHT?!" Twilight gawked before giving a soft giggle and covering her mouth with a hoof.

The dark Alicorn gave a sigh as he looked up to Twilight before speaking.

"Go ahead, laugh it up sweetheart." He groaned only to cause them both to laugh loudly upon seeing him. He on the other hand stood up quietly and walked over to Celestia who was still laughing, but paused as she heard him stop next to her. She quietly got to her hooves and grinned triumphantly upward to Midnight before she noticed his smirk.

"What are you smirking at?" She asked giving a slightly confused glare.

"Not much.............. shorty." He snickered seeing her expression change to shock before turning into anger once again.

"Pfffft!" Came a combined, held back laugh from Twilight and Spike together as they attempted to continue to hold it back. Key word being, attempted.

XXX

It was still early in the morning when Applejack was pulling her apple cart down the worn dirt path into Ponyville, heading toward the market to sell the Apple Families best to the citizens of the small town. As she rounded the final corner to make a straight shot into the market, she paused and took a step back as a lavender unicorn, black and orange colt Alicorn, and a giggling purple dragon bolted past her, all laughing so hard that they were crying. She pulled her hat from her head to scratch her confused head just before a little white and pink Alicorn bust by her screaming out to the laughing trio.

"COME BACK HERE SO i CAN SEND YOU TO THE MOON!" The little filly yelled as they all vanished into the distance.

Applejack just shook her head in confusion as she replaced her hat onto her head and continued into the marketplace.

"Ah swear, that dern fool's gonna tick off the wrong critter one day an end up in a heap'o trouble. If'n he ain't already." She chuckled as she came to a stop in the market and began to set up her small booth.

XXX

After another twenty minutes of laughing and running away from the midget princess. The three had finally come to a halt just outside of Carousel Boutique. Huddle together in a laughing mess and covering their heads with their forelimbs, awaiting a savage beating that the princess was about to give them. However, fate always tends to play around with the ponies of this world, and no sooner had Celestia arrived behind them, horn glowing to administer punishment, when she was unceremoniously pulled by a certain white unicorns magic, right into her awaiting arms as they wrapped around the princess and hugged her into the fashion diva's chest.

"Oh my goodness! Who is this adorable young filly that looks like she is about to rain down a world of pain upon my dear friends!" She squealed out in glee as she pulled the shocked filly away from her to get a good look at her only to pause and elicit a smirk from her as she almost dropped the filly upon realizing who she was.

"PRINCESS?!" She almost shrieked in awe before hearing the three start to giggle from in front of her once again.

"Nope, her new name is shorty." Midnight snickered for a moment before he felt Twilight and Spike quickly jump away from him. Just as he looked up to see why, his frame was hit with a rather intense lightning bolt causing his skeleton to become visible for just a split second before his seered frame let out a black puff of smoke from his mouth. "Ouch."

Rarity looked to the smoking tip of the Sun Princess horn before taking a look at her now smoking stallion turned colt. She turned the grinning filly around, causing her to stop and look worriedly toward the glaring white fashionista as she was quickly floated over to a corner and plopped down into it, facing away from the room she was in.

Turning her vision back to Rarity, the princess spoke up.

"Why am I...." She didn't get to finish as her head was snapped back into her corner while Rarity spoke out in a motherly tone.

"Ah ah aaaaah, You keep your nose in that corner young lady. Singing my dear stallion whle in my presence is not acceptable. You are being punished and will keep your nose in that corner for ten minutes." She stated loudly only to elicit another fit of giggles from Twilight and Midnight. Spike on the other hoof was just smiling at Rarity like he always does.

"And you two will also be punished as well." She spoke up as her magic grabbed the other two and placed them into separate corners of the room away from one another.

"Rarity........... I'm almost as old as you are." Twilight spoke up causing the fashionista to gawk at being called old, only to turn the lavender unicorn around on the spot and place her rump onto the floor rather forcefully.

"You will be punished as well and have an extra couple of minutes added to your time for calling me............ old." Rarity grumbled, giving a shiver of malcontent upon hearing such a word that was being used to describe her.

Well, as the time ticked on, nothing was said as the three ponies accepted their punishment until the time had come when Rarity had called to them to let them know the time had expired. They turned around to see her waving them over to a small table as she was placing a small tray of tea and cookies upon it. Upon seeing one another however, they just lay their ears back and glared, until Rarity cleared her throat, giving a disapproving glare to them. The three looked to each other giving a nervous smile before apologizing to one another and taking a seat at the table.

"Good, now that you've said your sorry to one another, we can have some tea and discuss why not only the princess has somehow turned into a filly." Rarity paused hearing Midnight snicker and snapping her head to him to see him about to bite into a cookie, only to have it snatched away from his maw as he bit down.

"For that, young sir, you will not be eating any cookies." Rarity stated with a snort, placing the cookie onto Celestia's saucer.

"Awwwww." He groaned crossing his hooves in front of him, playing into acting his apparent body's age.

"Now then, would somepony care to explain?" Rarity asked as she glanced around the table only to pause on Celestia as she cleared her throat and began to explain.

XXX

After a short explanation, Rarity had been filled in on the current events and found herself giving a slight giggle as well before composing herself upon seeing Celestia glare at her.

"So this was all over your foals not having been taught about how to buck clouds? Don't you think that this was a little drastic darling?" The white unicorn asked Midnight as he gave a sigh.

"Yea, it was a little harsh of a punishment, but now Tia will think more about her children's safety rather than spending all of it on royal duties. I did warn her before we conceived Starlight that she would have to spend more time being a mother rather than a ruler." He stated with a slight grump in his expression.

"You never said I would be punished if I didn't!" Celestia spoke out in shock.

"I didn't intend on punishing you to be honest, but this little event could have cost Marina her life. Your parenting instincts should be in high gear right now and should be making you ready to kill for your children that were in danger." He spat back in an angered tone. Celestia recoiling and bringing her hooves up to in front of her as her eyes threatened to tear up.

"I............ I'm sorry...................... It's just that, I've never done something like being mother before." She spoke out in a hushed tone.

"And I a father............ still though, that shouldn't make you feel so lax on the subject. I worry about my kids every second of every day. Wondering if you are taking care of them, or having your staff do it for you. I will admit that although I do lack the knowledge of being a father. It doesn't mean I would let my children falling willingly into a dangerous situation. I now understand that since neither of us knew about the situation, or what our children were being properly taught, that this situation could not have been avoided. It was bound to happen due to faults on both of our parts, and for that, I am sorry for doing to you, what I did." Midnight stated rather quickly as he looked away in embarrassment.

:Still, that doesn't mean that we can have this little spell cured. We will have to remain this way since one of the ingredients to the counterspell are at a dangerous low." Celestia sighed, thinking of spending the rest of the week as a foal.

"I'm sure everything will work out fine Princess." Twilight smiled as she looked between the two Alicorns.

"Yea, it isn't so bad. I had fun as a little colt from my last transformation. I hung out with the crusaders for most of the time. We got into all types of trouble." Midnight chuckled, thinking back to that point in time.

"Unfortunately, I do not have that luxury. I have a nation to run, and time is not on my side. It is almost noon now, and Luna may be in for more than she can handle." Celestia sighed as she looked toward the window that was facing toward Canterlot.

"How so?" Twilight asked just before Spike let out a loud burp of green flames that quickly turned into a scroll and floated over to the sun princess in her glowing magic.

Celestia unfurled the scroll and gazed upon it, giving an annoyed sigh and rolling her eyes upon reading it. She tossed it over to Twilight who quickly looked it over and gave a worried expression. Midnight, being rather nosy at the moment, snatch it from Twilight's magical grasp and read it aloud.

Dearest sister, please return to the castle and take my place in day court. You failed to mention to me that this session was part of the winter wrap up season change. In turn, causing many of the ponies within the kingdom to request many different things that would need done or replaced due to the winter months damaging many different parts of the city. I have halted day court until you return.

Luna

Midnight tossed the scroll away giving an unamused grunt. "Welp, ah guess that means I've got to help." He groaned as he looked to the Sun Princess who only face hoofed. Twilight giving a sigh as she looked toward the dark Alicorn with an annoyed expression.

"I think you've helped enough." Twilight groaned.

Chapter 31

Celestia had managed to get back to Canterlot, along with he soon to be husband at her side. The two, now young, ponies, walked side by side into the day court to see many ponies idly chatting away with one another as they stood in line, waiting to be heard.

A few of the ponies watched the two foals trotting quietly up to the bench before opening their wings and flying up and onto the small platform before taking a seat. Some of the ponies who had watched this nudged one of their neighbors who all began to go quiet as the rest followed suit, wondering who these two foals were before Midnight cleared his throat and spoke up in a lowered volume royal whee.

"Before any of you ask. The princess and I had a little prank mishap with one another and had a reversion spell cast on either of us. We will be in this form for about a week before the spell wears off. Now then, onto the matter at hoof." He smiled as he noticed a few of the ponies gawking at what they had just heard. Celestia nodding to a guard just near her who looked over to the first pony in line and called him over.

The pony quietly walked over to in front of the duo Alicorn foals and gave a bow before rising and clearing his throat to begin.

"Your Majesty, As you know, Winter wrap up was finished flawlessly this year in Ponyville, but I had the misfortune of have several of my plows damaged and one destroyed during the clearing of the snow and to plow the land to be able to plant seeds. My farm isn't as successful as the Apple Families, so having those plows in their damaged state will cause us to have to wait to plant the seeds in our own field. I have come here today to ask you if you would be kind enough to donate a single plow to my farm so that we may be able to at least be able to plant within the next few weeks." The pony stated as he bowed again under her watchful eye.

"As much as I would like to help you in your endeavors in this matter, I am sorry to say that we have far more pressing matters at hoof to attend to and must decline your request." The sun princess stated causing the stallions ears to splay back, the pain evident on his face of having his request rejected.

"Now hang on Tia, I think this fella needs the help." Midnight spoke up causing the stallions ears to perk back up, and the princess to cock a brow at him that gave a slight twitch. "Tell ya what, for any of the ponies that you need to decline today, I'll see what I can do to help them out." Midnight smiled down to the now beaming stallion who was visibly shaking from being so happy.

"I'll send out a clone to help out those who need something done, or need help in obtaining a few items. I can still stay here to listen and send out more clones as the need arises." Midnight chuckled slightly but came to a stop as he got a slight glare from the sun princess.

"Midnight, may I speak to you in private for a moment please?" Celestia stated with a little ice behind her voice. Midnight took a nervous glance to the stallion who had been smiling whom was now giving a nervous smile to him. Midnight gave him a curt nod, signalling that he wasn't mad but he knew what was about to happen. After returning his vision back to Celestia, they quickly exited through a door in the side of the room.

"Night, I want to let you know something. I have reasons that I decline certain requests during court." She began as she nodded for him to take a seat on the floor.

"I would like to know those reasons. Because you know that unless they are good ones, I'm going to help them anyway." He stated back with a cold stare of his own.

"The reason I declined that ponys request was because he failed to keep his equipment in good working order. Farmers know that they must keep all tools in top working order so that they can continue working on when the seasons change." She stated as of-matter-of-factually.

"But didn't you take into consideration of the fact that if he doesn't get help, then the harvests will be late and could possibly affect the economy? I understand that he would have to pay for repairs for the plow, but if he doesn't have the bits to do so, then not only are you hurting the ponys business that sells those parts of equipment. You are also possibly causing many ponies to have a chance at going hungry because you wouldn't help them with something they need in order to help everypony survive."

At this moment Midnight stopped as he noticed a gentle smile spread across Celestia's face as she began again.

"You know, I am very proud of you for telling me that. I had originally thought that you may not be so quick to thinking about everypony as a whole and what could affect them all if only a single pony was unable to do their job. I must say that I think I will be able to take quite a few vacation days and allow you to handle things here in the castle in the near future." She tittered softly as she began to walk toward the door. Leaving a stunned dark Alicorn foal in her wake.

"Wait, you purposely did that didn't you?" He snapped back with a smirk.

"I have to keep you on your 'toes' as you would have put it were you still human." She smirked as her magic took a hold of the door handle and began to turn it.

"You're to much at times. I have a feeling I'm going to enjoy showing you up in day court sometimes." He snickered only to get an eye roll from the sun princess.

"I'll allow it only if you do not spoil my little ponies. They still need to work and do what they have been doing for the past several thousand years." She stated with a cocked brow.

"Yea yea, I know the drill. I'm not totally hopeless you know." He chuckled as they exited the room back into the day court. The stallion visibly shaking in anticipation of a reformed answer that he was sure to get.

The dark Alicorn stepped forward smiling down to him before his horn lit up and he cast a spell causing a clone of himself to pop into reality. The two dark stallions nodded to one another as the clone flew down to the stallion, giving a smile as he spoke up.

"How about we get to your farm so I can fix those plows for you." He stated causing all of the court to gawk.

"What? Just because I am to be your future king doesn't mean that I don't like to get my hooves dirty." He chuckled only to make everypony smile at that.

"You do realize that in all my years as their ruler, I have not once physically done any work other that speaking and raising the sun and moon." Celestia spoke quietly toward Midnight who only chuckled.

"Then its time for a change love. So lets start this train wreck, shall we?" He laughed as the next pony stepped up to in front of the two Alicorns.

XXX

As the day continued on, Midnight had managed to make quite a few clones of himself to go and help many different ponies with their requests. Some would be as simple as helping to paint their home, while the most difficult of the requests would be to help in plowing some fields for planting. It had taken the better part of the day, but the clones had finished their jobs and evaporated into thin air, returning their knowledge from the day to the original Midnight.

At the moment however, Celestia and Midnight were sitting quietly in her quarters alongside their two foals. Both of which seemed to have gotten a huge kick out of seeing their parents around the same size as they were. The two Alicorns had been conned into participating in coloring within a coloring book that the foals had acquired previously. Celestia taking careful strokes with the crayons to keep within the lines while Midnight did exactly what his foals were doing. Making crazy color combinations and going outside the lines on many different areas. After a short time they would all show each other their little masterpieces before looking in awe at Celestia's. It being perfect in every way. Midnight on the other hand just seemed to act goofy with his. putting all the wrong colors into the spots they weren't meant to go just to cause everypony to giggle.

Time passed rather quickly for the four ponies before the foals had finally fallen asleep on their coloring books. Midnight slowly picking them up and taking them to their rooms before returning back into Celestia's quarter to find her reading a scroll that had apparently been sent to her while he was preoccupied with the children.

"Tia? Is it from Twilight?" Midnight asked as he trotted over to her to see a look of worry plastered across her face.

"Yes, but unfortunately it is not good news." She sighed as she floated the scroll to the dark Alicorn, he sitting down beside her to read it.

Princess Celestia and Midnight,

I have urgent news for you. Earlier the previous day Midnight and I had traveled into the Everfree Forest to the spot where Marina had been captured by an Ursa Major. While inside the cave we located some ancient looking symbols that were of a language that I am not familiar with. However, I have managed to translate what the symbols mean through an ancient griffon history book that had the language within it. It took some time but this is what it translated to.

=A time once passed with magic flowing, many lives sacrificed to the ancient glowing. A princess of the night of Twilight sunder, basked within their glow making her cause a great blunder. Madness ensued, taking countless lives before the coming of a heavenly being sent her into a great slumber anew.

Upon the coming of a time untold, the wedding of a new being transformed from times of old. The Twilight Princess shall soon awake, to show the world its new fate.=

I'm not quite sure as to what this riddle means, but it sounds as if it is relating to Midnight and our wedding day. I hope that I am wrong however. Because if this riddle says anything at all, it's telling us that a new evil will arise upon or after our wedding day. Please princess, if you can tell me anything about this, forward it to me as soon as you can. I don't want to be unprepared when having to face an unknown enemy.

Midnight gave a worried glance to the letter as he he looked back to Celestia who had her eyes closed, a look on concentration plastered across her face. After a couple of minutes she opened her eyes, taking a deep breath and exhaling slowly before looking to the Dark Alicorn at her side and speaking.

"We need to go into the royal archives Night. There is something I need to show you." She stated as she began to walk toward the door of the room, Midnight not saying a word as he followed quickly behind her.

Chapter 32

The two tiny Alicorns had made their way into the royal archives within the castle. Taking several roped off paths into the depths below the library where many secretive texts along with ancient books as old, if not older, than Celestia herself. Along the way she picked up several small books, floating them to Midnight as she spoke.

"You will need to memorize these books in order to read what I am about to show you. I am aware of that little spell you use in order to do so. So please, if you would be so kind." She stated as she nodded to the books she had just given him.

The dark Alicorn quickly scanned the books, closing his eyes as he skimmed over the information that he had just obtained. Giving a nod the the princess he handed them back within his magical grasp. She placing them onto a dusty table that lay along their path into the bowls of the library below.

Thick dust lined every single tile and stone that lay along the floors and walls they had just traveled. Small gems lighting up in a dull glow that was no brighter than Midnight's mane and tail as they traversed the isles that lined their path. Ever so often they would pause in their steps for a moment as Celestia would carefully pick up some of the fallen books that had managed to find a place on the floor due to tremors in the land or other various reasons that would cause them to fall to the floor without the aid of a pony.

As they walked down the final path, they reached a large ornate red door that had been severely dull due to the wear of time. As Midnight watched Celestia's horn light up as a small beam of light flew from the tip and hit a pattern on the door making it light up into a beautiful soft blue glow. The zigzaging light moved around the pattern until it hit several small locks that click noisily before spinning around and bring large hooks from the sides of the door. After a few seconds the door released from its place in the wall, letting out a loud hiss of air and blowing the dust about around them. The two Alicorn's covered their heads with magic to prevent dust from being inhaled and causing them to sneeze and further disrupting it.

As Celestia pulled open the door the rest of the way, they were welcomed with something they had not expected. A warm interior room about twenty yards in width and in a large circular pattern law within the locked room. Many lamps were lit with bright gems that were emanating light. Several large cushions lay about the are as well as a few small tables. One such table and pillow already being occupied by something, or rather, somepony.

"Well now, it has been some time since I have seen any........... ponies........... Ahem! Please excuse me, but........... how did two foals get into this area? I thought that only the princess' could get in here." A ghostly specter of a pony stated as he floated over tot he two foals that had just entered into the room.

"Tia........... Am I really seeing a ghost right now?" Midnight asked as he looked up to the see through blue pony before him.

Celestia just gave a smile as she looked up to the old stallion ghost before her.

"Tether, it has been what? Nearly three hundred years?" She asked as he looked down to the filly in surprise. He bolting down to here and giving her a scrutinizing gaze before smiling and giving her head a quick pat with a ghostly hoof.

"There is only one pony that has ever called me that, and it would be the Princess of the Sun, Celestia herself." He laughed loudly. "I can't believe it has been that long since I last saw you. But......... I didn't think you were a foal the last time we met either. Care to explain?" Tether chuckled as he floated back over to the cushion that he had been seemingly laying on.

"That would be due to this little nuisance here." She nodded back to Midnight who chuckled nervously.

"I see that you managed to do the same thing to him as well. Heh, well, I never did understand lovers quarrels. So I'll let it be." He chuckled seeing Celestia's face erupt into a bright blush.

"Tether, please......... before you get into accusations. At least let me introduce you to one another." She tittered.

The two Alicorns made their way over to the ghostly apparition before Celestia began. Each of the two males looking at each other and giving a nod.

"Midnight, This is Tether. But his actual name is........" She paused as Tether raised a hoof.

"Now Tia, What have I said about introductions?" He smirked seeing her giggles softly. "My friends shall call me Tether, and I hope that this young one will be able to call me that in time. Until then, Call me Strap." He winked giving a chuckle.

"Very well then Strap." Midnight chuckled as well.

"Tether is from an ancient pony race that had once lived on my previous world. I have known him for eons and dare I say it, he may even be as old as my father." She smirked up to the translucent stallion who chuckled back.

"Yea, I remember the day I met your father. I about scared him to death with being a ghost and all. Poor fella wet himself at that moment. Don't tell him I said so though. He might get a hankering to pull me through space and time to give my flank a beating." He laughed loudly at the thought before Midnight cleared his throat to garner their attentions.

"Tether, I would also like to introduce you to my fiance, Midnight Flame." Celestia smiled nodding to the dark Alicorn at her side.

"A pleasure, I'm sure. But did I hear correctly? Did you say fiance?" He asked while cocking a brow.

"Yes, that's correct. I can hardly believe it myself though, with being my age and all." Celestia tittered giving a soft blush while glancing to Midnight.

"I'm sorry to say Tia, but we really should get back on track." Midnight sighed seeing her nod to him before turning back to Tether.

"Yes, I am saddened to say that our visit is not for pleasantries my dear friend. We are here to find a book relating to the Twilight Princess." She stated solemnly as she glanced around at the large assortment of books along the walls.

"Ah................. that book.............." Tether trailed off giving an uneasy expression. "Tia, if the time has come for you to read this book, then I fear that the prophecy is soon to be at hoof."

"Prophecy?" Midnight asked, cocking his head slightly.

"Yes, it is an ancient prophecy that was handed down through the early years of the griffon kingdom. I arrived on this planet shortly after that moment in time. The griffon kingdom had just finished waging war against the worg nation and surprisingly won. Although a large percentage of the griffons within the kingdom had turned to were creatures much like you had done before." She sighed softly for a moment before continuing. "The worg nation had managed to breed a powerful, magic wielding were that had made an alliance with one of the Gods from the under-world. She would gain more and more power through sacrificing living beings for her cause. The griffon kingdom eventually managed to make a deal with one of the Gods in the over world to obtain the power to imprison her."

Midnight looked at her in surprise as Tether pulled the book from the shelf and handed it to Midnight. His magic lashing out quickly as he scanned it and gawked for a moment upon learning its contents.

"Tia............ this has got to be wrong. There is nothing that could be this evil........... this........... cruel............... Not even the shadow hunter did this!" He spoke in shock, dropping the book to the floor and back peddling from it a couple of steps.

"I am sorry to say that it is true my dear." She sighed as she pulled open the book to the point in the story where she had paused and then began to read.

"The Twilight Princess forged a deal with a devil in order to gain power. After finding a group to aid her, she slowly took over the worg nation through fear and tyranny. After she had made many sacrifices to gain even more power, she sought to take over the entire world. It was only through the willing sacrifice of the third king of the griffon kingdom, to one of the God's above that his son had gained enough power to imprison her into a solid diamond that was then tossed into the largest volcano of the dragons nation. Which at the time, had not been formed. The diamond had been enchanted to only grow stronger over time in the heat of the liquid stone. However, I fear that with this prophecy, the diamond prison may have eventually found a spot in the depths of the magma laden depths of the volcano, and then having it harden into stone around her. Without the constant heat and pressure making the prison stronger. Her power would eventually allow her to break free to begin anew."

"Tia, I have a very bad feeling about this. If you think this prophecy to be true, then she may have already escaped." Midnight spoke out nervously.

"That won't be possible my boy." Tether stated as he pulled the book to himself and flipped through a few pages before turning it around and pressing it forward to show a small piece of artwork that proved his point.

"In order for her to break free, there first must be a wedding between on out-worlder and the princess of the sun. On that day it is said that she will break out of her prison to start building an army and to gain more power to attempt to overthrow the more powerful beings in this world."

"But., what if we don't have the wedding?" Midnight asked but paused seeing Celestia's hurt expression.

"I am sorry to say that the date in question will still be the day that she is released from her prison my boy. If the wedding is canceled, she will still come forth. Your' best bet is to just go ahead and have the wedding. That way you won't ruin this young fillys dreams of finally being wed." Tether stated as he nodded to Celestia who only turned her head to Midnight to give a saddened smile.

"Well crap................ Either way I'll probably be looking for a fight on my wedding day much like last time." Midnight groaned out pulling Celestia close and giving her cheek a quick peck. "I guess the only way to have an awesome wedding is to make sure I kick enough ass for everypony to remember it." He laughed only to make Celestia roll her eyes.

Tether gave a hardy laugh, patting the young Alicorn on the back. "My boy, I think I'm going to enjoy talking to you."

Midnight giving him a quick hoof bump in return as he smirked. "Same here old stallion. I look forward to hearing some embarrassing stories about Tia in her younger days." He grinned as he looked over to Celestia whose eyes went to pinpoints.

"Oh I have quite a few of those." He smirked back as they turned and began to head over to another book case. Tia hot on their heels yelling.

Chapter 33

After looking through the vast library of ancient texts, the Alicorn duo had found several more books relating to the Twilight Princess. They now had enough information to prepare for the event in question, but one question still plagued them.

"Where is she?" Midnight asked in an annoyed tone as he looked over a large map of the dragon nation. He and Celestia were now in Twilights library in Ponyville, looking over various maps that the young unicorn had made during her travels around the globe to find the spell to release Midnight from his stone prison.

Twilight had painstakingly drawn the maps herself with the aid of various other beings that were familiar with the areas in question. Over the time she had been traveling, she had seen a lot and heard countless stories of various areas. Taking the opportunity, she would write down all of the information, and then place it inside of Midnight's stash portal to be safe.

Currently, the three ponies were skimming slowly over the dragon nations map that Twilight had made. The only problem they were having though, was with finding the exact location of where the Twilight princess had been buried. After being in diamond for so long and then flowing through an underground river of magma. There was no telling where she would have ended up.

Even with the most powerful of magic, nopony could have scanned these underground rivers of lava that moved below the tectonic plates covering the world. For all they knew, she could be right under-hoof and they would never know. The only course of action would to be to prepare for the worst, and hope for the best.

The dark Alicorn gave an annoyed snort as he hovered above the large map covering a large section of the floor. The map had been enchanted by Twilight herself to show the exact elevation of the land and even put into color the areas that were wooded, baron, or covered in rock and lava from active volcanos. I was a site to behold considering that 3D graphics had absolutely nothing on this kind of realism.

"Night, I'm sorry to say that we may not have any luck in locating where this being will show up from. The underground rivers of magma from the dragon nation run all through the entire globe. You are essentially trying to find a needle in a haystack. I think our best option would to prepare for the event. You can make multiple clones of yourself and send them out around the globe to see if anything pops up." Twilight stated as she looked worriedly toward her stallion.

"As much as I would love to do that, I can't. My clones are only good for a specific amount of time before they end up disappearing. It also puts a lot of strain on me as well. The more magic I put into each clone the longer they will last of course, but I am only limited to a specific amount of magic before I turn back into a human. Since finding out about my leeching capability toward any and everything around me, I don't want to risk hurting anyone, or thing just to satisfy my curiosity. So for the time being, we will need to send out scouting parties around the globe and advise the other nations of what is to come." He sighed as he landed next to the lavender unicorn and rubbed his tiny frame up against her leg, she smiling down to him and giving his head a quick peck.

"Night, I'm sure you're aware of our standing with the Griffon nation since our last encounter with their now dethroned king. Ever since that time, he has tried to regain his standing and return to the throne. However the Elders have kept him from doing so through various means. One such thing being in turning his own son against him." Celestia sighed at thinking of having a child turn against their only parent.

"Regardless, we should let them know since it was one of their kings and his son that imprisoned her in the first place. We can only hope that if it comes down to it, they will do it once again." Midnight stated rather coldly as he thought of when he had fought the griffon king before almost killing him.

The trio continued looking over the maps for a short while longer before a yawn escaped Twilight signalling that they had reached their limit for the day. Although the two Alicorns were not tired in the least, now having the energy of youth behind them. They decided to call it a night and head back to their respective homes. Celestia teleporting to the castle, as Midnight curled up with Twilight in her bed. It would be a long night for all of them, but maybe the morn would bring something better.

XXX

"Put your backs into it you lazy dogs!" Fido shouted toward several larger dogs that were digging wildly into the hardened ground. Ever since their encounter with Midnight all those years ago, they had taken the opportunity to dig from just outside of Ponyville, to countless miles away in every direction. The clan had broken into several groups, all heading in different directions to see if they could find better mining grounds for gems. One of the groups however managed to dig far enough underground to go under the ocean before making it into the dragon nation. Although it had taken many years to traverse that distance, along with non-stop digging. They had arrived around twenty miles inland into the nation of the giant dragons.

All around them were countless, massive, lizards that breathed fire. Having the ability to sweep them up in an instant for an easy snack. But for dragons, Diamond dogs were no tasty treat. They were creatures that would work with the dragons to help procure gems for them to eat. A happy dragon, being fed by many Diamond dogs, would defend them in order to keep their bellies full. During the past couple of years, the dogs had found an ally. That ally being one of the largest earth dragons they had ever seen.

As with the ponies of the world, there were dragons that were similar in the type of ponies that lived amongst Equestria. Like with ponies, the dragons had the earth type, flying type, magic type, and the extremely rare type that would have all of those abilities together in a single dragon. The Diamond Dogs however, had managed to dig into the burrow of a large earth dragon that had been napping for some time. After the dragon had captured one of the dogs, it noticed the collar that it wore, and the gem that was held within it. some negotiations were made, and the dogs would be allowed to stay in the dragons dwelling, and be protected, as long as they supplied him with gems.

Currently, the entire cave was working on a path they had come across that led into a cavern of molten rock. It had been carefully monitored and scouted by a small group of dogs some time ago. Many different cache of gems had been located within it, including diamonds and sapphires. However, they were currently digging up a huge gem that they had come across by accident. A rock had fallen from the ceiling of the cave and came crashing down onto a large concentration of coal, splitting it open to reveal a large diamond within. The diamond was at least twenty feet in diameter, and the dogs knew that the dragon would love to have this delicacy in his claws. A diamond this size is considered the sweetest candy to any dragon, and highly coveted. Some have even been traded for females of the dragon race, or fought over by the more powerful of dragons.

But now, these Diamond dogs were about to finish digging out the largest diamond they had ever found. But there was one slight problem that they had not managed to see until quite a bit of it had been uncovered. Many of the dogs washed the surface of the diamond clean as they all began to look at it in awe.

"What is it?" One of them spoke up as he tilted his head slightly trying to figure out what type of creature it was.

"Don't know, but dragon might find it appetizing also." Another chuckled as he waved to a group of large dogs to finish clearing the rubble away before pulling it out of the ground. Although the diamond was huge, it was extremely light. Maybe even only several hundred pounds at most.

Once the diamond had been pulled from the ground, the dogs placed it onto a large cart before they began pulling it through the cave. Several other smaller dogs were on the cart, washing the diamond thoroughly as they were slowly tugged along. After about an hour, they had reached the den area of the dragon, Fido being the head dog of the group, stepped forward to the large dragon that was staring quietly out of the cave before giving a large yawn and baring his massive teeth.

"Master?" Fido spoke out as he came up to the large dragon, giving a slight bow, my dogs have found a large gem that we would like to offer as payment for your continued protection for the next several months."

The dragons head slowly lifted from the ground as it turned its massive eyes to the dog, giving a slight snort before opening its mouth to speak.

"Several months you say? My my, that must be quite the gem you have managed to dig up then." He gave a throaty chuckle causing the dog to give a nervous smile.

"Very well then, bring it to me. I will see if it is worthy of several months worth of protection." He smirked as he propped up his head up onto his taloned paw. The dog gave a quick whistle that echoed through the cave, signalling to the small group to pull the cart around the corner and into view. Once it began to round the corner, the dragons eyes went wider and wider upon seeing how huge the gemstone was. Fido jumped out of the way as several large blobs of thick saliva hit the ground near him, giving off a loud hiss as it began to slightly dissolve the ground it had hit.

"Me takes it that you likes the gem." Fido grinned, rubbing his paws together but paused and shrunk away slightly as the dragon glared toward him.

"You've done well in finding this, scrumptious little thing, for me." He grinned evilly toward the dog, but paused as the gem got closer, letting him notice the creature that was trapped within it. "What's this?" He stated as he reached out toward the cart causing the dogs to scatter as hte gripped it and lifted it up to just a couple yard from his eye as he starred into the gem.

"We not sure. Creature was in gem when we pulled it out of ground master." Fido spoke up as he looked up to it."Possible creamy filling?" He chuckled slightly.

"Creamy filling huh?" The dragon stated in mock sarcasm before laughing loudly to the dog. The laugh echoing loudly through the cave before trailing off into its depths. "Very well then dog, since your clan has found such a marvelous gem, along with it's 'creamy filling', and making me laugh. I agree to give you six months of protection for this, along with my daily meals. Far more generous than you have asked for." He smiled down to the dog who smiled back, the rest of the dogs barking loudly in approval as well.

"Master is too kind. We go back to digging now, will have your dinner out shortly." Fido stated as he bowed before quickly making his exit.

The dragon sat the giant diamond down onto the floor in front of him as he lay down in front of it. Giving the gem a long lick, he pulled his tongue back into his mouth as it gave off a few sparks.

"Hmmmmm, it seems as if this gem was enchanted for some reason. He thought quietly to himself before licking it again, sending out a few more sparks of magic. "What creature would be so dangerous that the populace that imprisoned it would resort to diamond as its prison?" He hummed again as he continued licking it.

"It doesn't matter, Once I have finished tasting my treat, I will eat it as well. Creamy filling indeed." He chuckled as he continued licking it like a huge lollipop.

Chapter 34

After several days without any luck in finding any further information about the Twilight Princess. Midnight had resorted to doing the one thing he had not really considered to do at the time. That particular thing involved him traveling into the afterlife several times in order to gather quite a bit of information from various different beings. Before his travels though, he had spoken aloud to any God that would be listening to him at the time. After a few words had been kindly exchanged, and scrolls sent from the afterlife. Midnight had managed to gain access to several beings in the afterlife that could possibly aid him in his quest to find out more information about the being that would soon show herself.

"Alright Tia, I'll be gone for a little while. I'm not sure how well this is going to work though, so make sure to keep your distance for the time being." Midnight stated as he lay down onto a small pillow, still in his reverted form.

"Very well, I'll let the guard know as well so that you will not be disturbed. Do say hello to my parents for me though." Celestia smiled warmly to him as he gave a nod in return.

"Be back in a bit." He smiled as his horn lit up, his vision filling with light as he quickly stepped into the afterlife with the aid of the spell. Looking around for moment, he located his parents, his future in-laws, and the Alpha God, Bob. However, he wasn't looking at them from his normal height. He was still quite small, and in his reverted form. He stared quietly at the group before him before he noticed his mothers and his mother-in-laws expressions turn to awe for a moment before they gave a gasp, squealing out as they rushed him.

"Oh crap!" He managed to squeak out before the two females pulled him into a group hug, squealing loudly at how adorable he was. A few minutes passed by before he gave an annoyed sigh.

"Mom.............. Soon to be mom in law................... I do have a limited time here, and I would like to get something accomplished instead of being glomped by you two." He groaned, but paused, going stiff as he noticed their unrelenting glare. Both moving closer toward his face and making him sweat for a moment before he sighed in annoyance.

"Fine............. proceed." He stated causing them both to smile and snuggle him lovingly. After a few minutes, Bob walked over to in front of the trio cocking a brow.

"Ladies, I am sorry to say this, but I need to discuss a few things with this little fellow." He smirked slightly seeing Midnight's eyes light up at finally being able to get away from the duo whom were smothering him with loving hugs.

"Awww, but he is just so adorable." Morning Star pouted as the reverted Alicorn was quickly pulled from her and May's embrace.

"The last time my son was that small was decades ago, and you would deprive his mother the chance to hold him like a baby once again? Shaaaaaaaaaame!" She stated while shaking a finger at Bob, making him chuckle.

"You can berate me later my child, but for the moment, your son needs some guidance on the topic at hand, and I am afraid that I must take him from everyone for a short time." Bob chuckled as he sat the Alicorn down and vanished from sight along with him.

XXX

The two reappeared outside of a large gate that seemed to show quite a bit of wear from the time it had been existing. A tall black stone gate that had large gashes all over it. Many chips had been taken out of it from what looked like claws or swords, as well as many large dents caused by massive impacts..

The gate itself was around forty feet tall, set in solid black stone, and also set within a larger door that was then set into the side of a large, solid stone, mountain. All around them stood various dead trees and shrubs, along with a massive barren desert that seem to never end into the distance. Midnight gave a nervous glance up to Bob as he stared at the door.

"I hate to ask, but this looks like a gate to somewhere I don't want to go." Midnight chuckled nervously as the Alpha God reach his hand up to the door and gave it a gentle push.

"You're wondering where this leads to I take it?" Bob smirked seeing the tiny Alicorn nod. "Well, I am sure you are aware of some of the historical stories that have been told to you as a young man. The ones about the gates to hell?" Midnight gave an even more nervous nod. "Well then, you are about to see it first hand, but don't worry, since we are just guests, you won't see what your hell would be should you ever end up here."

"Wait, I thought that........." Midnight stopped as Bob picked back up.

"That all lives are predetermined fates? Don't be ridiculous boy, If I made everyones life onto a predetermined path, then I would have gone insane from boredom long ago. It's far to much fun watching what certain individuals will do when thrown into various circumstances." Bob chuckled.

"I take it you didn't know about me being stripped from my world and tossed into one filled with ponies then did you?" Midnight smirked a little seeing Bob roll his eyes.

"As I said, noone's life is on a predetermined path. I may give them a gentle nudge at times, but I won't directly interfere with them unless it will cause a great catastrophe in the end."

The two pressed through the door as Bob had finished. They both being greeted with the smell of fire and brimstone along with a slight heat. Midnight looked around them seeing jagged rocks protruding from all around and in every direction. Some of them glowing a slight orange from hanging over fire pits or lava. At one point, within a hundred yards of the entrance, Midnight along with Bob starred silently at a slightly moving rock that paused as part of it opened revealing a large glowing eye.

Pausing for a moment, Midnight gave the glowing eye in the giant rock wall a skeptical look just before a plume of black smoke erupted a few yards away causing him to back peddle and bump into Bob.

"Who dares enter this realm?" Came a deep rumbling voice as the rocks began to move about for a moment, a giant draconian head made of stone slowly turning toward the two as both eyes narrowed upon seeing them.

After seeing the head glare at the two of them, Midnight could feel himself shaking in fear from seeing such a gigantic dragons head made of nothing but stone. Bob reached down slowly, picking up the Alicorn whom was still shaking in fear.

"Now Granok, what have I told you about scaring my guests." Came another voice from all around them.

The giant stone dragons eyes went wide upon hearing the voice just before the three of them blink and another being was standing before them.

"What? Now flashy entrance this time around?" Bob asked giving a slight chuckle.

"Brother, so good to see you again............. not!" The being spoke as he moved closer to them, his appearance becoming far more pronounced and visible to them.

"I shall leave them to you sire." The large stone dragon stated as his head gently fell back into its place within the wall of the mountain.

"Sooooooo hard to find good help these days." The figure stated as he finally came to a stop in front of Bob, His eyes glowing faintly for a moment as he looked down to the Alicorn in his brothers possession.

"It has been some time brother. How have you been?" Bob asked as he felt the Alicorn in his arms stop shaking.

"Oh, you know............ torturing souls and subjecting damned souls to an eternity of never ending agony. Same thing I've been doing since the dawn of time." He sighed.

"Midnight, Although this particular individual was not really on the agenda as for beings that you would meet, I would like to introduce you to my brother." Bob stated as the being before them took a suave bow, sweeping both hands in front of him and to his sides.

"Satan, at your service, well, not really. But you get the picture." He chuckled as he returned upright. "But, you may call me Red." He chuckled in a sinister tone, causing Midnight to visibly shiver.

"Never thought I'd see this day." Midnight spoke out causing the two Gods to stare at him, blinking a couple of times.

"Well, it's better than being subjected to the pits of hell in the blink of an eye, is it not?" Bob chuckled only to see his brother give him a glare.

"I'll have you know that I have quite a few happy people here, thank you very much." Red stated in a mock hurt tone, causing Midnight to cock a brow as he was sat down onto the ground.

"I'd like to see that." Midnight smirked only to cause Red to glare at him, causing him to wither backwards slightly.

"Fine, but I would suggest you keep your limbs to yourself in here, and not to interfere with anything that is going on." Red stated as he snapped his fingers before everything went dark and returned to the light as they were now in a different part of hell.

The tiny Alicorn looked around him to see an ornate room, precariously decorated with black and red. The room they were standing in was quite large, maybe fifty feet in diameter with a large open table in the form of a ring within the middle of said room. All around it were chairs, minus a few spots that were missing some of them. In each chair or spot was a being, many of which Midnight had no clue as to who they were. In a couple of spots he did however, notice beings from history from his home world, as well as his new home world.

Midnight gave a growl as his eyes narrowed and his wings flared out upon seeing them. Bob quickly scooping him up as he tried to fight to get at them.

"My child, calm yourself. We did not traverse to this plane for you to fight." Bob stated causing him to give an audible snort and making many of the beings laugh.

"And why not? I would oh so love to get myself all over that little runt." A shadow stated as it crept up and around them. Taloned shadows reaching slightly toward the God and Alicorn only to pause as Red cleared his throat. The Shadow Hunter slinked backwards into its spot before another being spoke up.

"Nice to see you again as well my lesser half." An Alicorn just like Midnight stated as he chuckled from his sitting position next to a human that the original Midnight absolutely despised.

"You would sit next to that monster just to piss me off wouldn't you?!" Midnight shouted toward Flame as he pulled Adolf Hitler into a sideways hug.

"Who? This guy?! Come ON! I think you would have figured out by now that we are polar opposites you idiot." Flame chuckled before shoving Hitler sideways and out of his chair. "Besides, even though I'm dead, I'm still part of who you are. Along with being one of Red's generals." He laughed before the floor beneath him opened up and a plume of fire erupted upwards, sucking him screaming into its depths. Hitler looking over the edge and giving a face that looked like it was about to hurl.

"Yep, completely my polar opposite alright. I, at least, know when to hold my tongue and watch what I say." Midnight stated with a smirk.

"Just goes to show you how I like my generals. Brash and stupid." Red stated causing many of the beings within the room to chuckle nervously. Red rolling his eyes, giving a loud sigh and blowing a plume of black smoke from his mouth and into the center of the room. Bob and Midnight taking a seat in two vacant chairs to the side of the table next to the dark God.

"Now then, I believe that you've come here today to speak with a few beings that are within my realm." Red stated with a smile.

"We have brother." Bob stated, nodding.

Red turned his vision toward Midnight, causing him to wilt once again as he spoke. "And what, have you to offer in return for speaking to these beings?" He grinned seeing Midnights eyes go a little wide. The tiny Alicorn turning to Bob who now had his hands over his face, giving a sigh.

"I wasn't aware that I would need to offer anything in order to speak to a being in this realm." Midnight stated coldly.

"If you have nothing to offer, then I have no reason to allow you to stay here, unless of course, you'd like to take your idiot twins place as a general at my side." Red grinned evilly making the blood in Midnights veins run cold.

"Sorry, but I would rather not delve into evil practices. Much less being a general to you." Midnight stated with a glare of his own, surprising the devil before him.

"Well now, speaking out of tone to a God in his own realm. You must be incredibly stupid, or annoyingly brave." Red stated with an even more intense glare. Midnight not even blinking as he gave one of his own.

"Begone, both of you!" Red shouted, waving his hand in a tossing manner.

"What about our agreement brother?" Bob stated as he rose from his seat.

"Consider it null and void at this time. Now go! Or I'll consider you one of the damned." He growled.

Before Midnight could say anything else, the two beings vanished into a bright light causing many of the beings within the room to screech out in pain. The devil giving an annoyed sigh as he rubbed the bridge of his nose.

"I may not like what I have just done my brother, but consider this a push. One that will tip the balance." Red stated with a smirk as he leaned back in his chair, leaving every being within earshot completely stunned.

Chapter 35

After reappearing within Heaven, Midnight gave an audible snort as his plans had been ruined by the dark God of hell, Satan himself. Bob however, kneel down giving the tiny Alicorn a pat on his head causing him to look up to the creator of everything we know. God giving him a warm smile causing him to give a disheartened one in return. As God rose to his feet once again he began to walk alongside Midnight as he spoke.

"So I take it that there will be no way to see those beings that had played a part in the Twilight Princess' resurrection huh?" Midnight asked giving a sigh and looking to the ground.

"I am sad to say that it will not be possible unless you become one of the damned souls of hell. My brother likes to keep a tight reign when overseeing everything that goes on within his realm. Having an outsider, much less his own brother." He grumbled. "Still though, I am sorry that I cannot help you further. You know the rules that we Gods must abide by when it comes to interfering with the lives of our children."

"I understand, although I don't agree with it. Guess I'll just have to kick it up a notch to try and find any other beings that may know more about her." Midnight smirked as he flared his wings outward trying to look cool, only to be scooped up by his squealing mother who hugged him to her chest.Bob gave a loud chuckle as he watched Midnights expression turn to annoyance as his eye twitched while he was being glomped.

"Mom, you seriously need to quit with the hugging, you're embarrassing me." He sighed out as she pulled him away from her, turning him around, then giving a soft gasp upon seeing his pouting lip and puppy dog eyes.

Of course, at that moment, Midnight thought he had won and would be placed down. However, he only succeeded in being glomped into her bosom roughly as she squealed louder.

"Oh my goodness you are just so adorable! Why couldn't you be this cute when you were ten and destroying the house?" She stated as she pulled him away from her, he gasping for air.

"Ma seriously, I need to get this done. I understand I'm all cute and cuddly now, but if I don't find someone who knows about the Twilight Princess from the world I am currently living in. Them I fear that things could get really bad." He sighed only to cause her and his father to look at him questionably.

"Bad as in.......... how bad?" Midnight's father asked as he came up to the two, Celestia's parents also giving a worried expression.

"Bad as in, the world and everything in it may die. Including me, Tia, Luna, Marina, and Starlight." He stated causing his mother to gasp, dropping him from her grasp to the ground below.

At that moment, there was a deafening calm all around the area. Midnight looked up to his mother just in time to see a visible heat coming from her entire frame causing him, and everyone else to step back.

"Uh, dad. What's wrong with mom?" Midnight asked in worry only to see her glare death into nothingness as she began to speak.

"TOM!" She shouted causing everyone to flinch as she stared at her husband.

"Y-yes May?" He asked as he seemed to wither under her gaze.

"We are going to search all through heaven to find someone who knows about this so called 'Twilight Princess'. Then when our son returns, hopefully we will have enough information to help him save our grand babies." She stated in an authoritative tone, in return causing others around them to smile with determination.

Tom put on a determined smile as he knelt down and picked up his son, giving him a loving hug before setting him back down and ruffling his mane a little.

"My boy, I guess that means we're going on a little adventure to help you." He smiled but paused as Bob cleared his throat.

"You two do realize that you are not supposed to help the living, correct?" He stated a little flatly.

"Our son needs us, and he is here with us. If you won't allow us to help him................ I'll............... I'll........" May tried to think of something to say but paused, giving a devious smile. "I'll nag you for the rest of time!" She stated giving a smirk. This causing Tom and Midnight to snort before giving a chuckle. Bob raising an eyebrow toward her in surprise.

"You would nag your very creator for the rest of time if he didn't allow you to help a living descendent?" He chuckled shaking his head.

"And I would help her." Tom spoke up getting another chuckle from Midnight.

Bob gave a sigh as he rubbed the bridge of his nose before speaking. "You two never cease to surprise me. I'm glad to see that I have created such wonderful beings." He chuckled. "Go on your journey. I will send your son to you when he returns."

The three smiled widely before quickly hugging Bob and then running off as they began to ask questions to any and all beings around them questions that needed answered in order to help their son. Midnight looking back up to the alpha God as he spoke.

"So then, there is no way we can find any of the sacrifices or clan leaders that worshiped the Twilight Princess without going back to hell, is there?" He sighed.

"Unfortunately not my child, There are very few beings that made it into heaven during that time. Those that did make it had their lives taken without their consent. They fought to save everyone in an attempt to rise up against her. I dare say, your parent's are going on a mad goose hunt in order to help you. You should be very proud of them." Bob chuckled looking down to the smiling Alicorn.

"I am, I just wish *flicker* I could stay and help them. But I have plans to start in order to keep everyone safe. *Fade* I'll return in four days time to see what they've uncovered. Seeya Bob." Midnight stated as he slowly vanished from sight. Bob shaking his head as he watched him leave.

"Sometimes I really hate those rules I made." He sighed as he began walking in a random direction, Celestia's parents coming up to either side of him as they began.

"Bob, do you really plan on letting them fend for themselves? Even while knowing that Midnight will be.........." Star trailed off as she saw him raise a hand to stop her.

"He will be fine, although, the things that will happen during his time of need are going to be great and full of strife. The young one will make a choice during that moment. Which one he will choose will also determine his fate. I will not interfere with his decisions, and noone else will either." He stated firmly causing Star and Blaze to nod.

"We hope that he will make the right choice when the time arises. Let us pray that he does, for the sake of our children, and their children." Blaze said with a sigh.

XXX

Back in Canterlot, Midnight had returned to his body, waking up in the throws of candlelight from within Celestia's chambers. She was currently pacing back and forth in front of the dark Alicorn as she waited for him to return to the land of the living.

"Why do I feel like I've been asleep for a whole day?" He groaned as he gave a wide yawn, startling Celestia only to make her bolt over to him and pull him into a hug. "Tia?!"

"Night, You've been under that spell for nearly eight hours. That isn't normal. Luna and I have only stayed under the spell for no more than two hours maximum in the past. Please tell me you managed to find some information during that time." She stated in worry.

"Eight hours? I couldn't have been more than four hours in the afterlife. Are you sure?" He stated in surprise.

"I don't understand why it would have caused you to stay within the afterlife for such a time. I can only hope that it was due to the reversion spell that we are currently under. Never the less, It is rather late now." She stated as she nodded to the balcony of the room, The sun was slowly dipping into the horizon showing how late it truly was.

"Well, considering how long I was out, I think I'll be up for most of the night. Maybe Luna would like some company for the evening." He stated with a chuckle.

"I believe she would enjoy that. It has been some time since you two spent a day together without interruption." Celestia smiled giving a small yawn. Once she stopped though she noticed Midnight giving her an odd look. "Midnight?"

"That. Was. ADORABLE! Oh God I think you just gave me diabetes!" Midnight stated seeing her look of confusion.

"Midnight? What are you talking about?" She spoke out before seeing him grin for a second.

"Watch....." He trailed off as he gave an adorable yawn and rubbed his eyes with his foreleg. He smacked his lips a couple of times before looking to the sun princess, and giving a sleepy look. He stopped as he was bowled over by her, she giving him the same look that Morning Star and his own mother gave him when he was in Heaven.

"In all of my time alive, the only other thing I can think of to be that cute was when Starlight did the same thing a few years ago. Now I know where he got that." She giggled loudly as she hugged the dark Alicorn below her.

"Yea yea, I'm just so adorable that I put diabetics into comas as I pass by." He chuckled as he separated himself from her and headed toward the door to the room. "I'll see you in the morning love. Get some sleep." He smiled seeing her nod as she headed into her own bed, giving another yawn as she pulled the covers around her.

As Midnight left the room, he headed just down the corridor toward Lunas room. Standing just outside the door he gave it a soft knock, waiting a few seconds before hearing the door handle click as it was slowly pulled open revealing the princess of the night.

"Midnight? I thought that you would be asleep right now. What brings you to me this evening?" She asked as she stepped to the side of the door to let him in.

"Well, considering that Ive spent the last 8 hours within the confines of a spell. I think I've gotten enough sleep for the day. He chuckled. Luna giving him a look of confusion. "I went into the afterlife to do a few things. However, they didn't pan out like I had planned." He sighed.

"Oh! Did you see mother and father? Are they well?" She smiled widely as the young Alicorn now had her full attention.

"They're fine, but that isn't why I traversed into the afterlife. My trip was to gather more information about the Twilight Princess......" He paused for a moment as he looked back to Luna. "I don't think I've asked you before, but, do you know anything about the Twilight Princess?" He asked as he took a seat onto the floor.

Luna stood there in silence for a moment as she closed the door and slowly made her way over to a desk on the far side of the room, Midnight close behind. As she reached the desk, she used her magic to slowly pull a book from within it and floating it to him. Pulling it open to a specific page, she pressed it forward into Midnights own magical grasp as he began to read it.

"The Twilight Princess came to be during the time of war and strife between two nations that wanted to expand their own lands......." He paused as he looked back to Luna. "This is the same story I read before Luna." He paused as several pages turned within the book to another spot showing several large magical circles, along with a language that he was unfamiliar with.

"This book gives a short description of the Princess and the spells used to imprison her. Although it was before Celestias and my time here. This magic was far more powerful than anything we have ever heard of. I am sure that you're aware of the stories from what you've just said. What you don't know, is that she managed to kill almost half of the population of the Worg Nation in order to gain enough power to attempt to take over the world." She stated softly as she looked toward the dark Alicorn sitting in awe before her.

"H-how many lives were taken?" He asked in shock.

"Almost three million. All willing sacrifices that aided in giving her power to attempt in taking over the world. However, she failed due to the fact that a willing sacrifice for good is far stronger than any that is for evil." She smirked a little at that.

"How many did it take?" He asked, remembering back on what he had read.

"Only one." She smiled.

At that, Midnight gawked. "So, it took only one willing sacrifice to beat over three million sacrifices. How is that even possible? The numbers just don't add up!?" He choked out as he rubbed his chin in thought.

Luna trotted over to his side as she began once again. "Due to the pure heart of the Griffon King of that time, and the love that his son had for not only the Griffon nation, but also toward those within it and the rest of the world. The power of love, friendship, and over-all good, became far more powerful than any evil that was within the world. In the end, only an act of those who have a pure heart and wish to only save the world and those within it will triumph over an evil of that caliber." She smiled before moving away and toward the balcony of the room, her horn glowing brightly as she opened the doors and stepped out onto it.

She gave a sigh, closing her eyes as the glow around her horn began to increase. The sun was now dipping out of sight on the horizon as the moon began to lift from the other horizon. After a minute she smiled as the glow from her horn ceased, releasing the moon as it continued on its trajectory through the sky. She looked to her side seeing Midnight with a look of concentration plastered across his face.

"Luna, I don't know if I'll be able to defeat this evil..........." He trailed off as he looked to the rising moon. "I know that you are aware of humans and what they are capable of......." He sighed.

"But you are no longer human........"

"I may not be physically human anymore. But that still doesn't mean that my mind is now that of a pony either. I will always be who I am, and that includes my human nature of being evil. Flame was proof enough of that." He sighed only to cause the night princess to visibly flinch at the mentioning of Midnights evil half.

"Luna, I would like to think of myself as a strong being, capable of defending and helping any and every living thing in existence. But I'm not, I am capable of great things, but I am also capable of great evil as well. I know that we will be in for a fight in the near future, and from what I have read I can only dread that coming of the enemy that will be unleashed upon this world. So, I want you to make me a promise............ no............ I want you to give me your word. Should I turn evil again.................. I want you to end my life. Don't try to convince me for any reason. If for some reason I switch to the side of evil, I don't want to put my loved ones at risk." He stated softly as tears began to fill his eyes, slowly running down his muzzle and dripping onto the floor below.

After a few seconds though he gave a sharp gasp as he was pulled into an embrace within the arms of Luna. She was shaking gently as she hugged him. Softly speaking as she did so.

"Night............. I don't want that to ever be a possibility............... but................ should it ever occur................ you have my word that I will end it quickly..............."

He smiled giving her a gentle nuzzle as he spoke. "Thank you Luna................ I'm sorry to ask this of you........... But I know that Celestia and the others couldn't bring themselves to do it............ Please forgive me for asking so much of you."

"There is no need to forgive............. You are only thinking of everypony else instead of yourself, and there is no need to forgive that."

The two continued sitting quietly as the night progressed on. Although it was still early into the night, the two would be making many more plans, along with doing some more research before it came time for the wedding.

Chapter 36

The stink of sulfur mixed with the dank smelling sweat of dogs filled the giant cave in which the dragon had made his home. Although his sense of smell was all to keen, over the time he had let the diamond dogs reside within his home, he had become so accustomed to the smell that it no longer registered to him. That had become a welcome treat along with the giant diamond that they had given to him in return for protection for the entire clan for a specified amount of time.

The large earth dragon had not moved from his spot within the cave since he had obtained the giant diamond. Taking every moment to lick and gnaw at it with fervor. Over the few days he had been leisurely licking the gem, he had gotten so very close to the core that he could see the creature within. as he looked silently at the creature, he could see that its expression had been frozen in pain when the diamond had encased it. But what made it even more curious, was the fact that it was of a species the dragon had never seen before. Being several thousand years old had given the lazy dragon ample time to explore the world and meet many different beings, sometimes evening making them to be a suitable snack when the need arise for him to obtain sustenance.

At this moment however, the dragon was staring silently at the gem he had been slowly consuming over the past few days. He had whittled it down to just a foot all the way around the being in every direction, he was seriously considering just chomping it in half and being done with it. But his curiosity got the better of him, in turn, making him nibble around the head area more and more until he was just an inch from the beings forehead. As he continued licking closer to the beings head, he could feel that the magic surrounding the gem begin to increase with each lick, sending little bolts of electricity through his taste buds. He savored the taste more and more, not realizing that he had placed the gem into his mouth and began to roll it around. The saliva slowly melting the rest of the diamond that was surrounding the being within.

A few hours had passed by before the dragon pulled the gem from his mouth, giving a slight pout as he noticed how much the diamond had diminished. It was now barely covering the being and had several large cracks all over it that slowly began to spider web into more and more. As he placed it onto the ground, he watched in slight amazement as one of the beings hands erupted from within the diamond and began to move as the rest of the diamond began to crack and break off of its body.

"Well now." The dragon smiled toothily toward the being as most of the upper body was now free of the diamond. It took in a deep breath of air, coughing and covering its face and mouth as it began to speak out.

"That has got to be the most vile smell I have ever had the displeasure of inhaling." She growled between coughs.

"So the creature lives? This is rather unusual." The dragon stated as it lowered its head to take a closer look. The being stopping for a moment as it looked up and into the dragons eyes giving a smirk.

"A dragon? I thought I wiped out most of your kind eons ago." She sighed in annoyance as her hands kept themselves busy with breaking the rest of the diamond away from her body.

"You? Wiped out dragons? Eons ago? HAAAAAAAAAAAAAA Hahahahahaha!" The dragon shouted in laughter as he fell over. His chuckles causing the cave to rumble along with him.

The woman within the diamond smiled as she finished pulling the rest of the gem from her and tossed it to the side before standing up and dusting herself off. She smiled as she looked herself over.

"I haven't aged a day, that is absolutely marvelous! She squealed happily as she waved her hands about in front of her for a moment as she began to concentrate. "Now then, what about my magic?"

The dragon had ceased his laughing once he noticed the being had pulled herself free from within the confines of the diamond. He gave a slight pout as he picked up a couple of pieces and gingerly tossed them into his mouth before chomping happily onto them. The magic from before had vanished from the gem, giving it a slightly more bitter taste than before. He gave a sigh as he looked to the female standing before him, lowering his head to get a better look at her.

She stood roughly six feet tall and seemed to have no fur over her body. The only thing the dragon could see that would resemble fur would be the hair that was atop her head, and it was braided tightly as it moved down her back into what looked like a long tail that reached just below her waist. The clothing she had on was quite odd from what the dragon would guess. It was a silky looking black gown that reached just below her knees. It wasn't confining, but it wasn't flowing either. As it reached her waist it disappeared beneath a blood red corset that fit tightly around her mid-drift before pressing upwards, making her breasts look fuller and more plump. Her chest, however, was covered in a dark black skin tight cloth that seemed to move about on its own as it went up to her neck and onto her shoulders. her arms were bare, but her wrists held several bracelets that all contained many gemstones that glowed brightly. All of which caught the dragons eye as he licked his lips hungrily.

By this time, the female had noticed the dragon staring at her bracelets and gave a smirk as she playfully waved one hand back and forth into front of him. His eyes followed it before she finally stopped and placed both hands behind her back, causing the dragon to blink a couple of times before it glared at her.

"I would like to request that you give those wonderful looking gems to me, they look rather............... tasty." The dragon growled hungrily as he licked his snout, sending a few droplets of drool onto the ground with a loud his as they made contact.

The woman smiled as she leaned forward a little as she spoke. "I'll give them to you on one condition." She chirped playfully. "All you have to say is the following phrase and I'll give them to you." She paused seeing the dragons brow furrow a little before chuckling. "I sacrifice myself to the Twilight Princess." She grinned seeing him rolled his eyes.

"You must be joking..........." He trailed off as one of his talons tapped the ground impatiently. "Very well then........ It it means that I will obtain that delightful looking gemstone bracelet." He exclaimed as he cleared his throat. "I sacrifice myself to the Twilight Princess." He smirked, but paused as he looked at the evil grin that was plastered across her face as her bracelets glowed brightly.

"Thank you, for aiding me in taking over this pitiful world." She cackled as a beam of light shot out of the bracelet on her left hand, hitting the dragon squarely in the chest and causing him to roar out in pain as he was slowly encased within it. After a few seconds of thrashing about, his movements ceased as his form was quickly sucked into the bracelet on her right hand. As the glowing came to a halt she gave a slight shudder of delight as she could feel the power that one dragon alone had given her. However, it was soon interrupted as she heard several loud growls coming from all around her. Turning around, she smirked seeing a large pack of diamond dogs surrounding her.

"Well well well.............. Looks as if the welcoming party has already started." She smirked. "So then, would all of you like to die? Or would you like to aid me in taking over this world and getting everything you have ever desired?" She giggled menacingly.

"Stupid thing! There is only one of you, and a pack of us. What you think you can do to win fight against a whole pack of diamond dogs?" Fido growled as he stepped forward.

"Well, I can give you all the gems you would ever want in turn for your loyalty to me." She smiled sweetly as her right wrist began to glow and she began to pull gemstones from all around her and place them in front of the dogs, making them gawk in amazement as the pile continued to get bigger.

"If you can do this for us dogs, then we will be loyal." Fido smiled giving a rather creepy, toothy grin.

"Very good." She smiled as she patted the dogs head making him pant and wag his tail happily. "Now then, I want all of you to say one tiny little phrase for me, and you will get all the gemstones your little hearts desire." She beamed sweetly.

"Even more than this?" Fido asked in surprise as he jumped onto the pile of gemstones.

"I promise to give you a pile a hundred times that size to each of you just for saying one little phrase." She giggled sweetly.

The dogs all sat their with a hug smile across their faces as they awaited what she would say.

"I sacrifice myself to the Twilight Princess." She repeated herself from earlier.

"I sacrifice myself to the Twilight Princess." They all shouted in unison only to pause after it was said as a beam of magic erupted from her left bracelet and consumed them in magic. They all vanished into thin air as the magic swept quickly into her right bracelet. All except for a few dogs that had appeared from one of the tunnels.

The few dogs charge her without even thinking, covering the ground between them quickly. The woman gave a smile as she raise her right hand, the bracelet glowing brightly as she spoke.

"INCINERATION!" She shouted as a plume of fire erupted from her hand, engulfing everything in front of her. The dogs didn't even have time to yelp as they were consumed. After only a few seconds the fire ceased, leaving nothing but molten rock in the back of the cave, some even dripping from the ceiling and plopping loudly into the molten floor.

"Hmmmmm, seems I'm still rather weak." She sighed. "Guess I will have to regain my strength through more sacrifices." She giggled as she gingerly skipped from the cave and into the bright daylight. "That and it's still daytime, ugh! I hate the day." She groaned before continuing along.

Chapter 37

It had been nearly a week since the Twilight Princess had been released from her diamond prison. During that time, she had managed to make her way slowly through the dragon lands toward its borders. However, with her being still slightly weakened due to her almost eternal slumber within the diamond prison, she was now slowly regaining that strength through manipulating various beings that had even the slightest bit of intelligence when it came to communicating with others.

Over the course of that week, she would find many different beings to come across, including several other dragons that would look at her oddly. One instance occurred where she had to fight one of those dragons, using up some of her power in the process. Still, she would continue on, gaining more power as time passed. Her path leading her directly toward the ocean, and across that ocean, lay Equestria, the one place she would need to go in order to remove the most powerful of beings from the planet, so that she could rule in their place.

XXX

Back in Canterlot however, Midnight was still in the process of helping aid a few ponies in decorating the castle for the week to come. The time was dwindling down for the royal wedding, he and Celestia would return to their normal state from the reversion spell in only another twenty-four hours. Many of the ponies within the castle had become accustomed to the dark Alicorn’s shenanigans, so seeing him, along with Celestia, as foals, was a rather normal occurrence.

Currently, Midnight was in the throne room along with Twilight and Celestia herself to help with the decorating. Rarity was supervising many of the ponies that would be making or putting up banners, while Applejack was in the kitchen helping in making many of the banquet items that would be consumed after the wedding had come to a close.

For now though, the two Alicorns were still standing idly by, watching as ponies of all shapes and sizes worked feverishly to get decorations and many different settings just right for the wedding that would come in only a few days.

“Shew, this is a lot more work than I thought.” Twilight sighed as she ran a hoof over her forehead, wiping away some sweat that had been there. She looked over her checklist several times, glancing around the room to make sure that what she had marked off was indeed finished and ready to go.

“Yer tellin’ me! I never knew that there was so much stuff to do in order to set up a wedding, much less a ‘Royal’ wedding. I can only imagine the hell the guards are going to go through in order to keep things civil.” Midnight chuckled as his attention was brought to a young mare that was levitating several signature books in front of herself and the princess.

“Oh! I like this one!” Celestia stated with a smile as she pulled it closer to her to get a better look.

“Well then I think you should pick it love. I want this to be the best day possible for all of my brides to be. So anything you want done, or to be a part of the wedding, is your choice.” Midnight smiled toward her before being bowled over by the Sun Princess. She nuzzling him affectionately only to pause as a certain lavender Unicorn cleared her throat.

“As much as I would love to see you two kids being affectionate with one another, I think it best to wrap up with the wedding decorations before we can move onto rehearsal. We do want everything to be right after all.” Twilight smiled as she made another check onto her list.

“I’m just so excited though. You have no idea how I’ve longed for this day to come.” Celestia stated with misty eyes toward the two. “I feel as if............... as if............. I can’t honestly describe the feeling I’m having about this.” She stated in slight confusion for a moment.

“Like this is the day you’ve dreamt of since you were small?” Midnight concluded, causing her and Twilight to stare at him in surprise.

“What? I can be poetic at times too, ya know.” He chuckled as he gave the Sun Princess a playful nudge.

“It’s not that, Night, It’s just that..........” Celestia trailed off as Twilight began.

“It’s just that queen Chrysalis said the same thing when she tried to take over Canterlot during my brothers wedding.”

Midnight was taken aback a little by this information as he stared silently at the two for a moment. He looked away, giving a thoughtful expression before continuing.

“I wasn’t aware that she had said such a thing, but it won’t happen again. I’ll make sure that this wedding will go off without a hitch.” Midnight smirked to the two.

“Really? So you are absolutely positive that nothing is going to go wrong, even with the premonition of the Twilight Princess resurrecting herself?” Celestia sighed in worry.

“Even with that on the horizon, nothing will make this a day to regret. I have fail-safe plans in place just for this occasion. You girls have nothing to worry about.” Midnight smiled as the two gave him a hopeful smile in return.

“Let’s just hope that you’re right about that. I would hate to have the same problem that my brother had all those years ago.” Twilight sighed, thinking back to the event that had nearly destroyed the entire city of Canterlot.

“No worries love, all you need to worry about is your wedding dress.” Midnight chuckled before hearing her gasp.

“OH MY GOSH! I need to go and check on the dress to make sure it doesn’t need anything done to it! My mother and I aren’t the same size, so it may need to be altered!” Twilight groaned out as she trotted in place.

“Then get going.” Midnight chuckled, giving her a nudge. “I’m sure Rarity will assist if you need her.” He laughed as she bolted toward the exit of the room, her magic quickly snatching Rarity up and causing her to scream out in shock for a moment before she knew what was happening.

“Well, that was rather... unexpected.” Celestia stated with a smirk, only to make Midnight laugh.

“I’m surprised she doesn’t surprise you more often. But then again, I’m sure you’ve seen it all and heard it all before.” He chuckled.

“I have seen quite a bit in my lifetime, but not everything. Especially since you arrived into this world.” Tia giggled slightly giving him a nudge.

“Whaaaaaaat?! I surprise you?! NO WAY!” He laughed, giving her eye a lick and bolting toward the door.

“EWWWW! Midnight! Was that really necessary?!” Celestia yelled toward him, causing him to stop since she wasn’t taking chase.

She watched as his horn lit up and something appeared in front of his snout. She gave a shocked squeal as she heard his voice right in her ear.

“Got to keep you on your ‘toes’ now don’t I?” He chuckled before giving the inside of her ear a lick as well. The spell he had cast quickly stopped as he noticed her bolting after him, he only running away and laughing as he exited the room.

As Celestia rounded the corner out of the room, she came to a grinding halt as she noticed Shining Armor and Midnight on the floor from colliding with one another.

“Ow............ Midnight? What in the.......... do you seriously have to run around like you’re still a foal?” Armor groaned as he stood up and dusted himself off, stopping as he noticed the deadpanned expression plastered across Midnight’s face. “Sorry.” He stated with a sheepish smile.

“Shining Armor, what brings you here? Were you not scheduled to be at the training grounds with some of the new recruits today?” Celestia asked as she came up to Midnight’s side.

Shining shook himself back to reality as he remembered the news he needed to give to the princess before him.

“I apologize your majesty, but I have received word from one of our scout groups within the dragon nation.” He stated, but paused as Celestia gave a nod.

“Then let us go to the war room to speak of this subject. It will not be occupied at this time due to the activity going on for the preparation for the wedding.”

Shining gave a nod as Celestia and Midnight led the way to the war room to speak in private.

XXX

“WAAAAAHAHA HA!” Rarity shouted as she was unceremoniously plucked from within the throne room and dragged through the air behind Twilight as she made a mad dash into the hallway and down the corridor.

“Twilight! You put me down right this instant! *OOF* Watch where you’re going! *THUD* TWILIIIIIIIGHT!” Rarity continued shouting as she bumped into a pony before smacking into a wall while still being held within Twilight’s magical grasp.

Twilight came to a grinding halt as Rarity flew by her before being quickly pulled back like she was tied to an elastic rope. She began to turn a slight green from the rapid motion but managed to keep her lunch down as she glared daggers at the lavender Unicorn standing before her.

“I’m so sorry Rarity, it’s just that I forgot to put on my dress to see if it needed altered in anyway, and the wedding is in two days. I know how hectic your schedule is and I didn’t want to end up taking more of your time than needed.” Twilight pouted for a moment as she set Rarity onto the floor.

The white Unicorn gave her a saddened smile as she pulled her into a hug as she spoke. “Think nothing of it darling. I am more than happy to brush off a few things in order to help you fit perfectly into your wedding dress. Come, let us go to your guest room and put it on so that I can see what needs to be done to it, hmm?” She smiled lovingly toward her friend.

“Oh, I don’t want you to put off other projects just because of me, I wouldn’t want to upset any other pony.” She smiled bashfully, realizing the trouble she may be causing to any unsuspecting customers of Raritys.

“It’s no trouble at all darling, my loyal customers wouldn’t dream of taking up my time when it could be used to help with the royal wedding. Besides, none of them have put any commissions in for new attire for the wedding. They usually just go and buy something from within Canterlot’s, *shudder* retail stores.” She smacked her lips a little to get the taste from such filthy words out of her mouth. Afterwards, she gave a sincere smile as they both trotted into Twilight’s guest room to see her wedding gown already laying on her bed.

“Alright then darling, lets try it on and have you trot around to let me see how it moves on you.” Rarity smiled as she watched her lavender friend begin to put the dress on. After some minor complications she managed to get it on, but it seemed to sag a little in several areas.

“Oh my............. you said that this dress was your mothers correct?” Rarity asked, seeing Twilight nod in confirmation.

“Yes, it was hers, why?”

“Well, I don’t want to seem rude dear, but I think your mother may have had a few extra pounds on her flank when she wore this dress.” Rarity stated as she poked and prodded the dress, folding several areas as she attempted to guess what the right size would be for her friend.

“Well, she did say that she caught dad’s attention due to her flank. She never really elaborated about it thankfully.” Twilight giggled but paused as she noticed just how many inches of the dress had been folded in order for it to fit properly onto her flank.

“I must say Twilight, your........ mother............ had quite the flank when she wore this dress.” Rarity giggled slightly seeing Twilight’s shocked expression.

“Oh no! Does that mean?! That I’m?!!!” She began to slightly panic. “What if Midnight doesn’t like fat flanked mares?! RARITY! You have to help me find a spell for this!” She squealed out in worry only to stop as she noticed her friend giggling at her plight.

“Darling, you have nothing to worry about. I know that our stallion loves us unconditionally, no matter what we look like. So please, don’t worry yourself.” She smiled, giving Twilight a reassuring hug.

Twilight sat onto the floor, giving a sigh as she returned the hug. I know, I’m just worried about losing him. He is the most important thing in my life right now next to the princess. I can’t imagine myself without him.” She smiled sheepishly.

“Well, let us not worry about the what ifs darling. We have a wedding in only two days, let us take this time to get ready for that special event.” She giggled as they both stared at each other for a moment before squealing loudly and trotting in place.

Yes, this was going to be a wondrous day indeed, one that nopony would ever forget.

Chapter 38

Midnight, Celestia, and Shining Armor had made their way into the war room, all three remaining silent until the door had closed to block out any sounds that would come in or make their way out of the room. After a few more seconds to find a seat, Shining Armor began.

"I have reports from within the dragon nation that an unknown being of great power has surfaced. It is bipedal, and looks to be........... human." Shining stated as he pulled out a folder with several pictures inside. Spreading them out onto the table to let the two Alicorns see them.

"Human?! There must be some mistake!" Midnight stated in slight shock as he was pulling the pictures to him, pausing as his eyes looked upon a slightly blurry photo of a human female in an ancient stylized outfit.

Celestia was next to pull one of the photos to here as she began to look over it. "It seems that the stories from long ago may have been exaggerated on this beings physical prowess."

"What do you mean?" Both Shining and Midnight asked in slight surprise.

"I am referring to the stories about her having the ability to use magic to manipulate her form. This information was prevalent in a lot of the old history books relating to when she attempted to take over the world. However, they never mentioned her true form since most of the beings who saw her in that form, were quickly killed off." Celestia stated as she continued to squint slightly toward one of the photos she was floating in front of her.

"Sounds like she wants to keep as little information about her away from the public eye as possible." Midnight hummed quietly as he rubbed his chin in thought, his eyes never leaving the picture floating in front of him.

"What other information has our teams found out about her?" Celestia asked Shining as she placed the photo back onto the table.

"Unfortunately not much. All that we know is that she is gathering quite a few sacrifices through unknown means. How she is doing this so fast is beyond our comprehension." Shining stated as he mulled over the information that he had received earlier.

"Tia, I hate to say this right now since it is still before our big day, but maybe we should take her on now, in full force." Midnight stated as his expression became hardened.

"Do you think it to be wise though? I mean, what if she is more powerful than we first thought?" Celestia asked, a feeling of worry spreading through her gut.

"Well......." Midnight paused for a moment as he mulled over the possibilities. "What if I send clones to test her? You know, to get a little inside knowledge on her abilities?"

Shining and Celestia looked to one another before looking back to the dark Alicorn and nodding. "Just don't do anything that would give her an edge when fighting you if the need arises." Shining stated seeing him nod.

"Not a problem. This is mainly for intel gathering anyway. I'll just have some fun messing with her." He snickered seeing Celestia's face contort to annoyance. "What's wrong Tia?" He asked giving a grin.

"Your version of 'fun' is not what I would have expected you to do in this instance." She groaned.

"I didn't say I was going to have fun WITH her. I said I was going to have some fun MESSING with her." Midnight chuckled for a moment. "Somepony needs to get their mind out of the gutter." He snickered seeing her face burn a bright red.

"O...........Kay............... did not need to hear that." Shining Armor stated as his face burned red as well.

"Oh God you two are just so innocent, it's adorable." He snickered as he stood and began to head to the door of the room. "I'm going to head into the garden for a few minutes so I can make the clones. I'll be back shortly."

After that, Midnight left the war room leaving the two embarrassed ponies behind.

"Do you think he will succeed in gathering enough information to aid us?" Shining asked.

"I hope that he does Shining. He is one of the few ponies that are capable of unrestrained combat and intel gathering. If he cannot, then I am afraid nopony can."

XXX

Midnight arrived into the palace gardens fairly quickly, as one of the windows into the throne room had been left open to allow air to circulate freely due to the amount of working ponies being held within. He landed quietly into the garden, taking in a deep breath and relishing in it. The flowers had all but bloomed, giving a beautiful scenic view as well as a very pleasant aroma. Countless flowers spread far and wide within its confines spreading more of the aroma far and wide as the wind swept over them. The dark Alicorn gave a smile to seeing it all before finally turning into a more serious mood, his horn lighting up as he quickly made six clones of himself.

The six stood there at attention as Midnight began.

"Alright, you know what to do, but before those plans are set into motion, I need two of you to step forward." He stated, nodding to the two at each end of the line, both coming forward and nodding back.

"I know this is rather sudden." He stated as his horn lit up and he placed a large shield around the two before him, they looking to him in concern. He nodded to the one on the right as he spoke. "I want you to attempt the armor spell onto him." Midnight stated as he nodded to the other clone within the shield. The others on the outside watching in slight fascination.

The clone gave a nod as his horn lit up and he vanished into thin air reappearing as a set of armor unlike any other Midnight could have ever fathomed to think up. Before him stood himself, decked out in thick black armor covering most of his body. It crept up his frame as a solid piece, but moved with him. It's color seemed off though as it was flat black that would seemingly ripple in the light giving off a gloss sheen ever so often. On his back however, were two ethereal fire wings that glowed a deep crimson red. The armor, as it moved onto his head took on a more sinister look of a dragons head. This then made him glance downward to his hooves seeing that they had been replaced with taloned dragon paws with four toes similar to that of a bird of prey. The clone pulled one of them up and flexed them, testing to see if they would work, and did.

"I can feel............ these talons!?" He stated in slight shock.

"Good, use them to your.........." Midnight was cut off as the two clones disappeared from reality in a blink of the eye.

"Dammit! Just as I thought........" Midnight trailed off. "Using the armor spell on myself causes my magic consumption of multiply at a rapid pace. I think it would be best if the rest of you only use that as part of a suicide blast. understand?" He stated causing them to nod. "Good, now head toward the dragon lands, I will make another clone and forward the information to you if anything new arises."

The remaining four clones quickly took flight and teleported to the dragon nation without another word. Midnight looking out into the open sky as he mulled over what would happen in the near future.

XXX

High above the dragon nation, the four clones all appeared in a flash of light and began gliding in a circle as they all opened a magical telepathic link to one another.

"Alright, spread out and report your findings." One of them spoke up in the link, they all taking different directions away from each other.

It had taken the better part of five hours before anything was said. within the link. The clone that had made his way west had run across a lone human female, walking toward the ocean. She was maybe five miles from the shore line and was making slow progress.

"West clone reporting. Subject sighted, all units report to my location." He stated within the link. Within a few seconds the other three had stealth teleported to his location, all four taking refuge on a cloud that was floating high above the ground below.

"Let's go with plan A and see what happens." One of the clones stated as the western clone nodded and dove off the cloud, his horn lighting up as he glided down to the earth below.

"Full communications active." He stated as the group could now hear any and all other voices around him. He paused for another moment as his horn lit up once again, turning him invisible. He continued gliding until he was several hundred yards in front of the human. When he was within a hundred yards of her he turned visible, causing her to momentarily stop walking before picking up once again.

After a minute of walking toward one another, they both stopped around twenty feet from one another. Midnight's clone taking in what he saw and relaying the images back to the clones via his spell.

"Well now, it seems that my prize has come to me instead." The woman spoke out as she crossed her arms, giving a smirk.

"Your prize?" Midnight asked.

"Of course! I want to rule this world and over all of those within it. You are said to be the strongest creature currently residing her, besides that idiot God of Chaos of course." She waved her hand dismissively in the air. "But he doesn't matter. The only thing that stands in my way is the Alicorn currently residing on the throne to Equestria. Once I have your power, I'm sure everything else will be far easier to take care of." She giggled softly.

"And what makes you so sure you can defeat me?" Midnight chuckled as his horn lit up just in time to place a shield around himself before a rock bounced off of it and shattered into dust.

"Awwwww, and here I thought it was going to be easy to kill you. Oh well, I guess a little playtime wouldn't hurt." She giggled madly as she interlocked her fingers and cracked her knuckles. Pulling them apart and to her sides as fists, the bracelets on each wrist glowing brightly as the wind picked up around her. "Hows about a game of tag, horsey?!" She cackled causing the clone to cock a brow at her for a moment, then for his eyes to go wide as she disappeared. He was about to blink but was interrupted as he watched his force field cave inward in front of him before he was launched backwards and into the sky.

"TAG! YOUR IT!" She yelled as she stood there once the blow had finished, a loud shock wave exploding outward in every direction. She watched as the clone vanished from sight through a cloud. "Tell me it wasn't that easy." She groaned, giving a little pout as she looked into the distance to see the clone barreling back at mach speed. She began to clap her hands while jumping up and down with glee. "YAY! A playmate that can take a beating! I do think I am going to enjoy this." She cackled madly as her bracelets began to glow brightly, raising a protective barrier around herself just in time for the clone to ram into it at mach two with his own shield up and active. Magical sparks bouncing off from the impact between the two.

"Nice hit love, but you're going to have to do far better than that if you think I'll perish from just a single hit. Come on, show me what your made of." The clone chuckled only to cause her to pout.

"Such a way with words, I do believe I may have a rival in the grammatical sense." She smirked. "But let's see if I have a rival when it comes to kicking ass." She grinned evilly as she quickly raise both hands and pointed them toward the clone. "Lets see how you like this."

The clone had little time to react as his magic reserved was forced to the limit in supporting the shield and detection spell that was surrounding it to determine her fighting strength. A massive energy blast exploded forth from her hands for only a few seconds, hitting the clones shield. Just before his reserves died he sent one last thought to his three other counterparts. "This bitch is fucking strong!" And then nothing.............

The Twilight princess smiled as she looked forward seeing nothing in place of her former foe. "Such a shame, I bet he would have been fun to torture." She sighed as she continued walking.

XXX

Back in Canterlot, Midnight paused in his steps as the information from the first destroyed clone made it to him. Celestia and Luna both noticing this and taking to his sides as he spoke.

"Luna, Celestia." Was all that he said before a telepathic link was opened between the three of them.

"I take it there is information has arrived that is only for our ears?" Luna stated as they continued walking, speaking only through the telepathic link.

"Unfortunately." Midnight stated with a little anger behind his voice as his horn lit up, casting a vision spell on to each of the princess' left eye. He replayed the memory over for them causing them both to stop in their tracks for a moment, then continuing their trot.

"This............ is pretty bad." Luna stated as she replayed the images over again from both angles. One being high above and magnified, and the other from the destroyed clones perspective.

"If this being has this much power already, then we may have to have an army to defeat her." Celestia stated in a slight panic.

"I still have three more clones there. So we will be getting more information before she takes them out. Don't draw any conclusions until that moment arrives though. Because........... we may very well be at an advantage, rather than a disadvantage." Midnight stated as they continued on their way.

The wedding was now less than forty eight hours away, And their newest enemy just an ocean away. What will happen to them in that time. Noone will know for certain.

Chapter 39

The Twilight Princess stood there, looking about to see if she could find the dark Alicorn she had just blasted to pieces. Once she had determined that he was no longer in the area, she began walking back into the direction she was previously heading. It wasn't long before another clone appeared, flying around a couple hundred yards above her. The clone smirked down toward her seeing that she was no longer paying attention to her surroundings, and kept walking on her path to the ocean.

"You guys ready for this?" He spoke out through the telepathic link.

"Hell yeah! We're taking bets!" One of the others chuckled, only to make the other groan.

"Hit her hard and fast, don't leave anything to chance. If we can end this before she makes it into Equestria, then that means everypony will remain safe." The third clone stated flatly.

"Suicide bomb it is then, but let’s beef it up shall we?" The flying clone stated as he nodded to one of the others who took flight next to him before quickly changing over into a set of armor on the other.

"Alright, now for the fireworks." He stated in duo tone voice as he dove from the sky, his entire body starting to glow brightly as he moved faster toward his target. "HEY BITCH!" He yelled out, causing her to snap her attention to him just before he impacted. A blinding white light erupting from all around her as the clones exploded. The fourth and final clone being blown up and away from the cloud he was still sitting on, into the sky high above the blast.

"SHIT! Now that was a serious explosion!" The clone gawked in disbelief. "Now I understand why the real me put up that shield around the other two from before." He stated as he watched the smoke clear from the blast area.

After several minutes to let the smoke clear, all that was left was a three hundred yard crater, and no sign of the Twilight Princess. He flew around for a moment before pulling up a telepathic link to the real Midnight in Canterlot.

"Looks like we managed to take her out GCK!!!!!!" He stopped as his airway was suddenly cut off by a powerful grip.

"Helloooooooo? Is this thing on?!" The human shouted into the dark Alicorns face. "If you can hear me, then I'll be there in maybe another day or so. I hope you're ready for some fun, because I am going to tear your heart out and crush it in front of you for mangling my beautiful dress!"

The line suddenly cut off as the clone was incinerated in a flash of fire erupting from her hands. She watched the clone vaporize into thin air in front of her as she floated silently in the sky.

"Bastard! I ended up using quite a bit of strength to keep that blast at bay. But I'll get back at him for it, soon enough." She giggled madly, thinking of what she was going to do to the dark Alicorn when she found him.

XXX

Midnight was taken aback by the sudden outburst that was sent through the telepathic link between him and his clone. Not so much as the volume and threat, but the fact that this being was quick enough to even capture the clone and destroy it so easily. This would not bode well when the fight would make its way to Equestria.

After taking a few minutes to mull over what needed to be done to prepare for this beings attack in the near future, Midnight felt positive that Canterlot and any nearby towns would be safe from attack. The only real problem would be that the eastern seaboard would be the place that this old being would attack first. Taking the time to have troops sent to the border, and train them to fight a magic user wasn't going to be easy. Especially since the wedding was less than a day away now.

As Midnight continued on through the castle, he would check up on quite a few of the areas that would be occupied during the events of the wedding. As he passed by many of them, he would stop to speak with the guard in charge of said areas to make sure everything was going according to plan. It had taken the better part of the day, but all of the areas were now secure and ready for the guests to attend. The only problem now, was anticipating when his newest enemy would show her face, and worse yet, what she would do.

XXX

“Finally, the ocean!” The Twilight Princess stated as she crested a hill to feel the breeze rolling over it. She took in a deep breath as she sat down atop the hill, looking toward the horizon as the setting sun began to turn the clouds in the sky a pleasant orange and purple hue.

“Such a pretty sight.” She smiled softly as she gazed over the magnificent painting in the sky. “Needs more red though, preferably the color of blood.” She snickered before flopping back onto the grass, stretching out and giving a yawn. “Ugh, going to sleep with the coming fight on my mind is not good for my complexion.” She sighed as she ran her hands slowly over her face, feeling the bags beneath her eyes.

“Oh well, at least I can sleep soundly tonight with the sound of the ocean to lull me to sleep.” She giggles softly as she closed her eyes and listened, sleep quickly finding her.

*Two hours later*

The crack of lightning and the sudden downpour of rain awoke the Twilight Princess from her slumber, causing her to scream out in a fury as she was soaked before she could pull up a magical barrier to shield herself.

“OF ALL THE BLASTED TIMES TO RAIN! IT HAD TO DO IT NOW, BEFORE I TAKE OVER THE FUCKING WORLD!” She continued screaming out.

“I can’t keep using up my magic to block this crap or I won’t have enough for tomorrow’s travel.” She grumbled as she quickly began to make her way back over the hill and toward some trees to try and find shelter.

She paused for a moment as she noticed a faint glow from within a small fairing of trees. Pulling up her main shield to protect herself, she slowly trekked into the brush to see a small campsite with several beings sitting around a decently sized fire pit. She was so preoccupied with seeing the various beings species that she failed to noticed the twig that she was about to step on.

*Snap*

The trio of beings whirled around at the sudden snap of a twig to see a being they had never seen before, all of them taking a defensive position before noticing how soaked she was and relaxing to a normal stance.

As her eyes adjusted to the brightness of the fire, she could now tell what species each of the beings were. A large minotaur roughly eight feet tall with many different battle scars along his body. One of his horns had been broken off on the left side along with a terribly gashed ear.

The second being was a small female griffon with a mangled wing and looked to be molting profusely, while the third member was a species that the young woman never thought she would see again. A human male. In all the years she had spent traveling this world, she never thought she would see another human in her lifetime.

“OI! Who goes there?!” The griffon shouted as she raised a taloned paw to her side and pulled out a short sword from its sheath, brandishing it threateningly. Her accent however, seemed a little off, as if she was from the back alleys of a British nation.

The princess raised her hands in front of her for a moment, ready to fight but paused as the human stood up and moved a hand in front of the griffon.

“Take’er easy love, I don’t think she means us any harm. By the looks of’er ah bet she was just wanting teh warm up a bit from that rainfall.” The human male chuckled seeing the princess’ sheepish grin.

“Sorry, but...........” She trailed off as the male raised a hand toward her and waved her over.

“Come on over’ere love, we don’t bite.” He chuckled seeing her hesitancy.

After looking to the other two beings for a moment, she walked over and took a seat next to the fire away from the others, her eyes never leaving the male sitting across from her at the fire pit.

“Been’a while since ah set eyes on another human.” The male piped up, giving a smile toward the young woman sitting across from him.

“It’s been................ a long time since I’ve seen another human as well.” She stated as she looked up to see the man’s dirty face smiling softly toward her.

“Name’s Mitchell. This old bull is Baron, and this hatchling is........” He was cut off by a slug in the arm from the griffon.

“Ah ain’t no hatchlin’ ya daft idgit!” She squawked toward him only to make the rest of them laugh.

“Easy there love, don’t need teh be intimidatin’ our guest now.” Mitchell chuckled seeing the griffon puff out the best she could due to the molting.

The small griffon huffed once before turning her gaze to the human female. “Name’s Charlotte, an this big dolt is mah pa.” She motioned to Mitchell with her head.

“Pa? As in father?” The princess stated in surprise.

“No ya daft............ thing! Mah mother! OF COURSE MAH FATHER YA MMMPH!” She was cut off as Mitchell wrapped his hand around her beak only to cause her to brush it away and flare her good wing toward him, giving a loud squawk of disapproval as she freed herself.

“Shut yer trap love! This is our guest.” He spoke coldly toward his so-called daughter. “An afore ya ask, ah found her as an egg in ah village that had been attacked by a band of pirates along the shore. She ain’t but twelve years old.” He smirked as he rubbed her head feathers roughly causing her to puff out again and glare at him.

“Twelve years? So............ how long have you been here?” The human female asked from the other side of the fire.

“Been about........... twenty years ah do believe.” Mitchell stated as he rubbed his chin in thought.

“I’m guessing you’re from earth as well, am I correct?” She asked, seeing him nod.

“Ai, ah was originally from the United Kingdom, was a fisherman working the docks when a lightnin’ storm rolled inteh the bay. Got hit by some wind and a wave when ah got swept inteh the surf. Ah woke up here. Thought ah was going mad when ah saw a dragon flying over’ead. That an the fact that ah didn’t see no other humans, nor a city in four days’o walkin.” He smirked slightly. “But, that’s a story for another time, ya still have yet teh introduce yerself my dear.” He smiled toward the princess who realized her mistake.

“I’m........... sorry, it’s been so long since anyone has asked that I almost forgot my name.” She smiled sheepishly before clearing her throat.

“My name is Mona, and I’m not quite sure I remember how I got here. It has been ages ago.” She sighed as she rubbed her forehead slightly.

“No need teh strain yerself love. It’s been a hard trip for all of us.” Mitchell smiled softly toward her, she smiling softly in return. “Do ya remember what year it was when ya ended up’ere? That might give me a better idea of yer history.”

“It was the year 1508 if I remember correctly.” She sighed while still rubbing her forehead. “It was.......... a few years after..........” She groaned trying to remember but stopped as she felt a hand on her shoulder.

“It’s alright love, ain’t no need teh force yerself teh remember. It’ll come in time, it always does.” Mitchell smiled warmly toward her as he took a seat next to her, he pulled his hand back to his other as he felt of how damp her clothing actually was.

“Yer gonna catch the death if ya keep wearing those soaked clothes. Come’ere, we got a few spare sets in mah tent.” He stated but paused as he noticed the glare he was receiving from not only his adopted daughter, but Mona as well.

“Ahem!” Mona smirked while crossing her arms and cocking a brow toward Mitchell.

Mitchell gave a sigh as he went into the tent and reappeared after several minutes of shuffling.

“Ah set out several outfits for ya, feel free teh choose and redress yerself at yer leisure.” He chuckled.

Mona gave a soft smile as she got up from her seat and headed over to the tent, taking several minutes to redress herself after washing away some of the dirt and grime with her magic. After several minutes she reappeared from the tent with a bigger smile as she went back toward her seat with a little spring in her step. Pausing for a moment as she turned about once in front of Mitchell.

“What do you think?” She asked, only to see him blush slightly.

All attention was suddenly taken as another lightning bolt burst across the sky, and then Mitchell hitting the ground as a fur and feather creature tackled him, shaking violently.

“It’s ok love, just a bolt’o lightning. Ain’t nothing teh fear.” He cooed to his adopted daughter.

It was at this point that Mona felt a pang of nervousness in her gut. Something she hadn’t felt in years.

“Storm’s picking up.” Baron stated, finally speaking up for the first time only to cause Charlotte to hold onto her father tighter.

“I guess that means we should turn in. Still have a long trek ahead of use tomorrow.” Mitchell sighed as he slowly got to his feet while still holding his daughter closely to his chest. One of her wings laying limply down while the other was pulled tightly to her side.

The young man quietly opened his tent and went inside. After a minute he reappeared outside, picking a few feathers from his shirt and tossing them to the side before sitting back down next to Mona.

“Poor thing is terrified of storms. Don’t know why since the youngin can walk on clouds’n’all.” He chuckled. “Guess it’s cause’o the storm that I told her about that brought me here.”

“You think that she thinks you might disappear during one of these storms?” Mona asked, causing his eyes to go wide for a moment in realization.

“Ah never thought’o that before.” He stated quietly before getting smacked upside the head by a pinecone. He turned his vision toward Baron who only smirked at him and snorted, nodding his head back to the tent to see the young griffon’s head poking out, only to pull back in with a soft gasp upon being seen.

“I think she is looking forward to her daddy sleeping next to her.” Mona giggled softly seeing him blush a little.

“Yea, ah been trying teh break her from that habit. Dang kid can’t seem teh sleep without’er ol’man right next to’er.” He laughed before getting up and heading back to the tent, stopping just before going in and looking back over his shoulder. “Since my daughter is going to be sleeping in my napsack, hers won’t be occupied. You’re welcome to occupy it if you want.” He stated before stepping inside the tent, a soft groan escaping Charlotte as she heard this.

Mona rose from her seat and began to head over to the tent, stopping next to Baron and placing a hand on his shoulder, making him flinch slightly. “Aren’t you going to rest?”

“Nah, gotta keep watch. Lots of beasties out there that’er’ungry. Don’t want’em pouncin onteh us in our sleep eh.” He smirked as his eyes remained on the fire.

“Alright then.....” She trailed off feeling another pang this time. This one being that of being thankful. She brushed it off however as she went over to the tent, listening to some giggles of the young griffon coming from within.

Mona slowly peeked into the tent to see the sleeping bag moving all around, but no human or griffon in sight. She entered into the tent quietly as she continued watching. Every so often a tail or other limb would breach the sides as one of them would chuckle or giggle out.

“HA! Gotcha!” Mitchell laughed as he pinned his daughter into a reverse hug, holding her wings to her sides and her talons to her chest.

“UGH! Can’t you ever let me win?!” She groaned out as she nipped at his arm causing him to release her and laugh.

“Ay now! No nipping meh, ah done told ya them lil’pinches leave ah mark ya nut.” He laughed as he tossed back the sleeping bag only to elicit a gasp from the griffon as she stared beyond him. He turning his vision backwards to see Mona with a soft smile across her face and a giggle escaping her. “Looks like we been spied on.” He laughed only to get a groan out of his daughter.

“Yea, and it was cute.” Mona giggled again seeing Charlotte roll her eyes.

“Whatever.” She groaned as she pulled the sleeping bag onto her, Mitchell slowly climbing into it as well, only to make her flinch as he brushed against her bad wing. “Ouch.......” She grumbled for a moment as she used one of taloned paws to slowly pulled the wing open and out of the sleeping bag, letting it rest onto the ground.

“If you don’t mind me asking, what happened to your wing.” Mona asked as she looked into the young griffons eyes.

“Ah do mind.” She huffed and covered her head.

“Don’t mind her love, it was a while back during ah raid on our camp. We managed to survive it, but that’s when she was attacked as a cub. One of the bastards broke her wing an it never healed right. Baron and I killed’em all off, but he an I both got pretty banged up. Was just lucky a passing Zebra saw the smoke and came teh help us. She had quite a few potions on’er, none that could fix broken bones though. It’s when Baron lost his horn and got scarred up purty bad. Same for me, minus the horn.” Mitchell stated softly as he nuzzled the top of his daughter’s head. She giving out a soft coo and smile as she kneaded into the affection, her head slowly pulling out of the sleeping bag.

“I’m sorry to hear that.” Mona said with a slight frown. She looked back over to them and couldn’t help but smile at the affection between the two. They seemed so happy to be together, even though they were entirely different species. It made the scene before her even better as she watched the griffon slowly fall asleep in her father’s arms. A soft ‘Daddy’ escaping her as sleep finally took hold.

Mona gave a sigh as sleep began to take hold of her. She was conflicted. She wanted to take over the world, but seeing these beings so close to one another. So determined to remain happy even amongst their strife seemed to make her waiver from her previous thoughts. It would cause this night to pass by slowly, the previous days events finally catching up to her worn and tired body as sleep finally came to her.

Author's Notes:

Big thanks to ReFro for the edits!

Chapter 40

Sleep had come quickly to the small group of individuals and the Twilight Princess as they lay silently in their tent. Baron had been sitting quietly next to the bonfire, keeping watch so that his friends could get some well deserved rest from their travels. The night began to drag by slowly for the minotaur as he continued looking into the fire, not realizing that the white noise of the rainfall, along with the inviting warmth of the fire was slowly lulling him to sleep.

It took nearly three hours after the others had gone to bed before the minotaur hung his head as sleep took his tired and battle worn body. The rain continued its small torrent from above, wind blowing softly from the ocean nearby as the scent of the salty water carried over the lands that it battered against.

However, there was something else that was silently lurking in the shadows outside of the small fairing of trees that was blocking the rainfall. Something, or rather, someone, was out in the rain, looking into the camp from a distance as it stood downwind, making sure to keep its scent far from the nose of the minotaur and those it was protecting.

It waited, silently watching as the minotaur’s head bobbed a few times before finally resting its chin almost onto its chest. It gave a sinister smile as it slowly crept toward the camp, making sure to keep its paws from stepping onto any twigs or rocks that may alert the camp to its presence.

After nearly ten minutes of slowly creeping along the ground on all fours, it had made it to just a couple of yards behind the large minotaur, slowly raising to its hind legs and pulling out a large dagger from the sheath at its side.

The fire pit continued to burn brightly as the logs being held within its crimson glow suddenly broke into separate pieces with a loud snap, bringing the minotaur to its senses as it gave a yawn. He pulled up a hand to his face as he quickly rubbed his eyes before pulling his hand away. He moved slightly to the left of his sitting position, as he sat down onto the ground in front of his seat, resting his back against it and giving a long stretch, popping several bones before giving a soft snort of satisfaction.

"Mmmmm, been a long time since ah caught some Z's." Baron stated softly as he raised a hand to scratch his chin. Swiveling his ears about to listen for any noises that he may have missed from his cat nap.

Once Baron had moved to his current spot, the light of the fire was now bathing the being that had been creeping into the camp, with its soft glow. The being was frozen in time with its paw held high above its head, a dagger held within as it was ready to plunge downward into the back of its unsuspecting victim. However, there was still one little problem.

Mona stirred from her slumber to the snap of the fire outside. Over the years that she had been in this world, she had become accustomed to being a very light sleeper, as it had saved her life on countless occasions. She slowly pulled the sleeping bag from her, giving a slight yawn as she slowly rose from her makeshift bed.

She gave a slight grumble as she stood up and placed her hand onto the flap of the tent, slowly pulling it back as she yawned once. She paused, mid-yawn, her eyes going wide as she saw the now visible being, illuminated by the campfire as it was about to plunge its dagger into the back of Baron. She quickly pulled up her right hand as the bracelets began to illuminate brightly, shouting one word.

"FREEZE!"

A bolt of cold air blasted forward across the ground, shards of ice bolting upwards into the air from the ground below before finally reaching the target, encasing him in a block of ice, instantly killing him. The shout from Mona quickly causing Baron to bolt upright, pulling out a large war hammer and looking to the area that was just behind him to see a now very frozen and dead werewolf in some black, form fitting clothing. The only visible parts of his body being his head, arms and legs below the knee. A red sash wrapped around his waist holding a scabbard and empty sheath that the dagger was once housed in.

"What was that noise?!" Mitchell yelled as he bolted past Mona through the door of the tent, the small griffon Charlotte was hot on his heels, brandishing her small sword while balancing on her back legs. Her one good wing flared outwards as she looked around.

The three camp members paused once they saw the frozen werewolf encased in ice, giving a shocked expression before Mitchell finally came back to reality.

"Baron! Mona! Are you two alright?! Who did this?" He shouted as he continued searching the darkness for any more hints of other beings that may be lurking about.

"I'm fine, thanks to Mona. If it wasn't for her, I'd probably be dead right about now." Baron stated as he pulled his battle hammer upwards, slamming it down onto the frozen werewolf and shattering it into a million pieces. He gave a satisfied snort as he watched the head, still encased in ice, roll out and into the darkness away from the camp.

Mitchell turned back to Mona as he sheathed his sword. "Didn't know you could use magic love. A bit of a surprise really considering most of the humans ah've met can't use it." He smirked as he came over to the young woman who still had a look of horror plastered across her face. Mitchell waved his hand in front of her, snapping her back to reality.

"Oh God.............." She trailed off as something clicked inside of her. "What........... what's happened to me?!" She stated in complete shock as she looked at her hands and the bracelets which slowly began to pulsate in illumination. She reached down slowly, fiddling with the bracelets for a moment before attempting to remove one of them. Without warning, a bolt of lightning shot straight through her from the bracelets causing her to scream out in pain and fall to the ground.

Mitchell and the others took a step back in surprise upon seeing the lightning, but quickly came to her side only to be pushed away.

"Leave me........ NOW!" She shouted as she pulled her hands up to her head and pulled at her hair, seemingly fighting an unknown force.

"And why would you want them to leave?" Came a more sinister voice from Mona as she began to rise to her feet. "Aren't they just more beings to sacrifice for our plans?" She giggled slightly before her face contorted in pain. "NO! They are......... my.......... friends!" She continued to pull at her hair as she fell to her knees.

"What's going on?! Why are you acting this way Mona?!" Mitchell spoke up but was quickly pulled backwards by Baron.

"She's got some come sort of cursed item on her Mitch, seems teh be possessed by an entity of some sort, and a powerful one at that." Baron stated quietly as he continue watching her movements.

After a minute of thrashing about, Mona calmed, breathing hard as she looked to the trio with fearful eyes. "What's going on? How did I do that?" She spoke in confusion.

Mitchell stepped forward as he kneeled down and placed his hands onto her cheeks, gently bringing her face to look at his as he spoke.

"Mona.......... Mona look at me." He stated a little forceful causing her to give a little more hint of fear. "I don't know what’s happening to you, I don't know if I can help, but if you can keep........... whatever that was, under control. Then I will do my best to help you." He stated with a passion in his voice that Baron nor Charlotte had heard before.

At that moment, Mona began to sob. It was quiet at first, but raised in volume as she was pulled into a loving embrace by Mitchell. Charlotte quietly replaced her sword into its sheath and walked up next to them, Mitchell giving her a nod as she motioned toward the tent. The human male slowly picked up the crying woman and packed her into the tent, setting her shivering body down before trying to pull away, only to be held tighter by her. He gave a soft sigh as he sat down, laying down quietly onto the open sleeping bag. Charlotte giving the two an off look as she went to her father’s sleeping bag and curled up.

"Ya don't plan on latchin onteh me the whole night do ya love?" Mitchell chuckled softly before coming to a stop as Mona raised her watering eyes to look into his. This being the first time she had actually gotten to look into them. They were so kind, so gentle and loving. She gave a slight whimper as he gave a sigh before wrapping his arm around her and pulling the sleeping bag onto the both of them, resting his chin onto her head as he spoke.

"Get some sleep love. I'll be right here if you need me." He sighed softly feeling her shake a little, after a short time it came to a stop as sleep had finally found the young woman. He glanced over to his sleeping bag to see his daughter giving him a disgruntled look before rolling her eyes and turning over.

"This gon'be a long night." He sighed as he closed his eyes, letting sleep take ahold of him.

Baron, however, was swiveling his ears to and fro, listening to the sounds of the rainfall as it swept about the land around their encampment. If there was one thing he knew, it was that werewolves may roam in packs. Especially if they were bandits like the one that had just been killed near him. With newfound adrenaline, and a small pot of coffee being heated next to him on the side of the fire. He would make it through the night, on edge and waiting for the sun to rise only a few hours from now.

XXX

“WAKE UP!” Shouted Celestia as she jumped up and down next to her bed in which a dark Alicorn was now screaming in.

“AAAAAAAAAH! JESUS! WHAT THE HELL?!” He shouted to her as he bolted upright in bed, his mane and tail erupting into a bright yellow from being scared almost to death.

Celestia stood there, visibly shaking in anticipation as she beamed to her soon to be husband. After a few seconds, to let Midnight’s adrenaline settle down, she began.

“Night, I have a very big surprise for you.” She hummed happily as she nosed him gently to try and persuade him from the bed.

“Ugh! Tia, is so early.” He groaned as he laid back down in bed and pulled the covers overtop of himself. “Can’t I have like, five more hours of sleep?”

Celestia gave a cocked brow to the sleeping mass in her bed before giving a slight grin as her horn lit up, opening the door to her room. “I believe you will like this little surprise.” She giggled as several pairs of footsteps were heard coming into the room.

Midnight gave an annoyed sigh as he turned over in bed and peeked his eyes out from underneath the cover to see who the Sun Goddess had just let into the room. He gasp a sharp gasp as he saw the few beings that he never thought he would.

“M-mom?! Dad?!” He spoke out in a shuddering breath as he bolted across the room and pulled them into a hug, crying loudly into them as he continued to hold them.

After several minutes of this, he managed to separate from them and pull back before noticing three other individuals standing next to the door.

“No....... way..........” He spoke as he noticed Celestia’s and Luna’s parents along with Bob next to the door of the room, slowly making his way over to them and giving them a loving hug each. Bob just giving a chuckle as he playfully shoved the dark Alicorn.

“I figured that I could bend the rules slightly, just this once.” He smiled. “It’s just for the day, so don’t get your hopes up. My children will be returning with me to Asgard once the day has come to a close.”

“I don’t know what to say, or how to thank you for this opportunity my friend. But I would be willing to do just about anything for you for having done this for me and Tia.” Midnight smiled as he wiped away a few tears from his face.

“Well, there is one thing you could do for me.” He stated with a soft laugh.

“Name it!” Midnight laughed back feeling himself no longer on the verge of being sleepy.

“Well, Garret has been more than a pain as of late in heaven. He has been constantly challenging other Gods to fight with him so that he may test his skills. I remember you stating that once everything had been taken care of as for visitations into the afterlife. You would challenge him, God to God.”

Midnight looked to Bob in shock for a moment as he shook his head giving a sigh. “Bob, you know that I don’t want that kind of power, nor do I want to use it just to fight with.”

“I understand that much, of course. But what would you say if you could have that power for just that fight. Then return back to your normal, mortal self?” He asked giving a pleading expression. Midnight looking to the others as they gave a smirk each. Blazing Dusk, Celestia’s father, giving a chuckled and determined smirk.

“I think you could take him. I’ve fought him and come close to beating him.” Dusk chuckled. “Got my flank handed to me on more than one occasion though.”

“I guess if it’s a request from the almighty one, I don’t have much of a choice.” He groaned, rolling his eyes. “It’s the least I could do for you having brought my, and Tia’s folks back to the living for a short time.”

“Wonderful!” Came a voice from the doorway as Garret stepped into the room. “I’ll see you on the battlefield in Asgard in exactly two weeks, and you had better show. Or I might just have to drag your father into the ring in your place.” He chuckled but stopped as a glowing wing was at his throat and Midnight at his side.

“You’ll have your fight, but if you EVER threaten my family again. The next thing you’ll see is your head rolling across the floor.” He snarled slightly as Garret gave a slight gulp.

“Alright you two, no fighting today.” Bob stated as he clapped his hands, pulling the two away from one another through the air. “Save that for later. Right now, we have a wedding to start!”

XXX

A short time later and with some slight difficulty, the wedding was now ready to begin as many ponies, among other various creatures and species, began to file into the throne room.

The entire room had been decorated in the fashion to resemble each of the four brides. White and gold to signify Celestia, white and purple to signify Rarity, orange and red to signify Applejack, and of course a light lavender purple with a slight pinkish-red to signify Twilight.

Many pews had been filed into the throne room, filling it to the brim on both sides as many ponies filled them to the brim. Several other species of guests were sitting among the few that they had come to befriend over time, all awaiting the pivotal moment for the music to begin to start the wedding.

In the front of the pews, lining the start of the staircase to the thrones at the top, were several mares that were dressed in lovely gowns. All of which who were starting to tear up at the thought of this day having finally come to fruition.

Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, and Fluttershy, all dressed in the same bridesmaid gowns that they had used during Cadence’s and Shining Armor’s wedding, as well as a large draconequus that was dressed in a very nice suede flannel tux that fit his form perfectly. To his side stood Samantha, her belly bulging quite a bit from carrying her and Discord’s child. But still fitting into a lovely bridesmaid gown as well.

Higher up on the steps stood five beings. To one side stood Celestia and Luna’s parents, while to the other side stood Midnight’s parents. In the middle stood a third humanoid type being, only known as Bob to the rest of the guests within the castle. He, being dressed in a white robe with a gold tassel that flowed down his chest onto either side of his neck. In his hands was a little black book. The book that was his word and his alone, that would help to guide the newlyweds into a future together.

After a short time however, the crowd of guests came to a silence as music began to play over several loudspeakers around the room. In the corner of the room on a small platform stood Vinyl Scratch and a young earth pony named Octavia that was holding a cello to her side. Behind Octavia stood several other ponies, all of which held an instrument of some sort that would soon be put to good use as they listened to the wedding march playing over the speakers.

As the music had begun to play, Midnight appeared at the altar from beside Discord, standing there proudly in an elegant and precariously made white tux that clashed with his black fur wonderfully.

All attention was drawn to the doors of the throne room as they slowly opened. Several small fillies trotting down the aisle and spreading little rose petals as they went. Next came a little Alicorn colt, Starlight, as the ring bearer who was levitating a small pillow that held several rings on it, along with a ring held within a necklace. Laying around them were two crowns. One larger than the other as it sit perfectly around it and the rings.

As the foals trotted down the aisle, the first bride-to-be stepped into the room. Rarity, who was on the verge of crying, slowly made her way down the aisle. She was in a gem laced wedding dress that she had painstakingly made over a period of several months. It was an elegant white and laced with many blue sapphires that would match her cutie mark perfectly. She strode proudly down the path, beaming brightly as she went.

Twilight stepped into the room just as Rarity was halfway down the path, and started making her way down the aisle. Her dress was hoofed down to her from her mother who had worn it for her own wedding to Twilight's father. Although it had needed some minor alterations around the flank area due to her smaller stature in that specific area, it fit Twilight better than one would expect. Once Rarity had made it to the front of the aisle, she stepped to the side opposite of Midnight just as Applejack stepped into the room.

Applejack had pulled out a surprise that no one had known about, even her brother and sister. Granny Smith had told her about her wedding dress that she had passed down to her daughter, Applejack's mother, that she had also worn on her wedding day, much like Twilight's mother had hers. Applejack agreed without hesitation to wear the dress, even though it was out of style and extremely old fashioned. She felt great pride in being able to wear something that her mother had once worn for her wedding as well. The dress was a light yellow that was a contrast to her mother’s coat of orange, just like hers. Her mane however threw it off slightly as her mother’s mane was a dark brown, but she carried her father’s mane color, which of course was the brilliant blonde that she currently bore that matched the dress perfectly, blending into it and making it look as if it was actually part of her.

Once Twilight and AJ had made it to the front, Celestia stepped into the room in a beautiful flowing gown that seemed to be a part of her rather than a piece of cloth.

The white Alicorn made her way down the aisle as tears began to stream down her face. The day had finally arrived for her to finally become a bride. Eons had passed her by before this moment had come to reality but it was now finally upon her.

The wedding march music came to a halt as Midnight and his brides stepped to in front of the almighty one. He opened the book for a moment before closing it and smiling.

“Seeing as I already know the words, I think it would be best to avoid reading straight from the book.” He smiled, causing the room to give a soft chuckle.

After finishing with the vows, and all that were present saying their ‘I do’, they began to don their jewelry to fully establish that they were now married. Rarity and Twilight wore a diamond ring around the base of their horns. Applejack wearing a ring on a necklace that was placed around her neck. Then came Celestia with a lovely blue diamond ring placed onto the middle of her horn.

Midnight was the last to don his rings as they were placed at the base middle and tip of his horn. The same rings as from before when their first wedding had been interrupted. As the five, now married, ponies turned around. Celestia and Midnight’s horn lit up as their regalia came into view on their being, replacing their former clothing.

“Well then. I guess it’s time to finish up.” Midnight stated with a nervous swallow as the small group slowly climbed the stairs to the thrones sitting at the top.

Midnight taking his seat in the largest of the thrones while Celestia and Luna sat to the others to his side. Another three sitting to Midnight’s other side in which his other three brides took a seat.

As soon as they settled into their seats, the crowd erupted in shouts as “Hail to the King and Queens.” were bellowed out amongst the stomping of hooves on the floor.

Celestia and the other brides smiled widely as they all tossed their bouquets to the crowd below. Many of the mares at the bottom all rushing to grab onto them. Samantha taking a quick flight into the air and grabbing one and slowly floating back down into Discords arms. He setting her down as she smiled to him. However, everything paused as Discord took to a knee and pulled out a box, opening it to reveal a ring.

Everyone went silent for a moment as the draconequus spoke up.

“I know this has been long over do Samantha, but.............. would you make me the happiest being in the universe and become my bride?” He stated softly seeing her eyes go wide for a moment. She smiled widely, opening her mouth to give an answer when.

*Splash*

A small puddle suddenly appeared below her on the floor.

“Uh oh.........” Stated Starlight as he covered his face with the small pillow, peeking over the top of it toward the wet floor before everyone.

Author's Notes:

ReFro is my editor! SHOW SOME RESPECT!!!! Wooooooooot!

Chapter 41

"Well now, I could have sworn I had thought of every possible disturbance for the wedding. But this............ completely blew me out of the water." Midnight laughed for a moment as Discord began dancing in hysterics while yanking on his ears in a panic.

"You're telling me!?" Shouted Samantha before Discord pulled her up and into his arms, cradling her like a baby.

"Lovely wedding, wish I could stay to cause a little Chaos, but we have a special event of our own that cannot be put off." Discord laughed nervously as he snapped his talons once, disappearing in a flash of light from the room. The floor having the wet spot removed and cleaned from view as well.

"Should we?" Celestia began for a moment in worry before seeing Midnight shake his head.

"No, this day is ours. Besides, I'm sure Discord can handle the situation on his own." Midnight smirked nervously thinking back to the moment when Starlight had been born. "Anyway!" He grinned as he levitated a microphone up to in front of him just as some music began to play. "I have my last performance to play that I promised everypony." He snickered seeing his Brides and Luna roll their eyes just before he began to sing. The lights flashed several colors all around the room before the music kicked up into full force as Midnight began to sing through the lyrics of the song. All the time Rainbow Dash gawking at the lyrics being sung before dancing herself.

Yeah I own this beat

You can call me the king or the ruler

felon on bass getting hoarse at the mic

We're getting 20 percent cooler

We had a great day out

calling my name like Ferris Bueller

It's time to wrap this up

We're getting 20 percent cooler

We're getting 20 percent cooler

We're getting 20 percent cooler

We're getting 20 percent cooler

(Looks to Rainbow Dash)

Seven colors in your hair

Get your boots on dear

'cause we're going out there

Don't care 'bout the dress code

Put it on, let's go

Girls go wild

'cause we're going “Al Fresco”

HA!

Don't need to perform

Hands on our bodies

Gonna keep our skills warm

We need social reform

'cause we're just so criminal

Linguist subliminal

Damages minimal

Top percentile

Largest fraction

Massive attraction

Girl-on-girl action (Gives a wink to Rarity and Twilight)

Stop that!

I'm gonna need a redaction

Drop that!

You already got your reaction

Me?

I'm gonna keep on smiling

You?

You’re gonna need restyling

I got the quote back

From the jeweler

You're getting 20 percent cooler

You can call me the king or the ruler

Felon on bass getting hoarse at the mic

We're getting 20 percent cooler

We had a great day out

Calling my name like Ferris Bueller

It's time to wrap this up

We're getting 20 percent cooler

We're getting 20 percent cooler

(Lights dim down allowing Midnights mane and tail to illuminate the stage softly)

Reduce the treble

There's an 8 or 9

Who think they're on my level

Like a rebel in a bunker

Getting shelled with a mortar

Bump up and down

'cause I think you oughta

(His mane and tail begin to illuminate brighter)

Place your hand on my thigh

Don't be coy, I can hear you sigh

Grinding your hips

I'll be flashing my pink

And in ten seconds flat

you'll be back with a drink

Woooo! (Mane and tail explode into a firestorm all around him)

Bring out the Bacardi

Twilight Sparkle up in the party (Rubs up against her side)

Tap that, like a phone in the cold war

Room on the third floor

Knocking on my front door

Me? I'm kind of a Rarity (Rubs up against Rarity’s side)

You? Work that dexterity (Nudges Applejack)

Lean back now, here's what I meant ( Sweeps Celestia backwards into his arms)

Getting cooler by 20 percent (Kisses her before pulling her back up and continuing)

You can call me the king or the ruler

Felon on bass getting hoarse at the mic

We're getting 20 percent cooler

We had a great day out

Calling my name like Ferris Bueller

It's time to wrap this up

We're getting 20 percent cooler

We're getting 20 percent cooler

We're getting 20 percent cooler

You can call me the king or the ruler

felon...

The song fades out before Midnight nods to Vinyl to start the next song. She gives a grin as the next disc is put into the cd player, the music starting flawlessly once the previous one had come to an end.

The power of love is a curious thing

make a one man weep, make another man sing

Change a hawk to a little white dove

more than a feeling that's the power of love

Tougher than diamonds, rich like cream

Stronger and harder than a bad girl's dream (Nods to Luna)

make a bad one good make a wrong one right

power of love that keeps you home at night

You don't need money, don't take fame

Don't need no credit card to ride this train

It's strong and it's sudden and it's cruel sometimes

but it might just save your life

That's the power of love

That's the power of love

First time you feel it, it might make you sad

Next time you feel it, it might make you mad

But you'll be glad baby when you've found

that's the power makes the world go'round

And it don't take money, don't take fame

don't need no credit card to ride this train

It's strong and it's sudden it can be cruel sometimes

but it might just save your life

They say that all in love is fair

yeah, but you don't care

But you know what to do

when it gets hold of you

and with a little help from above (Nods to Bob)

you feel the power of love

you feel the power of love

Can you feel it ?

Hmmm

It don't take money and it don't take fame

don't need no credit card to ride this train

Tougher than diamonds and stronger than steel

you won't feel nothin' till you feel

you feel the power, just the power of love

That's the power, that's the power of love

You feel the power of love

you feel the power of love

feel the power of love

The song comes to an end as Midnight lets Vinyl begin playing some of her music. The crowd below all enjoying some of the more recent craze in music that has become popular amongst more of the younger generation.

As time progressed through the event, it finally came time for the brides and groom to cut the cake. It had only been about an hour after the music began, but hey, this was a special day and everyone was about to witness the final procession of the wedding coming to a head.

The Dark Alicorn and his four brides proceeded behind the table with a massive cake with several tiers of the confectionary goodness towering over them. The brides going to one side while Midnight went to the other as several small cake knives were levitated toward it. Several pieces of the massive cake were delicately sliced and placed onto plates as each of them came to the front of the table to proceed through the final step of tying the knot.

As they smiled, a small flash went off to capture the special moment on camera. Then, all hell broke loose as Midnight smooched a small piece of cake into the faces of his brides. A moment of silence followed as they blinked the cake away before laughing loudly and tackled him to the floor as they began covering him in cake as well.

“FOODFIGHT!” Yelled a certain pink pony as she shoved a piece of cake into Braeburn’s face.

Before Midnight and his brides could stop anypony, the rest of hell broke loose as food began to fly all around the room. Many of the more upper class diving out of the room while many of the others joined in. It wasn’t long before the entire room was covered from floor to roof in cakes and various other foods.

“I can’t believe Discord is missing this!” Midnight shouted before an orange bounced off the side of his head.

“HEADSHOT!” Shouted Pinkie with a loud giggle before squeaking as she avoided a muffin that was tossed at her. A certain grey pegasus looking on in horror as that very muffin landed into a bowl of punch.

XXX

“I’m going to KILL YOU!” Shouted Samantha toward Discord as she lay in the medical wing of the castle. Her legs up in stirrups as a pony doctor was down below giving her instructions on breathing.

“Oh no! Oh no! Oh no! I’ve never been this worried........ well........... EVER!” Discord spoke out as he began yanking his ears down below his chin and tying them into a bow before bending his horns in various directions.

“Calm yourself sir, or I’m going to have to ask you to leave the room. We need to have as calm of an environment as possi.......” He was cut off by an ear splitting scream, his attention brought back to the matter at hoof as he looked back to the area in question and smiling as he could see a small head beginning to emerge.

*THUD*

Samantha as well as the doctors looked over to see Discord on the floor, completely out cold. An orderly quickly grabbing the draconequus up and placing him to a bed near the side of Samantha before checking his vitals.

“I can’t believe that idiot fainted!” Samantha groaned before crying out again as another contraction hit her hard.

“Keep going, just one more push and this’ll be all over!” The doctor stated with a determined smile across his face.

Samantha gave an icy glare before it became the most determined face the doctor has ever seen. She took a couple of quick breaths before a nice long one filled her lungs. The push was massive as she cried out. Then, the sweet sound of life breaking forth from a small cry.

Discord shot up in bed before teleporting to the doctor’s side just as he was about to clip the cord. He looked up to the draconequus with a smile as he floated the small pair of scissors to him.

“You should do the honors sir.” He smiled as Discord’s eyes watered before taking them and snipping the cord. Severing the baby’s lifeline to its mother. The baby was quickly cleaned up and placed within a blanket, before being hoofed to his mother.

Samantha smiled as tears of joy began to leave her eyes. The small being was so tiny, and looked much like Discord. The only difference being the type of species that the baby was consisting of. As the two new parents pulled open the blanket to get a better look, a small lobster arm shot out from the baby and clamped onto Discord’s nose.

“NNNNNNNNGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHH!!!!!” Was all Discord could muster as pain rocked his world. “He’s.................... got a good grip at least!” He squeaked out just before being let go and falling backwards onto the floor holding his nose.

Samantha pulled the blanket back around the baby as she got a better look at him. Her new baby son seemed to be several species much like his father. What she could make out was that his right arm was a lobster claw, his left arm was white with some black claws at the tip. Seemingly thick for being a newborn, but it looked more like a bears arm. His legs were a lions left leg and an eagles right leg. His body from the base of his neck to the base of his tail was like a green reptiles torso, possibly a dragon? His head seemed more like a dragons though, but was a soft purple, along with a few small nubs that looked to be little stubby spikes protruding from the middle of his head backwards down his spine. Finally, his tail seemed to throw everything off as it was a slight tan, like his lion leg, but had two small nubby spikes on the tip of it to just one side.

The little fellow looked up to his human mother and gave a smile that only a baby could give. Then Samantha did something she thought she would never do. She looked to Discord as she spoke one phrase.

“I think we’ll go with the name you chose.” She smiled as tears still fell from her eyes. Discord’s eyes bursting forth with their own flood of tears as he gently took the baby into his arms.

“Very well then. Welcome to the world.......... Disarray..........”

Author's Notes:

Disarray used with permission from Rust. Creator and author of said character and 'The ballad of Echo the Diamond Dog'. Go read it. It's epic!

Editing done by ReFro of course!

Chapter 42

It had taken the better part of several hours to finish up the party and to start cleaning the throne room from the prior food fight. But everything had ended up being awesome in the end. However, there was still one thing for Midnight and his brides to do, and that was to visit Samantha and Discord in the medical wing of the castle.

Once the small crew had walked into the infirmary, the moon had already risen high into the night sky. But even though it was still late, they would not miss their first opportunity to see the newest addition to the world. As they had made their way silently into the room, they noticed Samantha still sitting up in bed, softly humming to her newborn, while Discord floated above her bed looking down to him as well.

Discord smile pressing a single talon to his lips, signaling the visitors to be quiet. Little Disarray was asleep and his parents didn't want him to wake just yet. As the ponies silently made their way around the bed, Samantha gently lowered the sleeping bundle and moved the cover away just enough to show most of his upper body. The girls all gave mixed reactions for a moment as they looked at the multi-species baby before seeing him yawn once and pull his little arms up to his chest, giving a soft sigh as he snuggles more into the cover.

"Takes after his daddy I see." Midnight chuckled softly giving the draconequus a gentle nudge.

Discord beamed proudly as he straightened himself up. "I couldn't feel more proud if I tried." He chuckled softly as well.

"Oh just you wait." Celestia tittered softly, "Diapers and feeding times are all at random. I do believe that your newest addition is going to cause all sorts of chaos for you and Samantha."

Giving a soft laugh, Discord pulled his bear paw up to his face before running it down the back of his neck as he spoke. "Well, maybe more to her than me. I mean, I can just use my magic to replace the diaper and clean the little chaos bringer." He smirked slightly.

"Then you get to do all of the diaper duty." Samantha grinned toward her fiance.

"Ugh, fine! I guess it’s the least I could do after seeing you in so much pain just a short while ago. I never knew how much pain giving birth could cause." He sighed but stopped as Samantha and Celestia glared at him.

"You have no idea." They both spoke in unison only to elicit a giggle from the other girls.

"Yea, I can only imagine how badly it hurts." Midnight began, "But it is all worth it in the end, when you hear your baby cry for the first time, see those beautiful eyes and hear that first laugh. But the best part....." He paused seeing everyone looking to him, "Is when they say mommy or daddy for the first time." He chuckled giving a sniffle as his eyes began to get a little misty

"I remember the first time I heard Starlight say momma for the first time. I couldn't stop crying." Celestia beamed.

"Well, ah cain't wait teh have one of mah own. Now that everythings official'n'all." Applejack stated with a wink.

"I do believe that I am ready as well darling. After all, it should only be a few weeks, if that, when Applejack and I come into season." Rarity blushed heavily as she rubbed up against Midnight’s side. His mane and tail starting to turn a light pink.

"Well, I still have a few months before it’s my time to go into season. But then again, I'm still not sure if I'm ready for that kind of responsibility." Twilight stated with a hint of fear in her voice.

“Well you three, you definitely won’t have to worry about me running away. After being the father of two currently, I wouldn’t mind having a few more.” Midnight smiled warmly to the bunch.

“I doubt there is anything in existence as wonderful as becoming a parent.” Samantha stated as she looked to her newborn, her eyes still streaming with tears.

The group managed to get one last look at the newest addition to the world before saying their farewells and heading back into the upper rooms of the castle. It was still very late and they all had a long day ahead of them tomorrow.

As the small group of newlyweds made their way down the corridor toward Celestia’s room, Midnight slowed down slightly as his brides continued on, not noticing the lack of a certain stallion. He continued to hold his ground as he watched all four of the mares trot into Celestia’s chambers. Giving a large, and very nervous gulp, he pressed on to the entrance of the room, coming to a halt as he rounded the corner of the door and stared silently at the sight before him.

In Celestia’s bed, were all of his brides, quietly chatting as twilight lifted several covers around all of them. She paused for a moment however, causing the rest of the mares to look in the direction she was looking in. Midnight standing a few yards away, his mane and tail a bright pink as his eyes remained slightly wide at the sight on the bed.

“Ah’m guessing yer a might nervous now that ya’ve got us all together in the same bed.” AJ chuckled toward the dark Alicorn, her cheeks taking on a bright pinkish tint themselves.

Midnight simply nodded at the comment as he took a very dry gulp, his vision never straying from the sight before him.

“Well then darling, what are you waiting for?” Rarity purred toward him causing the other mares in the bed to giggle slightly seeing Midnight taking several staggering and nervous steps toward the bed. He seemingly had forgotten how to walk. His mane and tail began to flicker slightly as he took several more steps toward the bed. But just as he was about to climb into the bed, his mane and tail flickered out.

*Thud*

The girls eyes went wide as they slowly crept to the edge of the bed and peeked over the side to see their stallion laying motionless on the floor. His second horn at full attention, and a huge smile across his face.

“I guess he was a little too excited.” Rarity giggled, covering her mouth with a hoof.

“Well then, let’s see if we can stir him awake.” Celestia grinned as her horn lit up, lifting the unconscious stallion into the bed with them.

XXX

“Mona.......... Mona wake up. It’s time for breakfast.” Charlotte stated as she prodded the sleeping mass within the sleeping bag.

The young woman turned over, giving a slight yawn as she blinked away the sleep from her eyes. After a moment to adjust to the morning light, she smiled to the young griffon who only rolled her eyes.

“Get yer butt outta bed if’n ya want teh eat, ya lazy git. Otherwise ah’m gonna eat it.” She grinned before quickly exiting the tent.

Mona slowly pressed the sleeping bag from her as she rose up in her makeshift bed. Giving a large stretch before finally standing and making her way out of the tent and into the morning light. Upon exiting the tent, a variety of different smells assaulted her nose as she took in a deep breath. It wasn’t a pleasant smell to say the least, but it was food after all.

“Ok, who cooked, and what did you kill?” Asked Mona as she stepped over to the fire pit that was still smoking slightly.

“Finally up eh?” Mitchell smirked. “Well, if’n ya had got up a little earlier ya could of helped prevent this’n here from burning our breakfast. Then again, he ain’t never been that gooda cook.”

Baron just gave an annoyed snort as he took another bite of some burnt vegetables that he had attempted to cook in the form of some type of stir fry.

“Ain’t mah fault ah never learned to cook. Always had a few others living with me that could do that. They’d cook; I’d work and pay the bills. Best way teh do it in my opinion.”

Mona just rolled her eyes at the comment as she stepped over to the charred remains of a vegetable medley that had been mercilessly burned. Her face contorting into disgust as she stared at it.

“I wonder..........” She stated softly as she placed her hand together for a moment, closing her eyes as her bracelets began to glow softly. A few seconds passed by before all of the food that had been prepared and placed onto the table vanished, being replaced by a small banquet of a variety of foods. The others looked on in awe for a moment before hearing the young lady give a tired sigh and opening her eyes.

“Love? H-how did ya do that?” Mitchell asked in surprise.

“I guess it has to do with these.” Mona stated softly as she twisted the bracelets slowly around her wrist, not daring to attempt to remove them again, in fear of getting assaulted by another bolt of lightning.

Charlotte slowly made her way over to the table, giving it a skeptical glance before poking a small piece of watermelon with a talon, easily impaling it and pulling it to her beak. After giving it several sniffs, she gingerly took a small bite, her eyes bolting open as she slowly chewed it.

Mitchell stepped up next to Charlotte as he squatted down beside her, giving the piece of watermelon a skeptical look as well. He slowly picked up a piece and took a small bite as well before stopping and smiling at how wonderful the flavor was.

“Baron, ya gotta try this!” Mitchell laughed as Charlotte began to grab several other items along the table and started to gorge herself.

“Don’t like mah cookin’ eh? Had teh showboat yerself didn’t’cha?” He snorted as he crossed his arms, only to cause Mona to give a nervous glance. She stopped however as he began to laugh, quite loudly. “Ah’m only joshing ya. Ain’t no need teh worry. Ah’d prefer this over mah cookin’ anyday.” He continued to laugh before he began to make himself a plate. Mona smiling as she did the same.

After another hour or so of filling their bellies. The small crew packed up what they could of the food and set the rest on the ground around the trees. If the wildlife didn’t come to finish it off, it would make for some good fertilizer to help nourish the trees.

As they began to pack up the camp, Mona couldn’t help but feel a pang of worry as thoughts of what she had done in the previous days began to invade her mind. She could feel her emotions starting to build slightly before she found her own body language mimicking her feelings. Mitchell being the first to notice this and speaking up.

“Hey, hey now, what’s gotten you so riled up love?” He asked only to cause her to pause for a moment and realize what she was doing.

“Sorry, it’s just that.” She paused for another few seconds as she let out a steadying breath. “I have this odd feeling that I need to go to Equestria for something. That I have to go. But I don’t know why.” She groaned a little as her hands made their way up to her hair and pressing in on the sides of her head. “This feeling............ it just feels unbearable! Like if I don’t go.......... I might just die.” She sighed finally as she lowered her hands back to her side.

Mitchell came up to her, gently pressing a hand below her chin and lifting her vision to his own as he smiled. “No worries love. If you want to go to Equestria, then I can make you a pack to take with you. I’m sorry to say that we can’t go with you though.” He stated with a pained smile. “We’ve got quite the journey ahead of us as well.” He said as he looked back to Baron who was just placing an oversized pack onto a small wagon. Charlotte carrying one in her beak as she climbed the side of the wagon to the top.

“I guess.......... that would be ok. But............. will I ever see you again?” She asked giving a hopeful expression.

“I’m sure you will in time love. Don’t fret.” He smiled softly as his hand gently pressed to her cheek, his thumb rubbing gently over it.

“Alright you two lovebirds, times a wastin’.” Baron bellowed out as he pulled on the small wagon to get it moving.

“Care to travel a small distance with us? I’m not sure how you intended on getting to Equestria, but unless you can fly there, you might as well go to one of the ports to get on a boat or one of the dirigibles.

“Well, I think I can use my abilities to fly.” Mona said as she closed her eyes for a moment, the wind picking up around her before a feeling of weightlessness fell over her.

“Duuuuuuuude.” Charlotte stated in awe seeing her float up and into the air near the wagon, Mona opening her eyes and gasping aloud, losing her concentration and falling onto the top of the wagon alongside the little griffon.

“Well, at least I know I can fly. Even if it just a short distance.” Mona laughed but paused as Charlotte snorted.

“Dunno what yer so happy’bout. I ain’t been able teh fly fer a while now. Being a ground griffon is the worst possible thing. I mean, at least those bastards that broke mah wing coulda at least lopped it off. Now ah just spend mah days in pain. Since ah cain’t even hardly pull it up to mah side.” She sighed as her eyes began to get a little misty. She paused though as she saw a small green glow coming from Mona’s hands as she pressed them forward slightly to her.

“W-what’re ya doin?” Charlotte asked in slight worry.

“Just........ hold still.......... Let me try to heal your wing.” She stated as she scrunched her eyes together in concentration.

Charlotte sat there watching as the molting feathers on her wings began to fall to the pack they were sitting on, showing the bare skin around the joint. Several knots were protruding from in, taking away from the normal sleekness that it should bare. The young griffon gave out a pained yelp as her wing snapped once, then twice causing her to whimper a little.

“It........ hurts.” She stated as her talons dug into the sack they were laying on. Her body trying to pull herself away but couldn’t due to the pain.

“Mona? What’s goin on up’there? Mitchell stated as he began to climb up and onto the wagon. Once he reached the top he paused, looking in awe at what was going on. Mona was now holding Charlotte’s wing in her hands as the green glow began to grow new feathers from her wing. The green glow slowly encasing the griffon’s body as it began to remove the old molting feathers and regrow new ones in their place.

Once the glowing faded to a stop, Mona fell over unconscious. Charlotte gave several pants as the pain began to quickly recede from her body. After a minute of gawking, Mitchell spoke up.

“Hey, h-how did your wing...?” He stopped as Charlotte pulled the once broken wing up and flared it with her other wing, giving an audible gasp upon not feeling any pain.

“No.......... way.” She whispered as she gave an easy test flap once to see if it would cause any pain. When nothing happened to cause her pain, she gave another flap, a little harder this time. She began to flap her wings harder and harder until she finally began to hover.

“My, God!” Mitchell spoke out in surprise as he stood up to reach out to his daughter but ended up losing his footing. “WOAH!” He shouted as he fell backwards over the front of the wagon. Baron looking up just in time to see his body falling toward him. But it stopped in its fall as it began to move at an angle over him. A set of wings extended outward to either side of Mitchell as he and Charlotte landed a few yards in front of him.

Charlotte had grabbed onto the falling human and glided down to the earth below, surprising not only her father and friend, but herself as well.

“Did I just.............?” She spoke out in awe before she found herself in a loving embrace by a crying human.

“My girl.............. My baby can fly again............” He sobbed only to have a taloned hand press his face away from her.

“Geez dad, gimme a break.” She groaned to no avail as she was pressed back into the hug, he rubbing his cheek against her own and causing her to fluff her feathers out in annoyance.

“Now ain’t that adorable.” Baron chuckled only to elicit another groan from the small griffon. Mitchell giving a loud chuckle before they finally noticed Mona floating quietly down to their sides.

“That......... took quite a bit more effort than I first thought.” She sighed.

The young griffon managed to separate herself from her father before she began to hover in front of Mona.

“Th-thanks for........... ya know........... healing my wing.” She began, trying to find the right words to say, unable to accurately state how she felt, she decided the next best thing was to hug the human, which she did.

Mona gave a slight yelp from the sheer force of the hug before being let go and seeing the young griffon bolt up and into the clouds above. After a few minutes they saw a cloud slowly being pulled down and over top of them. Charlotte peeking her head through the cloud and giving a giggle as she positioned it over the wagon.

“Figured we could use some shade from the desert sun.” She smiled.

Baron and Mitchell gave out a hardy laugh as they smiled up to the beaming griffon. This little trip would be a lot less stressful now that they now have a healed griffon and some shade to cover them while they traveled. But one thing was still in the open. When was Mona going to continue to Equestria?

Author's Notes:

Edited by ReFro

Chapter 43

As the sun rose slowly into the morning sky, breaking over the horizon and shining its warming rays across the land. Those very same rays began to slowly creep across the ceiling to Celestia's chambers and onto the sleeping mass of ponies laying silently in her bed. The princess herself was slowly making her way across the room and back into her bed when she noticed Midnight’s eyes staring drowsily at her before moving slowly to the other mares that lay in bed with him. The Sun Goddess pressed on, slipping silently back into the bed with her newly acquired family, giving a little smirk upon seeing Midnight’s slightly embarrassed smile.

"I believe we can take a few days off to have a little leisure time. What do you think?" Celestia asked the dark Alicorn as he looked to the other mares laying all over the bed and himself.

"I think that sounds like a fantastic plan." He chuckled. "Then again, this will probably be my last vacation for a while. I know that you've got something planned for me once the royalty training starts." He sighed slightly, giving a hint of annoyance.

"Oh don't act that way, I'm sure you will enjoy the training. It's not like you are being tortured after all." She said with a slight unnerving grin.

"I’m beginning to think that torture would be far less painful." He chuckled. "Speaking of which, what happened last night? I remember that I was about to get into bed........... with you four............" He trailed off as his mane and tail began to turn a soft pink.

"Ya passed out, ya dern fool." AJ stated with a yawn as she finally awoke. "Ya'll talk to loud, ya know that?"

Celestia and Midnight both gave a soft chuckle at that, as Applejack pulled herself from the bed, giving another small yawn as she went toward the bathroom on the far side of the room.

"Yes, I do believe that waking up so early is going to wear on my complexion." Rarity stated as she rubbed her eyes with her forelegs gently.

*SNOOOOOOORE*

Everyone paused as a loud snore ripped across the room, their vision falling to the lavender unicorn who was laying belly up on the bed with a cover halfway strewn across her. Midnight gave a chuckle as he looked to Rarity and Celestia before speaking.

"Don't worry, you get used to that after a while." He laughed causing the others to giggle out as well.

"That or we could get some ear plugs." Rarity stated as she wiggled a hoof in her ear slightly, trying to hear again as she had taken the full blast of the snore since Twilight was right beside her in bed.

"Nah, you just got to know how to wake her up the right way when she’s sawing logs." Midnight snickered slightly as he nodded for Rarity to leave the bed. Once she had made her way off of the bed and to his side he took in a deep breath as a grin spread across his face.

"OH MY GOD TWILIGHT! YOUR FIRST EDITIONS ARE ON FIRE!" He shouted, causing her to shriek out as she bolted upright in bed frantically looking around the room to try and find the fire, only to pause as she heard laughter from a few feet away.

Twilight’s face grew a little red in embarrassment, and anger as she glared to the group.

"That was not funny!" She growled as she crossed her forehooves and pouted her bottom lip.

"Sorry doll, but considering the amount of logs you were sawing at one time, I thought it only appropriate to wake you with that little stick of dynamite." The dark Alicorn laughed for a moment before seeing her horn light up. He started to back away slightly but stopped as he was lifted into the air and pulled back into bed, Twilight nuzzling into his chest for a moment until he began.

"Twi?"

"Can't we stay in bed today? I mean, we all did finally get married........" She trailed off as she buried her face into his chest, hiding the blush that was slowly encasing her entire head.

Midnight gave a chuckle as he wrapped his forelegs around the lavender unicorn, pulling her closer to him as he spoke.

"I don't see why not. I mean, what about the honeymoon? Are we going to stay in the castle for that little event, or are we going out of town, so to speak." He laughed as he could feel Twilight tense up at the thought. After a moment he could feel another body pressing onto the bed behind him, but before he could look back, his ear had been bitten and pulled downward, forcing a growl out of him as his head was forced onto the pillow below him. Turning his eyes to the perpetrator, he grinned at the white unicorn that now crawled over the side of his neck, pinning him to the bed.

"I do believe that the castle would be a good place to start darling." Rarity purred as she leaned down, giving his other ear a nip, eliciting a playful growl from him.

"As do I." Celestia giggle softly, bring all attention to her as the three ponies laying in bed had just now noticed her lack of regalia and crown.

Twilight and Rarity look at her in awe slightly as they both traced her frame, as this was the first time they had ever seen her without her regalia. Her body was very sleek and well toned, as if it were perfectly proportioned in every area. Rarity, at this point, was starting to turn a little red as several thoughts began to run through her mind. Twilight's face was already burning brightly as she continued to stare, unrelentingly, toward the Sun Goddess.

"Ahem!" Came the southern droll of a certain earth pony as she trotted to Celestia's side, causing the others to blink for a moment before coming back to reality. "Now don't ya'll get carried away with a purty flank." She smirked. "Ya'll'll get a piece'o that in time. Fer now though, ah think we should discuss a couple'o things."

All eyes were on Applejack as she gave the princess a playful nudge, her own face starting the burn a soft red. Her eyes turned back to Midnight as she cleared her throat slightly.

"Night............ can ah, speak to ya in private?" She asked, giving a hint of nervousness. The others taking the hint and quickly getting up and heading to the restroom to start the day. AJ and Midnight being left to talk alone.

The young earth pony made her way over to the bed, crawling in and laying down next to the dark stallion that she would now be able to call her own. Her eyes showing how nervous she was as she tried not to look directly into his eyes as she spoke.

“Night......... remember what we spoke’bout the other day........... ‘bout starting a family?” She asked as she glanced up to see him smiling softly to her.

“I remember, why? Are you?” He paused as he watched her nod shyly.

“Would ya mind that we........... do this alone though?” She spoke as she pulled her hat over her face to hide her even redder face.

“No problem love. I’m sure the other wouldn’t mind.” He chuckled softly.

After pulling himself from the bed, he made his way over to the restroom, stopping for a moment as he heard a few giggles. Gently knocking on the door with a hoof, the giggles came to a stop.

“Yes?” Came Rarity’s voice from the other side of the door.

“You three busy?” Midnight asked causing them to giggle again.

“Well, we seem to be stuck in all of these bubbles; you’re free to come in if you want.” Celestia tittered as they heard a slight groan from the other side of the door.

As the door pressed open, Midnight was greeted with the site of three of his ladies all in a large bathtub, overflowing with bubbles. Three head poking out from it, each with a beard and mustache made of said bubbles. Twilight even having a monocle made of bubbles as well

“I say good sir, do you happen to have the bubble time?” Twilight spoke out in a playful, stallion-esk tone.

The dark Alicorn stared at her for a moment before a grin cracked across his face, causing him to snicker. “It would be a very specific time that I need to be with a certain pony, and I would like to ask that we have that time to ourselves.” He smirked seeing their faces contort in confusion for a moment.

“I’m sorry darling, but what are you referring to?” Rarity stated as she wiped the bubbles from her face.

As he made his way over to them, he couldn’t help but chuckle some more seeing Celestia with a bubble beard. “Girls, you remember what we spoke about the other day, before the wedding?” He asked seeing them nod a little before realization set in.

“Oh my........ is Applejack?” Twilight asked in surprise seeing him nod in confirmation.

“I think that specific time would be better spent as a couple instead of a group.” He stated with a soft smile.

“Should we just teleport to the banquet hall for breakfast after this?” Rarity asked toward the dark Alicorn.

“I think that would be a good idea. I know how rowdy AJ can get during this time, and I wouldn’t want you girls to walk in while we are........... well........... you know.” He laughed sheepishly.

“Oh..... You’re going to start now? Before breakfast?” Rarity giggled covering her mouth with a hoof.

“Sure, I mean, why not. At least it will be a week of work like before.” He grinned toward the Sun Goddess causing her to erupt into a bright blush.

“Well, with Alicorns, I wasn’t sure if or when it would take. But with earth ponies, I’m sure that it wouldn’t take nearly as long.” Celestia stuttered slightly, twiddling her hooves a little in the bubbles within the tub.

“Are you still embarrassed about that time princess?” Twilight asked giving a knowing smile, only to cause her teacher to sink slightly into the bubbles.

“That is just so adorable.” Rarity chimed in giving a giggle of her own.

“Awright ya’ll, enough chit chatting.” Applejack spoke up from behind Midnight, causing him to step forward a few paces. “Ah don’t like teh beat’round the bush, Ah’m in season awright?! An ah want teh spend some time with mah stallion, alone, if’n ya’ll don’t mind none.” She stated with a blush.

The three mares within the tub gave a knowing giggle before nodding.

“We will finish up here and teleport into the banquet hall for breakfast. Take as much time as you need.” Celestia smiled warmly to the sheepishly smiling earth pony standing next to Midnight.

Midnight gave a nod, turning back toward the door and making his way back into the bedroom, Applejack slowly trotting up next to him, leaning on to him affectionately. Once they had made their way back to the bed, AJ crawled up and into it, pulling the covers over her and tossing her hat and hair bands to the side, letting her blonde hair fall down to all around her. She smiled over to the stallion who was grinning like a dog as he climbed into the bed with her.

“Any requests love?” He asked, moving forward and kissing her.

“Nah, ah don’t plan on wearing ya out jes yet.” She smirked.

Author's Notes:

Editing done by ReFro! Of course!

Chapter 44

It had taken a couple of hours before Midnight and Applejack had shown up for breakfast, but overall they were both satisfied with the end result. However, a certain white Alicorn had planned on having Midnight start his training shortly after breakfast, which was now long over, but that didn't stop the two ponies from taking a seat and having a late breakfast, much to the instructor’s furious disapproval.

"I honestly can't tell you the last time I have ever had this much trouble with helping a royal member of the court, of any court for that matter, get into my classroom and study like the rest! You are a grown stallion! You should know better than to talk back to an instructor when they ask something of you! Much less with your mouth full!" A grumpy and very annoyed elder unicorn groaned, trying his best to berate Midnight for his inhospitable actions and sheer lack of showing interest.

Midnight and AJ looked to each other before giving out a muffled laugh from them both having a mouth full of breakfast. After a few seconds, to finally swallow what they were eating, Midnight spoke up, still chuckling.

"AJ, I dunno about this guy. He thinks he can seriously train me to become a royal snob. Should I enlighten him? Or should I let him attempt the impossible?" He smirked as he glanced back to the now seething elder unicorn as he pressed his glasses further up onto his nose and tossing part of his yellow mane out of his face with a hoof.

AJ gave a slight chuckle as she watched the green unicorn fuming for a moment before she spoke up as well.

"Ah reckon ya could enlighten him a bit." She laughed but paused as the unicorn turned his head to her upon hearing her dialect.

"I take it that you must be Miss Applejack." He stated as he grinned mischievously.

"Ah am, an why ya'll askin?" She stated with a scrutinizing glare.

"Well, Princess Celestia has advised me to instruct you as well. Since you seem to have a slight problem with the way you speak." He stated as he cleared his throat, smiling toward the young mare.

"Are ya'll makin fun'o the way ah talk?" She asked as she glared even harder toward the instructor as he continued to smile.

"I'm not making fun of it, heavens no. I am simply making an observation to what I was told." He stated as he stepped up to the table, placing a small satchel onto it. "And since neither of you seem to be cooperating, I guess I will have no choice but to begin the lessons here." He sighed as he began to pull several books from the satchel and setting them up onto the end of the table.

As he was placing the items onto the table, the dark Alicorn grinned as he leaned over and began whispering into Applejack’s ear.

"Think we should give him the royal treatment?" He asked, giving her a wink.

"Ya mean? Talk fancy?" She grinned evilly.

"It's that, or torment the poor bastard until he runs away pulling his mane out." Midnight snickered.

"OH! How'bout this!" Applejack snickered as she began whispering into Midnight's ear, his own grin turning more and more sinister with each word Applejack was saying.

"Oh you're goooooooood!" Midnight grinned evilly toward her. She smirked back, nodding her head while cocking her brow.

"You know it sugar."

After a few minutes, they had finishing up their meal; the table had been cleaned up by the castle staff; and the two ponies that were at the opposite end of the table were now sitting toward the other end as they listened to the instructor.

"Thank you two for finishing up so quickly, I do say that I may not have as much work cut out for me as previously thought." He tittered. "Now then, my name is Proper Etiquette. Do not let the name fool you, I may be proper now, but my teaching style is very strenuous to the intellectually declined. I hope that both of you have, at least, half a brain in order to understand what I am speaking about." He sighed as he looked to the two ponies, both nodding in understanding, which surprised the elder unicorn as his glasses drooped slightly in disbelief.

"We understand, and we know quite a bit about all the formalities of being royalty as well." Midnight stated as he gave a soft smile, much like Celestia’s.

"I do understand the prospects of having to be formal at gatherings, and while in the company of those who seek to have our company and thoughts on subjects as well." Applejack stated in a more upper class, and soft tone. Her pronunciations of each word were perfect each time.

Proper Etiquette stood there, his cheeks burning a little from having heard Applejack’s serene and upper class tone of voice, it having done a complete 180 in dialect and tone from what she had spoken with earlier.

"But ah don't unner'stand why ah gotta speak all fancy, t'ain't like ah'm gonna need teh talk to any other fancy ponies n'such." She blurted out right afterward, causing Proper to gawk.

"It isn't a matter of wanting to do this, it is a matter of having to. You see, if a royal from any country comes to Equestria, they expect to speak to a wise and intelligent ruler. Not some hick from a hole in the ground." He stated, waving his hoof dismissively. This only causing Applejack to growl out toward him, and cause Midnight's mane and tail to deepen into a darker crimson.

"Ah ain't no hick ya snobby nose lil'pri...." She paused as Midnight put a hoof in front of her.

"Applejack." Midnight stated in a monotone, opening a psychic link to her via magic. "Now that I have your attention."

He stated within the link. "Don't worry about what he says, in the end, we will have the last laugh."

"Awright, but ah hope ya make'im pay fer that insult. Ah wouldn't mind bucking him right up'side the head right now if'n ya'd let me." She stated angrily within the link.

"No worries love, he will get his very shortly." Midnight grinned as they both brought their attention back to the green instructor before them.

XXX

After several hours of being taught the proper etiquette that would make other high class ponies respect and admire them. Proper had managed to get them to very quickly turn over a new leaf in the way that they spoke and acted while in the presence of others. Although AJ had been grinding her teeth through the whole event, she found comfort in the fact that this nutty unicorn was about to eat all of his insults in one fell swoop as they both entered into the throne room.

As the three walked up to the bottom of the stairs that led up to the thrones. Proper introduced the two ponies as they were now dressed in royal attire. Midnight in his regal armor, and Applejack wearing her Element along with a small tiara.

"Your Highness' and Duchess'. I bid thee to welcome Midnight Flame, and Duchess Applejack into thy court." He beamed as the two came forth and began to bow but paused as they both shot up the stairs and began to shake everyponies’ hooves quickly.

"Well gooooOOOoooolee! Ah sure do like teh make yer aquatence an'all. This'll be mah first time being king, Yup yup uh huh!" Midnight grinned like an idiot as he began running through the line of mares and shaking their hooves roughly. Upon leaving Celestia stunned, Luna gave an audible snort before covering her mouth with a hoof, trying her best not to laugh at not only Midnight’s antics, but also the total expression of utter horror that Proper Etiquette now had plastered across his face.

Applejack was almost choking from holding in a giggle herself as she went along with the facade of induced embarrassment. Adding a little thicker dialect to her normal speaking tone.

"Well good'golly'gosh ya'll. Ain't been but few owhars since ah saw ya'll, but that there done flew bye while mah stallion an'I was rutting like ferals a short time back! Eeyup." AJ snickered, giving a quick wink toward the now full body blushed group of mares.

*Thud*

All of the ponies sitting at the thrones turned to the sound of a body hitting the floor. Upon looking down to the spot where the noise had come from, they all looked on, trying to hold back any snickers or laughing that would have come from it, but failed miserably as they looked upon the now, shocked into unconsciousness green unicorn, resting on the floor at the bottom of the stairs. Midnight sighed as he hoofed a bag of bits to Applejack, she gave a chuckle as she continued smirking.

"Ok............. I am completely lost at this point." Celestia managed to blurt out as she rubbed her head with a hoof upon seeing what had just transpired.

"Blame our stallion here." AJ piped up giving a loud laugh. "Dern fool thought he'd be able to hustle me in a bet. Bet he didn't know you can't hustle an Apple." She chuckled.

"One more little turn and I would have had you though." Midnight grinned as he gave AJ a playful nudge.

"Yea yea, more bits fer me." She grinned as she tossed the bag up and down playfully on her hoof. Midnight giving a very sly smirk.

"Double or nothing says I can make him pass out with one move." Midnight snickered. AJ cocking a brow at him as she began to push her hoof out the shake on it.

"That's enough you two." Twilight spoke up once the shock had worn off. "I can't believe you did that to my old professor." She sighed as she descended the stairs. Once she had made it to the bottom she began to gently shake the elder unicorn until he finally awoke.

"Oh......... my CELESTIA!" He shouted in a fury as he glared death at the two. "Never in all my years have I had this much trouble with anypony. Even one that had never been, nor meant to been royalty. He huffed as he got to his hooves and began leaving the room. His berating still being shouted out until his voice had trailed off in the distance down the hall.

Midnight and Applejack just bro-hoofed at that point. Their point coming across very clearly to the angry green unicorn that had just left to go and cry elsewhere.

"What are you two so happy about?! You could have given that poor stallion a heart attack from being so............. so.........."

Twilight was having trouble finding the correct words to express herself, but failed as the two other ponies began to laugh loudly and joke.

"Twi, it was all in good fun. I can't even believe that Tia would hire such a snotty, uppity class pony, thinking that they could teach me about being royalty. I already know the hoofbook inside and out. There really wasn't a need to get him to come here." Midnight chuckled seeing the confused faces of everypony around him.

Celestia looked rather surprised by the remark, and so, asked. "Please then my dear, will you show us how to act royal."

Midnight gave a cocked brown as a dashing smile spread across his face. He took in a deep breath as he began. His normal stature being replaced with a far more proud and, dare I say, quite dashing stance that made him look quite handsome. He slowly walked over to Rarity, sweeping her off of her hooves and into his arms as he began to speak in a slightly rugged, yet kind voice.

"My sweetest diamond, do you not believe that I am made of greatness? That I would use my abilities for anything other than good for the entire universe? I ask of you this. What makes a king a king? Is it the way he must hold himself back when there are those out there that request a fight? Would it be because he decided to hurt the enemy instead of aid them? There are countless questions that run through my mind every second of every day. All of them asking me the same thing. What can I do to become a better pony? How can I change for the better in order to help our kingdom?" He paused for a moment as he kissed her then set her back down into her seat, she swayed from the impact that not only his words, but the kiss had made on her as well.

"A king is someone who does not change for himself, but for his people and kingdom. Should he have to endure training into something that will only take away from his normal being? Or should he remain the same as everypony already knows him. Would you want a clown to show up in a party and then turn into a mime? I think not. That would be pretty boring. So why ask a king to change just to appease a few party members, when in fact, it is the whole kingdom that looks up to him instead of just a small group of ponies and other beings."

He sighed softly for a moment before picking up once again. "Listen," He began in a serious tone. "I can handle being serious around certain ponies, but I will not act differently toward those that already know me. I will always be me because that is what makes me special, just like everyponies’ talents resemble their cutie marks. So please, let me, be me. I am sure that the entire kingdom, as well as the planet would welcome it. Welcome somepony they can relate to, and not be afraid to ask them questions or berate them for a silly decision." Coming to a stop he smiled as Celestia came up to his side, giving him a gentle nuzzle.

"Night, you are correct in your assumptions. Why change who we are when others can find comfort in the fact that we are also like them in so many ways. That we too make mistakes within our lives much like they do. We try to be the perfect role model, but the truth is, a perfect role model is somepony they can relate to. Somepony that has flaws just like them and everypony else across the entire world." She paused giving a slight chuckle.

"I do believe that you have taught me something new today my dear." Celestia stated causing the rest of the ponies around her to give a slightly surprised expression.

"Me, teach you something new? I'm in shock!" He spoke playfully, exaggerating the sentence even more by placing a hoof onto his chest. Celestia, as well as the others, rolled their eyes at his antics.

"Don't get used to it, I am still eons older than all of you combined. It will not be often that you can teach the teacher." She smirked.

"I know, but at least it will be a lot of fun to try." He chuckled. "And if I can't teach you something new." He began as he trotted up to her smiling, then laughed loudly as he licked her eye and bolted down the stairs. "There is always the shock and awe treatment!" He laughed even louder as he could hear her yelling toward him, the sound of rapid hoofsteps making their way down the stairs and taking chase after him.

The other three mares stood there in shock for a moment before laughing.

"I guess that our darling stallion will still remain a colt in his mind at times." Rarity tittered.

"At least he will keep things interesting." Twilight giggled as well.

"Darn tootin!" AJ finished as they all head down the stairs and out of the throne room to find the duo.

Author's Notes:

Edited by ReFro

Chapter 45

It had taken the better part of three days, but the small rag tag crew of different species had finally made it across the desert in record time. With Charlotte now being able to fly and manipulate the clouds to help shade the group, and Mona being able to use her magic to help manifest water, food, or almost anything else that the group would need, the time it took to normally traverse the plane of sand had been cut into a third of its normal time.

Now the group was slowly making their way back into the Griffon Kingdom, from the land of the dragons. Much of the land was covered in forests and large plains, similar to Equestria. The only real difference was that much of the forest had a low layer of clouds maybe a hundred yards above it, countless holes cascading through the cloud line to let the sun shine through to help the forest grow.

Below, the group was just making it into the city limits. Baron giving a nervous glance all around upon seeing quite a few griffons giving him dirty looks. The minotaur, although normally brash, and quite stubborn, was now trying to avoid the glares he was receiving from the various griffons that were now starting to gain in volume as they pressed through the city gates.

Mona was walking alongside him as they were heading through the gates, noticing his sudden apprehension upon finally arriving at their destination.

“You seem a little nervous big guy, care to let me in on what’s troubling you?” The young maiden asked as she gave him a gentle nudge in the arm. He only gave a soft snort in return as he nodded to Mitchell.

“Griffons and minotaurs usually don’t get along very well love. Always been at each other’s throats, even through times of peace.” The young man stated softly as he glanced to Charlotte as she looked down to him. Mitchell giving a couple of winks and a nod toward Baron. A silent conversation passing between them as she jumped from the back of the wagon onto the minotaur’s head, laying lazily between his horns as her talons scratched the bridge of his snout, his fur immediately puffing out all over his body as he gave a laugh, bouncing his head a little.

“Oy now! Ya know ahm ticklish there!” he chuckled as he bounced the griffon playfully on his head, she giving a giggle as she wrapped her arms around his snout and giving it a hug as her tail flicked playfully back and forth behind her.

It was then that Mona noticed that the glares from the griffons that were all around them began to soften, some even vanishing and being replaced by smiles upon seeing this. She jumped slightly however as Mitchell leaned over and began to whisper into her ear.

“If one griffon sees another accepting a different species as a possible friend, then most of them will forget what they know or have experienced in the past, accepting that being almost fully into their society. You’d be surprised at just how easy it is to be accepted into a culture not of your own on this planet.” He smirked slightly as he nodded to a few griffons he had met long ago, they waving to him as the group continued on through the city.

After a while they came to a stop at a small cafe, pulling the wagon to a small spot near their table outside and quickly setting the parking brake to avoid it rolling off. As they took a seat, Charlotte jumped from the minotaur’s head and took a seat next to him, showing how comfortable she was with the massive beast, in turn causing most of the griffons around them to ignore him instead of just giving dirty looks.

A couple of minutes went by before a waiter finally walked up to the table. A husky looking griffon that seemed to have a little more meat on him than most others, even being dressed in a half tux to improve his already sleek looks.

“Good afternoon, I shall take your orders when you are ready.” He stated with a slight smile as he looked to the group.

After placing their orders the waiter left, only to appear again a few moment later, bringing back a few drinks for the group before leaving once again to take another tables order.

“This seems like a pretty fancy place, and I... really don’t have any currency.” Mona stated giving a sheepish smile. “Are you sure you don’t mind paying for my meal?” She asked.

“Not a problem love, it’s the least we can do for yer help. I mean, ya did manifest that big meal and heal may daughter. This’ll be a drop in the bucket compared to what ya have already done for us.” Mitchell stated with a smiled and a wink.

‘I can sense quite a bit of hate coming from these griffons.’ A small voice stated within Mona, causing her to stiffen up for a moment, but quickly relaxing so as to avoid any unwanted attention.

‘Who and what are you? How care I hear you in my head?’ Mona mentally asked the voice only to make it chuckle.

‘Heh heh heh, I’m part of you idiot, don’t you see that? Or rather, the bracelets?’ It stated mockingly, causing Mona to glance down to the bracelets as they gave a very soft glow for just a moment.

‘I... I recall something... something from long ago...” She stated in thought, trailing off as it began to slowly surface. After a moment the voice spoke up once again as the memories of the past began to flood into her mind.

‘That’s right... we took all of those lives human. Countless lives to further empower us and bring down that accursed sun Goddess Celestia but we never got the chance, did we?’ It stated angrily, as if scolding the human.

‘I wouldn’t let you take the life of those children, you have no right!’ She growled back only to make the voice cackle.

‘I have no right? Let me tell you something worm!’ It growled back causing Mona to visibly tense up as pain began to shoot through her body from an unknown source. ‘You are the one who put on the bracelets all those eons ago. You are the one that made the pact with me in order to get back home.’

“And you promised to send me home once you had accomplished your goal. Had I known at the time that you would take countless lives in order to do such a thing, then I would’ve never agreed to...’

“You ok love?” Mitchell spoke up causing the pain to stop and her attention to snap to him. “You seemed like you were in pain a moment ago. Not feeling well?” He asked, only to see her shake her head slightly.

“No, I’m fine. Just a little nauseous from having to wait so long for our order.” She sighed, knowing it was a lie.

“Nauseous? Ya ain’t sick are ya?” Baron asked as he reach a huge hand over to her and pressed a single finger to her forehead, surprising her and the others at the gentleness of such a huge creature. “Naw, ya seem fine teh me...” He stated as he pulled his hand back to his own head and felt of how warm he was compared to her. “Then again, ah don’t right know much about medicine’n such things.” He chuckled.

“No, I’m fine, I’ve just been thinking a lot about going to Equestria. I need to make it there as soon as possible, and to see the princess as well.” She sighed as she rubbed her head, trying to remove the images that the demon was projecting into her mind from the past.

“Well, we don’t have much further teh go love. There is a port not far from the entrance to the city that has some dirigibles teh take non flying folk from here teh yander.” Mitchell stated as he nodded from the table to his side, giving no specific direction.

“I’m glad, maybe now I can put all these feelings to rest once I get there.” She sighed softly as she leaned back in her seat, only to scrunch up her face as the voice echoed softly in her head.

‘And once we kill her, take over the nation of Equestria, and maybe kill off some of the populace. We can find another suitable host for myself before I release you.’ The voice cackled softly, echoing off into the distance within her head.

‘Not before you send me home you sick fuck.’ Mona growled out within her head, ending the conversation.

XXX

A few hours had passed by before the small group of travelers had finally made it to the sky port within the Griffon Kingdom. All of them looking at it in awe as a row of floating stone stairs made their way up to a large floating building that was anchored to the ground, the distance between the two ranging around a hundred yards. A large floating blimp slowly made its way toward the building, several propellers halting their spin as they began to drift slowly toward the large building.

The group watched as the large blimp tossed multiple ropes from the sides, and into the talons of several flying griffons that began to slowly tug it sideways into a vacant port.

“Looks like we made it just in time love.” Mitchell stated as he looked up to the large floating behemoth, then back to Mona with a saddened smile. “It’ll be a shame that yer leaving us though, was nice having ya travel with us. Even if’n it was fer a short time.” He stated while rubbing the back of his neck gently, a sheepish grin slowly spreading across his face.

“We will meet again, in time.” Mona stated with a blushing smile of her own. “I’m sure of it.”

“They’re startin to unload the passengers, better get a move on.” Baron stated as his eyes never left the blimp in port. Many different species of creatures all beginning to unload from it. Some were even flying from it and into the massive floating building.

“Right....” Mona stated with a sigh as she looked from Baron to the stairs that led up to the building in question.

“Here...” Mitchell stated, causing Mona to turn her head back to him, he was holding a small bag of coins in front of him. “I’m sure this’ll keep ya for a while, and pay fer the ticket teh Equestria.” He smiled sheepishly only to pause as her hand came up to his, wrapping gently around the bag and the hand holding it and bringing it to her bosom lovingly.

“Thank you, for your kindness.” She stated softly before looking up to him with slightly watering eyes. He smiling softly to her for a moment before his eyes went wide as she pressed forward and up, pressing her lips to his for a moment. After what seemed like an eternity, they parted. Mitchell stood there in stunned silence as Mona gave him a warm smile, then ran off with the small bag of bits, up the stairs and into the floating building.

“I think she might have a slight crush on him.” Baron stated with a loud chuckle toward Charlotte whom was now puffed out and trying to fly after the female human, only to be held back by Baron as he wrapped a large hand around her tail.

“YA THINK?!” Charlotte stated angrily as she attempted to attack the minotaur to get him to let go, he only pressed his other hand toward her, wrapping it around her head; her beak poking out between two of his large fingers.

“Now calm down ya git, ain’t no need teh be getting all excited. We might not ever see that youngin again. Sides, yer poppa looks a little down.” Baron stated as he let the griffon’s head go and let her swing upside down by her tail in his other hand, she crossing her arms and puffing out slightly in annoyance.

“Fine, but only because dad needs me right now.” She huffed as she was let go and flipped upright before landing on the ground.

As she walked over to her father, she smiled softly seeing his sad face. It had been such a long time since she had seen him look like that, years even.

She smiled to herself as she moved to the front and took a seat as she looked up to him for a moment, mentally berating herself for doing what she was about to do.

She took in a deep breath to steady herself as she puffed out her feathers along her head and wings, then putting on the biggest puppy dog eyes she could, she extended her taloned hands forward as if wanting to be picked up, and then she did something that made Baron snicker. She cooed like a dove to gain Mitchell’s attention.

Once he heard the coo he looked down to see his daughter in the most adorable pose he had ever seen.

“Oh... my.... God...” He stated as he slowly knelt down and wrapped his arms around the young griffon. She gave a soft sigh at the hug, but was also giving a death glare at Baron who was now laughing very hard, but silently as all that came out were squeaks.

After a few minutes of watching the platform leading to the oversized blimp, the group noticed Mona finally walking along the platform and onto the ship. She looked down just in time to see the group waving her off. She smiling down to them and waving back before finally making it into the ship.

“Well then.” Baron began as he latched himself to the wagon once again. “Times a’waisting. Bout time we get going. Gonna be a long trek back to the Minotaur lands.”

“Yea.” Mitchell stated softly as he watched the air ship slowly begin to pull away from the dock and start up its engines. It silently moved away from them toward the ocean. “Sure hope we get to meet again love. It’s lonely being the only human’round.” He sighed as he turned back to his friend and daughter. “Well then, let’s get to it!” He stated quickly as the group began walking, their journey to their destination, beginning once again.

Author's Notes:

Edited by ReFro

Chapter 46

After Midnight’s little shock treatment toward one of his brides, he had finally been caught by her in the palace gardens. Although he was still laughing, he couldn’t help but cringe a little at the glare that Celestia was giving him. That was of course, until he noticed her mouth begin to crack into a slight smile.

The only thing left to do was make that frown finally break and turn into a smile. So he did the only thing he could think of at that moment. He placed a hoof over his mouth and blew, making his cheeks puff out and cross his eyes.

What happened next was a memory he will forever cherish as Celestia let out a very loud snort as she attempted to hold in a laugh by covering her mouth. Midnight on the other hoof only adding insult to injury as he continued making stupid faces at her.

After a couple of seconds he finally had her on the ground laughing so hard she couldn’t breathe. The only thing to come out of her was a non-verbal laugh as there was no air left in her lungs to make her vocal cords work.

After finally coming to a stop with making funny faces, he trotted over to Celestia whom was now finally composing herself after almost passing out from the lack of air. Once she had finally got her breathing back to normal, her glare returned, but only for a moment as she began to giggle softly.

“You do realize you are the only pony to truly make me laugh this hard after doing something that surprises me like that.” She tittered softly as she got back to her hooves.

“I do try my best when it comes to the shock and awe treatment.” He grinned as he nudged her playfully.

“Sometimes I think you try too hard. But still, it is quite amusing, even if it is at the most inopportune of times.” She sighed, rolling her eyes as he chuckled.

“I think Discord’s chaotic nature is rubbing off on me.” He grinned to her causing her to sigh.

“That is what I’m afraid of.”

“And why is that? Isn’t it a good thing to have a husband that can be a little random at times? Even if he has to do royal doodies at times?” He snickered as he watched Celestia’s face contort for a moment at his pronunciation of the word before letting out a snort once again before covering her mouth.

“MIDNIGHT!” *giggle* “You had best watch your tongue while in the castle. Some ponies may not find your sense of humor to be all that... inspiring.” She tittered again.

“I know, but it’s still fun to get you to snort like that.” He grinned evilly. “I have never seen anypony else make you do that, well, except for Twilight.” He chuckled at the thought.

“I think she only does what she does because you’ve corrupted her poor little mind.” She smirked as she gave him a playful nudge.

“Naaaaaaah, I think she does it only because she finds you to be attractive.” He grinned again seeing Celestia’s face burn a bright red.

“W-what!?” She squeaked out in surprise before seeing him holding back a laugh. “Why you!” She began before seeing his face turn back into a cocky grin. “You’re serious aren’t you?”

“As a heart attack.” He laughed. “You’d be surprised how much she talks in her sleep.”

“Really?” The alabaster Alicorn stated with a curious tone to her voice. “Yet she has never come forward to speaking of such a thing to me.” She stated as she came to a halt, her hoof coming up to her own chin and rubbing it in curiosity.

“DO NOT tell her I said anything, she’ll turn me into a foal for a year straight if she finds out that I know anything, much less having told you.” He groaned out as he rolled his eyes at the thought.

“Really?” Celestia grinned evilly as she began to trot ahead of him.

“Tiiiiiiaaaaaaa! Don’t you dare!” He chuckled nervously as he began to trot after her only to bolt after her as she began to run off giggling like a school filly that had just found out a juicy secret and wanted to tell everypony.

After several minutes of chasing the Sun Goddess, they had finally arrived back at her chambers. It was already later in the day but the sun had not reached the horizon just yet. So the ambiance within her chambers was quite surreal as the horizon began to darken into the night that was slowly coming. A hint of light ebbing closer to it signalling the presence of the moon before it was to rise into the night sky.

As the two Alicorns entered into the room, they noticed that Rarity and Twilight were already at the bed, placing pillows here and there, along with laying in various spots to try and find a comfortable spot.

“Tia, you had better not! I told you that in confidence!” Midnight whispered angrily to her, she only grinning like a bandit.

“You never said it was my dear.” She tittered. “Besides, I am quite interested in the prospect. I mean, we are all married are we not? And you did end up taking a nap on our first night together.” She grinned toward the dark Alicorn as his mane and tail turned a blistering pink.

“That’s not fair; you know how I am about that whole thing. I mean, having four lovers and then having to perform for all of them at the same time? That is a hard hit to my ego if I don’t do it right.” He groaned softly to her only to make her giggle.

“Practice makes perfect dear, does it not?” She grinned as she bit his ear gently, giving it a tug.

The dark Alicorn pulled back giving a slightly shocked expression as he spoke. “You horny ol’mare!” He laughed seeing he grin.

“Decades without a lover will do that to you my dear. Now hush, I have a question for my student.” She smirked, only to make Midnight facehoof as they finally reached the bed, halting the conversation between the white and lavender unicorns.

“Twilight my dear, I have a rather... odd... question to ask you.” Celestia stated as she smiled backwards to Midnight who was slowly backing away. A glance being exchanged between the teacher and the student.

“Uh... Ok? You know you can ask me anything, Tia.” Twilight smiled as she walked around her and to the side of the bed so Midnight could see her a little better, Rarity taking up a spot on the bed, laying down and placing her forehooves under her chin as she watched the conversation play out.

“Well... the other night.” She began, causing Midnight to visibly tense up. “The other night you were... talking in your sleep.” She stated, causing Twilight to begin to blush. “You were... asking me... asking me to kiss you.” She paused seeing Twilight’s body start to burn a bright red in embarrassment.

“Oh my goodness!” Rarity spoke in shock, a grin plastered across her face.

“I... I-I-I-I-I.” Twilight stuttered badly as she couldn’t find the words, her hair starting to become visibly disheveled.

“I was wondering, since we are all a family now. You know that I’m not against such things.” She smiled as she leaned down slightly.

The two began to slowly move closer to one another as the distance separating them began to shorten. The whole scene being watched by Midnight and Rarity. Their eyes began to close slowly as the distance began to come to a close, their lips parting slightly as they were about to touch. In the last moment they stopped, turning their vision back to Midnight who was now having a panic attack. His mane and tail a neon pink at the sight before him.

“Too far?” Twilight asked as she grinned to Celestia.

“Nope.” She stated as she pressed forward, kissing her student.

*THUD*

They broke the kiss, turning back to Midnight who was now passed out from shock on the floor. His mane and tail non-existent as he lay there.

“I think you just reached that point darlings.” Rarity giggled as she jumped from the bed and trotted over to the Dark Alicorn just as his mane and tail began to flicker back to life.

“Ugh.... What happened?” Midnight groaned as he slowly pulled himself upright, shaking his head to clear the fog. Once his eyes fell onto Celestia he began to glare at her upon seeing her look away and whistle innocently. His vision fell onto Twilight who was grinning slightly before smiling as well.

“You two... are quite possibly, thee, most evil ponies I have ever met.” He groaned.

The two turned to him grinning before Twilight spoke up.

“But you can’t help but love being trolled by us from time to time though, right? If you didn’t, then you wouldn’t have a reason to play pranks on us again. Unless you’re just being an ass of course.” She giggled.

“But isn’t he always an ass darling?” Rarity giggled, only to cause Midnight to glare at her for a moment before his horn lit up, pulling her towards him. “NO! Don’t you DARE!” She squealed as she tried to get away from the magical grasp.

“You dare, insult me, then demand me not to retaliate?! I do believe you must enjoy my torture.” Midnight laughed as he turned her onto her back in mid-air and pressed his lips to her belly causing her to squeal loudly. The others laughing at Rarity’s plight, but pausing as Midnight glared at them as well.

“Don’t you two go anywhere; you’re next for that little insult and tease.” He grinned before going back to torturing Rarity. The others laughing as they bolted for the door.

Author's Notes:

Edited by ReFro

Chapter 47

The following day had come to light with quite a few clouds in the sky. Even on the horizon, one could barely see the sun poking a few rays through the thick cloud line. The rain, although being just a little more than a slight drizzle, was coming down softly all over Canterlot. In the city below the castle, very few ponies were out and running around like they would do every day. A few unicorns were out, their horns lit up with magic, placing a shield over them to avoid having any of the rain to fall onto them.

As the morning pressed on, the cloud cover began to disperse slightly, making the rain spread out further and start to slow. A dark Alicorn watching silently from just inside the balcony as the sky began to slowly clear.

“Rainy days are so irritating.” He sighed as he watched a few pegasi clearing up some of the clouds above the castle, the bright blue sky slowly starting to show through the vacant spots that the clouds had been removed from.

“Daddy?” Came the soft voice of Marina as she trotted up to his side within Celestia’s chambers, taking a seat next to him. “Is everything ok? You’ve been sitting here all morning.” She asked as she looked up to him. He opened a wing, gently wrapping it around her, pulling her into a sideways hug.

“I’m fine baby, it’s just that... rainy days tend to ruin my mood at times. I just can’t think of why the rain does this to me though. It’s like a bad premonition to something to come, plus things always just seem to go downhill when this weather comes around.” He sighed slightly as he let his ears droop, his vision falling to the floor in front of him before he slowly looked over to his adopted daughter.

“Well, if you want, you can come and play with me and Star, he has been itching to play lately. With you and momma always running around the castle and doing stuff, you don’t really have time to play with us.” She stated with a meek smile.

“I’m sorry baby, I know I’ve been busy lately with everything. Even today I had some plans to do a few things...” He trailed off as he placed a hoof onto his chin, giving a thoughtful look before smiling. “You know what? Get your brother. Today we’re going to the amusement park.” He said with a smirk, causing Marina to beam brightly.

“YEAAAAaaaaaahhhhhh!” She shouted as she bolted from the room to find her brother, passing Celestia as she rounded the corner of the door and into the hallway.

“Well now, it seems that our daughter is in rather high spirits. I take it that you made a promise to her without my consideration first?” The white Alicorn stated as she cocked a brow in question.

“You know I always do that.” Midnight chuckled softly as he nodded to his side, the Sun Goddess making her way to his side and taking a seat onto the floor next to him. “Besides, rainy days make me feel sluggish. I honestly would rather spend some time with the kids than to be cooped up in the castle when it’s raining.” He smiled sheepishly toward her; she smiled back softly in return.

“Understandable my dear, but what do you plan on doing?” She asked, just before Starlight and Marina burst into the room squealing loudly to one another as they bounded over to their father.

“Are you really going to take us to the amusement park father?” Starlight asked as his little wings flared out giving a couple happy flaps. Marina being so excited that she dropped her guise, her little bug wings buzzing quite loudly behind her.

“You bet, just as long as yer mom says it’s ok.” He smirked over to the Sun Goddess as he watched the two foals put on their saddest faces they could muster and stare at her pleadingly.

“Not the face! Anything but the face!” Celestia cried as she attempted to cover her eyes to block out the cuteness overload that was slowly melting her.

After a few seconds she pulled her hoof away, taking a peek at the two foals who had somehow gotten even cuter and more pleading within that short time frame. Celestia gave a loud groan as she dropped her hoof to the floor, staring at it for a moment before giving a sigh.

“Fine.” She began, causing the foals to squeal loudly. “But!” She began once more causing them to come to a halt and stare at her. “You two need to stay with your father at all times, and never run off away from him for any reason. If you want to do something, ask first, and then have your father take you to whatever it is you wanted to do. Is that understood?” She asked in an authoritative manner. The two foals nodding with a determined smile each.

“We understand momma.” Marina said with a happy squeal.

“Alright then you two, go and get ready while your father and I talk for a minute.” Celestia smiled to the two before they bolted out of the room.

Midnight watched them in silence for a moment as they left the room, the door slowly coming to a close to block out any noise that may interrupt him as he began.

“Tia, you sound troubled. Is it because I’m taking them to the park?” He asked as he wrapped a wing around her gently.

“Night, we have word from one of our spy groups that were in the Griffon kingdom not too long ago. We’ve relocated the Twilight Princess.” She stated only to cause his face to turn to slight anger.

“Fill me in on what you have.” He stated without hesitation as his ear perked up and trained toward her.

Celestia gave a soft sigh as she began. “It appears that she has boarded a dirigible in the Griffon Kingdom, and is on her way to us as we speak. She should arrive in only a few days time. I have advised the captain, piloting the vehicle, to head into one of the abandoned air docks on the outskirts of Horseshoe Bay. There, we will have quite a few of the Elite guard waiting to pounce, once she has left the dirigible.”

Midnight sat there for a moment as he rubbed his chin in thought. His tactile senses moving into overdrive as he began to think up several strategic moves that could be fallback plans should Celestia’s not work. After several minutes he finally spoke up.

“Tia, I want to aid in the defensive maneuvers in Horseshoe Bay. I’ll send a few clones so that I can stay behind here to help in preparations for the main event, should we not be able to take her down there.” He stated as he slowly stood and headed toward the door.

“In the meantime, I believe that I’ve promised our children a trip to the park. You’re welcome to join us if you’d like.” He smirked slightly seeing her roll her eyes.

“In due time my dear, for the moment however, I believe that I have several appointments to attend to within the castle. I am meeting with the Minotaur nation’s leaders so that we may discuss another thing that has come to our attention.” she stated with a slight pang of nervousness in her voice.

“And that would be?” Midnight asked, pausing in his movements just before he was about to go through the door of the room and into the hall.

“Our spies have found a small group of travelers that aided the Twilight Princess in her movements for a short time. We currently do not have much information, but we are going to be working in conjunction with the Minotaur Kingdom in capturing them before interrogations will commence.”

“Understood. Once I return from the park with the children, you can fill me in on everything.” He stated as he left the room. Celestia sitting quietly at the balcony door as her vision turn back to the now slightly cloudy sky outside.

“I do hope that everything is going to turn out alright, this world does not need to see any more death.” She sighed softly just before a rainbow began to show through the clouds.

Author's Notes:

Edited by ReFro

Chapter 48

The following day had come with quite a start for the royal family. Celestia had just raised the sun when a guard burst into her room, causing her to gasp out in surprise. The guard stood there for a second as he panted, trying to find his breath before speaking. Celestia noticed the urgency in his eyes, speaking as her face contorted into that of pure determination.

“Lead the way.”

The guard gave a nod as he rushed out of the room, Celestia hot on his hooves as they both bolted down the corridor. After a solid two minutes of galloping, they arrived in the war room where her sister Luna and Midnight were already sitting, waiting for her to arrive.

“I’m sorry to say that there is no time for pleasantries. We have urgent news from Horseshoe Bay.” One of the guards stated as he took his helmet off and placed it onto the table alongside a very large magical map.

“It turns out that our plan to have the dirigible that was carrying the Twilight Princess was uncovered by her, before she ended up taking every life on the sky ship, piloting it, and crashing it into the clock tower within Horseshoe Bay. I have no idea how she managed to get there a day ahead of schedule, but she is wreaking havoc there now. We have a few platoons there currently but they are facing massive casualties. We need to send reinforcements as soon as possible.” He stated as he began to point a hoof at the map and bringing up a more detailed view of Horseshoe Bay.

“What kind of ETA are we looking at before the other platoons arrive?” Midnight asked as his mane and tail began to grow a deeper red, his fury toward the attacker already starting to peak.

“ETA would be around five hours your majesty.” The guard stated as he measured the distance on the map.

“Not good enough. Get three platoons of the Elite Guard and have them meet me at the rally point in front of the castle. I’ll teleport them myself.” He stated as his horn began to glow brightly, after a few seconds, three clones of himself appeared just behind him. The three gave a knowing nod as they exited the room with haste, heading to the rally point.

“Midnight, do you think it wise to use so much magic so quickly? What if...” Celestia was cut off as he gave her a slight glare.

“There is no time to argue about this. The longer we delay sending more reinforcements to that small city, the more time the Twilight Princess has to wipe out more lives. We don’t have the leisure in waiting. Besides, I’m already prepared for this event. I will be sending multiple clones along with the platoons and a second batch of clones that are already on site waiting for instructions. They are in defensive mode currently and will be aiding the guard in the attack by protecting them until they run out of magic.”

“Night, how much magic have you already used? You know that you can’t continue on with this strain unto your being. You know what will happen.” Luna stated in worry as everyone watched him sigh.

“I know the precautions I need to take, and I have a hoofful of potions left to aid me in my ability to fight and use magic. I am saddened to say that I only have ten left, but I know that this fight will not require all of them. I have already commissioned more potions from Zecora, although this time, it didn’t require a wing.” He chuckled slightly flaring his wings out once before folding them back to his sides.

“Very well, what will be the plan for Canterlot and Ponyville?” Celestia asked as she looked up to the dark Alicorn.

“I already have several clones dispatched around the city, along with Ponyville. They will be using Shining Armor’s shield spell to ward off any attacks for a short time. I have also sent word to the Crystal Empire asking for assistance and further reinforcements. Luna has dispatched half of her Night Guard as well for an ambush strike against the attacker just outside of Horseshoe Bay. I have also upgraded the spells being used on their armor and weapons over time so that they will be far more durable and lethal against an attacking force.” He stated with a slight sigh.

“Night... how long has this been going on? I can’t honestly believe that you’ve done all of this within a day.” Celestia asked in worry.

“Love, I have been working on the guards’ armor since I was freed from my stone prison. I have been secretly using seventy percent of my total power a day one a single guard’s armor and weapon ever since then. Every day minus a few days to recuperate, and before start arguing about it, I was only looking out for everypony; including our children.” He stated with a slight glare as Celestia gave one of her own.

“Very well, we shall discuss that at a later time. Until then however, let us continue with our current plans.”

XXX

After another hour of discussion, the members of the royal court along with several platoons of Elite Guard, and six of Midnight’s clones were all standing just outside the castle gates in the middle of the street. Many ponies had come out of their homes and businesses to see what all the commotion was about, standing to the side of the street and listening carefully.

“Alright everypony, listen up!” Midnight shouted out in the royal whee. “I have dispatched two clones for each platoon. You will be teleported to just outside of Horseshoe Bay by roughly a thousand meters. Once you all arrive, one of the clones from each platoon will immediately begin attacking the Twilight Princess. They will have used up most of their magic with the teleport, so do not expect more than maybe a few minutes of preparation time before attacking. I want you to attack with lethal force. If you find an opening to kill this being, take it, because she will stop at nothing in order to kill you and everypony in Equestria. Is that understood?” Midnight finished off by hearing a resounding ‘Yes Sir!’ from everypony within each platoon.

“Good, now get ready. Teleportation will commence in exactly thirty seconds.” He shouted one final time as three of his clones’ horns began to gain in illumination, readying themselves for a massive teleportation of an entire platoon of ponies halfway across the nation.

After the thirty seconds was up, each clone spoke out quickly. “Brace yourself for teleportation.” They each shouted as a blinding flash erupted from each of them.

As each member of the royal court looked to the street once again, no guard was in sight. Each and every guard had been teleported successfully.

“Opening a telepathic link to each clone.” Midnight stated quickly as he closed his eyes for a moment, his horn giving off a soft glow.

XXX

“Clone three reporting. Situation is dire, there have been massive casualties across the entire bay, and it appears that the enemy is holding hostages all around her.” The clone stated through the link for a moment. "It appears that she has separated the foals and adults into individual groups."

Silence... deafening silence... it seemed to last forever before a scream was heard.

"She just... absorbed a pony into something on her wrists. Sir, what are your orders?" The clone asked through the link before more screams were heard, then whimpering and crying before the clone began to speak again.

"Sir... every adult pony... they're gone... they were all absorbed into the Princess." Came the shuddering words of one of the clones.

"I don't care how you do it, but you need to save those foals under any circumstance. If you have to obliterate the entire city to do it, then you had better do it. Is that understood?" Midnight growled through the link.

"Understood, Sir." The clone stated before the link cut off.

At this very moment, Celestia, as well as many other ponies were watching Midnight as he spoke through the magical telepathic link. With each passing second, his demeanor began to slowly shift into a more frightening posture. His mane and tail steadily growing a deeper shade of red until it became as black as his coat. His eyes were closed tightly as he spoke out to the clone, his words falling out of his mouth with indescribable hatred.

The moment would have continued had it not been for Celestia noticing something that she hoped she would never see again within her lifetime. At the corners of Midnights eyes, a purple mist began to develop slowly, spreading out further and further from his eyes. Celestia took in a soft gasp upon seeing this, knowing what was about to occur had she not intervened.

"MIDNIGHT!" She shouted out causing his eyes to shoot open in surprise, revealing that his pupil and iris had turn to a deep red, while the whites of his eyes had turned to a bright green. Those colors quickly reverted back to normal though as Celestia managed to break his train of thought. Using her magic, she quickly pulled the dark Alicorn to her, wrapping her forehooves and wings around him and causing him to stare wide eyed for a moment at her as he felt her shake a little.

"Tia? What's wrong?" He asked as he gently pressed her away for a moment and looked into her eyes.

"Night, I want you to promise me something." She began; he nodded hesitantly before she continued. "Whatever happens, promise me that you will not let your anger and hatred determine your actions. Don't let them consume you... for if you do, I fear that something dire will happen."

The dark Alicorn gave a heavy sigh as he pulled the Sun Goddess back to him, hugging her gently before speaking softly into her ear.

"Tia, as much as I want to promise you that, you know what I am, what I'm like, and what my actions will be. You know that I will stop at nothing to ensure the safety of this planet. Even if that means I let myself become consumed in hate. You, our foals, the others, and everypony on this planet mean more to me than anything in existence, and I will stop at nothing to keep all of that safe from harm." He said with a sigh. "For now though, we need to get ready for the coming battle. Prepare the castle and Ponyville for battle. I have a bad feeling about what is about to happen in Horseshoe Bay.”

Author's Notes:

Edited by ReFro

Chapter 49

"MMmmmmm, so many little souls that are willing to become my sacrifices just to protect their loved ones." Mona stated in a sultry tone as she walked slowly in front of the massive crowd of ponies.

"W-why are you doing this?! Why won't you just go away and leave us alone?!" A young mare stated nervously as she pressed out of the crowd of ponies to in front of them all.

The Twilight Princess came to a halt, an evil smile creeping slowly across her face as she turned and took a few steps closer to the young mare. The mare backed up a couple of steps, her back pressing against a few others that were now trying to press backwards into the ever tightening crowd of ponies.

"Why am I doing this?" Mona repeated as she leaned down quickly causing the ponies to whimper. They had already watched her tear an entire regiment of guard apart with just a flick of her wrist and was not about to become her next target.

"I am doing this so that I can put your precious little royals to death before taking over as the ruler of this world. Then find another suitable host that can wield magic. This host is quite boring, along with her taste in clothing." She sighed out as she tugged at the dress that felt as if it were form fitting and didn't give any extra room for movement. "Sadly, in order to do that, I must have you pitiful ponies become hostages so that your leaders will give themselves up willingly. But...." She trailed off causing the crowd to look on in worry.

"If you all tell me that you would be willing sacrifices to my cause, I will let you and your foals go." She smiled evilly causing them all to whine out in worry.

"What do you mean, sacrifices?" The young mare asked as she cocked her head a little in confusion.

"Just say this phrase and you're all welcome to go free." Mona giggled softly before speaking again. "I sacrifice myself to the Twilight Princess."

The ponies all looked to one another in further worry as tension began to build. The air became thick with the worried mumbles of everypony that was being held captive at that moment, however it came to a halt as Mona spoke up once again.

"Just say the damn phrase and then you can get the hell back to whatever you were doing before I showed up. I honestly don't want to have to rip another pony apart just to get my point across. Unless one of you want to be ripped apart?" She giggled madly as she stepped closer to one of the members within the crowd but pausing as the young mare spoke up once again.

"NO! No, it's fine. I don't understand why you just want us to say that, but if it means that our foals and us can go free without injury or death, then I guess you've made the decision for us." She sighed, lowering her head as she spoke out one final phrase.

"I sacrifice myself to the Twilight Princess." She stated quietly before rest of the ponies within the large crowd spoke out the same phrase as well. After a minute of standing in silence, Mona smiled widely as she pulled her arms up and apart, looking as if she wanted a hug. She quickly swung her arms forward, clapping her hands hard and sending out a load shockwave over the crowd causing them all to scream out in pain as her bracelets began to glow brightly.

"Thank you all for you aid!" Mona shouted as a beam of light shout out from her bracelet on her left hand and surrounded everypony within the crowd. The screams all came to a halt, each pony falling to the ground before slowly turning to a vapor and being pulled into the glowing bracelet. After a few seconds, Monas eyes shot open as a bright glow quickly faded within them. A shuddering breath leaving her as she began to feel the power resonate through her entire being.

“Not bad, seems as if a few innocent ponies resided within that crowd.” She hummed softly to herself before stopping as something occurred to her. “Innocent........ponies.” A devious smile began to form on her face as she turned to another group of ponies that were all watching the scene that had unfolded before them. These ponies however, were nothing but foals and children. The very offspring of the ponies that had just been consumed into the Twilight Princess.

“If a few innocent ponies can give me that much power......... What will an entire crowd of foals do to my power level?” She continued to grin widely as she began to walked toward the crowd of whimpering ponies.

XXX

“All platoon leaders advance! We need to save those foals under any circumstance. Lethal force has been authorized. If you get the chance to kill that bitch, do it!” One of Midnight’s clones shouted as all of the platoons of ponies began to race forward toward the large group of children that were a thousand feet away.

The pegasus regiment all began to fly fast toward Mona as she continued to walk toward the crowd of foals. Only for her to come to a stop as she heard the massive quake of hooves hitting the ground from a distance. She turned in time to see the pegasus regiment closing in on her faster than she would have thought.

At the lead of the pack, a clone of Midnight whose horn was alight with magic as the bolted from the sky toward the ground below.

“My my..... Such a naughty stallion we are.” Mona tittered as she raised a hand toward the flying group of pegasi that were headed toward her at break neck speed. “But utterly useless.” She cackled as a bolt of energy shot from her right hand, heading toward them. The light beam spreading outward and engulfing every pony for a few seconds before it began to dim. Mona’s evil grin turned to that of somewhat shock when the light dissipated, revealing all of the pegasi still intact, but Midnights clone was nowhere to be seen. Before she could react, a horn managed to impale her from behind, going straight through her chest and making her scream out in pain. She turned her head just in time to see Midnights clone giving a smirk before she attempted to pull herself off of his horn only to stop as a searing pain ran through her body.

“Sorry, but you aren’t going anywhere!” The clone shouted as his horn lit up with what was left of his magical reserve.

Mona turned her head forward to see the pegasi all separating and quickly flying around her, making their way quickly to the foals and picking them up before bolting back to where they came from. As the pegasi flew back toward the direction they came from, the earth pony and unicorn regiment had just made it to the frontline where the Twilight Princess was being held forcibly, still impaled by Midnights horn.

The unicorns all began to power their magic up as several earth ponies came forward impaling the human with several runed lances. Each glowing brightly as they penetrated through her body on several areas. One even going far enough through her to impale the clone who winced in pain for just a moment.

“I... am going... to kill you ALL!” Mona growled out as her bracelets began to grow brighter and brighter, her screams of pain growing louder and louder as each second passed.

“Hurry up! You’ve only got a few seconds left!” The clone shouted as the glow from his horn began to dim.

The human females cries of pain stopped as her hand shot up, grabbing the horn that had impaled her and snapping the tip of with a loud crack that resonated all around her. The horn quickly began to glow brightly before disintegrating into a white glowing dust that fell toward the ground, disappearing before it hit. She looked back to see the pained expression on the dark Alicorns face before he too turned to dust.

Turning her head back around she grinned evilly as she watched the ponies staring at her in utter horror. several more bolting forth with more runed lances, but stopping short as she raised her hand quickly in an uppercut motion. Rock spikes erupted from the ground, impaling several of the stallions while many of the others jumped out of harms way.

A few of the stallions launched the lances toward her, two hitting her square in the chest and driving their way through her and quickly burying themselves into the ground below. Further locking her in place.

“Whip Lash! Get that magical rune up! Unicorn guard, get your flanks in gear!” Another clone of Midnight shouted as he landed quickly to in front of the regiment, his horn quickly filling with his magic as he awaited the rune to be placed.

Whip Lash bolted forward as he pulled a scroll from his saddlebag and unfurled it in front of him. His eyes bolting across the page, reading the spell softly from his lips as his horn began to glow, several lines of runes began to slowly cover the ground below the Twilight Princess, causing her to gasp at seeing something she had seen only one other time in her life. That moment was when she had been placed into a diamond prison by the Griffon King many millennia ago before her long slumber.

“You won’t.... imprison me again!” She screamed out before her entire body began to glow brightly.

“HURRY!” Midnight shouted out for a moment before the light being emitted from the human blinded everything in white.

“DAMMIT!” Midnight shouted out as he released his magic, surrounding the human as the white engulfed everything around. “Everypony retreat!” Was the last thing that was heard as the earth pony and unicorn regiment bolted back toward the direction they had came from just as a loud crack was heard.

Midnights clone winced in pain as the shield he used to surround the Twilight Princess cracked. A loud scream no escaping from within it before another crack split through it.

“Clone two to Midnight. We’ve failed in suppressing the enemy! The foals were rescued, but the adults were all taken. Request for immediate evac of the area! AAAAAAAHHHHHH!!!!”

Midnights clone managed to barely get out the information he needed to send before the shield shattered from around Mona, the white light engulfing him and quickly moving toward the retreating parties.

“UNICORN REGIMENT! SHIELDS UP! PROTECT THE THE OTHERS!” Whip Lash shouted as many of the unicorns began to stop in several lines before quickly using their magic to pull up a shield to deflect the incoming wave of magic that was being emitted from the Twilight Princess.

The entire platoon winced as their magic was forced to the limit as the wave of energy was deflected into the sky above like a wave of light bouncing off of a mirror in the middle of the night.

Another deafening scream erupted from Mona as the wave intensified, causing the unicorns to take a few steps back. Whip Lash took a quick glance backwards to see that the platoon of earth ponies had made it past the clearing and down the back of a large hill that they had bounded from earlier to surprise their enemy.
“Unicorn regiment! Initiate code Sigma!” Whip Lash shouted as one line of the guard from the back of the pack bolted forward to the center of the long lines of unicorn guard. Energy bubble shields quickly enveloping everyone of them as they floated within its center. The forward shield dropped a moment later as the energy wave broke through hitting everypony and causing them to shoot like a rocket backwards and over the top of the hill and bounce to a stop at the bottom before the orbs burst, releasing them.

“Everypony initiate emergency teleportation procedures!” Whip Lash shouted once again as each pony pulled out a scroll, unfurling it and placing it on the ground. Each pony consisting of a single guard and up to four other ponies with them that had been rescued or were injured guard.

A heavy echo erupted as they all quickly stomped onto the scrolls causing them to burst forth in a bright green fire that quickly engulfed them all. The Twilight Princes managing to fly just over the top of the hill to see the green flames vanish right before her eyes.

The young woman landed in the middle of the small field that had just been occupied by a mass of ponies before letting out a furious scream that shook the very earth.

“I’ll kill you all before I’m done with this planet! DO YOU HEAR ME?!” She continued as the very ground cracked outward from her.

XXX

A bright flash of green fire erupted from within the Canterlot Cathedral as a mass of ponies appeared. Many cries and whines of pain coming from many of those ponies as the guard that had not been injured quickly began to exit the Cathedral as many of the medical staff began to file in to take care of the injured and frightened individuals.

After a short time, Midnight, as well as the two princess’ arrived within the cathedral to help with estimating the damage caused by the Twilight Princess. A few minutes had gone by before they had located the head of each group and had taken a copy of several forms that listed the injured guards, and the surviving number of ponies from HorseShoe Bay.

“This is bad.” Midnight whispered as he looked the list over. Celestia and Luna coming forward as they gave a disheartened sigh.

“Three hundred and six foals, now orphans. Some of them had elder siblings that can take care of them. But the others now must face life without parents. This is terrible.” Luna stated softly as she looked around to the various children that who were all crying or passed out from utter exhaustion.

“Tia, we need to find out if there is a way to get those ponies back. Otherwise we are going to have a lot of ponies being placed into the orphanages around Equestria.” Midnight sighed as he looked around the Cathedral. His eyes resting on many different ponies that had been injured, or foals that were being held to keep them from crying.

“Sir!” A pegasus guard shouted as he hovered above Midnight and the two Princess’. “We need your assistance! Come with me, quickly.” He stated as he bolted toward the exit. Midnight hot on his heels.

Once the two had made it outside of the Cathedral, they landed just as the pegasus guard began to speak.

“Sir, information has just arrived from several scouts in Equestria.” He spoke out nervously.

“Well? What do they have to report?” Midnight asked as his brow furrowed in worry.

“The Twilight Princess is on her way to Canterlot. She is bowling through every blockade without hesitation. Her ETA in Canterlot is two hours.” He choked out.

“Dammit....... Alright, you know what to do. Notify every guard of the coming fight. Have every single guard start prepping for a hard assault. I’ll prepare for the coming battle.” Midnight stated out in a forceful tone causing the stallion to salute and take off into the sky toward his intended targets.

“SHIT!” Midnight shouted as his wings flare out, his mane erupting into an inferno. “This isn’t going well. I’ll do my best to make sure that that bitch doesn’t survive her encounter here though. Even if it means having to sacrifice myself in the process.”

Chapter 50

“But why do we have to hide?! We can fight too!” Starlight snorted out in annoyance as he was quickly being ushered through the castle and toward the cellars in its depths.

“No buts little one. You and your sister are to remain below and keep out of sight. There is a very dangerous being that will be coming to Canterlot in a very short time and she is a very bad pony.” Celestia groaned toward her son and daughter as they continued to relent.

“But momma, isn’t there anything we can do to help?” Marina asked as she looked up to the adoptive mother.

“I’m sorry sweetie, but right now momma needs you two to be safe and out from underhoof. If you were to get in the way, we may not be able to protect you, and it could cause a lot of ponies to get hurt as well. So please, remain here until we come to get you.” She spoke out in worry before hugging the two foals and releasing them as she headed out of the room and closed the door, locking the two foals in.

As the resounding click of the lock echoed quietly through the room, the two foals began to look around to see a lustrous room filled with various items of interest. The main thing that caught their attentions were several refrigerators that were humming softly, signaling that they were running and possibly filled with goodies.

“Wooooooooow.” Starlight spoke out softly as he rounded the corner of the room to see other various items in a much larger space.

“Marina, come over here and look at this.” He stated quietly as he looked around to see various video game machines, televisions, lounging sofas, as well as a huge array of various toys that they could play with.

Marina on the other hoof was pacing in front of the door that they had just came through. All the time staring silently at it.

“Star, aren’t you the least bit worried about momma and poppa? How about the rest of the kingdom?” She asked as she continued to pace in front of the door.

“Mother and father can take care of anypony who would want to hurt them, us, or any other pony within the kingdom. I know father has a lot of power, and mother, well, she can move the sun. What pony would want to make her angry, knowing of what she can do?” He chuckled softly before turning on one of the televisions to see various security camera feeds from within and outside of the castle.

“But what if they can’t handle this alone? What if they need help?” Marina persisted as she trotted over to her brother to see the feeds being streamed live through the television.

“Well, we’re about to find out soon enough.” He stated as they both began to watch as many different ponies from within the guard began to barricade every single part of Canterlot. Countless stallions, all within the guard, began placing various magical runes near the barricades in order to make sure that the Twilight Princess would at least have some difficulty as she attempted to break through them in the near future.

XXX

“Sir! We’ve secured most of Canterlot and the unicorn guard are in position with Captain Armor and Whip Lash.” Forge stated as he galloped up to royal trio.

“Very well then.” He stated as his horn lit up. “Midnight to all units. Begin protection barrier procedures.”

After a few seconds, everypony within Canterlot began to look upward as several bright beams of pinkish energy began to shoot up toward the sky, all of them stopping before forming into a ball around several hundred feet from the ground. The balls of energy glowed brightly for a moment before exploding outward into a thin film as it spread above the city, each end of the film quickly melting and combining into the others as they met.

After a few minutes, the shield was fully active and awaiting the arrival of the Twilight Princess. Midnight, as well as the others, all began to continue in their plans to keep everypony safe from harm.

“Clone seven reporting in.” One of Midnight’s clones began, catching his attention.

“Go ahead.” Midnight stated within the telepathic link.

“Sir, The Twilight Princess is on the move. She didn’t even attack the last three barricades of the guard. She just flew over top of them at break neck speed. ETA for her arrival to Canterlot, ten minutes.”

“Shit! This isn’t good. I guess that little stunt we pulled really pissed her off.” Midnight stated out in a growl, causing Luna and Celestia to look worriedly to one another.

“Tia, get the girls together. We are going to need the elements at a moment’s notice.” Midnight stated with a slight waver in his voice, he trying to hold back any indication that he was worried.

“The girls are already waiting in the garden along with Shining Armor and Princess Cadence. Discord is there as well. Samantha and little Disarray are in the safety rooms next to Starlight and Marina. Everything is ready for her arrival as far as I know.” Celestia stated as she went through the mental checklist of things that had been or was going to be done.

“Good, let’s just hope that we won’t need their aid once that bitch arrives.” He growled out once again, his fur and feathers quickly standing on end as adrenaline coursed through his very being.

XXX

“Ooooooooh I can’t wait to tear those ponies apaaaaaaaart! This is going tooooooooo beeeeeeee so much FUUUUUUUUUUUUUNN!” Mona cackled out as she burst through the sky toward the city of Canterlot.

“I wonder what I should do first though.” She hummed to herself just before the city came into her sights in the far distance. “Blow up the city and get it over with quickly?” She giggled evilly. “NAH! That would be far too easy, and extremely boring.” She groaned. “Well... I could just disintegrate the mountain and let the castle fall, killing them all.” She paused again, rubbing her chin in thought. “No, those Alicorns will probably try to save them all...” She paused in flight as she noticed a bright pink globe surrounding the city.

“I wonder what that is.” She thought quietly to herself as she began to pick up her pace toward the city once again. Once she was within attack distance, she paused as she looked at the globe surrounding the city.

“Do those pathetic ponies think this is going to stop me?” She laughed as she raised her right hand, the bracelet starting to glow brightly as energy began to build up within the palm of her hand.

After a few seconds to power up her attack, she gasped aloud, cringing in pain as she was impaled through the chest from behind.

“Miss me, bitch?!” A clone of Midnight laughed out as he dug the horn in deeper, making her scream out in pain.

“Not really, but I thought you would have learn from the last tiiIIIIIIIMMMMEEE!” She screamed out in pain as she grabbed the horn that had impaled her only to let go as a sickening hiss escaped from the contact.

“Who said I didn’t?! You ready to die now?! Or just give up and be put back to sleep for another thousand years.” He smirked as his horn continued to gain in luminosity, causing the hissing sound to gain in volume as the wound surrounding it began to glow brightly.

Mona looked down to the horn protruding from her chest, growling out in pain as it began to intensify tenfold. She took in a deep breath, gripping the horn with both hands, and sending out another loud hiss as the contact began to melt her flesh.

“You... won’t best me, you fucking bastard! I’ll have what I seek... even if it means obliterating every last pony on the face of the planet!” She screamed out as she snapped the end of his horn off once again only to watch in horror as it didn’t disintegrate. No, it did something new this time. Something that she knew was going to cause her a lot of problems very shortly.

XXX

The entire city of Canterlot shook as a violent explosion erupted from outside of the barrier that had been placed around the city. Many of the building shook violently as the shockwave ripped through the city. Many ponies cried out in fear as a blinding white light quickly covered every inch of the city just before the explosion hit them.

After a minute, the echoed trailed off into the distance as everypony quietly began to file out into the streets to see what had happened. After another minute, the echoed had subsided, only to leave a ringing in the ears of everypony within the city.

Celestia, Midnight, and Luna were watching the area that the explosion had come from, each giving a determined expression, in hopes that the one suicide clone that had hit the Twilight Princess had succeeded in removing her from this world.

Everypony continued to watch the area the explosion had occurred, their expressions slowly turning to smiles as they watched the smoke clear to reveal no being at all within that area.

Cheers erupted from all over Canterlot as they began to rejoice. The Twilight Princess had been destroyed.

*BOOM*
*CRACK*

Everything went silent as everypony in the city looked upward to see a giant crack split through the magical barrier covering the city.

*BOOM*
*CRACK*

Another invisible hit to the barrier caused it to crack even further.

“Midnight to all unicorn guards. Redouble your efforts in strengthening the barrier!” The Dark Alicorn shouted through the telepathic link just before another loud boom echoed through the city as another invisible hit echoed from the point of attack, further cracking the shield.

Midnight watched in slow motion as the beams of magical energy began to widen at the base as a ball of larger energy began to bolt upward along its path to the barrier.

*BOOM*
*CRACK*
*SHATTER*

Before the extra energy could make it to the barrier, the final hit from the Twilight Princess came into contact, finally breaking through the barrier and shattering it. She managed to bolt through the small opening just before the extra energy made it to the barrier, reinforcing it and replacing the shattered shield.

“Midnight to all units! We have a breach!”

XXX

As the shockwave from each hit sounded off throughout the city, down below, Starlight and Marina were watching the televisions security feed intently. Various cameras were showing different angles from all over the massive city. Each with a varying degree of difficulty upon each impact that the barrier was taking.

“Oh no!” Marina squeaked out as she watched the barrier fall, letting the Twilight Princess bolt through just before it was put back up.

“Star! We have to help them!” Marina stated in a slight panic.

“We can’t! You know father will be upset if we leave this room. He said that we would just cause him to worry about us more and lose focus! We can’t disobey him!” He stated in worry, his ears laying back as he continued to switch his view from the television to his sister, then back again. “Besides, I know I don’t have enough power to do anything. I don’t even come close to father’s magical capability. What do you think you can do?”

Marina was taken aback by the comment as she hesitated for a moment to try and think of something she could do.

“I... I... can turn into a dragon and kick her tail!” She spoke out as her frame began to glow for a moment just before a green fire erupted from all around her. After a few seconds, Starlight was staring face to face with a large black dragon with bug like, transparent wings.

“Wow! Sis, I... I didn’t know you could...” He trailed off for a moment before covering his mouth as he began to giggle.

“Sis, I think you’re too big to even get out of here now.” He chuckled, but paused as another ear splitting explosion erupted from outside.

“Damn! Guess I’d better do the only thing I can think of then.” Marina stated as she quickly reverted back to her changeling form and stepped up to the door to the room they were currently locked in.

The little changeling began to emit a few unusual clicking and chirping sounds for a moment as she stared quietly at the lock. A minute went by as she did this once again in a little louder tone. After a few seconds, a hiss and a few clicks sounded off from outside the door before a louder single click signaled the release of the lock on the door.

Marina smiled as she quickly pulled the door open and shut it behind her, relocking it before her brother could get to it.

“MARINA! DON’T GO!” He shouted out in worry as he turned and began bucking the door with everything he had in him.

“You stay here little brother. I’ll be back soon, with momma and poppa!” She stated loudly before her faint hoofsteps faded down the corridor.

Starlight stood there, breathing in and out heavily as he looked at the door. His eyes flicking back and forth from the door to around the room.

“No... no no NO! Sis is going to get hurt if she goes out there. Mother and Father might get hurt too trying to save her if she gets into trouble. Ohhhhhh, what do I do?!” He cried out in a panic before stopping.

“UNCLE DISCORD!” He shouted out as loudly as he could only for the draconequus to teleport into his room in a flash of light.

“Star? What’s wrong?” Discord asked for a moment before glancing around the room quickly, noticing that there was a severe lack of a certain changeling foal within the room. “Where is your sister?”

XXX

“You’re DEAD!” Mona shouted out as she bolted straight toward the Dark Alicorn.

“Scatter!” Midnight shouted as his horn lit up brightly, flinging everypony around him into various directions. He knew that the Twilight Princess would target him first; after all, he did put her through hell for these past couple of days. He was expecting quite a bit of payback from her, and he was ready.

The others watched in horror as the Twilight Princess hit Midnight hard, causing the very ground that he was on to bow outward in a ripple before stopping around fifty feet away. The cobblestone ground was broken and shattered at the impact point. Once the dust cleared, there was a soft glowing coming from within the dust that began to dissipate.

Midnight stood there with the elbow of his wing extended forward, his horn glowing brightly and encasing the wing with magic as it pressed against the clenched fist of the Twilight Princess. The two continued to stay in that position for almost a minute until the Twilight Princess let out a low growl that quickly gained in volume to an enraged scream as she pushed the wing and Alicorn backwards before opening her hands and placing them wrist to wrist as a massive energy wave erupted from them and digging into the ground.

Mona grinned as she looked to the spot that she had just blasted with a massive energy wave, noticing the lack of a certain Alicorn.

“3... 2... 1...” She counted to herself before quickly ducking down just as a horn impaled the air that she had just previously been occupying. “Bad move.” She cackled, seeing the look of horror on Midnight’s face as her right hand glowed a bright blue as she punched straight upward and into the Dark Alicorn’s jaw. An ear shattering crack erupting from the blow as the Alicorn was sent into the sky in a hail of red and blue fire.

“Take that you piece of shit!” *GASP*

Mona stood there in shock as she felt a familiar pain in her chest once again. Her vision falling from the sky to her chest as she noticed an ivory white horn dripping with her blood protruding from her chest.

“You have got to be kidding ME!?” She stopped once again as Luna impaled her from the front. Each horn narrowly missing each of the princesses as they split the flesh of the evil being.

“NOW LUNA!” Celestia shouted as her horn and Luna’s erupted in a bright array of electricity. Sparks of white and blue bolting outward in every direction from the screaming human. The only drawback... Light and Dark cannot coexist with one another when they are fighting.

The bolts of magical lightning surged through each of the princesses, causing them to scream out in pain along with the human. All three pulling apart from one another and falling to the ground, smoke slowly coming from several areas of each of them as the smell of singed fur, hair, and cloth filled the air.

“You... you piece of filth.” Celestia spoke out as several guards quickly came to her and Luna’s aid, lifting them into the air gently before placing them back onto their hooves. “I’m going to send you straight to Tartarus myself.” She howled out as she bolted toward the fallen frame of the Twilight Princess.

“MOMMA!” came the tiny voice of a certain changeling as she bolted from one of the doors of the castle.

“Marina? MARINA! GET BACK!” Celestia shouted out just before a blast of energy sent her flying skyward.

“MOMMA!?” Marina shouted out before she glared death at the Twilight Princess whom was now getting to her feet. Staggering a little as she raised her vision to the changeling standing before her.

“Finally, things are looking...” Mona began but paused as a green fire surrounded the small changeling. It grew and grew until it vanished, revealing a large black dragon, towering over the human as she looked on in shock.

“Up?” She managed to squeak out as a roar erupted from the changeling turned dragon as she lifted a massive fist and swung it downward, smashing the Twilight Princess into the ground with enough force to make the ground all around them quake.

Marina snarled as she lifted her giant paws and sent them barreling down into the human. Blow after blow pushing her farther and farther into the earth and stone.

“You *smash* won’t *smash* hurt *smash* anypony *smash* ELSE! *SMASH*” She roared out in a deep yet feminine voice as she smashed her paws into her with each blow. She pulled back for a moment as she snarled, taking in a deep breath and blowing it out with an intense force, forcing fire and brimstone to be expelled from within and crashing into the body of the downed human.

Once she spewed all the fire she could she began to cough loudly. Staggering backwards and quickly reverting back to her changeling form. She continued coughing out a few puffs of black smoke before finally finding her breath.

*CRASH*

Marina barely jumped out of the way in time just as her father hit the ground next to her with such force that it caused a small tremor to split the ground.

“DADDY!” She screamed out as she jumped over to him, crying into his chest.

“NNNNgggghhh!” He winced in pain as the small changeling hugged him tightly, crying into him even more upon hearing him let loose the pained sound.

“Daddy, are you ok?! Momma and Aunty Luna got hurt.” She managed to cry out as she looked her father over, noticing all of his wounds and what seemed like a broken jaw.

“Ahm, ohay.” He managed to speak as his horn lit up, casting a heal spell onto his jaw.

A few seconds passed as his jaw was healed and he began to heal the rest of his body.

“Marina, you need to get out of here!” He spoke in a slight panic as he tried to push himself from the ground but couldn’t. “It’s not safe.”

“Daddy... I think I killed that mean being that hurt you.” Marina stated with slight worry tinting her voice. “I saw her hurt momma and I... just snapped.”

“It’s okay baby. If you did kill her, then you may have just saved all of Equestria.” He smiled softly to her as he hugged her lovingly to his chest.

*burp*

“Scuse meeeeeEEEE!?” She began to say sweetly but it turned into a shout as she was ripped from Midnight’s grasp.

“MARINA!” He shouted as he reached a hoof out to her. Attempting to grab her before she could be pulled away.

“Isn’t... this... precious!” Snarled Mona as she stood there holding the changeling foal by her throat. Blood dripping from various wounds all over her body and soaking her clothing as it dripped onto the ground below.

“Daddy!” Mona squeaked out as she reached a hoof toward her father.

“MARINA!” He shouted as he forced every ounce of magic he could into his horn as he slowly turned over and began to crawl toward the human female.

“Don’t you hurt her, you bitch!” He snarled as his horn continued to glow brighter and brighter.

“You... don’t seem... to understand the... spot you’re in.” She huffed out as she began to heal herself with her right hand. Her bracelets glowing brightly indicating how much energy was being used.

“Surrender now... become my host... and I’ll let your precious pony live.” She pat as she gave the throat of the changeling a rough squeeze causing her to flail her hooves about as her air was suddenly cut off.

“STOP IT!” Midnight roared as he bolted forward without hesitation, ready to kill.

*SNAP*

The sound was faint, but it resounded like a bomb had gone off in the Grand Canyon. Midnight paused in his stride, his eyes wide as he watched the head of his daughter separate from her body and fall to the ground below him.

The glow from his horn stopped so suddenly that the flash temporarily blinded everything in sight. Once Mona regained her vision, she looked down to see a human male, resting on his knees and holding the tiny head in his arms. The glow from her eyes, gone, no longer bright and vibrant like they once were.

“My baby...” Charles sobbed as he hugged the head to his chest giving it a gentle kiss on its forehead. He slowly placed the head down next to the fallen body before looking up to Mona with a tear stained face.

Mona took a step back as a look of horror danced across her face.

“You... You’re human?!” She spoke out in shock as she looked him over for a moment before pain etched across her face.

“He soon won’t be anything at all.” Came her more sinister voice as she stepped over to him and grabbed him by the throat, lifting him into the air. His expression still that of complete sorrow as he stared down to her.

“Why...?” He asked as he took in a pained breath. “Why have you done all that you have?”

“I did it because I want to rule over this world, and in a new host. I have had too much trouble with this one, and I want one that can never be defeated.” She paused, smiling wickedly at the human she held within her grasp.

“If you would agree to be my host, I may be able to bring your daughter back to life. What do you say? Just say this phrase.” She giggled. “I agree to be the host of the Twilight Princess.” She stated in a monotone, only causing the human to sigh as he looked down to the fallen body of his beloved daughter. After a second of hesitation, his eyes went wide as the pressure around his neck increased.

“Okay! *GCK* Okay!” He managed to squeeze out, feeling the hand loosen a little. His hands instinctively bolting up to the hand that held him from the ground.

“MIDNIGHT!” Shouted a group of mares that were charging toward the battle only to see the hand of Mona raise toward them, palm forward and fingers outstretched as she shouted.

“Stop right there if you don’t want to see your beloved Alicorn become nothing more than a vacant husk.” Mona shouted.

“NO! Don’t hurt them!” Charles spat as he reached a hand out and grabbed her outstretched hand pulling it to his throat with the other. “I’ll do what you want, just, don’t hurt any other pony... please.” He stated softly as his hands wrapped gently around her wrists.

“Very well then.” She hummed playfully as she lowered him to the ground.

Once he felt her hands release their grip, he quickly pulled his legs up to his chest, wrapping his fingers fully around the bracelets that were around the woman’s wrists, and kicked his legs out into her chest causing her to shriek out in pain.

“You are going to pay. Pay DEARLY for what you have taken from me you bitch!” He snarled as he put more force into his legs, prying the bracelets onto her hands.

“You can’t remove the bracelets!” She groaned out in fury. “They must have a host... or they will detonate what energy is left... you don’t want to kill... your friends... do you?!” She spat once more seeing his conflicting emotions dance across his face.

“No... I don’t... But I do know what I can do!” He snapped as his hands began to glow brightly as energy from the bracelets began to flow into him. A blood curdling scream escaping the Twilight Princess as she fell to her knees, her body being rocked with unmentionable pain.

After a few seconds, the glowing came to a stop, the bracelets quickly being pulled from the wrists of Mona and breaking in Charles’ grip. She sat there quietly as she looked to her hands as the color began to fade from them and slowly move up her arms. Her fingers falling apart into a gray dust in the wind as it swept by. She looked up to Charles giving an apologetic look as she spoke one last time before losing her color and turning to dust.

“I’m... sorry.”

The girls rushed forward just as Celestia and Luna regained consciousness and began to rise to their hooves. All of the element bearers helping to support them as they began to move slowly over to Charles but paused as he turned and quickly fell to his knees, sobbing as he picked up something they couldn’t quite see.

“Midnight... Charlie... What’s wrong...?” Celestia began to ask but stopped as she saw the green blood coating part of his hands and the ground below, then to the source. “No...” She trailed off as she collapsed at his side, sobbing loudly as the others looked on in horror.

“Come, let us give them a moment to grieve.” Luna stated softly as she began to slowly trot away, the other elements following her silently.

Author's Notes:

Edited by ReFro, who hated this chapter.

Chapter 51 Q&A Session

WELCOME!!!!! To the first Q&A session to 'Love has everything to do with it!' I am your host, only to be known as author or FurStreak. I am happy to have finally reached over a hundred thousand words for this sequel to the main story 'What's love got to do with it?' and am prepared to answer any and all questions as they are asked by my adoring fans!

Fluttershy: Yay!

Author: Huh? You sounded a little louder than your normal self Shy, I bet you can't wait for this little rollercoaster to start either can ya?"

Fluttershy: OH! I'm definitely looking forward to it. It’s been so long since we've all had a chance to do this that I, I just feel like shouting out! Wooo hoooo!

Author: *SQUEEEE* That was so ADORABLE!

Big Macintosh: *Ahem*

Author: Uh........ okay then! Let's just jump right into the questions shall we?! *rummages through the papers* Ok! Our first question is for.....

Midnight: Wait a sec! How the hell do we keep ending up here? I remember the last time we did this................. *Glares at author* You little shit! You purposely put me in stone for five years didn't you?!

(Entire cast glares death unto the author)

Author: W-well............ this is my story after-all. I can't very well make it boring now can I? Heh............ *RUNS AWAY*

Midnight: COME BACK HERE YOU LITTLE SHIT! (Runs after Author shooting lightning bolts from his horn)

Author: AAAAAAAAAAAaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh..............................

Twilight: *Ahem* Ok, I think I'll pick up from where the Author left off HEY!

(Author runs by Twilight snatching up the question sheets)

Author: Sorry Twi, this is my job! *ZAP* SONOFABITCH!

Midnight: I'm going to make you pay for all of the crap you've put me and everypony else through!

Author: If you don't stop this crap I'm going to turn you pink during the wedding!

(Midnight bows up, halting his chase)

Midnight: You wouldn't!

Author: Try me!

(Midnight grumbles as he slowly makes his way back to the line of cast members)

Author: Finally! Ok now, our first question is for.............. Octavia? I don't recall having ever written her into the story..........

Octavia: Well I believe it's about time you did so. I do have quite the fan-base after-all.

Author: True, plus I have a soft spot for brunettes anyway *Eyebrow wiggle*

Octavia: You cad!

Author: HA! You know it!. Heh, anyway Tavi, the question is. "Where have have you been mare!?!?"

Octavia: Oh, well I've been in Manehatten for some time now, ever since Screwball destroyed Canterlot, I went to visit my parents in the big city. I ended up finding a nice quiet place to rest my hooves and have been there for the better part of the last five years. I do make my usual trips to Canterlot since its rebuild though. I do have quite a few fans there that simply love my performances. I will however be moving back before the royal wedding though. I have a performance alongside one of my good friends, Vinyl Scratch. I'm sure you've already read that little instance though from the author.

Author: Nice to hear that you've not let high society turn you into a snob like many of the others Tavi.

Octavia: Oh there is no need to worry about such a thing. Vinyl tends to keep me in line with her crude behavior and loud music.

Vinyl Scratch: Hey! I don't know whether to take offense or feel pride from that comment.

Octavia: Feel pride in the comment. It's not often I submit to any ponies advances when it comes to music.

Discord: Chaos through music.............. I like your style Vinyl.

Vinyl Scratch: Thanks! Coming from the God of Chaos that means a lot!

Author: Ok you three, time for the next question. Midnight, this one's for you. "If you could chose to go in any world that exist for a vacation of three weeks except for Equestria and Earth and bring one pony with you, where would you go and with who?"

Midnight: Hmmmm, that is actually a tough question. I'm quite content where I'm at, but if I had that option........... I would probably go to the planet Cybertron and bring Vinyl with me.

(Glares from his brides)

Midnight: Hey! Don't give me that look! Vinyl would like to see all of the bots and technology that they have to offer. I bet she could hit it off with Sound Blaster and Soundwave as well. I know I'd love to meet Optimus Prime!

Vinyl Scratch: Wicked!

Author: Sounds cool, who knows, it might just get put into the story sometime later. Alright, next question is for Fluttershy.

Fluttershy: Yay!

Author: So adorable! Ahem! "What would be your reaction if Big Mac was magically transformed into a mare with no way to return back?"

Fluttershy: Oh my........... That would be a problem.............. But........... I don't see the problem in it really. I do Love Big Macintosh, even if he was turned into a mare. *blush*

Big Macintosh: Ya'll better not even think about it Author.

Author: No worries there Big Mac, you shall remain a stallion. But our next question is actually for you, "What would be your reaction if Fluttershy was magically transformed into a stallion with no way to return back?"

Big Macintosh: Who in the............ why............. seriously?! Why would anypony even ask that question? Ya'll ain't right!

Author: Sorry Big Mac, ya gotta answer.

Big Macintosh: *Groan* Fine! Ah would still love'er either way, but............ ah don't think our love life would advance at all.

Fluttershy: *whine*

Big Macintosh: Now if'n we both changed inteh the opposite gender, ah could see it happening. *Grin*

Fluttershy: Big Mac is such a naughty pony.

Author: WOOT! I am so lucky to have such an awesome cast.

Big Macintosh: Yer jes lucky we put up with yer crap!

Author: True, but anyway, our next question is for Princess Luna. "If you lost your alicorn heritage what would you like to be transformed into, a Pegasus, a Earth pony, or a Unicorn?"

Luna: Considering I live day to day with using magic more than my wings, I would choose to be a Unicorn. I have the most awful of times attempting to use my hooves to grab onto objects. I doubt I would be able to go a day as either a pegasus or earth pony.

Author: *Sinister grin* Ok then, Midnight, "As we know, Luna has an Xbox 360. Does she have saints row the third and if she does would you make the drink saints flow if requested?"

Midnight: As for what games she does or does not have, I haven't the slightest idea. So I have honestly no clue what you are referring to about the drink.

Author: It's a drink that gives you temporary super powers.

Midnight: Hmmmmmm, if I was human, then I could see myself having to drink one of them if the need arose. But other than that, I don't see the point. So I would say, maybe. *smirk*

Author: Yep, just like you to be a smartass about it. HA!

Midnight: Can't help it, you did create me after-all. So it's actually your fault.

Author: True. NEXT QUESTION! Celestia, "If you were forced to have a soul swap with anypony and be them for week who would it be and why."

Celestia: My, what a question. But I will answer it honestly. I would choose to be Discord.

Discord: WHAT?!

Celestia: Yes, I would switch bodies with you Discord. I have always wondered what it would be like to cause a little 'Chaos' instead of just protecting everypony.

Author: Me thinks Celestia might have a hidden motive!

Celestia: *Giggle* You won't find out unless it happens!

Author: Well then, we may have to make a chapter on that little event in the near future. Oh! Hey Bob! This next one's for you!

Bob: I feel honored.

Author: "What is the ultimate answer to life the universe and everything."

Bob: That is the question that has plagued humanity since the dawn of time itself. The answer is actually quite simple. The answer is ‘time’.

Author: Time?

Bob: Of course, because without time, then nothing would move or exist. Without time, energy could not flow in order to create new things. So the answer is time. I would elaborate further, but I don't think a human lifespan is worth all of the explanation. It is quite an elaborate thing to speak about.

Author: Understood, thanks for letting us know though.

Bob: My pleasure.

Author: Ok, Midnight, you're up again. "If you could take the girls back to earth and show them some of the sights would you do it? And what would you show them?"

Midnight: Well, considering the earth has been invaded by aliens which have essentially wiped out most, if not, all of the population. I wouldn't take them there. However, if that little incident had never happened, I would take them there and show them quite a few of the sites. Like the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, Statue of Liberty, among various other places.

Author: Basically all the wonders and awesome structures of the world huh?

Midnight: Precisely!

Author: Eeyup, you’re definitely the spawn of my imagination alright. NEXT QUESTION! Luna, this one’s for you.

Luna: Very well then.

Author: Ok, “I have actually wondered because we know the moon looks great from our earth.... But what is the view like from the moon to Equestria? It must have been a beautiful sight.... Sorry if it reminds you of some bad things... You don't actually have to answer if you don't want to.”

Luna: The view from the moon is actually quite beautiful. I find myself still visiting it to look back down to the world below. Although it is still quite the distance. You can watch the weather change in various nations that do not regulate it like we do in most of Equestria. The blues of the oceans are pristine and clear as the days sky. The sheer lack of technology that would create pollution, like in Midnight’s home world, makes for the most beautiful of sights. I feel like I should visit the moon again soon, and bring Midnight along as well.

Author: Wish I could go to the moon..........

Celestia: I could arrange that. *grin*

Author: NO! No, I’m good, just a little joke, heh heh. AHEM! Anyway, the next question is for me! WOOOOOT! “One chance in the entire world to visit Equestria for your birthday. Would you take it? And who would you want to see?”

Author: Well, I would definitely go to see Equestria, as for the individual I would want to go see. Probably Celestia and Luna to beg them to bind me to the world so that I could never leave. But if that wouldn’t be possible then I would guess that I would go to see Applejack and her family.

Applejack: Now why would ya want teh meet me and mah family?

Author: Well, for multiple reasons to be honest. It may just be you and your siblings now, but soon you’re going to experience something that I myself and my wife want to experience.

Applejack: Ah don’t follow.

Midnight: *Whispers into AJ’s ear*

Applejack: *BLUSH* Ya mean............. ahm gonna be................... with foal?!”

Author: Yep, I'm still working on it, but hopefully it'll happen soon enough

Entire cast: We wish you luck!

Author: It's been a long time coming, and I can't wait

Midnight: Well, let me be the first to say this. It isn’t a walk in the park. I have stayed up many’o nights with my son because he would fight sleep or have an upset stomach. It isn’t going to be easy.

Author: It's parenthood, I wouldn’t expect it to be. Anyway, to finish answering your question. I would choose Applejack and her family to spend the day with. To try and be a part of a family I have so longed for.

Applejack: Well ah feel honored for ya teh feel that way, and we sure as sugar would welcome ya inteh the folds.

Author: Thanks AJ. I’m really looking forward to this little event. Anyway, we’re veering off topic. Lets get to the next question..............................

Midnight: Author?

Author: Sorry, it’s just a request from a reader. Pinkie, this one’s for you. “Can I haz hugz?”

Pinkie Pie: Of course you silly nilly! *HUGZ*

Author: Alright! The next questions are for me. “What made you want to write? What inspires you for this story? And are you thinking about writing any other stories not related to the ones you're writing now?”

Author: Firstly, many things made me want to write. I have a very vivid imagination, but I also have OCD in the mental aspect. My mind cannot shut off like others, which drives me to stay up for days on end until I eventually pass out from exhaustion. So I am always thinking of different things, ranging from how to make the world a better place, to new inventions, to ways to play video games or make money. Countless things go through my head all the time. Which in itself is a curse and a blessing rolled into one.

Author: What inspires me the most in writing this story is the fact that I have so many fans that love what I write. Originally, Coal Buck inspired me to become a writer after reading his story ‘My Second Life’. It was a great story at the time, but he ended up leaving the fandom to pursue other things in life. I wasn’t happy that he just dropped the story like a bad habit though. It was a shame he did that. But he did leave a decent goodbye message for all of his fans. Looking back over his story however, I am pleased to say that I have become a far better writer than he was. I don’t want to toot my own horn or anything, but looking back at when I first started writing and submitting my stuff to FIMFiction. I was around the same level as he was when writing. Over time I have become a far better writer, although I still have errors in my writing, it has turned out far better over time.

Author: Now for the last part of the question. I currently have six other stories that I am writing on that have yet to be submitted to the site. They are all on a secure computer that isn’t connected to the internet, so I have literally zero chance for anyone to sneak into it and find them via wireless means. This is also where I am keeping my current novel that I have begun to write on. I hope to have enough of them written soon enough so that I can post them on the site. This is one of the main reasons why my updates are so slow to ‘Love has everything to do with it!’. So don’t worry, my time isn’t being wasted on frivolous nonsense. It’s spent making sure that you guys will be entertained with my stories for a long time coming.

Midnight: I am so fucking lost right now................. site? Stories? Wha............... I don’t even want to imagine how many other realities you’re creating and fucking with right now.

Author: Well, I am the creator of this reality and everything in it that you have and will experience. That includes Bob.

Bob: The creator has a creator?

Author: And so on and so forth. It is a never ending cycle.

Bob: Explains a lot really.

Author: Yep. Onto the next question. Midnight, this one’s for you. “What was it like being frozen as a statue? Did time just freeze and it was over in an instant? Or was it like a very long dream?”

Midnight: It sucked, time blinked by as if you went to sleep, and woke up seeing it was morning. It was just an instant for me, but five long and terrible years for everypony else.

Author: Yes, I regret having done that to him, but it made for an interesting ending to the first story did it not? Anyway, our next question is for Rarity, “How do you keep your mane so clean like that?”

Rarity: Well darling, it is all thanks to magic. I had my stallion come up with quite a few different spells before he lost the ability to make them up at will. I have around a thousand or so different spells that do anything from preening my beautiful mane, to losing a few pounds from my flank.

Author: Interesting............

Midnight: Don’t get any funny ideas, I refuse to submit to any more girly treatment.

Author: Oh but you forget, I have the power to do as I please in this world MUAAAAAHAHAHAHA!

Midnight: And if I ever actually make it into your reality, I am so going to beat your ass.

Author: I would let you if it meant I could come back with you, HA!

Midnight: I’m not even going to comment on that.

Author: Spoil sport. Anyway. the next question is for Twilight. “How much do you enjoy pranking Midnight?”

Twilight: Oh! Well, I do enjoy pranking him quite a bit. I think Rainbow Dash has corrupted me on that area.

Rainbow Dash: Allllllriiiiiiiight! A new pranking buddy.

Author: WOOOOOT!

Midnight: You’re a sadist, Twilight................... I’ve taught you well.

Twilight: Yep!

Author: So cute, in an evil sort of way. Ok, our next question is for.................. The Twilight Princess. “Noooow, forgive me for asking but...have you ever been laid? Just asking! Y'know...curious and all... “

Mona: …..............

Author: Come on now Mona, you’ve got to answer.

Mona: I have, although why you wanted to know is beyond me.

Author: It’s probably because you act like a bitch all the time.

Mona: WHAT!? I’LL FUCKING KILL YOU!

Author: *Runs away screaming*

Twilight: O............kay! I think I’ll be taking over for a short time now. OH! Discord, you have a question from one of our readers!

Discord: Well don’t keep me in suspense!

Twilight: “How many jokes do you know? Ever thought of making clouds that can rain rainbows? Aaaaaand what's your favorite ice cream flavor?”

Discord: Well now, that is quite the question. As for how many jokes I know, I honestly couldn’t tell you. I have lost count of them over the eons and really don’t have the patience to go into my mind and count them. That plus it would probably take an eon to count them, and an eon without me causing chaos would be a terrible thing.

Discord: As for making clouds rain rainbows. I think the world isn’t ready for more than a single Rainbow Dash. She would probably just challenge herself until she fell over dead, now that would be a terrible thing indeed. Why? Well because I love to prank the prankster, so to speak.

Rainbow Dash: You suck Discord..............

Discord: Nope, I create Chaos! And to answer the last question, my favorite ice cream flavor is Mystery!

Midnight: Mystery? I’ve never tried that before.

Discord: OH BOY! *Scoops out a bit into a cup and hands it to Midnight* Now then, think of what you want it to taste like and it’ll be that flavor.

Midnight: I don’t believe you.......... But I’ll try it anyway. *thinks of something* *licks* *Eyes bug out as he looks at Twilight*

Twilight: W-why are you looking at me like that?

Midnight: *Squeak* No reason! *lick lick lick lick*

Discord: Such a naughty pony indeed. Hehehe.

Midnight: *Shoves the ice cream into Discords mouth* Quick, Discord! Think of a rotten apple!

Discord: PTTTTTTTTTTTTHlLPLPLPLPLPLPL!!!! BLAH! That was absolutely disgusting! *Wipes his tongue off repeatedly*

Twilight: Alright you two, settle down. Our next question is for Pinkie Pie. “Can we haz party?!”

Pinkie Pie: PARTY! *Throws the best party ever*

Twilight: That was............... quick....... ahem! Our next question is for......

Author: AAAAAAAAAAAAAAaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!

Mona: COME BACK HERE! *Throws a fireball at Author*

Twilight: Will someone please separate those two?

Discord: I guess I could help him.

*A few minutes pass by*

Author: Finally! And only slightly singed. Twilight, if you wouldn’t mind. *Twilight hoofs the questions over to the Author* Thanks. Oh! Just in time as well. This next one is for me. “You bring up a lot of villains in the past, but which one of them are you the most proud of?”

Author: Well, to be honest, I am proud of quite a few of them. Although Mona Lisa was one of the best ones in my opinion.

Mona: I’m still going to kill you.

Author: Yeeeeaaaaa, I would have to pick the villain that I will be adding as the final one to the story. He is by far the most evil and crazy of them all. I am not going to divulge any details, but he will be the most challenging character yet in my story.

Midnight: I can only dread that day.

Author: As will everypony else. Anyway Midnight, this next question is for you. “What was the best lay you ever had?”

*Entire cast blushes before glaring at Midnight* *except for the guys*

Midnight: *Squeak* Uh.............. I can’t honestly tell you that one.......

Twilight: And why not?!

Rarity: I agree, why not?

Rainbow Dash: I’d like to know. Come on! Spill the beans!

*Mares that Midnight has rutted with all start to line up and glare*

Midnight: Oh for goodness sake! I really hate whoever asked this question............ Fine! Celestia was the best.

*Everypony looks to Celestia in surprise*

Celestia: What? I have had eons to perfect my techniques. I’m surprised that he admitted it though.

*Midnights brides glare at him*

Twilight: Guess that just means we’ll have to have a little contest with him then.

Midnight: I retract my previous statement.

Twilight: Which part? Celestia? Or hating the person who asked the question?

Midnight: About the one who asked the question. Seriously, Celestia is just............ wow! I can’t put it into words.

Applejack: Eeyup, gonna have a contest alright.

Twilight: I don’t know, we may have to run this contest more than once to get better results.

Midnight: THERE IS A GOD!

Author: And his name is Bob.

Bob: *Fist bumps Author*

Author: On to the next question......................... what the hell? The question is for Fluttershy, but I........ I’ll just ask it like its written. “Has it already happened that somepony through you were the sister of your foals because of how shy and cute you are? “

Fluttershy: Oh.......... um................... I don’t understand it either.

Discord: Seems to me that he is trying to create a bit of Chaos through jumbled words.

Twilight: I know, it’s giving me a headache already.

Author: Ugh! My brain! I think they are asking if you have ever been asked if you've ever been mistaken as a big sister to your foals instead of their mother because you still look so young.

Fluttershy: Oh, um.... well, it has happened a couple of times. But that was because those ponies weren't from Ponyville. So they didn't know me. Other than those couple of times, nopony else has ever asked that.

Author: I guess it helps to remain forever cute, doesn't it shy?

Fluttershy: *Blush* I... I guess so.

Author: Our next set of questions is asked by the same person, so I'll just go in order from what he has asked. The first question is for the entire cast. "What is your favorite fetish, if you do not answer you have to live with Diamond Dogs for a year." *looks to the person who asked the question* Seriously?

Midnight: Oh boy! I have been waiting for this moment for a LOOOOOOOONG time! *Pulls out a tub of popcorn and watches*

Pinkie: *Sits next to Midnight and watches also, taking some of his popcorn*

Celestia: Sometimes I am glad that we never get to meet these beings.

Luna: Why is that dear sister?

Celestia: Because I would end up sending most of them to the moon. *groan* Very well, If I must answer the question.... I don't have a fetish.

Luna: Really?

Celestia: Being as old as I am, I have tried pretty much every fetish known. Except for a few that I find rather... disturbing and disgusting. *Shudder* But considering that I have tried the majority of them, I have decided that I do not have any.

Luna: Well... I like to be the dominate one. So I guess being a dominatrix would be mine.

Midnight: That explains a lot. *snicker*

Luna: Shut your mouth, or thee shall be punished!

Midnight: You promise? *evil grin*

Rarity: And Midnights would be BDSM considering he is rather... odd at times.

Midnight: You ponies drive me to various types of fetishes, what can I say?

Entire cast: *groan*

Author: Alright, alright. Keep the answers flowing.

Twilight: Same as Luna

Rarity: Ditto

Applejack: Bondage

Pinkie: Cupcakes!

Author: Pinkie, that's not a...

Pinkie: *Grabs author and headbutts him* I said CUPCAKES!

Author: NNNNGGGGGHHHH!!! OK! GEEZ! Ow..... dammit! My nose is bleeding.

Fluttershy: I... um... Oh my.... Role playing.....

Big Macintosh: Really? So that's why ya.... *grin* Guess mines role playin as well.

Rainbow Dash: Dominating in everything of course.

Discord: Chaos of course.

Samantha: Sadism

Author: Ok, I think the bleeding has stopped. So onto the next question. "Celestia, Do you have an alternate personalities known as Trollestia, and Molestia?"

Celestia: I wouldn't call them an alternate personality. But yes, I do like to troll and molest a certain stallion. *devious grin*

Midnight: Yea, no shit!

Author: Ha! Alright, next question is for Luna. "I would like to give you every known gaming console and game from where we are. (The rest of this is for the everyone else) Good luck getting her away from them, for I have just introduced Gamer Luna to the universe!!!"

Luna: *Eyes widen to the size of dinner plates* It's...... so..... beautiful!

Discord: And now it's turned into CHICKENS! *zap*

LUNA: AAAAH! MY GAMES! *Glares death at Discord*

Author: Heh, poor Discord's about to see the dark side of the moon. *Rimshot*

Entire cast: *Groans*

Author: Come on now, that was comedy gold! Even Pinkie is smiling at it.

Pinkie: *whispering to the cast* I'm just smiling because it's the worst pun I've ever heard.

Author: Next question is for, Midnight. "What would you do for a Klondike bar?"

Midnight: *drools* anything you want!

Twilight: I'll have to remember that. *giggle*

Author: Ha, yep those things are pretty damn good. Next question is for everypony. "Would you do your female/male counter part from an alternate universe?"

Entire Cast: YES!

Author: Same here! It's not sex, it's masterbation! *Rimshot*

Midnight: I wonder if I could make a clone turn into my female counterpart?

Celestia: Why would you do that? Aren't we enough for you?

*Midnight's brides pout*

Midnight: Yes, but all of you still won't do half the stuff that I've requested. *grin*

Author: Ok enough of that. Next question is for Celestia and Luna. "I would like for you two to read this. (Gives them a laptop with Princess Molestia's tumblr page on it.)"

Celestia: OH! Another fan of my tumblr account! How wonderful!

Luna: Yeah, wonderful (/sarcasm)

Author: Twilight, the next question is for you. "Still have that Smarty Pants Doll? or does Big Mac have it?"

Twilight: Actually, Smarty Pants vanished a couple of years ago when Midnight was still in stone. I have yet to relocate her.

Author: *Hides Smarty Pants behind him* Um, yea...... disappeared. *Ahem* Anyway, our next question is for Rarity.... Oh God. "*Turns her mane green, and her coat peach color and hands her a mirror* Like your new make over?"

Rarity: *Faints*

Author: She is not going to be pleased when she wakes up. Heh, Fluttershy!

Fluttershy: EEP!

Author: So gosh darn cute! Our reader asks. "Are you secretly part dragon?"

Flutteryshy: *Takes in a deep breath* Fus Ro YAY!

*Entire cast gets blown away*

Fluttershy: Oh...... my........ I'm so sorry. *Squeak*

Author: *Digs himself out of the pile of ponies* It's cool Shy, OW! Watch those hooves! Anyway, Spike, your up. "Are you secretly part pony?"

Spike: Part pony? I don't think so. But Twilight has raised me my entire life, so I guess you could essentially say that I have pony morals.

Author: That is actually pretty cool lil bro. So, next question, Pinkie. "have you met Surprise yet?"

Pinkie: Of course! We hang out all the time, but for some reason the author never put our adventures into his story. *shrug*

Author: Yea, sorry about that Pinkie. I just think breaking the fourth wall for more than a few times during an epically long story is more than enough for everyone. No offense.

Pinkie: None taken.

Author: This next question is for everypony. "Do you like mmmmmmm bananas?"

Celestia: *Giggle*

Author: I would like to request that everypony remain silent on this question.

Pinkie: I LIKE BANANAS!

Author: *groan*

Celestia: GOOD! Because you about to go bananas! ON THE MOOOOOOOOOOOOO mmmmffff!"

Author: NO! We will not be having any more ponies launched to the moon! Bad Celestia!

Celestia: Oh fine you spoil sport! *grumps*

Author: Tia, this next one is for you as well. "Ever use the Mirror Pool that Pinkie used so that you can get time off from all the nagging aristocrats?"

Celestia: Sadly, no. As I am sure you are aware, for every clone of a clone that is made within the mirror pool, their intelligence drops dramatically. Would you like to see an Alicorn with little intelligence, going on a rampage with nearly unlimited power?

*Cast looks to Midnight*

Midnight: HEY!

Author: HAAAAA! Ok, enough with picking on the the idiot. The next question is for everypony. "can i have a hug from the gang.........ive been feeling lonely lately..........in my box."

*Entire cast (minus the guys)* Awwwwww! *hugs*

Author: Ok everypony, we've reached the last question............... wait. This isn't really a question so much as a...... *Grins at Luna*

Luna: Uh......... why are you looking at me like that?

Author: Luna got a lil love letter!

Luna: *BLUSH*

Author: Dear Luna *WAP*

Luna: Thou shall not read mine love letter aloud! *Runs off with it into the sunset.*

Author: Ow........ *looks around for Luna* Good thing that was just the physical copy. *Pulls out his laptop* Ahem! As I was saying.

Dear Luna:

I hope that this letter finds you well. I just wanted to say, well, you do an amazing job on the sky at night, and I think you're beautiful no matter what. You've got a friend and admirer in me, for now and forever. Please accept tlthe gifts in the accompanying package of one brohoof and 1600 Ponysoft Points. Also included is a bit of an inspirational quote I hope you'll keep and look back on.

Thinking of you, wherever you are.

We pray for our sorrows to end,

and hope that our hearts will blend.

Now I will step forward to realize this wish.

And who knows,

starting a new journey may not be so hard...

Or maybe it has already begun.

There are many worlds,

but they share the same sky.

one sky, one destiny.

I love you Luna. Don't ever forget.

I've got your back.

Gizmo Sonota.

(P.S, would you say you prefer intense games or mellow?)

(P.P.S, Hey Celestia, guess what. Luna is best princess! (U mad?))

Author: Well I know she likes the more intense games. And Tia, your answer?

Celestia: *sends Wiggidy to the moon*

Author: OKAY! So that was it for this round. Look for the next Q&A to come out around chapter 100! Can't wait to get to that chapter already! See you guys then!

*Entire cast* BYYYYYEEEEEEEE!

Chapter 52

It had taken the better part of three days, but the repairs to Canterlot had finally been finished. However, that was the physical impact that had been mended. The mental scarring that not only Midnight had endured, but Celestia as well, would take far more time in order to even be remotely healed. Those three days had been very long for the princess, but painstakingly more for the human, Charles.

Over the period of twenty-four hours, Charles had not returned to his Alicorn state, even with the aid of magical assistance. During this time, he had remained in a spare room within the castle, alone to mourn over the loss of his daughter. As time passed slowly by for him, his brides had come to check on him to see if he was able to make it out of his room and come to eat at least once. However, when one of them knocked at the door, calling for him, they would only hear sobs as an answer.

When day four had finally approached, the medical staff had managed to locate an ancient spell that would aid them in possibly returning the recently absorbed lives that the Twilight Princess had captured and turned into energy to aid her in attempting to take over the world. It had not been looked into until recently, but once a life had been absorbed into the cursed bracelets. They would remain alive in the form of energy until they would be consumed or used by the bearer.

There was one slight problem however, pulling the energy out of the bracelets would cause the host being or object to come under great stress. The physical part of the host object would be strained to unknown limits. The worst of it all? The object could break, or in this case, perish.

When the time came to advise Charles of what had to be done, he didn’t hesitate. Although it was obvious that he had not slept in those past four days, and was physically and mentally exhausted beyond his limits, he knew that what needed to be done, must be done at that very moment.

Charles, along with Celestia, and several members of the medical staff within the castle were now in the guest room that the human had been occupying for the good portion of the week. He was sitting in a chair and staring silently out the balcony window. Celestia sitting quietly on her haunches behind him. Her forelegs and wings wrapped lovingly around him as she nuzzled the side of his head and neck, trying her best to alleviate at least some of the stress that he was feeling.

“Princess.” One of the members of the medical staff began, causing her to turn her sights to him. “We’re ready to begin.” The stallion stated quietly as he noticed her give a worried expression.

“Charles...” She trailed off for a moment as he turned his vision slowly to her, a tear stained face with dark bags under his eyes looking to her in utter sorrow.

“I’m ready...” He sighed softly.

A few members of the medical staff trotted quietly over to him as they began to push magic into their horns. Magical runes began to slowly materialize all over the human’s body in various shades of red. Celestia pulled away from the human reluctantly as she had been told that the process would cause magic from any nearby objects to be pulled into the being in order to replace the lost energy from the souls.

As the medical staff came to a stop, the runes on the human’s body continued to glow a faint red, signifying that he indeed had more than a single soul within his body.

“We are about to begin Celestia, but we need to advise you of something.” The stallion doctor began as he nodded to one of the unicorn assistants. The young mare moving forward and starting to strap the human to the chair with reinforced magical barriers.

“I would recommend that you leave the room for a short time. Our king is aware of what is about to happen, but you...” He trailed off for a moment giving a slightly pained and worried expression.

“I fear that once things start coming to a close, and the last of the souls begin to be removed from his body, you may interfere with the spell in order to alleviate his suffering. I must ask you to remain outside of the room, and under no circumstance, enter the room until you have been summoned.”

Celestia stood there with the strongest expression of worry and fear that the doctor had ever seen as she quickly glanced to the human and back to the doctor.

“Your majesty.” The doctor stated a little louder than he should have, causing her to snap her attention back to him. “We must hurry. The longer we wait the less of a chance we have to save those ponies that were absorbed.”

Celestia gave a hesitant nod and quickly made her way out of the room. Once she had made it to just outside the door, she turned just in time for it to close and lock in her face.

Giving a worried sigh as a tear streamed down her face, she quickly galloped down the hall, away from the scene that she was so dreading to listen to. Worry pitting her stomach and causing her to feel very ill.

Once the door had closed, the doctor turned, quickly making his way over to the human with his horn already glowing brightly. Two of the aids stepped up to his side, placing several gemstone batteries onto his frame before tying them tightly to him.

“Alright Sire, I must warn you one final time. This spell that I am about to use... It may kill you. Do you still wish to proceed?” He asked nervously as Charles slowly nodded in confirmation.

“My life for over a hundred... Do you think I would choose to live the rest of my life, knowing that I was slowly eating away countless souls that I had absorbed into my body?” He asked quietly before he felt a hoof on his shoulder, he slowly raising his vision to see the doctor giving a saddened smile.

“You really do care more about everypony far more than yourself that much, don’t you?” He smiled seeing his King give a soft smile in return.

“More than you know.”

“I’ll try my best to keep you and the souls safe from harm Sire, don’t worry.” The doctor stated as his horn continued to illuminate.

“Don’t worry about me... I’m willing to sacrifices myself in order to return everypony back into their living forms. Those foals need their parents far more than I need to live. So don’t worry about hurting me. It should only be for a short time anyway, before...” He trailed off as worry filled his gut. He didn’t want to die, but he didn’t want the foals to have to live their lives without their parents either.

One decision surpassed the other though in need. The foals needed their parents far more than the human needed to live. How could one live though, knowing they house souls that would slowly fade over time? He wasn’t about to find out though. He knew what had to be done and he was about to experience it at that very moment.

Charles’ body tensed up as magic from the unicorn doctor hit him squarely in the chest. He let out a pained grunt as a burning sensation began to build in the rune on his stomach.

“This... is a little more painful... than I thought it... would be.” He groaned out seeing the worried expressions of the aids.

“I’m preparing the second phase of the spell, Sire. This will be far more painful I am afraid.” The doctor stated softly as his horn glowed brightly before a bright ball of magic bolted out through the already streaming magic, hitting Charles directly in the stomach, causing him to lurch forward slightly against the restraints as he attempted to pull his hands down and cover himself.

After a few moments of a pained expression, he finally relented and let out an agonizingly pained howl before a small orb of light slowly pulled out from his back and floated up before being caught in one of the aids magical grasp. The aid quickly floated the glowing orb down to a small box, placing it inside before the next aid stepped forward as another light began to pull itself from Charles’ back.

With each of the orbs that were pulled from the King’s body, another groan of pain would escape him, each gaining in volume until he was screaming out in agony.

As time went on, the King began to shake from the severe pain that rocked his body as each of the souls was removed. After an hour, around two hundred souls had been removed. The glowing runes that etched his body began to fade from red to a soft blue, signaling that there was now, only a hoof full of souls left, and these would be the toughest of the bunch, as they had already began to be absorbed into Charles’ body as energy.

The doctor nodded to one of the aids as she came over and tapped two of the gem batteries that were attached to his body, causing a flow of magic to be released and forced into him. He let out a grunt of pain as his magical reserves were filled instantly, his horn gaining in illumination as the magical flow caused him to scream out.

“Only five more your majesty. Please hold out.” the doctor stated as his magic quickly scanned the human’s body to try and account for what souls were left.

After a minute of waiting the first orb escaped the body, quickly being grabbed up by one of the aids. Another two minutes passed as the second was pulled. Four minutes, the third, ten minutes, the fourth. As the last soul was being pulled from the human’s body. The doctor watched in horror as the human was no longer crying out in pain, but snarling. His vision boring into the doctor with an untold fury as every muscle in his body strained against the magical restraints holding him to the chair.

As the last orb began to slowly pull from the human’s body. His expression of pain and fury faded as a vacant expression took their place. The orb flickered slightly as it floated over to the box, joining the others that had already been removed from the human’s body.

“Oh God!” Charles panted as his body went slack against the restraints. “That has got to be... the worst physical pain... I have ever been in.” He groaned out.

“Your body experienced what we call, magically enhanced muscle strain.” The doctor began as he began to pull the restraints from the human before lifting him over to the bed on the other side of the room.

“Your body is going to need time to heal. As of this moment, you are ordered to remain in bed and avoid any movement that isn’t needed. I will have several aids to assist you and remain at your side if needed.” The doctor stated with a wink only to cause the human to roll his eyes.

“To be honest doc, I would rather remain alone. I’m still... I.... I still need time... for...” He sighed sadly as his vision fell to the floor.

“I understand Sire, but with your body in its current condition, and the fact that you haven’t eaten in days. If I were to allow you to remain alone, that would mean that I would be going against the oath that I swore to uphold.” He chuckled softly causing Charles to raise his vision back to him.

“That oath would be to keep everypony, happy and healthy to the best of my ability.” He smiled.

“And if I ordered you to leave?” Charles asked giving a slight smirk.

“Then I have the authority to temporarily relieve you of your royal duties, and have the guard place you under temporary house arrest. So don’t think I wouldn’t do just that in order to keep you alive and healthy mister.” He scolded causing Charles to laugh.

“Sometimes I wonder about you ponies.” He smirked. “But I’ll submit to your request. I need some relaxation anyway. I have gone through utter hell over the past week, and besides that...” He trailed off as his stomach let loose a furious growl. “I think I had better eat something before my stomach decides to consume itself.”

The doctor and aids all gave a soft laugh at that before the doctor left the room, leaving the nurse aids to keep watch over their King.

A short time passed before the doctor had arrived at Celestia’s quarters, making a quiet entry as he could hear some soft sobbing coming from within the room.

“Your majesty?” He spoke up only to hear the sobbing come to a quick halt. After a few seconds the regal Alicorn came in from the balcony of her room, giving the doctor a soft smile.

“Is he alright? Were the souls removed from him successfully?” She asked with a glint of hope in her eyes.

“Yes your majesty. But I am afraid to say that only a small number of the souls of those that were absorbed earlier had already been consumed. We were only able to get around ninety-seven percent of those absorbed within Horseshoe Bay out successfully. The rest...” He trailed off as his ears lay back, a pained expression forming across his face.

“I understand, I will see to it if the ones that were lost had foals, and if so, I will see to it that they are cared for.” She stated softly as her vision lowered to the floor.

“You will be happy to know that the King will make a full recover physically. Mentally however, he seems to be taking the... passing... of the young princess, rather hard. To be honest, I am surprised that he survived the soul removal spell at all in his weakened state. But rest assured my Queen, he will make a full recovery.”

Celestia smiled warmly toward the doctor as she followed him out of her quarters and into the corridor.

“I look forward to seeing him happy and full of life once again, would it be alright if I paid him a visit?” She asked giving a hopeful expression.

“I am sorry to say, he needs his rest, and a good hot meal. Give him a couple of days to regain his strength and then you may visit him. Please notify his other brides as well about this. He will need all the strength he can muster soon enough.” The doctor stated in a more stern tone, his expression hardening slightly.

“Why will he need his strength? Is there something you aren’t telling me doctor?” She asked as she came up to in front of him, halting his advance down the long hallway.

“Well, you see...” He paused as he rubbed the bridge of his nose, giving a sigh. “The King will be the only pony that can return the souls into living bodies once again. Their souls have harmonized with his and his magic. No other pony will be capable of doing such a thing without the risk of destroying the souls. It will take several days in the least, to have those bodies reformed, and the souls placed within. He will be busy for at least the next week I am sorry to say. The longer we keep the souls detached from a body, the more they will begin to fade and traverse into the afterlife.”

Celestia stood there in surprise upon hearing about the souls. In all of her lifetime, she had never heard of such a thing having to be done.

“I... understand, I think.” She hesitated for a moment, a thoughtful expression suddenly appearing across her face before she picked up once again. “I’ll go and wait until tonight. I’ll have something special made for his dinner.” She smiled warmly as she found a warm sensation fill her heart. “Good day doctor.” She said softly as she turned and seemingly pranced a little as she made her way down the corridor.

“I’m glad to see her happy once again. I don’t think the kingdom could stand to see her sad for any longer.” He sighed as he made his way down the corridor.

XXX

“Is everything ready?” One of the nurse aids asked the other as she brought in a platter of food on a small cart.

“Everything is set, all we need to do is get him to eat and then the Queen can do her thing. Are you ready to play your part?” The other asked seeing her nod.

“I’ve been studying that changeling for some time now. Once the food takes effect, and the Queen does her thing, I won’t even have to try that hard to get him to shift sides.” The other aid giggled softly before she began to push the cart up to the brooding human.

“Sire? I’ve brought your meal.” She stated with a smile as she pressed the cart up to the side of his bed. Charles was slowly trying to push himself up but having some trouble.

“Here, let me help, Sire.” The other nurse stated softly as she used her magic to gently lift the human up just enough to slide him back in his bed so that he was now sitting upright in his bed.

“Thank you my dear.” He smiled warmly toward the nurse, her eyes going a little wide before her cheeks puffed out a little. She placed a hoof over her mouth, turning to the side and giving a fake cough to cover the burp that was getting ready to be let loose.

“It’s no problem Sire, please, enjoy your meal. You will need to regain your strength to be healthy once again.” She smiled warmly before turning and making her way toward the balcony and opening the doors to let in a cool breeze and air out the stuffy room.

Charles pulled the first covered plate from the food tray, eyeing it before finally removing the metal cover that was housing it and keeping it warm. He was greeted with the most wonderful smell he had ever had the pleasure of taking in. His mouth watered as he looked down to see biscuits and gravy, scrambled eggs, and some tofu sausage links. After thanking the powers that be, he dug in voraciously without hesitation.

The other aid giving a sly smirk at seeing him eat the meal without hesitation. The aid that had made her way out and onto the balcony was quietly standing out of view as she spoke through a mental link to the other being that was already sitting quietly on the edge of the balcony, looking out and over the large city of Canterlot.

‘Is everything set?’ The changeling Queen stated through the hive mind.

‘Yes your majesty. He has already finished his meal, and it should only be a matter of moments before the enchanted food begins to take affect.’

‘Excellent, I must say though. Finding out that he had fallen into such disarray because of the loss of his so called adopted daughter, was quite startling. To think that a mere human could be responsible for such intense emotions.’ The changeling Queen gave a slight squeal of giddiness as her entire body gave an involuntary shudder of delight. ‘I do believe that he will become a fine addition to the hive, and a fine father to the next generation of changelings.’ She grinned evilly as she peeked around the balconys door frame to catch a glimpse of the human still laying quietly in bed, eating his second helping of the enchanted food that they had so graciously made for him.

‘Oh yes... a fine king indeed.’ She giggled softly.

Author's Notes:

Edited by ReFro

Chapter 53

“Your majesty, may I interest you in some dessert?” The changeling nurse asked as she wheeled over another small cart of food. This one being covered in various types of desserts ranging from cake, to ice cream.

The middle aged man sat back in his bed as he covered his mouth to expel a small burp that would have been pretty loud had he not taken the precaution.

“No thank you, my dear. I think I may have eaten too much far too quickly. This food doesn’t seem to be settling well in my stomach.” He groaned slightly as his belly let out a loud gurgle from the enchanted food.

“Are you sure? I know the cooks made this cheesecake especially for you. It would be a shame to not have at least one small slice.” She giggled as she began cutting into the untouched cake, Charles watching her like a hawk as the knife slowly pressed through the cake and slid to its edge a couple of times before the piece floated onto a small dish and over to in front of him teasingly.

“Weeeeelllllllll.” He trailed off as the cake rocked back and forth in front of him teasingly. His eyes flickered from the slice of cheesecake to the nurse as a grin spread slyly across his face. “You are enjoying teasing me aren’t you?” He chuckled seeing her grin before gently placing the cake onto his lap.

“I have to keep our king happy and healthy. If it means I must tease him slightly in order to get him to eat, then its a win/win situation for everypony.” She giggled as she poured him a large glass of milk. “So then, you enjoy your cake and drink your milk. Regain your strength and then you’ll be right as rain in no time.”

“Thank you, my dear. I honestly didn’t think I would get out of my funk. But this... this has helped me quite a bit. Thank you.” He smiled warmly toward her causing her to place a hoof over her mouth to interrupt a burp that was trying to escape, she making herself giggle a little louder than she had anticipated in order to cover said burp.

“I’ll just head to the balcony to check on the other nurse.” She smiled softly as she began her trot to the balcony.

As the changeling nurse exited onto the balcony, she rolled her eyes at the antics of the king before speaking to her queen through the hive link.

“Queen Chrysalis, everything is set. The human seems to be digesting the food very well, as he stated that it seems to not be settling well. You should have him at your advantage within the next couple of minutes.” The nurse smirked seeing her queen smile deviously.

“Excellent! You two know the plan, so just follow it without fail, and we shall never go hungry again.” She purred as she stood up. Not daring to leave her natural form as she began walking to the edge of the balcony door and peeking in to see the human rubbing his face gently.

“It seems that the enhanced food has taken effect. Let us begin, shall we?” She grinned toothily to her two changeling drones.

“We shall await your command.” They stated in unison as she gave a smirk before stepping around the corner of the door frame into full view of the human laying in bed.

Charles heard the heavier hoofsteps upon the cobblestone floor and pulled his hands down from their position on his face. His eyes felt tired for some reason, along with his stomach turning flip flops, which didn’t make him feel all that well overall. The fact that when he opened his eyes to see the changeling queen just strolling into his room through the balcony didn’t help that fact either as his mood immediately turned sour.

“What do you want? Is it already that time again?” He growled out only to see her smile.

Chrysalis clicked her tongue several times giving a disapproving look as she strolled up to the side of his bed and sat down quietly before speaking.

“Now now, you shouldn’t act that way. After everything that has happened to you in the past week, I am surprised that you haven’t just keeled over from misery.” She tutted soothingly as she gave him a sideways glance. He looking over to her as their eyes connected for just a moment before he felt the tiredness begin to ache in his eyes once again.

“I have no idea how you would even know about what I’ve been through, but I would ask that you be courteous enough not to mention anything to me about it. I have had quite a hard time and wish to be alone.” He sighed as he removed his hands from his face, letting them fall to the cover stretching across his lap.

“I am sorry. I know it must be hard on you right now.” She spoke out in a caring tone, surprising the human that sat quietly in his bed. “I have lost many children over the eons, and know what it feels like to have them taken before their time. They do not have the same lifespan as I so I must watch as time takes them as well when it comes.” She sighed flattening her ears to her head as she looked away. “So please, do not think that I do not feel your pain.” She said soothingly.

“Does... does the pain ever go away?” Came the shuddering words of the human, surprising the changeling queen for a moment as she turned her head to look at him, but paused as she noticed several small wet spots on his cheeks.

“If you have had as many children as me, then it does get better over time. The pain never fades, but it does soften a bit. When you are a being that lives like a leech in order to survive and are looked down upon because of the methods which you use in order to survive. You will grow numb to those emotions in time. Then, losing a youngling will barely affect you.” She sighed softly before seeing him glance up to her eyes once again, the whites of his eyes flickering green for a moment before slowly fading back to their normal white, the bags under his eyes beginning to become more pronounced and darker.

“I don’t know how you do it... living for so long and having to deal with seeing your children pass. To you, I am but a mere foal when it comes to what you’ve experienced in life. You have seen and done so much that I can’t even hold a candle to you. Your ability to change and adapt to situations surpass that of even Celestia’s. I wish that I could just forget about this pain and move on.” He sighed out as he kept rubbing his eyes.

“I... could help you with that you know.” She purred softly as she scooted a little closer to the bed and sat down on the floor. “I could make everything right once again. You would never have to feel sadness again.” She grinned evilly as she watched one of her changeling drones walk around the corner in the guise of Marina in her pegasus guise.

Charles’ attention snapped up as he heard the soft hoof steps of another pony entering from the balcony. He took in a sharp breath as he began to tremble, staring wide eyed at the small filly standing and staring at him with tear filled eyes.

“Daddy?” She spoke out in the perfect mimic of his former daughters voice. He burst out in tears as he spread his arms wide as the filly bolted into his loving grasp.

*Burrrrrp*

“Scuse me.” She stated softly with a smile before looking off to the side to see her queen covering her mouth with both hooves as her cheeks puffed out.

Charles sat there, quietly weeping as he hugged his faux daughter. All the time the queen of the changelings feeling his unconditional love pouring out with such force that she could feel her belly swelling up from overconsumption.

As if things couldn’t get worse, or better, depending on who you were at that moment. Another set of hoofsteps were heard, causing the three to look to the balcony door only to see Starlight coming in through it.

“Star... Star come here! Your sister... she’s alright!” He spoke out as the whites of his eyes began to turn green, the white slowly fading away.

Without hesitation, the changeling in the guise of Starlight bounded over and began to give a fake cry of happiness as he was wrapped in the hug along with his faux sister and father.

“Everything could be perfect for you once again...” Chrysalis whispered softly into his ear causing him to give a soft nod.

The changeling queen stepped back from the bed for a moment as she was quickly surrounded in green flames, reappearing as Celestia at his bedside. Charles slowly lifted his gaze to the changeling queen in the guise of the mother of his one and only child. Once their eyes connected, his eyes shone a bright green and stayed as his lids looked slightly heavy.

“I... I want that... more than anything.” He stated in a broken sentence as he slowly climbed from the bed still holding his faux children.

“Then that is what you shall have.” She smiled warmly to him, he smiled back in return as he closed his eyes and pressed warmly up to his faux bride. She giving an evil smile out of his view as her horn lit up brightly.

“You shall have it, for the rest of time.” She purred out as they vanished in a flash of light.

XXX

*Several days later*

“I am sorry doctor, but I simply cannot wait any longer. I am beyond worried about my husband and wish to see him. Even poor Starlight hasn’t seen him since...” Celestia trailed off as she let a pained expression escape her before continuing. “Since we lost Marina.” She finished causing the doctor to sigh.

“Your majesty, as much as I dislike the idea of you barging into the King’s chambers just to check on him. I completely understand. Although I still do not advise such actions, I cannot stop you. But please, if you do plan to go in there. At least do so in a less that abrupt way, so as to not startle him.” He sighed softly as they trotted up to the door to the King’s room.

“Very well.” She sighed out as she raised a hoof and gently tapped on the oversized door. “Dear? Are you awake?” She asked but got no response. Again she knocked on the door, a little harder this time. Calling out a little louder as she pressed the door open and into the room.

“Midnight? Charles? Are you... here?” She stopped as a cold chill surrounded her as she looked around the dark and vacant room. No candles were lit, the fireplace had long since gone out, and a cold chill from the evening wind as it blew quietly through the open balcony door.

Celestia quickly bolted through the room, searching high and low for the king before finally galloping onto the balcony and taking flight as she frantically looked around. After failing to find her love, she landed on the balcony, wide-eyed and panting.

“Your majesty, where is the King?” The doctor frantically asked as he looked around the room in shock.

“I... I don’t know.” She spoke out in horror. She had already lost a daughter, and she wasn’t about to lose her husband so soon after that.

Author's Notes:

Edited by ReFro

Chapter 54

“What do you mean he’s missing?!” Twilight spoke out in shock as Celestia broke the news to her fellow brides.

“It is just that, I have every available pony currently searching for him. Even Luna’s Night Guard have been sent out during this time, and you know how much they hate coming out during the day hours.” Celestia groaned slightly, remembering the complaints she had received from Luna on behalf of her guards. “Never the less, we shall continue the search to find him.”

“Ah don’t know what teh think. Why would he just up’n leave like that? Ah know he was purty bad off a few days ago. With all that’s happened.” Applejack sighed remembering how depressed Midnight had become, and remained for a few days after the death of his adoptive daughter. “But ah know that dern fool better than ya’ll think. An ah don’t recon he’d ever go off an disappear without a reason. He’s still got *urp* us’n all that.” She gave a slightly sickened expression for a moment before shaking it off. “Do ya’ll think he…. ahem, he…” She trailed off for a moment before quickly turning and running out of the room.

“Applejack?” Rarity began but stopped as she felt a hoof on her shoulder.

“She’s fine Rarity, probably just morning sickness.” Celestia stated with a slight smirk. “When I was with foal, I had the same problem. I would be in the middle of morning court, then without warning I would startle everypony by teleporting from the throne room, only to return a short time later. For the first three months I was a complete mess. But in the end, it all worked out for the best.” Celestia smiled warmly to the white unicorn, she returning a worried smile back before turning back to the door that Applejack had just run through.

“I don’t mean to keep pestering you Tia, but is there anything that we can do to help? I mean, we are Midnight’s brides as well. We should at least put as much effort into finding him as the rest of the guard.” Twilight sighed feeling a pang of worry in her gut. She knew Midnight in and out, and knew that he would never forsake his loved ones for any reason. Disappearing into thin air was never even a possible scenario for more than a short while. But several days without even a word from him was beyond rare.

“Twilight, I know how you and the others must feel, and believe me, I am doing everything within my power to help in locating our beloved…” She paused as a guard entered into the room, panting a little to catch his breath before speaking.

“Princess…” He paused, taking in a breath. “Your majesty, several of the forensics staff have found something, I think you and the others should take a look at this.” He gulped slightly seeing the stern look of determination suddenly spread across the Sun Goddess’ face as she nodded to him and the others.

“I take it that you’ve located something within his chambers?” She asked as she and the others began to follow him out of the room with haste.

“Yes, but I will let them explain everything. I was only notified to bring you to the room for a thorough explanation.” He stated as they picked up pace toward the King’s former quarters.

After a quick stop to advise Applejack of where they were heading, the farm pony managed to subdue her morning sickness with sheer determination before following them to the place in question. As they entered the room, Celestia stepped forward, her presence garnering the attention of the forensics ponies that had been called out to investigate the room to see if anything was out of place.

The small group quickly bowed to the Queen before they began. “Your majesty, I believe that we’ve uncovered some… slightly disturbing evidence.” A young mare unicorn began as she stepped forward.

“Proceed.” Celestia responded as she followed the young mare to the balcony of the room, watching her horn light up as a beam of energy shot out to the floor, making several sets of oddly shaped hoof prints to begin to glow.

“I believe you are familiar with this type of print.” She stated, only to cause the Queen’s eyes to go wide as realization set in.

On the floor of the balcony were several sets of hoof prints, all of which began to glow as they traveled from the balcony to beside the bed within the room. Celestia and the others walked over to near the bed where a large spot of magical residue was glowing brightly on the floor, indicating that a spell that required a massive amount of magical energy had been used.

“Your Majesty, I believe that a small group of changelings may have come and taken the King while he was still within his human form.” The young mare said with a sigh.

However, this bit of news didn’t faze the Sun Goddess as she turned, heading back to the balcony, her eyes staring hard at the hoof prints that were leading from the room to the balcony, and then back out into the room once again. She paused in her stride as the others watched her demeanor quickly change to something else. Something they had never seen before.

The Sun Goddess’ fur began to slowly stand on end, her wings slowly unfurling half way out as the feathers began to bristle. Her mane and tail no longer the gentle flicking wave that it once was, but now a more pronounced flicker, as if it had turned into a flame. At the corners of her eyes, a purple mist began to form as it slowly began to seep out and flow upward, seemingly evaporating as it went. After a moment her eyes shot open revealing a wide pupil that quickly straighten into a slit, her normal light lavender iris having turned a glowing purple. Her normal proud and regal stance shifted to a slightly more feral, and dare I say, territorial.

“That changeling scum.” The words seeped out from her like the most potent venom. Her mane and tail flickered like a wild fire dancing about as it too shifted into a blue and purple haze.

“If I find out that she has taken my husband with her deceptive magic, then sending her to the moon will be the least of her worries.” The Sun Goddess snarled as a single hoof scraped a deep gash into the cobble stone floor.

The others looked worriedly toward the Sun Goddess, never before having seen her angry, much less furious. That was of course until what she had said finally set in with the others.

“What?! What did you just say Tia?” Twilight snapped back as her own frame began to seem to wither into a more feral state. “Chrysalis… she has him?!? She growled out seeing the princess nod. This only becoming the catalyst that caused Twilight to begin to turn into her own state of fury. Her body slumped slightly, taking on a more aggressive pose as her coat slowly turned to a blistering white. Her eyes turning into a bright red as her mane and tail turned into a roaring fiery inferno.

“You three, gather your elements and meet back here as quickly as possible. We are going to pay that pathetic excuse for a pony a little visit, and get our stallion back.” Celestia snarled only to cause Twilight to nod as she stepped in between her two friends, her horn lighting up as the three vanished in a flash of purple light.

“Oh yes, that changeling is going to pay this time. I won’t be as lenient as I was when I cursed her.” Celestia growled as she slowly left the King’s former quarters, several stunned forensic ponies being left shivering in her wake.

XXX

The changeling queen appeared with a loud snap of magic in the form of Celestia. Two of her most trusted drones in the guise of Midnight’s foals as well, adding to the deception to keep him happy, and giving as much love as possible.

Chrysalis had planned this event out thoroughly, making sure to have much of the castle cloned to that of New Canterlot Castle. Even going as far as to obtain toys for the foal’s rooms. The areas in which the human would be living in the most would be realistic copies of the real things, while the rest of the castle would have enchanted illusion stones that would project a visual guise of the real thing. This was to keep the human happy in case he decided to take a walk through the castle.

“My dear, would you like to rest for a while longer? I’m sure that our foals would love to have a little play session once your energy has returned.” Chrysalis stated with a warm, but very fake, smile.

“As much as I would like to take a nap, I… I… don’t want to leave them.” He choked out as he hugged his children warmly to his chest.

The two foals managed to let their burps out as an exhale as they too, hugged the human back before speaking.

“We can take a nap with you daddy.” Marina stated with a smile, the fake Starlight giving a makeshift, fake yawn to emphasize his, so called, tiredness.

“Yea, I could use a nap. Then we can all play together.” He giggled, giving a bright smile as the human gave a soft chuckle.

“Then by all means, let’s go take a nap.” He smiled as he packed the two foals with him to his quarters.

Once the human had left the throne room, Chrysalis let out the loudest burp she had ever given before falling to the floor in a heap, rubbing her stomach while smiling.

“I do believe that I have enough love to feed almost half of my hive now.” She purred quietly as several lines of changelings began to slowly file into the throne room, visibly shaking in delight at the love that was emanating from their queen. “Come to me my subjects. I have plenty of food for you all, and will soon have far more.” She giggled evilly, watching as the drones all began to file into rows and trot by her as she emitted the love she had absorbed.

Just down the hall, the human and the two changelings entered into his chambers, quickly jumping onto the bed and pulling the covers over them. The human hugged the two foals to him as he got comfortable, the children giving a devious smile to one another just after he had closed his eyes.

‘I think I’m going to enjoy this human.’ The faux Marina stated through the hive link.

‘Same here, it’s been a long time since I’ve been this full for more than just an hour.’ The faux Starlight replied, giving a slight snicker.

‘Plus we have the cake jobs. To think that we were ordered by the queen to act like foals just to keep this human happy. I think we’ve lucked out far more than we have ever thought possible.’ Marina snickered back.

‘Yea, let’s just hope that those idiots from Canterlot don’t find out though. I would hate to be on the raw end of that deal.’ Starlight groaned.

‘Better enjoy it while we can then. No use complaining until something does happen. So rest up, and enjoy the free meal, brother.’ Marina grinned as she lay her head onto the chest of the human.

‘Will do, sister.’ He grinned back, doing the same as they close their eyes, letting sleep take them.

Author's Notes:

Edited by ReFro

Chapter 55

Twilight, along with Rarity and Applejack, appeared in a fiery display of magic through teleportation within the library. The young Unicorn quickly making her way upstairs to a small lockbox that held her element of magic within, and plucking it quickly out, placing it onto her head.

"Twi, ah know ya'll'er upset. Ah am too. But ya really need teh calm down. We'll get Night back, don't you worry none." AJ spoke out in worry toward her friend. Attempting to calm her at least a little.

"Applejack, darling, you should hurry home and get your element; I'll do the same." Rarity stated in a rush as she headed toward the library door, only to pause as Twilight teleported to in front of her, halting her advances.

"There's no time for that! I'll just teleport us there." Twilight growled as her horn lit up once again as the three vanished in a blinding flash.

They reappeared with the snap of a whip, and within a blaze of fire inside Rarity's room within her boutique. The alabaster Unicorn quickly making her way over to her bed and pulling her element from a bust at its side. Just as she had adorned it, the three vanished once again in a blinding flash, reappearing within Applejack's room at Sweet Apple Acres.

Before any of them could say anything, Applejack ran from the room in a hurry, causing Twilight and Rarity to stare, slightly confused.

"Does AJ keep her element somewhere besides her room?" Twilight asked her purple maned friend only to get a shrug in return.

"I don't think she would keep it any place else..." She paused as she looked to the shining element hanging from the farmer's bedpost. "Then why did she...?" Rarity paused mid question as they heard the loud sound of vomiting from the bathroom next to Applejack's room. After a minute of waiting, AJ returned to the room looking a little ill. Her band having fallen from her mane as she heaved into the toilet.

"Oh mah gosh.... This had teh happen right when ah got knocked up." The farmer groaned out as she wiped a foreleg over her mouth. "Ah hope that idgit knows jes how much ah love'm." She sighed as she stepped over to her bed, pulling the element from the bedpost and placing it sound her neck.

"I know he does AJ, and don't you worry. We'll have him back at the castle, safe and sound in no time." Twilight smiled softly to her friend as her horn lit up, teleporting the trio back to the castle just in time to see Celestia pacing back and forth in front of the vault. Several potions were already at her side within a small saddle bag.

"Girls, I know this sounds terrible of me, but we are the only ponies that will be going on the hunt for our beloved." Celestia sighed as she quickly trotted over to her fellow brides.

"What?! Why?!" Rarity asked in surprise, the others nodding in askance as well.

"As I am sure you are aware, the other elements are currently preoccupied with other duties as of late. Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie having foals, and a family to take care of, while Rainbow Dash is currently working with the Wonderbolts, Canterlot's most elite fliers and special operations team. At this moment they are on a mission that cannot be halted for any reason." She sighed out once again as a look of pain etched across her face.

"Even if that reason is Midnight?" Twilight growled out.

"Unfortunately, yes." The Sun Goddess stated as she looked to the others in dismay. "Due to us having just defeated the Twilight Princess, the City of Canterlot, along with the rest of the cities that were attacked, will have all of the guard attending to them. As this event cannot wait, we, as Midnight's brides, must venture into the changeling lands alone. This is the only way we can save him. The longer we wait, the more of a hold Chrysalis will have on him with her magic. If she obtains total control over him, he will[/] die."

The girls looked to one another, horrified at hearing this. Twilight stepped forward, her face showing some slight worry behind her anger as she spoke.

"But, I thought that ponies affected by changeling magic would only wither and become sickly. It is said that they have the possibility of dying, but how does that relate to Midnight passing once full control is established?"

Celestia closed her eyes as she spoke, knowing the pain of losing someone, or anyone would be a terrible thing to experience. She opened her eyes again, staring off into nothingness as she spoke.

"Long ago, before Chrysalis was what she is now. She was a pony just like you and I. She was... my student... long ago." Celestia choked out as the memories of the day she had cursed her most prized student resurfaced.

"Student?!" Twilight barked out in surprised. So much so that her white coat and flaming mane quickly disappeared, returning to the normal shades of purple that the originally were.

"Yes... And to this day I regret not having gone through with the decision that I would have made, had we not been so close." The Sun Goddess showed a pain unlike any other that had come across her face before. This was a motherly pain, one that would cause armies to fall, and nations to crumble. However it suddenly changed to that of rage, her eyes snapping open to reveal the slits that were there previously.

"The decision I had made all that time ago, was to put my student to death, but due to our relationship of being teacher and student. Along with all the time we spent together studying. We grew close, but not too close mind you. She was a very special pony to me in many ways. The main reason was because her thirst for knowledge exceeded even your own Twilight, and due to that, she worked day and night on creating a vast array of spells. One spell, however, was cause for great alarm." Celestia stated as her overall body language became less tense as she went over the story from long ago.

"One summer, a long time ago, there was a massive parasprite infestation that ravaged many crops all across Equestria. Ponies began to fall ill from starvation. Some to the point of succumbing to death in order to give their families more to eat in their stead. Even the great city of Canterlot was seeing a massive downfall in its populace due to so little food being transported in." The princess gave a sigh as she took a seat in front of the vaults door, her fellow brides doing the same as they listened intently to the story being told to them.

"Chrysalis, at the time, had been working for countless hours to find or create a spell that could turn magic into a nourishing supplement that would cause a pony to be able to survive for extended amounts of time, and would cause them to eat little to no food at all. When my prior student cast the spell onto a few test subjects that she had acquired without my knowledge. The spells failed, but when she showed them affection, they would show signs of being nourished."

"But why would she show a pony any type of affection if she didn't know them, I mean, considering they were simply test subjects. She wouldn't cast such a spell on somepony she cared for... would she?" Twilight asked as she rubbed her chin in thought.

"I didn't say that her test subjects were ponies, my dear." Celestia corrected, causing Twilight's eyes to go a little wide in wonder.

"She had several pets that she cast the spell on. This in turn caused them to receive the love that she had for them to be given on a daily basis. There was a problem with that however." The Sun Goddess sighed as she shed a tear. "One day, when she thought the spell was finally complete; she cast it onto herself and began to test its capabilities on various ponies throughout the castle. She knew that one of the royal guards, that had been assigned to keep her safe at the time, had his eye on her, in more ways than one. So she went directly to him and began to test the spell out."

"Over the period of several days, she had not touched any food at all. Her body fat had become next to nonexistent, while her health improved dramatically. However, she saw that the stallion that she was feeding from began to slowly have a decline in health. One evening, when she felt sorry for him for having done all of what she had without his knowledge, she finally brought him to bed with her. At the time, I was unaware of this, but she was in season."

"When she awoke the next morning, the stallion that she had lain with the previous night was lying quietly in her bed, unmoving, and without breath. His body looked as if it had been severely starved to the point where he was merely flesh and bone. Chrysalis screamed causing the guard and myself to come to her aid. At first she told us she didn't know what had happened, but I have seen many things and thought differently. Once I had excused the guard, I spoke with her and after some gentle pushing, she relented and divulged what she had done in the prior days. I cast a spell onto the stallion to check and see if what she had said to be true, and sadly, it was."

"I forbade her from casting the spell onto any other beings, or teaching any of them the spell for any reason. She agreed, at the time, until one day when she was making her way through Canterlot to an alchemy store. She had run across a family sitting in an alleyway. There was a young mare crying while holding something in her forelegs. As my student came forward to ask what was wrong, she was stunned to see the mare holding a lifeless body of a newborn foal that was merely skin and bones. The young one had starved to death."

At this point the three mares were in tears upon hearing such a sad tale, but kept listening intently as Celestia continued on.

"My student decided to go against my words and began to teach the spell to many ponies, and for a time it began to aid all of the Unicorn within the kingdom. However, it began to take a terrible nosedive with the other two species of pony. Earth ponies began to fall quickly, while Pegasi were right behind them. I am sure you three have read in the history books about the great pony plague of the second eon of my rule, have you not?" Celestia asked seeing them nod.

"You mean, the plague... was actually Chrysalis and her magic?" Twilight squeaked out in slight terror.

"Unfortunately it was... That is why you see so few earth ponies currently residing within the entire nation of Equestria. Many of them were wiped out. This is why so many farms exist with so few hooves to help them, and why many of the farms enlist aid from other ponies that are willing or need to seek employment."

"Well that explains a lot" AJ smirked slightly at finding out the details of why Earth ponies constantly needed a helping hoof with harvesting time.

"When I had found her, the spell had taken an unexpected turn, causing my student to start growing a pair of wings. At the time they were simply bumps growing from her back. But by the time I had come across her, she had grown them out to that of the same size as a ten year old foal. However, that did not deter me in my next actions."

"We fought for a short time, and I will admit that my student did have the upper hoof from the power she had gained from harvesting love from countless ponies. But it is what she said, that caused me to become what you saw only moments ago."

The princess closed her eyes for a moment as she began to snarl slightly, remembering various bad memories that would anger her to the point of becoming furious. Her body slowly changed back to its prior form. The licking dark blue mane and tail, the glowing purple eyes with the cat eye slit; it was very intimidating.

"The form you see before you is caused by pure, unadulterated, rage. This form, only a few unicorns can take. Ones with massive magical capability. I am sure that you three have seen Midnight when his mane had become solid black just like his coat before, correct?" She asked, seeing them nod.

"This form is extremely volatile to unicorns. It causes a massive surge in magical energy that can kill an untrained mind. Very few are even capable of reaching this level. It took me just over two eons to finally realize I had this much power hidden inside me." She paused for a moment as she looked to see the question trying to seep its way from Twilight's curious eyes. "Twilight, do you have a question?"

"Um... I was wondering... Is that the same thing that happened to Princess Luna when she turned into Nightmare Moon?" She asked seeing the hurt slowly spread across the Sun Goddess' face.

"Unfortunately, yes my dear. Luna began to grow more and more infuriated over time, and eventually turned into Nightmare Moon. However, her mane and tail only slightly changed, as it was already the color that you have seen recently. The stars and wisps held within them did disappear though. But once she returned to her old self, she was normal once again."

"But, when we defeated her, her mane and tail were like a normal pony's. It didn't become ethereal until almost several months after she had returned to her normal body." Rarity piped in, clearly curious about the event in question.

"The reason that event happened was because the Elements of Harmony had torn all of the negative emotions, and evil magic from her body. She was essentially a mortal for those several months. I'm sure you noticed that during that time, she had grown quite tall compared to when she had just been defeated. Correct?"

The three mares nodded as realization finally began to set in.

"Since time had no longer been frozen for her, she had a small growth spurt, and managed to grow quite a few hands before her magic returned to normal levels, causing her aging to stop once again."

"But how is it volatile to unicorns?" Twilight asked.

"Because it puts great physical and mental pressure on our bodies. With an Alicorn, it will only degrade our power over an extended period of time. In short though, it gives us massive capabilities in various forms of magic. However, if a unicorn uses this form often, it can stunt their magic to the point of a newborn foals."

Twilight managed to choke back a lump that had formed in her throat as the Alicorn looked to her, now speaking in a stern tone.

"This means that no matter what Twilight, you must avoid using this form for more than a short time. But I would ask that you never use it, for fear of you possibly being permanently injured from it."

"I understand Tia." She replied giving a nod.

"Good, now then, back to Chrysalis." She stated as she turned back to the topic at hoof. "Once I had fought her, she had me at her mercy. At the time, I was fearful. Not for just myself, but for my entire kingdom as well. I didn't want to kill her, but simply stop her. However, the spell I used in that instant made me highly regret it. She turned into the insectoid pony that you have seen before. But what caused me the most anguish was later, when I saw the first changeling. It was sent to Canterlot with a message before leaving. The message stated only a simple sentence and signature."

"You should have killed me. ~Chrysalis, Queen of the Changeling race."

"Over the past few eons, I have battled her, knowing that I could defeat her at any given time. However, I have always held back, because I still feel the pain from having done what I did to her. But now..." She trailed off as her mane and tail flicked wildly, turning into a darker hue of blue and purple.

"She has taken from me one of my beloved ponies. For this, I will make sure that she will not live to see another day!"

Author's Notes:

I hope you guys liked this chapter. I threw in some information that I thought, would make for a great canon related material. But this is of my own mind and not in the actual storyline of MLP:FIM. But I hope it will be.

Edits by ReFro.

Chapter 56

"So much love, it is more than I had ever dreamed of." Chrysalis tittered softly as she continued to absorb the unconditional love that the human was exerting as he played with his two faux foals. Chrysalis sitting idly by in the guise as the Sun Goddess, Princess Celestia.

It had been almost a week since he had fallen under the changelings spell, and came to live with her and the entire changeling hive. During this time, the human had spent almost every moment with his children, and quite a few with the queen. But every second spent with the changeling queen all came to the same conclusion. She would end up in bed with the human, only to put off the interlude. She wanted the Alicorns seed, not the humans, and to do that, the human must first change back into the stallion that he had been previously.

Over the few days that she had spent with the human, she would question him about why he had not changed back into his Alicorn body. His reply would always be the same.

"I don't know love, I've told you that I don't know how many times. But if you're so bent outta shape over it, call in one of the doctors or Twilight..." He trailed off for a moment as he scratched his chin idly.

"By the way, where is Twilight... and my other brides as well? I haven't seen them since I got to the castle." He asked, giving a slightly worried expression.

"They are just tending to a few things at the moment my dear." The changeling queen smiled warmly in the guise of the Sun Goddess. "They will return shortly."

"I sure hope so..." He paused as he looked out of the window from within the fake bed chambers that was made to look like Celestias room. "I feel like I haven't seen, nor heard from them in forever..." He paused, getting a playful nudge from his fake son.

"Let's go play father, we haven't played all day." He chirped happily as he bounced around the reclining human.

"Heh, alright then. It feels like I haven't played with my babies enough either. Considering I haven't been myself lately, I will take that as a sign to play more often." He chuckled as he rose form his seat and followed the little changeling from the room, the door closing behind them as they headed down the corridor.

'Your majesty...' A voice spoke out quietly within the hive link. 'Is it safe to enter?'

'Yes, come to me my minion.' She spoke out through the link as she looked to the balcony door, watching as it slowly opened, revealing a tiny changeling that was no bigger than the real Starlight Flame.

"My queen, urgent news from our spies in Canterlot." He hissed out as he flew forth, quickly pulling a small scroll from within a pouch on his backside, hoofing it over to the queen and slowly bowing before backing away.

The changeling queen quickly snatched the scroll up and bringing it to in front of her within a magical levitation field. Her eyes skimming over it once, then again as her eyes slowly narrowed.

"So the Alicorn seeks to retrieve her stallion, does she?" The changeling queen hummed to herself as she gave a devious grin.

"Let's see how she likes our labyrinth tunnels below." She tittered softly as she began to speak out through the hive link.

'My little ones, begin preparations for some visitors in the labyrinth. The humans brides will be here within a few hours. Make sure to vacate the areas quickly. We will make sure that they do not survive their rescue attempt.' She ordered, causing the entire hive to give a battle cry as they all took off toward the massive maze of caves below ground.

"Considering that my entire hive now has been well fed by the human, as well as myself becoming stuffed from his overwhelming amounts of love. I do think that Celestia will be in far more dire a situation than the time I attempted to take over Canterlot." She began to laugh softly before it began to turn into a maddening cackle.

XXX

"So tell me again why you never visited the changeling lands?" Rarity asked Celestia as they flew through the brilliant blue sky, on their way toward the changeling lands.

"I never visited those lands because of Chrysalis and my prior history. She was my student long ago, and when she was banished, I never kept tabs on her until the first infestation of changelings began to show up throughout Equestria. I admit that, at the time, it was a foolish decision, and even more so that I did not end her life when I had the chance. But now, I must face her, knowing that she has taken our stallion to become her own, just to feed upon him until he... until he..." She trailed off as her eyes began to mist up.

"Don't you worry none, ahm sure that the big lug'll be right as rain once we find'im. Then we can open up a barrel'o flank whoopin on that giant roach pony." Applejack grinned with determination as they continued to fly toward their destination.

"Oh, and Twilight, darling. I am just oh so thrilled to have these wonderful wings once again. Remind me to thank our darling stallion for sharing his spell with you and the princess." Rarity giggled as she looked back to her elegant white wings.

"Yea, ah don't mind having'em again either. They're a might handy right now considering we couldn't teleport to the changeling lands. *urp* But it does make me a bit air sick considerin." AJ groaned out slightly as her face turned a little green.

"Are you sure you're up to this fight AJ? I'm sure we can get Midnight back without your help." Twilight asked as she looked over to the flying farm pony.

"Ahm sure, sides, ya'll don't think ah'd let ya'll take all the credit in'is rescue now, do ya?" She chuckled seeing them roll their eyes.

"No darling, the thought never crossed our minds." Rarity sighed in exasperation.

The four ponies continued flying toward the changeling lands, two of which were in a fury over how wreckless the changeling queen had been in capturing their husband. The other two, waiting in anticipation to have their love back in their arms once again.

It had taken the better part of a few hours for the group to travel the entire distance into the changeling lands. Once they arrived, they had landed almost a mile from the changeling tower, so as to avoid alerting them ahead of time. The barren land was carved with countless holes, leading into and out of the massive underground hive. The tower however, was as dark as the night itself, with jagged protrusions jutting out from it in every direction. Many holes carved into it to mimic the changeling queen that made it her dwelling.

"Uh... princess... ah don't right know how teh ask this, so ah'll just say it. Why in the hoo ha ain't we just busting inteh the tower teh get our stallion back? Ya know... a full frontal assault?" AJ asked as they began to make their way toward the tower.

"Applejack my dear, Im' not sure if you are aware of this or not, but the spell that Twilight and Myself had cast onto herself, and you two as well, required a lot of magic. Despite it being Midnights own version of the wing spell, it requires normal unicorns and alicorns almost twice the magic it would take in order to cast it properly. The only reason we avoided using the pony version spell was because we cannot afford to have the wings evaporate in the sunlight. That alone could mean a death sentence to you three if we were to get into an aerial confrontation. Although I am powerful, I cannot be in two places at once, and considering that Midnight and I have already... already lost..." Celestia paused in her stride as tears began to stream down her face. the memories of losing her only adopted daughter still fresh in her memory.

Twilight came forth, gently pulling the crying sun Goddess into a loving hug, the others joining in as she sobbed softly. After several minutes they parted as they once again begain to slowly trek toward the massive tower that was quickly closing in on them.

"Have your magic reserves replenished Tia?" Twilight asked as she looked over to her, seeing her nod as a look of determination spread across her face.

"They have, and just in time as well." Celestia growled out as she glared forward at the entrance of the tower where two large changeling guards were station. Both unmoving as they stared back to the alabaster Alicorn.

As the group strode quietly up to the front door, the changeling guards opened the doors to let them in surprisingly.

"The queen is expecting you." One of them stated in a raspy voice, pulling the door open before closing it behind them as they entered.

Once the doors closed, all light was completely void of the room, causing the four to huddle closer, pressing their backs to one another as they attempted to look around in the void.

"Ah think we done walked inteh a trap." AJ whispered as she looked around, trying to get her eyes to adjust to the lack of light.

"No... if it was a trap, then we might already be dead." Celestia growled softly as her demeanor began to slowly change into that of her rage state of mind.

"SHOW YOURSELF PARASITE!" Celestia bellowed out in the royal whee, causing many changelings that were in hiding to hiss out from the volume.

As if on que, a small light began to illuminate at the top of the room before slowly floating down to a large jeweled disc that it began to slowly meld into. Once it had disappeared into the gem, it lit up in a blinding flash before showing a moving picture. Once that Midnights brides found very disturbing.

In giant gem, shone moving pictures, a video feed, if you will, of the human Charles, and two foals that were playing happily in what looked like a copy of Starlight's bedroom within the castle. The video panned quickly to the side showing a snickering changeling queen whom stare into the camera as she spoke.

"I take it you want your little play thing back, do you?" She asked giving a pouting nod.

"Well I am sorry to say that he belongs to me now... Call it... an even trade for all the years tor torment you've made me live as this monstrosity Alicorn. For me to have this human, with his never ending ability to give unconditional love to my minions and I, means that we will no longer need to feed from your precious little ponies ever again. We will keep him happy and healthy until his last breath. We may even find a way to make him live forever so that we will never have to travel into your lands, or any others, ever again." She smiled toothily as the screen panned back to him for a few moments before going back to the changeling queen.

"But now, I must ask you to leave my lands. We will call this an even trade for you having cursed me all those years ago. If you leave him with me, then I can guarantee that you will never hear from another member of my race. But..." She paused as the video panned into the other direction, this time, showing Charles strapped into a large device with several changelings all around him, each with a spear that was pressed to several vital points of his body.

"Should you decide to continue your little rescue mission... I know that I may lose the battle, but it will not be without its consequences for you as well." She snarled as the spears pressed a little into the human causing him to cringe in pain before turning back into a changeling that began to laugh.

"I give you this one chance. Leave now, or try your luck and lose your... lover to death itself. Because, if I cannot have him, then noone can." She hissed as the screen went dark as the light faded from it and onto a large door frame underneath it. Several magical torches lighting up as they lead down the hall that it was connected to.

"Tia... what do we do?" Twilight asked as fear became evident in her voice as she stared down the hall.

"We have no choice, we either try to rescue him, or the the changelings suck the life from his very body until he is nothing but a husk. Even if we cannot rescue him, at least we can grant him a swift death." She gulped softly as they four of them began their trek down the long corridor.

Chapter 57

"Love? Who was that you were speaking with?" The human asked the changeling queen as she trotted through the door into the fake quarters of the Sun Goddess

"Nopony my dear, Just one of the maids checking to see if we needed anything." She smiled warmly to him, he returning the smile as he ruffled his sons mane.

"Alright then...." He trailed off for a moment as he looked out the window and into the distance. "Ya know..." He began as he rubbed his chin in thought, Chrysalis coming up to his side and taking a seat next to him as he continued. "I've been cooped up in here for almost a week now, and I still haven't returned to my Alicorn form. Do you think somethings wrong with me? I mean..." He sighed as he trailed off for a moment, hugging his son to his chest lovingly.

"I think I'd like to go and see Twilight in Ponyville. I haven't seen her, nor my other brides in some time now. I think it's about time to say hello and show them some love as well." He chuckled, releasing the faux foal as he began to stand up. He paused half way as a beam of magic hit him, knocking him out.

"Whoa! Uh... Your majesty?" The faux Starlight began as he looked to the snoring human laying on the floor.

'Mystic, come to my quarters, I have use of your abilities.' The changeling queen spoke out in the hive link.

After a few minutes, a slender looking changeling strode into her quarters. This changeling looking more like a pony, than an actual drone of the changeling race. Standing a few hands shorter than the queen herself, along with a coat of fur much like a real pony of the Equestrian race. However, her legs were riddled with deep dimples. As if they were going to be the holes that riddled the changeling races bodies, but not having made it all the way through. A soft velvety black fur lined her body, coming to a crease in many areas as each part of her exo skeletal frame would come to a stop before continuing on into another segment of shell. Her eyes were a blistering white, unlike the rest of the changeling drones within the hive. Her mane and tail a bright sky blue.

Although her frame seemed dented and sickly, it seemingly vanished when she walked along, as if gliding silently across the floor without a sound. Raising a brow as she looked from the queen to the unconscious human that lay on the floor, she gave a sigh as she already knew what the queen had called her for.

"Welcome my daughter." The queen purred. "I need you to dream walk into this beings mind. Find out what he wants and create it. Once he is satisfied, keep him that way until I have returned. I will instruct you further then." Chrysalis grinned toothily as she began to move silently toward the door to her chambers.

"As you wish, mother." She spoke out in a normal tone, much like a real pony.

The young changeling hybrid gave a sigh as she quickly levitated the human onto the bed within the room, placing him down gently as she pulled a cover up and over his frame. She looked back to the door of the room just in time to see the two fake children of the alicorn become changelings once again and follow the queen out of the room. As the door came to a close, the hybrid grinned evilly toward the human that lay silently on the bed. Her horn lit up as a beam of magic shot across the room, hitting the door.

Mystic closed her eyes as her vision was black out, then lighting back up as she looked around the hallway outside of the room.

"I do, oh so love these pony spells." She giggled as she looked around the hall to see the queen and her two changeling drones making their way down the hall until they were out of sight.

"Now then." She purred as she pulled the cover back from the human, slowly climbing atop him and straddling him. "Let us see what we can do to make you more.... comfortable." She grinned toothily as her horn lit up, she lowering her head to his as a flash erupted from its tip.

XXX

"I swear I have the feeling I've seen that patch of moss before." Rarity sighed as the four mares continued through the massive maze of halls that they had been traveling through for roughly several hours now

"I don't think so Rarity, I've been placing several runes along our path to tell me if we've passed that point more than a single time. I haven't come across another spot that I've made a rune for yet. So we must be heading the right way." Twilight stated as they continued on.

"Ah don't know'bout ya'll. But ah remember seeing that crack in the wall a might ways back." AJ hummed as she glared at a peculiar spot in the stone wall.

"I keep telling you, there is no way we could be going in circles. I've been placing tracking spells along our path so we don't get lost." Twilight sighed for a moment before coming to a stop as Celestia halted beside her, she too staring at the wall to her right.

"Twilight, as much as I admire your ability to use magic. I can't help but have the feeling of deja vu as well." She hummed as she looked at a small gash in the stone wall. "You see this mark? I made it some time back without you three realizing it. So we must be going in circles." She sighed for a moment before hearing her student growl.

"Ok...... I have had enough of these games that changeling idiot is playing with us." Twilight snarled for a moment as her mane began to flicker to life in the form of a flame, her coat already starting to turn into a blistering white as her horn lit up.

After a few seconds she stepped up to the wall in front of the group, lowered her head slightly as her horn sparked with magic. She stared forward, glaring hard at the wall just before a beam of magic shot from the tip, hitting the wall hard. After a few seconds of the magic beam hitting the wall, it slowly disappeared as the group looked on in stunned silence.

In front of the group stood countless holes that had been blasted through quite a few walls. Twilight stood upright, taking in a deep breath before releasing it and smiling at her handy work.

"Well then, shall we?" She giggled as she trotted through the hole in the wall, the others following her, still too stunned to make a comment.

After twenty minutes of a constant trot, the four mares had made it to the end of the maze. Twilight looking rather please with herself as they came up to a large door.

"My dear, as much as I would like to praise you on getting us through this labyrinth. I think it will have to wait." Celestia sighed softly as she narrowed her eyes toward the door.

"Ok..... why?" Twilight asked just before noticing the look on her fellow brides face. She snapping her sights to the door and noticing moving shadows coming from the bottom of it as a soft buzzing could be heard on the other side. "Oh...."

"Should we armor up princess?" Applejack asked as she looked worriedly toward the Sun goddess.

"I feel it only appropriate that we show our hostess the same hospitality she has shown us. Don't you agree Twilight?" Celestia grinned to her student.

"By all means, lets." She grinned as her horn lit up just as Celestias did. Both of the two, more powerful ponies, of the group vanished into a magical array of light before a set of lavender armor appeared onto Rarity, and a more eloquent set of white armor manifested onto Applejack.

After the light had finished fading, the two ponies looked to one another, giving a slightly surprised expression as they looked the armor over.

"Celestia?" Rarity asked in surprised as she stared at the large gem that surrounded the elemental gem of honesty that resided on Applejacks chest.

"Twi?" AJ looked on in amazement toward Raritys set of armor.

"You two would be correct in your assumptions." Celestia tittered, each word she spoke causing boths gems to glow on Applejacks chest.

"Shall we ladies?" Rarity grinned as a lavender shield made of gems manifested in front of her, alongside several speared lances that took on a rather fearsome looking form of a lavender crystal blade.

AJ gave a hardly chuckle as a set of ethereal pink, blue, lavender, and green wings unfolded from her back, whipping outward as a large golden mace and shield manifested in front of her. The shield looking like the golden sun cutie mark that resided on the Godesses flank, while the mace brought on a serene shape, with jagged edges that could tear anything it touched into ribbons.

"Let us say hello, shall we?" Rarity smirked as she headed toward the door, only to stop as AJ stepped in front of her.

"Allow me." AJ smiled, taking a slight bow in front of her alabaster friend before pulling her back legs quickly to her stomach, and then releasing them like a canon backwards into the door connecting with it with such force that the entire door, as well as most of the surrounding wall, exploded outwards onto the other side.

Loud screeches from many different changelings filled the room as shards of wood and rock exploded outward into them like an atomic bomb. AJ stood there giving a surprised expression as she rested her back legs back onto the floor, each of them giving off a loud hiss upon contact.

"Whut in the world?!" AJ gawked.

"I call that Solar stomp." Celestia chuckled. "How about we show these changelings how to 'dance' shall we?" She continued as the apple farmers hooves began to glow, igniting the ground that she was now trotting on.

"Ah think that'd be a might fine idea sugarcube." AJ chuckled.

"Oh Applejack, darling." Rarity hummed as she trotted up to her side just as a swarm of changelings began to fly in through a far door to the room they had just blasted their way into. "Allow me." She smiled as her horn lit up. The ground all along their path within the room glowing brightly for a moment as the changelings were almost to them. A bright flash erupted from the floor causing the group to close their eyes tightly for just a moment before reopening them to see every changeling within the room encased in a lavender gemstone.

"Nice." AJ smirked, giving her alabaster friend a playful nudge.

The group quickly made their way through the mass of permanently frozen changelings, and into a large circular room about twenty feet in diameter. As they entered, a dull green glow brightened up along the floor, leading up a spiral staircase that ran around the rooms perimeter. Each step gave off a soft glow as the group began to climb the staircase upward, their target slowly getting closer as the ascended.

XXX

"Where...... where am I?" Charles groaned for a moment as he sat upright, looking around to see himself residing on a large ornate bed within Celestias chambers.

The changeling hybrid sat silently next to the human, invisible to him in every way, shape and form. She gave a soft smile as she watched him look around the room as his thoughts were spoken out loud in his dream state.

'Where is Tia, and my other brides......?' He trailed off as he looked to the door of the room just as it opened. All four of his brides trotting slowly into the room, smiling to him as they made their way over to the bed.

"Girls?" He spoke out in a cracked tone as they all smiled at him before climbing onto the bed. Celestia taking the lead as she pressed forward, kissing him roughly before pulling back and seeing his shocked expression and burning red face.

"I think it's time that we all got to..... know one another a little better." She purred as the other three mares pulled themselves onto the bed.

Mystic gave a soft giggle as she watched everything play out for a moment. "Well then, I guess my job will be a lot easier than I first thought...." She trailed off as she began to fade from the dream. "As well as make obtaining his seed, that much easier." She purred before vanishing from the dream state and reawakening on top of him.

Pulling herself upright, she could feel the humans passion from his dream growing within his pants. She gave a chuckle as she looked down to the tent that was pitched beneath her. "My my...... and I thought my mother was the one who wanted to have a good rut with you. But it turns out to be the reverse now..... doesn't it." She giggled softly as she began to position herself atop him.

"Mother may not see the potential in human offspring, but I do." She giggled softly as she began to get to work.

Chapter 58

"I am starting to become rather annoyed at the amount of changelings that... YA! That have begun to come out... HI-YAH! out in force as we ascend the tower." Rarity stated loudly as she continued to battle each and every drone that came at her. Twilight being her sword and shield at the moment so that she could do far more damage.

"Ah unnerstand yer perdicament sugarcube. These oversize bugs'r gettin teh be a might big problem." AJ shouted back as she began stomping the floor with her forehooves, sending wave after wave of flames down a narrow corridor. Loud hissing and popping could be heard from the changelings that couldn't stand the heat, and explode after reaching a certain temperature.

"We don't have much further to go; Look!" Celestia spoke out from the gemstone on Applejacks chest that was being held within her armor.

The group looked down the corridor that AJ had just finished clearing out, only to see the changeling queen at the very end, smiling deviously toward them. This being the catalyst for what was about to happen next.

"YOU CHANGELING SCUM!" Twilight yelled out from the armor that was adorning Rarity. The young alabaster mare clenching her eyes shut for a moment as she could feel Twilights rage skyrocket, in turn, making her own anger peak as her eyes bolted open to reveal nothing but a red and glowing pupil. Her mane and tail turning into a licking, deep purple flame as she stared the queen down.

Applejack, on the other hoof, began to glow a pristine white as her own armor, made from Celestia herself, quickly began to change. The normal plating that was covering her body began to melt and conform to her body like a glove. After a few moments, her entire body was a softly glowing white, while her mane and tail seemed to have turned into a flowing golden cascade of hair, flowing silently like Celestias mane would.

"Oh-ho-ho-boy! Ah am gonna enjoy this!" Applejack snorted out as she dug a forehoof into the coblestone floor, melting the rock and creating a small trench from how far it had went into it.

"I do believe that I am going to enjoy this as well." Rarity tittered. "Twilight... Shall we?"

"Do your thing, I am maxed out on my magic, and furious with that bitch! Let's take her down for good!" Twilight growled out as the armor she consisted of on Rarity was visually vibrating from anticipation.

The changeling queen hissed loudly at the two ponies as she quickly bolted down the hall toward them, only to pause as she turned, jumping through one of the large windows that led out of the castle. The four mares paused for a moment before letting out a growl, quickly bolting after her out of the window and taking flight. The only problem though, was that the changeling queen was waiting on them, just above the window.

As soon as Rarity and Twilight bolted through the window, the changeling queen gave a hard buck just as Applejack and Celestia followed through the portal to the outside world. The buck connecting directly into her back, knocking the wind from her as she began to plummet toward the ground.

Rarity quickly turned upon hearing the hooves connecting to the armor that was now a second skin to Applejack. She watched for a split second as the farmer began to fall toward the hard ground below, only to open her wings and pull out of the dive, skimming the ground with her hooves and leaving a trail of fire along her flight path before pulling up and flying up and next to her fellow brides.

"I take it that you've gained some new abilities since our last encounter Celestia." The changeling queen growled out as her horn began to light up with magic.

"I have, thanks to my stallion, which you currently hold prisoner here." She snapped back. "So if you don't mind, I'll be taking him back now. As well as your life!" She roared out as AJ bolted directly toward her, only to be hit by a green beam of energy that quickly knocked her off her flight path, sending her crashing into the side of the tower.

"Do you seriously think I could be touched by the likes out yooOOOUUUUU!" Chrysalis began as she watched the pony crash into the side of the tower, Rarity and Twilight taking that opportunity to tackle her and send all three of them crashing through the side of the tower and into the corridor that they had flown out of just a few moments ago.

Rarity quickly bucked the queen away as they collided with the ground, sending her sprawling into the far wall of the corridor. She gave out a loud, threatening hiss as she scrambled to her hooves, trying her best to attempt another jump out of the nearest window, only to come to a stop as a diamond lance impaled the wall right in front of her. She looked to the direction that it came from and giving out a loud gasp as another lance barely missed her head and cutting her cheek just enough to make the green blood of the queen slowly ooze out.

Chrysalis growled out as she attempted to bolt in the other direction, halting as another lance found its way into the wall in front of her.

"I can keep this up all day darling." Rarity chirped playfully as she gave a soft giggle, covering her mouth with a forehoof.

"You could have killed me just now... Why didn't you?" She snapped back only to realize that the corridor was starting to get very warm.

The changeling queen looked on in horror as Rarity was suddenly surrounded by what looked like a large glass orb. Only, it wasn't glass; it was diamond.

"NO!" She yelled out as her horn lit up, surrounding her frame in green flames just before every stone and object in the corridor began to glow a bright orange.

XXX

*BOOOOOOOOOOM!*

The entire castle shook violently as the smell of burning stone and wood could be smelt all through its corridors. Mystic had just come to a close on her work with the human, and was cleaning up before the explosion caused the entire room to shake.

As the noise came to a close, it was quickly replaced by an intense roar that made her ears lay back in pain. She fluttered her buglike wings rapidly as she bolted to the window to see what the noise was, only to scoff upon seeing a massive black dragon tearing its way out of one of the overlook corridors that spanned the length between two of the smaller towers.

"Tch! Mother must be in quite the trouble if she had to resort to turning into a dragon. Oh well, guess I had better help her." She grinned evilly as she opened the window and quickly jumping out, buzzing her wings softly as she flew higher up into the tower, watching the battle below very carefully.

Chrysalis let out another roar as she bellowed fire and brimstone toward each of the ponies that were attacking her. They only coming to a halt in the flames until it came to a stop. Once Chrysalis had run out of breath, she gave a loud cough as she took in a breath to let loose once again, only to pause as she noticed the two ponies standing perfectly still in the spot she had just blasted.

"Do you seriously think any type of fire is going to work on a Sun Goddess, you impudent fool?!" Celestia roared out from the gem adorning the orange earth ponys chest plate. Rarity pulling her diamond shield down from around her as she smirked toward the queen.

"Fire may not work, but now I am immune to your magic as well." She laughed out in a deeper voice. Her dragon wings unfolded as she gave them a hard flap, launching herself into the air as she continued.

"Which means that we are at a stale mate!" She roared before taking a dive at the ponies, they bolting to either side of the changeling turned dragon as she smashed through the floor of the corridor that connected the two towers.

"Unless of course your physical forms can't withstand a beating." She laughed loudly as she continued through the now falling structure, flapping a few hard times as she landed onto the ground below.

The two armored ponies looked to one another, giving a devious smile as they both began to glow brightly for a moment. After a few seconds, Celestia appeared, adorning a set of orange armor that covered most of her body. Twilight on the other hand, was adorning a set of white armor, encrusted with various purple gems.

"I think a hoof to hoof battle with a dragon sounds like an interesting challenge, don't you agree Twilight?" Celestia purred as she gave the dragon a slight glare.

"I think I'll sit this one out Tia. Rarity doesn't exactly make for the best hoof to hoof combat armor." Twilight sighed, only to elicit a groan from the alabaster mare that was now her armor. "Besides, I think you'll enjoy it more if you don't have to worry about me getting in the way."

Celestia gave a sinister grin as she turned her vision back to the dragon awaiting her on the ground below. "Oh, you have now idea my dear." She stated as she licked her lips before taking a hard dive toward the dragon.

"Hoo-boy, ah reckon mah elements'bout ready teh be put to the limit." AJ chuckled as the orange gem on Celestias breastplate glowed brighter before she hit the dragon with such force, it rippled the ground all around them.

The dragon roared out in pain as the armored Goddess impacted her. She swiping wildly toward her, landing a few hard blows that did nothing to deter the sun Goddess from countering with her own hits.

"Oh my... Twilight, as much as I love the fact that Chrysalis is getting her just deserts for stealing our stallion away from us. I can honestly say, that right now, I feel a little sorry for the punishment she is enduring." Rarity sighed as the two of them watched the scene before them.

"Even after what Celestia said she had done to that changeling, I don't think this is enough punishment." Twilight growled. "She needs to be put down for good, that way, no more harm will come to anypony in the future."

*RUMBLE*

"What was that?" Twilight began as she looked around herself.

"NO! MY PRIZE!" Chrysalis roared out as she knocked Celestia from her, bolting toward the now falling tower that the human resided in. A bright green flame quickly surrounding the dragon, then disappearing as a large falcon took its place.

"Oh no! You have got to be joking!" Celestia screamed as her horn lit up before she disappeared in a flash of light.

"What... just happened?" Twilight asked before it finally kicked in. "Oh horse apples! Charlie is in that falling tower?!" She yelled as her horn lit up into a blistering white as a beam of magic shot from the tip, hitting the tower as it was falling sideways, halting its advance for a few short moments. Twilight managed to look up just in time to see the giant falcon bolt from the tower, carrying the human in its talons. Followed closely by Celestia as they quickly landed nearby.

The tower, which was being held in a magical field, finally gave way as the magic was lifted from it. Falling quickly to the ground and stirring up a giant cloud of dust. The changeling quickly turning back into her original form as she stood protectively in front of the snoring human.

Things were now down to the wire as the standoff was coming to an end. Would the changeling take the humans life before the Goddess pony could take hers? Would she give in and let the human go willingly? Would Celestia take the changelings life? It would all be answered shortly, because...

"W-what's going on?" Charles groaned as he yawned, rubbing his eyes. The changeling quickly taking the guise of Celestia in her natural form before the human could look to her.

The real battle, was about to begin...

Chapter 59

The human rubbed his eyes for a few seconds longer before pulling his hands down to his sides and looking around for a moment drowsily. After he looked up to the changeling queen who was currently in the guise of Celestia herself, his vision fell onto the other two armored ponies that were currently a few yards away from him, both giving a worried expression toward him.

"Uh......" He trailed off for a moment before quickly taking in his surroundings and jumping to his feet into a defensive stance.

"What the hell?!" He snapped as he bolted to in front of the faux Celestia, separating her from the two armored ponies for only a moment until he realized who the armored ponies were.

"Tia? Twilight? What in the...." He stopped as he quickly turned around to see the other Celestia standing behind him, she staring hard toward the two armored ponies, he wings flared, and her horn glowing brightly, ready for combat.

"Get behind me!" Chrysalis shouted as she swept the huan up in a wing, depositing him behind her in one swift motion before turning and facing her opponents once again.

"Charlie! Don't listen to her! That pony is Chrysalis!" Twilight shouted out, causing Charles to back up a few steps as he stared silently at the Sun Goddess that was protecting him.

There was a deadly silence for a moment as he contemplated what was going on. Then, as if a switch had been flipped, his eyes shot open as his vision quickly looked all around him into the surrounding areas once again.

"Tia?! Where are our babies?!" He spoke in worry as his breathing became far more heavy, panic beginning to set in as he could not locate them.

"Charles, they are in...." Celestia began but was quickly interrupted by the Changeling queen.

"DEAD!" She shouted, causing everypony to look at her in horror. "They're both dead..... These...... monsters killed them before I could save them!" She growled out as fake tears began to stream down her cheeks.

"No.............." Charles spoke out in complete horror, his eyes quickly filling with tears and breaking the rim as they streamed, unhindered, down his face. "How....... how were they killed?" He asked as his vision never left the ground that he stood upon.

"That monster vaporized them both. There was nothing left......" Chrysalis cried out once more, choking up to add emphasis to her fake sorrow.

"Charles, she is lieing to you." Celestia began, but paused as Charles raised his vision up, staring coldly toward the two armored ponies.

Celestia and Twilight both took several steps back as they stared silently, yet horrified at the human as he glared toward them. His very demeanor had become far more threatening than they had ever seen while he was a human. However, one thing brought a chill to the air as they could not take their eyes from his as a purple mist began to trail from them and upward, slowly evaporating as it gained distance from him.

The eyes of pure hatred, sorrow, and madness. Ones that sought to thrive on the fear of his enemies, the very ones that the former King Sombra had when he had reappeared not so long ago.

As the human took in a deep breath, he let it go slowly, causing the very air about him to chill. His hands that rested at his sides slowly began to clench and glow softly, causing the purple mist coming from his enraged eyes to slowly extend and flow silently down and around his body.

After standing silently for near a minute, his body had been encased within the mist as it began to change shape and hue, revealing something the the real Celestia coward backwards from. The humans body was now encased in a solid charcoal black armor that look more demonic than anything the Sun Goddess had ever seen.

Every point of the armor was sharp and glowed a soft orange hue at the tips, adding to the already red and glowing eyes that rested within the helmet that sat on the humans head.

"Tia.... whats going on? I thought that Charles couldn't use magic in his human form." Twilight spoke out softly as she too coward slightly under the humans threatening gaze.

"Twilight, I am afraid to say this, but..." She paused as the human took in another deep breath, exhaling and leaving a vapor trailed coming from the helmet that surrounded his head. The fiery red eyes burning a hole through the pitch blackness that covered his face.

"He has let his rage consume him, and in doing so, he has managed to use what special magic he has accumulated while in his human form, into what you see before you." She gulped slightly, knowing the danger that not only she and her fellow brides were in. But also the entire planet.

"Kill them!" Chrysalis shouted out from behind the human. "Make them suffer for killing our foals!"

The humans demeanor suddenly tensed up for a moment before relaxing once again as he continued his relentless gaze upon the two armored ponies standing before him.

"Charlie! Snap out of it! That pony is Chrysalis! She is trying to manipulate you!" Twilight shouted, causing him to turn his gaze toward her, taking a slow step toward her.

"Charles, you know this to be true, yet you push it aside so that you can avoid the truth and live a lie." Celestia stated loudly, causing him to turn his gaze back to her and raise a hand as more of the purple mist began to flow silently down his arm; he clenching his fist shut around it as it began to extend outward from the top and bottom of it. After a few seconds the purple mist began to solidify and turn into a solid black longsword. The edges glowing a bright orange as he looked it over for a moment.

"And what lie would that be?" Came the disembodied words of the human as they seemed to flow from him like venom.

"You know that Starlight is alive and well, but our daughter." Celestia paused, clenching her eyes shut as tears began to slowly stream form them. "Marina is... She is gone... She is no longer with us my love. You know this to be true, as you watched her life being taken away right before your eyes!" Celestia reared back quickly, going stiff as the dark sword was suddenly at her throat. Those glowing red and green eyes, mere inches from her face as the drilled into her very being.

"KILL HER! SHE LIES TO SAVE HERSELF AND TO KILL US BOTH!" The changeling screeched out, only to pause as she watched the humans head slowly turn back to her causing her to gulp audibly as he stop only two words.

"Shut it..." He growled before his eyes flashed quickly back to the pony currently on the edge of his sword. However, he paused as his eyes flickered back to the normal green that they once were. Celestia was given as saddened smile as tears flowed from her eyes, down her cheeks, then falling down onto the sword that was at her throat. Upon contact, the tears plowed through the darkened steel without any resistance.

Charles stood there in silence as his eyes went wide, the normal color returning fully to them as he raised an armored hand to her cheek, running a thumb gently over it, the touch disintegrating the black armor upon contact, but leaving him without injury.

"But... how?" He asked before being pulled into a loving hug by the Sun Goddess, her wings wrapping quickly around him causing a soft hiss to escape as the armor and sword was quickly melted away from his body, leaving only his shaking and confused body resting against Celestias within her embrace.

"Do you remember the spell you cast upon me all that time ago?" Celestia whispered into his ear causing him close his eyes as the memory surfaced. "You had taken my life once my love, but when it was returned to me by your very hands, you made sure that I would never have it taken by your hands again. You cast so many protections spells on me that it is hard to believe that your love for me was so strong. No matter what you do, you know that, in your heart, you will never again be able to take my life, and for that, I am forever grateful." She came to a stop as her lips met his for what seemed like an eternity.

The two pulled apart giving a soft smile to one another as all of the memories came into play. That was of course, until the ones from what had happened while in the Changeling queens captivity became the forefront memory, causing the human to turn slowly toward the fake Celestia that stood not far from him.

"Charles..." Celestia trailed off as he turned back to her. "She has wronged me far more than you know, let me finish this battle."

The human turned his vision back to the Changeling queen for a moment, shaking with rage at what she had done to him, but relaxed as he turned back to his bride and nodded as he spoke, walking by her. "Make it quick."

The Changeling queen growled seeing her enemies horn light up. Before the queen could react though, a small beam of magic shot toward her.

Thinking this was a finishing blow, she quickly raised a magical shield to repel the magic, only to watch in slow motion as it broke through it without pause, hitting her squarely in the chest.

The group watched as the Changeling queen screeched in agony for a moment as she was engulfed within the magical field. After a few moments, the glow faded revealing a young pony in her place. A few more moments passed them by before the chittering of the entire changeling colony began to raise in volume as they slowly began to come to the surface from the colony below.

"Here is your queen changelings! Do with her as you please! She no longer holds any power of you!" Celestia shouted to the mass of drones that all began to realize that the the voice of the queen was no longer within the hive link.
Many of them looked to one another as realization set in.

The former queens eyes flickered open just in time to see a mass of changelings surrounding her. She pressed a hoof forward as she began to speak, but paused in horror upon seeing a normal ponys coat in place of her former swiss cheesed legs. She looked back to Celestia just in time to see her giving her a glare before disappearing in a flash of light.

The next sounds that were heard, were the screams of a young pony being torn to shreds by her former drones.

XXX

The former stallion and his brides reappeared in a flash of light within the confines of Celestias chambers. As soon as they appeared however, there were a set of rapidly approaching hoof steps heading directly toward them. Or rather, Charles.

"OOF!" Was the only thing that left the human as he was tackled by a crying foal that shivered while crying as he hugged his father tightly on the floor.

"Daddy...... daddy's back..." The foal wept as he hugged his father for dear life.

The human smiled to his son as he hugged him silently, tears streaming from his eyes from the sheer joy he was feeling, and the sadness that was also present with knowing that he was lacking a foal in this tender moment.

After a short time had passed by, the human had returned back into his Alicorn form by soaking up the magic within Twilights Hearthswarming present that she now carried with her everywhere. It was a slow process, but the end result was just. Now though, the dark Alicorn was resting within Celestias chambers as he began to brood over the fact that his special magic would now take several days in order for it to fully replenish, thus, giving him the ability to ravel into the afterlife once again to see his daughter.

During this time however, he was not alone. Having his four brides with him during the entire time, and all off them being exceptionally clingy toward him made the time bearable. Along with his brides, came questions that were asked, along with stories that would be told.

"Twilight, seriously, why are you asking about my ancestors? Is it really that important you know about my family history?" The stallion asked, giving a disbelieving laugh at how inquisitive the lavender mare was.

"I am just curious because... well... I want to prepare for what our foals will be like in the future. Along with which pony race they will be born as." She smiled sheepishly toward him, only to cause the entire group to give a soft giggle.

"So then..." He trailed off giving a large smile. "That means... you want a foal? With me?" He squeaked out, barely able to contain his excitement.

"Yes... but I still want to do all the research first. I would like to be able to know what the chances are for me having a specific breed of pony so that I can properly prepare. Other than that, I believe that I am ready." She smiled, slightly nervous with the fact that she may soon be a parent.

"Well then, I think that a little trip into the afterlife will need to be planned in the near future." Celestia giggled softly as she turned to Midnight. "Actually, I think it is time that we head there. We have an appointment with a very special pony that should not wait any longer."

Midnight gave a sigh as he lowered his head, clenching his eyes shut as tears threatened to break the rim. Taking in a deep breath to steady himself, he released it slowly before opening his eyes and giving a nod.

"Come girls, let us leave them to this time alone. We have to prepare Twilight for her little rendezvous with Midnight anyway." Rarity giggled as she bolted from the room with AJ right behind her. Twilight yelling at them both as she took chase, her face a blistering red.

"Tia..." Midnight trailed off as his horn began to softly glow. I... don't know if I can face Marina. With her knowing that I failed to keep her safe. I can't bare the thought of her being angry with me for the rest of time." The stallion sighed, splaying his ears back as he looked away in shame.

The Sun Goddess came up to his side, taking a seat and giving him a loving nuzzle as she spoke.

"Would it not be worse, knowing that her father doesn't want to see her again until his time came? Because that is what she would think, and possibly resent you for far more than what you think may occur."

Midnight looked to her, hurt filling his eyes before her clenched them shut once again, letting the tears flow freely as he gave a shuddering breath.

"You're... right..." He trailed off once again before pulling his eyes open and giving a determined smile. "I think it's high time to see our baby girl." He stated just as his horn let loose the magic that it held within.

Chapter 60

After a quick spell, the two Alicorn parents had arrived within Asgard in a flash of light. As they looked around to see where they were, they two were surprised to see their parents already sitting idly under a large tree nearby. Along with a certain... Pegasus?

Without hesitation the two quickly galloped over to their parents and daughter. Marina hearing the hoof steps gaining in volume and heading in her direction, causing her to turn her head to locate the source. Upon finding the source, her eyes lit up before filling with tears as she jumped from her grandparents embrace and bolting to her adoptive parents.

The young Pegasus crashed into Celestia with such force that they both ended up falling to the cloud covered ground, crying and laughing as they hugged each other. A minute passed as the Pegasus noticed the lack of another parent, causing her to pull away from Celestia for a moment to locate the missing individual.

The two looked back to see the dark stallion sitting on his haunches, looking down, his wings limp to either side of him as he shook, silently crying onto the ground below. After a few moments, the stallion was surprised to see his adoptive daughter come into his vision as he stared toward the ground. She gave a soft smile as she looked up to him, tears running down her cheeks as she spoke.

"Daddy, I'm ok now. I don't blame you for what happened. I should have listened to you and momma. I love you both. Please don't cry."

Upon hearing this, the stallion fell to the ground, holding his daughter as he let out a sorrowful wail. Hugging his daughter to him, he kept whispering sorry, over and over again as he held onto his daughter for dear life. Every being within the vicinity looking on in awe upon seeing a living deity actually expressing such a strong emotion while in their presence.

After a short time had passed, the stallion pulled away from his daughter reluctantly. She raising a hoof and gently wiping away the tears that had stained his face as she spoke.

"Daddy, I know it wasn't your fault. You don't have to be sad anymore. I'm happy here with granny and papaw. I even got to meet your grandponies!" She smiled widely for a moment before halting as she looked at the expression of confusion upon her adoptive fathers face.

"Marina... you said you've met my grand parents? But... even I haven't met them before, and I've been here many times before." He stated in confusion before Celestia and both of their parents came up to him.

"Marina, I know that we have a lot to discuss. But for right now, I need your father and I to take a little walk so that we may discuss something very important." Celestia smiled softly as she gave her foal a gentle nuzzle.

"Ok momma." She smiled back before giving the dark stallion a final hug and bounding off to her grandparents.

"Tia?" Midnight began as he watched her turn from him, looking back and giving a slight nod toward the direction she was walking.

The stallion stood and followed the Sun Goddess as she began to trot slowly away from the main area that they had just been in, heading away from most of the beings that were in that area. The two ponies came to a stop in a slightly more wooded area as she began to speak.

"Night, although we have come into the afterlife to see our daughter this day. She has brought up something that I had hoped we could wait to have bore witness to when the time was right." She sighed, looking to the ground for a moment.

"Tia, what are you talking about? Is it about my grand parents? Is that what you are referring too?" He asked, a slight pang of worry etched across his face.

"Yes..." She trailed off for a moment to take in a deep breath, releasing it to steady herself. "I have known about your grandparents for some time now, yet I had hoped that this moment could have waited until our foals had grown quite a bit." She smiled softly as she looked back across the yard to see Marina playing with her own parents.

"I'm still not understanding why you seem so nervous hun. Is it really that nerve wracking to you for me to meet my grand parents? I mean... I've never actually gotten to meet them, and my daughter gets to meet them before I do? Although, it could have been under better circumstances." He sighed, laying his ears back.

"Night... I want you to meet your grand father." She stated sternly as she moved to his side to reveal a pony that was standing behind her.

Midnight stood there for a moment as he looked to the elder looking pony that had just been introduced as his grand father, then laughing for a moment, trailing off as he looked to the stern expression plastered across both of their faces.

"Heh, Tia... This is a pony... He can't possibly be my grand father." He paused for a moment seeing Celestia roll her eyes.

"Does this pony not look familiar to you? Perhaps, from some stories of old." She asked as the stallion stood a little taller, giving a smile as he ran a hoof gently over the long beard that ran from his chin, almost to the ground below. He turned slightly to reveal his cutiemark of a galaxy that was in a swirling pattern on his flank.

After a moment, Midnights eyes began to get wider and wider as realization dawned on him.

"W-wait... You must be joking!?" He sputtered in shock. "T-this is Starswirl the Bearded! There is no way he could be..." He paused as the stallion before him spoke up.

"Your grandpony? Come now my boy, you of all individuals should know better than to think it not to be possible. After all that you've experienced?! HA! To think that my grandchild could still be thinking on a two dimensional scale?! Celestia! Are you sure this colt is really from my lineage?!" The bearded pony scoff, causing Midnight to give a slightly annoyed expression back.

"I'm beginning to think Tia was right. Because you're acting just like my blow hard of a father." He snorted out, causing the other stallion to glare.

"Speaking of my son, I've already spoken with him on several occasions. Our first encounter was nothing like this one while in Asgard." He smirked giving a soft chuckle.

"Knowing him, he probably freaked out upon seeing a pony as his father." Midnight groaned. "Still, that doesn't explain how you could be my grand father. So spill it! How in the hell are you my grand father?" Midnight snapped causing the pony to smirk back to him.

"Ha! I was hoping that you could have come to that conclusion on your own boy. But, if you need things laid out for you. I guess I could help to guide you." He laughed as he began to trot along with Midnight and Celestia in tow.

"I'm sure you've read the stories about me from the olden times, and about my sudden disappearance, correct?" He asked, getting a nod from Midnight as he filled in the missing information.

"Yea, you apparently went missing after a failed spell casting."

"Correct, but that isn't all of the information. Do you remember reading about my history? Does anything in there seem familiar, or resemble you in any way, shape, or form?" He grinned seeing the memories of possible resemblances play across the stallions face.

"Wait wait wait! I remember reading that you were the only other pony to ever be able to make spells out of the blue just like myself, but that is the only thing I think we have in common." Midnight snorted out as the three continued to trot along.

"Yes, that is one thing. But were you aware of where I had vanished too?" The elder stallion asked, only to see Midnight shake his head.

"The spell I had cast all that time ago, that caused me to vanish from the face of Equestria, was a long distance transportation spell. I was attempting to create a worm hole that would use less magic than a teleportation spell, so that a pony could travel any distance on the planet with almost no magic at all. the only problem though, was that I had not taken into account that the worm hole spell, could traverse into another dimension."

The dark stallion stopped in his stride as the thoughts of what had happened began to click in his mind. Looking to the elder stallion he gave a slightly confused expression for a moment as he looked him up and down.

"Boy, don't give me that look. I'm getting to that." He snapped back as he continued. "The world I ended up in had a dominant species known as humans in it. There was a problem though that coincided with the humans. This world was not only covered with them, but it also lacked magic." He paused seeing realization etch across the stallions face.

"So you used transformation magic, to permanently turn yourself into a human?!" Midnight asked in shock.

"Correct! See Tia! I told you he was as quick as a whip when he needed to be!" Starswirl laughed as he nudge the dark Alicorn, causing Celestia to give a soft giggle.

"Yes my boy, I turned myself into a human, fell in love with yer grandma, and had a couple kids. It was just fate that you just so happened to be swept away. Back into the world that you were meant to be in." He laughed.

"It doesn't make sense though." Midnight began, causing them both to look at him in question. "You disappeared around three thousand years ago from Equestria. I'm only in my forties. Tell me how that is possible." Midnight stated with a snort, thinking he had disapproved the circumstance at hoof.

"I think I should fill in that spot my dear." Celestia stated with a soft smile. "I am sure you remember the story that I told about the human that had helped Equestria to start farming when you arrived, correct?" She asked, seeing the dark Alicorn nod. "That human was from earths midevil period. Now, do you remember the time period that Samantha came from?" She asked seeing him nod.

"Yea, she was from about thirty years in the future from my time on earth." He stated, rubbing his chin in thought.

"And do you remember when you met your friend while playing video games with Luna?" She smiled seeing realization play across his face once again.

"Yea, he said he hadn't seen me in fifty years, and that I looked the same! He also mentioned that Luna and I looked like a cartoon... and that Twilight was supposed to become an Alicorn at the end of season three of that cartoon." He stated as he gave a questioning look toward the Sun Goddess.

"Um... we shall get back to that my dear. But for now, we need to finish the explanation about your family history." She smiled nervously toward him.

"You see my boy." Starswirl picked back up, garnering their attention once again. "Time will fluctuate, and magic is very fical and random when it comes to such a thing. Magic does not play by the normal laws of physics. Magic will do what it wants, when and where it wants. You can fine tune a spell of course, but when I made that worm hole spell. It was still in the alpha phase, and I failed to bind myself to Equestria before stepping through it into an unknown world. Hence, why I was stranded on a world with only the magic I had within my body."

"Wait... the magic left in your body?" Midnight asked as he stared at the elder stallion.

"That's correct. Do you not recall the instances in the history books when I had to take meditation cycles several times a year by myself?" He asked, seeing the stallions eyes light up.

"So, you were absorbing magic the whole time?!" He squeaked out in surprise.

"Yes! I never told anypony this except for Celestia, but, I was born as a unicorn that could not produce any magic at all. My leeching ability actually exceeds your own my boy." He smirked seeing the look of shock on the stallions face.

"That explains my stunted magic capability." He chuckled.

"Do you also recall the stories about my spells being very potent as well?" Starswirl asked seeing the other stallion smile.

"You used that special magic to cast your spells as well, didn't you?" He asked seeing the elder stallion smile and laugh.

"Now you're getting it! I'm actually quite proud of you for putting the pieces together so quickly. It took Celestia quite a bit longer to figure things out." He snickered, causing Celestia to burn a bright red from embarrassment.

"Even I wasn't aware at the time that you could do such a thing my dear. It was a surprise, even for someone of my age." She tittered softly.

"So then... I was destined to come to Equestria again, wasn't I?" Midnight asked, seeing his grand father nod.

"I thought that your father would get the chance, and that I could possibly return as well in time. But that never happened." He sighed. "That plus your grandmother still hasn't forgiven me for keeping my being a pony a secret until we met again in the after life." He groaned, running a hoof down his face.

"That explains why she isn't here with you." Midnight chuckled. "Well.... *flicker* dammit! I guess it'll have to wait. *Fade* I'll return in time... Grandpa..." The dark Alicorn stated softly as the two of them faded from sight. Starswirl giving a content smile upon being called that for the first time.

"You had better boy. I look to have some lengthy discussions with you when I can." He laughed softly as he headed back to the square.

XXX

The two Alicorns opened their eyes to see themselves back in Celestias quarters. Both with tear stained faces that had dried from the short time they had been in the afterlife. Midnight gave the Sun Goddess a little nudge to get her attention as he smiled.

"So then... Marina isn't angry with either of us, is happy and well. And also.... a Pegasus...." He trailed off giving a confused expression.

"When a being travels into the afterlife, they take the form of what they were meant to be, or had only known themselves to be. Marina was meant to be our daughter, and a Pegasus as well my dear. She will continue to be happy and loved for the rest of time in Asgard. So please, do not worry yourself." Celestia smiled softly as she nuzzled the dark Alicorn.

"I'm not worried, but I will miss her."

"You will get to see her as often as you like my dear. Just be sure to take me along with you so that we may see her together." She tittered softly, giving the stallion a gentle kiss on the cheek.

"I will, you've got no worries there love." He paused as a sly smile spread across his face. "I do have one question though."

Celestia paused, knowing that look all too well. "And what would that be?"

"I was wondering about the whole Twilight becoming an Alicorn thing." He smirked seeing her roll her eyes.

"That... will need to wait for the time being. I fear that the time is coming to that point, and when it occurs..." She trailed off for a moment before picking back up. "When it does come to fruition, you need to vacate the area until it is over."

Midnight was taken aback by the sudden request as he paused in his stride. "Tia?"

"Midnight, I do not want to have to explain this, just please. Trust me, when the time comes, you need to be as far from here as possible, for your safety, and ours." She sighed, looking down a little.

"Very well then. I guess a little vacation is in order." He chuckled.

Chapter 61

Having traversed back into the realm of the living, Midnight and Celestia had become at peace with the loss of their only daughter. Although the painful memories would still haunt them, over time the scar would fade so that they could continue on throughout their lives. However, that would not stop them from traversing back into the afterlife in order to see their dearly departed daughter and elders who would help to keep watch over her.

Chrysalis on the other hoof had received her punishment in full. Having been returned to her original form before her minions tore her to pieces. Mystic, her highest ranking daughter, had taken over as the new queen of the changeling race. Being born as a hybrid, and having the luxury of both Changeling, and unicorn magic, would aid her in her new quest. But first, she would need to bare her first child, before baring any drones of her own.

As with many different types of insectoid species, The first born child from a queen would usually become the next in line to take over the colony in such a case as the current queen became ill, could no longer maintain the colony, could no longer bare drones, or passed for some reason. Mystic was the first born daughter from the changeling queen, thus, making her the only one in line to take over the throne since her mothers untimely departure from the living.

But let us get back to the current news within the kingdom of Canterlot, shall we? Currently, our resident king was sitting idly within the Castles library, reading silently as Twilight leaned against him, reading a book of her own. Ever since Midnight had returned from the afterlife, he had taken it upon himself to spend as much time as possible with each of his brides, friends, and his only son. Currently, his time was being spent with the only unicorn that could give him a run for his money in the intellectual department.

Having spent several hours within the confines of the library, and reading countless books about spells and such. The dark Alicorn would eventually begin to stir and fidget as his thoughts about what he had found out earlier that day would find its way into the open.

"Niiiiiight, quit moving around so much." Twilight groaned as she stirred, picking up the book she was reading with her magic as she manuevered a little to find another comfortable position.

"Sorry love, just got a lot to think about." He sighed, closing the book that he was currently reading and setting it to the side as his hoof came up and rubbed the bridge of his snout.

"Really? You've got a lot to think about?" She deadpanned, giving an unamused stare.

"Yeeeeees, I currently have to much on my mind at the moment to really think about anything leisure. One thing in particular has been bugging me, and I'm not quite sure how to discuss it with you." He sighed as he fell over onto his side, reaching out with his forelegs and pulling the lavender unicorn to his chest, hugging her lovingly.

"Well then, do your best. I won't judge you for being blunt if the need arises." She giggled a little as she nuzzled into his chest.

"Alright then..." He paused taking in a deep breath as he began. "I was wondering what you thought about Starswirl the Bearded."

Twilight pulled away from him, cocking a brow at the question before giving a slight smirk. "He is one of the most renown ponies to ever exist in Equestria. Most of todays magic is based off of his theories and teachings, along with Tia's help of course." She giggled. I look at his teachings in awe sometimes when I pick up a book I haven;t read about him yet. He is a very distinguished pony throughout history. Without him, I doubt that Equestria would even exist in its current state." She beamed as she thought of all of the things the unicorn stallion had done to make Equestria a better place before disappearing.

"Well... what would you say if I told you that I know of a living descendent of his." Midnight hummed out softly, causing Twilight to snap her attention to her husband in surprise. However, her surprise slowly turned into an accusing glare as she pressed a little forward toward the stallions face.

"Starswirl never had any foals Midnight. What makes you think he had any?" She asked as her glare never faltered.

"Well... when I was in the afterlife earlier... I... sorta run into him... and we... got to talking." He hesitated as he watched the lavender unicorns eyes grow wider and wider in astonishment.

"Oh my gosh!" She whispered out in almost a breathless manner. "SO HE DOES HAVE DESCENDENTS?!" She screamed out as she brought her smiling face to within an inch of Midnights.

"Yeaaaaa..." He trailed off for a moment. "Two of which are living." He smiled softly to her seeing her eyes bugging out at the new information that was currently being absorbed into her brain.

"B-but... wait..." She paused, shaking her head a little to wrap the information around her brain. "Really?! You're not pulling my leg are you, because if you are, it isn't funny." She snorted out giving a slightly annoyed look.

"I have both of their names memorized. But if you would like to see my conversation with him..." He grinned tapping the side of his head playfully before being blinded by the light coming off of Twilights horn.

Before he could shake the white away, he heard Twilights voice shout out. "Sub-conscious!"

*Click* *WhiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIRRRRRRRRRrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr*

Both walls on either side of the two ponies began to move quickly past them, and within a moments time, the end of the long hall came hurtling toward them, stopping only a few yards from them as another loud click signaled the walls being locked back into place.

"I swear Midnight, If you're joking with me, I am going to turn you pink for a year." She grumbled as she opened the door, stopping half way as she saw the grin plastered across Midnights face. "You really aren't are you?" She beamed in excitement.

"Only one way to find out love." He chuckled as he followed the unicorn through the door and looking around the large circular room lined with countless books.

"Recent memories regarding Starswirl the bearded." Twilight spoke out, cocking a brow at her stallion as the book floated from a shelf nearby and stopping directly in front of her. She was about to open it when Midnight plucked it from her magical grasp.

"HEY!" She shouted giving a disgruntled expression.

"Twi, before you get this information, I want you to know that no matter what your reactions is, I will still love you no matter what." He chuckled as he floated the book back to her, she giving a questionable gaze just before opening the book and letting the information flood out of it and into the both of them.

A minute went by after the book had closed and fallen to the floor from the lavender unicorns magical grasp. Midnight was starting to get worried, until she slowly turned her vision to him with a star struck expression across her face.

"You have got to be joking..." She spoke out in shock.

"So then... happy? Sad? Pissed off? Throw me a bone here babe, because I can't honestly tell whether I should run away from you, hug you, or disappear." He stated nervously, coming to a stop as Twilight walked past him and into the main hall of his conscious mind. He slowly following her. Once the door to his sub-conscious had closed, Twilight released the spell to return them back into the living world once again.

the dark Alicorn blinked a few times to return his vision to normal, only to drawback in surprise upon seeing Twilight right up in his face.

"WHOA! Uh, Twi... You alright?" He asked, still a little skittish about her sudden reaction to finding out that he and his son are the only living descendents of the great Starswirl the Bearded.

"I... want... your... FOALS!" She managed to growl out seductively, only to cause the stallion to do a double take.

"Wait... what? You said... foals... that's plural... as in... more than... one." He trailed off seeing her eyes take on a bedroom look.

"You bet your sweet flank it is." She purred.

"But I thought." He stopped as a hoof met his lips, silencing him.

"THAT was before I knew about your family history, and even knowing that our foals may have some issues with magic, I doubt it would become a problem anytime soon. We will just have to work with them and teach them once they are old enough to use magic." She giggled softly as she removed her hoof. "Now then, I've already done the calculations, and I should be coming into season in roughly another month. However, Rarity is already there." She sighed, rolling her eyes as she knew what was to come.

"So then..." Midnight trailed off seeing Twilights disgruntled expression.

"Yes Night, she has asked to see you... in private." Twilight stated as her face began to turn a lovely shade of red.

"Hoo boy..." Midnight sighed, rolling his eyes.

"What?" Twilight asked, hearing the hesitation in his words.

"Twi... Rarity is insatiable when she was in season the last time I was with her. As well as extremely demanding. I ended up turning into a human twice during that one week because of her." He chuckled nervously as he remembered the events that had passed. Twilight staring at him in disbelief for a minute before a sly smirk spread across her face as she trotted past him, flicking his nose with her tail.

"Well then, if I knew you were that adamant about pleasing us, I would have had you use that little Hearthswarming present you gave to me before." She giggled out seeing his look of slight awe.

"Oh I plan on using it at least several times when its your turn." He grinned back to her, turning slightly and giving her flank a nip and causing her to squeal loudly for a split second before shoving both of her forehooves into her mouth.

She pulled them out giving a glare toward the dark stallion as she spoke. "You KNOW not to do that while we're in public!" She snapped softly causing him to grin and step a little closer.

"Oh but what's the fun if I can't do that in public? Your flank is just like Raritys side. It's the most ticklish spot on your body." He smirked as he watched her back away from him as he kept stepping closer.

"And you have such a cute squeal when I do it too. I can't help but fall in love with all over again each time I do it." *nip*

"MIDNIGHT! *Squeal* Stop it! This is hardly the time or place!" She squealed again as she flicked his nose once more with her tail.

"You know you love every bite." He snickered as he attempted to nip her flank again, only to seize up in Twilights magic.

"YOU, need to go see Rarity, while I stay here and read up some more on Starswirl. I want to know everything I can find out about him. So that our... future foals will have the least amount of trouble as possible growing up." She giggled softly, turning his frame around and releasing him. Quickly kissing his nose before backing up between two large piles of books and taking a seat.

"Now get! I have some studying to do." She smirked for a moment before stopping and giving the stallion a questionable glare as his horn lit up, a small portal opening in front of his mouth. The bolting forward out of the piles of books squealing loudly and bucking wildly.

"MIDNIGHT! I'M GOING TO TURN YOU PINK FOR A YEAR!" She screeched out loud as the nipping came to a sudden stop. She glared around only to see a few shocked ponies giving her an annoyed glare. Then realization kicked in as she quickly looked around to see the lack of her stallion.

"That bonehead teleported before I could get to him." She growled out, stomping back to her towers of books to begin reading once again.

Chapter 62

"Oh God... This is going to be another nightmare to endure Raritys insatiable wrath for pleasure." Midnight sighed as he trotted slowly toward her quarters within the castle.

"I swear that mare goes nuts if she doesn't have everything just right when I'm with her. For being the element of generosity, she sure as hell is greedy when it comes to having it her way in bed." He continued to chuckle, thinking back to all the times he had gone out of his way to do every possible thing he could to please her. Even using all of his available magic up it magnifying certain senses or areas to aid in that. Eventually it would turn him back into a human and then he would have to do everything by hand, which, for the most part, wasn't bad at all.

Now though, the dark Alicorn was on his way to her chambers to start on the event that would bear him another child. Another life that would be brought into the world that he could cherish and take care of, along with every other being on the planet.

As he was trotting down the final corridor toward the room in question, he was already thinking of the various things that Rarity was going to make him endure. Both pleasant, and not so pleasant. However, none of the bad mattered in this instance, as this event would be to bring a new life into the world, and for this, he would endure the worst possible torment in the known universe.

Pausing as he came to a stop in front of the door to Raritys room, he took in a deep breath before releasing it slowly as he raised a hoof to gently knock on the door. However, sometimes things never really go as planned. Which he seems to always find out first hoof as the door was suddenly jerked open as his hoof was about to connect with it, hitting air as it went forward.

"COME TO MAMA!" Rarity shouted, causing the Alicorn to gulp and take a step backwards as he watched her horn light up. He was quickly surrounded by her magical hue before being jerked quickly into the room, letting out a terrified shriek as the door slammed shut and locked behind them.

The two guards that normally stood in front of Celestia and Starlights room cocked a brow at seeing the Alicorn being forcefully pulled into one of his brides rooms and gave a slight smirk to one another.

"Ah feel bad for the king right now." One of them stated with a laugh.

"Why? That stallion is knocking up one of the most beautiful mares in Equestria." The other laughed.

"Heh, I guess you never got to hear his stories about her when he was training us all those years back. Then again, yer still a colt compared to us seasoned fellas." He chuckled back seeing the younger guard give him a slight glare.

"I may be young, but I went through the guard at the top of my platoon. Still though..." He trailed off looking back and forth down the hall, stopping on Raritys room as a masculine scream came from within. "I'd still like to know what he is going through." He snickered.

"Well... Lets just say that Rarity has a little BDSM fetish that is a little more... painful than the regular type you'd see within a brothel." He grinned seeing the other stallion cringe slightly.

"Ouch, and the King lets her do that?!" He asked in surprise.

"Nope, he encourages it." He laughed loudly seeing the other guards look of surprise.

"Then why is he screaming like his balls are in a vice?" He gulped as another scream escaped the room.

"Believe it or not, he said it gets her off more than actually rutting her." He grinned back.

"So it's all a facade?" He laughed, shaking his head in disbelief.

"Oh yea, you don't think our king is that easy to hurt do ya?" The other stallion grinned, hearing another scream escape the room.

"Dang... Maybe he should teach a class on rutting or something. I know I'd join." He laughed.

"Nah, he asks for pointers sometimes. He may be the king, but he hasn't been a pony all his life like we have. Ever so often I'll catch wind of him asking a random guard about how they please their mate. One time he asked one of the guard that was... well... he wasn't into mares, if ya know what ah mean." The guard snickered seeing his fellow guards slight blush.

"Well, what did he do?" He inquired giving a snicker himself.

"Lets just say that the kings mane has never been so pink in his entire life." He began to laugh louder but came to a stop as Rarity screamed out within her room.

"Mama's coming!"

The two guards laughed raising a hoof each and bumping them into each other.

"Nice!" They spoke in unison, giving a laugh. "And that took what? Maybe three minutes?" The older stallion guard grinned to the other as the younger stallion tossed him a bag of bits.

"Yer a con artist if I ever saw one." The younger stallion groaned out from losing his bet with his peer.

"Nah, just lucky sometimes is all." He laughed back as he quickly put the small bag of golden coins away within his armor.

"Bah! I'll get you eventually." The younger guard laughed, giving the elder a quick jab in the shoulder. "Just you wait and see."

"Sure thing kid. But for the time being..." He paused as another masculine scream came form the room. "Let's do our job and stand watch outside their door." He snickered as they continued listening.

XXX

After several hours with Rarity, Midnight finally managed to pull himself from her room. She had managed to pass out after several hours of rigorous activity. But the king, however, seemed be glowing from the experience. Only time would tell however, if Rarity would be able to bare his foal. Now though, he had some plans to take care of that would require his attention for some time. It had been a short time since the time he had the excess souls removed from his body from the Twilight Princess incident, but now it was time to do the final part. Return the souls into living, breathing ponies.

After some asking around the castle, the dark Alicorn had located the room in which the magic scientist ponies had placed the souls for the time until he was able to return them to flesh and blood. It took almost an hour to set up everything for the king, but everything seemed to be moving smoothly. That was of course until one of the scientists began.

"Alright sire, everything seems to be in place. All that is left is for you to begin the process of using your special magic to bring forth the body in which each soul had possession of before being taken from it by the Twilight Princess." One of the white coated ponies stated as he flipped through several pages on a clipboard.

"Wait, You mean I can't use normal magic?" Midnight asked, cocking a brow in surprise.

"Unfortunately not, I'm afraid that if you used your normal magic reserve, you would need to expend over a thousand times as much magic in order to create these bodies. You see..." The pony began as he pulled up the clipboard to in front of the king. "Magic is plentiful within this world as you already know, but using the magic that we create within our own bodies gives that magic a far more potent kick, so to speak."

"When using that magic, you are essentially giving up part of yourself to create something, or to cast an otherwise, impossible spell. Many unicorns have this ability, but very few are capable or pulling off such a feat due to the complexity of the spell."

Midnight stood there for a moment as he looked the clipboard over, reading and then re-reading the information so that he could properly understand what he was about to go through.

"So how exactly do I do this spell?" Midnight finally asked as he gave a confused expression.

"Well..." He paused trying to think of the proper way to explain things. "You need to gather your magic into your horns tip, then concentrate it onto a single soul within this box. As you push your magic into the soul, it will begin to grow in size before its shape begins to form the pony that it once was. Continue pushing magic into the pony until it stops glowing."

"Seems pretty straight forward." Midnight chuckled as he began to push the special magic into his horn. "Let's begin." He spoke out, nodding to the box that contained the souls of those who had been taken by the Twilight Princess.

XXX

After several hours, and roughly twenty ponies had returned to the land of the living. Midnight had exhausted his supply of special magic, leaving him feeling drain and exhausted mentally. Once the pony had formed from his magic, they would appear to be asleep as they lay silently onto the floor of the room. Once the spell had come to a close for each pony however, they would be taken to the infirmary in order to obtain a thorough checkup before being ushered to a room in which the foals were being kept as they wait for their parents to return to them once again.

It would take the better part of the week in order to return the rest of the ponies to a living state. But once they had been returned to this world, they would be reunited with their foals once again. It would be a long process, but well worth it to see each foals face light up once they were reunited with their missing parents.

XXX

A week had gone by as the dark Alicorn had finished bringing back most of the ponies that were involved during the Twilight Princess incident. However, a few souls that had weakened considerably during their wait, had passed on into the afterlife. Luckily enough however, the foals had other relatives that had taken them into their homes in order to properly care for them.

It would still take some time for the kingdom to cope with the losses of those that had vanished in Horseshoe bay. But what of the others that had been taken? Those that were the first to experience the Twilight Princess' deception upon her reawakening.
Those that the ponies had not taken into consideration... Yes, those individuals...

"That monster tooks my family... my friends... my PACK! I will finds this creature... and kills them... in time..." A lone diamond dog stated quietly as he sat behind the burned remains of several dogs laying on the cave floor. His expression neutral as her rolled a glowing gem around on his large, worn paw.

"Yes, in times."

Chapter 63

It had been several weeks since the new king had restored most of the inhabitants of Horseshoe Bay to their bodies. Although some of them had fallen and traversed into the afterlife, those that they left behind had already been placed with other family members that could take care of them.

It was now beginning to turn into early fall, with the leaves on the trees starting to change from their rich greens into various shades of other colors. Many turning into a bright red, some a bright yellow, and many others into a slight brown, signalling the seasons change. Although it had been a very short time, The new kings brides were now all expecting, with the exception of Twilight who was very close to coming into season herself.

The young mare had been on pins and needles the whole time while waiting for her natural cycle to come into play. During this time, she had helped her fellow brides to make their way through the first month of being pregnant. Rarity was the worst of the two, as she would have constant mood swings when her morning sickness rolled around. Midnight would be right at her side, holding her mane back as she dry heaved into a bucket or toilet. Sometimes even a magic portal in case she couldn't make it in time.

Applejack on the other hoof, had gotten over her morning sickness with ease after the first few weeks. The sickness had subsided due to her sheer determination as an earth pony. Always striving to become better and to stand up for her family and friends. She wanted nothing more than to be the perfect mother for her first foal, and to do that, she would have to overcome all the obstacles that would stand in her way while the foal grew within her.

The two mares had become much closer though over the little time that they had been carrying. Taking the time to speak with many members of the court and staff, along with Celestia herself about what it was like to be a parent. To their surprise however, they had found out that it was much the same as the life they had, and were still living currently with their siblings.

Taking care of their younger sisters in much the same way as a mother would take care of their child. Although with quite a few more diapers and late night feedings that came along with them once their foals were brought into the world. It was an event that they both could not wait to start, and one that they would forever remember.

At this moment however, Twilight was currently sitting quietly with Midnight in their quarters. Both seemed to be asleep, but sometimes, things are more than they appear to be. The two of them are actually traversing into the afterlife together. Much to Midnights annoyance at the request though, he had found solace in the fact that he would get to see his parents and daughter once again.

Twilight on the other hoof.....

"Great scott I have had it with you!" Starswirl groaned loudly as he began to trot away from Twilight. "Always with the questions, and even when answered you choose to further question me on the answers given. How does my grandson even put up with you?!"

"I'll have you know, he loves my inquisitive nature. I am a very quick study, and I try to ask any and all questions pertaining to a given situation or subject. Unlike somepony." She smirked seeing the elder stallion turn around gawking at her comment, his face turning red in anger.

"Of all the..... why I.... you are.... AGH!" He yelled out in frustration as he bolted away from the lavender mare, disappearing in a flash of light as he teleported.

Twilight giggled softly upon seeing her favorite unicorn from history finally disappearing from sight. She had come to the conclusion over the short time that she had been talking to him, along with the information that she had gathered over time through books, that Starswirl was indeed a grumpy old pony.

After running off her idol, Twilight made her way back toward the hall of the Gods where Midnight was talking with his parents and Bob. She had just caught the last bit of them talking before Marina had come back for a short moment and then run off with Celestias parents. She was about to trot up to join in but felt a little hesitant, afraid she would interrupt the special moment her husband was having with his family.

"It is a wonderful sight isn't it my dear?" Bob stated softly from her side, causing her to jump slightly as she snapped her head around to see the being that had just derailed her train of thought.

"Oh my! Please don't do that." She laughed nervously as she smiled up to the humanistic figure beside her.

"My apologies, but you seemed to be thinking quite hard about whether or not to go over and join in with that young stallion." Bob smiled softly as he nodded toward Midnight just as Marina latched onto his face, hugging him lovingly. Midnight laughing softly as he gave his head a gentle shake, causing his daughter to giggle as she tried to hold on.

Twilight stood there silently smiling to the group, reaching a hoof back to rub her belly gently as a feeling of warmth washed over her.

"You know..... I could tell you what you will have if you're interested." Bob smirked seeing Twilight look at him with wide eyes.

"Really?!" She squeaked out, beaming brightly.

"Yes, but only if you wish it." He stated with a soft laugh.

"Can you tell me what species and what color scheme my foal will have as well?" She asked as her body visibly shook in excitement.

Bob gave a chuckle as he leaned down and began to whisper silently into the lavender unicorns ear. Her eyes growing wider with each passing moment as the information was relayed to her. After Bob had finished, he pulled away, Twilight turning her head and gawking at the maker of everything in utter shock.

"I really hope you aren't pulling my leg!" Twilight chuckled nervously as she stared at Bob in disbelief.

"I kid you not my dear. Just make sure to keep that baby happy and healthy. The young one will need all the strength they can get in the future." He smirked slightly seeing the mares confused expression.

Twilight was about to ask what Bob meant, but began to flicker, signalling that their time within the afterlife was coming to a close.

"Thank you for the information." Twilight smiled, giving a gentle nod toward her creator.

"It was my pleasure my dear. But I would recommend that you not tell your husband right off the bat. He may go a little overboard." Bob chuckled seeing her roll her eyes.

"You have no idea." She laughed just as she and Midnight began to fade, disappearing from sight.

"My dear, I know more than you may think. He sighed softly as he began to walk back toward the hall of the Gods.

XXX

Upon coming back into the real world from the spell, the two ponies gave a soft smile to one another as they stood up and stretched a little. Midnight unfolding his wings and giving a slight shudder, making his feathers puff out a little before quickly wrapping his right wing around a certain lavender unicorn and pulling her quickly to his side.

"ACK! Midnight! What in the....." She trailed off as she began to glare up toward him only to stop as she noticed his slightly disheartened smile.

"Night, what's wrong?" She asked, finding a slight waiver in her own voice.

The dark Alicorn looked away for a moment as his wing loosened its grip on her. Clearing his throat he quickly turned his vision back to his lavender love as he began.

"Twi... I know it's been a long and very rough road for the both of us, but I just want to let you know that, no matter what, I'll always love you and the others."

Twilight gave him a slightly confused look as his horn lit up, sending out a bolt of magic that hit her before seemingly evaporating into thin air. She blinked again before giving the Alicorn an accusing glare.

"What did you just cast on me?" She grumped for a moment before he began to explain.

"Do you remember those spells that I cast on Tia and my kids? The protection spells?" He asked, seeing her nod in remembrance.

"Those same spells are now on you." He smiled softly, she seeing the worry in his eyes.

"But, why did you cast them on me?" She asked, feeling even more worry beginning to stir in her gut.

The dark Alicorn sighed softly pulling his wing from her and folding it back to his side as he began to trot toward the door of the room, stopping just a few feet from it as he began.

"I'm sure you're aware of our little battle with Chrysalis a short time back, correct?" He asked as he looked back seeing her nod as she began to trot up to his side.

"In those few short moments before Celestia removed the curse from her, Chrysalis managed to do something to me that only one other has ever done in my entire lifetime." He sighed as his horn lit up once again, pulling open the door to the room as they both exited into the corridor.

"She succeeded in sending me into a rage state."

Twilight gave him a confused expression for a moment before he picked up once again.

"Do you remember when you pulled that stupid spider from that summoning portal? Then I smashed it with that giant summoned mallet?" He asked, finally seeing her expression of realization. "Yea, the time when you got really upset and turned into that fire pony." He chuckled, seeing her blush.

"Yes... so?" She asked.

"Imagine that feeling of anger, multiplied by a million." He stated softly as he looked to the ground in slight shame.

"That... seems a little scary Night. But what does that have to do with the protection spells?"

Midnight gave a shuddering breath as he raised his now slightly teared eyes to the mare at his side.

"AJ was pregnant at that moment Twi. Had I injured her in any way, she may have lost our foal... I want to make sure that if something like that happens again, I won't be able to hurt any of you."

Twilight gave him a worried expression as she began once again. "But night, what makes you think that it could happen again?"

"Twi... I may be a powerful being right now, but I am still human. I am susceptible to corruption, anger, threats, among a huge variety of other things. I am not immune to a lot of things like Tia is. She has had time to cope with and learn from the ravages of time, building up an immunity to many things that would cause her the same pain and suffering that we experience on a daily basis. Since I am still so young in comparison to her, I want to make sure that, no matter what, You, the others, and especially our foals, survive. Even if it means that I must forfeit my own life in the process." He smiled weakly to her only to suddenly be brought into a tight hug.

"Night, I wouldn't worry about that. Because if it is within my power, I would move the sun and stars just to make sure you stay by my side." She smiled warmly to him before kissing his nose.

"Now come on, we need to get to the dining hall. Tia has something I'm sure you will find interesting." The lavender unicorn giggled softly as she released the dark Alicorn and quickly trotting down the corridor.

Chapter 64

As Midnight and Twilight faded from Asgard, Bob couldn't help but give an annoyed sigh from the conversation that he had just had with the dark stallion. Having his parents their at that very moment just made the situation worse. It was a good thing that Celestias parents had taken Marina from the area just a few minutes prior, or things would have been far more awkward for the bunch.

"Bob, did you really have to give our son an ultimatum like that? Was it really necessary?" May, Midnights mother asked as Tom continued to give the almighty one a glare from beside her.

"I'm sorry my child, but I have come to realize one thing when it comes to your son. Expect the unexpected." He sighed again as he ran his fingers through his bearded chin.

"However..." He paused, looking back up to them. "I believe my decision may have altered his fate, no matter how dire it seemed."

"I know our son is a hot head, no pun intended." Tom smirked only to cause his wife to groan and roll her eyes. "But I seriously doubt he would destroy everything that you said he would. Even if he was enraged and wanted to destroy everything in sight, I don't think he would."

"You did not see, or feel the hatred that he was exerting when he faced the information that his young ones had perished. Although a facade at the time, it was enough to cause even me to shudder." Bob stated quietly as he looked away in shame. the others just staring at him in utter shock.

"There was only one other time that I have ever felt something even close to that...." He trailed off for a moment before looking back toward the two beings before him. "That moment was when my brother rose up against me.... and I sent him to Tartarus, banishing him from this realm, and into one of his own."

Silence...

Long, uninterrupted silence...

"But..." May began. "Does that mean he won't be able to join us here... when his time comes?" She squeaked out as tears began to form in her eyes. Tom coming to her side and bringing her into a loving hug as he looked up to the almighty one for an answer as well.

"If my words affected him to the extent I had hoped, then he will have an excellent chance to join us all here in Asgard." He smiled softly seeing their joyful expression. "But..." He paused causing them to look worried once more. "If he continues to let his hatred and power take further control of his actions. Then there is no guarantee that he will be able to pass on into this realm." He sighed, turning and walking away from the two. His own emotions beginning to flare as he silently cursed himself.

"Why... Why does this always have to be so hard... every... single... time... since the dawn of existence!" He growled to himself before vanishing from sight.

XXX

"Come on dad! You promised!" Starlight whined toward his father as he kept jumping up and down on his back, attempting to stir the dark Alicorn from his slumber as he lay in bed.

"Ugh.... Star..... Do you have to be so loud?" Midnight groaned as he pulled a pillow over his head, impaling it onto his horn as he attempted to stuff it into his ears.

"Give me a little bit to wake up, get some coffee, and some breakfast. Then I'll be happy to take you to Ponyville to see your friends." He sighed softly as the jumping ceased.

"Dad." Starlights monotone caused the stallions feathers to ruffle slightly as he lifted the pillow and peeked at his son only to see his nose slightly scrunched up. "It's two in the afternoon. You've been asleep all day. SO!" He stated loudly as he jumped from his fathers back and onto the bed, trotting up to in front of his father and stealing the pillow from him. "If you don't get up and take me to Ponyville, I'm going to tell auntie Luna about your little photo collection of her that you have." He snickered seeing his fathers eyes go wide.

"WHAT?! H-how......." He paused giving his son a sly grin. "You little bugger! You don't have access to my storage portal. How would you know about those photos." He chuckled, trailing off as he watched his son grin.

"Because you just told me." He snickered, seeing his father facehoof.

"Alright you little blackmailer, I'm up." Midnight groaned as he rose slowly from bed, stretching his legs and wings one by one.

"Finally!" Starlight sighed. "Now then, I'm sure my aunts have plans for helping me get my cutie mark today. But I want to make sure that I bring enough bits in case we need to get anything." He pouted pitifully to his father only to cause him to smirk.

"A few bits huh." He smirked. "I'll tell you what, you forget about those pictures and I'll give you an allowance to spend on whatever you want."

Starlight gave his father a deadpanned looked that just screamed smartass remark incoming.

"Dad, I'm royalty. Mom is the ruler of all Equestria, and I can do whatever I want because I'm her son." He smiled defiantly. "So if I ordered a shop keep to just hoof over whatever I wanted, I could."

Starlight was about to give his father another defiant grin but it quickly faded into that of worry as he was frozen in place.

"Now you listen here my boy." Midnight began as his expression turned sour, his gaze threatening as it bored into his son. "Just because you are royalty, does not mean that you have free reign to do as you please. You will respect each and every being on the face of this planet in the same manner as they would respect you. If i hear of any being that you have crossed in any other manner than pleasant. Then you will be grounded in more than one way for quite some time."

Starlight sat there in stunned silence for a moment before blinking rapidly. "Um... I'm... sorry father. I don't know what came over me." He stated in a more regal tone.

Midnight chuckled softly as his expression returned to normal. "I believe that you are just getting a little anxious is all. Not only to get your cutie mark, but to meet your other aunts today. So how about we skip the formalities..." He laughed as his horn lit up, the two of them vanishing from sight and reappearing just outside Raritys boutique in Ponyville. "And we just get on with the show?"

Starlight blinked a few times to readjust his vision, quickly smiling as he saw the boutique standing right in front of him.

"YAAAAY!" He shouted as he bolted through the front door, nearly tearing the bell from its position above the door and scaring a certain ivory pony who gave a startled yelp.

"Oh my goodness!?" She shouted out seeing the young Alicorn prince bolt into the boutique only to pause as he spoke up.

"Hi aunt Rarity, is Sweetie in her room?" He paused only for a moment until she gave a slight nod. "YAY!" He shouted, bolting up the stairs and toward the young unicorns room.

"Now what in the..." She began but paused as a certain dark Alicorn strode through the front door. "Darling? Whatever are you doing here?" She asked only to pause yet again as Sweetiebelle and Starlight bolted down the stairs laughing.

"Come on Star, Applebloom has a lot of plans we can try out today to help you get your cutie mark." She giggled, pausing in her stride to hug her sister and brother-in-law before bolting out the door with Starlight.

"Um... What just happened?" Rarity asked giving a very confused look.

"That, my dear, was a young colt being very excited to try for his cutie mark." Midnight laughed as he trotted over to the ivory unicorn, giving her nose a kiss to knock her out of her revery.

"And my sister?" She asked, cocking a brow.

"An eager patron that wants to help said colt achieve that goal." He laughed.

"So that means..." She smirked for a moment.

"That we have plenty of time to do whatever we want." Midnight smirked back. "But not as roughly as before." He continued as he nosed her side making her giggle out.

"Yes, that is a shame. But once our little one is born." She purred. "I'll have to make up for all that lost time." She growled playfully pulling the dark Alicorn up the stairs, quickly using her magic to lock the door and turn the sign around to closed.

XXX

"So Sweetie, what do you think Applebloom has planned for us to try out?" Starlight asked giving a huge smile.

"I'm not sure, but she did say that it was going to be a lot of fun." She giggled as they continued bolting down the path toward Sweet Apple Acres.

"I sure hope so, considering I've been cooped up in the castle for over two months now because of father thinking I need to be protected all the time." He groaned, rolling his eyes.

"I'm sure he just worries about you because he loves you." Sweetie giggled, smiling down to the young colt.

"That may be, but I'm a big pony now. I can take care of myself." He huffed as they continued along their path.

"I remember Applebloom telling me that same thing before she met Zecora. The whole fiasco turned out alright in the end, and we all made a new friend. But Zecora wasn't too happy that Ponyville was afraid of her to begin with." Sweetie tutted as the farmhouse came into view.

"Yea yea, I heard all about that from Zecora when she visited the castle a few weeks back. She has a weird way of talking." He chuckled, sticking his tongue out and crossing his eyes. Sweetie giving another giggle at his antics.

The two young ponies had finally arrived at Sweet Apple Acres just in time to hear a loud crash come from within the farmhouse, followed by some yelling. As the two made their way onto the porch, they peeked in through the window to see what had just transpired.

"AB, ah told ya teh not be building stuff in the living room. Ya'll know AJ is coming back tehday an the doc done told her teh get some bedrest cause she's carrying." Big Macintosh groaned as he began to pick up several pieces of whatever it was that Applebloom was attempting to construct.

"But big brother, ah was fixing this fer sis so she wouldn't have teh move'round so much. If'n ah could only get the dern thing teh work right without exploding..." She trailed off as she rubbed her chin in thought. Both of the ponies within the farm house being brought back to reality by a knock at the front door.

"OH! That must be Sweetie and Star! Ah told'em ah was gonna help try an get Star'is cutie mark tehday. Ah'll seeya later big brother." Applebloom giggled seeing her brother sputter in an attempt to scold her for rushing out the door and leaving him with the huge mess to clean up within the living room.

"Hey Sweetie, hey Star!" She chirped happily as the young farm pony rushed out the door, nodding for them to follow her as she galloped away quickly from the farmhouse. The three of them hearing Big Macintosh yelling from within.

"So what did you have planned for us to do today?" Sweetie asked as she galloped up next to her best friend. Starlight to her other side gently flapping his wings to keep up.

"Oh ah've got a few plans. But ah was wonderin what ya'll like teh do Star." Applebloom smirked slightly seeing his slight confusion.

"Well..." He trailed off for a moment as he began to think over the things he like to do all the time as a possible hobby or permanent interest.

"Father always helps me learn new spells, that's a lot of fun. Then there is fighting members of the Royal Guard to test my limits. Dash has been helping me learn a lot about flying since mother reassigned her to part of my private guard when she isn't doing shows with the Wonderbolts. I'm not as fast or as good of a flier as she is... yet." He snickered.

"Don't ya'll have any other interests though? Ah mean, yer ah Prince'n'all. Don'tcha do anything asides all them royal duties?" AB asked giving a slightly confused expression.

"Other than father managing to get me away from royal duties from time to time, all I do is study and try to learn proper etiquette. Mother says I'm too young to learn the inner workings of the political system, and father argues with her a lot about giving me more free time because I am still a foal, to them anyway." He sighed as they came to a stop finally, taking a seat in a cushion of grass alongside the road.

"Well, you may still be young, but we think you're a lot more mature than what others see you as." Sweetie giggled slightly pulling the young Alicorn into a hug.

"Th-thanks Sweetie." He sputtered slightly giving a hug back.

"Aww, ain't ya'll just the cutest couple." Applebloom snickered causing them both to shove each other apart.

"WE ARE NOT!" They screamed in unison.

"And ya'll even say the same thang when yer flustered." She giggled. "Sure looks like young love teh me." She cackled as she bolted down the path with the two right on her heels. Both yelling out at her as their faces burned ten shades of red.

Chapter 65

"AAAAHHH!!!! RUN!!!!" Shouted Sweetiebelle as the three ponies bolted through the Everfree forest from a manticore that was right on their heels.

"I thought you said that cave was empty!" Starlight shouted back as he attempted to jump over a bush that was in his way, only to skim the top of it with his belly.

"It was yesterday! That stupid manticore must've up an moved in last night!" Applebloom shouted back as she dared to turn her head back to see how close the savage beast was, her eyes going wide as a large paw swiped outward at her, hitting the end of her tail and pulling a small clump of the hair out.

"This guy must be freaking hungry if he's been chasing us this long. So I guess there is only one thing left to do!" Star shouted as he ducked behind a tree, pausing just long enough to let the manticore bolt past him and after the two mares. Giving him just enough time to pull some magic into his horn and jump out behind it and blast it with a bolt of magic and causing it to seize up, falling to the ground in a frozen state.

Applebloom and Sweetiebelle stopped as they heard the loud thud of the manticore hitting the ground, and the sound of magic dispersal from the small Alicorn. Turning back they trotted slowly up to the manticore, Sweetiebelles horn glowing just in case the beast managed to free itself from its magical bonds.

"Awright! We caught a manticore!" Applebloom cheered, trotting happily around the fallen beast as its eyes followed her.

"Uh, yea, but now what do we do with it?" Star asked as he prodded the beast in the side with his hoof, only to elicit a growl from it and making them jump back.

"I say we leave it and get out of here. The spell should wear off in a few minutes, and I don't think he is going to be too happy once he's free." Sweetie groaned as she watched the manticore give an annoyed snort.

The three ponies sighed softly giving an annoyed stare toward the massive cat like creature before quickly trotting off toward Ponyville. After several minutes of walking they finally came to a stop on the perimeter of a clearing that was within the forest. The canopy high above them still blocking out most of the sunlight, but the trees that surrounded the perimeter overhung the area, spreading far over top of it and leaving only a small hole in the center just large enough for a small pegasus to get through if their wings were fully extended.

In the center of the clearing was a small cottage not unlike Zecoras. It looked rather old, but with a modern twang to it. Faded white paint adorned the outside of the small living space, along with several windows that seemed to have several broken shutters on them. One hanging slightly off a broken hinge while the others had all but fallen from the windows entirely. One of the windows were broken badly, leaving several slivers of jagged glass protruding from the rim of it.

As the small group circled the house, the took in further details of it. One such being that its far side was covered in a thick layer of moss and vines that seemed to creep up a small chimney that seemed more out of place than the rest of the house as it had separated slightly from the house and stood on its own. The vines that had crept slowly up it now seemed as if they were attempting to stitch it back to the house once again.

"This place is kind of creepy." Sweetie began as she looked worriedly toward the old home in the middle of the woods.

"It's better than a dark old cave that is home to a...." Starlight paused as a loud roar ripped through the forest.

"MANTICORE!" The three shouted as they looked back to the area in which the roar had originated, then back to one another.

"Guess that means we should.... *gulp* hide in there." Sweetie spoke out in a shuddering tone, nodding to the old seemingly abandoned house that stood before them. Another roar prompted them to hurry as they bolted up to the door, opened it, then rushed inside, closing the door again just in time to hear the loud crunching of leaves underhoof. It paused for a moment outside the house before continuing off into the distance. One final roar escaping the beast as it vanished into the distance.

After standing completely still for another minute, the three ponies let out a sigh of relief. Finally able to relax, the three looked around in the dim light of the house, their eyes adjusting quickly as the room and its items came into focus. This house.... didn't sit right with them.

"Who.... or what, lived here?" Sweetie spoke out in a slightly stunned tone as she quickly glanced around the home.

Overturned chairs and tables adorned the far wall of the main room, along with several book cases and shelves that once house some fine china and what seemed like heirlooms. The carpet had all but mildewed and reeked a foul stench as it curled up in a broken mess in many areas. On the far left of the room there stood what seemed to be a large wooden box with glass that adorned its middle, facing outward. A television perhaps? But it looked nothing like the ones that they had seen before. This looked similar to an old floor model television from the 1960's in the human world that Midnight had shown them pictures of some time ago. The only difference was that the screen was solid black, and seemed to be made of some type of transparent stone.

"Hey, check this out!" Starlight spoke up, garnering the others attention as his horn lit up, opening a door to a small flight of stairs that went into the basement. The three stared silently down the flight of stairs and into the darkness that crept upwards into the dim light.

"It's too dark to see anything..." Applebloom stated for a moment but paused as she placed a hoof onto the first step of the stairs. That single step causing several gems to light along each step as it went further down into the depths of the basement. They kept lighting up until they were nothing but a pinpoint in the far distance below.

"Uh.... Should we... check it out?" Sweetie spoke out in a worried tone, fear evident in her eyes as they all gazed silently into the darkened stairwell.

"Well, I'm sure it just leads to an empty basement." Starlight gulped. "I hope."

XXX

"So, darling, what are your plans for the rest of the day?" Rarity asked as the two sat down to a quiet lunch at the local diner.

"Didn't have any plans to be honest. Star just wanted to come visit his aunts and second mama before running off to play." Midnight chuckled seeing Raritys face flush a light pink.

"Mama?" She trailed off as she hummed over the word slightly, it bringing a serene smile to her face as she ran a hoof gently over her belly.

"Technically your a second mother to Star. So I guess you can get some practice in on him before our little one is born." Midnight smiled, giving her nose a peck.

"I... honestly don't know what to say darling. I mean... I've wanted this for so long, and to have it actually happen has rendered me speechless. Oh, and to have little Star call me mother as well would be the icing on the cake." She giggled softly.

"I'm sure our colt wouldn't mind calling you mama at all. We'll just have to wait and see when he gets back." He chuckled. "By the way, did Sweetie tell you where she and the others were going, much less what they were going to do?"

"I'm afraid not. I know that Applebloom had planned on going by Fluttershys cottage so that they could say hello to her and the foals." She paused seeing the looked of slight horror on Midnights face.

"Wait, her cottage? Don't you mean my old house next to Sweet Apple acres? Where Big Macintosh and Shy live together with their foals?"

Rarity gave a slightly worried glance toward Midnight before she picked back up. "Um... no... I distinctly remember that Sweetie said cottage. As in, Fluttershys old home." She trailed off again. "You don't think they...."

"Eeyup... they've gone into the Everfree forest." Midnight groaned as he took in a breath and spoke out in a monotone. "Starlight Flame."

"Star, where are you?" The dark stallion spoke out in his mind through a mental link.

After a few more seconds he spoke up again. "Star, answer me or I'll ground your flank for a month."

More silence...

"Babe, I hate to cut our date short, but Star isn't responding to my telepathic link. I'm going to go and search for him. You stay here and let Twi know so she can send a letter to Tia." He stated as he quickly got up and headed toward the door of the diner, dropping a few bits onto the table as Rarity followed closely behind him.

"But darling, won't you need my help? Or the others?." She asked, giving a worried glance up to him.

"As much as I would like the help love, I won't put you or the others in any type of danger while you're carrying. So don't think I won't teleport your flank half way across the globe and into a safe house just to keep you from getting hurt. I'm aware of your new abilities, so if I have to, I'll put up a dampening field around you so you can't use magic, understood?" He hummed out while cocking a brow.

The ivory unicorn at his side gave a disgruntled expression of defiance before giving a loud huff toward him. Flicking her mane back she raised her nose slightly as she spoke.

"Do not think that this fashionista is incapable of protecting herself. I am perfectly capable of handling anything that comes my waaAAAAHAHAAAAHA!" She began to protest but ended up bolting sideways as Midnight gave her a gentle nudge in a very specific spot on her side, causing her to squeal loudly.

"So sneak attacks, I presume, do not fall within your abilities?" He snickered seeing her face grow a little red from annoyance.

"I.... Suppose I could stay here in Ponyville." She began but quickly nudge the Alicorn in his side causing him to chuckle. "However, if you do need help, please do contact us. We will be more than capable to come to your aid if the need arises."

"I will love." He smiled, leaning down and giving her a quick kiss as the two came up to Golden Oaks Library. Rarity heading off toward her boutique as Midnight made his way inside the overgrown tree house.

"Twi? You here love?" Midnight spoke up as he entered.

"In my study." She spoke up, garnering his attention.

"I need you to send Tia a letter." He began, causing her to look oddly toward him.

"Something wrong?" She asked as she closed her book and pulled a quill with parchment from her desk, dipping the large pinion into an inkwell and placing it onto the old paper to begin.

"Ask her if she can contact Star with her telepathic spell, and if not, to not worry because I'll handle what's going on if so."

Twilight gave him a surprised look but quickly began to scribble onto the parchment, then using her magic to whisk it away since Spike was currently out.

Within several minutes there was a bright flash and snap as Celestia appeared within the library with a look of panic on her face.

"Midnight, where is our baby?" She asked in a panic as she began to look around the library, lifting every book at once with her magic and moving them to try and locate the foal. Quickly dropping the books as she began to hyperventilate from worry.

"TIA! Calm down, our boy is fine. He's with the crusaders. We just need to cast a location spell to find out where they've run off to." Midnight stated quickly causing her to glare at him slightly.

"A location spell?! I thought you could locate him with your telepathic spell, and why didn't you use it to contact me?! We are wasting valuable time that could be spent finding our baby." She snapped back.

"My telepathic spell is being blocked on Stars end, or he could just be asleep."

"Or dead!" Celestia panicked, blurting out the phrase quickly.

"TIA! Quit it! He is not dead. I have cast far too many protection spells onto him to prevent such things from happening." Midnight growled out as worry began to consume him as well.

"That's what you said about Marina!" She snapped back causing him to recoil. His face showing so much hurt just before he lowered his head, staring silently at the floor of the library.

"M-midnight.... I'm so sorry.... Please.... I didn't mean." Celestia began but stopped as she watched several tears fall from the dark stallion, hitting the floor quietly as he quickly turned giving a sniff.

"No Tia.... You're right.... I was far too trusting in my abilities to keep our daughter safe. I thought I had done what I could to protect her... but I failed. But I won't make the same mistake with our son." He snapped as his vision hardened, raising his head back up as he looked to Twilight.

"Twi, I'll need to borrow your gem battery I made for you." He stated as he trotted over to her side, she pulling the gem from her desk and floating into his magical grasp.

"Sorry to say Twi, but I may end up breaking this. If I do though, I'll make you another." He smiled softly to her seeing her nod.

"It's ok Night. You do what you need to to protect Star." She smiled, hugging him warmly around the neck.

"Alright then, Now for my location spell." He sighed as he powered up his magic, his horn glowing a blistering white as he forced his magic to his limit.

A beam of energy shot straight up and through the roof of the library without damaging it. Quickly spreading out widely into a giant circle before slowly rotating slowly, making two revolutions around the planet and slowing to a halt as it quickly dissipated into thin air. The dark Alicorn gave a groan from the strain, but his pained expression faded quickly as he began to absorb the magic from the magical gem battery.

"Well?" Celestia began only to see him shake his head.

"No good. I can't pinpoint his exact location. However, I have the general area in which he is. There seems to be a buffering field around him that is blocking all types of magic from entering."

"Does that mean?!" Celestia gulped in worry.

"I doubt that the field absorbs magic, but if it does. Star, and the crusaders, could be in danger."

Chapter 66

"This has got to be the longest flight of stairs I have ever been down." Star grumbled as they continued down the long, dimly lit path.

"Yea, ah don't think ah ever been this far underground." Applebloom chimed in as she followed closely behind Sweetiebelle.

"At least our path is still lit. I'd hate to try going down these stairs in the dark." Sweetie sighed softly as the continued to march, only to pause for a moment as Star picked up once again.

"Uh... I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but does anyone else see the light starting to diminish?"

The three looked back up there previous path, and sure enough, the stairs that were once glowing a soft hue, began to slowly fade to black. The path was starting to get darker all the quicker as it crept up to them before the stairs they each stood upon began to dim as well. Their path ahead of them slowly starting to fade as well.

"Time to move girls. Otherwise we're going to be walking blind." Star spoke up quickly as he began a quick trot down the flight.

The path began to get darker and darker as the went, the light dimming to next to nothing, yet they continued to hurry faster until finally having to stop as the light faded from sight.

"Ah can't see nothing now. Star, ya'll got a light spell you kin use?" Applebloom spoke out in a slightly shuddering tone, Stars horn lighting up just as she had finished speaking only to see it flicker slightly before going out.

"Uh... Let's try that again." Star chuckled nervously as he forced magic into his horn just long enough to cast a light spell. Panting as the little orb left the tip of his horn.

"Star?" Sweetie began but paused as he picked up again.

"Somethings wrong, I can't use my magic like normal, how about you?" He asked, looking back to the alabaster unicorn behind him.

Sweetiebelle began to force magic into her horn, only for it to flicker out quickly. After a few seconds she tried once more before the glow ceased entirely.

"Uh, this is bad. I can't use my magic." Sweetie stated in a worried tone. Applebloom looking back and forth between the two ponies she was with.

"Well, at least we've got..." Star began but paused as the three of them snapped their attention to the glowing orb that was now flickering slightly.

"Time to move girls!" Star shouted as he bolted down the stairs, the two mares right on his heels as the light continued to flicker slightly, dimming a little with each pulse.

After a few minutes of rushing down the stairs, they had finally reached the bottom. No sooner than their hooves had hit the floor then the light orb had been completely extinguished. Giving a sigh and slight pant from galloping down the stairs, the three sat quietly in what seemed like a dimly lit room that had various objects strewn about it.

A few shelves and tables littered with books and what seemed like a chemists alchemy setup. Mortars and ingredients in various spots. Even a few dead animals were hung from several hooks that were placed near a small fire pit. As the three ponies looked around the room they paused as the soft clip clop of hooves could be heard on the cobblestone floor.

"Quick, hide!" Star spoke out softly as the three of them looked around the room to find a spot to hide. Applebloom ducking into an empty barrel, Sweetie ducking behind the same barrel, while Star went around the edge of a tall shelf and pulled a weaved basket to in front of him to cover himself completely.

Within a few seconds an older looking pony walked quietly into the room, mumbling to himself as he went. Slowly walking toward a table, he pulled up a seat and sat down, his hooves working shakily as he pulled over a mortal and pedestal. The three ponies peeked out of their hiding spots as they heard a soft grinding and clicking as the pedestal pressed into the bowl, grinding the ingredients within to a fine powder.

This continued for a short time before the old pony got up, placing the ground powder into a small container and placing it on his back as he trotted over to the shelf that Starlight was currently hiding beside.

"Hmm, let's see now..." The old stallion spoke as he placed the small container onto the shelf, then turning and heading back out of the room, closing and locking the door behind him. The three ponies slowly moved from their hiding spots and toward the door the stallion had just gone through. They listened silently at the door, each taking a turn at looking through the key hole to see exactly what the old stallion was doing.

"What's he doing?" Sweetie whispered softly into Stars ear, making him tense up for a moment.

"I... I can't tell." He stuttered, pulling away from the door and letting the alabaster unicorn take a look.

On the other side of the door sat the stallion in an old armchair. Sweetie watched as he seemed to be eating something, but couldn't tell what.

"I think he's eating." She whispered, pulling away from the door to let Applebloom check.

As Applebloom peered through the key hole, the others could hear her give an audible gulp before pulling back with a look of horror on her face.

"AB, what's wrong?" Star asked as he began to peer through the keyhole once again only to halt as Applebloom put a hoof on his shoulder to halt him.

"He's eatin awright. He's eatin a.... rabbit." She finished as she quickly but quietly trotted over to the stairs and nodded for the others to follow her.

"No way...." Sweetiebelle stated in alarm before peering through the keyhole again, then turning green as she pulled away from it. She moving to the stairs as well. Star taking a moment to look through the key hole to see if his friends were telling the truth only to pull away and lurch onto the floor upon seeing the sight before him.

The sound of vomit hitting the floor along with the sound of lurching caused the two mares to gasp softly as a loud shuffle was heard in the other room.

"Is somepony there?" Shouted the stallion, causing the three to stiffen up. The soft clip clop of hooves approaching the door as the shadow from the stallion began to block out the light from the bottom it.

XXX

"Midnight, is this the area you were speaking of?" Celestia asked as they circled a large area above the Everfree Forest.

"Yea, let's land through that small opening." Midnight began only for three of Celestias Pegasus guard to bolt down and hover around the opening for a moment, then slowly making their decent through the canopy.

"You know I hate it when they do that, right?" Midnight groaned, hovering there for a moment. After a few seconds had passed by, a loud roar escaped the forest below, as well as some yelling. The other pegasi that were near the two Alicorns bolted through the canopy toward the yelling. Quickly followed by Midnight.

Once the gaggle of stallions had breached the canopy, all eyes lay onto the manticore that was currently holding one pegsus down while swiping at another that was attempting to impale it with a spear.

"ENOUGH!" shouted the dark Alicorn in the royal whee, halting all movement from the manticore and his attackers. The dark stallion strode silently toward the beast who moved from atop the guard he was currently holding down, then backing away slightly as he lowered his posture, read to pounce.

"Now then manticore, I know you can understand me." Midnight spoke out in a slightly annoyed tone, giving the beast the same glare he was getting from it.

The manticore growled softly as its posture became a little less threatening. It gave a loud snort of disapproval, knowing that the being before him held great power within him, and if threatened, could snuff his own life out in the blink of an eye.

"Good, now I have a few questions for you, and I would like for you to answer me honestly." The dark Alicorn smirked as his horn lit up and quickly sending a beam of energy at the Manticore who roared out in a panic as it hit him. The beast halted though as it quickly patted itself all over to make sure that everything was where it should be. Giving a sigh of relief, it turned its attention back to the Alicorn that had just shot him with magic.

"WHAT THE HELL WAS THAT FOR?!" He shouted out, pausing quickly as he flung his paws over his mouth in shock.

"PFFFT!" One of the guards let out a muffled laugh before putting on a stern expression once again.

"That was to make you you speak in the same language that we do. Don't worry, it'll wear off in about an hour." Midnight chuckled, only to make the manticore gawk slightly at him. "Now then, as I was saying before, I have a few questions." He began as he opened a small summoning portal and began to pull out some recent photos of the three foals that were apparently lost in the Everfree Forest.

"Have you seen any of these three ponies at any time today?" He asked as he floated them in front of the large cat like creature.

The manticore grumbled for a moment as it looked them over, then back to the Alicorn, waving a paw at the pictures to signal he had taken a good look.

"I have, and they would have been a good meal too had I caught them earlier." He snorted.

"Well then I guess it's a good thing you didn't catch them. Otherwise I'd have to kill you." Midnight growled back.

"Stop that this instant you two." Celestia spoke up in a slightly threatening tone, halting both of the males in their tracks.

"Dear manticore, I understand that you were hungry." She paused for a moment as the manticore spoke up again.

"I'm still hungry, and there are skim pickings in this region of the Everfree. Myself and several others have hunted the wildlife to near extinction. I was surprised to see any ponies in this area when those young ones came through. Considering..." He trailed off for a moment giving a sigh.

"Considering what?" Midnight asked, clearly curious.

"Considering most of this area of the forest has a barrier surrounding it, preventing any creatures from escaping once they've entered."

The group of ponies looked to one another in worry, Midnight nodding to two of the guard, giving them silent orders to head out of the canopy and away from their position to verify the manticores words.

"How far from here would you say the barrier is?" Midnight asked, cocking a brow slightly in concern.

"Maybe two hundred acres, I'm not sure. Most of my time is spent hunting to stay alive. Seeing as you're a pony, I doubt you would have anything edible to eat." He sighed slightly, pausing once again as Midnight trotted up to him, leaning down to speak softly to him.

"Listen, I know you think little of us ponies. However, I am not originally one of them."

The manticore pulled back slowly giving the Alicorn a questionable glance.

"Then what were you?"

"A human."

Giving a smirk the manticore chuckled softly. "I honestly have no idea what that is, but I do want to know what that has to do with me wanting something to eat."

"I just so happen to have a bit of hydra meat stored away in my little sash portal. If you'd be willing to show me where you lost the foals, I'd be willing to give it to you." The manticores eyes went wide as his maw began to slightly drool at the thought of some fresh hydra meat.

"Well, i can't say no to such an... appetizing offer." The manticore laughed as he flapped his wings and began to hover a few feet off the ground.

"Follow me, it isn't far from here." With that the manticore took off with the dark Alicorn in hot pursuit.

"I'll return shortly." Midnight shouted as he followed the manticore.

"You highness." A pegasus guard spoke up garnering her attention as he landed next to her. "The manticore was correct, there is a barrier surrounding this area. However, it only seems to affect beings other than ponies. We saw several creatures attempting to flee from seeing us. As they were running, they ran into some type of magical barrier. It is invisible to the naked eye, but our armor helps to barely pick it up when we are within a couple yards of it. On the outside though we were unable to see it. I suggest we vacate the area quickly once we find the prince and his companions. For their safety, and yours."

"Very well, but I want a scouting party to return here to check on this barrier and why it seems to be in the middle of the Everfree. For now though, let us check inside that abandoned house for the foals. I am sure that if they had run from this manticore, they may have sought refuge in there.

A few minutes passed by as some crunching was heard not far from the parties position. The guards all stood stock still while looking to the being that was currently walking up toward them.

"Your.... Highness?" One of the pegasus guards asked in slightly confusion upon seeing Charles walking up to them.

"I'm glad you remember what I look like. Otherwise I might be in trouble." He chuckled, walking toward a slightly stunned white Alicorn.

"Charles? What happened?" She asked seeing him shake his head and sigh.

"Opened my magic portal and pulled out a little gift for that manticore. Apparently this magical buffering field is hindering all magic use and our ability to make it. So don't use your magic unless you absolutely have to." He paused for a moment, waving a pegasus guard over to him. "May I?" he asked, pointing toward the guards lance.

"Yes, of course sire." He stated, letting the king take his lance.

"Alright, now I can protect myself without magic." He smirked as he waved the lance about, feeling its weight. "Did you two find out anything about the so called barrier that out over-sized feline friend told us about?"

After a quick explanation, Charles had been filled in on the barrier. Now however, they were heading into the house to check and see if their foals had indeed, hidden from their predator from earlier. What they would find inside however, would be something that none of them expected.

Chapter 67

The small group of ponies and single human had made their way into the old abandoned house. The boards of the floor creaked eerily under the weight of the group as they searched through the small house to try and locate the foals that may have sought refuge in their from their predator. After a few short minutes the house had been turned upside down with nothing left to search, except for the basement.

"Everyone got a torch?" Charles asked as he pulled a small flint from his pocket, striking it with a small stone onto the torch end and lighting it up.

Each pony within the party came forward, holding a torch within their maw as Charles pressed it to the tips of each one, lighting them up with the glowing fire that danced from its end. Once all of the torches were lit, several pegasi, along with Charles, lead the decent into the basement. The stairs were eerily dark as they made their way as quickly as they could down them. After a short time Charles came to a stop giving a sigh, halting the others.

"This is going to take forever, and this path is too narrow to fly down. Do you think the kids would have even gone down this wa..." He stopped quickly as a loud scream echoed toward them from the bottom of the stairs. Charles cursing himself s he turned back to the path and began to bolt down the stairs, lunging hard and clearing almost fifteen stairs at a time as he ran. The guard and Celestia in hot pursuit.

"Hang on kids, I'm almost there." He shouted down his path as he continued his sprint.

XXX

The three foals all quickly hid as the sound of the door unlocking sounded off. Heading back to their previous spots, they held their breath as the door burst open revealing a very angry looking stallion unicorn. He took a single step through the door, only to halt as a soft squish was heard as his hoof met the unfortunate spot the vomit had been spilled.

"Ugh.... Alright, now I know somepony is here... and possibly sick..." He groaned out as his horn lit up, pulling a rag from nearby and placing it over his muzzle. His horn sending out a beam of magic and disintegrating the vomit on the floor. "Alright, whoever is here, come out and face me. I don't like playing games of hide and seek. Mainly because I end up killing the ones I seek." He growled.

As the elder unicorn looked around the dark room, he gave a sigh before trotting over to the stairs and looking up the path. After his horn briefly lit up, he turned back into the room and trotted back over to the door to the room he had just came from.

"Very well then, If you won't show yourselves, then I have no choice but to consider you as somepony that would want to harm me or attempt to steal from me." He snorted again as his horn lit up.

After a few seconds of sending magic through his horn, it was dispersed into the floor of the room, hitting the dirt and vanishing for just a moment as it spread out to all corners of the room. Another few seconds passed before some eery looking vines began to break up from the floor and slowly begin to form the shape of a pony. Smiling to the plant pony, the elder stallion sent out a bolt of magic, hitting the pony squarely in the chest and causing it to envelope the creature. Slowly, it opened its eyes revealing a dim glow of yellow magic, the centers of its eyes seemed to look as if it were made of a rock that floated within the dim field, looking left and right before resting its eyes on the elder stallion.

"Locate the intruder and capture them." The stallion stated, causing the plant pony to nod as it turned around. Its hooves lifting and plucking the vines from the ground before forcefully re-entering the dirt floor of the room as it was set back down.

The elder stallion watched as little tendrils of vines popped up along the floor of the room, giving a little wiggle and staying in their spots as more followed suit along the rest of the room as it slowly enveloped the entire rooms floor. After a minute there was a sharp gasp from one of the hiding spots of the young ponies. This causing the vine pony to jerk its head to the position as it felt the pony move from atop some of the tendrils.

Before Applebloom could react in time, the tendrils shot straight up from the floor, latching onto all four of her hooves and causing her to shriek out in surprise and horror. The tendrils lifted her from the ground, quickly enveloping her legs and surrounding her midsection as she was forced forward and toward the plant pony.

"AH! What is that thing?! Let me go, ya hear?" She yelled as she bucked all four legs in every direction, attempting to dislodge the creeping vines that were still slowly encasing her.

"LEAVE HER ALONE!" Starlight shouted out as he bolted from his hiding spot, quickly gliding over the tendrils that lined the floor and using his wing to slice through the vines holding his aunt aloft, then causing her to fall to the floor and quickly begin to brush off the plants from her body.

"Well now, this is a surprise. Two intruders? And one is an Alicorn as well." The elder stallion laughed just before the vine pony shot out several vines that quickly enveloped the two ponies before him.

"Let us go!" Star shouted as he bit down onto the vines that were wrapping around him, pulling hard at them and snapping a few before quickly being replaced once again.

"Oh, but what would be the fun in that? It has been a while since I've had any fresh meat, much less a mare to play with." He laughed evilly as he stalked toward Applebloom.

He paused though as he noticed a little flicker of white magic from the corner of his eye. Quickly turning and ducking out of the way as a beam flew over his head. He growled out in annoyance as his vision and the vine ponys turned to the source, seeing Sweetiebelle heading toward the stairs and bolting up them.

"GET HER!" The old stallion shouted to the vine pony, which then sent out a wave of vines from the floor at the base of the stairs, flying up them and toward its target. After only a couple of seconds, and ear splitting scream echoed through the stair well as the helpless unicorn was unceremoniously dragged down the stairs.

"Oh my, now I have two little mares to play with. This day has turned out very well indeed." The elder unicorn laughed loudly, only to pause as he heard the sound of hard hitting steps echoing through the stair well. As he made his way over to the base of the stairs, he pressed a hoof to a small indention within the wall, making the glowing steps light up once again. Once they illuminated, he gasped, bolting to the side just as a figure barreled through the spot he was in and crashing into the floor, skidding several feet right on its face before coming to a stop next to the three ponies currently being held within the air against their will.

"There is the end of the stairs! Guard, prepare yourselves!" Bellowed Celestia as she stepped to the side to allow them go ahead of her. They all quickly rushed into the room with Celestia right behind them. It didn't take long before they noticed Charles, face first, into the floor of the room, and the vine pony currently holding the three ponies within its grasp.

"Release them foul creature!" The sun Goddess yelled as she pointed a hoof toward the creature. The guard quickly bolting toward it with lances and torches held out.

"WHAT IS THE MEANING OF THIS?!" The elder stallion shouted out as he finally got to his hooves and brushed himself off. "You dare enter my home, and then demand I release these tresspassers?! Do you take me for a foal?!" He growled out.

"How dare you speak to the queen that way!" One of the guards shouted as he turned, pointing the lance at the elder unicorn.

"And now you threaten me with weapons in my own home. This is outrageous! I will not stand for this! And I most certainly will protect myself!" He shouted as his horn lit up brightly, causing many more tendrils to shoot up from the floor and capture the guard without flaw. Their weapons being stripped from them and they being held above the floor so that they could not escape.

"Ow...." Came the voice of the human as he pushed himself up from the floor and rubbed the dirt from his face. "That really hurt." He groaned as he fell back onto his butt, sitting there for a moment until he noticed that every guard was currently being held captive, along with two of the crusaders, and.... his son.

"Oh no you didn't." He growled out, quickly reaching for the lance and bolting upright. His eyes taking on a green glow as a purple mist slowly began to float up and away from them.

"Haste..." Was the only word spoken as he vanished from sight. The vine pony let out a soft shriek of pain before falling to the ground in two pieces. Each of the vines holding onto the ponies quickly being severed as well, allowing the captives to be dropped to the floor in a heap.

The elder stallion sent out a beam of magic directly toward the sun Goddess, but it stopped half way to her, hitting the lance that Charles held out to block it. He dropped the weapon though as it began to glow, then vanish in a puff of smoke.

"What in the?" Charles stated in slight shock before glaring at the unicorn before him, his horn lighting up once again.

"DIE INTRUDERS!" The pony shouted as he was about to let loose more of his magic, only to stop as his head flung backwards, his oxygen suddenly being cut off, and having a severe pressure wrapped around his horn.

The human had cloths lined the pony, wrapping his arm around his neck and using his momentum to fling himself and the unicorn backwards onto the floor. Charles taking the burnt of the fall as the stallion lay on the human belly up. The human quickly wrapping his hand around the unicorns horn and squeezing hard to cause him to lose focus on his magic. He thrashed about for a few seconds before his movements began to get sluggish and then going completely limp.

Tossing the unconscious pony to the side, the human quickly got to his feet. "GUARD! Get these ponies, and Star out of here NOW!" He bellowed causing them to quickly gather them up and head up the stairs.

"Charles." Celestia began as she was now looking at an ancient looking book on one of the tables within the room. "We need to leave, now." She stated with a very worried tone as she quickly trotted to his side and forced the human onto her back before bolting up the stairs.

"Tia? What's wrong, you've never been this spooked about anything?" He spoke into her ear as he held onto her as she galloped full stride up the stairs.

"I will explain everything at the castle. Right now, we need to gain as much ground from this place as possible, as I fear we may have awoken a beast that may soon turn on us." She spoke out in a shuddering tone as she continued her stride up the stairs.

Chapter 68

After a very quick trip up the stairs, the group all left the house and took to the sky with as much speed as they could muster. Those that couldn't fly were all being carried by those that could. Charles, however, was being carried by the sun Goddess herself as the two conversed quietly.

"Tia, I know something back there spooked you. You never run from a fight unless you know something could hurt you or some other pony." The human spoke sternly into her ear as they flew along behind the rest of the guard.

"My dear..." She trailed off taking in a breath. "While we were in that place, I looked upon what I thought, at the time, to be a mythical book that had long since been destroyed. Unfortunately, I was wrong. That is why I fled." She sighed as they continued along.

"A book spooked you?" Charles looked on in slight shock. "How could a book spook you?"

"That book is a long lost artifact that was created on this planet by the ancients of the minotaur race. It is a shamanistic book that is so heavily enchanted itself, it curses the very area around it, sucking in any and all magic that is within the area. If a being is exposed to it long enough, they will perish."

"That sounds kind of like my leeching ability, but with an inanimate object." Charles hummed to himself.

"That book was said to have been destroyed not long after I had come to this world. Possibly five hundred years, if I recall correctly." She scrunched her nose in thought for a moment before Charles picked up again.

"That still doesn't explain other details though. I mean, if you were so spooked by the book, and you had it right there. Why didn't you just destroy it?" The human asked, furrowing his brow.

"My dear... That book... cannot be destroyed by magic alone." She trailed off as a worried expression covered her, and the humans face. "Many different methods have been tried to destroy it in the past, and the last one was thought to have succeeded. However, our encounter with the book shortly ago disapproved that information. Right now however, we need to worry about the pony that you managed to knock out. I am ashamed to say this, but you should have killed him while you had the chance."

Charles looked toward the Alicorn in shock for a moment as he mulled over what she had just said. "Tia, now you're scaring me. For you to even suggest something like that means that this pony and book are something not only to worry about, but to be feared on a whole new level. I am going to need every bit of information you can give me, and I do mean everything this time." He glared at her from the side, she giving a nervous nod and gulp as they continued along their path toward the castle in the distance.

XXX

"Star, go to your room, you're grounded." Charles spat quickly as the group headed into the castle.

"But dad, I..."

"NOW! Or I'll bust your tail mister!" The human bellowed out causing the foal to gallop away with his tail between his legs. Watching the foal run off for a moment, he turned his attention back to the two crusaders that were slowly slinking away.

"And where do you two think you're going? You're in just as much trouble as my son!" He growled out causing them to slink to the ground.

"But uncle Midni...."

"Uncle is it now? I thought we weren't saying that because we were all grown up now. Nooooo, you two are in some deep trouble this time. I may have tolerated your little crusades before, but this time you went too far. You're adults now, and should have known better. You also endangered my son, which under normal circumstances means severe punishment because he is royalty." He snorted out causing their eyes to go to pinpoints in worry.

"However, You two are also my sister-in-laws, which means normal punishment will not be given." He sighed softly making their tense posture visibly relax. "But that doesn't mean you are exempt from such a thing, so, you two are going to do the following. You are to never take Starlight on another crusading mission. If you do, your next punishment will be more severe. You are to never indulge his curiosity in crusading. If he asks, then tell him that I said no. I will be letting him know myself as well. And on a final note..." He paused for a moment as Celestia piped in.

"I think that will be quite enough Char..." She paused, looking toward the human in shock and fear as the purple mist, once again began to flow from the corners of his eyes, his glare seemingly tearing through her without any resistance.

"On a final note, If you endanger ANY pony through these crusades ever again, then you will receive ten lashes per pony. If they are hurt, it will be twenty lashes, and in such a case as somepony dies.... well, let's just say you wont be happy with the punishment then." He growled out. "Now get your flanks back home, the guard will escort you.

The two young mares nodded, bolting out of the room with haste as soon as he had finished. Celestia coming up to his side nervously as he began to walk out of the throne room and down the hall.

"Charles, did you really have to be so stern with them? They are still foals after-all." Celestia sighed as they continued to walk along.

"They are young adults now, so if they want to be adults, then they are going to be treated as such. They were lucky I let them off the hook so easily after this little adventure. Had you not told me about this so called book and pony that even terrifies you. Then they would have been sent home with just a stern talking to. Speaking of which." He growled. "I want to everything you know about this book. I want no details left out, which means we are going for a little walk in your head."

Celestia gave him a worried glance as they continued on through the castle and into their quarters. Charles going straight to the bed and taking a seat, folding his legs Indian style and crossing his arms as he watched the sun Goddess climb onto the bed with him, her horn glowing softly as she pressed it to his head.

In a flash of light, the two were now in a long corridor. Each wall to either side of them consisting of many doors that lined the walls. The hallway disappearing into the far distance as the looked down each of the two directions.

"Sub conscious." Charles spoke out quickly causing the walls to glide past them in a hurry. Within a few seconds, the end of the hall came to a halt only a couple of yards from them. The elegant light blue door trimmed in gold welcoming them as it opened before them.

The two beings made their way into the large ornate room lined with books as far as the eye could see. Celestia watched as the human walked to a table in the center of the room and took a seat, she following soon after.

Once she had taken a seat, she spoke out in a monotone. "Memories of the Eldritch Necromicon."

"Necromicon?!" Charles spoke out in shock. "You mean that magic can raise the dead here?!" He sputtered in total shock.

"You're aware of what the Necromicon is? But how?" She gave a slight gasp upon hearing his statement.

"It is a fabled book from my home world, it was never real, or if it was, there was no magic in my world capable of using it." He gulped slightly thinking back to what he had actually read about the book. As he mulled over the information that he already had, he paused in his train of thought as a book floated to in front of him, resting silently on the table.

"Charles... this book has all of the information that I know and have experienced about the Necromicon. I should warn you, some of these memories are very graphic and real. I spent several years in isolation just to get over some of these memories that I do not wish to relive. So, please know that once you open this book, you will experience horrors unlike any you have ever seen of felt." She sighed as she pulled the human into a sideways hug, releasing him and heading toward the door of the room.

"I shall wait outside until you have accessed the memories. I wish that you would reconsider this method, as I fear..." She trailed off as a look of pain and worry etched across her face. "I fear that this may change you... for the worse."

"I'll be fine Tia, so don't worry. You forget, I've seen military action that most of your guard would wet themselves over." He smirked, nodding to her as she left the room, closing the door behind her.

Once the door came to a close, Charles turned back to the book awaiting his hands that would open it. Giving an audible swallow, his shaking hands slowly reached out to the cover of the book, his finger under the edge of it as he quickly flipped it open.

Charles awaited the rush of information like all of the other books that he had opened previously. However, it never came. Instead, a slow mist began to rise from the book along with an audible low groan that sent a chill to his very bones. Then, from the mist of the book that was now cascading over the top of the table, came a skeletal hoof as several ponies that looked like the rising dead slowly began to climb from it and onto the table top.

Charles scrambled backwards, falling from the chair and onto the floor as he quickly got to his feet, turning back to the ponies as they continued to climb from the mist as it slowly encased the floor all around the room, filling it to the brim, and all looking at him with glowing black and red eyes.

"Oh God, I think I really fucked up this time.... Tiiiiiaaaaaa, Let me out! I changed my mind!" He yelled sideways through the door as he grabbed onto the handle, attempting to open it only for the door to give click as it locked from the outside.

"I warned you... and I am sorry... but you will have to endure what you have done my love. Please forgive me." Came the muffled voice of the sun Goddess from the side of the door.

Charles turned his vision back to the now advancing undead memories of the ponies that had a hunger in their eyes he had not seen before. This only causing his knees to buckle as he fell to the floor and curled up into a ball.

"Oh God...... Oh God...... Why am I so afraid of memories?! They are just memories.... aren't..... they? He asked as he slowly uncoiled from his fetal position on the floor, slowly looking from the hooves that had stopped in front of him. As his vision climbed the frame of the undead pony, looking over its rotting body and seeing several missing chunks of meat, his vision fell upon its eyes. Before he could react, the ponies mouth opened wide revealing rows or serrated fangs, dripping with yellowish, vile smelling liquid, then it lunged at him.

Outside the room, Celestia sat, quietly weeping with her back against the door as she could hear the screams of the human from within as he attempted to claw his way through and bash the door down. These memories were nothing like the others. They were the deepest of the darkest of evils that had ever been seen, and for them to fall upon a human, could become the catalyst that would change the tides forever.

Author's Notes:

I am moving into a far darker part of the story that I had originally planned on leaving out. However, this will be something that will bring a new light into the darkest side humanity has to offer.

Chapter 69

The long hallway was so quiet. A dead silence that left a ringing in your ears as you hoped that something would break it and fill your ears with at least some audible tone. The alabaster Alicorn stood silently outside the door to her subconscious, worry plastered across her entire frame as the screaming had come to a halt from the other side of the door. She reached out with her magic, unlocking the door and slowly pulling it open, swallowing hard as it gave an eery creak.

Once the door was being pulled open, she gave a gasp, stepping back in shock and letting the door fall the rest of the way open as the human on the other side fell backwards from his sitting position, onto the floor with a soft thud. His eyes were closed, his features very pale, and he was shaking gently.

"Oh no....." Celestia squeaked out in fear, knowing as to what she had done.

The human had taken on Celestias monsters, and lost. Eons worth of memories about the evils relating to the Necronomicon had literally attacked the humans mind. She thought he was ready, that his mind could withstand the torment that she had endured over that time. But his mind had faltered, failing to take in and comprehend all of the details. He had spoke of the ravages of war on his world, of the things he had seen and done. In comparison, it sounded so much worse than what the sun Goddess had seen within her lifetime. However, she had failed to think of the one thing that the human had already realized.

This world was considered a fantasy within his world, a work of fiction that wasn't real. But now, having lived here and experienced all that he now knows. What he has done, and come to love. What he has come to realize as his new reality of non-fiction. These evils that were within this world were real, and now far more terrifying than anything that the young human could ever think to be reality.

Taking swift action, the queen gathered the human up and closed the door, silently cursing herself for even considering letting the human take a hold of even a fraction of her memories. 'He is far too young to experience what she has. His mind was never ready, and now, She may have literally broken him in a way that no method of love or magic could ever mend.

Reappearing back in the living world once again, Celestia looked down to see the human laying silently on his back within the bed. His features the same as to what was within her mind just moments ago. Taking a moment to gather him up within a levitation spell, she quickly teleported to her sisters room, startling the night princess as she was reading.

"Sister, What is wrong?" Luna asked just before seeing the human float over to her and being carefully sat onto the floor next to her.

"Luna..." Celestia began, fear evident in her voice.

The princess of the night looked toward her sister with worry, as she never spoke to her by first speaking her name. It would always be 'sister', or 'my dear', but never her name unless it was something of importance.

"I need your help..." She trailed off as Luna looked the human over for a moment. "I am afraid that I have possibly scarred my love to the point of near death. Why...?" She cursed herself as she clenched her eyes shut, trotting a few steps away. "Why did I give in to him and let him see those memories?!" She growled softly to herself.

"Tia, what memories, what are you talking about?" Luna asked, giving another worried glance back to the human, pausing for a moment as she noticed his eyes moving behind their lids.

"I... gave in and let him see the memories I have accumulated over time involving the Eldritch Necronomicon." She sighed seeing her sister flinch.

"Tia! Have you gone mad?! To let one so young know those horrors...." She looked back to the human who still lay silently on the bed, pausing as she noticed something frightening. At the corners of his eyes were the glowing purple mist that only comes to those who let anger and hatred become part of them, over-take them to the point of fueling them. Celestia paused as well once she noticed her sister taking a little longer to glance at the human than she would care to admit.

"No... NO! We must wake him!" Celestia shouted as she began to quickly move to the bed again but stopped as Luna moved to in front of her.

"Sister, stop! He is currently dreaming, you should not have to worry currently. If he is truly in a dream state, then let me walk with him. I will try to soothe his mind, body, and spirit within. Please... give me a chance to aid you. I owe you that much, as well as he." Luna smiled softly toward her elder sister, the alabaster Alicorn still holding the tense expression of worry. Giving an nervous swallow, she nodded.

"Please be aware Luna, he has seen my memories alone about that cursed book and the actions taken by those who used it. Those memories are not for the faint of heart."

"I understand, and I will do my best to guide him safely back without further injuring his mind. But should I not be able to, you will need to use...." She paused as her sister held up a hoof.

"I know... but please let us not think of that option. It will, and always will be, our last resort." Celestia sighed as she mulled over that particular method.

"Very well then, let us begin." Luna stated softly as her horn glowed brightly.

XXX

In a flash of light, the night princess appeared silently within Charles dream, and immediately regretted it upon seeing her surroundings. All around her stood the Everfree Forest, the canopy of the trees high above blocking out almost all light from the now blood red sky. The tree loomed all around her with vines that seemed to sway in a silent wind. The ground looked baron and lifeless as a dull gray stone.

"Where are you?" She spoke softly to herself as she looked around before willing herself to high above the forest to get a better view.

Once she had reappeared above the forest she looked around to see that the forest was not just a forest, but a floating island covered in plant life. But the strange thing about it was that, below the floating island, was nothing. Just a black void of nothingness as far as the eye could see.

As she turned about within the air above the island she noticed a small area that was barren of trees and plant life within the forest below. In the center of the small field stood a single being. But all around it seemed to be a shifting haze that moved about on its own.

"I wonder...." The princess of the night trailed off as she silently flew down to the just above the area in question. Halting in her flight she looked down to see that all around the being were spectral scenes of ponies being played out. The being in the center of the small field, a human named Charles that was slowly spinning on the spot and staring outward to the scenes that were playing before him. His expression that of anger, hatred, and rage, his eyes taking on the same effect that was being shown in the waking world.

Luna floated silently on the spot for a short time, watching the dream play out so that she could have a better chance at understanding what the humans mind was going through. After several minutes, the human stopped spinning, pausing to stare at a scene in front of him. One that would haunt Luna for along time.

There, before the human, floated a large ornate book that could only be known as the Necronomicon. Its binding wrapped in the leather skin of an unknown animal, while the cover had what seemed to be a sleeping face of a demon like creature on it.

The book floated closer to the human as Luna also began to get closer, listening silently as she could hear whispers quietly talking all around her. As she got closer, she noticed that the books mouth was actually moving, speaking in a tongue unfamiliar to her.

"Aperi mihi, quia prohibiti, unum scio, et uti a corruptione adducere." It spoke out softly, repeating the phrase after a few seconds once again.

Luna watched for another minute before giving a worried expression as she watched the humans hand slowly begin to raise toward the book. Without giving a second thought she bolted down to the human and smacked the book away with a wing.

The book halted a short distance away as its eyes flew open, its mouth opening quickly and bellowing out. "Quid ergo? Ausus mea iura invadat?"

"Charles, you must wake up. I fear that you may be under a spell from that accursed book." She spoke out, shaking the human gently to try and revive him. His eyes were half closed, his expression still that of rage as he seemed to stare straight through the princess of the night. That was of course until a hoof met him across the face, causing the entire dream they were both in to visibly begin to disolve.

"One more and he should wake up." Luna stated as she reared back, sending a hoof out and hitting the human square in the face. The world began to quickly darken, enveloping everything in sight. Lunas horn lit up just as quickly, making her vanish right before the darkness took hold.

XXX

Luna awaoke with a loud gasp as she looked around the room. Celestia jumping slightly upon hearing her sister awaken and coming over to her.

"Luna, were you..." She trailed off as the human quickly bolted upright on the bed, also startling Luna and making her jump away.

"Charles... are you ok?" Celestia asked softly as she closed in on the bed, pausing as she noticed the purple mist still coming from his eyes.

"I'm fine... just.... just had a bad dream is all." He groaned slightly rubbing his face as he scooted to the edge of the bed, heaving himself up and walking silently to the bathroom.

"Was that mist still..." Luna asked, pausing as she watched her sister nod.

"I am afraid so. We must do what we can to ensure that his rage remains in check. We do not need another monarch that wishes to enslave his kingdom like Sombra once did."

"I understand." Luna sighed, thinking back to the time that she and her sister had imprisoned the mad stallion in the permafrost.

After giving the human a few minutes to himself in the bathroom, Celestia quietly came up to the door, knocking on it gently as she spoke.

"Charles... Are you alright?" She asked in worry.

"I'll be fine..." He spoke out gruffly. "I... I just need to relax right now... too much stress... from these memories." He sighed out as the white Alicorn heard the sound of a small splash.

"May I come in?" She asked.

"Yea..." He replied.

The sun Goddess silently pressed through the door and into the bathroom to see the human sitting silently in the over-sized tub, steam rising from the hot water that was held within as the human lay against its rim, his arms to either side of him and his head laying back onto the cool tile. As she pressed closer, she noticed that the purple mist was now gone from one of his eyes, but remained on the other. Trotting slightly around the tub, she spoke out.

"May I join you? I'm sure that I could help to ease your pain." She smile softly to him, he giving one in return as he nodded.

The Alicorn quickly removed her regailia and crown before slowly pressing into the tub, humming softly at how warm the water was as she slid across the tub and nuzzled the human lovingly. He wrapping his arms gently around her neck and kissing her forehead as he spoke.

"Tia... I'm... sorry about forcing you to give me those memories. Had I known that they were as bad as they were, I would never have demanded such a thing. Next time, if there is a next time, you have permission to buck me upside the head." He chuckled softly.

"Very well, but you must do me a favor in the meantime." She paused, looking up to him as he looked down to her in askance. "Do not let your anger and hatred rule your decisions and actions. Sombra did this a long time ago, and became a terrible force that enslaved his kingdom." She sighed for a moment, clenching her eyes shut. "If you should do what he did... I do not know if I would have the strength to stop you or not... I love you dearly, and so does everypony else. Never forget that we are here for you, no matter the circumstance."

The human pulled back giving her a soft smile, then pulling her into a loving hug as he spoke. Each word causing the mist from his eye to slowly recede into nothingness. "Tia, you have nothing to worry about. I would never hurt anypony on purpose, especially you or those that I care for. I was just angry because of those things that happened." He paused pulling back and giving her a determined smile. "And you can damn well guarantee that I will do everything within my power to stop that evil book from causing any more harm to this world."

"I hope so." She whispered, nuzzling into his chest some more. "But I hope that it does not drive you insane... like so many others." She trailed off, holding the human a little tighter as the memories of the past ran through her mind.

Chapter 70

"He said WHAT?!" Rarity shouted to a slightly sniffling Sweetie belle, whom gave a small nod, looking to the floor.

"H-he..... I can't believe he said it either. Why would he say something like that?" Sweetie asked, being brought into a loving hug by her sister.

"I can understand that the situation was bad, but threatening you and Applebloom after it was over.... Well, I just won't stand for it! I will have a talk with him once he arrives in Ponyville a little later tonight." She growled out, giving a huff at what her sister had just told her.

"For now though, go to Sugar Cube Corner. I'm sure a milkshake or something will help to take your mind off things, and do tell Pinkie I said hello. It has been such a long time since I have had the chance to come by, that the poor dear must think ill of me."

"I will sis..." Sweetie trailed off as she headed out of the boutique.

"Now then, what am I going to say to that Alicorn when I see him." Rarity seethed. "Well, if it is going to be anything like what Applejack is going to do, I doubt very many words will be necessary." She hummed to herself as she headed out of the boutique.

As the white unicorn headed toward Sweet Apple Acres, several thoughts ran through her mind about what AJ would do once she found out about what their husband had said to their sisters.

"Hmm... I think Applejack may do one of several things. Freak out would be the first, then go off on the stallion. Buck him upside the head would be the other, or..."

"Save the chaos for a rainy day?" Discord asked as he poped into reality right next to the unicorn, causing her to squeal out in surprise.

"DISCORD! How many times have I told you not to do that!" Rarity yelled as she stomped a hoof into the dirt.

"Oh pish posh my dear, you haven't told me nearly enough times to get me to quit." He chuckled. Besides, I was just taking junior out for a little stroll. Samantha has been babying him far too much, and I think he needs a little space." He laughed as he tossed the baby into the air, making him squeal out happily.

Rarity paused in her trot to watch the two, giving a smile upon hearing the little one giggle from playing with his father. Her own hoof making its way to her belly to rub it gently, thinking of the day that would arrive all too soon so that she may have that same reward.

"They are a hand full." Discord chirped from right beside her head, making her jump slightly. "But it makes everything so much more interesting, and dreadful." He groaned, plopping the foal onto his head between his horns.

"Dreadful darling?" She asked as they continued along the beaten path toward the farm.

"Well, as long as you can keep tabs on them, it isn't so bad. But with little magic users." He glared slightly upward toward his son whom was using his lobster claws to clamp onto his horns. "They seem to bring a little more chaos than normal, to the scene." He gave his head a little shake making the foal fall from his head and begin to float out in front of him. "But in the end..." He trailed off as he floated the foal down to in front of Rarity, Disarray smiling and holding his arms out toward the unicorn to be held.

Rarity smiled as she took a quick seat and held her arms wide, letting the foal float into her grasp. She bouncing him a little to make him laugh out.

"They make everything worth while." Discord finished as he patted the foal on his head lovingly, only to have him clamp down onto his bear paw with a lobster claw, making him wince.

"Da...da!" Disarray spoke out causing the draconequus to look at him wide eyed for a moment.

"That's right, Discord is your daddy!" Rarity beamed, tossing the foal into the air a little and making him squeal again.

"Can you say, Aunty Rarity?" She spoke out slowly.

"Panty drawer." Disarray shouted, throwing his arms out in every direction.

"PFFFT!" Discord placed both hands over his mouth upon seeing the look of horror and shock plastered across Raritys face. The white unicorn just sitting there while her left eye twitched slightly.

"N-no dear, Aunty Rarity." She attempted to correct.

"PANTY DRAWER!" He shouted again causing Rarity to groan.

"As I said..... Chaos." Discord chuckled as Rarity rolled her eyes.

"Anyway, I'm sure that you will think of something to say or do to your betrothed later on. I'm aware of What Applejack is going to do from spying on her a little. But other than that, I think that my friend is going to have is hooves full as time goes on. So, I would suggest going easy on him for the time being. Give him some space to let things settle, then you can..."

"Buck him upside the head?" Rarity finished causing the draconequus to smirk.

"Well, I was going to say, turn him pink. But I think your idea will suffice." He chuckled. "Now then, How about we go cause a little chaos my boy! Maybe we can go prank queen sun-butt."

"SUN BUTT! SUN BUTT!" Disarray shouted, flailing his little arms about.

Rarity giggled loudly at the foal as he continued shouting that nick name for Celestia. Discord knew it bothers the sun Goddess sometimes. But maybe having a foal say it wouldn't make her turn into a feral rampaging monster like she had when Discord said it before.... during day court.... with a hundred ponies present.

As the day wore on, the white unicorn had made her way to Sweet Apple Acres to speak with her fellow bride, only to come upon Big Macintosh and Applebloom standing over a hogtied orange earth pony that was seething a rage unlike any she had seen before.

"Applejack? Big Macintosh? Applebloom? What is going on here?!" Rarity asked as she trotted up to see AJ struggling to free herself from her bonds.

"When ah get mah hooves on that stallion, ahm gonna rip out his fire mane and force feed it to him before ah buck him to the moon." AJ yelled, giving a loud snort as she began to bite at the ropes that held her in place.

"Rarity, maybe ya'll kin talk some sense inteh this'n. We done tried, but she's gone all crazy and wants teh murder Midnight. Says he's gonna pay fer threatening AB." Big Mac sighed.

Rarity trotted over, looking down to the apple farmer giving a sigh as she used her magic to lift her off the ground and began to walk toward the farm house.

"Applejack, darling, You simply must calm yourself. I know you're angry, and so am I. Sweetie is simply torn to pieces over having our darling Alicorn threaten to punish her."

"He threatened Sweetiebelle too?! Oh now ahm gonna turn him inteh a gelding!" She roared as she broke the ropes from her legs, but remained floating in the air as she struggled to reach the floor.

"Applejack, I think that may be taking things a bit to far. Please, do calm yourself and think things over first. I'm sure that turning our stallion into a gelding will be a bit extreme." Rarity sighed as she forcefully sat her onto the couch in the living room.

"No! Murdering him would be going to far. A gelding ain't as bad, but it sure is close enough fer me." She growled out, crossing her arms and flopping back onto the couch.

"Ah think she's having a mood swing." Big Mac whispered into Raritys ear, only to make her snort a little before covering her mouth.

"I have them too dear, don't worry, it will pass." She smiled warmly for a moment before hearing AJ begin to bawl into a pillow from the couch. "Or, maybe not." She cringed slightly.

After an hour of consoling the apple farmer, things had calmed to a considerable degree. But that would only last until Midnight showed up to explain his actions alongside his side of the story. Although things didn't seem so bad from his perspective, his brides would be taking things to a whole new level upon hearing that he had threatened their sisters.

XXX

After a short time had passed, the sun was beginning to set and Midnight had still not shown himself within Ponyville. The two brides with sisters in tow had made their way to the library to advise Twilight on what was going on, and what may happen once the Alicorn showed himself to them later on. Although she wasn't keen on the idea of beating the Alicorn to within an inch of his life, she did understand what they were going through. Once, somepony had taken it upon themselves to threaten Spike, and to go as far as to actually buck the young dragon. Twilight ended up almost killing the pony in question, along with having the princess, at the time, berate her student on controlling her anger when it came to such occurrences.

Now, as they sat in the library, idly chatting away, they would begin to question why Midnight had not shown himself, and ask what he was still doing in Canterlot.

"Twi, maybe you should send Tia a scroll asking where our dear stallion is at. As much as I dread getting into an argument with him, I think enough time has passed in order for us to begin." Rarity stated with a sigh, knowing the coming argument would not be pretty.

"I guess a scroll wouldn't hurt. I mean, he does usually come to talk to us about everything that is going on. But maybe he wants to spend some time with Starlight. He did have a close call today, and after losing Marina, I'd think he'd want to make sure that his son would remain safe from harm." She sighed as she pulled a scroll from her desk and began to write onto it.

"Twi... Hold up there." AJ sighed as well, thinking things over. "Maybe we should just let him settle down. Ain't like things aren't going to boil to ah head anyway. Let's give'm some time teh play with his youngin. Then we can buck'im upside the head." She smirked slightly seeing her fellow brides nod in agreement.

"Yes, I do believe that he will be sleeping on the couch for some time from threatening Sweetie." Rarity snorted.

"Same here." AJ agreed.

"Well, I don't agree with what he said. So until I hear his side of the story, I'll remain on the fence about everything." Twilight sighed shaking her head in disbelief.

"Either way, ah'm still gonna buck'im. Ya'll cain't go an scare a youngin like that, and not'spect their elder sibling teh not take up for'em." AJ snorted out, nodding her he in agreement with herself.

"Well, if you do, make sure to at least go outside first. The last time you two fought in here, you made a huge mess, and damaged quite a few books." Twilight glared slightly toward the apple farmer

"Heh, yea, we did get a bit outta hoof." AJ chuckled, thinking back to when that fight had escalated from yelling to actual blows, only for Midnight to try and protect himself the only way he could against his bride. By running around and tossing things in her path to try and slow her down. Most of which were trampled by the enraged farmer.

"So then..." Twilight began as she lifted the scroll from her desk, wiggling it in the air.

"No need for it now sugarcube. We'll just wait fer the time being." AJ sighed, still annoyed at what her husband had done.

"Alright then." She smiled, wading up the scroll she had been writing on and tossed it into the bin next to her desk, which was already overflowing with waded up scrolls.

It would take a some time, but Midnights brides were willing to wait. Especially if it meant that their arguments meant a little revenge served cold.

XXX

Back in Canterlot castle, Charles had returned back into Midnight, and was currently sitting with his son in his room, whom was arguing with him to a far greater extent than normal.

"Father, I know I shouldn't have gone into the Everfree Forest, and I'm sorry. Applebloom and Sweetiebelle just made it sound so interesting though. I mean, does the weather and wildlife really move all on its own?" Star asked as he paced back and forth in front of his father.

"It does, just like my world does when I was there. You remember the stories I told you about it." Midnight smiled softly to his son, seeing him nod.

"Yes, but it still sounds so odd. Everything seems so chaotic there, even more-so than what Uncle Discord can do." He sighed slightly looking up to his father with a furrowed bro, unable to believe that such a thing was possible.

"That is the way things have happened, and will more than likely continue to happen throughout time. But now you're avoiding the subject." Midnight grinned seeing his son puff out his cheeks. "Nice try in derailing the conversation into something else though. You're getting better, almost as much as Rarity."

"Really?!" Starlight beamed.

"No..." Midnight spoke flatly causing his son to groan. "Rarity, is the queen at derailing conversations and making them change to an alternate subject. Even I have a hard time keeping things on topic with her. So don't think you're about to get out of this conversation for any reason mister."

Starlight puttered his lips in annoyance as he flopped onto one of his beanbags, staring in annoyance at his father as he continued.

"Now then, you're in a lot of trouble. So much so that You will remain in the castle for the next two months."

"TWO MONTHS?!" Starlight yelled.

"YES! Two months, and if you argue with me on that, it will be three with no deserts after your meals." The dark Alicorn glared, silencing his son quickly.

"Son, today you did something that was very dangerous, and had I and your mother not made it to you in time.... you, as well oas the others.... could have died." He sighed, lowering his head to the floor.

"But I'm not dead, I'm fine!" Star state with a smile.

"Only because your mother and I made it in time. Had we been even a minute later, then you could have perished."

"But... I thought Alicorns were immortal." Star began but stopped as a glare from his father quickly silenced him.

"Alicorns are mortal my boy. But also very hard to kill. Their magic is beyond anything you can think of, and their bodies built very tough. But if you can catch one of guard, even for a second." He paused, vanishing from sight. That was of course until Star felt a pillow wallop him upside the head from behind.

"Then you can take them out." Midnight finished as he trotted slowly past his son whom was giving him a slight glare as he rubber the back of his head.

"But what about all those spells you placed on me before? Won't they protect me?" Star asked.

"My boy..." Midnight trailed off as he scrunched his face up in thought. "I have something to tell you that you need to know. Relying on those spells to protect you is arrogant. Expecting them to always be there just to protect you isn't something you should keep as a crutch in case you willing walk into a dangerous situation. That plus I have found out something quite disturbing." Midnight sighed as he took a seat next to his son.

"Star, I've come to find out that my protection spells for you, along with quite a few other spells that I have cast in the past, disappear once I turn human. I'm not sure why, or how it happens, but I want to rectify this so that it will never happen again." He sighed.

"So that means.... Marina..." He trailed off seeing his father nod.

"This protection spells that I had cast on the both of you... disappeared once I became human. They had lingering traces that remained on you two, but they only stayed long enough to be detected by a scan spell. If I were to cast them all again, then they would only remain that way until I turned into a human again." Which means, you would only be able to protect yourself until the enemy got the better of you."

"IF they got the better of me." Star chuckled but stopped as he heard a growl come from his father.

"Don't you EVER think that you are above your enemy! If they want you dead, they will find a way. Fighting for your life in any given situation is not something to tread lightly upon, and until you figure that out, I am assigning the wonderbolts to guard you at all times. If you argue, you will be grounded until I see fit that you have learned your lesson."

"You don't mean...."

"Yes I do. I will ground you for an eternity if I have to in order to drill these thoughts into your head. You may still be a foal, but you are MY foal. You will listen to me, and you will obey me. I am your father, and regardless of your thoughts on the situation. You will listen and do what I say." He growled.

"Until your not around to do anything about it." Star mumbled under his breath, but quickly regretted it as he was unceremoniously pulled from the beanbag he was lying on and felt several sharp stings across his flank, making him yelp out in pain.

Chapter 71

As soon as Midnight had administered his sons quick and harsh punishment, he set the young colt free from his magical grasp, to which the colt quickly bolted out of the room, still crying the whole way. The dark Alicorn sighed, regretting his decision in actually whipping is son for the very first time since he was born. But even then, if the colt didn't understand how things worked, and he could receive harsh punishments for his actions, he would continue to do those things. It was a necessary evil that had to be done, even though the Alicorn didn't want to do it.

Within a matter of seconds however, the Alicorn was making his way out of the room only to be greeted by a very upset, and rather angry looking Celestia at the door. Midnight gave a sigh as he noticed that his son was hiding on her back and giving him a glare that could kill. Knowing what was coming next, he backed up a few paces so his wife and son could come into the room and close the door.

"Midnight... I am very upset at this moment upon hearing what our son has just told me. However, I am not beyond forgiveness as long as you tell me the reason behind your actions just a moment ago." She began, glaring death toward her husband.

"What did he tell you first off? Because if he lied, or embellished the truth to make it sound worse, then he is going to get another spanking very shortly." Midnight growled as he watched his sons eyes go to pinpoints as he looked back and forth from his mother to his father, expecting her to protect him from another quick swat to his flank.

"Star, would you please repeat what you told me word for word please. Or, if what you told me was not the truth, then you will have this chance, and only this chance to redeem yourself by telling the truth." Celestia stated in a motherly tone toward the young colt upon her back.

Starlight gave a small gulp, trying to swallow his fear and pride as he thought over what he had said, and what he knew to be true. Taking a chance though, he asked.

"You won't let him hurt me again, will you momma?" He whimpered slightly, trying to give the biggest set of puppy eyes he could muster.

"If you lie to me, then it is not different than lieing to your father. Although my punishments are not as harsh." She pause to glare at her husband. "The will still be something that you wouldn't like."

At that, Star furrowed his brow, scrunching up his face and puffing out his cheeks, knowing that he was defeated. Giving a loud sigh and relaxing, he lowered his head as he spoke.

"He.... spanked me because of what I said, and now that I look back on that, I understand why he did it. I'm sorry father, it won't happen again." He pouted.

Midnight gave a soft smile as he trotted over to the sun Goddess and his son, giving both a loving nuzzle. Pulling back from them he paused, still seeing the glare that his wife was giving him.

"Star, go to your room while your mother and I talk." Midnight began only to pause as his son gave him a deadpanned expression.

"Then I suggest you leave, because I'm already in my room." He droned.

Midnight, being the quick being he is, looked around before giving a chuckle. "Well then, Tia, Shall we?" He asked as he nodded to the door. Celestia cocking a brow as she removed the colt from her back, then heading out of the room, closely followed by the dark Alicorn.

Shutting the door behind him, he continued following the sun Goddess down the corridor and into their room, pausing quickly as he heard the door latch shut behind him as the soft hum of magic could be heard coming from his wife.

"Before you start to berate me, or anything else hun, I want you to know that our son did provoke my actions. I will not let him grow up to be a spoiled brat. He will conform to both our standards, even if it means I have to administer a whipping or spanking every so often when he does something wrong." Midnight stated in a gruff tone, knowing his wife was about to bring down the gaveling on him.

"Midnight, as much as I dislike the idea of you having just spanked our son for the first time since he was born, I will not condemn your actions. I must admit, Star has disobeyed my direct orders many times before. However, each time I would ground him and prevent him from doing anything for a short time. This, however, was hard to do because of my royal duties. I would always send in one of the maids to make sure that he would continue his punishment without faltering once. But the ones I sent to watch him would never be able to control him, as he would always go against what I had administered as punishment. Hearing that you struck our child not only angered me, but made me pause to think on those actions. Seeing the fear and hurt in our childs eyes angered me, but after a few moments, made me realize why you did it."

"His reaction was completely new. Although he ran to me, expecting me to take up for him. He knew that this punishment was meant to drive in the fact that he did something wrong, and therefore, would remain as a strong reminder of what not to do or say in the future." Celestia gave a saddened smile as she spoke, seeing her husband giving her a questioning gaze as she went on.

"However, there is one thing I do not approve of, and that is the power in which you put behind the punishment. So, I want you to show me exactly how hard you struck Starlight." She paused seeing her husbands eyes go a little wide.

"W-what? So, y-you want me to.... spank you?" He asked in surprise, only to gulp as she turned her flank around to him.

"What? You're against the idea? Or are you afraid that I would retaliate if I thought you struck Star too hard?" She smirked slightly seeing his apprehension. "Now then, do it." She spoke sharply causing him to nod.

As his horn gained in luminosity, the sun Goddess felt a sharp smack against her flank, surprising her and making her jump forward a little, giving a small buck to add to her surprise. After coming to a stop, she turned giving a slight frown as she looked at her flank, which was now turning a soft pink. That was, of course, until Midnight cocked a brow at her peculiar expression.

"Are you.... blushing?!" Midnight asked in surprise, only to answer his own question as he watched the Goddess lay her ears back in slight shame.

"I-I'm..... sorry. I forgot how long it has been since I was administered any such type of strike against my being. It was.... a little exhilarating." She tittered nervously only to pause and give a yelp as another quick hit landed across her flank. She turned back to Midnight with a full on blush, seeing his playful grin growing wider.

"So the Goddess of the sun likes to be punished eh?" He chuckled. "Well then, let's see what kind of punishments I can administer today." He chuckled seeing her ears perk up even though her whole body was slowly turning red.

XXX

After several hours of punishing the Goddess, the dark Alicorn had left the castle in order to make it to Ponyville for the evening. He would be spending the night with Rarity today, and was expecting her to be a little upset about what he had threatened to do to her sister. Knowing the white unicorn all too well, he would expect a harsh welcoming, and possibly a night on the couch if he was lucky. But, being Rarity, she had a tendency of throwing things at him when she was upset with something he had done. More than likely, he would have to dodge the sofa this time around. Maybe a few thousand needles as well.

As the dark Alicorn landed in front of Raritys home and workplace, he could already feel how cold the air was around the small building as he got closer. Giving a loud sigh and lowering his head a little, he trotted through the front door of the shop only to hear the bell above the door single his entry.

"Coooommiiiiiiing!" Came the cheerful sing song voice of the seamstress, only for her smile to turn sour upon seeing the Alicorn.

"Oh, it's you." She growled. "What do you want? I would figure that after threatening my sister, you wouldn't dare show your face in my home for at least a week." She spat, turning around and trotting back into the kitchen.

The Alicorn sighed again, trotting slowly behind her as he spoke. "I only did that so that she and Applebloom would understand how badly they screwed up." He paused as he made it into the kitchen to see Sweetie sitting quietly at the table, her ears laid back as she looked down toward the table.

"And how bad exactly did she screw up? I mean, was it so much so that you must threaten her with a beating in order to prevent it from happening again?" Rarity growled, hugging her sister lovingly.

"Yes, she screwed up that bad, I'm sure she told you what happened. Didn't she?" He asked, cocking a brow toward the young mare, only for her to wince slightly.

"She gave me the jest of it yes."

"Then I want you to think of this. Imagine yourself with our foal already born and several years old. Then have someone you love dearly and trust unconditionally, put that very foal in danger to the point of it almost losing its life for a stupid reason. Wouldn't you do the same? If not, worse?" He asked.

Rarity sat there for a moment as she mulled over the information. Humming softly she gave a nod as she spoke. "I do believe that I would do the same, yes. But Sweetie is still so young...." She paused as Sweetie interrupted.

"I'm 16 sis, geez." She groaned, stopping as Midnight gave a growl.

"Which means you're a young adult now, and shouldn't be doing stupid things like going into the Everfree forest when you know that alone could cause you to perish. So, I stand by what I said, and I will administer said punishments if you do something like that again." He snapped back.

"Rarity won't let you!" Sweetie snapped back to the Alicorn, only to pause at the look of anger that was slowly spreading across his face.

"I would watch my tongue if I were you Sweetie. I've already whipped Starlight today, I don't want to add another pony to that list." He growled, pausing as Rarity moved to in between the two.

"Stop it you two, this will only lead to somepony getting hurt." Rarity shouted as she looked pleadingly at her sister.

"Very well..." Midnight snorted as he turned, heading toward the stairs.

"I doubt he would do it sis, I bet he was lieing about hitting Star too." Sweetie spoke softly to her sister only to give a shriek as she was pulled into the air and away from her sister, toward Midnight.

"Of all the crap I've had to endure for my entire stay on this God forsaken planet, there is always that one little thing I have ignored for so long. That one little thing would be every single ponies disbelief that they are beyond punishment for doing something stupid. Sure the evil ones I've met know that there is a risk of punishment, but Celestia has always sought for imprisonment or a stern talking too!" He shouted right into Sweeties face.

"Put her down this instant!" Rarity shouted as her horn lit up, attempting to pull her sister from his magical grasp.

"NO! If the only way to get things through all of your heads is to beat it into them! Then so be it!" He growled as several sharp snaps echoed through the boutique, followed by several cries of pain from the young mare before she was dumped onto the floor. Rarity quickly coming over to her crying sister as she scrambled toward her. Rarity began to shout toward the Alicorn only to pause as she watched him head out the door.

"Where do you think your going?! Get back here and apologize!" She shouted.

Midnight paused in the doorway as his mane and tail grew a darker red. A soft purple mist floating up from his eyes as he slowly turned his head around to meet her gaze as he spoke.

"Do you need one as well?" He growled seeing her recoil in fear. "No? Then shut your trap! I'm going out for a while to cool off." He snapped as he turned and vanished in a flash of light.

Author's Notes:

Things will be getting darker from this point forward. You guys will thank me when it's over though.

Chapter 72

As the dark Alicorn stepped out of the boutique, he could already feel his anger at its peak. Why was he so mad? How was it that he was becoming so quick to anger? These questions alone angered him even further, to the point where he found himself liking it. But why? Why would he enjoy this feeling when it brought so much pain to those he loved? Maybe he would find out soon enough, or would he continue to let himself go... to the point of no return.

Continuing his trot through town, he would notice many ponies avoiding him. Averting their gaze, or turning their back to him, hoping that he wouldn't acknowledge them as he continued through the small town of Ponyville. It wasn't long before he finally made it to the edge of town and started down the path toward Sweet Apple Acres. Along the path he would come to pass his old home where Fluttershy and Big Macintosh lived with their two foals.

Coming closer to his old home, he could hear the playful giggles of the foals as they played outside. Giving a soft smile he continued listening to the laughter as it began to put him more at ease. He could feel his tension easing as he trotted by the home, listening to the sound of the youths as they played.

"I remember those days." He hummed to himself as he thought back to his childhood. All those times he would go to his friends houses and play games, never having to worry about tomorrow, just the now as they battled against one another as cowboys and indians.

As he continued along the path, the sounds of laughter died with the distance from his old home. Taking with it what tension it could, only for him to become a little more pensive as he neared the farmhouse just a few hundred yards away. By this time, the purple mist from his eyes had diminished completely, leaving his bright green eyes to take its place. Once he arrived at the farm house though, things would take on a different note.

"Well now, didn't figger ya'll show up tehday considering what ya'll said to ma lil sis." Applejack spat as she came out the front door of the large home, her sister at her side giving the dark Alicorn a glare that would ruin fruit.

"I didn't come here to fight AJ, I just wanted to let you know what happened is all, as I'm sure that Applebloom may have embellished a little on the truth." He sighed looking toward the young mare.

"Ya'll know Apples don't lie, so why ya'll wana spit inteh that bucket?" AJ snorted out, feeling as if her husband was calling her sister a liar.

"Considering she and Sweetie almost died, and almost killed my son, I think you, as well as she, owes me that much." Midnight growled back seeing AJ's glare soften as she looked back to a slightly whithering Applebloom.

"Fine, ah'll bite then. But ah want the whole truth, ya hear. Otherwise ya'll ain't gonna be welcome round these parts fer a while. Not til ah feel like ya deserve teh be here." AJ spat back, turning and heading back intot he farm house with her sister. Both not noticing the mist beginning to come up from Midnights eyes once again.

"Don't get mad.... don't get mad at her for that stupid comment... she wasn't there, so she couldn't possibly know what went on.... Applebloom just embellished the truth is all... I just need to straighten things out with AJ and everything will be ok." He thought to himself as he followed the two into the house, taking a seat across from them as he began to speak once more.

"You know the only way I can tell you the exact truth is by sharing my memories with you. But before I do that, I want to give Applebloom the opportunity to retell her side of the story. This way, we can avoid anything that may have been something... other than the truth... and to clear the air of anything that may have my actions look as though they were not called for." He stated flatly as he looked from his wife to his sister in law.

"Ahm sticking to what ah said. Ya'll didn't have teh say what ya did." Applebloom huffed, scooting closer to her sister on the couch.

"But I did, and nothing can change that now. You have your terms that you must adhere to now that you are aware that you could have cost yourselves, and my son, his life. I wouldn't expect you to know these feelings until you have had a foal yourself. So I won't hold it entirely against you. But your continued actions for believing that you are beyond any type of danger or punishment needs to come to a stop now. Before anything bad does happen to you or someone you love."

"Is that a threat?" AJ asked, glaring toward the Alicorn, making him growl, clenching his eyes shut in an attempt to quell his anger.

"No." He growled out through clenched teeth, taking a deep breath as he reopened his eyes, his horn starting to glow softly as he moved next to AJ. "I'll show you exactly what happened, and you can judge for yourself."

Within a few seconds the two were now in the long hallway within Midnights mind. Doors running the length of both sides of the hall.

"Awright then, show me." Applejack sighed as she looked up to her husband.

"Memories." He spoke out flatly causing a loud click to be heard for a moment just before both sides of the hallway began to slide past him. Slowing to a stop shortly after, the door was brought to in front of them with a small plaque to the side of it reading .'Please state the day and time of memories wanted.'

"Today, from the point of entering the Evefree, to now." He stated once again, the door humming softly for a moment before the plaque turned green, indicating the memory was ready. "AJ, before you open this, I'm letting you see the memories from every point up to the moment we entered into my mind. I'm now happy with what I did during that time, but I want you to know how I felt during those few moments."

Applejack gave a slight nod, worried about said memories as she reached a hoof up tot he door, pulling it open. After several seconds of letting the memories flood out, her flank hit the floor in disbelief as she continued to stare silently at the door as it closed. The dark Alicorn gave a sigh as he began to wrap his hooves around the farm pony, only to be pushed away.

"None'o that now, let's get back to the real world an talk. Ah don't right know how teh accept this info." She spoke out in slightly shuddering words.

With a nod, the dark Alicorn ended the spell, sending them back into reality, and regretting it as soon as he opened his eyes to see his wife glaring death at him.

"How could ya'll do that to Sweetie and Star?!" She spat quickly causing him to glare back, his voice turning into mroe of a growl than actual words.

"I did it to show them that they are not beyond getting hurt or disobeying something that is requested of them in order to keep them safe from harm. I also suspect that what Applebloom told you was not the entire truth now, was it?" He snorted out as his vision flicked back to the young mare whom was trying her best to hide behind her sister.

"Don't you even think about it, ah know what yer planning, an ah ain't gonna let ya. It don't matter if'n she fibbed teh me, what matters is ah know the whole truth now." AJ spat as she pulled her sister into a protective hug.

"You expect her not to face punishment for lieing not only to you, but also making me look like the bad guy?" He asked in astonishment.

"Ya'll kin see she's already scared. Ain't that enough?" She spoke out in worry upon seeing a mist slowly forming from her husbands eyes.

"She's been scared before, and done the same stupid thing time and time again. Don't you think that knowing she will be punished for such actions will keep her from doing them again?" He asked as his horn began to glow again.

"N-no! Ah don't want'im teh hurt me sis." Applebloom cried out as she held onto her sister for dear life, afraid of feeling the sting of punishment.

"Night, ya'll need teh go. Ya done scarred her enough, and it needs teh stop." AJ spat quickly, glaring at her husband with fervor.

The dark Alicorn huffed as he looked from the orange earth pony to her sister whom was sobbing into her sisters chest. Giving a sigh, his horn lost its glow as he stood and began his trot toward the door. "Fine, you've avoided punishment this time, but I will let you know this. If you ever put my son, or anypony in danger like that ever again, I'll administer your punishment myself. Is that understood?" He growled, looking sidelong toward the young mare as she nodded in understanding.

"Good, now I'm leaving. I need to blow off some steam, and I can't do it here." He growled as he headed out the front door, leaving one sobbing mare and a very angry wife in his wake.

XXX

After taking to the sky, the dark Alicorn could feel himself on the verge of erupting into a rage unlike any he had experienced before in his life. This anger that was welling up inside him was screaming for release, begging to be set free in one fell swoop. But he knew that he couldn't release it due to the power he held. Letting loose with that much power could do far more harm than good. Even letting his magic be completely drained to the point of turning him human would only cause the area and beings around him to be drained of magic. This information only did one thing, and that was tur further anger him to the point of making the mist erupt from his eyes, sending him onto the brink of becoming almost insane with anger.

But as soon as it began, it stopped as he set hoof onto a cloud as a smile spread across his face, his eyes flickering upward into the sky as they rested onto a celestial body floating in the planets orbit.

"There...." He trailed off as he remembered what Luna had said to him all that time ago. His horn lighting up brightly as he vanished into a bright flash of light.

Within a few seconds a loud snap erupted as the Alicorn reappeared on the surface of the moon, his horn still glowing as it ran a quick spell all around him. He released his breath, smiling as he took in a breath of fresh air before speaking.

"Looks like Luna was telling the truth. She did put an oxygen shield around the moon." He grinned for a moment before taking in another deep breath to the brink of hurting his chest. then letting loose with the most powerful and angry scream he could muster in order to relinquish his rage.

The very moon shook upon the stallion releasing the anger that had built up inside him. His rage only peeking as he began to scar the face of the celestial body with magical attacks and explosions that rocked the entire planet to its very core. It wasn't long before his magic had run dry and he was forced into his human form. Although his ability to destroy had been diminished to near nothing now, that did not stop him from hurling rock after rock, as hard as he could muster, into outer space.

Several hours had passed by, leaving the human panting and sore from his fit of rage. His body ached from the strain he had used in order to throw as many rocks as he could from the lunar surface, but it wasn't over just yet. Laying there, staring at the earth like planet floating in the depths of space, he gave a sigh.

"Why..." He trailed off as he rubbed his eyes. "Why do they not see all of the danger that they put themselves through on a daily basis? Why can't they understand that they are all acting like children?" He growled out.

"Because they have never seen what either of us have." Discord spoke out from nearby, causing the human to bolt upright and stare at him. "Oh don't give me that look. You can thank Luna for my presence here at this very moment." He sighed, rolling his eyes.

"Luna? But...." He trailed off as the draconequus raised a paw to stop him.

"She thought you needed a little time to yourself, and knew that you may do what she does on a regular basis." He groaned. "Though I had hoped it would be on the dark side of the moon." He tutted, looking around to see all of the scars the enraged Alicorn had left in his hissy fit.

"Why the dark side?" Charles asked in slight surprise before realising what the draconequus had said. "Wait.... you mean Luna comes up here and does this too?" He asked, only to hear the draconequus chuckle as he snapped his taloned paw, making the two vanish and reappear on the dark side of the moon. Upon looking around, the human stared in awe at how badly scarred the moon was. Deep gashes up to a hundred feet deep riddled the surface of the planet. all hid behind the darkness of that side of the moon.

"This explains a lot." Charles spoke out as he rubbed his chin in thought.

"Explains what?" Discord asked, cocking a brow.

"Why the moon only shows our planet the same side at all times. It spins in perfect unison with Equestrian Earth, and never too fast or too slow. It also explains why Luna is always so happy." He chuckled.

"Happy?"

"Yea, I'd be happy too if I could come up here and expend my fury ever so often." He laughed, kicking a stone into space. "Then I wouldn't always be such a dick to everyone."

"Then I guess we will have to come up here sometime and have a little fun." Discord chuckled, pulling the human into a sideways hug.

"Fun huh? I take it you come up here to blow off some steam too?" He asked seeing the draconequus smirk.

"In a manner of speaking, yes. But most of the time its just so I can relax in a fully chaotic atmosphere."

"Uh huh, I'm not even going to ask what you do up here." Charles groaned, rolling his eyes.

"Even if it meant going into a strip club filled with every celebrity female you've ever known, and all in their prime?" Discord grinned, snapping his talons once again and making a large strip club appear in front of them.

"Well... I guess, that sort of chaos would quench my thirst a little. But only a little." Charles smirked as the two walked toward the club.

Author's Notes:

I wrote this in just under 2 hours

Chapter 73

Several hours had passed by before the human turned Alicorn, and the God of Chaos himself, Discord, left the strip club on the moon. Charles had returned to his Alicorn state just over halfway through their trip into the club, while Discord couldn't help but notice something peculiar about the stallion. Taking a leap of faith, the draconequus spoke his thoughts.

"Sooooo." Discord trailed off for a moment, knowing what he was about to say could upset the dark Alicorn at his side. "I couldn't help but notice something... odd about you when you turned back into tall dark and gruesome." He chuckled, only causing Midnight to cock a brow at him.

"And that would be?" Midnight asked, a little curious.

"Well..." Discord trailed off once again as he manifested a mirror and held it out in front of Midnight to let him see his reflection.

"You have got to be kidding me..." Midnight stated flatly, clearly unamused as he gazed upon his reflection in the mirror.

Looking at himself in the mirror, the dark Alicorn could clearly see what the draconequus was talking about. Be it a joke, or the truth, it wasn't funny to him in the least as he gaze upon two yellow eyes with red pupils. Flicking his vision back to the draconequus he gave an annoyed snort.

"Fix it! That ain't funny!" He spat.

"I can't fix it! I didn't do it in the first place!" Discord spat back in worry.

"What the hell?! How am I supposed to get rid of this....." The Alicorn trailed off as what may have happened to him came to thought.

"Wait, I'm not acting like I did when I did before splitting into two ponies." He hummed to himself, going over the facts in his head, only to pause as he got a tap on his shoulder.

"Maybe it's because you're already a grumpy ass today, so it seems normal to you now." Discord snickered, pausing as he noticed the Alicorns expression of thought, rather than anger.

"Possibly... Or maybe its because when I absorbed your chaotic energy, I didn't absorb your idiocy with it." He snickered back causing Discord to look on at him in disbelief.

"Yep, I guess that stupid filter spell I put onto myself really worked." He grinned back toward the draconequus.

Discord let out a loud chortle as he brought the dark Alicorn into a sideways hug. "My friend, I do believe you have become a little more chaotic than your normal self, and I do believe that it is thanks to my own chaotic energy to boot."

"At least I don't feel like exploding and killing everything in sight right now..." He trailed off, a smile slowly creeping across his face. "But I do feel like I want to prank quite a few ponies." He smirked.

"My boy, I do believe that we are going to have quite a bit of fun today." Discord chuckled as he snapped his talons, making them vanish from sight.

XXX

"Ya'll, I'm sorry fer what night did." AJ began as she hugged the pink and purple maned mare before her. Sweetie giving a sniffle as she hugged back.

"It's ok, I'm not mad at him now. I know I shouldn't have done what I did, or said what I had. He looked so angry though, I've never seen him that made at anypony. I just wish I could undo what I did." She pouted, looking to the floor as she pulled away from the farmer.

"Still, ah don't think night's been himself lately. Ain't ya'll noticed him gettin a bit more.... aggressive?" AJ asked, thinking back several days.

"I know what you're talking about darling, he actually threatened me after striking Sweetie. Ever since poor Starlight was rescued, he has been rather.... strict. In so many words. Plus he actually said something peculiar right before striking Sweetie, now that I think of it." Rarity hummed to herself, rubbing her chin in thought.

"What'd he say?" AJ asked as the two ponies separated, taking their seats on the couch within the boutique.

"He said something along the lines that he has ignored everyponies disbelief that they are beyond punishment for their actions when doing questionable things. I am taking a guess he meant to what the crusaders did as fillies and many other ponies do that do things that would normally result in severe injury or death." She sighed, looking sidelong toward her sister.

"Hey, we don't do any of that stuff anymore. The crusaders have grown up and help other fillies and colts to get their cutiemarks now." She huffed.

"Still, going into the Everfree Forest Sweetie?" Rarity tutted.

"Yea... that wasn't very smart... but we are a lot bigger now, and I can use my magic really well! I could have...." She trailed off, thinking back to when the three of them had been captured by the plant pony in that dark basement.

"Sweetie, as much as I want to agree with you, I must side with Midnight. You did do something foolish, and probably thought you wouldn't get hurt. But the fact of the matter is that you and the others could have lost their lives had Celestia and Midnight not intervened, and I don't think I could live knowing that you perished." Rarity began to tear up, pulling her sister into a loving hug. "So no more of this silly nonsense with doing dangerous things, ok?" She asked, seeing her sister nod as she pulled away slightly.

"Good, now all that is left is to speak to that Alicorn and get him out of his funk." The white unicorn smiled softly, knowing that when Midnight was upset, not much could pull him out of his funk.

"Maybe..." She paused, running a hoof over her belly. "Maybe I should go to the doctor and see if they can tell what I will be having in the near future." She smiled warmly, knowing that being a mother would soon be in her future. "And you as well darling." She giggled seeing Applejack blush brightly before looking down to her own belly and giving a smile.

"Yea, ah guess it wouldn't hurt. Ya'll wanna come too Sweetie? At least ya'll'd know what yer gonna be an aunt to." She chuckled seeing the alabastor mare beam.

"SURE!" She squeaked out in a broken tone, far too happy to care about her previous punishment just hours earlier.

Chapter 74

It had taken a little bit of time, but Rarity, along with Applejack had managed to visit the hospital to see what type of foal, and gender they would be. Although AJ was a little shocked by her information, Rarity was just ecstatic hers. Now the two, along with their younger siblings, were headed back into town to see if they could locate the disgruntled Alicorn that had given them this gift of life.

"Oh my, we need to start picking out names my dear. And to think, mother and father always thought they would never get a grandfoal from me." Rarity tittered as the four trotted along.

"Yea, it's a big surprise awright. Ah mean, ah never thought ah'd find a stallion worth a spit teh raise a youngin with. Everyone ah've gone out with has been a bit dumb, or self centered. Glad ah could find a good stallion in Night though. That poor feller is one of a kind." AJ smirked, thinking back to all the things that he had done for her and her family in the past.

"Yes, he is quite a catch. But just imagine, had I not used my magic that day, oh so long ago, we wouldn't be here at this very moment. With all of the chaos that this world has gone through, and the destruction caused by all of those brutish beings, I'm surprised we've made it this far." The white unicorn groaned out, thinking about all of the death and destruction that previous enemies had caused to this planet.

"True, so ah guess everypony owes ya one then." AJ chuckled, giving the unicorn a nudge.

"Let us not go that far darling. I am just glad that things turned out so well from a simple mistake. I don't know what I would do in the afterlife had that been the outcome. I mean, do they have need for fashionistas? Or is everypony simply dressed fabulously and that is the end of it?" Rarity hummed, thinking over what the afterlife would hold for someone who actually passed on.

"Well, ahm guessing things would be right fine in the afterlife. Ma an Pa sent me a few letters telling me about it, and what it was like when they passed on. Ah don't right know, but the only thing that makes the afterlife unbearable to them, is not being able teh see their foals and living relatives. Kinda like a reverse of when we miss those that have already passed on. We can't see'em anymore, but we know they're in a better place, waiting on us teh join'em in time."

Rarity and the others stood there, giving a soft nod and meek smile, thinking about some of those that they were close to in the past that had passed on, leaving them and their loved ones with only the memories that they cherished. They would all have a tough time with the loss, but would eventually accept that those that they loved were not only in a better place, but missed them just as much as they were missed.

"Anyway, enough with all the sad talk. I thought we were going to try and find Midnight to tell him about my future niece." Sweetiebelle giggled, knowing that the Alicorn was going to flip upon hearing that he was going to have two more daughters in the near future.

"Yes Sweetie, we will find him..... or." Rarity smiled as she remembered something.

"Or I could just contact him now." She grinned.

"Contact him now? How?" AJ asked, giving her head a little scratch in confusion.

"Darling, don't you remember that spell he cast on everypony. The communication one that can send a telepathic message from us to him?" Rarity stated with a cocked brow, only to make AJ facehoof once she remembered.

"Ah done forgot about it." She chuckled. "Well then, no time like the present Rare"

"Midnight Flame." Rarity stated in a monotone as she began to speak through thought toward her husband.

"Darling, are you there?"

"What the..... Rarity? Are you alright? Why did you use the communication spell, you know it's strictly for emergencies." Midnight spoke through the link causing the unicorn to flinch slightly.

"No dear, everything is fine, but Applejack and I had some news that might make you rather happy. If you'll come to Ponyville of course, and meet us at the library." Rarity stated through the link, giving a slight hint of playfulness.

"Well, I guess so. I mean, I've got to take care of something afterward, but yea, I can make it. Want me to teleport there now?"

"No darling, we will be there in about ten minutes. Teleport then, it will give us enough time to chat a little."

"Alright." He spoke in a slightly worried tone before the connection was canceled.

"Ok girls, he will meet us at the library in ten minutes." Rarity beamed as they strode up to said location.

"Boy howdy..... Night is gonna flip when he hears about this." AJ spoke out, slightly worried about what Midnights reaction would be. Considering he had been rather aggressive as of late, this could be a turning point in his life. Would he be ecstatic, or even more worried now that he had two daughters on the way? Time would tell very shortly.

XXX

"Well that was weird." Midnight sighed catching Discords attention.

"What was?"

"Rarity contacted me through the telepathic spell I put on everypony, said that she and AJ have something to tell me when I meet them at the library shortly." He smirked slightly, the draconequus giving one in return as he patted the stallions withers.

"Well them go on my boy, no time like the present." He chuckled, only to stop upon seeing Midnight raise a hoof and point to his eyes.

"And what do you think they will say upon see this?"

"Riiiiight, that little thing. Well... how about you just use a guise spell on them, turn them back to their original color?"

At that, Midnights hoof met his face. "I wish that sometimes I would think of the simplest task instead of trying to find the hardest." He groaned as his horn lit up, casting a guise spell on his eyes to reurn them to their original color. After a few seconds the task had been accomplished.

"There you go! Now head back to Ponyville, I'm sure those girls of yours will have something that even you can't help but smile about." Discord chuckled.

"Yea, but I'm still going to worry over having some of your power until it's gone. I mean, how do I purge that kind of energy? Do I just do it like I would my normal magic?"

"Well, seeing as it is chaotic energy, I would suggest doing something.... chaotic." The draconequus chuckled again, waving his hand about in a suggestive manner.

"I'm not really into doing chaotic things bro." Midnight groaned, stopping upon seeing Discords deadpanned expression. "Alright! Fine! I do chaotic shit all the time, I just don't consider it that because most of those times were beyond my control."

Discord laughed giving the dark Alicorn a rough pat on the back. "Well then, I guess you had better learn what is and is not chaotic. OH! I know, I'll teach you about chaos and all of its glorified fun!"

"Uh huh, and have Tia and Luna put us both in stone for an unknown amount of time. Sorry, but I just got out of prison a short time ago, and I don't plan on ever going back." Midnight groaned.

"Oh fine you big baby. I guess you'll just have to learn how to control it on your own then." He smirked, disappearing from sight.

"What? Wait a sec, what'd you mean by that?! DISCORD! Come back here!" Midnight shouted only for it to fall upon deaf ears.

"That little shit! He knows something I don't about this energy, and he knows it's going to cause trouble, that's why he said that!" The Alicorn growled out as his horn lit up with magic, teleporting him to Ponyville.

XXX

As the girls waited in the library for their husband to arrive, they idly chatted with one another. The three pregnant mares and two of their sisters, finding quite a bit of excitement in the fact that Midnight was now going to be a father of not only two little fillies, one from Applejack and the other from Rarity, but also a set of twins from Twilight, one being a filly, the other a colt. The only information left from that though, was that Twilight had not divulged what species the two would be.

"Oh come now Twilight, you simply must tell us what the little ones are going to be!" Rarity swooned, desperetly wanting to know if they foals were going to be a unicorn or other species of pony.

"I'll let you two know what they will be once Midnight gets here and you tell him what yours will be first. As much as I would like to tell you now, I don't know how well you two would save face upon finding out." Twilight giggled, know that her fellow brides were going to freak out upon finding out the information themselves.

As Rarity was about to continue protesting, the group hear a loud snap just outside the library, signalling that Midnight had most likely arrived. The apple farmer quickly trotted over to the window to see Midnight coming up to the door, in turn making her rush back over to her fellow brides.

"It's him, hoo boy ahm more nervous than a long tailed cat in a room full of rocking chairs." AJ stated as she tugged her stetson from her head and fanned herself for a moment.

Before the others could comment, the door to the library opened revealing the dark Alicorn in question, it closing behind him as he quickly came over to his ladies and taking a seat.

"Alright you three, what in the world did you need to see me about that was so important that Rarity had to use the telepathic link to get me here?" He smirked slightly as he looked between his brides.

"Well, darling.... I know that lately you've been rather upset, and quite strict on a few things ever since little Star and our sisters were caught in a dangerous situation. So we decided to help ease your tension by giving you a surprise." Rarity cooed toward him as he just noticed Sweetie and Applebloom peeking from around the corner, both beaming so big that it seemed a little eery.

"From the looks of those two I'm guessing they are about to explode from finding out about it before me." Midnight chuckled nodding toward the kitchen as the two young mares trotted out with a sheepish smile across their faces.

"O'course! This is some big news after all." AJ chuckled. "Rare, would ya do the honors?"

"Of course dear!" She beamed as she cleared her throat a little. "Midnight, darling, I am going to be having a little filly, unicorn." She beamed as her eyes teared up a little. Midnights smile almost breaking his face as he beamed in return.

"Applejack is going to be having a little earth pony filly, and Twilight...." She trailed off hearing the lavender unicorn clear her throat.

"I..... I'm going to have, a little filly and colt...... Alicorns" She meekly smiled as she looked at the shocked expression spread across not only her fellow brides faces, but the look of astonishment on her husbands.

"Twi.... are you kidding me? Seriously?!" Midnight spoke out in shock.

"No, It's true. Bob told me some time back." She giggled nervously, tracing a hoof around in a circle on the floor.

As the silence crept on, it was replaced by a shuddering breath, causing the three mares to look toward the Alicorn as tears streamed down his face. They quickly coming over to him and wrapping him in a hug as he sobbed happily, hugging them in return. Although it didn't last long, it felt like an eternity to them as they all sat in the glow of soon to be parenthood. It had been a long time coming, but things had finally fallen into place, and the next piece of the puzzle would set the foundation for the future to come.

However, sometimes the puzzle pieces may come loose from the framework, causing the rest to crumble. But we'll see what happens then, shall we?

Chapter 75

The day had come to a close for Midnight, giving him more happiness than he had ever experienced in life until now. Finding out that he was going to be a father to three little fillies, along with another colt, had made him the proudest, and happiest father in the entire universe. It was a shining moment for him, and he, of course, was going to talk about it constantly. The only agony that he would have to experience, would be the eleven months that would need to pass before the foals were born.

During that time however, he would have plenty of things to do, and many places to go. As of this moment though, he was talking to a very select few pegasi that were now assigned to guard his only living son. Though the Wonderbolts were the most elite flyers in Equestria, they were also quite stubborn when it came to royal decisions, as Midnight would quickly come to find out.

"Seriously?! You're assigning several of the Wonderbolts to guard Star permanently?!" Rainbow Dash spoke out in utter disbelief.

"Yes Dash, and you're the captain, so I expect you to live up to the title and make sure that he stays out of trouble." Midnight snorted out in slight annoyance.

"I thought that's what parents do, not the baby sitter." She groaned out, halting as she felt the room start to get slightly warmer. Slowly turning her head toward the dark Alicorn she gave a nervous gulp, backing up slightly as she noticed that his demeanor had quickly changed from his normal state, to something a little more, intimidating.

"Are you going to continue to argue over this, or are you going to shut your trap and do your job?" He growled out as his eyes began to emit a tiny trail of purple mist, his pupils flashing to a red before turning back to their normal emerald green.

"I'm going to argue of course." She began again. "What gives you the right to just up and give us orders like that?"

At this, Midnight could no longer contain himself. He had sworn that he would never say what he was about to say, but now was not the time to look bad, especially in front of the entire platoon of Wonderbolts.

"You know Dash, I've asked myself that same question many times before. What gives me the right..." He trailed off as his horn lit up, causing his regalia to quickly manifest onto his frame. He slowly turned back toward the pegasus as he trotted toward her.

"As your friend, I would expect you to help me in my time of need. Much as I have done for you in the past." He glared, causing her to back peddle. "I'm not asking much from you, just some time to protect something that I love and cherish when I cannot be around to do so. Do you know how much trust a single pony has to have from me in order to do that? They have to have my complete trust, not only for me to let them protect something that is irreplaceable. But something that I would kill any living being, and destroy anything in existence in order to keep safe. This trust that I have given you does not come to everyone Dash, it only goes to those that I know how to get the job done, and do it right."

"Still, we have shows to perform... what about those?" She asked cocking a brow.

"Fine then, only three of you will stay. I know that your team has more than enough capable fliers to go to the shows and perform. So then, what do you say to that? Does it seem like a fair decision?" The dark Alicorn asked as he loomed slightly over the pegasus.

"Well... I guess, but which of my team are you going to assign for guard duty?" She asked, hoping that it wouldn't be her.

"You are the captain now, so you're my first choice. As for the other two, I trust your decision on which ones to choose." He smiled warmly to her.

"You can't pick me though, I mean, I need to keep these guys in line during the shows. Do you know how badly our reputation will take a hit if one of them screws up and I'm not there to fix it?" She stated in disbelief, only to hear the others begin to argue with her in the background, clearly not happy about the remark.

"ENOUGH!" Midnight shouted out in the royal whee. "If you're not going to do this as my friend after everything I've already done for you, given you! Then I am ordering this as your king! You will guard my son until I see fit. I do not want to hear any further back talk, or questioning of my orders. You will comply, and do your job."

Rainbow, at this point just gawked in astonishment. Never once had Midnight taken the liberty of his title to this length. The dark Alicorn had always been so nice to her, given her so much freedom to do what she wanted, even in the Wonderbolts. But this... this was something Dash couldn't stay quiet on.

"Or what?!" She growled back, glaring toward the towering pony before her. That glare quickly vanished however as she watched Midnights horn light up before feeling a tingling sensation around her frame, then a slight weight change as everything became not only a few ounces lighter, but less confining.

"As of this moment Rainbow, your title as Captain of the Wonderbolts, has been stripped. You will remain on unpaid leave from the guard until I see fit. It seems that your loyalties lie elsewhere now that your head has grown too accustomed to the shape of Captain of the Wonderbolts.

"YOU CAN"T DO THAT!" Rainbow shouted angrily toward the Alicorn, seizing up quickly within his magic as he shouted right in her face.

"I JUST DID!" He snapped. "And if you want to spend a week in the dungeon, then keep talking! Otherwise, shut the hell up and get out of my sight!" He roared out as he quickly teleported the pegasus from the room, leaving the rest of the Wonderbolts in complete shock.

"Is there anypony else that wants to argue?" He snapped toward them, watching them all shake their heads. "Good, now who was second in command? I know Spitfire retired a while back, so somepony else must be next in line after Dash."

After a few seconds, a light blue pegasus with a dual striped orange mane stepped forward, lowering her goggles to around her neck as she spoke.

"I was next in line sire. Name's Lightning Dust." She smiled meekly toward her king, he giving one in return. She paused though seeing the Alicorns horn light up.

"Very well then, You are now the temporary Captain of the Wonderbolts. You will remain as such until Rainbow Dash decides to pull her head out of her ass and act like a true captain. If she doesn't, then expect your position to become permanent. Understood?" He asked seeing seeing her look at the medal that she now had adorning her chest.

Smiling widely, the pegasus gave a proud salute toward her king as he spoke up once more.

"Good, now pick the top two ponies from your team and take them to Starlights quarters. One of you will take position outside of his balcony, out of view from him, while the other two will remain at his door. Your duties have already been sent via scroll to a small table outside his room. Follow those and do not falter. You will protect him with your lives just like the unicorn guard I have stationed there."

"Why do you need us if you have unicorn guards there though?" She asked.

"Because unicorns cannot fly." He snorted in annoyance. "Now get your flanks in gear. Report any unusual activity through the telepathic link I've given to all of the guard."

"Yes sir!" She stated quickly before turning and pointing to two of her fellow Wonderbolts. "You two, follow me."

"The rest of you, get back to your plans for the shows you need to attend. I will call you if needed." Midnight stated as he dismissed them all.

XXX

After Rainbow Dashs sight returned, she found herself in the middle of Ponyville, with several ponies staring oddly at her. Giving a low growl, she flared her wings just before rocketing into the sky, silently cursing the Alicorn that had just taken her title, and possibly her dream from her. Giving an audible snort, she quickly gained speed heading back toward Canterlot, leaving a sonic rainboom in her wake.

After only a couple minutes of flight, the pegasus had arrived in the royal city of Equestria and landing just outside the main gate to the castle. Moving quickly toward the gate, she was halted by a pair of guard with lances.

"Wha.... hey, let me in! Do you know who I am?!" She spoke our in a growl.

"Yes, we do, and we have been notified that you are to remain outside of the castle until given permission to enter by the king or queen only. Until that time you are to keep your distance. We have also been instructed to toss you into the dungeon should you attempt to enter, so please..." The guard trailed off as he gave her a nervous smile. "Please don't make us have to fulfill that order Dash."

The pegasus growled out once again, stomping the ground in a fury as she got ready to launch herself into the air, halting as the guard cleared his throat, coming forth and speaking softly into her ear.

"Dash, I know I could get into a lot of trouble for this, but there is a hidden path you can take to get inside the castle. One that would be devoid of any guards. Take the ally way on the eastern side of the castle that seems a little more narrow than it should be. Then find the stone in the wall that looks different from the rest. Press it and it will open a doorway."

Dash stood there for a moment giving a determined smile and nod.

"Thanks, I owe ya one." She stated softly as she took off down the street to the designated location. The guard just giving a smirk as he turned and went back to his position beside he fellow guard at the gate.

"I can't believe you did that to her." The other guard sighed. "You do know she'll be caught and probably tossed into the dungeon."

"Yea, that's why I did it. Just glad she didn't recognize me or I'd be in a world of hurt right now." The pegasus chuckled. "She'll get her just deserts for breaking my wing all those years back. I was going to be a Wonderbolt, but that idiot decided it'd be fun to cause me to crash into a cloud that was right next to a mountain. I fell several hundred feet and shattered my left wing after that. Took me two years to be able to fly again. In my pinion, I'd like to see her wings clipped." He spat out in disgust, thinking about the hardship he had to go through all those years ago.

"That seems a little harsh, but I can feel your pain." His unicorn friend groaned. "She caused a lot of problems every time she was admitted into the hospital in Ponyville. She's the reason I actually quit being an orderly there, and it was freaking awesome pay."

"Then consider this some revenge for yourself as well. She'll get hers soon enough." The pegasus chuckled back.

Down the street and around the corner though, Dash was making her way down a small ally way that seemed to narrow around her as she went along. The walls seemed to warp and close in on her, making things feel more confined than they really were. Humming to herself, she spread her wings out causing the tips to press against the walls as she trotted slowly along. Although the walls seemed to be only a foot from her on either side, they were well past that.

A minute passed by as she walked along, looking at the wall to try and find the stone that would give her access to the castle. Normally she would just up and fly over the gate and straight into the palace, but Midnight had taken the liberty of placing a shield around the castle that would keep any pony from flying directly in. The would need to use the gates, or have a visitor spell cast on them so that they could move freely around the castle and the rest of Canterlot without bumping into the shield.

As she hummed over that thought, she finally located the stone in question along the wall. Giving it a quick tap, it caused a soft rumble to be heard as the coblestone wall fell back, opening a small door for the pegasus to go through.

"Alright, now it's time to find that fat head and talk some sense into him." She snorted as she trotted through the door, it quickly closing behind her.

Chapter 76

"Why didn't that pony tell me which way to go when I got in here?!" Rainbow Dash groaned out as she hit another dead end down, yet, another long corridor.

The pegasus had been walking for what seemed like hours to her. On several occasions she would run across a small grate that would allow just a smidgen of light through to help illuminate her way, but now that the evening had rolled in, the light was quickly fading, making her little trip through this secret passage, a possible dangerous encounter.

Making her way around another corner, the pegasus came to a stop as she listened, swiveling her ears forward upon hearing soft chatter in the distance. Giving an internal cheer she quickly flew down the corridor in the dim light, and making a quiet landing near the voices as they continued on in conversation.

"I'm telling ya Dust, Dash is going to get booted from the Bolts if she don't get her head out of her flank. I mean, I know she and the king had a thing in the past, and he even helped her get into the squad. But that don't give her no right to just up and tell him she ain't gonna watch his kid. I mean it's a cake job! The squirt is sitting in his room playing with Fleet Foot right now, and we're all getting paid to do this." Soarin laughed as he peeked into Starlights room, seeing the foal playing with the Wonderbolt.

"Yea, it's a cake job alright." Lightning Dust sighed, laying her ears back, looking away in what felt like shame. "I still wish Dash wasn't so hot headed. It's like she turned into what I was like when I got kicked out of the Wonderbolts academy the first time. I got lucky the second time around and they accepted me back in. It was hard, but I managed to graduate and become a Bolt. Dash on the other hoof, seemed to take up my old habits. Hot-headed, stubborn, selfish. Heh, she doesn't even seem like the element of loyalty now, does she." She smirked slightly to Soarin, he just rubbing his withers nervously.

"Well, yea.... I mean.... ah who am I kidding. Ever since she became captain, she's turned into a complete jerk. Always bossing us around and thinking she's better than the rest of us. Her training exercises are almost to hard to do as well. It's crazy that she even thinks we can do half of the stuff she pushes herself to the brink to do. I think I even saw her laugh at that one pegasus that crashed while trying to do one of her signature tricks. It's sickening being under her hoof since she's the captain."

"Was, the captain, and let's keep it that way. Everything'll be better under my guidance. No more harsh training exercises. No more killing ourselves just to please some pony that sits too high up on her pedestal. And if there is one thing I'll do, it's giving us all a well deserved break that lasts more than just a few days. Maybe I could ask Midnight to give us a weeks paid vacation after all this is over with. You know, to give the bolts something to look forward to for all their hard work." Dust smirked back toward the light blue pegasus at her side.

"We'll see." He chuckled. "But seeing as the king has been a real hard ass lately, I doubt he'll be in the mood to give such liberties. I mean, what he did to Dash was a bit extreme, even for him." Soarin sighed.

Dash, at this moment, was seething with so much rage that she was grinding her teeth. Never had she been talked about in such a manner. But, after a moment, she hung her head, giving a soft sniffle as she turned to head back in the direction she had come from.

"They're right. I messed up big time." She sighed to herself. "And now I'm stuck in the Celestia foresaken place, with no way to get...." She paused as her hoof pressed down onto a stone, pushing it further into the ground and causing a soft click to be heard. A large section of the wall opening up slowly causing a loud grinding noise to echo about as the stone wall slid across the floor before becoming flush with its adjacent wall.

There, standing before her were Lightning Dust and Soarin. Both of which who looked at her in shock for a moment, that was, of course, until Lightning Dust gave a smirk, flaring her wings out.

"Trespassing on castle grounds after the king forbid you from returning is a serious crime Dash. So then, are you going to come quietly, or...." Lightning Dust was suddenly cut off as Dash sucker bucked her with epic speed, sending her through Starlights door and making her crash right into the block castle that he and Fleet Foot had built.

"Later." Dash shouted as she bolted down the hall, only to seize up, mid flight, within a unicorns magical grasp.

"And where do you think you're going prisoner?" The guard grinned evilly as he watched the expression of horror play across Dashs face. "I do think the king would love to see you once again." He snickered out as LIghtning Dust landed next to him, rubbing her jaw with a hoof for a moment before reaching into her saddle bag to pull out a pair of cuffs and wing restraint, quickly placing them onto the Rainbow maned pegasus.

"Oh he will see her again, but with some new accesories." Lightning Dust laughed as the pegasus let Dash go right as Dust bucked her upside the head, knocking her out cold.

Dust gave a growl, spitting some blood to the side as she spoke. "Take the traitor to the king, he said he would deal with her personally if she came back against his warning."

"I do think that this is going to be rather interesting to watch." The unicorn guard laughed as he levitated the unconscious pegasus from the floor and onto his back as he trotted down the hallway.

XXX

"What the hell is wrong with me?! Why am I getting pissed of so easy? I'm never like this, not to anyone or anything!" Midnight growled to himself as he paced back and forth within the castles garden, attempting to calm his nerves through the beautiful scenery that was all around him.

"And it's only gotten worse since I absorbed some of Discords chaos energy. Oh God I hope I don't end up splitting into two parts again. I don't think this world could handle another evil me." He groaned out, taking a seat on the grass and rubbing his face with his forehooves.

Just as he was about to pull his hooves away though, he heard the soft thud of hooves hitting the grass as they came near. Pulling himself upright quickly, he turned to see a unicorn guard and Lightning Dust standing there proudly with an unconscious Rainbow Dash floating within the unicorns magic.

"I take it Dash decided to go against my orders?" Midnight spoke out in a calm tone, his eyes narrowing as he glare toward the pegasus.

"We caught her coming out of one of the secret passages next to Starlights room. She surprised me and bucked me into his room. Fleet Foot and Soarin are still stationed at his chambers though." Dust stated as she nodded to the unicorn guard, letting him know to set the pegasus onto the ground.

"Alright then, thank you for bringing her to me. You're dismissed, please head back to your post and notify me of anything else." Midnight stated as his horn lit up, jerkily bringing the rainbow maned pegasus toward him through the air.

As the two ponies watched their king pull the pegasus toward him before dropping her onto a bench, they couldn't help but feel a chill run down their spines. Something felt off about the king, something... unnatural. But they would not get the chance to determine if their suspicions were accurate, as he quickly teleported away, along with the Element of loyalty.

"I've got a bad feeling about this." The guard stated worriedly as the two turned. heading back to their posts.

XXX

In a small flash of light, Midnight and Rainbow Dash appeared within the dungeon of the castle. Dash lay quietly on the ground of the cell that they were in, while Midnight stood over her giving a disapproving look. Sighing softly, he began to pace back and forth in front of her. All the while, the purple mist slowly rising from his eyes as his vision continued to flick down to her as the memories of recent events began to play through his head.

"Ow.... what happened?" Dash groaned out as she attempted to rub her head, only for her hoof to stop part way as her shackles caught it. She tugged once more before her eyes flickered open seeing them, then trying to unfold her wings only for them to halt as the restraints held them tightly to her sides.

"What the?! HEY! Why am I shackled.... up?" She trailed off as she quickly noticed Midnight looming over her, his fire mane and tail giving the small room an eery glow.

"Because you defied my orders and attempted to get into the castle." He growled.

"Only because I wanted to talk some sense into that fat head of yours! Do you even realize how unreasonable you're being?! You never acted like this before, so what changed you?!" Dash snapped.

"What changed me?" Midnight growled back, getting right into her face. "How about the death of my daughter? How about two ponies taking my son into the Everfree forest and almost getting him killed? How about the fact that every single pony I have met thinks they are beyond any type of punishment other than a semi stern talking to? How about the fact that all of this has caused me to think twice about how badly this world needs some sterner laws in order to make the populace understand that death is only a breath away from one single ignorant action? Are those good enough reasons Dash?!" He snapped back, making her recoil.

"Night.... I'm.... sorry." She sighed. "I know that losing Marina was hard, and having Star's life being put in danger was bad too. But still... You need to relax a little. I'm sure everything will work out." She attempted to comfort him, only for him to glare death at her.

"What about the fact that the Element of Loyalty seems to have too big of an ego to do her job properly?"

Dashs face quickly contorted to anger as she spat back. "What is that supposed to mean?! You have no clue what its like to have to keep a team in line for shows, and to keep them fit for battle in case they're called in for royal duties!"

"Don't I?" He smirked. "Let me tell you about what I go through on a weekly basis Dash. I check in with the Elite guard and new trainees to make sure they are being trained properly. I sometimes shift into a guise of different ponies in order to get a behind the scenes look at what is going on within the guard. If they complain that things are too hard, I try to alleviate some of the tension as time permits by letting them take a few days off to recuperate. If some of them are found to be slacking too much and not doing what they are supposed to, I have them removed from the guard. The same is said for the Wonderbolts. So don't think I haven't noticed how hard you work them all the time. Even when I've been part of the flight teams training, I have had a hard time keeping up with your regime. You over work them to an extreme. When they do have a day off to relax, they can't move in order to enjoy it. You call me strict right now, but you're the hardest pony to push others when you're in charge."

"You were part of the team? But... when?!" She asked in shock.

"On several occasions. I've always shown up in uniform, so you've never actually seen my cutie mark." He grinned slightly seeing her look of realization.

"That explains how you know so much about what's going on in the academy. Still..."

"Still?" He asked giving her a questioning glance.

"What do you plan on doing with me now? You can't possibly keep me here." She smirked slightly, knowing that her friend wasn't that cold.

"And why not?" He stated bluntly causing her to give a nervous gulp. "You disobeyed a direct order from your king, twice, not to mention that you seem to think you deserve your position as the captain of the Wonderbolts. What makes you think you don't deserve some time, confined, in this little hole in the ground?" He asked, seeing her shocked expression.

"Second chance?" She chuckled nervously, feeling the air begin to get cold around her.

"But I've already given you a second, and a third. Yet you still have the gawl to ask for another just to test your limits with me?" He snorted right in her face. "No Dash, your punishment for this time, is a week in the hole. You will get three meals a day, and no exercise for your wings."

"THAT'S NOT FAIR!" She shouted, only to be pressed backawards and into the wall by the Alicorns magic as he got right in her face, yaelling.

"I DECIDE WHAT'S FAIR! One week, in the hole. I realize that once you're released that you will need to exercise your wings to get them back in shape. However, knowing you, you will be at the top of your game and pushing yourself to the limits in less that two weeks. This will also help you to remember that when you are asked to do something by your king that wouldn't hurt you in the least to do, you should consider doing it. Otherwise.... well...." He waved a hoof around the dark cell showing her the situation she had caused for herself. "Now then, I'll leave you to your waiting." He smirked as he vanished in a flash of light. Dash left there gawking in disbelief.

XXX

Midnight reappeared within Celestias quarters, startling the white Alicorn as she was just getting ready for bed. Giving a sigh, he headed over to the bed giving her a nuzzle as they both climbed into it.

"Night... you're letting your anger take hold again." Celestia cautioned.

"I know, I'm sorry..." He sighed, trailing off. "I just need to take a break, maybe talk to my folks a little."

"Then why not go and see them? I am sure that our daughter wouldn't mind a visit from her loving father. Plus, it wouldn be a good chance to talk to mother and father, maybe even ask them about how they ran things when they were still alive." She smiled pulling the dark Alicorn into a loving hug.

"Yea... I guess it wouldn't hurt." He chuckled. "But if Garret picks a fight with me again..." He growled out, the mist starting to lift further from his eyes.

"Don't worry about him. Just go and see our daughter. I'm sure some time spent with her will make everything ok." Celestia smiled.

"Alright... See you in a few." He smiled, laying down next to her as his horn lit up, surround him in light.... before it turned to darkness.

After a few seconds of shaking his head to clear the fog, he looked around himself, gawking in disbelief at what he was seeing.

"Well well well..... this is a big surprise." Came a laughing growl from behind the Alicorn. "And here I thought Flame was just pulling our legs."

Midnight whipped around to see someone who he knew, would be the one being in all of creation he never wanted to meet again. He watched as the being before him gave a sweeping bow as he spoke.

"Midnight my boy.... welcome.... to Tartarus." He laughed maniacally as he rose to his full height, giving an evil grin that could freeze the blood in your very veins.

"Satan..... no.......... this can't be possible...." Midnight trailed off in shock.

Chapter 77

As the dark Alicorn looked around himself, he would verify that he was, indeed, in Tartarus. But how, and why, was the question. Every single time he had done that spell to move into the afterlife to see is loved ones, it had worked perfectly. How was this time any different?

"Confused my boy?" Satan asked as he gave a chuckle upon seeing Midnight glare at him.

"Somewhat, but I'm sure I'll figure it out in no time." He spat back. "So if you'll excuse me." He turned around only to stop as he almost ran into Satan whom reappeared in front of him quicker than he could blink.

"What's the rush? You don't think you're going to be leaving here, are you?" The dark prince of the underworld stated with a slight pout, then began to laugh maniacally once again. "Oh no, you're going to be here for a very long time indeed." He snickered.

"I doubt that." Midnight smirked as his horn lit up, making him vanish for a couple of seconds, then reappearing back in the same spot once again. "What the?!" He blinked, attempting to teleport once again only to end up in the same spot once more, letting out a growl of annoyance.

"I control what goes on down here, which includes your magic." Satan snorted out, starting to get bored with the situation.

"Really now? So my magic won't work?" Midnight asked giving an annoyed glare. Then how about this?" He grinned as he closed his eyes for a moment, feeling the chaos energy he had unknowingly siphoned from Discord earlier begin to course through him and into his horn, emitting a yellow glow.

The ground all around the two began to shake softly as stones began to slowly float up and away from it. Several large splits cracked the ground revealing the glowing lava beneath as Midnight continued channeling the magic from the God of Chaos.

"Well well well..... seems that Flame failed to mention this little tidbit when he was here." Satan sighed, waving his hand to halt the magic, only to fail. "What?!" He snapped in a fury as he waved a hand again only to fail. "What mockery is this that I......" He paused, moving back to a neutral position. "So it's true....." He hummed, floating silently around the Alicorn as he continued to glare back.

"What would be true?" Midnight asked as he glared back, halting his magic.

"An assumption I had, but don't worry, I'm still sure that I can hurt you in many other ways." Satan cackled madly as he bolted at the Alicorn, smashing his fist right into his face for what seemed like a clean hit, only to pass right through his body.

The dark Alicorn stood there blinking in a semi stunned defensive position. He had never seen anything move so fast in his life, much less fail at hitting him with what seemed like a fatal blow. Snapping back to reality, Midnight turned around quickly, igniting his horn and sending out a beam of magic toward Satan only for it to pass straight through him.

"It seems that you cannot hurt me either...." Satan trailed off upon seeing the beam travel straight through him. Standing, he quickly brushed his shoulders, sending small flicks of black smoke from them like dust. "So I guess that will leave us at a stale mate.... for a time." He grinned evilly. "Until such a time as I can properly welcome you into our little family down here, you are free to roam. Just remember this though. I may not be able to hurt you, but that doesn't mean anyone you meet will have the same ability. So don't ask questions that you know you shouldn't. Otherwise..." He trailed off, manifesting a random damned soul to within his grasp, quickly tearing the flesh from it and tossing it into a pool of liquid salt. Midnight stood there in horror upon hearing the screams of agony that the soul was wailing out before finally disappearing below the liquid.

"You're a sick and twisted monster." Midnight growled out as the mist from his eyes began to grown further and further upward.

"I know...." Satan sighed. "It's just one of my many charms." He snickered. "Until we meet again Alicorn!" He shouted as he vanished in a puff of smoke, his voice echoing all around Midnight. "Feel free to wander, I'm sure your little pep talks and votes of encouragement that the damned will one day be set free will ease their suffering." He continued to cackle, his voice vanishing into the echo that carried all the way through the dark Alicorn, making him fume even more.

As Midnight continued to stand there, he would begin to think about what had just transpired, along with what he could do to benefit his situation. That, however, would take some more testing with his Chaotic magic, along with finding some damned souls he wouldn't mind having tortured in his presence. The only problem though, was that Tartarus housed countless beings from countless species, worlds, and dimensions. Finding one such being would be like trying to pick out a single atom from an entire planet, and considering that Satan had some of his past enemies as his generals, this would make things near impossible to accomplish.

XXX

Back in the real world, Midnights body awoke from the spell that he had just cast only moments ago. The being looked around, taking in his surroundings, giving an evil grin as realization took hold.

"So I'm back amongst the living eh?" Flame thought to himself as he paused, staring silently at the White Alicorn that lay in the bed at his side.

"Seems as if I have a little playmate as well." He inwardly chuckled as he turned over, pulling himself fully underneath the blankets and spooning the sun Goddess next to him.

"Mmmm, Midnight?" Celestia hummed, feeling him wrap himself around her lovingly, only to pause slightly upon feeling his hoof brush against her flank.

"Yes dear, it's me. Go back to sleep, everything's fine." He attempted to reassure her.

Celestia suddenly became far more aware as a rush of adrenaline hit her. "Midnight never says that." She thought to herself as she slowly began to turn over to face the dark Alicorn beside her.

Upon turning over however, she was greeted with a warm smile, and something else she had hoped she would never see again. Two yellow eyes with red pupils staring back at her through a fake smile. To hide her surprise she quickly gave a yawn, snuggling into the stallion for a second before slowly pulling herself up from the bed.

"Where are you headed?" He asked, giving a slight hint of reluctance in letting her go.

"I need to use the restroom silly." She tittered. "I'll be back momentarily, keep my spot warm for me." She purred out as she trotted to the restroom on the far side of the room.

"Will do my dear." He chuckled.

As he watched the Sun Goddess head into the bathroom, he lay back in bed giving a smirk. sprawling out on the bed.

"Oh yea, soon as she gets back, I'm getting laid....." He trailed off as he looked straight up and into a large mirror above the bed, noticing that one thing was off about what he saw.

"SHIT!" He yelled as he bolted from the bed and straight toward the bathroom, crashing through the door and quickly looking around as his horn began to glow. "SON OF A BITCH!" He yelled out in a fury as he quickly turned, bolting toward the balcony and crashing through the glass doors, taking flight into the night sky.

"Just as quickly as I get here, I go and fuck up!" He groaned out, trying to make as much distance between himself and the castle as possible.

*A minute prior*

As Celestia closed the door to the bathroom, she quickly pulled magic into her horn, stealth teleporting into Starlights room and plucking him from his bed, and causing the three Wonderbolts that were sitting by, playing cards, to jump from the sudden intrusion.

"Your majesty?" Lightning Dust quickly asked, coming to her side.

"Notify the guard, and spread the word quickly. Code Flame." She stated in haste as her horn lit up again, quickly teleporting herself and her son from the room.

Lightning Dust stood there in shock for a moment as she took a second to remember what the code meant. Once she had, she quickly turned, nodding to the other members of her group as she bolted out the door and down the hall, shouting the code out as she went along upon seeing any guards that were within earshot.

"Hey Dust, what's up? What's code Flame mean?" Fleet Foot quickly asked as they rounded a corner.

"Do you remember when the King split into two ponies?" She asked, seeing her friend nod. "It means the evil version of the king is back, and I don't think he came for tea and crumpets." She growled as the three of them continued flying through the castle at break neck speeds, yelling out the code word as they went.

Within minutes, the guard had been alerted, and every single pony within the caste were now on high alert. Having Midnights evil half return was something that they all had hoped would never come to light. Although Midnight, when the first occurrence had come to pass, had reversed time to the point before the battle, thereby eliminating any memories of the event from the ponies who were within Canterlot at the time. He would tell the story after some time, and make preparations in such a case as his evil twin would return, or her himself would turn into him, hence, not being able to protect the kingdom himself.

The only problem that they would face now, would be in locating the dark Alicorn, so that they could capture him, and try to remedy the situation. What they couldn't do though, was kill him. Killing Flame, would, in essence, kill Midnight as well. But how were they going to capture him? What steps would they need to take in order to do so? Only time would tell, as their strengths, weaknesses, tempers, and fears, would all be put to the test.

Chapter 78

"This has got to be, the absolute, worst thing to ever happen to me." Midnight groaned out in annoyance as he continued flying along, looking down to the mass of what seemed like moving bodies being burned in a sea of lava below.

The heat and screams that were coming from below him were so intense that, after a short time, he could feel his fur and feathers already starting to crinkle up from it. Taking himself higher up would only prove to make things more difficult as the stalactites and drapers that jutted down from the ceiling of Tartarus could cut him to ribbons if he got to close to them. Should another quake erupt like it had earlier, those very stones could become dislodged and break off from the ceiling, causing them to fall like massive spears toward anything unlucky enough to be below.

Now, however, the stallion was making his way all across the depths of hell itself, attempting to find a way to free himself from the most dreaded of places to go once one passed on. The only problem was that, there was no way out that he could find, or think of. It had already been close to a day since he had used the afterlife spell, and it looked as if he was indefinitely stuck within the kingdom of darkness, or so he had been told.

"Do you really think that this moron will continue his search into finding a way out of here?" Screwball groaned out in annoyance as she watched a large tv near her, its picture showing that of Midnight as he continued flying along.

"I know he will fail." Satan chuckled. "And yes, knowing him far better than what you think I do will only prove that he will continue his efforts until all of his options have been extinguished."

"What about your other plans to keep him here?" The shadow Hunter purred as it slinked around the Dark Lord.

"Oh I do believe that he will fall directly into those plans without fail. Knowing how hot headed he is when it comes to taking out the bad guy." He smirked causing the rest of the room to softly chuckle in knowing. "He will succumb to me in time, and breaking him will be the most fun I will have had in millennia."

"Possibly..." Discord stated quietly as he appeared next to Satan, only for him to hiss in disapproval.

"Discord, how long has it been? Ten, may fifteen millennia?" Satan spat as he gave a sideways glance to the draconequus.

"Hmm, yes, well you know how much I dislike your company down here." He sighed, looking around the room before stopping as his vision fell upon his daughter.

"Hello.... father." She spat, turning her nose up and away.

Discord just sighed, looking back toward the television that was playing Midnights current picture upon it. Taking in a breath of the hot sulfuric air, he sighed out.

"You do realize, that if he finds out how to use my power to its fullest ability, you will be in an entirely new world of hurt." Discord smirked seeing Satan giving a disgusted look, waving a hand and causing the television to disappear.

"That is if he figures out how to harness such power, and use it without going mad like you did all that time ago."

"We will see...." Discords voice trailed off as he disappeared in a flash of light. "And I am placing my chips on his will alone." He continued to laugh softly as his voice echoed throughout the room.

"Well?" Screwball asked as she trotted up to Satans side.

"Well what?" He snapped back causing her to flinch.

"Don't you think we should go along with the plan? I mean, if it will guarantee that it will keep him here, then wouldn't it be the safest bet to go ahead and start?" Screwball spoke out cautiously, hoping not to anger her new lord.

"Possibly... But I want to have some fun first." Satan chuckled evilly. "Gather the rest of your little friends, I'll let you three be the first to take a swing at him."

"Three?" Screwball asked causing Satan to groan.

"Your little elemental friends, idiot, and before you ask, I am only allowing Forge, and Steel, be the ones to do anything. The rest of your crew would fall too quickly if they attempted anything in this environment." He sighed in annoyance, knowing that the ice and air ponies would not last, should they be exposed to the heat of Tartarus alone.

Screwball gave a girlish squeal, knowing that she was about to have far more fun than she had ever thought about having when facing an enemy. The best part though, she was already dead, and would regenerate after only a few minutes. Midnight on the other hand, well... he was partially alive, so any damage that he would sustain would cause him to endure at least some pain, should he return tot he living world at any time.

XXX

Canterlot was on high alert as all of the guard had been summoned for duty. Although Midnight had taken the liberty to teach Celestia several spells that would help prevent them from sustaining any damage from him during a possible fight, they would still get hurt, albeit only a fraction of what they normally would.

The sun Goddess was currently in the war room, along with the captains of the royal guard, minus Shining Armor, whom was in the Crystal Empire, along with his wife, Princess Cadence. Luna would be her only other ally in this battle, and she was currently in Ponyville with the Elements of Harmony, preparing them for a possible encounter with Flame.

"You three must take extreme precautions when dealing with Flame. He has the power of Discord, along every bit of fighting knowledge that Midnight possesses. However, you must not kill him, only capture him, I am sure that you may use whatever force that you deem necessary in order to do this, but please, try not to maim him." Celestia sighed in worry, knowing that the three captains were now more than capable of handling the situation at hoof, but that still didn't mean that they might not kill him by accident.

"Can't we just use that knock out spell that he gave us all that time ago?" Whiplash asked, remembering the spell that Shining Armor had used to knock the Alicorn out all those years ago.

"I'm afraid not, that spell has become useless now since he has created a counter spell for it. Over the time he has since been free from his stone prison, he has taken so many different precautions in creating spells that even I have had a hard time keeping up with them."

"I thought that his spells would wear off though when he turned human again." Iron Clad piped up.

"Although I would like to say that is true Iron, I must be thankful, and also regretfully inform you that some of his spells still remain in effect, regardless of that circumstance." Celestia sighed as she picked back up.

"You see, his ability to create spells from mere thought, along with the spells that he has learned through reading are the reason behind some of them remaining, while the others disappear once he returns human once more. That is part of the were curse that he possesses."

"Wait, I don't understand how that should affect his spells though." Whip piped back up, knowing that unicorn, or even Alicorn magic was beyond potent when it came to certain spells.

"The were curse that has been passed down through his lineage is what causes some of his spells to falter. Creating a spell from thought, for some reason, makes it much weaker than normal spells that take time and dedication to learn and create through not only magic, but alchemical ingredients. Even though, when they are cast, they can be far more potent than regular spells. They are all subject to the same consequence. That particular consequence would be when the being that has been touched by the were curse, returns to their normal form. It breaks the link that the were curse holds on them with the magic in their body and their environment."

Whiplash, along with the other two captains of the guard had a look of realization spread across their face, quickly nodding as they understood.

"So, in essence, a being can cast spells as a were, but once they return to their normal form, those spells break, and must be recast once again to become active once more. But they can't keep spells they made up in thought, active all the time. Then how is it that the king doesn't have a were form, only his Alicorn and human form?" The unicorn asked in thought.

Celestia stood there, giving a pained expression as she thought over what she was about to say. Taking a breath, she gave a disheartened smile as she began.

"Whiplash.... Midnight is his were form. The only reason that he is capable of controlling his anger is due to the fact that Twilight Sparkle had cast a transformation spell on him, which nullifies his ability to change back into his human form once the moon has passed its cycle. You see, although her transformation spell was supposed to turn him into a pony, it reacted to blood of the were within him, causing him to take on his regal form without the madness that would also take his mind as well."

"So, in short, his human characteristics and mind transferred over into his were form when he was transformed in an Alicorn. But what about when he was infected with the elder were-saliva?" Iron clad asked, still a little confused.

"When he was infected then, the elder were-saliva caused those inhibitors to temporarily cease, causing all of his accumulated anger and rage to come forth. That is why he was like the way he was, when his anger overtook him." She sighed. Giving a gasp as something finally occurred to her.

"Your majesty?" Whiplash began, only to pause at the look of worry spreading across Celestias face.

"I now know why Midnight has been letting his anger take a hold of him so often." She sputtered in worry. "The were curse that was part of his lineage. The barriers that keep his mind sane right now, are breaking down. His anger has been getting further and further out of control as time has passed on, and I am afraid that it will only get worse, up to the point of him becoming a danger to not only himself, but the rest of Equestria as well."

"The what do we do?" Iron Clad spoke out in worry.

"I'm not sure, but whatever it is, it must be done soon, otherwise, we may have to imprison him once more... be it willingly, or not" She sighed, feeling tears threaten to fall from her eyes.

Chapter 79

"You know, this is starting to get very annoying." Midnight groaned as he continued flying on through Tartarus. Having stopped on several occasion to think of a few things that he could do to escape hell, only for them to be tried, and failed once attempted.

The first attempt was to contact his brides through his telepathic link, that ultimately failed considering that he was in an entirely different plane of existence. His second thought however, was to attempt to teleport using Discords chaotic energy, which only caused him to reappear somewhere else within Tartarus.

As time passed on however, he would continued to attempt to use his normal magic, only for it to fail upon each attempt. This, prompted him to try and use the chaotic energy within him, only to cause, undesired results. Once he would cast a spell of some sort, things, and especially, beings, would explode all around him. The first being to explode caused him quite a bit of grief, but, once they reappeared, unharmed, in front of him once again, he would come to only a single conclusion. That if he did kill anything, or it was killed by someone else, it wouldn't die. It would reform again to have it happen to them once again in time. Come on, this is Tartarus after all. If the dark prince could only torture a soul once until it died, then what would be the fun in that?

As the dark Alicorn continued his trot along the burning ground of Tartarus, he would eventually run into various beings, many of which would all scamper away upon seeing him, hiding in any spot they could in order to avoid him. As he would stop to talk to some of them though, he would fail to noticed three select ponies, watching him idly as they hid away within the walls of Tartarus itself.

"Don't you think this is rather stupid?" Steel as as he watched the Alicorn talking to yet another being, only for them to run away upon hearing him speak.

"What ya mean? The fact that Satan wants us teh attack this idiot? Or the fact that we don't even know if'n we can hurt'im? Ah mean, ya'll did hear'bout what happened when the big guy tried attacking him, didn't cha?" Forge groaned.

"You two, shut up and get ready. The big guy said that we may have a chance to hurt him considering that we're all ponies. If we can all hit him at once, and actually kill him, when he reforms, he will have to remain in Tartarus for eternity." She snickered, thinking of all the torture she could put him through.

"That is, if we can hurt him." Steel sighed, laying his ears back in annoyance. "Anyway, let's get this over with. The worst thing to happen is he kills us and we just reform again." He groaned out once more.

"Fine, hit him hard and fast. Don't give him the chance to counter." Screwball snarled as she nodded to the others then bolting from their hiding place, directly toward the dark alicorn.

The being that Midnight was talking to, albeit, unwillingly, just so happened to be looking all around the Alicorn to try and find a means of escape. Though after a minute of conversing with him, had come to realize that he wouldn't hurt him in the least if he didn't cooperate. In fact, he would find it beneficial to speak with the Alicorn, as no other being was around them to torture or kill them repeatedly. Upon seeing the three ponies charging them from behind, the being let out a shriek as he attempted to get away. This, alerting Midnight, and causing him to quickly turn around just as the three rammed into him, causing him to skid backwards and into a wall.

"Time to die Alicorn!" Screwball yelled as she began wailing on him, her fellow ponies following suit.

Midnight had no time to react as he pulled up his forelegs to attempt to block the attacks, only to fail as hoof after hoof kept meeting him in various areas of his body.

"How.... the hell... did you.... find me?!" The Alicorn managed to blurt out between hits, his own hoofs quickly swinging out and knocking one of his attackers backwards and into a pit of lava, leaving only Steel and Screwball to wail on him.

"We have perks as leaders of Satans army you idiot. That includes being able to locate any soul in hell that we want." Screwball cackled as she connected hard into Midnights stomach, causing him to fall forward and onto the ground, attempting to breath but was unable.

The two ponies smiled to one another as they quickly turned the Alicorn on his back, spreading his wings out and quickly stomping on them, shattering them and causing him to scream out in pain as he continued to lay there, shaking in pain as he attempted to pull himself upright and defend himself, only to fall back down, helpless to the two ponies standing above him.

"You prick, that fucking hurt!" Forge yelled as he stomped over to the fallen Alicorn.

Make that three ponies....

"You give what you get asshole." Midnight wheezed in pain, only to yell out as he got a swift kick in the ribs.

"Shut yer trap and we may end this quickly." Forge snarled, giving the dark Alicorn another rough kick.

"Doesn't matter to me." Midnight wheezed again. "From what I've seen, I'll just reform somewhere else. So it doesn't matter if I die again and again. But I can guarantee on thing." He pause, giving a glaring grin at the three. "Once I do reform, you three are going to see unrestrained wrath coming from me."

Glancing to one another, the three began to laugh uncontrollably. After a minute of laughing the paused, looking down to see the Alicorns eyes having turned green with a red iris, his pupils quickly turning to a slit as a purple mist began to quickly rise from them and into the air.

Forge, being the first to smirk at the Alicorn, stood over him as he leaned his face down toward the Alicorns, staring him in the eye as he spoke.

"Nice trick, but that's probably all your magic is capable of down here. Considering you can't use it to protect yourself from us from our previous attack the left your wings in shambles, much less trying to take the defensive or offensive now. It just means you can only use illusICK!" Forge was quickly cut off as he found a hand wrapped around his throat, quickly holding onto him as another hand shot up and grabbed onto his mane.

"I may not be able to use magic down here..." Midnight snarled, seeing the look of horror in the eyes of the pony he now held within his hands. Midnights body quickly transforming into his original human form in a flash of light. "But that doesn't mean I can't use the chaotic energy I absorbed from Discord." He bellowed out as the pony jump up and backwards quickly pulling him up from the ground.

Forge swung his head and neck back and forth, trying his best to dislodge the human that now had a death grip on his neck and mane. This only causing the human to use the momentum to swing around the pony and onto his back, while quickly wrapping an arm around his neck and pulling backwards. His other hand shooting up and wrapping firmly around the glowing horn that resided on his head, quickly squeezing it as hard as he could, and making the unicorn squeak out in pain as it shot through him.

Steel quickly ignited his horn causing the human to have a visible glowing field envelope him and trying to pull him from his friend. Charles now giving a smirk as he pressed he closed his eyes for a moment, before snapping them back open and staring at screwball. The glowing quickly came to a halt on him as it surrounded Screwball, making her shoot into the air with untold speed. She let out a shriek of shock just before being impaled on a stalactite that jutted down form the ceiling.

"You son of a...." Steel managed to get out before Forge was quickly smashed into him, minus his horn which was now resting in Charles' hand like a dagger.

Forge writhed in agony, attempting to scream out in pain, but was unable as his vocal cords had been crushed. Steel quickly shoved him off and stood up only to meet a fist several times in the face, making him stagger backwards and into the wall. Just as he opened his eyes, blinking a few times, he saw a blur moving toward him, then unimaginable pain in his forehead, causing him to fall to the ground, screaming in agony.

"So it is true." Charles snarled. "You can only die if you die like a normal being, and having your horn ripped from your skull doesn't do that. So why don't you two go kill yourself?" Charles spat as he quickly crushed the horns in his hands then tossing them to the ground. He looked up just in time to see the falling body of Screwball land in the lava that ran by them, quickly vaporizing into nothing as she quickly reformed nearby.

"If you commit suicide down here, you're punished.... severely." She spat as she ran over to her friends, quickly snapping their necks and ending their misery. Their bodies vanishing and reforming nearby, they quickly coming back to Screwballs side as she continued.

"So, suicide means a harsher punishment than torture? How is that even possible?" Charles growled out, lowering his stance to strike.

"Wait..." Screwball quickly stated, causing her two friends to glance at her. "This is pointless." She sighed, taking a seat on the ground.

"Screwball!" Steel gritted his teeth as he spoke. "You know what Satan said would happen if we didn't do our job." He growled.

"So!? It doesn't mean that we won't continue being tortured for the rest of eternity! All we are doing is helping him out, and he only says that he can prevent us from an eternity of torture and pain in return. But all we do is cause others pain, and when he gets bored, he tortures us again. I have no idea how many times that has happened. But I'm honestly sick of it!" She snapped, causing everything around her to stop, even Charles pausing as he stood back up.

"I'm just..... tired." She sighed, looking to the ground, starting to cry. "I've done so many bad things, hurt so many ponies... I never thought my life would come to this point... never"

Charles stood there, stunned for a moment as he began. "Um... you're speaking rather.... intelligibly Screwball." He stated a little softly.

"She is speaking sanely you idiot. When you reach the afterlife, be it on the good side or the bad, you obtain a sane mind so that you can comprehend what is going on around you, and to you. I dunno how many times I've seen Screwball go insane only to return to normal to do it over and over again. Being driven mad for all eternity in a never ending cycle, just because she was never forgiven for the bad things she did." Steel snapped causing Charles to back peddle a step.

"All of this is your punishment for you having lived a life of tormenting others. Whatever you experience here is just deserved.... But I agree that a being should only face a certain amount of pain and suffering before they should be allowed to ask for forgiveness." Charles sighed, the mist from his eyes starting to diminish and returning them back to normal.

"Do you know how impossible that is?" Forge growled. "Being forgiven for what we've done to others, much less the one who killed us?! It's ludicrous! Satan would never allow an innocent soul into hell for one, and even if he did, the likelihood of them forgiving the one they killed in order to protect themselves or those around them is so astronomical, that it literally doesn't exist. As far as we're aware, it has never even happened!" He growled out as he pulled Screwball into a comforting hug, she still crying softly as she latched onto Forge.

"But what if that being did forgive them?" Charles asked as he came over to the three, taking a seat in front of them only to be quickly jumped by Steel as he raised a hoof to smash his head into the ground.

"Don't toy with us like that! We've been here long enough to look over what kind of shit you're trying to pull. Even Satan tried that shit with others, and we watched on the sidelines, seeing their hope being crushed before them. Even if we could be.... forgiven." He paused, lowering his hoof and stepping off the human.

"What chance do we have to be forgiven for our crimes." He sighed, coming over to hug Screwball and Forge as well.

Charles slowly pulled himself up from the ground, looking toward the three as they wept softly. Giving a sigh he quickly pulled himself to his feet and walked over to the trio before kneeling and wrapping his arms around the three.

"If you three are truly sorry for what you've done... not only to me, but every being that you have come into contact with.... then I.... forgive you." He smiled softly as he hugged them closer. He was quickly interrupted though as he felt a loving warmth suddenly envelope himself. Opening his eyes he stared silently in awe at the three ponies as they began to glow a soft white, their bodies slowly evaporating into little particles that began to vanish into thin air as they left.

"What's happening to us?" Charles asked as he too began to glow.

"You did the one thing we were sent here to prevent you from doing." Steel stated softly, smiling as tears began to fall from his eyes. "You're at peace with yourself right now, so don't let your anger get to you anymore, and you'll stay where we are about to go."

"Where we're about to go?" Charles asked in surprise, only to watch as the three looked upwards before they all three vanished.

"Oh!" Charles smiled, closing his eyes as the light took him too.

Chapter 80

"The light was intense....."

"So intense....."

"Warmth surrounded every fiber of my being......"

"My sorrow for all of mankind.... Ponykind... felt endless.... I felt so sorry for them."

"They had to continue living on.... In that hell we call life....."

"No............. I can't let myself get angry.... Not again..... I can't risk being sent back to Tatarus..... I need to find a way back into the land of the living...."

"Even if it means......"

Before Midnight could finish his thoughts, the light around him faded. revealing the one place he had meant to go to a few days prior. The only problem now though was the group of various species of angels that were quickly descending on him and the three beings that sat next to him. Those very three ponies giving a worried glance toward the approaching angels, all decked out in armor and holding spears. Looking back up to Midnight they began to curl up in fear as the approaching angels began to lower their spears, that was, of course until Midnight stepped between the two groups, spreading his wings out to block any further advancement.

"Please step aside sire. Those three await judgement before the almighty one." One of the angels stated as he began to press Midnights wing back, only for it to push him back toward the group of angels behind him.

"I will accompany them, and they will receive no less treatment than a normal visitor to the afterlife as long as they are here with me." Midnight quickly stated causing the angel he had pressed backwards to give him an annoyed expression.

"Very well, but let it be know that if they cause any trouble, we are to take them into custody immediately." The angel stated quickly, causing Midnight to nod and look back to the three.

"No shenanigans you three. This may be your only chance, and mine. So don't make me regret forgiving you." Midnight stated quietly to the three, causing them to nod through a nervous swallow.

"This way please, The almighty one is expecting you." The angel quickly stated, sweeping his hand by him and causing the group of armored angels to separate.

As the four trotted along between two groups of angels flanking them on each side, The one angel to step forward to Midnight earlier, stepped up once more.

"You do realize what's going on right now don't you?" He stated.

"I have an idea.... But I'm taking a guess that I may not be included in it as I'm an Alicorn?" Midnight stated quietly, glancing over to the tall human-like angel.

"Aye.... Names Michael by the way." He stated, giving a soft smile to the semi-shock Alicorn.

"Midnight Flame, but I'm guessing you knew that already from my prior visits to Asgard." He chuckled seeing ht angel nod.

"I've seen you around, met your folks and grand father as well. Yer grandpa is something else, always keeping me on my toes." He laughed.

"Really? I figured the old fart would have you tearing out your hair instead from his annoying banter." Midnight began to chuckle, but stopped as a voice picked up on his other side.

"I heard that ya ungrateful whelp!" Starswirl pipped up as he pressed through the group of angels and gave his grandson a rough nudge. "Annoying banter huh, is that what my knowledgeable words are to ya, annoying banter?!" He spat causing Midnight to sigh.

"No.... well, not all of it." He smirked causing Starswirl to puff his cheeks out in annoyance. "Ya know ah love ya, ya ol'stallion. But you could do with being a little nicer, especially if your giving advice."

"Being nice doesn't have anything to do with giving my insightful knowledge to anyone. In fact it helps to drive it into the minds of everyone by being a little mean. The long term memory remembers the hurtful tone I use and the words spoken in said tone. In essence, I give people knowledge that will stay with them for a long time, if not indefinitely." He smirked back.

"Maybe, but considering you're in the afterlife now, you could use some pointers on being able to give knowledge without being a jerk." Midnight snickered. "But then again, It is one of your charms."

"I don't know whether to take offense to that comment, or take it as a compliment." The old bearded pony chuckled.

"Either way, I don't think it will help my situation any." Midnight sighed as they began to trot up to the hall of Gods. "You know, I tried to get here earlier to talk to my folks, but ended up in Tartarus."

"What?!" Starswirl spat in shock, halting in his steps, but then quickly coming back up to his grandson. "My boy.... you must be joking.... tell me you're joking."

"Does it look like I'm joking?" He sighed giving a deadpanned expression. "Besides that, I'm still not entirely sure what's going on. All I know is that I was angry when I cast the afterlife spell, and ended up.... in.... Tartarus...." Midnight paused in his trot causing everyone to look at him as he began to slowly turn pale.

"Sire? Are you ok?" Michael asked, knocking him from his stupor, and quickly making his expression turn determined as he spoke.

"We need to hurry this along, I'm not sure how much time has passed in the living world, but I don't want to waste anymore time than I have to if it means that I can return." Midnight stated as his horn lit up, grabbing the three ponies at his side and lifting them into the air as his trot quickly turned into a gallop toward the hall of the Gods. The angels hot on his heels as he sped along.

It had only taken a few minutes at full gallop for Midnight to reach the Hall. Taking a moment to compose himself and release his hold on the three ponies, Michael opened the door, quickly letting them enter.

As the group made their way into the building, many of the Gods paused in their conversations to look down upon them. Some silently conversing between one another as they continued toward the end of the hall to stand before...

"Bob, nice to see you again, although I would have preferred it to be under better circumstances." Midnight stated with a nod and smile, Bob doing the same.

"True, yet I see that your predicament has resulted in also having three souls come with you into our folds." Bob raised a brow slightly as he looked over the three ponies.

"Bob.... I.... I want you to know.... that I have forgiven these three. I'm not ashamed of what I did, and I didn't do it out of pity or hopes of returning to here..." The dark Alicorn trailed off as he looked to the ponies next to him.

"They may have done many bad things in life, and may have hurt many others, but I forgive them for what I can. I know that they have endured more punishment than they ever could have for those decisions, and I ask that they be given permission to stay here."

Silence.....

"You do realize that in order for them to remain here, that they must be forgiven by everyone they have wronged in the past life." Bob stated as his eyes narrowed on the three shaking ponies.

"I understand."

"And if even one being says no, they will be sent back to Tartarus." He finished causing the three to weep silently, and Midnight to tense up. Upon this however, the angels all lowered their spears down toward Midnight.

"You're letting your anger get the better of you my son." Bob stated a little coldly.

"No..... I'm not." Midnight growled as he took in a deep breath, letting it out slowly as he managed to calm himself.

"Although you seem to be in control at the moment, there will be a time when your anger will over flow. When that moment comes, you will have to make the most difficult decision of your life." Bob smirked slightly upon seeing Midnights confusion.

"But for now." Bob smiled as he clapped his hands together, causing Midnight to flash into a bright array of light before reappearing as Charles. "You need to return to your loved ones." He chuckled seeing Charles beam. "However..." He paused, raising a finger.

"Once you return. You may not return to your pony form.... Until your counterpart has become deceased, or you find another way to get rid of him." If you should return to your pony form at any given time, you will automatically return here, as a member of the deceased, and you will not have the luxury of returning to the living for a third time. Is that understood?" Bob asked, watching as Charles furiously nodded.

"Good, now begone!" He stated quickly as he waved a hand, making the human vanish from the Hall of Gods.

"Now then." Bob turned his sights back onto the trio of ponies. "Let us start the forgiving process, and see if you're lucky enough to remain here with us."

XXX

Canterlot was on high alert as the human quickly appeared in a flash of light within the castle. Pulling his hands up to rub his eyes the human groaned out.

"I am never going to get used to that light show blinding me." He stated quickly, pulling his hands down to continue blinking for a moment. That was, of course, until he was quickly pinned up against the wall by a unicorn guards magic.

"I've captured an intruder just outside the throne room. Please be advised that it is human... and resembles the king?" He stated in confusion as he looked the human over.

"Nice to see you too." Charles smirked. "Now, if you wouldn't mind, could you at least let me breathe a little better, you're crushing me."

"Not until we have you in shackles. The king gave the guard express..." He was quickly cut off upon hearing Charles groan out in annoyance.

"I know, I know, magical shackles, along with a barrage of tests to confirm my identity. Then a stupid walk through my mind while I'm being forced asleep so that Luna can confirm that I am who I say I am. I wrote the rules my boy, I know them by heart."

The guard stood there a little stupefied for a moment, that was until Charles felt the magical grasp on him loosen a little, letting him breath a bit better.

"What was my other rules that I specified when training you?" Charles spat quickly causing the unicorn to tighten his grasp again.

"To not let the enemy get the upper hoof in any situation, be it physical, or mental. I am to follow orders until the situation has been resolved."

"Good, I'm glad you understand the situation." Charles chuckled, pausing quickly as another group of unicorn guard came around the corner, all of which with their horn lit up with magic.

"Good work, now then..." Whip Lash began, only to pause as he looked the human over, then quickly sending out a beam of magic onto the human to verify his suspicions. After a few moments, he nodded to the guard holding the human against the wall. That guard quickly releasing his hold on the human, which then began to berate the Captain for not following orders.

"Sire, there is no time to argue." Whip stated in urgency. "You need to come with us, quickly."

"Before Charles had time to argue, he was quickly swept up in a field of magic as the guard bolted down the corridor. The thundering of hooves along the floor making the very walls of the castle shake before them.

"What's going on that is so urgent that you need to fly me along with you Captain?" Charles spoke out as the group of guard rounded another corner.

"It's your twin sire." He paused seeing the look of anger spread across the kings face. "He has been causing quite a bit of havoc ever since he left the castle the other morning."

"The other morning? How long has it been exactly?"

"Almost two days now, and we have had no luck in finding or capturing him. It seems that he spontaneously appears throughout Canterlot to cause havoc. It is only for a short time, but no pony has been seriously injured as of yet. I suggest we assemble the elements of harmony so that we may have a better chance in locating and capturing him.

"Noted, but something seems off about what you just said." Charles hummed in thought as he rubbed his chin.

"Sire?"

"You said that no pony has been seriously hurt, correct?" Charles asked, seeing the Captain nod. "You know that he is in my body right now, but what you don't know is that I had previously absorbed some of Discords Chaotic energy as well, before returning back into my Alicorn state. So if Flame hasn't hurt anypony to the point of killing them... Then he must be in the same boat as Discord!" He beamed, but stopped as a look of confusion came across Whip Lashs face.

"Discord can't hurt anypony outright, not without the express aid of another being, or using his chaotic energy to create something like a trap or something that would cause a being to end up in a serious predicament that would normally take their life. If Flame is subject to those same rules, then we'll have the upper hand in this situation. The only problem I foresee is in capturing him. If he has the same powers as Discord, then I only see one thing that could give us an edge." Charles sighed in annoyance.

"I'm afraid to ask." Whip Lash sighed as they finally made it to the gardens, releasing his hold on the human as he set him down.

As the human turned to finish telling the Captain what his plan was going to be, he was picked up by another magical field of energy and quickly pulled across the gardens faster than he could blink, right before being glomped by a crying white Alicorn and his son.

"What the?! Tia? Star? Why are you two crying?!" He asked in surprise, just before the Whip Lash and his small band of unicorn guard quickly arrived.

As Charles was about to speak, his eyes went wide as he looked into the face of a now angry looking Celestia as she spoke.

"I thought you had turned evil again!" She snapped. "Yet I see you here as your human form?! Tell me, what is going on?!"

The king let out another sigh of annoyance as he rubbed the bridge of his nose. "Tia... Remember the other night when I cast the afterlife spell?" He asked, seeing her nod. "I didn't go to Asgard to see everyone. When I awoke from the spell, I was in Tartarus."

Celestia, at this point, seemed to turn pale, which, for a white Alicorn, seemed to be impossible. As she turned to walk away, she spoke only two words in a tone that Charles had never heard before, one that told anyone else who was within ear shot, to avoid her at all costs.

"Follow me."

Never once had Charles been more afraid than that moment in his life. Had he a full bladder at that moment, he would have promptly released it without question. Taking very nervous steps, he followed the Alicorn as she began her walk away from the group, then before anypony could react, she, and the king, vanished in a flash of light.

XXX

Appearing with another blinding flash, the two were now within the Royal Archives. They had not taken the path like they had oh so long ago, but a very nice shortcut. The only problem however...

"What in the world?!" Strap shouted as he looked around the library for a moment, his vision finally falling upon the Celestial Alicorn and her human companion. "Celestia! How many times have I told... you..." He stopped, giving a gulp upon seeing her expression, that alone telling him to shut his mouth and disappear. Which he did, without hesitation.

Once the ghost pony had vanished, Celestia began her trot again, further into the depths of the Royal Archives. Charles took careful steps in following her as she went along. Ever so often she would pick up a book and scan it with the spell she had learned from Midnight, then place it back down to pick up another. Once the duo had made it to a large door at the end of a long corridor, they paused as she picked up.

"My dear, Behind this door is some of the most top secret information that my kingdom has ever recorded. Under nos circumstances are you to pick up any book without my express permission, nor read anything unless I give it to you. Keep your hands to yourself at all times, is that understood?" She stated rather coldly only for Charles to give her an annoyed glare.

"I'm the king and I can't look at anything in this room?" He started to protest but quickly went silent as Celestias vision intensified on him, causing him to whither. "Alright..." He squeaked, watching as she pressed her horn into a hole within the door. Several lines of blue magical energy quickly zigzagged all over the door from her horn until several clicks were heard. Pulling her horn from the door, she took a step back as it opened revealing a very small room, barely big enough for her and Charles together.

"Tight squeeze." Charles mumbled as he pressed in alongside his wife, watching as he horn lit up, pulling a couple books from the shelf and scanned them.

"Now then, please hold on." Celestia stated as her horn lit up once more causing the floor to give way and slowly begin to lower into the darkness.

"You're full of surprises today love." Charles smirked slightly, she turning back to him and giving him a loving nuzzle.

"You won't be saying that shortly." She stated sadly, causing Charles to give her a worried expression.

As the two waited patiently, the ride soon came to a stop, leaving them surrounded in darkness. Looking up, they both could barely see a pin point of light from which they came, leaving Charles with the knowledge of how deeply underground they actually were.

"What now?" He asked, watching her horn light up again and causing the wall in front of them to give way. After a few moments a soft orange glow could be seen slowly coming toward them.

"Tia, you had better have a good explanation for having to come down here. You know how much I dislike this part of the castle." Strap snorted out in worry.

"You may leave shortly my old friend. This should not take long if my assumptions are correct." Celestia stated as she looked back to the nervous human at her side.

"You know, I think this is the first time you've actually begun to creep me out Tia." Charles gulped slightly, watching as the ghost pony began to lead them down a dark corridor.

"I do not do this out of spite or hate my dear, but worry. If you have returned as a separate entity from your Alicorn body, then there is only one explanation. Bob has sent you back to us so that you may face a trial before facing yourself once again."

Charles paused, giving her a confused look as he spoke. "A trial before facing myself? Care to elaborate?" He asked.

"The trial you must face.... will not be pleasant. Should you survive, you will have to fight your other half. Not only for control of your body... but your very life." She stated in sadness, Charles only giving her a shocked expression.

After another minute of walking, they had finally arrived within a large chamber, Celestia directing the human to stand in the center of the room over a large rune carved into the floor of the room that glowed a soft red.

"I'll leave you two now... please do not call me back in here unless necessary. " Strap stated nervously as he made a hasty retreat from the room.

"Charles, I am going to project my thoughts from the books I have scanned earlier directly into your mind. You aren't going to like this information, and will become angered. During this process, this rune will activate. It is here for one reason only, to vanquish evil."

"Wait, you mean to say that I may become.... evil?" He began, but trailed off as he watched a beam of energy hit him directly in the face. Thousands of images and countless information began to flood into his mind, showing him things... Things that angered him... that enraged him... images that made him feel the pain of those suffering, and the sick pleasure that the others felt from administering that pain.

The rune along the floor began to glow brighter as the information continued to flood into the humans mind. Filling it with countless scenarios in which one would be administering and receiving punishment for doing various things. Some seemed reasonable, while others seemed so wrong to him.

As more scenarios played out through Charles' mind the rune would glow brighter, and eventually pulled the human down onto his knees and hands. the gravity from it alone making the human feel fifty times what he normally weighed. Then as quickly as it started, it would let up, making him feel as light as a feather when the glowing faded from the rune.

Now though, the rune was pulsing as various scenarios began to play through the humans head once again. The spell that he was now under causing him to eventually be pulled all the way to the floor, almost crushing him with an unseen weight. His expression of pain and rage began to grow further and further as time passed by, the purple mist now flowing freely from his eyes in what seemed like a purely rage consumed state.

"I... won't.... let.... him... WIN!" Charles growled out in a fury as he slowly began to press himself from the floor and onto his knees. Celestia watching as he continued to the point of standing in a slightly crouched position with his arms pulled up to his sides.

The rune along the floor began to burn a bright red for almost a minute before finally fizzling out, being replaced by a soft white glow. Charles continued to stand there, breathing heavily for a minute until he could compose himself enough to speak.

"Tia... I had no clue why you wanted to do this to me... but I honestly understand now." He stated as his eyes snapped open to reveal a brilliant green that was his natural color. The mist that was normally present only with the red eyes now present on his normal ones.

"So you know now what you must do?" Celestia asked.

"Yea... I have to somehow... make Flame use all of his power.... and turn into a human. Only then will I become whole once more."

"Very good, now how do you plan on doing that?" She asked, clearly curious.

Charles smirked toward her for a moment before turning to a deadpanned expression. "I have no fucking clue...."

Chapter 81

"I really hate this crap." Flame stated loudly in total annoyance as he continued to attempt to control the chaotic magic that he housed within him.

"Ever since I woke up, I haven't been able to use normal magic, just this chaos crap that Discord uses, and it isn't even useful!?" He continued to groan out as he took a seat onto the cool ground.

"Let's go over the list again," He sighed, rubbing his temples with this hooves. "I wake up in the living world, have very little natural magic, which I've already used up in getting away from the castle. This idiots leeching ability no longer works for some stupid reason, to which I can no longer steal magic from around me. Plus I have been blessed with a type of magic that is completely useless to me since it won't allow me to kill anything directly."

As he sat there for a moment in silence, contemplating his next move, he let out an annoyed groan as he fell back onto the soft green grass that lay all around him. "How does Discord put up with not having the ability to kill anything?!" He yelled out in exasperation.

"I put up with it because I don't crave the need to shed blood, and from your tone and chatter, I think you may have switched sides once again. Am I right?" Discords voice lingered all around the dark Alicorn.

"Yea, yea. Not like you could really do anything about it anyway." Flame sighed as he got comfortable on the ground.

"Not entirely." Discord chuckled, causing Flame to cock an inquisitive brow. "I could simply teleport everypony that is looking for you right to this very glade..." He trailed off upon seeing Flame bolt upright into a defensive stance as he looked all around himself.

"But what would be the fun in that?" He continued, giving a loud chuckle, watching Midnights evil twin squirm in annoyance.

"You know, you really have a knack for pissing me off." The Alicorn growled, coming to a stop as something else began to pass along his train of thought. "Why not help me instead?" He smirked for a moment as silence was the only thing that lingered in response to his inquiry.

"Yea, why not help me. You know, teach me to wield this useless power in a way that would give me an edge against the inhabitants of this world. Then I.... We, could take over as its newest rulers." He smirked slightly as the silence lingered for a moment longer.

"Now why would I do that? After all that I've already accomplished, and worked for. Do you take me for a fool?" Discord snorted out in a huff.

"Yes... yes I do." Flame continued, giving a little chuckle. "Your very nature demands chaos and destruction...." He began but was quickly cut off.

"Just chaos, destruction only happens when I lose myself in the moment." He spat.

"So what is to stop you from losing yourself all the time?" Flame paused again as he deadpanned, coming across the memories within Midnights head. "Ah, yes, the human female, and the.... thing, you call a child."

"I would watch what you say about my son." Discord snorted out in annoyance, quickly letting his anger get to him. "I may have to follow a certain set of rules so that I cannot kill anything directly. But rest assure that I have had countless millennia of experience in taking lives indirectly, and if you pose a threat to either of my loved ones, I will not think twice about taking your pitiful existence from you."

Flame quickly took a seat as a smirk slowly began to show itself. Taking a moment to look around himself he began to speak up once again.

"So you know the quick and indirect methods of taking a life, don't you?" He chuckled. "Then tell me oh great God of Chaos. Why haven't you taken over this pitiful world yet?"

"I haven't taken it over because I do not have a need to. One must have a need to do something like that, and I, simply could care less at the moment. There are countless other planets, solar systems, galaxies, and dimensions, in which I can travel to and take over. But with having existed for as long as I have, and having already taken over countless of such during that time. I find more comfort now in just sitting back and causing a little chaos from time to time.'

"In other words, you're a big chicken, too afraid of taking a beating from some ponies that can dish it out better than you can take it huh." Flame chuckled. "That and being a family man has made you soft, too weak to rise up once again to become feared by the masses." He continued to chuckle for a moment, until Discord showed himself in a flash of light in front of the Alicorn.

"I can do as I please to this world, or any other. I doubt, however, that a being of such a infinitely dismal race of beings would know the difference in what it is like to be loved or feared by others." Discord snapped, Flame only sitting there, smiling like he had just won a contest.

"Oh I know what it is like to be loved, and to be feared." He grinned evilly. "Oh the fear and death this being has caused during his lifetime on his home planet is something I relish in. Watching those memories over and over again of him taking those lives...." He trailed off for a moment, raising a brow toward the Draconequess as his expression turned to even more anger.

"Lies! I will not stand here and let you say these things about my friend, demonizing him in a way that would try to sway my thoughts on de-friending him."

"Really?" Flame smirked. "Has he ever shown you any of his memories? Especially the more... Graphic ones from his past?" He inquired, causing Discord to give a sorrowful expression. "I thought so." He continued.

"Well then." He paused laying down onto the cool ground and crossing his forelegs. "I'll give you full access to his memories... If you want to see them. No strings attached, I promise." He smile. "The only thing I would like to say though, is that you give some deep thought on your friendship with this.... monster. Then you can determine whether or not you really want him as your friend, or over lord." He chuckled madly for a moment until a bright flash blinded him.

Giving a few quick blinks to readjust his vision, he gave a quiet chuckle as he looked down a long hall way to see countless doors along both walls, the Draconequess walking along in front of him.

"Show me, quickly, before I lose my patience." Discord spat as he crossed his arms.

"Memories." Flame spoke out flatly, causing the left wall to click loudly before it began to slid past them, slowly coming to a stop at a door with the word Memories along the top of it, a little sign on the side stating to choose a specific memory, or time period.

"All memories during the war I was in while on Earth." Flame stated once again, causing the light just below the sign to blink red for a minute before turning green, indicating that the memories were ready. "Are you sure you want to do this?" Flame grinned."You won't see him the same ever again after this moment."

"It can't be as bad as you are making it out to be." Discord sighed as his taloned paw gripped the door handle, shoving it open.

As the memories rushed out, Flame stood there, relishing in the pain and suffering that Charles had caused while on his home planet. The memories of war that Discord saw were something to behold. There was so much death and destruction, so many innocent lives taken, so many deaths that Charles had caused to fight for his country that it literally made the Draconequess sick enough to lose his lunch on the floor below him, which was quite the feat considering he was only inside Flames mind, and not really existing on the physical plane.

The door quickly pulled itself shut as the last of the memories dwindled from inside the room, being absorbed by the two as they continued to stand there. Discord leaned weakly against the wall, breathing hard as he wiped away some vomit from his mouth. After finally composing himself, he turned his vision back to Flame, whom was only giving an innocent smile.

"If I could kill you right now...... I would." Discord growled out. "But I'm going to leave that pleasure to when I put Charles back in your body, then I'll kill him myself." He snapped as a bright flash of light erupted from around them, flinging them back into the real world.

"Once Charles has returned to his body, I'll be sure to end his pitiful existence for what he has done. Until then, enjoy your moment of living in this plane, because it won't last long. I'll make sure of that." Discord growl as he vanished from sight.

"You're welcome!" Flame shouted out, giving a smirk. "Oh, you are so very welcome indeed." He grinned evilly as he felt his own chaotic energy having grown quite a bit.

Chapter 82

"Damn it Dash I said I was sorry! You can stop hitting me now!" Charles rang out as he kept trying to block the hoof punches he was receiving from the rainbow maned pegasus that had just been released from the dungeons cell.

"You expect me to believe that it was your evil half that put me in here when I could tell it was you?! Oh yer gonna get it now!" She growled out as she raised another hoof, bringing it down only for it to stop in a magical aura of gold just an inch from his face.

"Mrs. Dash, I would appreciate it if you would refrain from striking my husband." Celestia sighed as she released her hold on her hoof. The pegasus moving back a few steps and giving an annoyed snort.

"This bozo put me in a cell, locked my wings in place, and was a complete jerk to me, and you expect me not to beat the crap out of him?!" Dash exclaimed incredulously as she glared toward the human. After a moment to collect herself, she let out a breath to steady herself once more. "Fine, I can wait a while before I beat him." She growled.

"If you want to beat the snot out of me, then let it be the evil half, geez Dash." Charles sighed loudly. "I mean, he was the one to blame for why my anger got so out of control. If it had really been me, then I would have just grounded you in a different way *swat* OW!"

Dash pulled her hoof quickly backwards giving the human a sideways swat in the shoulder from the comment, knowing perfectly well what he was getting at with the comment. The two sharing a glare to one another before the sun Goddess interjected.

"You two quit fighting, we have far more serious problems to attend to than your bickering amongst each other." She spoke out sternly causing them both to seize up. "We need to locate Flame and hold him so that Charles can reclaim his rightful body. Until such time, you two will stop with this nonsense."

"Yes ma'am." They both groaned slightly, looking away from one another as they crossed their arms like two children that had just been lectured to about fighting one another.

As the three made their way from the dungeons below the castle into the war room, Dash would excuse herself after giving the human one more good sucker punch in the arm, then bolting out a near-by window. Charles giving a growl as he rubbed his bruised arm as he continued to follow the sun Goddess.

Once inside the war room, Celestia quickly closed the door as she began to speak to the other patrons within the strategic sanctum.

"Have you devised any new strategies?"

"Nothing that wouldn't fall under lethal action as of yet ma'am." Blizzard stated as he began to unfurl a scroll onto the table. "The only plan so far that has yet to be confirmed lethal would be to...." He cleared his throat, looking nervously toward the sun Goddess and the human king. "Would be to have the elements of Harmony place Flame within stone until such time as we can devise a better plan."

*smack*

All attention was quickly turned to the human as his hand found his face, and remained there as he let out an annoyed sigh.

"Blizzard..." Charles began as he pulled his hand from his face, giving a threatening stare toward the white pegasus. "How is this considered to possibly be lethal?"

"Well sir.." Forge began. "It isn't so much as a prison sentence as much as it is to be considered ah death sentence. You see, placing him in stone means that time'll blink by if and or when he manages teh ever get outta there. That could be soon'er beyond our lifetime. Then again, he could be in there for all of time."

Charles stood there giving a thoughtful expression as he rubbed his chin in thought before speaking. "I wonder if putting him in stone would cause me to dragged back into the afterlife though. If that happens, I won't be able to contact you guys and devise any other plans to try and get my body back." He sighed as he mulled over the repercussions of following through with such a plan.

"This would be so much easier if we could just find out without having to go into the afterlife..." He trailed off, raising his voice a bit as he looked toward the ceiling of the room, trying his best to hint to eh powers above that they needed help, but nothing came, only to cause to groan out in further annoyance.

"Maybe we could as a certain Draconequus. to lend a helping hoof?" Celestia stated with a slight smile toward her husband.

"It's worth a shot, I mean, he is good friend after all." Charles chuckled. "Hey Discord, I know you're lingering around. Get your fuzzy butt out here, I need a favor."

In a small flash of light the Draconequus appeared, his arms crossed, and a look of anger plastered across his face that screamed SMITE SMITE SMITE!

"Discord?" Celestia began, only to pause as he raised his taloned paw to halt her.

"Whatever it is, no." He spouted, causing them all to look to one another in slight surprise. "If it involves Charlie boy here, then no."

"Care to explain why?" Charles asked, cocking a brow in question.

Discord glared death toward the human as he spoke only two words, causing the human to literally seize up and making his eyes almost bug out of his head.

"Afghanistan, 2006."

A silence filled the room as Charles' eye continued to stare unblinking toward the Draconequus, his lips finally parting as he began.

"Everyone, I need a moment with Discord please." His tone was flat as he slowly took a seat and placed his hands together in front of him. Resting his elbows onto the table as he rested his chin onto his clenched hands.

"Sir?" Forge began, but was quickly silenced by the most intense stare he had ever seen the king give to anypony. "U-understood." He hesitated as he quickly began to leave the room, nudging the others along with him.

"My dear? Do you wish that I leave as well?" Celestia asked as she gave him a quick nuzzle.

"Tia, I'm not ready to share with you, or anyone else, what Discord and I am about to discuss. In time, maybe. But not now." He stated with a sigh as she lowered her head slightly, knowing that something dark was about to be discussed. Some of the demons from the humans past that he had been withholding for far too long. She could tell it from his body language and tone of voice. He would never act in such a manner, not even when he had temporarily lost himself to his rage when Marina had been taken from them. No, this was something far more dire in nature. Something that troubled the human to his very core.

As the group left the room, and the door was closed behind them, Charles looked around the room to verify that they were, indeed, alone. Giving a sigh as he looked back to the Draconequus standing on the other side of the large table within the center of the room.

"Discord, I don't know how you know about that incident, but I am going to take a guess that you've been speaking to my other half." Charles sighed as his hand moved up to the bridge of his nose, giving it a gentle squeeze as he leaned back in his chair.

"You know, right now, at this very moment, I could kill you. I want to, so badly, that I am literally willing to give up all of my power and become mortal in order to have just that satisfaction." He snarled slightly as he whipped around the table, wrapping his body like a coiled snake around the human sitting in the chair, his face coming within inches of Charles' as he glared death unto him.

"But you won't. Not without letting me explain my actions first, I hope." Charles sighed again as he looked away from the Draconequus, his shame making him unable to look Discord directly in the eyes.

"I'll give you that much before I make my decision.... Human." Discord hissed as he slowly uncoiled from around him and moved back to the other side of the table.

"Discord.... I want you to know that what I did, was due to the orders I was given. I had no choice in the matter." He stated softly as his vision rose to meet the Draconequus'. "But had I known that those bombs had a satellite link up at the time, I would have never placed them in that school."

Watching Discords eyes narrow, the human knew that he wasn't going to buy anything that the human was talking about. The only thing he could do was bring the Draconequus into his mind to show him the memories once more.

"Discord, I know that right now you want nothing more than to end my existence. But if you are, at least let me show you those memories..." He stopped as Discord quickly growled out.

"I've already seen them! There, isn't any point in you showing me them once more just to further anger me!" He snapped.

"But there is..." Charles sighed. "I want to take another guess, and say that Flame showed you only the gory aftermath and me calling in the strike, am I correct?" He asked, seeing the surprised look on Discords face.

"But how did you know?"

"Because that is what I would do to sway the enemies decision, and break up a friendship or alliance between them. However, I'm not evil." Charles stated quickly.

"You say that, but your actions have proven otherwise.... Fine, I'll give you the benefit of the doubt, and let you show me once more. Be aware though, If you fail to appease my anger and give me the perfect explanation, I will end you." Discord hissed as a bright flash erupted from around them.

Within an instant, the two were within Charles' mind, standing in a long hallway that had countless doors lining each side. Taking a moment to gather himself, the human spoke up.

"Memories."

The right side of the hallway let out a loud click as the doors began to slide by them, picking up speed before slowing down and coming to a halt with the door that he had just requested, sitting in front of them. As his shaking hand moved toward the door, he began to speak once more.

"All memories from the war relating to Afghanistan in which I was a part of." He stated in a monotone and watching as the light above the door blinked red for several seconds, then turning green. "Discord..." Charles spoke out in a shuddering breath. "These memories haunted me for years. I never got over what happened that day, so I want you to know something. Even after you see this, know that, even if you do end my existence, I'll still consider you a friend." He smiled meekly toward Discord just as his shaking hand gripped the door knob and began to turn it.

"Let's hope that it won't have to end that way." Discord sighed as he reach his hand and gripped the knob around Charles' hand as well. Both pulling open the door at the same time.

XXX

"I've got the charges in place." Charles stated quickly over the radio as he ran from the large building he was currently in and don't an ally way, continuing his trek through debre and falling ruble from another building that had recently been hit with mortars.

"Affirmative, we have you of SAT. Continue to move from the target one click west and take position on the tower residing by the mosque. Targets may be arriving within the next hour, so keep your head down." Came a voice from his earpiece.

Taking some time to arrive at his designated location, the young man climbed the narrow stairwell into the top most part of the tower. Arriving at the top, he was welcomed with the sight of a dead sniped that had recently been shot, and lay dead in a pile of his own blood and filth. Checking to make sure the body wasn't booby trapped, Charles moved the body to the side and began to crawl over to a large hole that had been shot through the stone balcony that resided at the top of the tower.

As he pulled a pair of goggles up to his eyes, he quickly adjusted them to bring into focus the school, in which, he had just placed a large amount of experimental bombs within. Earlier, he had been briefed that a small terrorist group was in the process of moving some highly volatile material into the school building so that they could start production of some dirty bombs. These small devices would irradiate a massive area of land and make it impossible to inhabit for thousands of years due to the radiation that would be released into the environment.

However, there would be a problem with the information as several days had passed by without any movement. On the third day however, Charles saw movement in the building. But it was a very unwelcome sight as he gazed upon the people within. It wasn't terrorists, but children. The city had called school back into session due to the lack of movement from the terrorist parties.

"I have movement here, but it isn't the target. The city must have called school back into session. Permission to abort" He stated quickly into the radio.

"Negative, keep eyes on target." The radio blurted out.

"Dammit...." Charles cursed as he continued to watch the school building, hoping that an adult would find one of the bombs and signal everyone to leave the building. As time passed by however, the school children would finally go to lunch and then move to the playground to have some fun.

Several hours passed by as the humans adrenaline continued to flow, his unease growing as he began to think about moving back to the building to remove the bombs. But luck would not be on his side as he watched several large vans begin to pull up to the school and quickly begin to unload materials to inside.

"No! This can't happen! Not while those kids are still inside!" Charles growled out as he began to pack his materials up to move out.

"Satellite imagery has picked up movement in the area, do you copy?" Came the voice over the radio once more.

The few seconds that the human stayed there, letting his answer get caught in his breath as he contemplated the answer, felt like an eternity. He knew that the terrorists were planning a large scale massacre with stolen weapons. But never did he consider that they would stoop so low as to move into a school building filled with children in order to accomplish their goals. But his next answer would possibly stave the bombing for just enough time for him to move in and start taking out the terrorists one by one. He knew that some of the children would probably die in the process, but it was a necessary sacrifice he would have to endure in order to save the rest of them, or at the very least, die trying.

"Negative, it isn't the target. I will continue surveillance...." He was quickly cut off as several gun shots rang out from within the school. "Shit!" He shouted out through the radio without thinking.

"CONTACT CONTACT!" He shouted out again through the radio as he finished pulling his pack onto his back, and readied his M-9, bolting down the stairs of the tower as fast as he could.

"Tango 3, satellite is detecting your decent from the tower, Remain on target and ready the charges.

"Confirmation on target within designated building." Came another voice over the radio, causing Charles to seize up. His heart almost stopping as he heard the phrase that he dreaded the most. "Tango 3, commence attack."

"NO! There are kids in that building, and I will not kill them just to take out a hand full of idiots with weapons! Moving to designated area to remove targets.... or die trying." He snapped into the radio, quickly pulling the headset from his ear as he bolted straight down the main street toward the school, praying to God that he would make it in.....

*BOOM*

All time stopped as Charles looked upon the school as several walls exploded outwards, sending stone flying in every direction. Then white smoke lifting up from within the school as it quickly began to disappear into the dry air surrounding the small town. Taking no more time, the human bolted down the street, shedding his pack to disperse the extra weight so that he could cover more ground faster.

As he made it to the school, he could hear the screams of children and men alike as he pressed himself to the outer wall, holding his rifle at the ready as he quickly glanced around the corner to see where his enemies and the innocent were locate. Pulling back, he took in a deep breath as he popped around the corner and began to take out several individuals who had rifles or lacked the proper attire that a teacher would wear during sessions.

"Two down.... three..... five......ten....." He spoke inwardly as he continued killing off the suspected terrorists. After a couple of minutes had passed, the screaming increased in volume as the bodies of the dead terrorists lay dead within the halls of the school. But the children weren't screaming from seeing the dead, no. They were screaming in agony from the chemicals that they had inhaled from the prototype explosives that had just went off a short time ago.

"Oh God...." Charles spoke to himself as he watched the children writhe in agony. Many of them clawing at their skin and eyes to try and stop the burning torment they were feeling. Their skin began to puff outward, revealing many blisters caused by the allergic reaction to the bomb. Many vomiting and falling over to choke to death on their bile as they attempted to breathe once more.

It took several minutes, but the screaming began to soften as the lives of those that had inhaled the chemical weapon began to pass on. No longer would they feel pain as they let the light take them.

On the floor sat the young man whom had placed the bombs within the school. Slowly reaching down to his pocket, he pulled out the detonator that resided within, looking it over carefully as he noticed one little green light blinking.

"Satellite over-ride engaged." He spoke in shock. "Those bastards!" He continued to growl out as he slowly got to his feet and began the long trek back to his pack, and then to the extraction point.

XXX

After what seemed like an eternity, the memory ended, releasing Charles and Discord from its cold hands. The hall all around them felt so cold now, like the fire that burned within the human had been extinguished only to leave the shell of its former self to lay paralyzed with sorrow on the floor.

Discord, though, was standing there in complete shock, unable to believe in what he had just witnessed.

"Discord.... Get me out of here.... now." Charles growled out in a controlled rage.

Snapping back to reality, Discord gave a nod as the two vanished in a bright light, reappearing within the war room in the castle. The human still sitting in his spot as he leaned on the table, but with a large puddle having form on the table below his face.

Taking only a moment to wipe it away, Charles gave a shuddering breath as he began.

"Discord, I don't know what Flame showed you, and I honestly don't want to know. But you have your answer now, and I want you to promise me one thing... Never tell anyone about what you saw. That was the darkest point in my life, and I do not want anyone else to have to know about it."

"I... understand, and I want you to know something." Discord began softly. "I'm not going to kill you.... But I may end up killing your evil half for manipulating me like he did." He growled.

"I'm feeling the same as you brother." Charles growled as the purple mist began to form around his eyes once more. "But I think I'll let his death linger first.... before I reclaim my body."

Chapter 83

The morning dew was cool, almost so much that it brought a chill to the air. With the fog laying low across the glade, it would slowly disappear as it came closer to the sleeping dark Alicorn that lay in its center. The soft glowing mane of the stallion putting forth an unfelt warmth that would eliminate the moisture that would normally be surrounding him as the sun began its climb into the sky.

As the sun continued its climb, Flame would find that the light that was slowly illuminating the glade he lay in would make things feel far more comfortable than he was used to. Throughout the night he had slept more peacefully than he had ever thought possible. The morning light however....

"Good grief it's bright this morning." Flame groaned out as he gave a stretch, popping and cracking a few joints and his spine as he gave a delighted shudder. Giving his eyes a little rub to wipe away the sleep, then squinting as he pulled a wing up to shield his eyes from the sun that was cresting over the tree line.

"Must have slept later than usual too... wait... I actually slept, and I wasn't murdered?! That's a surprise." He chuckled. "Still though, I should..." He trailed off for a moment as a wisp of green smoke flew through the trees to in front of him, collapsing and then reappearing as a scroll before falling to the ground in front of him.

Taking a step back, he gave the scroll a queer look as he raised a hoof, using what chaos magic he could control to pull it up and to him, unfurling it and looking at its contents.

Flame,

Lying to Discord the other day was a big mistake, it caused quite a bit of headache, but was ultimately resolved. You, however, have another problem to worry about. Sure hope you're ready for some fun.

Signed,

Your better half

"Why that arrogant little prick! What the hell does he mean I have a new problem?!" Flame snapped as he crushed the scroll into oblivion.

"That problem, would be me." Came the disembodied voice of Discord as it echoed coldly around him. Flame snapping into a defensive stance as he began to look all around himself to determine where the voice was originating from.

"Do you want to know something?" Discord let out a chuckle as his voiced continued to echo around the glade. "I wasn't aware of it until after I had already spoken with Charlie boy, but you used my chaos magic against me... well played."

"Took you that long to figure it out did it?" Flame chuckled. "I'd figure you to be a little more quick on the draw my frie....." He was quickly cut off as he was unceremoniously slapped across the back of the head causing him to bolt forward, and turn around to face his attacker, only to stop as a growl escaped the draconequus.

"Don't you dare attempt to finish that sentence!" Discord snapped. "Midnight would never do what you did with my chaos energy... Manipulating your memories to show me something so horrid that it would even make my stomach turn. Why would you even want to show me something like that?!"

"To turn the tides in my favor you idiot! If that human dies, then I get to remain amongst the living and have the life I deserved!" Flame bellowed, flaring his wings out threateningly. "I deserve happiness, not that idiot other half of mine!"

"Why would you deserve it rather than Charlie? What have you done that has been worthwhile enough, to say that you should remain in my friends place?" Discord continued his growl for a moment, pausing as he watched and waited for an answer. As he waited though, he watched Flames stance become more relaxed as he took a seat onto the soft green grass, his head lowering as tears began to well up in his eyes.

"Because... because..." He trailed off once more before quickly taking in a sharp breath as a taloned paw was at his throat, pulling him from the ground and quickly being coiled around like a snake by the draconequus who was now snarling in his face.

"Because what?!" He yelled, causing Flame to give a weak smile.

"Because I went to hell for him... for his sins... He was never meant to go to heaven... Not for all of the evil he has done." He choked out as the tears now began to fall freely from his face.

"What? What are you saying?!" Discord choked out in surprise.

"I think he is saying something that we all thought may have been a possibility." Charles began as he exited the shadows of the Everfree and into the light. "But I think I'm starting to realize something that I should have realized a long time ago."

"Now you figure it out?! Tch, and I thought everyone else was slow." Flame smirked, halting as Discord squeezed his neck threateningly.

"If I wasn't so confused right now I'd tear you apart. However, I can wait..." He sent a sidelong glare toward his human friend. "But not long."

The human gave a sigh as he walked up to the two entangle beings, giving Flame a glare as he nodded toward Discord. "Set him down, we need to talk."

"What?! After all he has done?! Are you insane?! That's even more chaotic than I could do in a week, and you want me to just set him free?!" Discord choke out in utter disbelief.

"Yes." Charles spat causing Discord to twitch before releasing the Alicorn and throwing hi arms up in the air.

Taking a seat nearby, Discord crossed his arms in a grump as he listened to the two begin their stories. Waiting anxiously for his moment to start pounding the dark Alicorn into the ground, hoping that he would do something to cause the draconequus to come to the rescue, and ultimately beat some flank.

"Alright, I think I'm starting to understand now why you've been such a thorn in my side all this time. But would you care to clarify?" The human asked as he crossed his arms, glaring toward his darker half.

"Still with the playing dumb? You are either a complete moron, or I was the one to acquire all of our logic when it comes to common sense." Flame sighed as he took a seat on the grass across from his better half. "Fine, I'll put it into layman's terms so you'll both understand." He chuckled. "I am you... or rather... your darker half."

"Explain..." Charles hummed as his hand began to rub his chin inquisitively, wondering what he meant.

"I'm sure you remember all that time ago when we were infected with poison joke right?" Flame asked, seeing the human nod, he continued. "When you absorbed the chaos energy before, along with the poison joke, it caused us to split in half, since you were never really cured of it. You did inhale it after all, which put it in your bloodstream. So in order to get rid of it, you would need to ingest the cure, not just bath in it."

Both Discord and Charles sat there in stunned silence as Flame continued, everything finally starting to click into place as the story brought so many things to light.

"But I did ingest the cure after I almost died."

"But you had taken over my body when you did so, which I am currently residing in." Flame smirked seeing Charles' eye go a little wide. "So technically I have ingested the cure, but you never have."

"So that's why you're so fucking crazy and I'm not!?" Charles shouted in surprise.

Flame sighed, face hoofing pretty hard as he began once again.

"No, I'm so crazy, because I'm your darker half, while you are the lighter half. You know, good and evil?" Flame smirked again seeing the human cock a brow. "Tell me something, were you this calm, cool, and collected when you were on earth?"

"No... I was a dick a lot of the time." Charles stated sheepishly.

"Right, and all the time you spent fighting that war, then coming back with all the mental health problems..."

"You mean... all this time... that I wasn't affected by those memories..." Charles trailed off seeing the dark Alicorn nod.

"Was because I took them with me, along with all of your sin and darkness." He sighed back plopping down onto the ground. "Now do you realize why I was willing to do anything to stay here?"

The human gave a saddened nod as he took a seat next to the Alicorn, leaning against him as he began to think out loud.

"Then how would you like to stay?" Charles asked, surprising both Flame and Discord.

"WHAT?! Are you serious?! After all the crap he's pulled, you're just willing to up and give him permission to stay?!" Discord yelled out in a fit of rage.

"Discord, he is me. Getting rid of him would in essence, be killing a part of me. So I'm not willing to do that, even if you beat the hell outta both of us." Charles smirked back defiantly.

"But I still want to know something..." Charles began again as he looked back to his darker half. "Why'd you go nuts back then and fight me, before I won and stole your body?"

"The poison joke affected me too moron." Flame sighed. "I may be a dick right now, but at least I'm not trying to kill you and everything on this planet, right?" He asked, seeing the human nod. "Like you, I am logical, but I am prone to anger far easier. I am also willing to give up, unlike you." He laughed seeing the human blush slightly.

"So that explains..." Charles began only to cause Discord to finish.

"All the times you've went down fighting, never giving up for any reason unless there was no other choice?" He chuckled.

"Yes... geez you guys are making all this shit so difficult." Charles groaned, pausing as something else came to mind.

"What about all of these recent spurts of anger?" He asked, staring blankly toward Flame as he raised a hoof.

"Guilty." He chuckled. "All a ploy to get you to do what you did in order to cross over to apparently cool off.

"You prick!" Charles shouted as he slugged him in the shoulder. "Do you realize the hell I went through to get back here?!" He paused seeing the dark Alicorn deadpan. "Right, sorry." He sighed.

"So then, what now?" Discord asked as he tapped his hoof on the ground impatiently.

"There is only one thing left to do. Somehow get us to recombine into a single being." Charles chuckled, only coming to a stop as both Discord and Flame looked at him in complete shock.

"Don't give me that look! You two know perfectly well that this would have had to have been done in time anyway. Flame?"

"S-sorry, I'm just... a little in shock that you would even submit to the idea of that, after all that I've already done." Flame sighed looking away.

"Hey, you did what I would have done had I been in your place. Well... to a certain extent anyway." He chuckled. "So what do you say? Want to be whole again?"

Without another word, Flame quickly tossed the human onto his back and spread his wings, ready to take flight as he spoke. "What do you think?" He asked, giving a large smirk as he bolted into the sky, Discord hot on their heels as he grumbled quietly to himself.

"And there goes my chance to beat him to near death.... But at least I get to see what kind of chaos this will cause shortly." He giggled to himself.

XXX

As the trio began to fly quietly through the sunlit sky, they began to talk more about the various times that Charles had been getting more and more out of control of his anger. To the humans surprise though, it had all been Flames doing from within Tartarus.

"Wait, so you're telling me that all the times I was getting angry, even over the smallest of things. You were the one that was somehow manipulating me into losing my cool? And all just to come back into the world of the living?" Charles groaned out, finally realizing what had been going on this entire time.

"Yea, and Satan isn't too happy that I played him either. I promised him a lot of lives in return for having the permission to influence you like I did. Right now, I would take a guess that he is on a warpath for having been played like that. So when our time comes, be prepared for a world of hurt from him." Flame groaned out, thinking of the torture and pain they would endure when they passed on.

"If we go to Tartarus that is. I'm sure that we can salvage our immortal soul with enough time and forgiveness. I mean, I already have several beings that had forgiven me when I was down there, and we all somehow disappeared and reappeared in Asgard, AHHHH! OH SHIT!" Charles screamed out as Flame suddenly halted in mid air, sending the human flying off of him before quickly being caught by the Draconequus that was flying next to them.

"What the hell?! You almost killed me you idiot!?" Charles continued shouting, only to pause as he watched Flames eyes begin to pour out in tears. "Hey... what's wrong?"

"You.... said you were forgiven? But who, and how?" Flame asked as they continued to hover there in mid air.

"Screwball and a couple of her friends came after me in hell. We talked and all was forgiven. Then we ended up in Asgard, and God sent me down here." Charles continued, only to watch as Flame quit flapping and began to freefall toward the ground below, Charles jumping from Discords grasp and falling after him, quickly catching up as he began to shout over the wind.

"What are you doing?! Spread your wings you idiot!"

"Free... I'm finally free..." Flame spoke out as tears flew from his eyes as they continued to fall.

"DISCORD! Little help here!" Charles shouted, but coming to a stop as their descent came to a halt within a large bubble.

"I really wish you would think these things through before putting your life at such risk." The draconequus grumble. "Now how about we get back on track and hurry toward Ponyville. I'm sure that once we're there, things will quickly return to normal." He sighed, releasing Flame from his bubble only to watch as he began to freefall again. "Oh for Petes sake!" He yelled, catching the Alicorn once more and pulling him toward the two of them.

"Aren't you going to fly at least?" He yelled toward the Alicorn only for him to shake his head.

"Nope, heh, I am way too happy right now to even attempt to fly." He chuckled. "How about we walk instead?" He asked, causing the two to look at one another in slight worry.

"Happy? From just hearing about me being forgiven?" Charles asked.

"Not only that!" Flame bolted over, placing his hooves on either side of Charles' head and looking directly into his eyes. "But knowing the fact that now we will no longer go to hell if we die sooner rather than later."

"Wait, so you're happy that we won't go to Tartarus? I figured that would be a given."

"You don't understand... You won't until you've spent as much time as I did there." Flame sighed. "I've spent almost a hundred years there."

The two looked back to Flame in shock for a moment as he continued. "You don't realize it, but time passes by differently in the other realms. In Hell, one day here is a week there."

"So that would explain why It took me so long to finally get free from there, and so little time passed here." Charles hummed in thought.

"Yea, so the five years you were in stone, plus all the time after you took over my body, plus the time you were freed..." He trailed off causing Charles to literally turn a pale white.

"That... was quite a bit of time." Charles sighed. "But now that we've been redeemed." He smiled.

"We no longer have to worry about it, at least, until we do something evil...." Flame sighed.

"We won't, so don't get your panties in a wad. We'll be fine, we just need to find a way to recombine and everything will be normal again."

"As normal as it can be considering." Discord chuckled.

"And what is that supposed to mean?" Charles asked, giving a slight glare.

"Well my boy, I'm not sure if you realize this or not, so I'm going to lay it all out there for you to put together." He snickered.

"You son was created when you were whole correct?" He asked, causing the human to blush brightly.

"Y-yea, so?" He rubbed his neck sheepishly.

"What about your other children that have yet to be born?" Discord smirked slightly seeing Charles face turn even white that Raritys coat.

"That means..." He trailed off as his the hamster running on its wheel within his mind broke it, sending it flying off into the sunset at Rainbow Dash speeds. The result... him passing out from shock.

"Ooooo, I do believe I am going to enjoy the show once he tells his little mares." Discord snickered.

Chapter 84

"What in Tartarus is he doing here?! And what happened to Charlie?!" Shouted Twilight as the trio landed within the palace gardens, her horn, as well as Celestia's, Luna's, and a barrage of unicorn guards all alight with enough magic to vaporize the very moon.

As the dark Alicorn back peddled from the group, he quickly placed the human onto the floor with care, so as to not anger them further. Discord on the other hand, was conflicted between wanting to help, and wanting to let them beat the Alicorn to death in front of him. Ultimately though, he had to intervene, but not before Twilight zapped him with a lightning spell, making him twitch involuntarily on the ground as black smoke slowly escaped his singed hide.

Twilight, wasting no further time, bolted over to the fallen human and began to shake him gently, stirring him back into the world of the living. "Charlie? Are you ok? Did Flame hurt you?" She asked as she began to hug him roughly.

"Yea Twi... I'm fine, but could you guys take it easy with the magic? Flame and I, well..... we all need to sit down and have a talk." He chuckled nervously as he sent a sidelong look to the dark Alicorn, only to stop as he starred at the twitching body of his darker half. "Uh...."

"HA!" Discord shouted out, pointing a finger toward the fallen Alicorn, only to pull it back and cover his mouth for a moment before removing it and giving a sheepish smile. "Sorry, but I think he deserved at least that much."

Charles only shook his head, giving an annoyed sigh as he pressed himself up and onto his legs, walking over to the still twitching Alicorn as he gritted his teeth in agony from trying to move.

"Flame, relax and the spell won't cause you any pain." He stated as he gave the Alicorns shoulder a pat, and sending out a small plume of static.

After giving an annoyed snort, the dark Alicorn sighed as he went limp, the only thing now moving on him being his chest as he breathed softly. Twilight on the other hoof, quickly made her way over to the duo, giving the human a shocked expression.

"What's going on, and why are you helping him?!" She screeched out in disbelief, only to make Charles sigh.

"Firstly, remove the stun spell. I'll need Flame to help explain things more thoroughly so that we can fix this whole mess." Charles sighed, giving a nod toward the fallen Alicorn. Twilight gave an annoyed pout as her horn lit up, sending out a small bolt of magic toward the darker half of her husband. After a few moments, the Alicorn slowly got to his haunches and kept a firm seat on the ground.

"Now then..." Charles began as he looked around to everyone. "Let me tell you guys a little story...." He began.

XXX

A short time had passed by as the human told his story, with Flame filling in the blanks. All the time, his brides gawking with unending disbelief. The only one to actually understand the situation to its fullest extent though, was Twilight. That was of course until they came to the point in the story about....

"WHAT DO YOU MEAN OUR FOALS ARE GOING TO BE AFFECTED?!" Shouted Rarity in a panic as she began to hyper-ventilate. Applejack, and Twilight just giving a very worried expression to them as they both rubbed their bellies gently.

"Calm down love, I can explain this part a little better." Charles sighed as he pulled the ivory pony into a loving embrace. "Our babies will all be fine... It's just that...." He trailed off, feeling uneasy about what he was about to say.

"Spit it out Charlie, or ah swear ah'm gonna buck ya upside the head." Applejack quickly spat as she pressed a hoof to the side of his face, giving it a gentle, yet firm, shove to get her point across.

"Well, if my calculations about this whole incident are correct. Then our foals may be born being three parts good, and one part evil." He smiled softly seeing them give a satisfied smile in return. "However..." He paused seeing their eyes go a little wide. "If things aren't as they seem, then they could be three parts evil, and one part good. It will only be a matter of time, and how we raise them, before it will truly show."

The girls all gave one another a worried look as their hooves slowly began to rub their bellies, wondering what their foals would be like in the future. Only time would tell, and that time would not come soon enough.

"So then..." Discord began, tossing a wrench into the gears of the conversation. "How, exactly, are we going to get these two back together into a single pony?" He asked, pulling the human and dark Alicorn into each of his arms.

"That, may be a lot easier than you think." Celestia began, giving a soft giggle. "But do you truly want to recombine with your darker half my love?" She asked, seeing him nod with determination.

"I do, if only to become whole once more." He stated as he pressed Discord away, Flame doing the same.

"Very well, but please be cautioned." She began. "We, as your brides, do not wish to see you harmed in any form or fashion. I understand that you will be taking in your demons once more, but having been without them for such a long time..." She paused, pulling the human into a loving embrace. "I am afraid that your mind will not be able to cope with having those memories within you once again, and may force your mind into a severe state of unrest."

Giving a sigh as he hugged the mother of his child closely, he began. "Tia, I've dealt with those demons before, and I can do it again. Don't worry yourself, I'll be fine, I promise." He smiled, giving her nose a kiss and pulling away. "Now then..." He stated loudly as he clapped his hands together. "Where can we get some of the poison joke cure?"

XXX

It had only taken a short time for the group to travel to Ponyville so that Charles could go to the spa. However, upon arriving at the spa, the wait for the kings turn in line was a little longer than expected.

"Ugh... I don't see how getting a single drink of that stupid cure is taking so long! We've all been here for over an hour!" Flame groaned as he casually read a magazine that lay on the floor in front of him.

"Give the twins some time. It is the weekend after-all, and they're quite busy with some of the older ponies in town." Rarity piped up as she rubbed up against her husband, only to cause Flame to pout.

"Where's my love? Doesn't the big bad stallion get any compassion?" He mock cried only to seize up as Discord gave his cheek a quick smooch, then pulled away giving a girlish giggle.

"Awww, the poor little thing needs some love." Discord tittered, only to cause everyone within earshot to burst out laughing. Flame on the other hand, didn't know wether to murder the draconequus, or facehoof at setting himself up like that. However, instead of doing either, he did something completely random as he waved a hoof toward Discord, making him vanish and reappear in a flash of light.

Everyone in the room just stared in astonishment at what they saw as Flame began to chuckle at his handy-work. Before them, Discord had shrunken greatly in size to about the same size as Charles. The only real difference though was that his features were a lot more... feminine.

"What did you just do... to... me?!" Discord squeaked out in a feminine tone, and quickly clamping both of her paws over her mouth.

"What's the matter love? I thought you wanted to give me a little loving?" Flame snickered playfully toward her, only for the transgender draconequus to roll her eyes.

"Now if I wasn't currently taken, I might consider it." Discord giggled, wiggling her eyebrows playfully, only to make Flame raise both of his in surprise. In turn, making everyone giggle out again.

It wasn't long before the twins had finished up with the few clients they had waiting, and were now attending to Charlie. However, once they were asked about the cure for poison joke, and told as to what the intended use was, they became quite startled with the request. The main reason for this though...

"The poison joke cure is not meant to be consumed sire. Due to the fact that is has several different ingredients that are poisonous to non-pony species, even those transformed by magic are not entirely immune to it." Aloe stated in slight alarm.

"You have got to be kidding me." Charles and Flame both groaned out. "What are the ingredients that could be poisonous to me though?" Charles asked.

"I believe that Nightshade, would be one of them."Lotus spoke up as she brought for the book in which had the cure. "The others would only cause you to become sickly, possibly with a very bad tummy ache."

Taking a seat on the sofa nearby, Charles sighed out as he placed his face in his hands, slumping his shoulders in defeat.

"What, exactly, are the chances of the nightshade hurting Charles?" Celestia asked in concern.

"I am no herbalist your majesty, but I believe that it could be fatal." Aloe stated sadly.

"We need to find an herbalist that can tell us what the final results would be. I'm sorry you two, but we can't run on best guesses right now." Twilight piped up as she began to head out the door of the spa.

"Do you know any pony herbalists that also know which species can consumes which herbs without dieing?" Charles asked as he flopped backwards onto the couch he was resting on.

"As a matter of fact, I do." She smirked. "The only problem is that they live quite a distance from here." She smiled sheepishly toward them.

"How far, exactly?" Charles inquired.

"Well.... they... they're dead." She cringed slightly upon seeing everyones shocked expression.

"Huh uh, no way am I traveling into the afterlife in order to find out that tidbit of info. I'll just end up in hell again, and before you say anything man, I don't trust the spell enough, or even myself, to risk ending up in hell again." Flame quickly spoke up.

"Well then..." Charles began as he looked up toward Celestia. "I guess that means that only you can do this Tia." He smiled worriedly. "Well, you and Luna. But let's just hope that we can get the info soon, I don't want to risk dieing and ending up being a permanent resident of Asgard anytime soon."

XXX

It hadn't taken much time for the Sun Goddess to make her way to her room so that she could begin the process of traveling over into the afterlife. Her mission: Find the pony herbalist that she, surprisingly, knew all too well. Yet never knew that his knowledge about herbology was beyond, even her own.

Once she was within her chambers, she would find a comfortable spot on her bed, then begin to channel her magic fully into the spell that would send her into the afterlife. In the past, she would always use her specialized magical reserves in order to send her there, but today, was different. Today she would need as much time as she could get in the afterlife in order to find the pony she would need to get the information from, and then convince them to relinquish that information as quickly as possible.

As her magic finished filling her horn to the brink, causing her to groan slightly in pain from how much she was using. She released it, bathing her vision in the purest of white light.

Taking only a few seconds to blink away the dots from her vision, she began to look around as she hoped to find the pony in question within the area she had appeared in. Giving a sigh of defeat, however, she lowered her head and began to quickly trot toward the Hall of the Gods.

"I guess that old codger isn't nearby." She sighed. "Let us hope that my father, or one of the other know where he is at least. Making a wasted trip into the afterlife would be terrible, especially with it having been just myself." She stated in annoyance.

After only a couple of minutes to gallop toward the Hall of the Gods, Celestia had finally reach it and made a quick entry, startling some of the other Gods in the process. As she quickly looked around, she would notice her father and Garret, butting heads once again as they argued of something frivolous, as always. Once Celestia had walked up to them however, she cleared her throat, garnering their attention.

"Tia? My daughter!" Blazing Dusk Chuckled loudly as he shoved Garret sideways off his chair and then quickly turned to pull his daughter into a loving hug. "My goodness its been a while!" He shouted, before quickly teleporting himself and his daughter out of the hall into a random location.

Once their vision returned, Celestia looked around to see themselves withing a large, ornate park, filled with countless other individuals and the like, all relaxing and enjoying the day.

"So what brings you here Tia, and where is your husband? Don't tell me he wouldn't bring you here to see your only father?" He tutted, furrowing his eyebrows as he shook his head in disappointment.

"No daddy, he... he can't make the trip right now, as I'm sure you're aware, considering you're always spying on him." She smirked, seeing her fathers face turn a little pale.

"N-now, you know that isn't true." He chuckled nervously.

"Daddy...." She trailed off, as she slowly raised one brow toward him.

"Fine, I admit it." He groaned. "I do tend to watch him from time to time."

"Uh huh, you do realize I can feel you watching him at all times, correct?" She snickered seeing her father facehoof. "So please, go easy on him." She continued. "Now then, I came here to ask you where a pony is at." She quickly began again, causing her father to give her his undivided attention.

"I need to know where Starswirl is hiding. He has some information that I require, and I do not know how much time I have here during this visit. So please, make haste." She asked, causing her father to rub his chin in contemplation.

"I believe he is off visiting a pony called Neighbert Einstein, to discuss some strange theories." He began only to cause Celestia to groan out.

"Where is this pony at? I must speak with Startswirl at once. Please father...." She sighed, lowering her head in what felt like defeat.

Looking down to his daughters pouting face, his resolve immediately crumbled, causing him to bring her into a loving hug.

"I'll find him if it kills me, my daughter." He joked, causing her to groan out once more.

XXX

After a short time, they had finally located the ponies in question, but not before they witnessed several hooves being thrown and landing onto each others chins and faces.

"I DON'T CARE WHAT UNIVERSE YOU'RE FROM, THEIR IS NO WAY THAT A BLACK HOLE COULD BE REVERSED UNLESS A GOD DID IT THEMSELVES, OR THAT DIMENSION WAS MADE THAT WAY!" Starswirl shouted just before being bucked backwards to beside Celestia.

"Ahnd I say zat it is pozzible you idiot! You need to open your mind further to grazp the intricacies of the universe. Not keep your mind within a small box!" The elder pony with the wildly frizzle main and mustache stated as he turned and trotted away in annoyance.

"Such an imbecile." Starswirl grumbled as he got to his hooves, then noticing the two Alicorns at his side. "Well now, what a surprise this is." He laughed as he hugged his in-laws. "Don't tell me you made a special trip up here just to see an old mule like me." He laughed.

"Believe it or not, yes." Celestia giggled softly. "I have a very important question to ask you. Is there any other plants within the Nightshade family that are not poisonous to humans?" She quickly stated, causing Starswirl to look at her in confusion.

Starswirl was taken aback by the sudden question, but quickly regain his composure as he rubbed his chin in thought. "Hmmm, There are actually a few. A potato, would work, but a human would need to consume about a thousand of them in order to get the same affect as nightshade. A tomato would follow suit but still it would take maybe ten bushels. If you want the same, overall effect as nightshade, and in a smaller dosage, then you'll need to get maybe twenty of the hottest chile peppers in Equestria, freshly picked. Otherwise, whatever you're planning won't work."

Celestia shook her head in disappointment, knowing that the peppers in question would probably kill the human faster then the nightshade, but at least he could be healed from that particular plants effects.

"I guess there is no other choice, is there?" She sighed.

"Not unless you want that idiot grandson of mine to die." Starswirl laughed, causing Celestia to gawk at him for a moment.

"What, you don't think that your father is the only one who spies on him, do you?" He continued to laugh for a moment before Celestia began to disappear.

"That was ll the time I had?!" Celestia gasped in surprise. "Please forgive me everypony, I shall return soon." She smiled softly as she faded into nothingness, leaving the stallions to give a saddened smile as they waved goodbye.

"Maybe she'll be back sooner, rather than later this time." Starswirl smile up to Blazing Dusk.

"Let us hope, because I do miss my children greatly." He smiled back sadly.

Chapter 85

No sooner than Celestia had blinked her eyes to awaken from the spell, than she nearly fell over in surprise upon seeing Flame sitting only a couple of inches from her face with an emotionless expression.

"Oh my goodness!" Celestia spoke out in shock, quickly backing up for a moment, only to see Charles over to her side, laughing softly. "Wait... Did you two plan that?" She began to fume slightly.

"Never!" They spoke in unison, only to get an annoyed sigh from the sun Goddess.

"Mmm Hmm, So I take it you don't want to find out the secret ingredient your grandfather just told me about, that could potentially help to return you to normal.... Well, as normal as you could be anyway." She giggled, seeing their unified annoyance.

"Nah, I think we're good. I mean, it could only make or break us in the end, right?" Charles began.

"Plus I wonder just how long it would be before the girls starting complaining about not being able to snuggle up with their stallion, instead of a human." Flame finished, causing Charles to smirk to him, then both of them toward Celestia, whom was now only puffing her cheeks out while wearing a furrowed brow.

"You two don't make this easy do you?!" She grumped, causing them both to laugh.

"You make it too easy at times love." Charles chuckled as he and Flame stood up, heading toward the door to Celestias room. "But for now, Let's get to the alchemy lab so we can make me whole again."

"I agree, I'd rather not take any longer than possible to become whole again. I've already spent a hundred years in hell. To bring things back into perspective, I'd like to spend the next hundred here, with all of my brides, and foals." Flame smiled softly toward the sun Goddess.

"And get laid?" Charles whispered into his ear.

"That too, you have no idea how hard it is to find a willing party in hell, most of the time it's just rape, rape, rape." He sighed. "I even went mad several times during that time." He looked away, feeling rather shameful, then gave a sharp gasp as he was brought into a hug by Celestia.

"Well.... now you need not worry. Your time in that treacherous place has passed, and now you're with your loved ones. You needn't worry about ever going back there while I still breathe." She smiled warmly to the now, almost in tears, dark Alicorn.

"Thank you." He almost blubbered.

*Ahem*

Charles quickly cleared his throat, bring the attention of the two Alicorns back to him. "Should we get going? Or do you want to remain a puzzle?" He waved toward the door, quickly causing the other two to make their way out of the room and down the hall.

XXX

It hadn't taken long for them to arrive at the alchemy lab. Although a bit cramped for several ponies, a human, and several Alicorns. It would suit them just fine in the end.

All around them stood countless bottles of various shapes and sizes, filled with many known, and unknown items, liquids, and materials. Shelves staked twenty feet high, and layered three feet thick, covered the walls on every corner of the room. causing the available space, to be more than a bit small for so many individuals.

"Can one'o ya'll tell me why everypony decided teh come along?" Applejack groaned as she nudge Rarity in the side to get her to move, only to succeed in hitting her ticklish spot and causing her to jump sideways, laughing as she bumped into Twilight, knocking her over and into Charles, whom quickly scooped her up and into his arms.

"Well, to see something like this, finally happen after all this time, I would think that the whole kingdom would want to see it." Luna stated with slight surprise. "However, this does need to remain quiet. Not everypony needs to know that our king was once only half a pony... or would that be a quarter?" She hummed in thought.

"Guh, math ain't mah strong point. Anywho, let's get this show on the road, ah'd like teh get mah..." Applejack paused, clearing her throat as she noticed the glances from her fellow brides. "Uh, our stallion back all quick like. If'n ya don't mind princess." She chuckled nervously.

"I understand your apprehension my dear Applejack, but do not worry yourself." Celestia smiled as she continued mixing up the batch of poison joke cure, with the alternate ingredients added in place of the lethal ones. "However, with so little room, I am finding it hard..." She paused as everypony scrambled out of the room, minus the Dark Alicorn and Charles, whom lay slightly trampled on the floor in front of the door.

The sun Goddess just gave a sigh as she continued mixing up the batch of poison joke cure and let it simmer on the burner for a short time, while turning slightly to pick up the fallen duo.

"The cure should be done soon, so please head into the palace gardens and wait for me there." Celestia smiled softly toward everypony. "We do not know what the effects will be once the cure has been consumed and the two rejoin as one. There could be a multitude of things happen, and I do not want to risk any ponies life within the castle should something dire occur."

The group, giving a knowing nod to one another, all began to file down the hall and toward the palace gardens, Charles, however, staying behind to stand at the white Alicorns side as she watched the flame of the burner continue to heat the liquid within the large vial above it.

"Tia..." Charles began, causing her vision to flicker to him before quickly returning back to the task at hoof.

"Yes?"

"Thank you... for doing this. I honestly have no idea what would have, or will become of me as the outcome of this, but I'm glad you're the one to help lead the way." He smile as he hugged around her neck gently, kissing her cheek and snuggling into her mane. This only causing her to blush slightly as she leaned onto him, her horn lighting up and pulling the vial from the burner and quickly pouring its contents into another vial of liquid as a cork quickly found its way into the opening.

"All done, now then, shall we go?" She asked, seeing the human pull away smiling.

"Sure, but lets walk. Don't want to risk a teleport that might mess with the package." He smirked. "Besides, it'll give us some time to talk." He chuckled as he led the way, Celestia coming up alongside him as they left the Alchemy Lab.

"Oh dear, not another talk." Celestia smirked as she rolled her eyes. "When will you end your obsessive talks with me?" She continued to giggle as the human gave her a gentle poke in the side, causing her to giggle like a school filly and jump away.

"You like the talks we have, no matter if it contains bitching, griping, berating, tom foolery, jokes, dirty jokes." He grinned giving his eyebrows a wiggle and causing Celestia to blush slightly. "Or any other form of speech that would require me to expel air from my lungs."

"You do keep things interesting. More-so than Discord at times." She grinned seeing him cock a brow.

"Oh, so I'm boring now am I?" He acted hurt, placing a hand on his chest as if wounded. "You wound me my dear."

"Meh, it's just your ego, I'm sure it could withstand some further punishment if you weren't such a blowhard." She berated, causing Charles' jaw to nearly hit the floor.

"Such language! Who are you and what have you done with Celestia?" Charles asked, giving her a playful nudge.

"Oh she's around, but only when there are others within earshot. This Celestia has a little twinge of playfulness in her." She smirked giving Charles a playful nudge in return.

"I've noticed." He chuckled as he reached up, rubbing the rim of her ear and causing her to whinny in surprise, flicking her ear and blushing furiously as she turned to him with a look of utter shock plastered across her face. That was, of course, until it turned to a lustful expression as she turned to him.

Charles paused, backing slowly up toward the wall as Celestia pressed a hoof to his chest, gently pinning him to the wall and causing him to give a wicked smile as he spoke.

"I'm guessing I shouldn't have done that." He laughed, only to stop as a set of lips met his. "Then again, last time as a human never hurts." He thought to himself as Celestia quickly began to strip him.

XXX

"It's been nearly an hour, what's taking them so long?" Twilight groaned as she looked at a large clock tower in the distance. "I really want to have Charlie back to the way he was before all this happened."

"Well, you won't have long to wait now." Discord chuckled as he pointed toward the archway to the gardens as the human and pony princess walked through it.

"Finally." Rarity sighed. "You do know how to keep a lady waiting darling."

"Well, sometimes he does." Celestia winked toward him, sticking her tongue out playfully. "Other times, however." She just rolled her eyes.

"I feel ya sister." Applejack chuckled.

"Come on you guys, is this berate the human to death day?" Charles groaned out only to make them laugh. "Don't make me pull out the riding crop." He snickered, seeing them all blush, minus Discord, whom was about to die laughing.

"Alright, alright, enough time wasted. Drink up already." Flame groaned out as he looked on pleadingly.

"Fine, fine... Tia, if you please?" Charles asked as his hand opened, reaching out toward the vial of liquid as it was quickly floated into his awaiting grasp.

Charles licked his lips as he pulled the cork from the top of the vial and stared silently at it for a moment, then looking around to everypony before quickly downing the vial. A few seconds passed by as the vial fell to the ground, shattering against the stone walkway as his hand bolted up to his throat. The human falling over and coughing loudly as he tried to regain his breath.

Everyone rushed to him, only to be held back as Celestia began to speak. "Do not worry everypony, he will be fine momentarily. The ingredient that had to be used was one of Equestrias hottest known chili peppers. Although the effects are intense, they will quickly fade." She stated with a soft smile.

The human, though, writhed in pain along the ground, coughing and wheezing in agony as the peppers tore at his throat and insides. His entire being felt as if it were now on fire and only caused him to begin to rub his body to put out the invisible flames that were eating away at him.

"It burns.... oh god Tia. It's burning my whole body!" He groaned out in agony before a small flicker of fire burst forth from his shoulder, causing them all to panic as he began to pat it to put it out, only for it to spread with each pat.

"What's going on?! This isn't supposed to happen!?" Celestia shouted as she quickly levitated the human, screaming and on fire, through the air and dropped him into the fountain. The flames, however, were not going out, and only proceeded to boil the water around the human, causing him to jump out and scream as his body was quickly being engulfed the rest of the way.

"It's not going out! Why isn't it....." Twilight shouted, only to paused as Charles ran screaming by Flame, whom was watching in horror. Her vision stopping as it noticed something, quickly causing her to bolt toward the stallion and grabbing onto the human within her magic, pulling him at break neck speed right toward the dark Alicorn and colliding the two within a fraction of a second.

Once the two hit one another, they both erupted into a shower of bright orange embers that began to swirl around in an unfelt breeze. Twilight and the others quickly going to one anothers sides as they looked on in horror at what the lavender mare had just done.

"TWILIGHT! WHAT DID YA'LL JUST DO?!" Applejack rushed her, shaking her angrily as she looked at the embers dancing about within the air.

"Calm down AJ, it's going to be fine. Midnight will be here in a moment. When I saw Charlie run by Flame, I noticed Flames mane and tail were getting brighter, then fading as Charlie got further away. The only logical explanation would be that the two had to touch in order for them to recombine." She smiled as her vision flickered back to the farmer then back to the dancing embers as they began to get closer and closer together.

As the moments ticked away, the ember would finally reach one another and began to form the Dark Alicorn that the group knew and loved. As it took shape, the bright orange began to slowly dim to a dark red as an ember would once it began to cool and fade into the darkness of its surroundings. Once all of the color had faded though, a fire began to rise slowly from the mane and tail areas of the soot black being that stood before them.

"Midnight?" Rarity came forth pressing a hoof to his chest, only for it to hit something metal, and causing all of the soot to explode outwards in every direction, including Rarity, which it quickly covered.

Once the soot had exploded from the Alicorn, Midnights eyes shot open as a purple mist quickly began to extend from his eyes and upward. As he began to slowly look around, he gave a toothy grin, revealing something quite disturbing for those in his presence.

"A-are those, fangs?" Twilight gulped slightly, backing away.

"Fangs?" Came Midnights voice as he opened his maw and ran his tongue over the sharp teeth. "Nope, too short to be fangs. Must be canines." He smirked before being bowled over by all of his brides whom were now regretting it as they all hit the regalia that covered him.

"Ow... wait, why do you have your regalia on Night?" Celestia asked as she looked him over, seeing the armor once more in its entirety.

"I think I forgot to take it off before I transformed into a human that last time, I'm not sure. I usually just have an invisibility spell on it." He chuckled.

"More importantly darling *Cough* Why do you have those..." Rarity quickly gave a shudder. "Dreadful looking fangs?"

"No clue... Why? Don't want me to nibble on you with them?" He grinned as he gave several quick nibbles in the air, chattering his teeth as he did so. This causing all of the girls to give a shudder.

"Oh come on! Can't you girls handle a little predator, prey, play?" He snickered. "I know AJ does." He grinned, causing her to blush furiously.

*BUCK*

"AH! SON OF A BITCH!" Midnight yelled out in pain as he fell to the ground rubbing his forelegs left shin furiously from the sudden buck that it had just received from an orange earth pony. Said pony now walking away with her nose in the air.

"Serves ya'll right." She huffed.

"NNNNNNnnnnngh That freaking hurt!" The stallion grumbled in pain as he slowly got to his hooves, attempting to shake off the pain as he trotted up to Applejacks side. "I'm sorry love...." He trailed off seeing the tears in her eyes. "Sorry for not being here a hundred percent before. But... I am now, and I'll never leave you girls hanging like that, ever, again." He chuckled as they all quickly moved in, hugging him lovingly.

"Such a beautiful moment." Discord pouted as he burst forth in tears; little pinky cotton candy clouds quickly appearing all around them and raining down chocolate milk onto everything in the vicinity.

"DISCORD!" They ponies quickly began to shout, only to be drowned out by the draconequues' laughter.

Chapter 86

The following day had arrived after Midnight had returned to himself in the fullest sense. Having recombined with his other half had shown everypony only a glimpse of what was to come. Although, when the dark Alicorn had lain down for the night, he would not find rest, as the hundred years of torment that his other half had experienced in Tartarus, would become his dreams for a short time.

Dreams of torment, death, rape, murder, countless different things that one could experience, all forced upon his darker half as he was helpless to prevent any of it. The stallion would wake for a short time, panting, and out of breath as he attempted to force the images from his mind. Never in his lifetime had he encountered such darkness, not even during his time at war.

Time, however, would give him the opportunity to take on all of those demons. giving him the ability to harden himself, emotionally, toward that pain that he had to endure. It could take days, weeks, months, even years, to get his mentality back in check so that he could return to himself to the fullest extent. But could he wait for that time? Could he really be able to handle such madness within his mind? Would it affect him in any way during the hours in which he was awake, or even while he was asleep? These questions plagued his mind as he continued to stare off into the distance, trying his best to come up with the answer.

"Equestria teh fangs, ya'll in there?" AJ pipped up as she waved a hoof in front of his face, snapping him back to reality as he blinked several times in surprise.

"Geez AJ, still won't stop with the fangs bit huh?" He sighed, giving her a playful nudge.

"Nah, ah think it suits ya, seeing as ya once was am omnivore at the time afore ya changed." She snickered. "But seeing them fangs onna pony is a might unsettlin, ya know?" She shuddered seeing him grin. "An the purple mist dun help none either. It reminds me a lot of Sombra when we defeated him all that time ago."

"Sombra? You mean that evil unicorn that took over the Crystal Empire before?" Midnight asked, getting a nod in return.

"Yea, that feller had purple mist coming up from his eyes, and fangs teh boot. But yer a might bigger than he was. Ah think he was bout the same size as Luna, an yer bigger than Celestia, and an Alicorn. Amongst other stuff." She smirked.

"Other stuff huh?" He inquired, cocking a brow toward the earth pony at his side as they continued to trot along from the farm toward town.

"Yep, Ya'll ain't trying teh kill us like he was. Or trying teh take over a kingdom and enslave ponies..... Or are ya?" She paused in her stride to place a hoof on her chin, narrowing her eyes toward the Alicorn accusingly.

Midnight just stood there for a moment as he watched her look him up and down for a solid ten seconds before he lowered his own head in a threatening manner. Turning toward her he took a step toward her, causing her eyes to go a little wide as she too, took a step backwards from him as he began to speak.

"And what if I am my little country love?" He grinned evilly. "What if I want to enslave a few ponies to do my bidding?" He paused as AJ took several more steps backward. "You know, like the time I won that bet with Twilight and made her dress up as a maid for a month." He snickered, causing AJ to groan out in annoyance before coming up to him and giving his shoulder a quick swat.

"What the hay ya dern idgit!? Ya'll got a bit stranger sense'o humor since ya got back tehgether with yer other half." She finished with a sigh, cocking a brow toward him as she then leaned up against him. "But ah still love ya." She chuckled. "So long as ya don't turn inteh Sombra that is."

"No worries there love, I'm just glad to be whole again." He paused as a thoughtful expression spread across his face. "But, you know what? I wonder if anything has happened to my magic since I became whole again..."

"I guess ya might wana speak with Twi on that one pardner." AJ smirked as they continued walking into town. "But right now, ya'll might wana talk teh Tia bout what we were talking about earlier."

"Really?" He trailed of giving a vote of exasperation. "I thought you were over the whole thing about my memories from the underworld possibly corrupting my tiny little mind."

AJ scrunched her face up for a moment as she socked him in the shoulder a little harder this time as she spoke.

"Now ya listen here! Ya'll er lucky ya done cast spells on meh to keep yer sorry keester from hurting me, otherwise ah might be in traction from that buck ya gave me last night from the nightmare ya had. So don't give me no lip mister! Ya'll er gonna see somepony bout those nightmares an yer memories or ahm gonna take it all personal like, unnerstand?" She huffed in her southern droll, only to make the Alicorn groan.

"Fine, but I won't like it."

"Ah know, an quit yer belly aching ya big baby, ya sound like we've all done spoiled ya rotten and left ya at home fer the weekend with nothing teh do but chores." She chuckled upon seeing his grumpy expression.

"But moooOOOOOoooooom!" He whined, stomping playfully in a pretend hissy fit. This only causing AJ to smirk as a soft chuckle left her.

"Ya'll want punished fer disobeying?" She began, only to pause as what she had just said left her wide open.

Midnight grinned from ear to ear as he began. "You know I wouldn't mind punishment from you my dear. All those whips and chains in the cellar, along with those leads and crops." He snickered upon seeing her turn a beat red.

"AWRIGHT AWRIGHT! Ya made yer point, now get yer tail outta here and talk teh Twi, Ah gots work teh do in town an ah don't need ya'll fussing about an making me all antsy." She stated quickly only to slap both hooves over her mouth as she stared silently at the Alicorn whom was puffing out his cheeks from trying to hold in a laugh.

"GET!" She shouted, swatting his flank as he took off, laughing so hard that his wings were now dragging the ground beside him.

XXX

It had't taken long for the dark Alicorn to make his way through the castle and find the Sun Goddess. However, upon arriving within her chambers, he would come to see her resting on some pillows on the balcony as his son was waving his foreloegs about wildly as he was talking about something with enough enthusiasm to make Pinkie jealous.

"And then I jumped up just in time for the guard to smash into the dirt where I was standing, then bucked his head into the mud!" Starlight proclaimed proudly as he emphasized each motion with exagerated hoof movements. Pausing for a moment as he saw his father coming through the bedroom and toward them, he turned to run toward him, only to stop dead in his tracks and run back out onto the balcony and hide behind the Sun Goddess.

Celestia raised her brows in surprise as she peeked around the corner and into her room to see the Dark Alicorn making his way toward them. Turning to her son she smiled, nosing him gently as she spoke.

"Star, it's only your father dear, you're safe. Please come out." She cooed reassuringly to him.

As Midnight made his way only the balcony, he turned to see his son peeking out from within Celestias tail, then duck back in slightly as he saw his father. Seeing his sons fear made his heart break a little, but it was understandable. His stature, stance, poise, and everything about his physical appearance was now, very intimidating. The purple mist that rose from his eyes, the golden regalia that rested on his frame, and the fangs that made him look far more like a predator than a pony. All of it basically screamed out 'Conqueror'.

The Alicorn would not falter though as he gave a non-toothy smile toward his son as he lay opposite from his wife. Clearing his throat softly to garner the colts attention, he began.

"Star, you do know who I am don't you?" He asked playfully.

"F-father... Yes... but you look so, scary." He squeaked out softly as he looked away. He had always been taught that, even if you're afraid of something, you must face those fears in time. If time would not allow it, then you would need to stand up and face them right then, whether you like the idea, or not.

"True, I may look a bit more intimidating now, but that doesn't mean I have changed into a bad pony." He reassured. "Now come over here and give this old stallion a hug. He sure missed his son, and would like to know that he is still loved." He chuckled, only to stop as he began to pout and speak in a shaky voice. "Unless you..... don't love your daddy no more." He mock cried a little, huffing slightly as a little whimper came out.

Celestia placed a hoof over her mouth to block the giggle that was trying desperately to make its way out. All the while, Starlight was rolling his eyes and making his way out of his mothers tail and over to his father. He paused just short of his fathers reach as he looked him up and down, rolled his eyes once more as his father gave a little more pleading whine, then leapt into the stallions arms to hug him tightly around the neck.

"Father, you're hopeless at times." Starlight giggled.

"Wonderful...." Midnight groaned as his son pulled away from him.

"What?" Star asked.

"You have your mothers sense of humor." He groaned once more, only to make them both giggle softly.

"And what is that supposed to mean, exactly?" Celestia quipped as she narrowed her eyes slightly.

"Oh, uh.... nothing dear." He snickered. "Anyway, change of subject." He chuckled as he clopped his forehooves together smiling nervously.

"I was told by a little birdy that you had some questions about my mental state since my recombining. What, exactly, did you have questions about?" Midnight asked as he stared quietly toward his wife.

"Starlight." Celestia began only to illicit a sigh from their son.

"I know, I know, go play, or do something, Daddy and I have something to discuss." He sighed as he leapt of the balcony, taking flight toward the barracks.

"Just like his father." Celestia smirked, giving her husband a sidelong glance.

"And what is that supposed to mean?" He chuckled, giving her a mock glare.

"That he is as stubborn as a mule and doesn't like to be told what to do. That, and he can take a hint before I can even get a sentence out to explain what to do." She giggled.

"Heh, glad to know you think so highly of me, love." He laughed.

"Back to the topic at hoof my dear. I did request your presence to talk to you about your mental state. As you're aware, Your other half had experience great hardship during his time in Tartarus. Having all of that pain and suffering placed within your beings mental state has made me quite worried. I am aware that your species before your transformation, was hardened to withstand great strife and mental torture. But that does not mean that I fully accept that fact, and will simply let you freely go along your way." She began.

"I worry that it may have scarred you, far worse than what you realize. I request that you let me take a look into your mind... fully." She hesitated upon seeing Midnights expression turn hard.

"No." He stated flatly.

"I am afraid that you do not have a choice in this matter my dear." She sighed. "I have waited patiently for your to show me your memories from the past, so that I can fully know who you are, and what to expect of you in the future. If not for me, then please, for our child, and your children to come." She smiled softly toward him, he giving a large huff as he glared toward her.

"No fair bringing the kids into this Tia. You know that I'd do anything for them, but this is low, even for you." He grumble.

"I know, and I am terribly sorry for asking this of you. But you must understand where I am coming from. I have dealt with so much in the past eons that I want to make sure that I can cope with your past as well, and to make sure that you can truly lead this kingdom when... my time comes."

"You sound as though you are planning of leaving this reality behind at some point love. Care to explain?" Midnight asked as he cocked a brow toward his wife.

"It will not be soon, but it will be within the next one hundred years. Please do not judge me on this decision my dear. It has been a long time coming, and I want to leave behind a seasoned stallion to take my place as the ruler of this nation. One that I know I can fully trust to take care of its citizens and the nations surround it."

"Wait, so you're saying you haven't trusted me all this time?" He exclaimed in surprise causing Celestia to glance around nervously for a moment.

"W-well... you know that I am overly cautious, and I do trust you. Just... not to lead the country... right now." She chuckled nervously thinking she may have seriously offended her husband, only to pause as he began to laugh.

"Heh, Tia, you know what... I don't blame you for being cautious. I mean, I am still just a baby in your eyes because of how wise you are." He chuckled as he shuffled closer to her, pressing his forehead to hers. "But you know what, I love you, and I trust you fully and unconditionally. So if you think seeing my past will help you in any way shape or form. Then I'll let you see them."

With that last sentence, a bright white light surrounded them, temporarily blinding them as they traversed into Midnights mind. Once their vision adjusted back to normal, the two looked to one another, both slightly nervous and excited to what was about to come.

"Memories." Midnight spoke, causing one side of the hallway to give out a loud click as the doors began to slide past them quickly, then slowly coming to a stop, leaving the memories door in front of them. Beside the door a little sign was placed giving instructions.

"Please give a date and time before opening the door." The sign states.

"Tia, are you sure you're ready for this? I don't want to relive all of these demons, but... for you... and our future, I will." He stated nervously, giving an audible gulp as he glanced back to the door for a moment before his vision returned to Celestia.

"I am sure my love." She smiled softly.

"All memories since birth, until now." She stated, only to cause an alarm to sound off quickly as the sign next to the door shone in red.

"Warning, reliving every memory could cause severe trauma to all beings present. If you wish to proceed, please open the door at your own risk."

"Tia? Last chance to stop." Midnight gulped, shaking slightly.

"No, this needs to be done." She stated as her horn began to glow, twisting the door knob and pulling the door open quickly.

The two paused as the stare silently into the void blackness of the room behind the door, waiting for the torrent of memories to be unleashed in a quick burst. But it didn't come in a burst, no.

*Loud groaning*

"Oh God! No!" Midnight stated as he back up against the opposite wall. "Not this! Not again!" He stated as he bolted down the corridor toward the end as fast as he could.

"Wait! Midnight! What are you talking... about..." She trailed off as the memory resurfaced of him being locked within hid subconscious. His screams of agony and torment now fresh within her own mind. She turned back to the feeling of something grabbing her foreleg. As she attempted to pull back though, it pulled her back, harder, and slowly toward the room.

"By the maker, what have I done?!" She screeched as she was pulled into the room and the door slammed shut behind her.

Chapter 87

"Nooooooo!!!!" Celestia screeched as the torrent of memories began to flood around her, consuming her within the pitch blackness of the room. She thrashed about wildly as every memory from Midnights past began to haunt her in ways that she never thought possible. So many memories of death, destruction, hatred, war, and even more that she, herself, had never experienced within her own lifetime, cascading around her like water on a rock, slowly eroding her hardened shell from eons of experiencing some of the same.

As the memories finally finished surrounding her, they began to dissipate, revealing some of the more pleasant memories. Happiness, love, fun times, family.... then death.... The death of his parents and the horror he experienced, during his time of suffering and loneliness. It was so much to take in, too much for just one pony, and where was her husband in all of this? She knew that he would never abandon her like this, normally....

But he was no longer the normal she knew, the normal that she had come to love and rely on. No, he now had his other half within him, making him capable of running... like a coward in the face of danger. Why would he do it though? Why would he run from these... mem....ories?

"By the maker...." Celestia cried out as a certain set of memories came forward. "Why.... Why did he...." She began, only to stop as the reasons behind his actions came forward, giving reason to why she would now consider him a monster among ponies. But could she? Could she really consider him a monster for doing what he did? He had reason to do so, but it still seemed so wrong to her. His life was in danger, yet he would not forfeit it to save this one being?

As she continued to watch though, his actions became more and more violent, taking countless lives in the process as he worked to stay alive. That was until the end of the memory. Tears began to stream down her eyes as she watched in horror as he did the one thing that she could never forget.

Light.....

The darkness began to recede, giving way to the light coming from the hallway as she was gently forced from the room, the door slowly closing and clicking shut behind her.

Sitting there on her haunches, she continued to weep softly for what seemed like hours. Never again would she be able to think the same way about her husband. He had seen so much more than she had ever thought possible. Even more than any of the ponies within her kingdom combined in all the time she had been on this planet. The horrors that he had experienced, the deaths and tragedy, nothing of it was anything like what they had seen or done.

"Midnight...." She spoke softly, hoping that he was near her. "Midnight..." She spoke out a little louder as she wept.

"MIIIIIDNIIIIIIIIIGHT!" She yelled out in the royal whee, causing the entire hall to groan out from the the echoing blast as it traveled down each end of the corridors.

Once the echoes had come to a stop, it was replaced by a soft groan. Not just any groan though, this was a dieing breath. One that chilled her to the very core as she turned, heading toward the sound as slowly as possible. She had heard this tone before from one of the memories she had just experienced. The end result, was something that would haunt her for the rest of her life.

"No....." Celestia spoke out in horror as she saw the lifeless body of her husband laying on the floor of the hallway just a few yards ahead. As quickly as she could, she galloped to his side, laying down in front of him and giving a gasp as she pulled his face to within her view. His eyes were glazed over and solid white, his nose and mouth were both bleeding badly, as if he had been beaten so badly that it had caused him to cough up blood. But there were no visible wounds...

She paused in shock, thinking to when he had ran when she had opened the door. He didn't make it in time to avoid the onslaught of memories, and in doing so, they assaulted him instead of invading him like they had done with her.

"Oh Gods, what have I done?" She wept as she released the spell, hoping that everything would have passed by in the real world as if nothing had happened.

Taking just a moment to gather her magic, the two of them left his mind in a flash of white. Blinking a couple of times, she paused, still clenching them shut as she felt a weight pressing against her forehead and horn before slipping past her, down her cheek and then a sharp pain in her left shoulder just before a thud sounded as the object hit the floor in front of her. Once her vision had returned, she pulled back, wincing in slight pain at the large scrape that had been dealt to her as Midnights horn had run straight down her shoulder and neck.

The dark Alicorn though was in far worse condition as he lay in a pool of blood that was slowly dripping from his mouth and nose on the floor. His mane and tail flickering wildly in different shades of color as it would come closer to his body and then erupt out without notice, before dieing down once again. His breaths were staggering, getting caught in his throat as he attempted to breathe through the bodily fluids that were leaking from him. The site was devastating, to say the least, and it was all because of her.

"No... this is all my fault... To think that this poor being has seen so much within his short life that it would shadow my own experiences... It is unimaginable... But... I now understand why he was so reluctant to show these memories to me." She whispered softly to herself as she levitated his lifeless frame into the air and quickly teleported to the infirmary, placing him on a bed and calling to the doctors.

As she continued to contemplate all of the memories that she had just taken in, she began to issue orders to help the king. Seemingly on auto-pilot and without hesitance what-so-ever. It didn't take long before the king had been stabilized and placed into an induced coma for the night. Everything seemed to happen so quickly though that the sun Goddess, hadn't realized that she was now walking quietly through the halls of the castle, all with the small blood covered scrape still along her neck and shoulder.

"TIA!" Luna shouted, finally breaking her sister from her revere. Celestia snapping her attention to her sister of the night as she was right in her face, shaking her hard enough to seem as if she was being awoken from a bad dream.

"I've been trying to get your attention for several moments dear sister, something must be troubling you badly if you were blocking me out for such a length of time. Please, tell me what is going on." Luna began to plead, pausing as she looked to the scrap and dried blood along her sisters neck and shoulder. "W-what happened?" She looked on in worry as Celestia sighed, looking away from her sister in shame.

"I..." She began, pausing to take in a deep breath before releasing it shakily. "I've done something... something horrible." She finally croaked out as she began to tell her sister about the events that had just transpired. It had only taken a few moments for Luna to get the jest of the situation just before her sister had come to a stop.

"Luna... I hate to ask this of you. But, would you mind..." She trailed off as her sister brought her into a hug.

"I'll go now and see what I can do for him dear sister." Luna smiled to her as she pulled away. "You should have that looked at as well, before the blood stains your coat." She nodded toward the small wound that Midnight had accidentally given her. However, as the two sat there for a moment, realization finally began to set in. The wound... the word kept resounding within their heads as horror began to take over.

"His spells that he cast on us... They're no longer active!" Celestia be gasped.

"But, I thought that the spells he cast were permanent until he had passed on..." That one phrase Luna had just spoken quickly began to make her realize something. Midnight had passed on, in so many words. When Flame had taken control of his body, and then the two had recombined into one being once more.

"This will not bode well for us Tia. Not with what has already occurred in the past. We need to remedy this as quietly as possible, lest we have another incident such as Sombras." Luna quickly stated as she turned, heading toward the infirmary.

"Luna... Don't do anything brash. I'm sure he would cast the spells again without any coercion. Just advise him that the spells have worn off somehow without any further details or why we would like them placed back upon our being." Celestia sighed, looking away as she knew the exact reason she want those spells on her, as well as every other pony.

"I will sister." Luna stated as he horn lit up, making her vanish in a small flash of light.

XXX

As Luna appeared within the infirmary, she quietly made her way through the halls. Stopping for a moment to ask where Midnight was being held, she slowly made her way to his room. Once she had come to his room, she slowly pushed the door open, only to pause at the sight before her.

"Discord?" She began, only to stop as she noticed that his eyes were closed as the Draconequess sat next to the dark Alicorn, with his left paw placed upon the stallions forehead just below his horn. "What is he doing?" She quietly asked herself as she went to the opposite side of the bed and took a seat, closing her eyes and letting her magic quickly take her into the realm of dreams.

In a flash of light, Luna appeared within a long hallway with doors lining either side. Each door a different color, with a cutiemark on each to represent the pony in which it belonged to. Many of the doors had a chain across the, showing that the pony wasn't dreaming, while the ones who were dreaming, gave off a soft glow, and lacked the chains to bind them.

After many years of dream jumping, Luna had come to learn where each door was and which pony it belonged to within this long hall. But, she had only jumped into Midnights dreams a hoof full of times. On more than one occasion, they were not a pleasant experience.

Now, however, was different. As this time would be to, not only find out why Midnight had taken such damage from the memories he had shared with Celestia. But to also find out what Discord was up to.

"Here we are." Luna smiled nervously as she came upon Midnight dream door, it giving off a soft glow to show that he was, indeed, dreaming.

As Luna took in a breath, she pressed the door open, gawking at the sight that lay before her. The dream space within Midnight mind was in, to say the least, utter chaos. The princess of the night couldn't believe what she was seeing, even if it was a dream, it was possibly even more chaotic than anything Discord could come up with.

"Discord..." The name fell from her lips softly at first, before she bellowed it out with such force that the dream itself shook, temporarily pausing everything that was going on within it as every being looked at her, then went back to what they were doing. As the dream paused though, Luna noticed that several beings disappeared quickly from sight, and every so often another would cease to exist as a blur quickly bolted past them, and then to in front of Luna, causing her to take a step back.

"Discord?! What is the meaning of this?!" Luna shouted just as she was swept up in his arms as he continued to bolt over to what seemed like random ponies, pick them up, then make them disappear into thin air.

"Luna dear, so good to see you! Although I wish it was under better circumstances." He chuckled before putting on a serious expression that she hadn't seen before.

"Discord? What are you doing to all of these dreamlings?" She asked as she continued watching him make each one of them disappear.

"Dreamlings?" Discord laughed. "These aren't dreamlings my dear, oh no. These are dream eaters that have been bred with soul eaters. I haven't quite figured out the perfect name for them yet, but I'm sure it'll come to me." He chuckled as he wiped a few more from the dream that Midnight was having.

"Wait.... what?! How did soul eater even... nevermind. What are they doing here, in this realm, without my consent?!" Luna snapped as she halted Discords advance in destroying one of them, and pulled it to her within her own magical field.

"Luna, I don't have time to babysit you here and take care of these things. If you aren't part of the solution then you're part of the problem. Just... stay out of my way." He grumbled as he vanished once again in a blaze of speed. Luna, on the other hand, turned slowly to the creature she held within her magic, giving it a glare as she spoke.

"What are you doing in this realm creature? This dreamscape is protected from the likes of your kind." She growled.

The creature squirmed as it began to cackle in a sickly manner before speaking.

"Keh-heh heh heh, do you know to who which you speak child?!" It croaked out in a broken tone. Its form now no longer looking like a pony, but a blackish mist mixed with an oily texture, two glowing orange eyes staring at her as they slanted with each cackle, presumably smiling at her as it spoke out.

"I do not, but I suggest you speak quickly before I remove you into a state of reality so that we can find out through other means, if necessary." She smirked for a moment as the creature seemed a little confused, cocking its head to the side for a moment before cackling loudly once again.

"Remove me from this dream? You would be mad to do so, should you feel the wrath of Idol. My father." It cackled even harder as Lunas face shone more shock than she had ever shone.

"Y-your father is Idol?! But.... how can this be?!" She squeaked for a moment, only to pause and bring the creature closer to her. "You lie! Idol has never bore any children of his own. How could he have had any child with the eater of souls?"

"Luna, Luna, Luna..." Discord trailed off as he grabbed he once more along with the creature and vanished from the dream, reappearing into reality with Luna waking up and the creature appearing within a bottle, corked tightly as it lay within his grasp.

"Luna, you will need to leave here immediately and head toward your room. Do not, under any circumstances, teleport into this bottle, or let this creature out. I've placed multiple spells on it to implode into a tiny blackhole for a very short time before vanishing. I know you have questions, and I'll answer them as soon as I'm done with Charlie boy here." He stated as he patted the dark alicorns nose.

"For now though, off to your room." He stated, waving a paw and making her, along with the bottled creature, vanish into thin air, then reappear in her room.

It took several moments, but Luna snapped back to reality from her lapse of reality. "Uh... what just happened? That was so quick that I cannot clearly comprehend what has just transpired."

"You and me both sister." The creature spoke out as it pecked on the glass, recoiling back as a small shock was sent through its appendage.

Snapping her attention to the small jar that held the creature within it, she snarled slightly as she began to speak. "Alright.... whatever you are, what were your kind doing within the dreams of my friend and on this plain no less. Your kind has been banned for eons from coming here due to an agreement that Idol and I had made some time ago. Our contract doesn't end unless one of us breaks it for some reason, and I have not broken it."

"Well, first of all, you didn't break the contract, and neither did Idol. We were summoned into this realm by some creature who had possession of a very powerful artifact. You may know it as the necronomicon." It grinned evilly as it watch Lunas horror spread across her face, her fur literally standing on end at the very mention of the book.

"We, had no choice in the matter. We were summoned as a fail safe guard against any attacker that would attack the possessor of the book. The being that you pulled me from was just such a creature that had hit our master. Sadly, we never finished eating away at him. We would have been out sooner, but the being had some spells and failsafes of its own on guard to prevent that from happening. Luckily for us though, your sister set us free."

"Set you free? But how?" She began, only to remember what her sister had told her what had happened earlier to Midnight.

"You were in his memories?" She squeaked upon seeing the creatures deepening smile.

"Well, a part of us were. The other, well, lets just say a deal was struck up and we found our other halves laying in wait within that room, combined into something much stronger, and now have a particular taste for dreams, and souls." It began to cackle, but paused as a small portal was opened and the jar placed inside before closing.

"I need to speak to Tia about this, and find out what she really saw in Midnights memories. This thing..... this monster, could not have possibly come here through that book alone." She stated softly as she rushed from the room to find her sister.

Chapter 88

"Charlie boy, I can not, for the life of me, understand why your dreams were so chaotic, that if we were to put them to scale they would make even my fur stand on end." Discord sighed as he leaned back into his chair beside the Dark Alicorns bed within the infirmary.

Midnight had awoken a short while after Luna had been sent to her room, as Discord was running some chaotic tests on him. One such causing him to start sneezing non stop for a good five minutes before finally waking up and gasping for air from the attack. As he lay there silently in his bed though, he spoke no words and moved only his eyes as he looked from the Draconequus to random spots around the room. Sometimes closing his eyes and letting out a sorrowful sigh of his own.

After a while of having a one way conversation with the Alicorn though, Discord began to get impatient with the adequate lack of response he was receiving from him and decided to push a little.

"Midnight, you know I'm here for you if you need me, right?" Discord spoke out hesitantly as he placed a paw on his shoulder. Midnight moving his head slightly to look at his friend a little better. The first sign of movement that he had given since his awakening.

Discord gave a soft smile for a moment, feeling better as he now knew that his friend was well enough to move and even look at him directly. Watching though for a moment as Midnights mouth began to quiver slightly as he attempted to speak out, but only air came.

"Can you speak up dear boy, I do say that I'm having a hard time hearing you speak." Discord smirked slightly as he manifest a small ear horn and placed the end into his ear while the other nearly surrounded Midnights head. The only problem that came next was what the Dark Alicorn said that the Draconequus heard next.

"Kill...... me."

It was fainter than a whisper, yet as loud as an atomic bomb. Shocking the God of Chaos so abruptly that he literally dropped the horn from his grasp, his color drained in a non comical manner, and his head turned slowly toward his dearest friend as he looked to the expression of complete sadness, plastered across his face. This was the look that one would give when they've not only lost everything they ever loved in life, but remembered nothing but the most horrible of deeds that they had committed along the way. It was, his final plea.

XXX

"Tia, we must speak with haste." Luna stated quickly as she galloped over to her sister as she was walking through the castles garden.

Although the weather was beautiful and the castles garden in perfect bloom. It did nothing for the princess of the sun as she took a seat on a large pillow laying beneath a beautiful cherry blossom tree next to a small pond. The scene, although sureal, did not help her with her thoughts on everything she had witnessed within Midnights mind. If only, making it seem worse than what it was.

As the princess of the night came to her side to take a seat, the sun princess gave her sister a saddened smile, feeling almost, pitiful. At first it was about how her sister had to endure a thousand years alone on the moon when she had been banished. But then, it came back to her ten fold. Questions began to pile up within herself as she continued to look at her sister. Why did she send her to the moon without trying to further talk to her. Could there have been other ways to prevent those years of banishment? So many questions began to pile up that she only came back to reality once Luna was shaking her roughly.

"CELESTIA! Are you alright?" Luna shouted as she shook her sister, causing her to blink several times before giving a soft smile.

"I'm fine my dear sister. Now then, what did you want to speak with me about?" She asked, while giving a slightly warmer smile than before.

"It is about Midnight. I was just with him in the infirmary, and Discord was there, dream walking with him. I joined in to find out something terrible." She began, causing her sisters ears to perk up as she concentrated harder on what her sister was speaking about.

"I wasn't sure what was going on, but in the end it turns out that some dreamlings and soul eaters had combined and were tearing away at Midnight from within. I fear the worst Tia, and now that I have seen your temporary lapses as well, I fear that you may be afflicted with them as well." She stated causing Celestia to give a worried expression.

"Afflicted? But how?" She asked.

"One of the beings stated that they were locked away within his memories, and that you released them. I fear that once you experienced those memories, the creatures somehow entered your mind as well."

Celestia just sat there in shock for a moment before worry began to overtake her once more, causing panic to set in and making her breath a little faster.

"Tia, please calm yourself. We need to address this quickly, because if we do not, you could very well end up becoming a husk from having all of those creatures within you, eating at your very being." Luna stated as she pulled her almost hyperventilating sister into a warm hug.

Celestia hugged back weakly as she began to bring her breathing under control. Luna, giving a worried smile in return as she squeezed her sister a little harder into the hug, only to make her giggle.

"Are you really that worried about me little sister?" Tia asked as she pulled back to look at her sister.

"Yes, and do not make light of the situation. We need to remedy this as soon as possible. I can already tell that these things are afflicting you as well from your demeanor alone." Luna began as she pulled away from her sister.

"I have felt a bit different since taking in all of my husbands memories. But I highly doubt that such a lowly creature could afflict me." She stated in slight awe. "How could they have been hiding inside Midnights memories though?"

"Sister, they were part of a trap." Luna began, causing her sister to look at her once more. "Remember when he attacked that pony in the seller of that old abandoned home? The book that lay on the table was atuned to that creature and had a fail safe spell attached to it. It released creatures into Midnight as soon as he attacked him. But they did not activate right away for some reason, although I will soon find out why." Luna stated, putting on a serious expression as she got to her hooves and began to march back toward the infirmary.

XXX

"What?! How could you ask me to do something like that?! I could never...." Discord began as he backed away from the Dark Alicorn slightly. "No, I refuse to believe that you would truly want me to just... kill you." He huffed, crossing his arms as his glared slightly at Midnight.

"Discord..." Midnight spoke softly, but just above a whisper. "I... have done so many terrible things... hurt so many people... taken so many lives... I deserve nothing less than death. Please... release me from this torment. As my friend... grant me mercy."

Mercy... The worlds fell upon the God of Chaos like nothing he had ever experienced before. He was meant to cause chaos, not grant mercy. Even if he wanted to help his friend though at that moment. He would have to look the other way. He was forbidden from taking life directly, lest he lose his eternal powers and life permanently. It was the only condition that he would have to follow for all of eternity. Taking a life indirectly though, was possible. But how could he do that at this moment, or would he even attempt it considering the being that he would be killing was his own best friend.

Discord sat back in his chair, thinking hard as the time continued to tick on, yet, it wasn't long before Luna had returned to check on her brother-in-law to see about something she felt she needed to do in order to help the Alicorn. As she walked through the door of the room, her attention fell upon the Dark Alicorn as his attention turned toward her. She immediately bolted over to him, pulling him into a warm embrace.

"Midnight, I'm so happy to see you finally awake!" She spoke out in a broken tone. The worry alone from knowing what had happened within his mind, eating at her as well.

"Luna..." He spoke softly, causing her to pull back from him as she smiled. "Kill... me..." The words caused her color to drain, and turn her once happy expression into something so saddened that it would have broken the hearts of anyone who would have been watching at that moment.

"Midnight?! Why..." She began, thinking about what had all just recently happened to the Dark Alicorn, and finally coming to a conclusion. "Please, a moment if you will." She quickly stated, pulling away from his grasp as she opened a small portal and pulled out the glass container which held the dreamling slash soul eater. She glared at it for a moment as she began to speak.

"What has your kind done to this being?" She shouted in anger, only to make the creature tilt its head for a moment as it looked from her to the Dark Alicorn laying silently on the bed. It grinned widely as its eyes narrowed, letting loose a small cackle.

"Kee hee hee, so this is the being that my bretherin and I feasted upon." It snickered. "His dreams, and soul, were quite delectable. I do so wish to return to his mind to continued my feast." It smiled evilly.

"I will not ask again you vile creature!" Luna shouted as she rapidly shook the jar, causing the creature to bounce around the jar, smacking against its sides with tremendous force.

"Stop! Stop! I will tell you!" It shouted, pleading for the princess of the night to stop its torment. As the jar came to a halt, the creature within swirled around for a moment, slowing to a stop as it began to take form once again. "Your, friend, has had much of his soul eaten away, along with much of his more, pleasant, dreams." It smirked. "I still remember the taste." It continued to grin. "His soul has been severely damaged through numerous attacks from my fellow kin, and will not be easy to return to what it once was. If I were you, I would just let me go and let me finish him off as quickly as possible. To ease his suffering and put him out of his misery." It smiled wickedly as it pressed up against the side of its jar, literally salivating at the thought of finishing the Dark Alicorns soul and dreams.

"You shall not continue hurting him you vile creature. But you will tell me how to help him to return to normal. Should you refuse though, well, your punishment will be far more severe than anything you could imagine." Luna spat as she shook the jar one rough time, making the force field inside of it sharply shock the creature and make him yell out in pain.

"You talk big, but can you really torture me in order to get the information you request?" It snickered seeing the apprehension in the Night Princess' face.

Discord gave a low growl as he slithered up to Luna, His eyes flickering wildly in the the rooms dim light. Pressing his talon to the jar he sent a bolt of chaos magic through it causing the creature to scream out in such pain that one would think it was dieing a horrid death. After a few seconds, he pulled the talon away causing the creature to slowly reform, giving a look of utter shock as it stared at the God of Chaos.

"Does that answer your question?" Discord snapped, causing the creature to recoil.

"A-alright..... fine." It choked out as the numbness from the shock began to subside. "I'll tell you. But you need to remember one thing. This, will not be easy."

"Your friends soul has been partially consumed. Bits and pieces of it, here and there. It looks a little like swiss cheese now." It chuckled. "My bretherin and I were almost half way into our feast before this monstrosity showed up, killing us all off before we could chance an escape." It grumbled as it glared toward Discord.

"Luckily I was spared their fate. But my imprisonment is looking to be no better than death." It sighed.

"Get on with it creature, we do not have the leisure to stand idly by while our friend suffers." Luna growled as she glared at the creature within the jar.

"Fine, but you won't like it." It grumbled. "To save your friend, you must make him accept that everything he did in the past, was just. That will save his mind, but his soul..." It trailed off humming for a moment as it slowly turned to Discord. "His soul will have to heal on its own."

"How long will that take?" Discord asked, glaring toward the creature.

"I have no clue." It cackled. "Every being is different, so they all will heal differently, inside and out." It trailed off, smiling evilly. "However, the Necronomicon could aid in healing his soul, should you obtain it."

At this, Luna and Discord gave a look of uncertainty as the glanced from the creature to the dark Alicorn that lay in the bed next to them. Midnight only laying there and staring at the ceiling, looking for a reason to continue on, but failing.