The Broken Soldierby shirotora
Chapters
- Prelude
- Chapter 1: The New Guy
- Chapter 2: A New Start
- Chapter 3: That Which Was Broken
- Chapter 4: Another Kind of Element
- Epilouge
Prelude
prelude
"Ok, it's ready." Twilight Sparkle said enthusiastically
"Are you sure this 'ere door thing 'll work?" asked Applejack putting down a hammer.
Twilight rolled her eyes "Of course it will, I've run the calculations a dozen times. Once i cast my spell, this door will link with a similar door in my old room in Canterlot. Then whenever we need to speak to the Princess or visit the city, all we have to do is open it and walk through."
The farm pony looked skeptical at the door and at Twilight, "Ah'right, if ya say so."
The two friends stepped back to admire their work. It looked like a plain door with the exception of the fact that it opened to a wall.
"Ok stand back, everypony" said the lavender unicorn. Applejack and Spike went to the other side of the room and watched as the purple mare's horn started to glow.
A beam of lavender light shot from her horn and struck the door. "So far so good." said Twilight "now i just have to create the lin..." something was wrong.
"Twi... you ah'right." Apple jack said worried. She charged at her friend hoping to help but an arc of magic struck her and she was suspended in the air beside her unicorn friend.
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Sugarcube corner was as busy as usual. The resident hyper-active pink party animal was humming merrily preparing a batch of muffins for her friend Rarity while listening to high class unicorn talk about her new line of designer scarves she's preparing for winter.
"... and of course the jewels are the highest quality in Equestria." said Rarity.
Pinkie Pie gasped "CUPCAKES WITH CANDY JEWELS!!!"
"That sounds fantastic I can serve them at the grand unveiling. I hope you will be willing to plan it for me." the unicorn replied
"YAY." Pinkie cheered jumping into the air spilling muffin batter.
be for she could even land a blast to purple energy burst through the back door striking both the mares and the vanished
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"Ok, Derpy, take notes cause this is going to be awesome." a cyan pegasus with a rainbow colored mane stood on a cloud with a cocky look on her face.
"Ok, Rainbow!" a grey pegasus with wall-eye called out with a wave.
The blue mare leaped off the cloud and began a dizzying series of loops dives and rolls.
"WAHOO!!!" the grey mare cheered her on
Now the grand finale. Rainbow dash thought as she climbed higher. When she felt she was high enough she hooked back down at a near vertical drop. she was building speed at an extreme rate. faster, faster, faster, until she felt the familiar wall of air. This was it, the barrier, that upon shattering, results in her greatest trick.
Derpy Hooves watched from her perch below. She knew exactly what was about to happen, but she was still exited. "here it comes... sonic rain..." in an instant Rainbow Dash vanished in a flash of purple light "...boom?"
Derpy stared confused for several moments before "AWESOME!!!" she cheered.
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"Who's mommy's little angel?" said the soft voice of Fluttershy as she snuggled her pet rabbit "Yes, you are." she said in a cutesy-wootsy voice. The bunny, however did not look happy. "That's why you'll help me take care of butter-cup,right?" she said pointing to a yellow bunny with a cast on it's back leg.
Angel crossed his front legs and shook his head.
"Oh, pleeeease." Fluttershy gave him the "sweet eyes" as her pupils grew to an unnatural size.
he gave a sigh and nodded looking at the ground.
"Thank you, ever so mu... EEEP"
Angel looked up only to see Fluttershy was gone
-------
Spike could only watch, too scared to move, as his friends all appeared out of thin air, floating beside twilight.
"T-t-twilight?" he was finally able to mutter. "Wh-Whats going on, are you ok?"
suddenly the six ponies were surrounded by a flash of light as the Elements of Harmony appeared on each of them. Spikes fear turned into awe when he saw the jewels. he knew what was next, and he looked at the door. Fear returned as the door started to crack.
Twilight's eye's shot open, glowing with pure magic power. The moment the door shattered a rainbow beam shot from the mares at the orb of light that was floating where the door used to be and struck it with tremendous force. The library began to shake sending selves of books crashing to the floor.
"NOT GOOD!!!" Spick yelled and jumped behind the couch.
The expected explosion removed a large section of wall and sent books, shelves, tables, chairs, and ponies flying across the room
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"...ilight, wake up"
Twilight opened her eyes to the sight of her assistant standing over her "Ow, my head." she sat up to survey the damage and seeing all her friends sitting up, too. then she noticed they were all wearing the Elements of Harmony.
"Is everypony alright" she asked getting confirming nods from all before turning to her assistant "What happened, Spike?"
After he finished explaining Twilight stood up "This shouldn't have happened. if anything went wrong it should have imploded not exploded." she sighed "Well I better Start cleaning up. I'm to disoriented right not to think, Spike can you send a letter to Princess Celestia informing her about what happened here, please?" she said as she started walking toward the ruble.
She sighed at the gaping hole in her home as she moved debris with her magic and gasped at what she saw. A midnight blue stallion with a black and silver mane and a white star on his forehead lay motionless beneath the wreckage. he was badly hurt and bleeding but still breathing.
"Rainbow Dash, go get nurse Redheart, quickly." Twilight said quickly as she began using what little healing magic she knew to stop the bleeding.
"Oooo, I've never seen him before." Pinkie said popping up next to twilight. She gasped "I've never seen him before. That means he's never been to one of my parties." she ran out the door.
"Who is he?" asked Applejack.
"A better question is where did he come from." asked Rarity.
---------
Awareness came swirling back in a confused torrent of sounds, smells, feels, and sights, all of which were foreign to him. He was alive, much to his disappointment. Why couldn't he have just died. He looked around trying to figure out where he was. Obviously it was a hospital, but it was different than any he's seen before. He didn't want to move as he wasn't sure of the extent of his injuries, so he couldn't see very much, but something still seemed off.
A door opened behind him and someone came in. Checking the machines no doubt. As they came around he got a look at his nurse. he was shocked at first but realized it must be a side effect of whatever medication they gave him and snickered.
"Oh, your awake, that's good, I'm nurse Redheart." she saw his grin and smiled herself "What's funny?" she asked kindly
"I don't know what you gave me but, and don't take this the wrong way, I thought you were a horse."
Her expression changed to one of confusion "Well, of course I am Mr. Stallion. What else would i be?" she said
His eyes locked onto her "You... are?" he was too stunned to react to that until he realized something else "What did you call me?"
"Well, nopony here knows your name."
Confused, he turned his head and saw a mirror on the wall at the foot of his bed. What he saw Looking back at him was the face of a pony. Assaulted by this new information, his brain decided it had enough and took a break as he passed out.
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Everything was burning. The smell of fire and blood filled the air. The screams were fading. the only sign of life was the demon walking through the town killing any survivors it passed on the way.
"Oh, god it's coming this way."
As it came into view he saw it dragging some one still alive. Why?
"Soon it will end, and your line shall be no more." it said in a deep powerful voice. It held up the person it was dragging
"Oh god, no." he saw it was a woman still holding a baby in her arms."No." he watched as the woman and child burst into flames.
"SARAH!!!!" he yelled only to realize he was back in the hospital room, starring at the mirror and the pony looking back at him. This had to be hell. he raised a hand to feel his face only to find he didn't have one. His face wasn't the only thing to be transformed.
"Oh, your awake." said a soft voice beside him. "are you ok. it looked like you were having a nightmare." he looked to see a purple pony with a dark purple mane with pink streaks in it and... a horn. What kind of a horse has a horn. For that mater what kind of horse is purple.
"My name is Twilight Sparkle. My friends call me Twilight or just Twi for short. What's your name?" she asked.
"Call me what you will." he replied not sure if can trust her.
"Do you not remember your name, or what happened?" he made no response, "Well that makes sense you were caught in the middle of an explosion."
This was new. An explosion. could that have caused... his thoughts were interrupted by a clipboard lifting off the end of his bed and drifting to the mare. it floated in front of her as she read, looking deep in thought. They're telekinetic, he thought to himself.
"The tests didn't come up with any head injuries." she said thoughtfully. "I'll talk to nurse Redheart about it." she said replacing the clip board "Your injuries weren't too bad and the nurse said that you'll be released in a few days. Do you know if anybody in Ponyville knows you?" Ponyville? Is that the town he was in now. He shook his head "I'll arrange somewhere for you to live." she smiles at him as she got up to leave.
"How about we call you Midnight Star." he looked up at her, "just until you remember, ok" he nodded "ok, goodnight Midnight."
"The nurse said you are the one who found me." Midnight said.
"Oh," the mare just smiled "no need to thank me. I was happy to help."
"You should have let me die."
Twilight was completely unprepared for that. who would ever want to die. She look at him and saw tears streaming down his face. This pony's injuries were far worse than it appears, she thought as she felt tears of her own.
--------
"It's called 'generalized dissociative amnesia'," Twilight sparkle said to her six friends, "it's when somepony goes through such a traumatic experience they lock those memories away so it doesn't hurt anymore. i don't think he remembers anything of his life before coming here."
"That's awful." whispered Fluttershy.
"The poor fella i wonder what happened to 'em" Applejack added
"I don't know, but just before he woke up he was having a nightmare. He yelled the name 'Sarah'." Twilight said
"Ya reckon something happened to this 'Sarah', filly." Applejack asked.
"Probably. I can't think of anything else. That's not the weirdest thing about him though." Twilight really got everpony's attention
"What could be weirder than that?" asked Rainbow Dash
"Oh, maybe he's from the future, sent back in time to warn us about a honorable disaster." Pinkie Pie said in her usual hyperactive way.
Rarity giggled "Well, Rainbow Dash there's your answer, although i doubt that's the case"
"No girls, it's weirder than that. He might not be a pony at all." she said, "or at least he wasn't before."
"Twi, i think than explosion might 'ave rattled yer apples a little." the farm pony said, worried for her friend.
"let me explain, nurse Redheart told me that when he first woke up he seemed confused, thinking he was hallucinating because he saw a pony talk and when he saw his reflection in the mirror he passed out. then when he woke up the second time he looked at the mirror with a sad and confused look. and when he looked at his hoof he had the same expression. the way he looked at himself and me was like he's never seen a pony in his life."
"Maybe he's just crazy." said Rainbow
"Why would the Elements of Harmony bring us a pony that's all loco-in-the-cocoa?" Pinkie Pie said and got confused looks from all. "I mean think about it. I was making some super-duper awesome muffins and, ZAP, we're all floaty with the Elements, Twilight's does her glowy-eyes thing, KA-POW, the magicy door makes a hole in the wall and Midnight's just laying there out of nowhere and Twilight's like *gasp* and then she told Rainbow to..." she continues on like that oblivious to everything else
"Of course, why didn't i think of that" Twilight said turning to her friends, "the Elements of Harmony didn't appear to stop the explosion, they caused it."
"Whoa, whoa, whoa, your telling us the Elements of Harmony, meant to protect Equestria from chaos, blew a hole in your home, turned somepony, that wasn't a pony, into a pony dropped him here and almost killed him?" Rainbow Said more than a little sarcastically.
"Yep." she said looking at Pinkie Pie
"...although my head was still hurting from that hammer but..." the pink baker was still rambling.
"Why else would the Elements appear. I think they appeared to bring him here, and the explosion was an unfortunate side effect. They might have even turned him into a pony... if my theory is correct that is."
"...andthenTwilightexplainedwhyiwasrightabouttheElementsofHarmonyandMidnightStar." Pinkie, finally finished, collapsed gasping for air
"Pinkie Pie, did you just say all that in one breath?" asked Twilight.
Pinkie suddenly stopped gasping and perked up "Yep." she said with a huge grin, getting a laugh from the rest
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Midnight Star had been in the hospital for three days and every one of them Twilight Sparkle had come to visit. Most likely out of guilt, as she had explained that it was her magical experiment that brought him here. She seems like a nice enough pony, but he still didn't know if he could trust her, so he let her continue to believe he couldn't remember his past. Truth be told he remembers it all to well, the heat of the flames, the screams... his beloved Sarah, and little Tiffany. He even remembers the sudden pull as he was dragged to this world, and that strange rainbow light.
He had nothing but pain. He was a broken man, except he wasn't even a man anymore, he was a pony. It left him in a perpetual state of depression. The only time the pain was bearable was when Twilight came to visit.
Today was different though, she wasn't going to visit him because she was busy finishing a guest room in the library where the blast opened the wall. He was being released in the morning and Twilight invited him to stay in the new addition until he gets back on his hooves or decides to move on.
Tonight he was reading several books on history and culture that Twilight brought him. Learning about the "resent" war about 250 years ago, the two princesses of the sun and moon, of the Nightmare Moon and Discord both defeated by Twilight Sparkle and the Elements of Harmony.
At the moment he was reading a book that was apparently written for non-ponies to adjust to living in pony lands. It had information on where predatory creatures were allowed to hunt, the difference between unicorns like Twilight, earth ponies like the nurse (and himself), and pegasus, which he saw outside his window manipulating the weather. According to the book only unicorns can channel magic. It's a good thing he hasn't used his much otherwise they get suspicious of him.
The book kept him occupied well after sunrise, when nurse Tenderheart came into the room with a wheelchair
"Are you ready to go back out into the world." she asked with a smile
"I have no means to pay for the expenses." Midnight replied.
"That's ok, Twilight took care of it." the kind nurse said helping him into the wheelchair.
"Why is she being so nice to me?" he asked
"She's just that kind of pony. I think she also blames herself for the accident." she said as she finished getting him ready and pushed him out the door.
Chapter 1: The New Guy
Chapter 1: The New Guy
Twilight Sparkle and Midnight Star left the hospital after the final paperwork was finished. Midnight picked up on walking on four hooves rather quickly, although he was still clumsy and kicked himself several times.
Nether pony spoke for a long time, until Midnight started to notice the stares, "What the hell is everyone staring at?" he asked more than a little annoyed.
"Well... um...," Twilight hesitated, "it's just that they've never seen a grown pony who... doesn't have a cutie mark."
Midnight looked at Twilight's flank and the flanks of passing ponies noticing that they all have marks, "Is that all?"
"Well yeah," she responded, "most ponies consider it a big deal."
He thought on this for a moment, "I suppose if it's that big a deal I'll get one sometime soon. Where would I get one?" he asked
Twilight couldn't believe it, he was like a foal, very intelligent, but lacking the most basic knowledge, "You don't just 'get one' you earn it by finding your 'special talent'."
"It just appears by magic?" he asked
"That's right, everypony has a little magic in them, even earth ponies." Twilight said with a smile
You have no idea, Midnight thought still not entirely trusting the lavender unicorn, "Thank you for letting me stay with you."
"That's ok, we built you a room where the hole was, so it's no trouble. Here we are," Twilight said "home for as long as you'd like."
She opened the door with magic and they walked in. It was pitch black
SURPRISE!!!
No soon that the light came on Midnight struck on pony on the nose with his front hoof spun around him kicking another on the way and grabbing the first around the neck
"GET BACK!!!" he yelled with a panicked expression.
"MIDNIGHT WHAT ARE YOU DOING!!!" Twilight yelled.
He looked down at the pony in his hold with a frightened look and quickly let the poor stallion go, stepping back and falling on his rear. He scooted into a corner like a frightened animal.
"I... I'm sorry." he said in a voice that would make Fluttershy sound loud Then he curled into a ball, hid his face and began crying silently.
"Ok, parties over ponies, time to go." Twilight said. Nopony argued, they just glared at the new pony on their way out.
When the door finally shut, Midnight looked up and saw that there were still a few that didn't leave. They were talking to Twilight.
"I'm super-duper sorry, Twilight, I just wanted to cheer him up." said a pink mare.
"No," Midnight said looking up at them, "it was a kind thing to try to help me. It is who should apologize to you. I panicked and reacted out of fear. I need to be in better control of my emotions."
"Nonsense," said a white unicorn with a well groomed purple mane, "you've been through a terrible ordeal."
"You have no idea." Replied the Blue Stallion
"Do you remember something?" asked Twilight.
He thought for a moment before deciding he could trust them, "I never forgot, though i wish i could. First i need some fresh air. Is there somewhere outside we can talk privately?"
"I know a quiet place." Twilight said. her horn began to glow and in the blink of an eye they were outside looking down on Ponyville from a hill. "How is this."
"Disorienting." Midnight said struggling to keep his balance.
"Ya get use to it, sugarcube." said the orange mare with the blonde mane and hat.
Midnight took a deep breath, "I guess i should start with my name. David Corbin. I'm not a pony at all but a human, from the city of Volis. It was a hub for science, magic and culture until the great war broke out. It became the the base of operations for the magi corps, which i was conscripted into at 13 years old. For eight years all I did was kill, until I met Sarah." his eyes grew teary at the name
"She was a fellow mage" he continued, "and the most beautiful woman i had ever seen. We were married the fallowing year, and soon after i became a father. We named her Tiffany after my mother." tears were now flowing freely from his eyes, "we were happy for a time. the war was far away and we saw nothing of it for a full year."
His expression hardened, "But our leaving didn't sit well with some. before lone we found someone wanted us dead, and put a price out on us. after a few months, and more blood on my hands, they got desperate. They summoned a demon called Nag-ta to kill us." he paused
"One day it found us." he was clearly struggling, Twilight and the others wanted to stop him but were frozen in horror of what they were hearing.
He continued, "He slaughtered everyone. Except for my wife and daughter. He dragged them through town to where he left me wounded. Held them in front of me... and... killed them right in front of me. He let me live just so he could hunt my as i wallowed in misery." everypony on the hill was crying now.
"For three years he hunted me. One day he found me, but before he could finish me, I was pulled through a space/time rift, last thing I remembered before waking up in your world was a rainbow light."
They all stood there speechless for some time before the little yellow pegasus spoke in a soft voice "Oh, you poor thing. No wonder your hurting so much, why if were any of us we would been driven completely insane. You're very strong, Mr Corbin."
"I'll say. We'd all be locked up in the Canterlot asylum." said a cyan pegasus with a flamboyant rainbow colored mane
"If I were strong I would have my family." The once human said
"We're all here for you, David" said Twilight.
Hearing her use his real name he came to a decision, "No, David, is dead." he looked at the ponies around him with a look of determination. They looked at him confused. "He died with his family three years ago. It's time I let him rest in peace. Right here, right now my life begins anew. I am Midnight Star, an earth pony in the lands of Equestria."
"It'll be difficult, but I'm ready to try letting go of my past. It may not happen overnight, and I may need help, if your willing." he continued
"What ever you need, just ask we'll be happy to help." said the cyan pegasus hovering over the rest.
"Twilight," he said, "thank you for everything you have done for me. If not for your companionship I would have lost my sanity in that hospital. I will repay your kindness some day, of that a give you my word."
"I just may take you up on that offer someday, but your our friend now, and we always help our friends." Twilight said, "Now, it's getting late maybe we should get back."
"You ladies go on ahead," Midnight said, "I'd like to stay out here for a bit. I can see the library from here, so I can find my way back."
After their the six mares left he sat there on the hill looking at the stars
"I don't know if I can let you go." he into the night sky as new tears streamed across his face, "You were the one person I truly cared for and now your gone. I'm sorry. I know This is what you would want me to do, so please help me let you go."
He sat for several minutes before walking back wishing he would stop stepping on his own hooves.
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His night was still plagued by nightmares, but not quite so many. Today Twilight was showing him around Ponyville as well as giving proper introductions to her friends after realizing she forgot that part last night. He watched Rainbow Dash show off a few moves, tried his hoof at apple bucking with Applejack (which ended with him flat on his face), attempted to make conversation with the quiet and timid Fluttershy, and got measured and a free saddlebag form Rarity, and had just finished hearing Pinkie Pie's party plan.
"Your friends are all very different from each other." Midnight said, "Most people I've ever known only made friends with others like themselves. It's nice to see pe... ponies,"he corrected himself, "getting along."
"Those differences are part of the reason we're such good friends, our strengths and weaknesses compliment each other. Although it's also been the source of disagreements, we always pull through." Twilight said proudly, "Are you hungry?"
"You kidding?" Midnight answered, "All I've eaten in the past two days was that muffin Pinkie gave me. I'm so hungry I could eat a horse."
Twilight stopped and stared at him with a horrified expression.
He saw he look and immediately explained, "It's just an figure of speech." he assured the unicorn, "No one actually eats horses." She let out a breath and relaxed, "Although you do look rather tasty." he licked his lips in an exaggerated manner and grinned.
Twilight giggled at the joke, " I'm sure i do. Wait, humans are carnivores." she asked concerned.
"Well, omnivores. Meat's important, but about sixty or seventy percent of our diet's vegetation, or at least it was..." he didn't think about that before. he at least looked like a pony now, but did his entire physiology change as well, "If all of me is pony meat's definitely off the menu, but am I still part human?"
They sat at the nearest empty table upon arriving and took a look at the menu.
Wow, Midnight thought this is a town of ponies after all, dandelion sandwiches he chuckled.
"Finding our cuisine funny are we." she said looking at her own menu, "I could order for you if you'd like."
"Could you please, I'm a bit lost in all that." he answered.
Twilight raised a hoof, "Waiter," she flagged a pony, "I'll take the carrot and celery soup, and a oat burger with hay fries for my friend."
"Of course, ma'am." the waiter pony said and headed inside.
They talked throughout the meal, though not about Midnight's previous life or world as he was still not comfortable with it.
"Oh my, Twilight Sparkle... on a date!" said a green mare, "now I've seen everything."
"What!?" Twilight started and started blushing, "No, no i-it's not a date, Lyra." she said quickly, "I'm just showing him the town. We just got hungry."
Lyra giggled, "Relax, Twilight, I'm just teasing. So, this the new stallion everyponies talking about," she eyed him, "he's cute, nice job, Twi." she said as she turned to leave the two blushing ponies.
"That was awkward." Midnight broke the silence.
"Yeah, tell me about it." Twilight said giggling nervously, "I wouldn't date you." her eyes grew as she realized what she said, "I-I mean, you know somepony I just met and all. Not that there's anything wrong with you. You are attractive, but uhh... I'm going to stop talking. You can eat me now."
Midnight almost choked on his sandwich, and several ponies nearby looked up in shock. Twilight's eyes grew and her face turned red instantly, noticing the unintentional innuendo.
-------
"Thank you for lunch, Twilight, it was great." Midnight thanked the lavender unicorn, "I'm going to get ready for the party now and read for a bit."
"It was my pleasure." she replied, still a little embarrassed.
That was the most awkward meal I've ever eaten he thought
It was more than just awkward to him, though. It made him see the ponies in a way that disturbed him... as potential lovers. The thought, from a logical perspective it made sense, they were ponies, he was a pony. But from an emotional view it was a perverse notion. He was still human in his mind.
This conflict raged in his mind as he picked up a book entitled "Unexplained Happenings in Equestria". It was one of many books in the library he had found that may have an account similar to his own. As he read, his thoughts kept returning to the events at the cafe.
"What is wrong with me?" he asked aloud. "Am I sick in the mind? Thinking like that about a fucking horse!" Though he had trouble thinking of her as a horse. Horses weren't as intelligent as her, or as kind, interesting, beautiful. He shook his head trying to clear those thoughts from his mind. Unable to he decided to go for a walk.
"Hey, Spike, let Twilight know that I went for a walk and I'll meet her at the party." he said to the purple dragon.
"Alright." Spike replied "see ya at the party."
Midnight left the library with about two hours until he had to be at Sugarcube Corner. Despite the failure of the first one at the library, he was actually looking forward to this one. As long as he doesn't try to strangle any of the other guests, or kick them, or break their noses, it should be good. Thinking about it, Midnight thought it might be better to start with an apology.
He walked out to the hill he confessed to the six friends about his past. It seemed to be a good place to practice his art. After seeing the unicorns use telekinesis to manipulate objects with the precision of using hands, he figured he should practice this. He only used telekinesis to move things to where he could grab them, move things too heavy to lift by normal means, or to throw things.
He focused his energy into the rune-covered ethereal circle on his forehead, causing it to appear. directing the energy into the ground he formed a ball and ring out of stone. The ring was slightly larger and sat on a low pedestal he made for it. For the next hour he tried moving the ball through the ring. he managed a couple of times, but nowhere near enough for him to consider it good enough.
Practice would have to wait, it was time to head to the party, and hopefully make a better second impression that his first.
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The party had already started by the time Midnight arrived. The moment he walked into the sweets shop everypony stopped doing whatever they were doing and looked strait at him. he ignored the stares from all but one, a stallion with a large bandage on his nose. Midnight walked over to the pony who looked a little nervous at his approach.
Before the injured stallion ran off Midnight said, "I'm sorry for what happened last time. I came from a pretty bad place and I'm not use to 'nice' surprises. Can you forgive me?" he held out his hoof
The other stallion looked at him for a moment, then bumper hooves, "It's cool."
With that, party started back up again. Ponies talked, danced, and played games. Applejack and Rainbow Dash were arm wrestling whoever challenged, Pinkie Pie was dancing, Fluttershy was talking with Lyra and a white pony who's name escaped him at the moment, Rarity was talking to two stallions he hasn't meet before. Twilight was by the snack table getting punch.
When he saw her the thoughts of her he worked so hard to repress came hushing back in force. A feeling of warmth spread in his checks. He quickly turned away only to come face to face with Pinkie Pie. The pink mare looked at him with a knowing grin.
"Do you have a crush on Twilight?" she asked quietly.
"Of course not." The blue ex-soldier said quickly, "She's a pony and I'm not."
"Nooooo," She said, "You WERE a 'Hoop-nin', but now your a stallion, and a handsome one at that." she gave him a wink
"It's 'human', and this might only be temporary. What would happen if we were dating and i turned back." Midnight said
"You think if you turn back into a 'hummer-and' she'd hate you? Not Twilight, she'll still like you." she said
"It's 'human', ok 'human'," Midnight corrected, "and even if I did have a crush, which i don't, I doubt she feels the same."
"No, she likes you, honestly." the party pony assured him, "She won't admit it, but i can tell, my Pinkie senses told me. You should totally ask her out!"
"I don't think so. Besides, what could i offer her? She deserves better." asked Midnight
"What makes you think that?" asked Pinkie.
"I killed people! My soul is stained with blood and can never come clean!" he yelled "You should have let me die where you found me!"
The room went quiet as everypony stared at him. Suddenly aware that he was once again the center of attention, he turned and walked out the door.
"At least he didn't hit anypony this time." somepony said in the crowd.
"What did you say to him, Pinkie." asked Twilight coming up beside her followed by the other four.
"I just said he should ask somepony on a date, and he got mad." the pink mare looked like she was about to cry.
"It's not your fault Pinkie Pie. He's still hurt, and he was probably just reminded of a painful memory." Twilight said trying to comfort her friend.
"He said he was putting that behind him." scoffed Rainbow Dash.
"Nopony here knows what he's going through right now. It's probably not that easy for him to let it go." Twilight replied
"Well um... maybe he just needs a little help doing it." whispered Fluttershy.
"Well shoot, we wouldn't be very good friends if we don't help the poor guy." agreed Applejack.
"Then it's agreed. We will help Midnight let go of his dreadful past and begin anew." said Rarity.
"I'm making it my personal mission to make sure that he WILL smile again." Pinkie Pie said with a serious tone that was rare for her, "cross my heart and hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye."
The other five repeated their most honored vow.
---------
Midnight felt bad about snapping at Pinkie Pie. He knew she was only trying to help him be happy, but she shouldn't have pushed so hard. Though she was right about him being a pony, and thus, his feelings were normal, but Twilight was a good mare in a beautiful, peaceful land. What right did a killer have, being with such a pure soul. The truth of the matter was Twilight Sparkle was a protector, while he, Midnight Star, was a destroyer.
Midnight past the library and was heading toward the hill... his hill, he needed to be alone. He went to the side opposite from town, looked around to make sure he was alone, and focused his energy into his seal. The side of the hill melted away forming a staircase. He continued his excavations feeling his work through the magic until it was what he needed. He then proceeded down the stairs sealing the entrance.
It was dark, but nothing a quick enchantment couldn't fix. An orb of light floated to the ceiling and spread across it filling the room with a soft yellow-white light. After add some furnishings from stone he was satisfied, for the time being. Maybe later He'd let Rarity come down here and let her have some fun with the place, after he has the funds to pay for it of course.
It was still raw and not very comfortable, so it'll have to wait to be home. A detection spell told Midnight nothing was around to see him as he opened the "door" and closed it behind him. Soon he'll tell Twilight that he has acquired his own accommodations, but for now it was a place to be alone with his thoughts.
It didn't take long to get back to the library, he was much better at walking than he was when he first arrived, though his legs and ankles were still sore and bruised. Twilight wasn't back yet and spike was asleep (that or a bear found it's way into Twilight's room), so he just grabbed a book called "Advice for the Socially Challenged", went into his room and began reading.
Chapter 2: A New Start
Despite a rocky start, Midnight adjusted of life as a pony in Ponyville rather quickly and soon started working for Applejack at Sweet Apple Acres. It was hard but rewarding work, and the Apple family was actually quite wealthy so his pay was good. He was even adopted as an honorary Cutie Mark Crusader by AJ's younger sister Applebloom and her friends. Despite not really caring about getting a cutie mark he accepted, he always had a soft spot for kids.
The mayor offered him land for a home so he asked for the hill. The home he built was small but more than adequate with his secret basement. He would expand it one day if he's still around but it was fine for the time being. It gave a place to practice spells that would help his new form. The one he was most proud of was an ethereal hand that he could use like the one he used to have, it even had feeling in it.
The ponies around town started accepting him after a time and seemed to forgive his "outbursts" at the parties. Everypony started keeping a mental list of things that sent him into flashbacks, luckily it wasn't too long.
After adapting it to pony anatomy, Midnight even started teaching his combat techniques to his friends. Rainbow Dash advanced the quickest as she had experience in the martial arts, Fluttershy, surprisingly, wasn't too far behind, Twilight was the slowest.
A year passed, and Ponyville returned normal. The shock of the mysterious pony who appeared out of thin air in the library died down and Midnight became just another of the towns unique and colorful residence. Thing's were looking up for the human-turned-pony.
----------
Midnight Just finished another hard day's work and was heading back home, contemplating stopping by Sugarcube Corner for some hot chocolate. A familiar smell came from town... smoke. Running now, he searched for the source. it was easy to find, he just had to watch where the pegasus ponies were going with clouds it tow.
Sugarcube Corner was burning. Pegasus ponies were dumping cloud after cloud of rain onto it but it did nothing to the blaze.
Pinkie Pie was crying, apologizing to Mr. and Mrs. cake, her mane flat. Fluttershy and Rarity were holding Rainbow Dash down as she hollered "I GOTTA GET TWILIGHT OUT!!!" Midnights heart sank. Twilight was in there. without a single thought Midnight charged at the burning sweets shop ignoring shouts to stop. A window was already busted out, that was his entrance. A police pony that jumped in front of him made a good spring board to launch himself into the inferno.
Damn it was hot! "TWILIGHT, WHERE ARE YOU" Midnight called for her as he made his way through the fire to the kitchen.
She was slumped beside the pantry. The now black and blue pony-man ran to her side and felt for breath with his cheek. Thank god he thought, though it was weak. Now the problem was getting out. Lifting her and putting her on his back was easy after a year of farm work, But the flaming timber that fell right in front of them was not so easy.
Damn, he thought I don't want to have to use magic, but if it means saving Twi, I'll gladly accept being outcast.
Just as he began focusing, he heard a loud crack
-------
The four friends watched in utter horror as Sugarcube Corner came crashing down knowing their friends were in the middle of it. Rainbow Dash through her restrainers off and flew strait toward the flaming pile just as the scene erupted in a brilliant light beaming from the center of the mass of ruble, flinging the rainbow pegasus away.
Every eye was on the column of light as a sphere of blue energy rose from the ashes with the Midnight Star in its center and Twilight on his back, unconscious. The light faded as the ponies cleared the fire and landed on the ground in the middle of the crowd of stunned spectators.
Midnight laid the Lavender unicorn on the ground and turned and headed back to what would have been their tomb. "STAND BACK EVERYONE!" he yelled as he once again focused on the magic he needed. His forehead glowing, the flame leaped from the wreckage to him. The crowd gasped as every last flicker and spark flew into the earth pony. Staggering, he turned away from the crowd, aimed at an empty patch of sky and released it in a burst of concentrated energy that roared into space. He looked back to see medical ponies putting Twilight on stretcher.
So long as she's ok. The world suddenly tilted and went dark.
----------
Midnight awoke in the clinic better rested than he could ever remember, but with a strange feeling. It was a feeling he had not felt for more than four years. Happiness, pure and true. He was glad that he used magic for all to see. That reminded him of what happened, so he stood and opened the door.
"Midnight your awake, good." nurse Redheart greeted him, "Twilight's reading in her bed.She suffered some minor burns but she's ok. You were just exhausted from using to much magic, you need to be more careful with that."
"You say that like it's normal for an earth pony to use magic." Midnight replied.
"Well, no it's not, but your not just an earth pony either are you." she said with a wink. "It's ok, I won't tell anypony."
"So, Twilight will make a full recovery." he said changing the subject, "I'm glad. Can I see her?"
"Oh, yes of course." answered the nurse, "Room seven."
Midnight quickly found the room and knocked, "Come in," said the voice of Twilight. He opened the door and was pleased to see the mare only lightly bandaged, though she also had patched of missing fur.
"Oh, Midnight, I'm glad your here. I want to thank you. I was told you're the pony who saved me." She said smiling.
Midnight sat down next to her on the foot of the bed "I couldn't leave you in there to die, I..." here goes nothing "I care about you... as more than just a friend" he confessed, and looked over at her.
She looked at him blushing. I should have known she didn't... his thought was cut short as Twilight pressed her lips to his. His surprise quickly turned into joy as he wrapped her in a passionate embrace and returned the kiss.
They left the clinic an hour latter, tails curled together. it was about one in the morning and the town was quiet. Neither of the ponies said a thing, they just walked tail in tail until they came to Twilight's library.
"Shh, spike's asleep," she said when they walked in, indicating the guest room that spike commandeered.
They went quietly up to the loft falling onto the bed in a lovers embrace.
---------
For the first time in years, there were no nightmares. Pleasant dreams of hanging out with his friends, humoring the cutie mark crusaders with their crazy ideas for his mark, and of spending time with Twilight, filled his night. He woke up to find the best of his dreams still lying next to him.
"Twilight, are you home yet," Spike opened the door, "I've made break...fast." The dragons face was one of utter shock. "Midnight, what are you doing here?" the baby dragon asked.
"oh, umm... you see," awkward, "we were released late and we were tired so Twi offered to let me stay here, but you had my old room so...,"
"Cut the crap, I'm not dumb." Spike interrupted, "So, what are you two together now?"
"Yes, Spike," Twilight said sitting up, and kissing Midnight, "we are. I expect you to behave yourself."
"Fine, but you better treat her right." he warned Midnight and left the room.
"Sorry about that." Twilight said
"It's ok, your like a mom to him, you always looked after him. He's just returning the favor." Midnight said
"Well, after last night I wouldn't be surprised if he's going to be a big brother." Twilight gave him a seductive look, running a hoof across his chest.
Midnight wrapped her in his hooves kissing her passionately.
"You better not be doing anything up there with me right here" Spikes voice came from downstairs
Both ponies got up "Let's eat we have a long day of news breaking and you have to be threatened by more of my friends." said Twilight
"Sounds good to me" replied Midnight as they headed down stairs.
-------
It was surprisingly easier than either of the love-ponies thought it would be. Applejack said she would bury him behind the barn while he was still alive, Rainbow Dash said she would drop him from the stratosphere, Fluttershy said she would send her bear friends after him, Rarity said she would use his skin as drapes, and Pinkie Pie just looked him in the eyes and said something about 'cupcakes', at least that one was innocent enough. Despite the numerous, painfully creative death threats they were all very accepting of them and were happy that they were happy together.
They were having a celebration picnic behind Midnights house talking about his type of magic and demonstrating what he can and can't do with it. At the moment he was showing off the 'mage form', which used solidified magic energy to form tools and weapons.
"This was what I modified to make my 'ghost hand'." Midnight held up his hoof and a blue translucent hand formed on it. "When it's attached to my hoof i can feel through it as if it were my old human hand. But unlike that one..." he held out his ghost hand and it flew over to a flower, plucked it and returned to him, and he handed it to Twilight "a flower for my flower."
"Your magic is simply fabulous," praised Rarity, "why did you keep it a secret so long."
Midnight's expression became sullen "My magic isn't meant for this world, it's war magic. All it's good for is fighting, destroying, and killing. This world is too peaceful for that kind of thing."
"That's not true," Twilight hugged him, "it saved my life, and yours. It may have been made for war but that doesn't mean it can't be changed." she looked deep into his eyes, "That mage form was meant to form weapons, but you turned it into hands, who says you can't do that with other things. If it destroys, turn it into something that fixes"
Midnight's eye's widened with a new idea. He gave his mare a big kiss, "Babe, your a genius, wait here." he ran toward the house, but stopped at a rock in the ground. The others watched as the stone melted away to reveal a stair way. The stallion disappeared for several moments, and returned with several pieces of paper in his mouth.
"How long has that been there?" Twilight asked.
Midnight laid the papers out and replied, "After I left the party at Sugarcube Corner that first week I was here."
Twilight looked at him with a mild irritation, "We're going to have to talk about all these secrets of yours."
"After that one I really don't have anymore." he said returning his attention to the paper, "Look at this," the paper had diagrams and symbols like nopony in Equestria had ever seen.
Pinkie Pie jumped in saying"Oh, wow these are amazing... what are they?" her wide grin never leaving
Midnight replied, "They're golems, well schematics for them, anyway. I was planing on making one to use as an assistant of my own."
"Making an assistant?"asked Rainbow Dash, "How the hey does that work?"
"So glad you asked, Dash. a golem is kind of like a puppet given life by magic. They were my specialty back in my old world." Midnight explained, "Twilight, I could use your help with making them." she nodded in approval, "Rarity, you use metal in some of your work, do you shape it your self?"
"Of course I do, darling." the white unicorn assured him.
"Good, I could use your help as well."
"I'd be happy to help, though I must admit I still don't really know what these do, but I suppose I'll see when it's done." she said
"Good I'll need about five of them." said Midnight, "I'll get started, you two can help whenever your ready." he got up gave Twilight a kiss and retreated into the basement.
---------
It took the rest of the after noon and the day after but the metal men were finished by bedtime. The next morning Midnight asked Rainbow Dash to get Mr. and Mrs. Cake and the mayor, and bring them to the former location of Sugarcube Corner.
"Good morning, everyone." he said to the tree ponies, and his friends who were already there, "I know your all curious as to why I brought you all out here. Well, as everyone found the other day I can use magic noponies ever seen before. I'm sorry I kept it from you for so long, I was afraid how everyone would react. But now I would like to start using it for the benefit of Ponyville, starting with Sugarcube Corner." that got the Cake's attention.
He walked over to a row of five metal objects, "I give you your 24-hours-a-day-7-days-a-week construction crew"
He lowered his head channeling his energy through the now glowing seal on his forehead. A second later symbols appeared on three of the objects that then began to move. They stood on two legs with two long arms hanging to their sides.
He kind of enjoyed the looks of shock and amazement on the ponies faces, "These golems will help rebuild the shop, never needing sleep or rest of any kind. They are powered by my energy so while they're working I'll be rather useless. I would like to show Ponyville that I'm willing to use my powers to help, and what better way than to use it to restore everyone's favorite candy shop."
The Cake's stunned looks quickly turned into pure joy, "Thank you, Midnight, we don't know how we can ever repay you." Mrs. Cake said on the verge of tears.
"How about one of your awesome cheesecakes and we'll call it even." Midnight said with a hopeful smile.
"Oh, your as bad as Pinkie." she said
"What?" Pinkie chimed in, "He's nowhere near as bad as I am." That got a good laugh.
The little things immediately got to work rebuilding the torched bakery. and soon a crowd had gathered to watch the strange steel creatures work. Midnight sat nearby listening to the whispers of the gathered ponies. Most were confused about how an earth pony could use magic, others talked about hiring him to build additions in their homes. He didn't care, he was no longer going to hide who he was.
The construction took a little less than a week. Of course other ponies helped rebuild so it wasn't just the golems doing all the work.
After the New Sugarcube Corner was finished Midnight and Twilight carried the golems back to his basement and stored them in the corner.
"It's been a week," Twilight said
"What was that, Twi, OOOF!" Midnight was interrupted as he was tackled by the mare. He never stood a chance.
Chapter 3: That Which Was Broken
Midnight walked into New Sugarcube Corner, and saw Pinkie behind the counter.
"Hi, Midnight," the pink pony greeted him, "what's with the limp?"
He blushed, "Can I just get a chocolate shake."
"Ooohh, Twilight worked you over pretty good, huh?" she smiled, putting a tall glass in front of him.
Midnight started drinking quickly, happy not to have to answer. How Pinkie Pie always seems to know what's going on baffled him. At least he knew she wouldn't tell anypony. he finished his shake and tossed the bit's on the counter.
"Oh, no." Mrs. Cake came in with a pan of muffins, "You rebuilt the place so you don't have to pay for anything, in fact have a muffin, too" she gave him back his money and a fresh hot muffin.
"Thank you Mrs. Cake." he said, "sorry I can't chat, I've got things I have to do."
He ate the muffin as he went down the road, loving every bite. Twilight told him a long time ago she was a terrible cook, and she was right. Of course his cooking was considered attempted murder.
"Hey, Midnight, what's with the limp?" came a voice he recognized as Scootaloo's. He looked back and the three fillies of the CMC were following him
"I pulled a muscle." he said.
"Ya' got time?" asked Applebloom, "We thing we know what yer special talent is."
"Oh, and what's that?" he asked, a little afraid of the coming answer.
"Protecting ponies!!!" they said in unison.
"After your awesome rescue of Twilight, that's gotta be it." said the orange pegasus.
"I'll look in to that sometime, but right now I have some things to do." he said
"Scootaloo!" called Rainbow Dash as she flew up to them, "Oh, hey Midnight, what's with the limp? Never mind. Come on kids, I'm racing some jerk from Manehattan, I need my cheering section."
The four left The blue stallion to the tasks he set out to do.
The flower shop was The first stop on his list. After he bought a dozen lilies he started to his next stop.
"Hey thar, sugar cube, what's with the limp?" Applejack asked. Was everypony going to ask him that?
"Just pulled a muscle." Midnight replied.
"Oh, ok, sorry I can't talk, gotta deliver these here apples. See ya." she said
"Talk to you later." he said
Stop number two was the toy store for a blue stuffed pony, than the candle shop, the corner market for a bottle of wine after that. Finally a secluded spot outside of town under a large tree, where he arranged the flowers, toy, and candle around a single picture printed out of memory with magic. It showed an image of a human woman holding a baby.
"A lot has happened in a year, huh?" he asked the picture, "I got blown up, transported to another world, turned into a pony, and some how I fell in love again. I've come farther this past year than in the three before it, and it's all thanks to Twilight Sparkle, she's nice you'd like her. She taught me to forgive myself."
He spoke for hours about everything that happened in the past year. It was different to be talking so happily on this of all days, the day that haunted him for more than three years. Finally he finished the story of the year.
"I brought Tiffany a toy, it kind of looks like me except no mark on it's forehead, so I knew she'd like it. It's hard to believe she'd be five now. I know three fillies who would be great friends for her." He picked up the picture and kissed it, "Daddy will always love you." he picked the picture, toy, and bottle up putting them in his bags. It was getting late so he stood up and started heading home.
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Another six months past and Midnight found him self with a new position in Ponyville, repair pony. He had several golems stashed all over town, so there was always one close by in case of an emergency, and was rarely seen without his saddle bags. He also finally met the Princesses Celestia and Luna, both of whom promptly threatened him to treat Twilight right. And of course he was finally going to another party, this time confident that if anything goes wrong it won't be him to cause it.
Twilight Sparkle and Midnight Star walked tail in tail towards Sweet Apple Acres, where the party was being held. It was a big one that Pinkie, AJ, and Midnight worked on all day, and the whole town was invited. The two love-struck ponies were the last to arrive.
"That's everypony." Pinkie Pie said, "HIT IT!!!"
Dj-Pon-3 started the music, and instantly the party was underway. Ponies dancing, gossiping, drinking, and playing games filled the field. The only pony not here was Fluttershy, who was tending to an injured deer she found this morning. Midnight promised himself he would make it up to her. The party was going great, everypony laughed when Midnight made one of golems start break dancing.
Midnight asked for some room for Twilight and himself, and raised a small portion of earth, getting everyponies attention.
He started his speech, "I won't take much of your time, I just wanted to everypony for the hospitality you have shown me. I know I'm 'different' from everypony else, but you guys made me feel like I belong here. All of you have shown me so much kindness, especially you, Twilight." he said looking at her, she blushed, "That's why," he pulled her next to him, "I want to do repay you," he reached into his saddle bag, and got on one knee, "Will you, Twilight Sparkle," her heart began racing as she realized what he was doing, "do me the honor," he pulled out a jewel encrusted bracelet with a large diamond on it, "of marrying me?" he finished, holding the beautiful thing up to her.
There was no need for her to think, she knew what she wanted, "Yes!," she said, struggling to keep from jumping all over the place, as put the bracelet on her hoof.
Cheers of congratulations came from the crowd. Rarity was crying, as was Rainbow Dash (though she was claiming allergies). Pinkie hit a button and a big banner popped up saying 'congratulations Twilight and Midnight', which got Twilight's attention.
"Wait, Pinkie, you knew he was going to propose?" She asked the pink pony.
Pinkie rolled her eye's, "Well duh, what do you thing this party's for. It's a Proposal party."
"That's right, sugarcube," said Applejack joining the conversation, "Midnight 'ere had the idea to throw this big ol' party just to pop the question."
Twilight looked back at her new fiance, "Well then, excuse me girls, I have to thank him properly." she said and guided him to the barn and shut the door.
The party lasted about another hour, before ponies started to leave, and barn door finally opened. Twilight pranced out while Midnight came limping after, with a dreamy smile on his face.
Rainbow dash saw the sight and started laughing. "So, that's why you're always limping after big projects."
AJ giggled as well, "Yea, she put a smile face, though," the two mares fell over laughing.
He didn't even hear them, he just followed the lavender unicorn back toward town
------
"The sun set sure is beautiful," Midnight said looking at the orange on the horizon, wait what? "what time is it?"
"About eleven," Twilight said, realizing why he was nervous.
A loud roar broke the night, and the two ponies ran toward town seeing the edge of the Everfree forest burning. That, however, paled in comparison to the massive dragon that rose out of the trees.
"Celestia help us, it's an elder dragon." Twilight gasped, growing pale.
Midnight looked down at the cottage at the edge of the forest, a small yellow mass was collapsed in front of it. "FLUTTERSHY!!!" he yelled, "Twilight, teleport her to the clinic, I'll lure it away from town!"
"WHAT!!!" she yelled, "there's no way you can handle and elder dragon on your own! I'm helping."
"No, Fluttershy comes first. I can handle the dragon." he lied, "My magic was made for fighting remember." he was trying to convince himself as much as Twilight.
Twilight was in tears now, "Promise me you'll be ok,"
"Get Fluttershy, now!" he said as he launched bolts of energy at the lizard, quickly getting it's attention.
Twilight wasted no time. She ran to the yellow pegasus's side. She looked like she just fainted. With a pop the two mares vanished.
Midnight, seeing this, activated the rune he placed on Twilight. If he was going to die he wasn't going to drag the mare he loved with him.Sorry, Twi, he thought, I don't expect you to forgive me. He leaped at the beast only to be swatted away like a fly.
Twilight felt the magic strike her. She tried going back but the spell never held, and she appeared in the same place. the little mare looked at her back and saw a glowing rune. She realized then, he was planning in dieing.
"No," was all she said as she ran out the door of the clinic, heading strait for the battle.
He was being pummeled, but that didn't matter. Midnight only cared about keeping the dragon away. The way things were going though, he was going to fail at that. Maybe he'll at least buy everypony else time to get away. He was hit with massive strike from the beasts tail as Twilight came back into view. "Stubborn girl." he thought as everything went black.
---------
"They had to, David." That voice is familiar "No one knows what that magic you have does. It's safer to lock it away." How does he know my human name.
"It's a tiny power, how can it be dangerous?" That's my voice "So what if it's an unknown energy signature. I don't like my mind being tampered with." This is a memory
"Small or not it could be dangerous. Do you want to put your friends in danger, or Sarah?" I remember this, "I've seen the way you look at her, you like her." That's Jason, he was killed a month after this
"No I don't." why am I remembering this? "If I did I would just break the seal, I know how."
"Release the seal, David."
What? Who's that?
"Now is the time to release that power you thought was useless."
Sarah? Is that you.
"Yes, my love. Now you must do what I say."
There's so much I want to say.
"There's no need, I heard you every year when you spoke to me."
I miss you so much
"I know you do, but now your Twilight needs you."
Twilight?
"Yes, she's coming to save you."
Are you mad at me for finding another?
"No, in fact you were right, I do like her. Now go, and remember, your always in our thoughts."
With that he faced the seal in his mind and shattered it.
Chapter 4: Another Kind of Element
Midnight always laughed at the idea of such a small amount of energy being sealed. It wasn't even enough to move a grain of sand, it was a spark. It had never done anything before. Now he knew why... he was human. The spark was like a beacon, summoning a massive surge of energy from an out side source.
His whole body started glowing as he was lifted off the ground. The glow condensed into a silver cuirass and helm with a silver swords and shield embedded in the chest, similar to the mark that had just appeared on his flank. His eyes shined with the gold-orange of fire.
He fell back to the ground and crushed stone beneath him as a rune circle formed around him. The ground rose up, engulfing him as it formed a shape similar to his golems. The dragon saw this new threat as too important to ignore and leaped at it, fire spewing from it's gaping maw. It was met with a right hook from the earthen behemoth.
Realizing the strength of the titan the dragon spread its wing to take flight. The down-beat of the wing was met with a crushing blow from the stone golem. The golem pinned the ancient terror when the 'head' erupted as the armored earth pony shot up on a pair of mage form wings, climbing higher and higher. He leveled off just beneath the stratosphere. Focusing, he formed a spell for an explosion of speed, and shot towards the ground with a shock wave that was felt in Manehattan. The mage form wings shifting in front of him like a spear.
Nopony in Equestria, save the regal sisters had ever seen a blast like the one caused by Midnight's strike. The crater left by the impact would be seen as holy ground in generations to come, where the paladin destroyed the demon dragon. Now, however, it was a hellish sight, covered in the blood of the dragon.
"MIDNIGHT!!!" called a voice, "Midnight where are you?" it was Twilight and her five best friends.
When the smoke started to cleared the limp form of a midnight blue pony was seen at the epicenter of the blast. Twilight's heart sunk with fear.
"MIDNIGHT!!!" she ran to his side "Dash, get nurse Redheart, quick!!!" her rainbow maned friend took off as fast as her wings could carry her.
"Don't leave me." she said in tears. She couldn't help remember that he had come into her life in a similar fashion. She asked herself if he would leave this way as well, "please, don't die." her sobs drowned out any other words she may have spoken
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Six ponies dressed in black were gathered outside of town as a priest spoke over a casket, "We are here today to bid farewell to a brave and noble creature of Equestria. He stood up to a monster that threatened a pony he cared about, but succumbed to his wounds. He died a hero, and will be remembered as one."
When he finished the casket was lowered into the ground in front of a tombstone that read:
Here lies Dusty who gave his lift for the pegasus who had treated his wounds.
Fluttershy couldn't hold it back any more and began crying loudly, "He was such a nice deer. Why did he have to die."
Her five friends tried consoling her, but to no avail. A golem stood up and faced the pegasus. In a distorted voice it said, "I'm sorry I can't be here myself, but at least I can say this," Midnight was controlling the golem directly from the hospital, "he was the bravest creature I've ever meet. He was one deer who stood against a dragon like that one. I had magic and experience fighting, he didn't. Despite that he fought for you. I'm sorry we couldn't get to you sooner. Maybe he would be ok if we had left just a bit earlier."
"I know how you feel better than anypony else," he continued, "but I can assure you. He's still watching over you, like Sarah was watching over me. When you are feeling sad just remember, he can hear your prayers."
"Oh, thank you Midnight, that's very kind of you to say." The shy pony said, "I'll come by and give you a hug, I mean if you and Twilight don't mind."
"I'm sorry, but this is starting to drain me. I'm going to return this thing to it's post and get some rest. Celestia will be here in an hour so I need to be rested to give her a full report. remember Fluttershy we're all here for you." the little metal worker said before walking away.
-----------
After Midnight and Twilight finished explaining what had happened at the edge of the Everfree forest Princess Celestia, and answering questions she had, she quickly wrote several notes and sent them on their way. After a moment a reply came, and the white alicorn spoke again.
"My sister and I are in agreement." she said, "Midnight Star, you are the barer of the Element of the Guardian."
"Another Element of Harmony, princess?" asked Twilight, "I thought there were only six."
"Technically there are five," The sun princess said and received confused looks from both ponies, "Your Element of Magic is not truly an Element of Harmony, but an element of it's own. It has the power to bind the other elements. It can be considered any type of element, in our case it was used as an Element of Harmony.
"There are five types of elements, Harmony, Order, Balance, Tyranny, and Discord. The first two are elements of light. The last two are the elements of darkness. Harmony achieves peace through love and tolerance. Order, however, attains peace through force, fighting those who refuse Harmony.
"The Element of the Guardian is one of the elements of order. It represents courage, strength, and sacrifice. Only one who has suffered great pain to the mind body and spirit, and comes out with a good heart can obtain an element of order. You, Midnight, are a protector, as you can see if you look at your flank."
He moved the sheet he was covered in and looked. Sure enough, where there was nothing a mark of crossed swords over a shield was seen. Midnight laughed.
"Is something funny about it?" asked Celestia
He answered, "The Crusaders said my talent might be protecting ponies. I'll have to thank them later."
"Maybe you can return the favor, and help them." said Twilight.
"That is a most excellent idea, Twilight." the princess said, "but I must say, Midnight, you now have a great responsibility to all of Equestria. I'm sorry to say but your life will once again be one of fighting."
"That's ok," the bandaged stallion said, "I have something worth fighting for, a home, friends, and my future wife. As long as I'm still breathing, nothing will hurt anypony."
"I'm glad to hear that" said Celestia, "Come Twilight let us leave him to his rest and we can begin planning your wedding."
It took another two weeks before he was going to be released. Twilight came to visit every day, much to Midnights delight, until the day before his release. She came into the room with a familiar expression and locked the door behind her.
Midnight was struck with fear as he grabbed his panic button pressing it repeatedly yelling out, "Nurse Redheart, HELP!!!"
"She had to run to the store for an hour," the crazed lavender gave him lustful grin, "Nopony can hear you scream." she said as she leaped on him.
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Twilight wheeled a still sore Midnight toward the library, "Is that Pinkie Pie?" he asked pointing a hoof at the pink mare standing on the doorstep of the library.
"You know what that means." Twilight said.
"Welcome home Midnight." Pinkie said, how are you feeling?"
"Still a little sore, but I'm fine, thanks." replied Midnight, "how big is this party."
"What party?" she said confused, "This isn't a party, just a get-together with friends. Your in no condition to party."
"Ok, who are you and where is Pinkie Pie?" Twilight said joking.
"Well if you want to talk about parties, what about a bridal shower, or maybe," she looked at Midnight, "a bachelor party?"
"Pinkie Pie, your one of my best friends," Twilight said, "but I WILL hurt you."
"I don't know Twi," Midnight said, "a bachelor party sounds fun." he smiled at the unicorn only to receive a hoof to his sore leg. "OWW, I was joking."
"I know. Lets go in, I'm starving" Twilight said pushing the injured stallion inside
Sure enough it the only ones waiting for them inside was Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, and Fluttershy, although there was a banner saying "Welcome home hero of Ponyville", it made him blush. It was nice to just hang out with his friends talking and joking around.
"...and when you shot down like a meteor, man I was so jealous." Rainbow Dash exclaimed, "You know for a pony without wings your a great flier. Hey, Twilight, can I have him?"
"Can I cut your wings off?" Twilight answered
"Wow, your violent when it comes to him." said the cyan pegasus.
"You have no idea how true that is." said Midnight, getting a laugh from the six mares.
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Another month passed in Equestria and in Canterlot chapel a very important couple were getting married, the personal apprentice of Princess Celestia and the Hero of Ponyville, Twilight sparkle and Midnight star. The princess herself was presiding over the ceremony. Twilight, in her flowing white gown, and Midnight, in his black tux, stood in front of the alter
"Fillies and gentle colts, we are gathered here today to join these two ponies in the bond of marriage. Your vows..." she said looking to Twilight.
"Midnight, when i first saw you lying unconscious in my library something told me you were going to change my life. I was scared of that at the time, but I quickly started to see that change as wonderful. I learned you were smart, fun, handsome, and brave. When you pulled me from the fire, I knew I loved you, and was so happy when you returned that love. You gave me so much, I want to give you everything I am."
"Twilight," Midnight started, "my life before coming to Equestria was dark and full of sorrow. I was forced to fight for a cause I didn't believe in, and do horrible things. The losses I suffered left me a broken soldier who knew nothing but war yet had nothing to fight for. But you saw my pain and helped me pick up the pieces of my life. It's because of you that this soldier has found something worth fighting for, again. I will fight for you. I will be your shield against sorrow and pain. I will bear your burdens, and when you need me most I will carry you. You are my purpose, my life, and my light."
"Then as princess, and ruler of Equestria, I now pronounce you Stallion and wife you may now kiss the bride."
Midnight game Twilight a deep passionate kiss as the five mares at her side broke out into tears, even Rainbow Dash.
Cheers broke out and bells rang as the newlyweds ran out of the chapel into the waiting chariot.
Pinkie Pie made her way to the front of the crowd, "Go make a foal I can play with you two."
Twilight smiled and said quietly so only Midnight could hear, "We've already done that."
Midnight smiled, "Yeah..." his eyes shot open, "wait what?"
Epilouge
Dear Princess Celestia,
I think I've finally discovered what the magic of friendship really is. Every living thing is connected by a bond of magic. When we make friends these bonds strengthen, and through them we become stronger. These bonds are the strongest form of magic, it breaks barriers, transcends space and time, and even death itself can't sever them.
It's through these bonds that we feel each others pain and joy, suffer and celebrate together and share each others worries and fears, hopes and dreams. It can find you when your lost or heal wounds that you couldn't heal alone.
Your ever faithful student
Twilight Star