Chapter 21

10,000 years ago: Palace of the Sun and Moon, Everfree City

Prince Helios sat upon his mother’s throne deep in thought. The six generals who had helped him defeat Queen Lamia only weeks prior were appointed as his new advisors. The fate of Equestia was in his hooves now as well as its most powerful weapon. Helios could have claimed the title of king; he was the legitimate son of the queen and heir to the throne.

Despite this, he decided not to take the title as to seem humble towards his new station. The weeks prior to his coronation had been bloody, as was often the case of regime changes. He had been forced to raze entire cities that had once been loyal to his mother. Ultimate power now rested in his hooves.

“My friends I have called all of you here today to discuss a very serious matter. As you may know we bear the greatest weapon ever created in Equestrian history. We hold the power to smite entire nations; it is only a mere thought away. I have decided to seal away my own element, as to rid ourselves of this temptation.”

An enormous armor clad pegasus bellowed in protest. “Milord you cannot be serious! What if more loyalists rise up what do we do then?”

Helios raised his hoof to silence the pegasus. “General Skyquake, I am aware of this. I am only sealing away the element of power; it is far too dangerous to fall into the wrong hooves. The rest of the elements will remain and I shall cast a spell to make the element of magic the new anchor. They shall function much like they did before but not quite as deadly.”

Skyquake snorted. “I still do not think this a good idea. Why not just keep the element upon your breast at all times Milord? It worked well the first time, what harm is there in using it again?”

“You are a pegasus Skyquake so I do not expect you to understand the intricacies of magic. While the element may have worked well the first time, I fear that if I used it again it may very well damage or weaken me. Such power is not meant to be wielded many times.”

A yellow coated unicorn stallion spoke up. “As the element of magic I would be honored to lead the elements in your stead Milord.”

Helios patted the stallion on the shoulder. “I appreciate it Morningstar. The ponies of Equestria must understand that I can rule without the use of extreme violence. I ended my mother’s reign because she stopped at nothing to keep her power, I won’t be making the same mistake.”

Skyquake thumped his chest. “If milord appoints Morningstar as the new leader, then I have no choice but to abide. Hopefully I can train these new guard recruits into a respectable fighting force so we won’t need the blasted elements.”

“Oh Skyquake ever the element of loyalty, I’m glad you decided to change your mind. I shall begin the ceremony shortly.”

Helios’s eyes glowed with a deep orange hue as he focused on the dormant element of power lying on the ground. It floated and began to fill the room with silvery light. The rest of the elements began to glow in response. Helios walked up to the element to touch it with his hoof one last time. Summoning as much magic as he could, Helios sent the element to another universe barren of magic. He knew it would be safest there, because no creature would understand what it was or how to use it.

“It has been done. The element will only appear to a being it finds worthy. It shall light Equestria in its darkest hour. As for now I must rest this spell has been…taxing. All of you are free to go.”

Helios made his way to the bath complex, ready to soak away the day’s weariness. Inside he found two earthpony chambermaids ready to attend to his every need. He told them to leave the soaps and oils and gave them the rest of the day off. The alicorn prince slid into the large porcelain pool, sighing in delight as the wonderfully warm water soothed his aching muscles. He was applying some scented oils to his mane when he saw Selene canter into the room.

The navy colored pegasus smirked and wiggled her rump a bit as she slid into the pool next to her husband. She gently pulled her husband towards her mouth and began to pepper his neck with a few kisses. After that she made her way up, locking him in a passionate kiss. She began to maneuver her tongue inside his mouth in a gentle game of wrestling, eliciting a surprised grunt from her stallion. Selene pulled away suddenly, forming a trail of saliva between their lips.

Helios chuckled. “Well now, somepony’s happy to see me. I take it you put Celestia to bed?”

“She’s sleeping like a log. One of the maids was kind enough to play with her this afternoon. The poor little thing was so tired, but I’m sure she had a fun time. Helios there’s something I want to tell you.”

Helios nibbled her ear. “Oh really…I think I might know what it is you want.”

Selene splashed some water in his face. “Stop it, I’m being serious!”

Helios pouted. “Fine…just when things were getting good too.”

“Lighten up dear its good news. We’re going to have another foal!”

“Selene that’s wonderful! Did the court physician say what sex it was? Am I going to have a strapping young colt?”

“No, you’re going to be the proud father of another beautiful filly.”

“Thank the creator! Celestia’s going to be so happy when she finds out. She’s going to be a wonderful sister.”

“I couldn’t agree more dear.”

Helios poked Selene’s flank. “Now it seems to me that we have some unfinished business.”

Selene giggled. “Hmm I wonder about that. It would be a shame to let such an opportunity go to waste…”

Selene let out a sharp gasp as Helios started to gently nibble the small patch of skin connecting her wings to her back. He worked he way up rubbing his hoof against her primary feathers. Selene blushed profusely when her wings opened up suddenly with a loud *pomf*. They flung out so quickly that they almost smacked Helios in the snout. Chuckling at this wife’s sudden arousal, he began to plant kisses along her back. While he kissed her back, Selene began to swirl her tongue around the base of his testicles. She grinned when his already half erect member stood at full attention.

Selene began to suckle one of his balls inside her mouth, slowly moving her tongue in circles to gently massage it. Within moments Helios’s own wings spread out to their full glory. It was Selene’s turn to giggle at her husband. The alicorn stallion merely gave a grunt, continuing his ministrations. While his wife was continuing her massage, Helios made his way to the root of her tail. He grasped the end and began to tug on it slightly.

Selene let out a quiet whimper, her lower lips began to moisten. Helios reveled in the musky lavender sent of wife’s arousal as he sucked on her nub. He continued to roll his tongue inside her fleshy folds until he could feel her clamping onto his tongue. Selene let out a throaty moan as the electric shock of an orgasm shot through her body. Helios was rewarded with a torrent of his wife’s cum. He eagerly lapped up the tangy tasting fluids with a satisfied grin.

Selene grabbed the edge of the pool, lifting her rump into the air. “I can’t stand it anymore, enter me now!”

Helios grabbed his penis rubbing the head against her outer lips. This made her legs buckle in response. He then lifted her tail and planted a few kisses on her anus. Selene flapped her wings in annoyance.

“Ugghh stop being such a tease! MOUNT ME ALREADY!”

Without any warning Helios jammed his member into her and began thrusting violently. He did so with such force that wet, fleshy slapping noises could be heard. Selene began to drool onto the floor while she gripped the edge of the pool. She could feel the head of her husband’s cock beginning to flare, signaling that he was close to his climax.

With all of the teasing and rough mounting, she too was very close to her own. After a few moments the two moaned together as Helios emptied his cum into her. He slowly pulled himself out and slumped to the floor of the pool. The two sat for a few minutes cuddling each other, enjoying the afterglow. Helios brushed away her mane and gave her a quick peck on the cheek.

“I promise that I’ll make Equestria safe for our daughters. They shall never want, nor experience the tragedies that I went through.”

“They are lucky to have you as a father, as I am lucky to have you as a husband.”

Helios scratched his head. “A thought just occurred to me. What are we to call our new daughter?”

Selene smiled. “I already thought of a name. I’ve always loved the night so I think I’ll call her Luna.”

“Luna, my little moonbeam.”

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Present day: Ballroom, Canterlot Castle

Iron Cross stood in the ballroom, the air around him crackling with magical energy. His entire body was encased in ethereal silver plate armor complete with a coalscuttle helmet and facemask. The middle of the breastplate showed the six elements of harmony set in a circle with the seventh element in the middle. He had a small silver ball of magic formed in his right hoof as he slowly made his way to Frostmere.

Frostmere quickly lit up his own fireball. “Oh ho what do we have here? This is certainly unexpected! I knew there was something special about you. I felt it even while we were on Mundus. No matter, your toys were hardly a match for me, so what difference does one more make?”

The snowy alicorn summoned five more fireballs; they all floated around his body in circles. With a flick of his hoof he sent all six fiery projectiles towards Iron, hoping to immolate the poor stallion. As the smoke and flames cleared, Frostmere was surprise to that not only had Iron survived but he was holding a giant magically conjured shield in front of him. Out of frustration he shot three more fireballs, all three were also intercepted.

Frostmere ground his teeth. “What sorcery is this? You are but a mere earthpony, such high level conjuration techniques should be beyond your skill level.”

Iron spoke in an otherworldly voice. “What you say is correct usurper. The element of power allows this mortal to wield my ultimate weapon. The magic contained with the elements allows it’s user to case any weapon he desires. The earthpony mortal is aware of what he is doing but I have melded with his consciousness to help him cast the magic.”

“More secrets, there’s always more secrets and lies! I don’t care what you are or if you claim to have Equestria’s most powerful weapon. Anything can be destroyed with enough force!”

Frostmere opened himself up to the sun, allowing the star to fuel his rage. His entire body became engulfed in blue hued flames as he charged toward the armored stallion. Iron quickly hit the floor lying on his back while he pushed forward with his forelegs. As he slid underneath the blazing alicorn he summoned a battle-axe, cleaving off a leg. Frostmere howled in pain as he crashed through a wall and into the courtyard beyond it. He got up slowly from the smoldering crater looking at the stump where his leg had once been. Since a magical weapon had been used it was cauterized. Calling upon the reservoir of chaos magic once again, he reformed his leg.

Iron focused on his armor willing it to sprout a pair of glowing sliver wings. With a few flaps he took flight going as high as his body could tolerate. When he reached a suitable height he angled his wings and began to dive towards Frostmere. As his body began to pick up speed, a telltale mach-cone formed near his face. An earsplitting sonic boom soon followed as he slammed into the hapless alicorn below. Frostmere was buried further into the ground as he activated a magic barrier.

Frostmere concentrated magic in his horn until it shone like the midday sun. With a grunt he fired a magic beam across the courtyard towards Iron. The beam struck Iron straight in the chest and flung him into a nearby oak tree. The tree was impacted so hard that it erupted in a flurry of splinters. Iron lay on the ground feeling like his chest had gotten hit by a wrecking ball. His tried to focus his vision but found that it was still blurry along the edges. He was pretty sure that several of his ribs were broken, perhaps even a punctured lung. Just as he was about to give into blissful unconscious, a voice rang in his head.

No need to worry Iron Cross, the armor’s magic will protect and heal you.

Iron shook his head violently. “Oh great yet another voice inside my head, must be wishful thinking from my subconscious.”

Iron was surprised when the voice laughed. I assure you that I am not a figment of your imagination, I am quite real. Perhaps I should introduce myself, considering that you are wielding my weapon.

“Well I must say you certainly are well mannered for a hallucination.”

Iron swore he heard the voice make a grunt of frustration. I understand your skepticism but you must trust me. My name is Helios; I was the original bearer of the element of power. Each of the elements contain a small amount of magical essence left over from their original users. In a sense the elements are self-aware. I have fused my magic with your own so that you can wield the element of power.

“Wait so the elements are like Frostmere’s amulet?”

Yes, that would be an accurate description. The only difference with Frostmere’s amulet was that it consistently absorbed his magic, thus allowing for a larger pool to form. That was the reason why he was able to take physical form. The elements only take a small portion of magic from their bearers once they form a bond. I fear that in his case, the magic that was absorbed became corrupted by his negative emotions. He is not quite the same as he was while flesh and blood.

“Who were you, when you were alive?”

I used to be the ruler of Equestria. I was a prince at one time, but that was many millennia ago. It is doubtful that very many ponies remember who I was, perhaps with the exception of my daughters.

“Your daughters…surely you can’t mean Celestia and Luna?”

The very same, I assure you. All alicorns have extreme lifespans compared to mortal creatures. Our species can live up to hundreds of thousands of years. Alicorns are similar enough to the three species of ponies that we can mate with them. In most cases the foals turn out to be alicorns. Both Luna and Celestia’s mother was a mortal pegasus.

“What about you then, are you still alive somewhere?”

No, I’m afraid not. I perished thousands of years ago. My lifespan was shortened due to using the element of power. It drained too much of my magic, thus weakening me. I essentially became a mortal pony afterward.

“I’m not going to die if I keep using this…am I?”

Do not fret; my essence along with the other bearers is fueling the armor now. Your life is not in danger. Right now you need to concentrate on defeating Frostmere.

“Point taken, but how exactly do I use this?”

The elements of harmony were intended to be Equestria’s harbinger of destruction. They transform its user into a living weapon. You need only think and the magic will mold to your will.

Iron concentrated and thought about a sword. A glowing silver-colored orb appeared in his right hoof, forming into a claymore. He swung it around experimentally to test its balance and found that it practically felt like an extension of his hoof. Willing a pair of wings to his back, he rocketed above the courtyard to face Frostmere once again. The alicorn smirked, igniting a magical blade of his own. It was about ninety centimeters long and was bathed in deep blue flames.

“Oh good you’ve finally recovered. I’m so glad that I actually have a worthy opponent.”

Iron lunged forward, his silvery blade parallel to his shoulder. He suddenly twisted back, trying to strike a blow to Frostmere’s neck. The blow was intercepted by the fiery blue blade with a resounding crackle of energy. Pulling back, Iron raised his blade overhead. He swung down with all his might to try and cleave the alicorn in two. Instead of blocking the blow, Frostmere simply teleported out of the way placing a firm kick to Iron’s back. The strike was so powerful it sent Iron plummeting to the ground where he proceeded to crash into a marble fountain.

Iron’s head rang from the impact but before he could collect himself several fireballs rained down from the sky. Instinctively he covered his face with his hooves preparing for the worst. He was surprised to find that his body was very much intact, noticing that a glowing silver barrier encased itself around him. Taking advantage of the temporary lull in battle, Iron launched himself into the air focusing magic into his right hoof. The magically augmented blow caught Frostmere in the jaw, instantly breaking it. With a sickening snap he was sent into a nearby tree, breaking it in half. The momentum continued to drag him across the ground, leaving a shallow ditch in its wake.

The armored stallion wasted no time, tucking in his wings and diving towards the stunned alicorn. Focusing all of his magic to his hooves he began to viciously beat Frostmere into submission. Bones broke like twigs in the magical onslaught, but Frostmere refused to lose consciousness due to his immense power and pride. Iron grabbed him by the throat looking at him straight into the eyes.

“Why are you so hell-bent on revenge? You can’t possibly enjoy all of this destruction and chaos.”

Frostmere let out a gurgling noise. “There…is much you fail to understand. Many things were taken from me, things that cannot be replaced. Thoughts of hatred and revenge are the only things that have kept me going for the last seven centuries. I know you humans are far more hateful than ponies ever could hope to be. You relish in the slaughter and destruction of your own kind! I am only exacting the price I deserve, nothing more.”

Iron slapped a hoof across his mouth. “Anger and violence only lead to death and tragedy. Just think about all of the suffering you’ve put the entire element’s family through! I thought that ponies were better than that…it’s the reason why I never want to go back to my world. I’ve seen true peace and tranquility here; nobody’s trying to kill each other over petty grudges or conquest.”

Frostmere spat onto Iron’s face. “You think my grudge is petty!? My wife was taken from me…we were supposed to grow old together and laugh at how stupid we were during our youth. It was because of Celestia’s foolishness that my family paid the price. I-I…never even got to hold my own daughter.”

“I know how hard it is to face loss, and for that I sympathize with you. Celestia may have made some mistakes but everyone makes them, even goddesses. I’m sure that she feels terrible about what she did to you. She even took it upon herself to protect your bloodline.”

“What would forgiving her accomplish? It wouldn’t bring back my wife, or my child. She cannot send me back in time to see them either. Besides I have done some terrible things, things that may even be beyond redemption…”

Before he could finish his sentence, a distraught Applebloom came running into the courtyard. Her mane was messy and frayed and her eyes were bloodshot from constant crying. She latched herself onto Iron’s fore hoof with all her might, whispering to him in tired voice.

“Please Iron, stop all this. Ah can’t stand to see you two destroy each other, it just ain’t right.”

Iron gave the filly a sad smile. “I’m sorry Applebloom, but Frostmere is far too consumed by his own hatred to be saved now. He must be punished.”

Applebloom started to sob. “What would mah sister think if ya killed him? That would make you no better than he is. Ah know he still has good in him, ah just know it. Luna used to be bad, but the elements made her better. Why can’t we just give Frost a chance…ah think he’s been through enough.”

“I know you want to do the right thing Applebloom, but how can you even stand him after what he did to your sister?”

“It’s because he’s hurt and he needs somepony to be there for him. I’d be his friend even if nopony else will. Ah know what it’s like to lose ponies ya love. Come on don’t ya think he at least deserves a chance?”

Iron looked into the filly’s pleading eyes, trying to look away but found that he couldn’t. Deep down he knew that what she had said was true. He was tired of death, war and destruction. Even so, there was no denying that what Frostmere had done was terrible. With a heavy heart he let go of Frostmere, hoping he had made the right choice. Iron replied in a soft tone.

“As much as I hate you right now, Applebloom is right. If it were up to me I would end you, right here right now. I would become the very monster I seek to destroy. If you surrender now, then I will try to use the elements to purify you. All of your powers will be stripped and given to their rightful owners.”

Frostmere sat on the ground in his disheveled state, wondering if just maybe however small the chance, that he could achieve some level of redemption. Could he find it in his heart to forgive Celestia? It would take time, but perhaps he could. It had been so long since he had a normal life, the last seven hundred years were spent obsessing over how best to snub Celestia. He was tired so very, very tired.

Frostmere’s thought process was thrown for a loop as a little yellow filly gingerly wrapped her hooves around his neck. He could feel her hot tears staining his coat as he gently stroked her mane. The two remained that way for what seemed like an eternity, until he looked up at Iron with a sigh.

Frostmere’s eyes flashed. “Alright…I shall submit. I hope that Celestia finds it within herself to forgive me. The spell I just cast released all of your friends, including Luna. I assume that once the elements are used on me, then Celestia’s powers should return to her. In case that I don’t survive this…I want to thank you Applebloom, for believing in me.”

Iron took off into the sky concentrating on the life force of the other bearers. The symbols on his chest plate glowed as a ball of rainbow colored energy formed in his hooves. He levitated the ball of energy until it took the form of a cannon. Taking a deep breath and closing his eyes, he aimed it at the alicorn below. Seconds later an intense glowing rainbow colored beam shot out of the barrel, engulfing Frostmere’s entire body. The sun immediately reverted back to its normal shade of yellow as the prismatic explosion began to clear. Lying on the ground was a completely unharmed Frostmere. His mane and coat had returned to their normal color, but his body had shrunk down to that of a colt’s.

Frostmere rose, rubbing his bleary eyes. “I’m…alive, but how?”

Iron Cross’s eyes glowed with mystical power and he spoke in an echoing voice. The voice was one of authority and confidence.

“The element have seen fit to grant you a fresh start, Frostmere. Use your time wisely young one, for this is the last chance you shall get.”

“I suppose that would explain why I’m a colt again. What about my magic and my cutie mark?”

“You shall retain those, however you no longer have changeling or chaos magic to aid you. I have stored those within the element of power. As for me, I must leave this plane soon as I am no longer needed.”

Frostmere scoffed. “I take it you’re not the human are you?”

“No, but he is aware of what I am doing.”

“Thank you…for sparing my life. I will try my best to atone for what I’ve done.”

“Farewell Frostmere, may you find peace.”

Applebloom ran over to Frostmere and embraced him in a bone-crushing hug, nuzzling him along his neck. Before he could utter a single word, Applebloom pulled him towards her muzzle giving him a passionate kiss. Frostmere’s eyes shrunk to pinpricks as he stumbled back with a slight blush brightening up his cheeks.

Applebloom shuffled her hooves in the dirt. “When ah said I’d be your friend ah kind of lied. W-with you bein’ so close ta death ah couldn’t stand bottlin’ up mah feelings anymore. It’s…ok if ya don’t like me back right away…”

Frostmere embraced Applebloom in a hug of his own. Tears ran down his face, wetting the filly’s coat. “It’s alright…I just never expected anypony to love me again. Are you sure you’re alright with somepony as awful as me?”

“Ah now you’re sorry for what ya did. Everypony makes mistakes, but ah knew there was always good in ya. Just give it some time.”

Iron glided over towards Celestia, who had gained back her original form. She had witnessed the touching scene in the courtyard and couldn’t help but shed a few tears. Celestia had always felt bad for what she did to Frostmere, and despite his harsh actions she wanted him to finally find happiness. She felt somepony tap her on the shoulder, when she turned around Iron Cross was standing next to her.

“Hello Celestia, it has been far too long.”

“Daddy is…that you?”

“In a manner of speaking, the element contains some of my essence but I’m afraid our reunion won’t last long.”

Celestia embraced Iron in her wings. “It has been so many millennia. Must you really go?”

“I’m afraid so, my little sunflower. You know as well as I do that the element cannot remain here. Say hello to Luna for me.”

“Daddy will I ever see you again?”

“Someday sunflower, once you join the great herd.”

With a brilliant flash of silver, the element of power detached itself from Iron. The remaining elements soared through the air, returning to their bearers. Iron plopped to the ground with a soft thud, rubbing his temples. All of the ponies watched in awe as the glowing element grew as bright as the sun and vanished in a dazzling explosion. Applejack finally made her way out to the courtyard, tackling Iron to the ground with a fiery kiss.

“Thank Celestia you’re alright. Ah was worried sick that you wouldn’t make it out alive.”

Iron chuckled. “It takes more than a crazed unicorn to take me out.”

Applejack bonked him on the muzzle. “You’re mighty lucky ah put up with that attitude of yours.”

Iron kissed her on the cheek. “Love you too Applejack. “

Author's Notes:

Well there you have it folks, the end of my story. I want to thank everyone who faved and liked my story, an author is nothing without his fans. For those of you who are interested you shall be happy to know that I have a sequel planned. At the moment I'm still trying to piece together the plot elements so expect it to start in a month or so. -Enc