BGM 1

As Von made his way to the gardens, he saw the black mare and a sword wielding drake having it out. Midnight put up a struggle as best she could, however she was overpowered by Nova. When their swords collided once again, she was blown back by the sheer force of the strike and tried to get steady. Nova, on the other hand, was still standing proudly with only a few cuts on his body.

"Impressive. So there actually are a few competent warriors amongst you ponies." Said the dragon. Midnight straightened herself and held her sword up at him. But she was still too weak to fight and dropped to her knees. Seeing this, Nova gripped his sword and smiled. "A shame that I have to end you. You would make a worthy opponent, but I must do this in father's name."

Gripping his sword in both hands, Nova raised his blade and began to drop it onto the mare. But it was quickly stopped by the sound of another blade. Both Nova and Midnight looked to see that Von, wielding his father's old sword, was inbetween them and holding Nova back with the rusty blade.

"Long time no see, brother." Nova said, giving him a smug grin.

"Nova..." Von replied softly. The two continued to exchange glares at one another, speaking with their eyes instead of their mouths. They knew exactly what the other was thinking. Von was deadset on beating Nova and Nova was set on proving that his might was superior to his own. After their silent exchange, Nova jumped away from Von and Von looked back at Midnight.

"Are you ok?" He asked. Midnight scoffed and looked away from him.

"I didn't need your help. I could've handled him myself." She replied coldly. Von sighed, rather annoyed that she didn't show any gratitude but he wasn't worried about that at the moment.

"I can see that you've grown up a little. And you've even taken up the sword as well." Nova said with an amused tone. "Interesting. Perhaps I should test its mettle. Just like we did before."

"Forget it. I don't care about your silly little tests or duels. We're having an all-out battle, you and me! No holding back." Von declared, holding his blade up. Nova stood there in silence, staring at Von for a few seconds before a smile creeped across his face.

"All-out. No holding back, eh?" Nova mused, twirling his sword around a bit. Bringing it back to his side, a humongous surge of power flowed through his body and his appearance changed. The color of his hide was darker, small dark crystal protruding his left shoulder and his tail. His eyes were now green and his left claw was completely red, glowing menacingly. "Fine. Then I won't hold back!" He said, his tone much darker than earlier.

"So you're tainted by Orcus' essence as well, huh? Fine. I guess I have no choice." Von said, realizing what must be done. It was the same as before. First Cynder, and now Nova would meet the same fate. Midnight went over to grab Storm, who passed out from being so scared, and picked her up before taking her away from the battle that was about to unfold. Von gripped his father's sword, holding it up in front of him and closed his eyes. Dad...if you're listening, please watch me grow, he prayed as he opened his eyes and prepared himself. "Alright. Let's begin!"

Steel met steel as Von and Nova began to battle, clashing with one another in the gardens. Midnight watched his form as they fought, paying close attention him. His resolve was there. He wanted to defeat Nova, to stop his actions and to put him in his place. And yet, she could see hesitation. From what she gathered, it sounded like Von was going to kill him. Or rather, it sounded like he had to. And yet he didn't want to.

Idiot...if you can't do such a thing, then why did you put on such a bravado?, she thought as she shook her head in disappointment. But despite that, she continued to watch the fight. You better win...

Von and Nova's blades continued to clash, sending sparks flying around them before Nova opened his maw and shot a fireball at point blank range. Von managed to block it with his sword, but the force started to push him back as his feet dug into the dirt. "I won't...give in!" Von shouted, slicing the fireball in half which caused the halves to disappear and quickly shot a strong burst of wind from his own mouth.

Nova blocked it with his own sword, but the wind burst the moment it hit and threw him off balance and knocking his guard down. "What?!" Nova said in disbelief. And as quickly he said that Von quickly flew above his head, giving Nova only a few seconds to turn and see him before bringing his sword down. However, Nova was still quicker and dodged the strike before he could inflict any major damage. They stared at each other for another moment before they started to clash again, this time taking to the skies.

Strike for strike, breath for breath, the two brothers continued to give it their all as each had their own driving force. Von had the dream that he and his father wished to make into a reality. And Nova was fighting on behalf of his father, making sure that he stayed in power like he dreamed he would do.

Eventually, the two of them came down after exchanging one more blow and landed on their own sides. Nova and Von started panting from putting so much effort into their bout before Nova started to chuckle.

"What's so funny?" Von asked. Nova stopped laughing and shook his head. A trickle of blood came down Nova's cheek, revealing a cut that made itself evident from the red liquid. Nova touched his cheek and stared at the blood for a moment, surprised and somehow proud before licking it up and chuckling again.

"It's just that...you've changed." He answered. "Before, you only knocked my father and I down and ran away in order to pursue what you wanted. But now you're actually fighting with every ounce of your strength, actually trying to make sure I don't get in the way of this silly dream you are pursuing."

"Dream?" Midnight whispered, continuing to listen to them. Could it be the dream Storm told me he has?, she thought. Suddenly, the sound of soft groans came from behind her and she looked to see that her sister was starting to come to.

"M-midnight?" Storm whispered, blinking her eyes to make sure she wasn't dreaming.

"I'm here, Stormy. Don't struggle so much. You passed out because of how afraid you were. But don't worry. Big sis will protect you." Midnight replied, smiling at her. Storm smiled back and turned her attention to the battle in front of them.

"Is Von..."

"It looks like he's winning. Or...it LOOKED like he was starting to win, but i'm not sure. Don't worry about it for now. You should head inside the castle and hide until it's safe to--"

"No." Storm declined. "I don't want to run. Not anymore. I...I wanna stay. I want to stay and watch Von win. He needs all the support he can get." Midnight's eyes widened and she looked at Storm.

"Stormy..."

"I know I can't do much. I know i run away all the time and hide when things get bad...but I want to at least do this for him. What Von's trying to achieve...others would think that it's stupid. Or completely impossible. But me? I believe in him. And that's why I want to support him every step of the way...with the time I have with him." Storm declared. "Please...don't take this from me." Midnight was at a loss for words. She hadn't heard her sister be so assertive before. Their time apart seemed to really have an affect on her; A positive one.

"Heh. Alright." She replied. "Let's both support him." Storm smiled and the two of them turned their attention back to the battle.

"My dream is not silly, Nova." Von said. "I know that one day, ponies and dragons...no. ALL of Equestria's creations will be able to exist in perfect harmony. Ponies, dragons, griffons, zebras! All of them! No matter how different we look, we are all still the same. They may not see it, but I do. And I'll show them exactly what coexistence can bring! My mother and father were able to come together to make me. I am no different. And I'm--"

"Do you really believe there is such a thing as perfect harmony?" Nova said, interrupting him. Von blinked for a moment, caught off guard by his calm tone.

BGM 2

"W-what do you mean?"

"Think about it. If everything exists in harmony, it will throw off the balance of this world." He said. "Chaos cannot exist without order. And vice versa. Thus, conflict cannot exist without harmony. And harmony..."

"...Can't exist without conflict." Von concluded. No. That couldn't be right. Not everyone has to fight in order to get by in the world, do they? "N-no. You're lying! Coexistence is possible! War and conflict doesn't solve anything!"

"And you think harmony does?" Nova countered, earning a stunned gasp from the kirin. "Harmony and conflict are two sides of the same coin. Like I said just a moment ago, one cannot exist without the other. If everyone was to keep fighting, it would inevitably lead to the death of everything. The fighting would not stop until the entire land, or every living creature was destroyed. If only harmony existed, yes, things would be peaceful. However, that peace wouldn't last forever. Eventually, someone would find something they completely disagree with during this time of peace. And that would start a conflict. And then another would arise. And then another. And another. And it wouldn't stop until everyone is back to fighting again, while others try to keep the peace that you so selflessly brought to them. So by the looks of it, it sounds like you are trying to create more conflicts than there already are."

"...! T-that...I...n-no." Von stuttered. His faith was wavering. He tried to think hard about Nova's words, but no matter what it ended up at the same conclusion. Eventually, everyone would start fighting again or start having issues. His idea of true harmony would only be short lived. Was it really for nothing? Just what was he fighting for? What am I doing? Why am I doing this?, he thought. His hands started shaking and he closed his eyes.

Von opened his eyes and lifted his head. That was right. He thought of doing it for his father...but he wanted to do it because it was what HE wanted to do. Even if it was for a short time, he wanted to see his dream come to light. And now wasn't the time to mope around. Steeling himself once more, he lifted his sword and stared Nova down.

"So you're going to keep fighting, hm?" Nova said.

"Yes. I'm doing this because I want to. For myself, for my father and for my friends. I can't lose faith! And I'm sure as hell not going to falter now because of you!" Von shouted. Nova chuckled and grasped his sword again, but started to flew his left hand.

"It's always about your friends, isn't it?" He replied.

"At least I have some! They mean everything to me. And i'm not going to let them down! I'm going all-out! And I'll show you my resolve!" Von proclaimed. Nova began to sense a power welling up inside him and a smile crept across his face.

Bingo.

"Take the flow into--" Before Von could finish, Nova appeared right in front of him and grabbed his head. Von's vision was blinded as he struggled to break free. But the more he struggled, the more Nova began to squeeze his head. "Agh!!! L-let go!" Von cried, his struggles starting to weaken. Nova remained silent and kept a strong grip on his head, his red claw pulsating before he let go and jumped back in place.

"Apologies. I hate listening to long winded speeches. Now, are you going to fight or what?" Nova asked, smiling coyly. Von grunted and rose to his feet. Why Nova did that so suddenly was beyond him. But he didn't let it bother him. Concentrating hard, he calmed his mind and cleared it of all anger.

"Take the flow into my heart..." Von chanted, trying to summon his power of water. But nothing happened. He didn't feel anything. He felt calm, but nothing else. "That's weird. Let's try again." he muttered to himself, calming his mind once again and yet, nothing happened. "What? What's going on?!" He said. He tried again, but nothing happened.

Nova chuckled as he watched the display. Von was in a panic. How was this not working?

"Come on! Come on!!" He yelled.

Nothing happened.

"Maybe earth?"

Nothing happened.

"Fire?!"

Nothing happened. Von was in shock. "How can this be? Nothing's working."

"Hm? Oh you must be talking about your powers." Nova said. Von's ears perked up and he looked at him. "Yeah, i took them away."

"What?! How?!" Von screamed. Nova simply chuckled and didn't give him an answer. Von thought about it for a moment, but quickly realized how he did it.

"Ah. Did you figure it out?" Nova asked, raising his left arm. "Thanks to Master Orcus, this special hand of mine has the ability to erase any elemental abilities you have that are not your own and convert them into new strength. Sadly, that means I can't take away every ounce power you have within you. Oh well." Von sighed in relief a bit.

Good. That means I still have Dragon Rage and my wind breath. But I shouldn't use it or else he might find a way to take it away from me too, he thought. Shaking off the fear of losing his ultimate power, Von raised his sword and gripped it tightly. "Whatever. Elements or just one element, it doesn't matter. I'm gonna take you down!"

BGM 3

Nova cackled and raised his sword as well. "That's what I like to hear. Now come! Face me with your own strength...so that I may crush it and end this pathetic dream of yours and bring father's wish to light!" He declared. Twisting his blade, Nova flew high into the air and Von followed after him. Glancing over at one another, the two changed their flight path and flew directly at each other and began to clash. They slashed their blades at one another, their attacks being blocked by the other as sparks started to fly again. Midnight, Storm, Celestia and the rest of the onlookers could only watch from below as the two brothers duked it out in mid-air.

Nova slashed at Von, but the kirin dodged to the side and shot a blast of wind in Nova's face. The force pushed him back and left him wide open enough for Von to get a clear cut on him. However, the damage he dealt was minimal as his blade just barely nicked Nova's side and the drake in question kicked him backwards.

"Swarm!" Nova called out as flames built up in his hand and he tossed out several bolts of fire, each one beginning to home in on the young kirin. Seeing them, Von flew away from them and darted high up into the air. The flames followed him, none of them veering off for even a second. If they kept on their path, no doubt Von would be toast. That's when an idea forged in his brain. Looking down at Nova, Von closed his wings when he reached a peak of height and began to fall down. The flames, just barely missing him split apart and began to follow after him again.

Nova raised a brow as Von twisted his body and pointed himself so that he would divebomb him. "A kamikaze, huh? Too bad that won't work!" He declared, raising his sword to intercept the attack. That's when it happened. Von smiled and just before he collided with Nova, he opened his wings and flew over his head. "What?!" Nova cried out, caught off guard by the sudden change in flight. As he turned his head to see what else Von was going to do, he realized something else was coming in his direction and turned his head to find his own attack coming right back at him. He had little time to react and tried to block as the attack collided with him and caused an explosion.

The force of the explosion went all over the area, the strong winds blowing through the gardens. Midnight held onto Storm as tight as she could before the winds calmed down and the smoke started to clear.

"I-is it over?" Storm said in a frightened tone. Von looked down at her and back to where Nova was and stared at the explosion site. He grit his teeth and held his sword in both hands as an enraged Nova came rushing out of the smoke, his armor having been blown partially to bits, and tackled Von. Luckily, his sword just barely managed to ward off Nova's attack but he was unprepared for the next one. Nova opened his mouth, just right near Von's face as a large fireball quickly welled up and blew up up right in his face.

The explosion sent a massive wave of pain through Von's body as he was now on a one-way collision course with the ground. Seeing this, Storm tried to go out to help him but was stopped when Midnight ran ahead of her and caught the falling kirin. They both hit the ground, but thankfully the impact was lessened. Von groaned in pain upon opening his eyes and seeing his blue-maned savior and smiled a bit. "Um...thanks." He said, trying to conserve his strength.

Midnight blushed and looked away from him. "Whatever. I only saved you because you're my sister's lover, ok?" She retorted with an unconvincing tone. Von chuckled and started to sit up, Nova landing in front of them.

"How touching. Another pony so needlessly getting involved with your life. Now...stand aside." Nova ordered, pointing his sword at the black mare. Midnight glared at him and unsheathed her own sword.

"Forget it. I don't know what your beef is with this guy, but i'm not gonna let you take away one of the only things that makes my little sister continue fighting." She declared. "And if you even try to touch him, well you're gonna have to answer to me too, buster!" Nova scoffed and looked at her.

"It seems you have a death wish. But I admire your bravery. Just for that, I'll give you a swift but agonizing death!" He yelled, slashing his sword but Midnight parried it in response and counter with a swing of her own. This caused Nova to jump back, while Midnight gave pursuit and the two of them started fighting. Von started to pull himself together and got up on one knee, but Storm ran over to his side.

"Wait. Von, you're hurt." She said, rubbing his shoulder. Von chuckled and touched her hand.

"I know. But I have to keep fighting. If I give in now, everything I worked for will have been for nothing." Von said, slowly standing up. "Even if my dream will only last for a short while, I want to see it become a reality with my own eyes. For a brief moment, you and me, my friends and everyone I know will have been able to live in perfect harmony. And it will have been me that made it possible." Von dusted himself off, cracking his knuckles and taking his sword up again and rushed into the fray to assist Midnight while Storm just watched in awe.

He really wants this dream to become real...

Nova's powerful blows continued to knock Midnight off balance as their clash continued before her guard dropped and he tried to stab her. But his attack was intercepted by Von, who blocked using his sword and threw him back.

"I don't need your help, you know." Midnight said angrily. Von smiled and slashed at Nova.

"I'm not helping you. I'm just indirectly fighting alongside you." He replied, dodging one of Nova's strikes. Midnight stayed silent and decided to just go with it as both sword wielders started to push Nova back. But as they were, his attacks were starting to become much fiercer...and his anger much greater.

"Enough!" Nova yelled. Growing irritated with having to fight the both of them, Nova shot another fireball, this time aiming at the ground in front of them and created an explosion that blew them both back. Midnight fell into the grass, her back taking most of the blow while Von hit the stone pavement that lay under him. He started to turn so he could get up only to see Nova standing over him, ready to deal the final blow. "Die..." With swift movement, Nova brought his sword forward and pierced through his target. However...he did not hit the one he was going for.

"N-no..." Von said, tears streaming down his face. Nova growled as blood started to stain his sword.

"Annoying little pest..." He muttered. Midnight groaned and sat up, rubbing her back and turning her head to the scene. As she did, however, her face turned pale and her eyes widened in horror. "No..." She whimpered. Tears started to form in her eyes as the terrifying sight settled in.

BGM 4

Before her, before Von and Nova was Storm Front having been impaled by the latter's sword. Her blood trickled down from the tip and onto Von's chest, who had frozen in complete and utter shock. He was crying, but he didn't move. He couldn't move and he couldn't believe his eyes. This couldn't be happening. It shouldn't. This wasn't what he wanted to happen.

"S-storm..." Von uttered silently. His body was frozen. He was screaming inside his mind, trying desperately to tell his body to move. Trying to tell himself that it was just a bad dream. That it wasn't real. But the blood....the warm blood that continued to fall on his chest, drop by drop. It was all too real. Storm coughed a little, her life starting to leave her. She lifted her head slightly and she managed to work up a weak smile.

"I'm...happy...I got...to meet you." She said weakly, struggling to stay alive for even another moment. She knew what was going to happen the moment she made this choice. She wanted him to live, to make real the dream he carried with him for his whole life. She wanted to see it too, but it looked like fate had other plans...

Nova lifted his sword and in turn, lifted Storm and tossed her body to the side as she landed with a thud. Horrified and worried, Midnight ran over to her dying sister and tapped her cheek.

"No. No! Stormy, don't go! Please! Stay with me!" She screamed, crying her eyes out. Nova wiped his sword clean and continued to watch with a cold stare.

"It was her own fault for meddling in affairs that didn't concern her." He said. But Von wasn't listening. All he could do was turn his head, watching his lover die before his eyes. With what little strength they could muster, both Von and Storm held their hands out to each other.

Please...please goddess, let this be a dream!

Storm's eyes slowly started to close as Von continued to reach other for her. His strength slowly started to return and his eyes continued to widen.

Please let this be all a dream!!!

Storm smiled weakly as the last of her life started to give out. Von tried to speak, but no words came out of his mouth. Not a sound. Everything around his fell silent, the only thing he could hear was the sound of his own thoughts.

WAKE ME FROM THIS NIGHTMARE, DAMMIT!!!

Storm's eyes closed and her smile stayed, her mouth opening as she mouthed something. Von continued to tear up, his strength starting to fail him as he fell right back to his knees.

Storm's hand fell to the ground as the last of her life gave way. Midnight's expression changed from filled with horror to wracked with despair. She held tightly onto her sister's body, clutching her head and holding it to her chest as she screamed in agony. Von's heart sank as he watched as the guard mourned the loss of her sister while he silently mourned the loss of his lover. All the while Nova chuckled and smiled down at him, nudging the handle of his sword against the back of his head.

"I'm surprised, Von. I thought for sure that you would go rushing to her side. How cruel you are, leaving her wanting like that. Holding her hand out for you and you don't even go to take it in your own." He chuckled. "It's even moreso that you kept filling her head with dreams of a future with you. Laughing with you, holding hands and all that lousy crap. It's for the best honestly. Better to die and be set free...

"...rather than live with a freak like you." Von's eyes became hollow and he looked at the floor. He stayed silent and did not move. Silence fell over the area before a chilling wind started to blow. Celestia's eyes widened as fear found its way into her heart.

"So...it was still there all this time..." She whispered to herself. The winds continued to blow, becoming colder, stronger and more menacing with each second that passed. Nova, feeling confused as to the sudden change in the weather, raised a brow and looked at Von.

"Hey. What are you up to--" Before he could finish, a black blade of wind sliced the air and cut Nova's arm. The pain was only brief, but the injury was great as blood started to travel down his arm. "W-what?!"

BGM 5

Von stood back up on his feet, staying silent and not so much as even turning around to acknowledge Nova. He dropped his father's sword as the wind around him continued to grow, freezing and ravaging the area around him. The sky became dim and grey as Von slowly turned his head. The wind that circled the area started to become visible, turning into a dark shade of black. But that wasn't the only thing that changed. Von's skin color, which was normally bright like he was, darkened to match the atmosphere around him. The color of his eyes dimmed as well, becoming dull and soulless.

Midnight raised her head and looked at the scene in front of her. Her sights were set on Von but upon looking at him, a deep-seated fear wormed its way into her heart as well and she began to shiver. "W-what?"

"Hey! If this is some kind of trick, i'm not frightened." Nova declared, holding his sword up. Von stayed silent, continuing to stare in his direction with emotionless eyes. Angered by his unwillingness to address him, Nova charged at Von and prepared to strike him down. He brought his sword down, but his attack was immediately blown away by a strong gust of wind, lowering his guard. "What?!"

"Saluk!" Von growled as several black arrows of wind formed and swiftly pierced through Nova's armor. The dragon coughed up blood, but wasn't weary enough to be beaten.

"Tsk. So you managed to wound me a little..." Nova said, his voice actually becoming a little shaky. "But you're still not strong enough to beat me." Flames formed in his hand and he threw them out, forming the same attack Von turned against him earlier. They darted out towards him, ready to take down their target. But as they got close, the black winds blew them away causing them to smolder out.

"Pointless..." Von said, monotone.

"What did you just say?" Nova quipped, earning silence from the kirin. Keeping his focus on Nova and only him, Von raised his hand and pointed at the drake.

"It's useless..." He said, causing many blades of wind to home in on Nova at blinding speeds. Quickly seeing no way he could evade them, Nova raised his sword to block the attack. But it was in vain as the wind sliced through the sword and began to tear him asunder, tear after tear beginning to show on his body. He was bleeding heavily and his energy was just about spent. The only thing on his mind was to keep fighting, but something inside him told him to run. But he didn't obey.

"I won't...I will not be beaten by the likes of you again!!!" Nova yelled, taking his broken blade and charging at Von. But the moment he blinked, Von was gone, standing just under him as he gently placed a hand on his stomach.

With no time to react at all, a sudden burst of energy blast against Nova's stomach, sending him tumbling over on the ground. The winds continued to howl and rage, the cold air starting to affect everyone but Von. Nova struggled to get back onto his feet, his vision blurring as he looked in Von's direction but he fell onto his chest.

BGM Final

"Y-you...you're...no different from the rest of us." He said. "Your...instinct..." With those words, Nova passed out as a demonic hand arose from a magic circle that appeared beneath him and pulled him into it. Neither Celestia, Midnight or Von moved as Nova was taken away. The winds slowly began to die down as Von's skin returned to its original color and the cold air disappeared. Von blinked his eyes for a few seconds before color returned to them as well and he stumbled over and fell to his knees. Celestia ran over to him, placing a hand on his shoulder and lifting his head.

"Von? Are you alright?" She asked with her usual motherly tone.

"I...I'm fine..." He replied. "...! Where's Nova?!"

"He got away." Celestia said, shaking her head. "But that does not matter at the moment. There...is another issue that needs to be addressed..." Von raised a brow, confused by her words until he remembered what happened prior.

"Storm! Where's Storm?! Is she--" Celestia placed a finger on his lip, a somber expression on her face as she pointed behind him. He followed her hands, only for his despair to come rushing back to him. Midnight was still cradling the still body of her sister, his lover, Storm Front in her arms. Her eyes were red and puffy from crying so much, and yet she still couldn't stop crying. Tears formed in Von's eyes as all his strength left him and he fell into Celestia's embrace. "No..."

"I...am deeply sorry, Von." Celestia whispered softly.

"No..." Von uttered again. "No...no no no." His eyes widened in horror as he turned and held onto Celestia. "AAAAHHHHH!!!!" He cried loudly. The alicorn princess shed a tear as well, gently rubbing his head as he let out his sorrow. On this day, Von came out victorious. And yet, he also lost. He lost a good friend, a lover...

Author's Notes:

Translation: Saluk = Perish in Dovah

Storm Front has been slain, a dark power has awakened within Von and now, he has lost the strength to go on. Where has Nova gone? Only one guess... If there were any fans out there that were starting to love Storm, I am deeply sorry.

Until next time! I need something to cuddle after this little experience....