Chapter 20:

'Broken Heart'

Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo followed Cloud Hunter down the dark rusty hallway of the castle. Every time they walked by an Iron guard, the guard would give them a quick glance, which forced them to look away or rush closer to Cloud Hunter for safety, albeit he himself was still dangerous. Nonetheless, the Commander of the Iron Empire had told them minutes ago that he was going to take them home, and the Cutie Mark Crusaders were barely able to contain their joy.

Cloud Hunter was carrying a large saddle bag around the side of his neck. The fillies had no idea why he was carrying it especially when they were able to make out that there was nothing in it.

A few guards stepped aside as Cloud Hunter and the fillies approached them. As they neared the end of the hallway, the guards up ahead opened the doors for the four, which Cloud Hunter nodded in thanks before leading the three fillies into the throne room.

Upon entering, the fillies all sighed with relief when they saw no sign of the tall armoured Unicorn. Noticing Cloud Hunter hadn't stopped, the fillies quickly rushed on ahead to catch up with them.

Their walk had taken them out of the throne room and officially out of the castle, and into the large open cavern. There was also a large number of Iron guards patrolling this area too, and the fillies made sure they stayed really close to Cloud Hunter, much to his slight frustration.

Even though he wanted some personal space, Cloud Hunter decided to refrain from telling them to back off and let them stay close to his side. He couldn't help but notice the stares he was getting from various guards that they were passing by.

As the four reached the top of the cavern, they then started making their way towards the entrance to the tunnel that led to the outside.

Just as they were about to enter the tunnel however, they were stopped by a loud yell. "HEY!"

Cloud Hunter and the Cutie Mark Crusaders were about to turn to the source of the voice until it landed in front of them, stopping them from going through the tunnel.

"Blitz Bolt..." Cloud Hunter merely said with a sigh.

The silver Pegasus glared at the three fillies before setting his gaze back on Cloud Hunter. "Where do you think you're taking them Cloud Hunter?!"

Cloud Hunter looked at the fillies for a moment before facing Blitz Bolt again. "I'm taking them home."

"I don't think so Cloud Hunter! They're our captives! I brought them here so we could use them as a way to bail ourselves out of tight situations! Like the one you and the others found yourselves in yesterday!" Blitz Bolt shouted. Clearly the lieutenant wasn't happy right now, and in all honesty, Cloud Hunter couldn't blame him.

Letting out another sigh, Cloud Hunter gave the silver Pegasus a cold glare. "I said I would take them home, and I am not going back on my word..." He took a few steps towards Blitz Bolt until they were a few inches away from each other. Cloud Hunter slowly lowered his head until his eyes met Blitz Bolt's. "Are you going to stop me?"

Struck with fear as he looked into Cloud Hunter's piercing red eyes, Blitz Bolt slowly took a step back and then moved to the side, letting them pass.

Cloud Hunter gave the fillies a nod and motioned for them to run on ahead. As they ran on, Cloud Hunter was about to follow, until Blitz Bolt stopped him again. "You do know lord Metal Wing won't be happy about this."

Facing the silver Pegasus again, Cloud Hunter said, "He'll understand." With that, the tall blue Pegasus walked on, Blitz Bolt glared daggers at him before also taking off.

As he looked on ahead, Cloud Hunter was unable to see the fillies. At first, he figured it was only because the tunnel was a bit dark, but knowing they would probably jump at any opportunity to get away as soon as possible, he decided to unfurl his wings and flew on ahead.

Thanks to his speed, it was only mere seconds before he caught up to them. The three fillies ceased their running upon hearing him land behind them. They looked at him nervously as he approached them. "Just so you know, you won't be able to get back without me." Cloud Hunter merely said as he walked on ahead.

The Cutie Mark Crusaders exchanged looks before following him. Daylight was shining through the exit up ahead and the three fillies rushed on, eager to get outside as quickly as possible.

Cloud Hunter increased his pace just a little in order to make sure they stayed in his sight.

Finally, they got outside. The fillies were blinded for a moment by the bright sunlight, which Cloud Hunter couldn't blame them for considering they hadn't seen any light at all for a whole day.

The four stared out into the distance. Standing on the large ledge of the mountain, they had a clear view of the vast land before them. Not far at the side, was the Crystal Empire, and various other villages and towns could be seen from where they stood. Their sights all slowly moved towards the large white castle that sat on the side of the mountain in the distance. Although it was very far, it was still noticeable.

"Canterlot..." Cloud Hunter muttered.

Apple Bloom looked up at him. "Is...is that where yer takin' us?" She asked nervously.

Cloud Hunter nodded. "Yes..."

Sweetie Belle looked at Canterlot again before speaking. "But...how do you know our sisters will be there?"

"Considering all of the events that will soon take place, the Princesses can't afford for them not to be there." Cloud Hunter replied.

Scootaloo was about to speak, but she was stopped when she heard hoofsteps approaching them from behind.

The four turned back to the tunnel and waited for whatever, or whoever was approaching. Emerging from the shadows of the tunnel, was a navy blue Unicorn with a slightly long purple mane and tail. The most noticeable feature was usually the blindfold around his eyes, but this time, it was the golden necklace around his neck.

"Vanisher." Cloud Hunter said. The three fillies quickly rushed behind him as the blind Unicorn approached them. Cloud Hunter looked at the necklace around the silent Unicorn's neck before speaking again. "I need a favour..."

Vanisher said nothing and merely stared blankly at the Pegasus.

Knowing he had the Unicorn's full attention, Cloud Hunter continued. "Listen Vanisher...I understand our task was to retrieve the Elements, and I know that together, they are a major threat to lord Metal Wing."

Again, Vanisher said nothing.

"But just hear me out Vanisher..." Cloud Hunter started before taking a deep breath. "I need you to give me the Element. I'm taking it back to Canterlot so I can give it back to its wielder."

The fillies were surprised when they saw that no shocked expression made its way onto Vanisher's face. They were expecting the blind Unicorn to lash out at the Pegasus, or shout at him, but instead, his expression remained blank.

Cloud Hunter took a few steps forward, which prompted Vanisher to raise his head slightly, causing him to now look up a little at the Pegasus. Cloud Hunter didn't do this to intimidate Vanisher like he did with Blitz Bolt, as he knew that trying to intimidate the blind Unicorn was literally impossible.

Vanisher looked down at the necklace for a moment before facing Cloud Hunter again. Cloud Hunter sighed and slowly raised his hoof before placing it on Vanisher's shoulder. "Vanisher...we've known each other ever since we were just colts. I've always thought of you like a little brother of sorts. You know that I always have a good reason for everything that I do, and I promise you Vanisher, I have a good reason for wanting to take the Element back."

Vanisher continued to look blankly at the Pegasus.

"All I'm asking Vanisher, is that you place your trust in me. Please, give me the Element of Kindness." Cloud Hunter said, his tone softened a little.

A good long moment went by, and Vanisher continued to look blankly at the Pegasus.

Cloud Hunter continued to look back at him, hoping that his history with Vanisher and the trust between the two of them would be enough to persuade the silent Unicorn to give him the Element.

Finally, Vanisher made the decision. He used his magic, and removed the necklace.

Cloud Hunter smiled a little. He took the necklace and placed it in the saddle bag at his side.

"Well, I guess we know what the saddle bag was for now." Scootaloo whispered to the others.

Vanisher turned and walked back towards the tunnel.

"Thank you...Vanisher." Cloud Hunter said.

Vanisher stopped for a moment and looked over his shoulder, giving Cloud Hunter a slight nod before disappearing into the shadows of the tunnel.

Cloud Hunter sighed and turned to the three fillies. "Alright, hop on."

"What?" The three fillies all stared at him in confusion.

Sighing, Cloud Hunter said, "I said, hop on. Two of you get on my back, the other, jump into my saddle bag."

"Umm, can't all three of us just get on your back?" Sweetie Belle asked.

Apple Bloom then spoke. "An' are ya sure you'll be able ta carry all three of us?"

Cloud Hunter rolled his eyes. "First off, no, only two of you will be able to sit on my back while keeping some space, that's why I have the large saddle bag. And second, I've spent my entire life training these wings of mine and I can take a good bit of weight, carrying you all won't be a problem. Though I may decide to stop for a quick rest."

He turned around and faced the large land ahead. "Now hop on..."

Not willing to test his patience, the fillies decided to listen to his words and walked over to him. Cloud Hunter lowered himself just enough for Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle to climb onto his back, while Scootaloo jumped into the saddle bag at his side. Thankfully, it was indeed large enough to hold a filly of her size, though she had to position herself a little so the necklace inside wasn't digging into her legs.

Cloud Hunter got back up and slowly unfurled his wings. "All set?"

Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle held onto him tightly, whereas Scootaloo merely sat comfortably in the saddle bag.

Cloud Hunter took a few steps back. "Alright then, let's go."

Taking in a deep breath, the tall blue Pegasus rushed forward and leaped off of the ledge, shooting forth into the sky at a very quick speed. While the two fillies on his back held on for dear life, the other merely cheered with excitement at how fast they were going.

As they flew, the three fillies started thinking about their sisters, and couldn't wait to see them again.

________________________________________________________________________________________

Starlight slowly opened his eyes and immediately shut them upon being blinded by the bright sunlight that was shining through the window. He let out a low groan as he rubbed his eyes and opened them again. He found himself lying in a comfortable bed, and from the looks of the room, he was able to immediately assume that he was in a hospital.

"Starlight! You're awake!"

Recognising the voice, Starlight slowly turned to his side and faced a relieved Twilight Sparkle. "Twilight...?"

Twilight threw her forelegs around him and hugged him tightly. "I was so worried about you!"

Starlight was surprised by this action and decided to return it by placing his own forelegs around her. "I...I'm sorry..."

Slowly pulling back, Twilight looked into his eyes with a confused expression and said, "What are you sorry for?"

"Because of me..." He stopped for a moment when he noticed her crown sitting on the small desk next to the bed. He then turned his attention towards the other five mares that were standing not far behind her, giving him a look of concern. He noticed they still had their Elements aswell. "Because of me...we nearly lost the Elements."

Once more, Twilight threw her forelegs around him, pulling him into a tight hug. "I don't care about that! I'm just glad you're okay!"

Starlight was surprised. They had nearly lost the Elements of Harmony because of him. So why wasn't she mad? "Twilight...the Elements are important...how can you not be angry at me?"

Twilight slowly pulled away and looked into his eyes. "I could never be angry at you Starlight. You were only trying to help. Besides..." She looked at her friends and smiled. "We still have our Elements too, so everything is ok. Right?"

Applejack nodded. "She's right sugarcube. Don't worry about the Elements, we still got 'em an' yer still alive. That's all that matters."

Letting out a quiet sigh, Starlight leaned back in the bed and said, "Where are we anyway?"

"Canterlot. Princess Celestia and Princess Luna brought us here." Rainbow Dash replied.

Fluttershy then spoke up. "And Princess Cadence healed your injuries, so, you should be able to get up and walk again in no time."

Starlight did notice that most of the pain in his left foreleg was gone. And the aching pain he once felt in his head was also gone. He let out a relieved sigh and managed a smile. "Well, I hope she's still here, I have to thank her."

"She is still here darling, don't you worry. She won't be going anywhere anytime soon, so you just stay here and let yourself recover. She will come by again later so you can thank her then." Rarity replied with a cheerful tone.

Suddenly, a thought occurred to him and he had to speak his mind. "The last thing I remember, was Metal Wing had me under his hoof, then I went unconscious." He looked at Twilight and continued. "What happened? How did we get out of there? I know you said Princess Celestia and Princess Luna brought us here, but what about Metal Wing? Surely he didn't just let us go did he?"

Twilight exchanged a worried look with the rest of her friends. Starlight noticed this and spoke again. "What? What is it? What happened?"

Pinkie Pie opened her mouth to speak, but was quickly stopped by Applejack. "Ah think it'd be a good idea if we let Twilight explain this one sugarcube." She turned to her friends. "Come on y'all, let's give 'em some privacy."

With that, the rest of the Element wielders followed the orange coloured mare out of the room.

Starlight waited until the door closed behind them before turning back to Twilight. "What was that all about? What's going on Twilight?"

Twilight let out a nervous sigh. She remembered exactly what happened. She was just struggling on how to explain it to Starlight. She herself still wasn't sure what it was all about. The Mad Unicorn. A rumour that spread throughout Equestria. She had heard mention of the rumour a few times before but didn't pay any attention to it because it was exactly what everypony made it out to be, a rumour.

But earlier today, the rumour proved to be true. She had seen the Mad Unicorn for the very first time, and now the image of its dark gaze continued to haunt her memory. Something about it seemed very familiar, and she remembered when Celestia and Luna mentioned that they had fought against it once before. The Mad Unicorn was linked somehow to King Sombra, atleast, that's what everypony thought considering his dark aura was similar to Sombra's. The very same King Sombra that was defeated and killed back at the Crystal Empire over a year ago.

Could the Mad Unicorn be nothing more than a demon spawned from the remnants of King Sombra's darkness? Is the Mad Unicorn King Sombra himself? Or, could he merely be one of King Sombra's minions seeking vengeance?

Twilight quickly retracted the last one. There was no way in tartarus that something THAT powerful could be Sombra's minion. Still, it didn't help her curiosity one bit. As soon as she was finished speaking with Starlight, she made a mental note to go to the library and search up on the Mad Unicorn.

"Twilight?" Starlight spoke, his tone filled with concern.

Facing him again, Twilight replied. "Sorry, I was just thinking. So...umm, to answer your question, well, it's kinda hard to explain. I'm not sure what happened myself. I guess this is the only way I can put it. Some, black knight Unicorn showed up, and he attacked Metal Wing. The two fought each other and then Metal Wing left. The black knight looked at us and then left after."

Starlight's eyes widened a little. "Black Knight Unicorn?"

"Yes..." Twilight replied. Though his tone clearly implied he had an idea as to what she was talking about.

"Twilight..." Starlight stopped for a moment and took in a deep breath before continuing. "This Black Knight Unicorn...it wouldn't happen to be the same Unicorn mentioned in those rumours is it?"

Twilight merely nodded.

This reply did nothing to help Starlight's mood, and only made him more nervous. "I don't believe it...the Mad Unicorn. So he's real after all. And what's more, I was there and I didn't even see what happened..." He let out a relieved sigh. "I guess I should just be lucky that I'm still alive."

"Yes, and that's all that matters." Twilight replied softly as she placed a hoof on his shoulder, causing the red Pony to blush.

Facing her again, Starlight noticed that their faces were just inches away from each other. He could see right into her beautiful violet coloured eyes, and he could tell that there was still a look of worry in them.

Leaning forward, Starlight decided to tell her something he'd been wanting to tell her for a while now. "Twilight?"

"Yes?" She replied softly.

He leaned in closer. "I...Twilight I...I l-"

The sound of the door opening caught their attention, Twilight and Starlight quickly turned to see who entered. Starlight raised a brow as he set his eyes on a Unicorn he'd never seen before. His coat was a dark shaded peach colour and he had a short and spiky yellow mane and tail. He was wearing gold armour that covered his entire body from neck to hoof and he had a long crimson red cape over his back.

The Unicorn narrowed his piercing red eyes when he noticed Twilight's hoof on Starlight's shoulder.

Twilight bowed her head quickly and managed a friendly smile. "Prince Dusk...it's good to see you. What brings you here?"

'Prince Dusk?' Starlight looked at the golden armoured Unicorn in shock.

Dusk walked further into the room, not taking his eyes off of her. "I figured it would be a good idea to let you know that the Princesses are holding a royal banquet."

"A banquet? Whatever for?" Twilight asked confused.

Dusk sighed. "What do you think? Our marriage of course."

Starlight's heart sank upon hearing that word. He wanted to believe he was just hearing things, and quietly muttered out. "M-Marriage? What...what is he talking about Twilight?"

Twilight faced him and noticed the nervous look on his face. She let out a sad sigh and said, "That was Prince Dusk's terms for forming the alliance. If I agreed to marry him, we would have the aid of the North Kingdom against the Iron Empire."

Starlight looked back at Dusk again and quickly turned away. The evil look in the golden armoured Prince's eyes struck fear into his very soul. "But...he...I...surely there must have been another way to form the alliance than this!"

Twilight let out another sad sigh and got to her hoofs. "That's similar to what my friends said before..."

Dusk looked out the window and spoke again. "Those were the terms that I stood by. Consider yourself grateful that I even bothered to offer my aid."

Refraining from lashing out at his words, Twilight turned and leaned close to Starlight and whispered into his ear. "I'm so sorry I didn't tell you earlier. I'll be back later ok?"

Starlight just looked at her. He wanted to reply but the sad look in her eyes kept him silent. The young Alicorn Princess gave him a quick nod before turning to leave. "I'm...I'm going to library, there's something I need to do." She said.

Dusk replied without facing her. "Very well. I shall be with you in a few minutes."

Nodding again, Twilight left, leaving the two Stallions alone.

Starlight sighed quietly and turned to the golden armoured Prince, who still had his back to him. "It...it's an honour to-"

"I don't recall giving you permission to speak to me." Dusk interrupted as he turned to face the Earth Pony. "Nor do I remember giving you permission to look upon me either."

Starlight quickly looked away. "I...I'm sorry..."

Dusk narrowed his eyes and walked over to the side of the bed. "It's hard isn't it?"

"Huh?" Starlight looked at him again.

Dusk's expression remained cold and emotionless as he continued to glare at the red Pony. "It's hard knowing the one you love doesn't love you back. It's hard knowing that she'll never return your love..."

"W-What are you talking about?" Starlight asked.

Dusk narrowed his eyes a little as he continued. "You know what I'm talking about. The moment I walked in here, I could see what was going on between you two. You love Twilight Sparkle."

"I...I...I don't! I mean..." Starlight stumbled on his words as she tried to think of a thoughtful reply.

"Hmph." Dusk turned his back to the red Pony. "It's actually quite sad to be honest. You love her, and yet she doesn't love you."

A look of anger made its way onto Starlight's face. "She does love me! I'm her friend!"

Dusk looked over his shoulder at him. "Don't make me laugh. A Princess has no friends." He fully turned to face the young Stallion again. "It must be hard knowing that the one you love is getting married to somepony better than you."

Starlight continued to glare at the golden armoured Prince. He was tempted to jump out of the bed and beat the living daylights out of him, but he refrained from doing so, knowing it would be a fatal mistake.

"Hmph. Even now you're still trying to deny the truth. Why do you think she was so eager to leave as soon as I arrived, hm?" Dusk said.

Starlight looked at him again, he tried to reply but couldn't find the words.

Dusk turned his back to the red Pony again and continued. "Besides, what makes you think that Twilight Sparkle would love you? She's a Princess, an Alicorn. She can fly and she has the ability to use magic. She's royalty to an extent. Look at you. You're just an Earth Pony. You have neither of those things. You're not royalty. You're nothing but a mere commoner, a weakling. Twilight Sparkle would never love a pitiful Stallion like you. She falls for those who are superior. Like me. I am of royalty. I possess magic that not even your precious Princesses can use. I have legions of troops at my command. My castle holds many valuable treasures that are impossible to find anywhere else."

Again, Dusk turned to Starlight. "You're nothing compared to me. Accept the truth. Twilight Sparkle doesn't care about you at all..." He made his way to the door and opened it.

"And she never will."

With that, the golden armoured Prince left, closing the door behind him with his magic.

Starlight sat in silence for a long moment.

No matter how much he wanted to deny it, Dusk was right. He did love Twilight Sparkle. And yet, she was to be married to Dusk himself. And the thought of her marrying that jerk was killing him inside.

Dusk was right. Starlight couldn't deny it. He was just an Earth Pony, a commoner. Twilight Sparkle was a Princess. How could he ever think he'd have a chance with her? She could do so many things, whereas he, he couldn't even do anything against those Stallions back at the Everfree Forest. He couldn't protect her against Metal Wing. They almost lost the Elements of Harmony because of him.

"It's true..." He muttered.

Dusk was right. He was a weakling. He was nothing compared to the Prince of the North. The young Stallion could feel tears forming in his eyes. "Twilight...Twilight does care about me...doesn't she?"

"Don't make me laugh. A Princess has no friends." He fully turned to face the young Stallion again. "It must be hard knowing that the one you love is getting married to somepony better than you."

Starlight didn't deny that Dusk was superior than him. But he still tried to convince himself that Twilight did care about him. She had been by his side when he was unconscious. He saw how scared she was when she looked into her eyes. Yet Dusk's words continued to echo through his mind.

"Hmph. Even now you're still trying to deny the truth. Why do you think she was so eager to leave as soon as I arrived, hm?"

Tears started to slowly pour down his face. "It's true..."

He turned around and cried. "It's true!"

Starlight buried his face into his pillow and sobbed loudly.

Outside the room...

Dusk stood on the other side of the door as he listened to the young Stallions muffled sobs.

"Hmph." Brushing his mane back, he walked off down the hallway, partially satisfied.