Fair warning to those of you who are new to my works. If you haven't read End of Days, the predecessor to this story, turn back now and do so before continuing.

Otherwise, welcome back! We've moved forward in time a bit, and everypony has been affected by the death of Day's End. Luckily, with his memory in tow, they've been strong. How long can it last? Read on and review with your opinions.

Chapter 1

Dusk Star smashed into the castle wall, gasping for breath. He'd grown into his father's shoes over the last fifteen years, and was now a tall, muscular colt. His strength and running speed were virtually unrivaled, even without the status of Alicorn, but there was one opponent he never could seem to beat.

"Seriously, Mom? How hard of a hit do you think I can take?" He shook his mane, dust flying in every direction. Luna, Princess of the Night, hadn't aged a day.

"More than that, I'm sure. You'll need to if you plan on going after Steel Heart. Her parents pack quite a punch when united." Dusk Star sighed. She was right, of course. Unfortunately, the object of his affections was already an Alicorn, and he didn't even have a cutie mark yet. Still, he knew he could take any punishment, physical or mental, that Shining Armor and Cadence could dish out if it meant he got a date with her.

Cadence rapped on her daughter's bedroom door. "Steel? Are you okay?" Her voice was cautious, nervous even. Her daughter rarely showed any emotion at all, but when she did the results could be catastrophic. The door slid open noiselessly, and there stood Steel Heart in all her radiant beauty, a pleasant smile on her face.

"Of course, Mother. Why do you ask?" Cadence struggled to contain her own tears. Her daughter had spent almost a year now waiting for suitors, but almost none had come. Even with her parentage and position, she simply couldn't seem to attract anypony. Not due to her looks, of course. She was absolutely gorgeous on her own, and smart as a whip to boot.

"You know, I didn't get a single colt after me until I went to Canterlot for the first time. Perhaps you should reconsider coming along with your father and I for the commemoration." Steel Heart's breathing deepened slightly, indicating that she was struggling to contain some sort of anger.

"Mother, my chances of meeting somepony compatible with me in Canterlot are actually smaller than they are here. That combined with the fact that I would have no purpose there other than trying to meet somepony...Well, it doesn't seem worth it." Cadence pursed her lips. She hadn't wanted to do this, but if she didn't, nopony would.

"Steel Heart, pack your things. You're coming to Canterlot with us." The nearly grown filly opened her mouth to speak, closed it again, and nodded.

"Yes, mother. I'll be ready in an hour."

Three strands of magenta hair fell onto a clear glass plate, and a raspy voice broke the silence. "Yes...Thank you, my dear. This sacrifice of yours will give me everything I need to bring back your beloved teacher." The cloaked pony turned, lifting her head up to the sky. Her voice rang out through the night sky, filling the broken room the pair occupied. "Day's End! For fifteen years you have festered in Tartarus, and now your time to rise again has come! Come forth, with all your power! Come forth, with all of your great strength, and lead us once again!" Lightning crackled around her, and a blinding light blasted the entire room.

Scootaloo shielded her eyes, her heart racing. She'd been gathering different strength-building ingredients for years now, hoping that she and her mysterious companion could rebuild a body for her teacher. Finally, her dreams were coming true.

The light faded, and there he was. Tall and strong as ever, Day's End had returned. He spoke uncertainly. "S-Scootaloo? Is that...is that you?" Tears welled in her eyes. It was his voice. She ran forward, gripping him in a huge hug.

Unbeknownst to her, the eyes of the Equestrian Prince of Power flashed green behind her back as he returned the hug.

Trumpets blared as a huge parade turned onto the main walk of Canterlot and advanced on the castle. Sitting on a huge open litter were Cadence, Shining Armor, and Steel Heart. They all did their best to look happy, which was considerably easier for the parents. Steel Heart's grin was forced, although she was good at faking.

Suddenly a blast went off above a nearby building, shocking the parade into almost dropping the litter. Everypony in the square looked up to the offending location and saw a black unicorn with a shocking orange mane. His voice boomed across the square, and an interesting piece of classical music played in the background. "PRINCESS STEEL HEART!" He leapt out between the buildings and all four hooves smashed into the cobblestone simultaneously. He ran the tip of one hoof down her cheek and finished his sentence as the music gradually began growing in volume. "May I have a dance?"

Steel Heart had no idea what to say. Her mind was completely blank at this show of...odd chivalry. The music wasn't helping her train of thought progress any further. "I-I suppose..." Suddenly she was cut off by her father's body appearing in front of her face. His voice rang out, calmer than she had expected.

"No. No you may not, no matter how interesting you may look."