“How… How are you here? Please tell me what happened.” Cielo asked almost begging resting his head back down on what he guessed was the ground. It was hard to tell since to his eyes, he seemed to be floating through space. Though the ground existed beneath him he could not see it, instead all he saw were stars off in the distance.

“Well how should we start.” Nightmare Moon asked aloud speaking to herself. “Well we have been with thee since… well to be blunt about it since thou violated us.” Nightmare Moon said with a bit of distance in her voice. “A small bit of our magic was transferred to thee during thine defilement of our precious temple.”

“I did no such thing.” Cielo said weakly in protest.

“Silence!” Nightmare moon snapped. “We do not recall giving thou permission to do such a deplorable thing to our body.”

“It’s not your body… Luna is her own mare and what she does is none of your concern.” Cielo replied closing his eyes.

Nightmare moon let out an angry huff and stood up taking her wing off Cielo. “Ungrateful swine, have it however thou like see how long you last without us at your side.” Nightmare moon scoffed turning her nose up and started to walk away. She expected Cielo to beg her to stay but after walking nearly seven feet away she stopped. “Just so we are clear, should we let our magic out of thee thou wilt surely die.” Nightmare Moon looked back at the stallion, Cielo lay panting softly on the ground. “Apologize to us and we might reconsider.”

“I will not.” Cielo said opening one eye. “You have as much claim to her as I do and in case you may be confused as to how much claim I have over her, it’s none. Her body is her own, I will not apologize for loving her nor any actions that took place as a product of our love.”

“Thou would risk death by defying us?” Nightmare Moon asked slightly more irritated than before.

“I would defy any pony that will try to stop Luna from being who she wants to be or from doing what she wants to do. I’m grateful for your help but I will not do something I don’t agree with simply because you command it, death or not I have pride not only in myself but in Luna as well.” Cielo replied closing his eye. “If you want to leave then go, i’m not going to beg if thats what you’re hoping for…I don’t know why you’d help me to start with. I was sure you despised me.”

“We do despise thee…” Nightmare Moon growled.

“Then why are you still here talking to me?” Cielo asked. “I’m not keeping you here.” Silence followed, Cielo to weak to open his eye again and assumed Nightmare Moon had left him. A moment later he felt the warmth of her wing cover his back yet again Giving Cielo a bit more strength. “What’s wrong? Can the wicked Nightmare Moon not bring herself to end me?”

“Do not push us stallion.” Nightmare Moon warned.

“You really can’t bring yourself to do it can you?” Cielo asked with genuine interest.

“Despite what thou may think of us, to let thou die without trying to help when we have the power to would be equivalent to murder… and a murderer we most certainly are not regardless of what thou may believe.” Nightmare Moon replied still with a hint of anger in her tone.

“Where am I?” Cielo asked. “Nothing feels… well quite right.”

“Though it may not look like it, thou art adrift in a consciousness we have created in thine mind.” Nightmare Moon explained. “We are using our magic to regulate thine breathing and heart rate at the moment while keeping thy puny little mind active so as not to cause further damage.”

“And how’s that working out?” Cielo asked with a little chuckle.

Nightmare moon glanced down at Cielo, she could not tell if he asked in a joking manner or was he being serious. “Well we need not tell thee how gone thine mind is stallion but tis still functioning well enough.” Nightmare Moon said in a bit of a smartass tone at first but it quickly changed to one more serious. “However… we can only do so much, thy organs are suffering greatly. Thy liver, kidneys and heart are hardly functioning at all, we our doing our best but… well stallion to be blunt if there were something you wished to pass on it might be best to say it now.”

“Is Luna okay?” Cielo asked.

Nightmare Moon looked at Cielo with a little smile though Cielo could not see it. “She is indeed, do not worry, though her magic is weak we can still feel it. She is just fine stallion.”

“Would you tell her i’m sorry… i’m sorry for leaving her… for leaving my mother… I’m sorry I was not able to push through. Tell Luna I love her and tell her she should try to move on and be happy… if not for herself then for the ponies that will be looking to her for leadership... “ Cielo asked keeping his voice soft. “I guess that would be all I ask… That and for you not to torment her.”

Nightmare Moon scoffed. “We are one and we should be as one like we once were stallion.”

“Please… Leave her be, she’s not you she is her own mare… please Nightmare Moon… Please don’t cause her to suffer just… let her live her life… please… please…” Cielo begged before falling silent.

“What right does thou have to ask us to forfeit our freedom!?” Nightmare Moon snapped. “Thou dares to ask us to remain trapped in this purgatory state of existence? Thou knows not how hellish it is for us to live like this… Selfish, Ungrateful, worthless little…” Nightmare Moon stopped before finishing her sentence. “Stallion?” Her expression softening upon the realization he was no longer listening. Having lost her cool for a moment she did not notice Cielo’s heart had stopped beating.

Cielo’s body slowly started to fade away until fully gone, Nightmare Moon was yet again left alone. “Fine… thou wins.” She said softly folding her wing back up. “We will tell her… we will continue to suffer here and leave her to live her life stallion.” Nightmare Moon let out a little sigh, Luna’s magic was starting to deplete from Cielo’s body meaning Nightmare Moon’s connection with him would soon be lost. “We are not really bad stallion… Just misunderstood.”  

Focusing all of Luna’s remaining magic, the world Nightmare Moon had created started to fade away. “We will protect thy mind as long as we can stallion…” nightmare moon shook her head. “Who are we even talking to… the stallion can’t hear us… no pony can.” Nightmare Moon knew as long as she could keep Cielo’s brain from suffering any damage there was a small chance his heart could be restarted if done soon. “Hurry...” Nightmare Moon muttered as she started to fade away.

*****************************************************************************************************

Canterlot castle came into view off in the distance. Panting heavily Dash’s wings burned not used to having to carry so much extra weight over such a distance. “Come on push it you wimp!” She barked at herself refusing to slow down. Rainbow Dash made rather good time making it back, swooping down she landed just at the palace doors, her legs slightly wobbly.

Two ponies standing guard started to approach her hastily to help but were quickly shot away.

“Find Princess Cadance now, Princess Celestia’s orders!” Rainbow Dash commanded making the guards jump a bit not expecting her to shout at them in such a way.

The two scurried off into the castle to find Cadance as instructed. Rainbow Dash walked inside not really sure where she should take Cielo however she did not find herself waiting to long.

Cadance came running around the corner. “Dash!?” She seemed surprised to see Rainbow Dash back. It took Cadance all but a second to notice the large dark grey stallion on her back. “Is that… Cielo?”

“Yes and…” Dash thought of the words for a moment remembering what Celestia had told her. “And Princess Celestia told me to say it’s time what was his is finally returned to him.”

Cadance nodded. “Okay come with me.” She said before turning and starting down the hall at a brisk run, dash following close behind.

“Princess… Celestia also said…” Dash really did not want to relay the next part but she had to follow the instructions given to her. “She said if things take a turn for the worst… you’ll have to kill Cielo…”

“I know…” Cadance replied looking back at Dash as the two ran down the hall. Cadance came to a stop finally in front of Celestia’s room. Dismissing the guards she opened the door and walked in. “Get him in here, lay him down on the day bed.” She instructed Dash, the guards tried to give a helping hoof but were pushed back by Cadance’s magic. “Sorry guys but you need to keep out.” Cadance said softly before closing the door.

Dash lowered her body near the day bed and gently slid Cielo off her back.

Meanwhile Cadance was near the fireplace’s mantel, her horn lighting up causing the bricks to shift revealing a small silver box. Taking the box out with her magic Cadance carefully opened the lid. Inside rested a circular platinum amulet.  In the front sat two rings of small gems with one large gem in the center. The first ring of gems appeared to be emeralds and green in color, the second ring blue sapphires and the last gem in the center yellowish in color possibly a topaz gem. On the back of the amulet, carved into the platinum appeared to be a version of Cielo’s cutie mark only it was lacking a bolt.

“C-Cadance...He’s not breathing…” Dash called out, her ear close to his muzzle. Dash quickly rolled Cielo onto his back and placed her ear to his chest listening for a heartbeat. Not hearing one dash quickly moved and grabbed Cielo’s hoof, flapping her wings Dash pulled Cielo off the day bed and onto the floor.

Cadance set the silver box down on the mantle and watched unsure what she should do, the amulet still held by her magic.

Dash quickly let go of Cielo’s hoof and moved to his side, she turned his muzzle a little and took a deep breath. Dash brought her muzzle to Cielo’s and breathed out pushing air into his lungs. Dash then placed her hooves on his chest and started to do compressions counting out as she did compressing his chest five times before bringing her muzzle to his once more to breath for him.

“Dash…” Cadance watched as Dash performed CPR trying to get Cielo’s heart to start back up.

“Come one you stubborn son of a bitch I know you have more fight in you than this.” Dash continued to compress his chest in intervals, her voice cracking a little. “I should have been paying more attention...I should have.” Dashed breathed into him again.

“Dash… he’s gone.” Cadance said softly feeling remorse that she was unable to do anything but watch. “It’s not your fault... you got here as fast as you could…”

“Shut up! I’m not giving up and neither is he!” Dash snapped at Cadance. She did not want to give up. “I have to keep trying, I can’t… I can’t.” Dash could not get the image of Princess Luna and Spitfire out of her head. “I can’t fail…”

Cadance noticed the gashes under Cielo’s wing while Dashed worked on him, the discoloration of his coat. “Dash… it’s too late… you don’t understand… you can’t just.” Cadance was cut as Cielo took in a deep breath on his own. Cadance stood dumbfounded, she was sure there would have been to much damage done to Cielo’s heart for Dash to succeed.

Dash let out a relieved sigh mixed with a chuckle. A wave of emotion overcoming her upon seeing a sign of life back in Cielo.

“Unbelievable…” Cadance muttered to herself shocked and relieved. Quickly gathering her priorities Cadance walked over to Cielo. Though breathing Cielo was still clearly having difficulties. “I don’t know how you did it Dash but...you did.” Cadance shook her head a little. “Step back now please, we’re not out of the woods yet.”

Dash backed away from Cielo with a smile, using her wings she cleared a few tears from her cheeks.

“I did not think you two were that close.” Cadance said to dash, gently lifting Cielo’s head with her magic she slipped the amulet over his head and onto his neck. The outer gems started to glow slightly and the chain started to tighten up until the amulet was held tight to Cielo’s neck.

“We’re not…” Dash said. “Admittedly he’s kinda an ass but that don’t mean I want to see him dead.” Dash said with a sniff. “I thought I killed him… that I wasn't fast enough and he died because of that… I pictured the pain that would cause Princess Luna and his mother Spitfire and I just…”

“I understand.” Cadance replied keeping her eyes on Cielo and the amulet. “That was quick thinking on your part, I was sure it was a lost cause to be honest. From what Celestia has told me in the past the poison that is in him right now is no joke. I thought for sure he would be too damaged to save given the color of his fur around the wound.” Cadance looked back at Dash. “But i’m glad you did not listen to me, you did good Dash.”

Feeling a little more composed Dash moved a little closer to Cadance and Cielo. “So what now? I see that thing is glowing, what does it do?”

“I’m not one-hundred percent sure… I actually thought he would wake up right away.” Cadance admitted. “As for what that amulet dose again i’m not really sure, I know it’s dangerous, I know the one who wears it can become a danger to themselves and everypony around them and from what I have been told it’s capable of some very powerful magic.”

“Out of my way!” The door to Celestia’s room burst open. Luna quickly rushed in followed by spitfire. “Is he okay!?” Luna asked rushing to Cielo’s side.

“Yes Princess Luna but you should not be too close to him.” Cadance replied, using her magic she moved Cielo’s body away from Luna picking him up and gently levitating him over to the day bed. “He could awake at any moment and we should take necessary precautions.”

“necessary precautions!?” Luna snapped still distraught. “How dare you move him away from me have you forgotten to whom you are speaking!”

Princess Cadance gulped a little, though Luna appeared to not have any magic that did not mean Cadance fancied getting on her bad side.

“Calm down princess please.” Spitfire said softly going to Luna’s side. “We should not argue or fight… Cielo would not want that.” Spitfire did her best to keep calm, she knew if she snapped she would only feed Luna’s sorrow and fear and in return worsen hers.” Princess Cadance… please let us be at his side, you are here with us after all… please let me be with my son.”

“Keep away from his neck.” Canace said with a sigh, she could not imagine how Spitfire and Luna felt. “It’s important you not touch the amulet and should I tell you to get back you must… I don’t enjoy this in the least and I hope you both believe that. I am just doing what I have been told to do, what must be done if needed.”

Luna gritted her teeth a little doing her best to hold her tongue.

“I know… I wish I knew why all this is necessary though.” Spitfire placed her wing on Luna’s back calming her a little. Spitfire and Luna walked over to the daybed and both laid down at Cielo’s side.

“I’ll let Celestia explain it all to you…” Cadance replied.

“Looks like you got him here in time.” Spitfire took Cielo’s hoof in hers and held it.

“Actually he… Cielo was dead when he arrived.” Canace admitted. “But thanks to Dash’s quick thinking and determination she was able to get him breathing again.”

Spitfire and Luna both looked at Dash who was admittedly a little uncomfortable with their gaze.

“Thank you.” Luna said with a genuine tone of gratitude in her voice.  

“Thank you Dash.” Spitfire said after Luna, a few tears starting to well up in her eyes. “Thank you for not giving up and saving my boy.”

Dash bowed her head a little as if to say you’re welcome. “No thanks needed ma’am, i’m glad I was able to help.” Dash replied not wanting to make a big deal out of it. “If it’s okay with you ma’am i’d like to step out… now that everything is starting to calm down I could use some fresh air.”

“Of course Dash if that is what you need.” Spitfire replied.

With that Dash stepped out of the room and started to head outside for a bit of fresh air.

********************************************************************************************************

Luna took her hoof and gently rubbed Cielo’s chest A few hours had passed and Cielo had since been moved to her chambers much to Cadance’s dislike. Seeing as how Cielo did not wake as quickly as expected Cadance had allowed the resident doctor of the castle to take some blood work as well as redress his wounds. “It feels like he is breathing better now.” Luna said softly glancing over at Spitfire whom sat at the side of the bed.

“He looks a lot more peaceful now too.” Spitfire replied. “He no longer look’s like he’s struggling or in pain.”

“You know Celestia is not going to be to happy you are so close to him when he has that amulet on.” Cadance warned, though she gave Luna and Spitfire some space she still continued to observe.

“What if it was Shining Armor laying here Cadance… what then?” Luna asked turning her gaze to Cadance.

Standing off the the side of Spitfire Cadance shook her head. “I’d be doing the same thing as you, to hell with what anypony said.”

“Then you’ll understand when I say I don’t give a damn what you tell me or what my sister will say. I’m staying at his side end of discussion.” Luna looked back at Cielo and continued to rub his chest. The outer gems on amulet resting on his neck still glowing lightly. “You really can’t tell me anything else as to what this thing is?” Luna asked referring to the amulet. “Why dose my sister fear it?”

“I’m not sure it’s my place to tell you plus I might get something wrong, It would be best for her to fill you in on everything but… I guess I could try… i mean I do feel you should know.” Cadance walked a little closer to the bed. “Celestia does not fear the amulet so much I think. She fears what It might do to the one who wears it and what they might do before she could stop them.”

“And what exactly can it do to the wearer?” Spitfire asked.

“Consume them… It feeds of the wearer’s desire and emotions. If the wearer desired power

the amulet would amplify that desire hoping to make the user use some of it’s magic.”

“You speak of it as though it is a living thing.” Luna said looking at Cadance curiously. “Why is using it’s magic bad?”

“Well from what I understand it’s how it’s designed, it’s not a living thing but it’s goal is to destroy the one who wears it. From what I gathered this is done to keep any one pony from using it for too long  and gaining to much power… think of it like a safety precaution.” cadance explained. “The more it’s used the more it tears at the users mind causing them to become violent and unstable… if used long enough it will drive the wearer to self destructive actions which… last time that happened a whole kingdome suffered… well… I guess they were to suffer either way.”

Luna started to look worried. “Then we have to get it off him.” Luna started to reach for the amulet but her hoof was stopped by Cadance’s magic.

“Don’t! You won’t be able to remove it and there is no telling what could happen to you if you touch it… Now that it is on his neck it’s only coming off one of two ways, Cielo must take it off himself or he must die.” Cadance slowly let Luna’s hoof out of her magical grasp. “Besides right now the amount of magic being used is not enough to cause him any harm. The emeralds are equivalent to us using our magic to lift a spoon , it’s practically next to nothing.”

“Then why are you keeping watch?’ Spitfire asked.

“From what I understand i’m watching to make sure the center gem does not start glowing, if it dose that is when I have to worry because that would mean that the magic being used is strong enough to affect his mind.” Cadance looked at the amulet. “That’s all I really know about it… I got only a quick lesson from Celestia awhile back… it was shortly after you two set out on your journey.” Cadance glanced at Luna. “Celestia told me she felt uneasy and that I should know this in case it ever came up.”

“Why did she never tell me of this?’ Luna asked feeling a little hurt that Cadance was trusted over her.

“Because my dear sister there was never really a good time to tell you.” Celestia replied having overheard part of the conversation from the hallway. “When you first came back it hardly seemed proper to bring it up and then you started to have nightmares… Then you took off to  get back in touch with Equestria and I dare say to have some private time with Cielo outside of the castle walls.” Celestia walked over to the edge of the bed joining Cadance and Spitfire. “I planned on talking to both you and Cielo upon your return… that is the truth sister.” Celestia glanced at the amulet. “I see it’s working yet he is still not awake?”

“No ma’am…” Spitfire replied answering first. “We had the doctor take a look at him and draw some blood, we are awaiting the results.”

“He is breathing good now and his heartbeat feels stronger than it was before.” Luna said softly  “Celestia… I have a lot of questions for you.”

“I know you do Luna and i’ll do my best to answer them all but first maybe we should have you looked at.” Celestia said sounding a little worried. “I know you might have been in that fog for a while but your powers should have returned by now.” Celestia did not like her sister was still small and powerless after being out of the fog for several hours.

“Dear sister I say this calmly. I am not leaving Cielo’s side any time soon.” Luna lifted her gaze to meet her sister’s. “Now Celestia, I have questions and I would really like some answers from you. Answer me and i’ll allow the doctor to come in and look me over. Do we have a deal?”

“Very well Luna. I agree I owe you an explanation.” Celestia said calmly as she sat down. “Ask me anything you wish and I will answer you honestly.”

“Then tell me my dear sister, tell me everything.” Luna’s eyes locked onto Celestia’s. “Tell us everything you've been keeping from us about Cielo and this amulet.”

“Luna… maybe we should wait.” Spitfire said reluctantly. “I mean what about Hollow Shades… every pony there?”

“No it’s fine.” Celestia said. “If Luna wishes to know about Cielo and the amulet I will tell her that first even if she should have asked how I was or how many ponies lost their lives on this day.”

Luna started to feel guilty. “You’re right Celestia… Luna said pinning her ears back to her head. “I’m sorry… The first thing I do is selfishly hound you with no regard for anything else… not even a thank you for saving me… for saving us.”

“It’s fine Luna… I understand you’re worried and upset. I can’t pretend to know what this must feel like for you but your first duty is to Equestria and the ponies in it. You seem to have forgotten that and I was simply trying to remind you even though I did so rudely.” Celestia kept her eyes locked on Luna’s. “We are facing a threat that I cannot face alone… I need you my dear sister… I need you to be strong and be there for me… for the kingdom”.

Tears started to roll down Luna’s cheeks, overcome with guilt that her first thought was of Cielo and nopony else. “I will sister… I will.” Luna replied through a broken voice as she started to cry.

“Please don’t cry Luna…” Celestia took a deep breath. “Let me tell you everything I know and we’ll go from there okay?’

Luna nodded and perked her ears up as her sister began to speak of the past, the Kingdom of Cumulus.