Soldier of Harmony

by Lord Curly

After his death on earth a soldier is sent to Equestria to learn the meaning of freandship and happieness, two things he forgot on earth. But how will he spend his new life? With his anti-social tendencies he might spend it alone and friend less, but not if the mane six have anything to say about it. Rating subject to change. May be classified as a Human in Equestria fic. not sure.

26. Trying to be Normal

Authors Note: I want to apologies. I was going over my outline of the rest of the story when I realized I forgot something pretty important in this chapter. If you've already read the un-updated version skip down to the heading with three months, seven days since arrival

Chapter 26: Trying to be Normal

Luna's bedroom, Canterlot Castle
Local time: 0900
Two months, twenty-nine days since arrival

I wasn't sure what time it was when I woke up but I smiled when I saw what was in front of me. Luna was still asleep with her head resting on my chest. Deciding that is was too early to wake up, I wrapped my forelegs and wings around Luna. I pulled her closer and tried to fall back asleep. My hopes were crushed when I heard somepony knocking on the door. I groaned and stayed where I was, hoping that whoever it was would leave. Once the knocking became pounding I finally got out of the bad and made my way to the door. Had I been fully awake I would stayed where I was until Luna woke up. I would have also remembered Luna cast a silencing spell which not only prevent sound from leaving the room but also from entering it. And there's only one pony in Canterlot that had the power to remove a spell cast by Luna, "Steel! What are you doing in my sister's room so early?" He voice snapped me out of my morning daze, "Oh, hi Celestia. Let me just go get Luna…" Quickly retreating back into the room and slamming the door in the process I went to go wake Luna. Luckily slamming the door already did that, "Luna, we have a problem." She rubbed her eyes, just as groggy as when I first woke up. "Come back to bed, whatever it is my sister can handle it."

"But your sister is the one at the door." She sat up, "What! Are you sure?" I nodded, "Yeah, I was tired and may have… opened the door." She paled at that, "Okay, go distract her, maybe get her to leave. Whatever you do, don't let her come in her. I can still smell…well you know." She nodded and took a few seconds to check her mane in the mirror before going to the door. She opened enough that she could stick her head out, while I moved to the other side of the door so I could hear. "Good morning sister, what brings you here so early?"

"Luna, we were going to have breakfast together today… did you forget?" I couldn't see Luna's head but I think she shook it, "No I didn't, I just slept in. Give me a few minutes to get ready." Luna tried to close the door but Celestia put her hoof in before it closed. "Are you okay Luna, you seem a little…" She stopped herself as she made her way into the room. Luckily the door opened towards me and it just barely stopped before it hit me. But it did offer enough room for me to take cover behind, so I did my best to hide myself. With my focus directed solely on Celestia I could hear her sniffing the air. "Where is he Luna?" I could tell by her tone that she was not happy and decided it was best if I stayed hidden. "He's around here somewhere, why?" Celestia's voice was tone was… let's say I could have sworn I heard her growl. "You know damn well why Luna." I saw her move to bathroom and look inside. I knew the only way I would get out unnoticed was if she went out on the balcony. "Guard, spread the word I want Flamingsteel found and brought to me. He shouldn't be far." Well, there go my chances of escape. "You know I will find him Luna." Luna nodded, "I know sister. I just want you to calm down before you do anything rash. I don't want you to chase him away." Celestia snorted, "You're not thinking strait, perhaps you don't remember last night. Luna you got back very late last night and he clearly took advantage of how tired you were. Let me handle this and I will make sure he will never do anything like it again." I heard Luna gasp at one point while Celestia was talking and when she finished I think Luna slapped her. "How dare you think such a thing sister! He did not take advantage of me! It was mutual, and if you must insist that somepony was being taken advantage of it would be him." I was highly insulted by that but managed to hold my tongue, lest I face Celestia's wrath. Somepony sighed, "Perhaps you're right sister. When Steel is found we will talk about this, calmly."

"Thank you sister. You can come out now Steel." I slowly made my way out from behind the door, "H-Hey Celestia." I was nervous, who wouldn't be when an immortal who controls the sun and has the power to kill you with one blast is pissed at you. Sure I could probably match her power… in a few thousand years that is. I have the magical power of the average unicorn and if I had been studying since birth I would probably rival Twilight in power but that's still a long way off from the princesses who have an extra few thousand years of experience. While we followed Celestia I kept Luna between us at all times and I noticed some of the guards looking at me. Most of them were as stone faced as usual but some of them smiled and nodded at me. A few of them even winked at me and I think I heard a wolf call. But the strangest part were the guards that looked jealous, what they were jealous of I had no idea. Or at least until I realized that neither Luna nor I had cleaned up after last night and we most likely still smell like sex. It's a well know that fact that every strait colt, and a small amount of mares, has entertained the fantasy of being with one of the princesses at least once, so seeing somepony achieve that would defiantly make them jealous. Despite the guards training and discipline I know that by the end of the day everypony in the castle will know what Luna and I did. When we reached our destination I was more than willing to get inside and away from the guards. In the room, I think it was private study, Celestia sat with the fire place on her left and we sat across from her. I kept changing how I sat, nerves most likely. Luna put a comforting hoof on my own hoof. "Now before we start, is there anything you want to say Steel?"

"Yes, I understand why you were angry and I don't blame you. To you Luna will always be your little sister no matter how old you get." Luna elbowed me for that, "You will always be protective of her. I know from past experiences that an older sibling will always be protective of a younger sibling, even more when it involves dating or sex. It's in your nature as the older sibling to be overprotective but you have consider Luna's feelings. She loves me and I love her. Even if you exiled me I know she would find me… nopony can keep us apart. You have to let her go Celestia, you need to let her live her life. It's her choice to choose who she will spend her life with. I for one respect her enough to let her choose… of course if she chooses me I won't be complaining." Celestia had her head bowed so I couldn't see her face. After a few moments I saw something fall from her face. When she looked up I saw tears running down her face. She stood u and walked over to me. "You're right Steel, it is her choice. I have to let her be her own mare even if she will always be my little Lulu." She hugged me, "Can you forgive me for how I acted?" I nodded, "You are already forgiven."

"Thank you Steel. I over reacted and jumped to conclusions… I just got so worried. It was your first time Luna and I almost drove away your stallion, can you forgive me." Luna nodded but I was still on that first time thing. "Wait, it was your first time?" She blushed, "If you two want to talk about that you will wait until later when you are alone." Now I was blushing, "Well if that is all sister we should head down to breakfast." Luna stood up and I was about to follow her. "Actually Luna, there is one more thing I want to talk to you about. Could you give us a minute Steel?" I nodded and stood up. "Wait, whatever you are going to say you can say in front of Steel, sister." And I sat down. "As you wish Luna. I know you heat cycle is due to start any day now so I just want you to be careful. I don't want you to start a family if you're not ready." We blushed at the implications of what she said. As we made our way to the dining room, or is it large enough to be considered a hall, Luna walked next to me. "How do you fell Steel. My sister has given us her blessing, I can think of a few ways we can celebrate." The tone she used caused me to shiver. "And I would love nothing more to celebrate with you but I think I might be too tired for the next three days." She looked confused. "The Annual Canterlot Magic Contest is being held and I need to think of something. Not to mention all the time I have to put into practicing it." She sighed, "I see, at least I can help you. And I'm sure my sister won't mind lending a hoof either.

"Actually Luna, I'm going to be one of the judges. It wouldn't be fair to the other contestants if I helped Steel." I fidgeted slightly, "As much as I appreciate your offer Luna, I don't want you to see me practice. I want it to be a surprise." She looked a little put off that her coltfriend didn't want her help. "Fine but I expect it to be spectacular." I kissed her, "And it will be. Now I'm starving lets go eat." Luna giggled, "I would expect so especially after what you were doing last night." I blushed and Celestia groaned. "Please Luna, don't say things like that around me." Breakfast was pretty uneventful. Although I could hear the occasional giggle coming from the mares in kitchen staff and I got more than a few congratulations whispered to me from the stallions. After eating Luna and I made our way back to her room. I felt now was a good time to talk about last night. "So you were a virgin?" She blushed a little, "Yeah… I wasn't that bad was I?" I laughed, "No, actually I was worried that I wouldn't satisfy you. It has been a few years and I'm a little rusty. How come you never found a stallion when you were younger? You don't have to tell me if you don't want to."

"Well I never really fell for any of them, plus I lost a thousand years when I was on the moon…" Her voice dropped to a whisper at that part. "Hey, that's the past. Besides you have me so I think you did pretty well." She laughed at that. "Hey Luna I have a question about last night. After you finished that thing with my horn you said something about fire fruit?" She blushed, defiantly thinking about last night. "After I had finished with your horn it released some magic. Everypony has their own unique magical signature, yours reminded me of what fire fruit tastes like." I smiled, "And fire fruit is…" She giggled, "Well it's a fruit found on the slopes of volcanos. It's extremely hard to find since the plant it comes from needs very specific conditions to grow. Maybe I'll get one for you someday. Oh, and when you clean yourself make sure you get the base of your tail. You've got a little something on it." She retreated into the bathroom to bathe and get ready for the day. Looking at my tail I noticed that there was some dried cum on it. It was my turn to blush at a memory from last night.

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Spa, Ponyville
Local time: 1100
Two months, thirty-one days since

Today was supposed to be a relaxing day but instead I'm hating it. I'm going to the spa with my friends. I'm not the type of pony that would go to a spa but Luna made a comment about my mane and tail. My mane was long enough that it went past my shoulders and my tail was just barely touching the ground. Not surprising since I've never had them cut in the almost three months I've been here. I also finally read a book about pony anatomy and learned that every once in awhile a unicorn, or in my case alicorn, needs to have their horn filed. This keeps the horn strait and uniformly even which helps when casting spells. A bent and/ or uneven horn can cause magical backlash and make it harder for the unicorn to cast spells. I figured I could take care of all three of things at once if I went to the spa with the girls. But the spa isn't the reason I hate today. Apparently somepony on the Canterlot weather team fucked up the schedule and sent a report to Cloudsdale requesting a storm tomorrow. But the thing that really pisses me off is instead of changing the date of the storm they moved forward the Annual Canterlot Magic Contest by a day. Now, instead of having another day to practice I have five hours including the time I spend at the sap and the time to travel from Ponyville to Canterlot. Seeing my friends standing outside the spa I waved, Cadence had even managed to make it. I was pleasantly surprised when I learned that Rarity and Twilight would also be competing in the contest. Twilight would be casting a variety of different spells while rarity would be creating dresses and suits using volunteers from the audience. I gave them some vague details on what I was going to do but nopony, besides myself, knows what I'm going to do. I made sure of that by torching my failures and practice pieces. "Hey girls, you ready?" They nodded, "Oh Steel, you are just going to love the spa. Aloe and Lotus are two of the best ponies when it comes to massages and horn filings." Rarity continued to gush about the spa while we paid and followed a pony to the back, Lotus I think. The girls started by going into the sauna, I declined since I've been in a sauna before and didn't really care for it. While I waited I decided to sit on one of the lounge chairs and read a magazine. While I was shifting through them I found an issue of playcolt that most likely belonged to either Aloe or Lotus, who lived on the spa's second floor. Finding nothing that interested me I picked up todays paper just in time for the girls to leave the sauna. Rarity, Twilight, Vinyl, Cadence, and I went to get our horns filed while the others went for massages. I honestly can't describe the feeling of a horn filing, you just have to experience it. I can tell you that it is nothing like what Luna did to it the other day. Cadence tried to start a conversation, one topic she was very interested in was my plan for the contest. She also asked if anything else worthy of metioning happened, I said nothing. Luna and I had decided not to tell anypony else about what we did. Besides if Cadence really wanted to know I'm pretty sure that she would wait and talk to me in private. I felt a little more relaxed when Aloe was done and my horn felt like a piece of wood that was recently treated with sandpaper. The others were still getting their massages but they all looked like they were enjoying it… Dash even looks like she's sleeping. I only had a massage once and that was when I was human, so I have no idea what to expect. Using the others as an example I laid down on the table. It was just like the one I had before but much more satisfying and relaxing. I thinks it's because ponies use their muscles, their leg muscles mostly, more than a human. Since I was next to Dash she thought it was a good idea to talk to me about certain things at a volume that the others would hear. "So Steel, Derpy told me that she heard some rumors when she delivered something to the castle yesterday." I knew if anypony would ask me it would be her. My only response was a sigh, "So is it true? Did you and Princess Luna do it?" The others gasped, some from surprise others from shock, and I buried my head under my forelegs. "Rainbow, you cannot just ask somepony that. A lady does not kiss and tell and it is expected that she will not ask about what others do in the bedroom." Dash just laughed, "Rarity, you should know I wouldn't exactly call myself a lady so those rules don't apply to me. So Steel, give me some details. And don't hold back. I want to know every detail." She is starting to annoy me. I expected her to ask because that is who she is but I didn't expect her to press like this. Time to embarrass her, "Jesus Dash, the idea of Luna and me doing it must excite you so damn much to make you this desperate." As the girls laughed and she stammered out a response I had a satisfied smile on my face. Cadence, who was on my left, nudged me, "Was that really necessary?" She whispered. I nodded. "She wasn't going to let it go."

"Maybe, but I think you took it a little too far." I shrugged, "All's fair in love and war. And that was defiantly related to love." My massage lasted only a few more minutes. I was the last to finish since my muscles were tenser than the others. Next half of us went into the hot tub while the rest went to get their manes and tails done but only cut. Their manes and tails would be styled after they were done in the hot tub. The hot tub was relaxing and personally I liked it more than the massage. When we switched I dried off my coat and made my way to the chairs the other were sitting in before. Since it was my first time getting my mane and tail cut I had no idea what to really do. In the end I just decided to get them cut like how it was when I first arrived, of course I had to estimate everything. One thing I learned is that my hair, well mane now, always gets cut differently but finds its way back to its usual shape. Then again I never really brush it and just let it do whatever. I still haven't brushed my mane, I have brushed my tail though. After my third day in Equestria my tail got to the point that I vowed never to let it get like that again. Since this was a spa I didn't just get them cut. Lotus washed them, shampoo and conditioner, before cutting them. I don't know why but it felt relaxing. Next we went to get our hooves done. Apparently hooves are similar to fingernails and need to be kept at an approximate length. I never really cared about my fingernails until they became a problem or started breaking so I declined from having my hooves done. Me and Dash just sat and waited for the others to finish. Checking the clock I saw that we still had half an hour until the train arrived so I wasn't worried.

The girls spent the train ride talking amongst themselves, mostly about the contest. The tried to get me to tell them what I planned on doing but I didn't tell them. They been trying to get me to talk all day I don't understand why they won't give up. While Rarity, Twilight and I went to sign up Cadence took the others on a tour of the city, despite having been here before I don't think they ever explored the city. When we reached the registration area I noticed that there were three different sign up tables. I tried looking for a sign or something that says what each table was for but Twilight said that there were three tables to keep a large line from forming. We went to the left most line since it was the shortest. While we were waiting I glanced to the right and saw the one unicorn I really hoped wouldn't be here, Trixie Lulamoon. Most ponies know her as the Great and Powerful Trixie, a traveling magician. I should have known that she would be here despite how much I wished she wasn't. I must have groaned, "What is it Steel?" I moved so that I was between Trixie and the others. "Look behind me Twilight. See anypony familiar?" Both her and Rarity started looking but it didn't take long for them to figure out who I was talking about. "What is she doing here?" Despite just turning her mane green Rarity clearly despised Trixie. "Anypony can compete Rarity and since she was a traveling magician it makes sense that she would compete." The line moved and I took my place behind the girls again. "Was?" Twilight shrugged, "Her carriage was destroyed by the Ursa Minor in Ponyville. It was her stage and her home. I'm not sure if she got it replaced or not and frankly I don't care. She was nothing but rude and mean to my friends." Twilight was the first to reach the table. "Twilight Sparkle, no additional music, no additional props, no assistants. Is that correct Miss Sparkle?" She nodded and moved to the right, "Well, well if it isn't Twilight Sparkle." I could only groan, Trixie had noticed her. "Oh and you're friend with that rats nest of a mane." Rarity too. "I'm surprised that you even bothered to come. You should have known the Great and Powerful Trixie would be here. I've been competing for years and every time I have walked away with first place." Rarity finished signing up and stood next to Twilight. I tuned out their argument with Trixie and gave the mare my form. "Flamingsteel, asked to introduced as Steel, no additional music, one twenty hoof log and a butter knife as props, no assistants. Is this correct Lord Steel?" I nodded, I didn't even bother to correct her since nopony ever seams to remember that I'm not royalty. I turned back to the girls and saw them giving Trixie death glares. "Let's go girls, she's not worth it." I whispered to them. I didn't need Trixie to get angrier. I turned to say goodbye to Trixie only to find her only inches away from my face. "Hey, you're the new alicorn Trixie has been hearing about." She began to circle me, "Why do you bother to be with these ponies when you could be with the Great and Powerful Trixie." Her tail brushed against my flank, must have been an accident. "I'm sorry Miss Trixie but me they're my friends and we already have plans." I turned to leave but Trixie put a hoof on my shoulder. "So they're your friends, Trixie could give you something neither of them will. I guaranty you will enjoy it." She finished her statement by dragging her tail from my right flank, across my back, and resting it dangerously close to my groin. "I'm already take so please leave us alone." That only seamed to anger her, "How dare you. I am the Great and Powerful Trixie and you dare reject me. I am the most talented unicorn in Equestria you will never find a better mare." The others looked at me not sure what to do. "I already have a mare in my life. I will see you when the competition starts." As we walked away I could still hear Trixie talking. "Fine but when Trixie wins and you come crawling back, begging Trixie to be your mare Trixie will say no and walk away with first place."

We had agreed to meet up with the others after we finished for lunch but it took less time than anticipated even with our encounter with Trixie so we have an hour and a half to kill. Twilight decided to show us around the city until lunch. While I had seen most of the city before she was taking us to three places I hadn't been to. Our first stop was Celestia's School for Gifted Unicorns. She gave us a quick tour and pointed out some points of interest like the wall of class photos, the trophy case, and… wait for it… the library, shocker. Next she brought us to the tower that she lived in before coming to Ponyville. And she finished the mini tour at her house. "Mom, Dad, anypony home?" I heard hoofsteps from upstairs and soon saw Twilight's mom rushing down the stairs who then brought her daughter in for a hug. "Oh Twilight, it's so good to see you. It's been so long, over a year since you left for Ponyville." Soon her father came in and joined in welcoming her home. Not wanting to intrude on their touching family moment I moved to the side and started looking at the pictures on the wall. There were a few pictures of Twilight and Shining, together and alone, some of their parents and one that was probably the latest family photo. I'm making that assumption on the fact that Cadence is also in the picture. "And this is my friend Steel." Turning I saw Twilight and her parents behind me. "Hey, my names Flamingsteel but my friends call me Steel." I shook their hooves, "Good to meet you. How did you meet our daughter?" Twilight's mom had a kind smile on her face while her dad was looking me over. I guess he's an overprotective dad. "We met on my third day in Equestria. Actually she was one of my first friends here. You have an amazing daughter, she saved my life." Her dad looked interested while she just blushed, "Really?" I nodded, "I had built my house by myself and it wasn't up to code so when we had a large storm the roof was leaking. Of course I was being stubborn and refused her help even though I had hypothermia. I was lucky that she was as determined to help me as I was to handle it on my own." Her dad smiled at that and I heard her mom talking to her, "Oh Twilight, he's a keeper." Both of us blushed at that. We spent a few more minutes talking before we went to lunch. Twilight invited her parents so they could meet the rest of our friends. When lunch was over we headed back to where the contest was. The three of us went backstage while the others, Twilights parents included, headed to their seats. We sat next to each other facing the board with the names. Each name had a corresponding number which let everypony know when they were to perform. Rarity was number thirty, Twilight was twenty-one, Trixie was number thirty-five and I was number fifty, the last pony to perform. I looked over the list and didn't see any other ponies I knew. Time past faster than I realized and before I knew it Trixie was finishing her routine. The other remaining contestants went and did their routines while I continued to wait for my turn. "Number fifty it's your turn." I nodded and made my way to the stage. Scanning the crowd I saw Cadence, Twilight, her family and our friends in the right balcony. And dead center in the royal box was Luna, just like she said she would be. I stood in the center of the stage next to the log I had requested. I started by letting the sounds of Crossing Field (from the anime Sword Art Online) fill the building. I then cast the magic blade spell when the vocals started. I came across the spell when looking for combat spell. I initially passed over it since I would have my knife with me and it would be a waste of time to learn it. I formed four of them, two on my front hooves and two on my wings, and I began to cut the log. Back when I was a Boy Scout I would do some carving when I found myself board with nothing to do, never thought it would ever be useful. I continued to cut off large chunks of the log before I had the general shape. About two minutes after I started I was onto the details. First I worked on the main body leaving the wings for after. I left out a few details because I didn't want any pony to know who it was until I was finished. I changed the shape of the blade on my right hoof so that it was now in the shape of a cylinder. I made four holes in the back two on the left and two on the right. I then levitated the two largest chunks I had cut off the main body and begin shaping them into the wings. Sticking the wings into the holes on the sculptures back I moved onto the finer details. By now everypony could tell that the sculpture was an alicorn. I started with the necklace thing, I'm still not sure what it's called. And after that I moved on to the cutie mark and finally the crown. Stepping back I let the audience get their first good look at my sculpture… of Luna. I grabbed the butter knife and heated it so it was glowing. I pressed it against certain spots in the wood causing burn marks to form and giving some shading to the sculpture. Stepping back I levitated it off the ground and slowly rotated it like a car on display. After two rotations I placed it down and turned to the judges. There were four of them Celestia was one and the others were from the school. I gave a slight bow and walked off the stage. Sitting next to the others we all waited for them to make their decisions. It wasn't long before Celestia walked on stage. "Mares and gentlcolts, I would like to start off by congratulating everypony who performed, but as you all know only three ponies will win. The envelope please." Somepony levitated it over to her, "In third place, receiving the bronze ring… Treble Cleft." A stallion walked past us. He had a green coat and the others told me he played an orchestral piece with every instrument needed by himself. I thought Pinkie was the only pony who would be able to do that. "Next in second place receiving the silver wand… Twilight Sparkle." We all congratulated her as she walked to the stage, her mom was on the verge of tears. She stood next to Mr. Cleft levitating the wand next to her, Cleft had placed the ring on his horn. "And finally in first place receiving the grand prize, the golden staff is…" While she was speaking I was looking for Trixie. I found her and she was already standing, ready to revive the prize… smug bitch. "… Steel"

"Huh?" I was so lost in thought I wasn't paying attention to Celestia, next thing I know everypony is applauding. "Steel, you won go." Since I wasn't paying attention I had to take Cadences word. I made my way to the stage taking the wand from Celestia I held with my wings. "Congratulations Steel." I smile, "Thank you Celestia. Could you have somepony bring that to the castle, tell Luna it's a gift." She smiled and I stood with Twilight on my right and Celestia on my left for pictures.

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Steel's house, Ponyville
Local time: 1500
Three months, two days since arrival

Bored. I was sitting in front of my relatively new TV playing the video games I have, and I couldn't be more bored. Don't get me wrong I like the classics but growing up with games like Call of Duty and Legend of Zelda has caused me to expect more from games. It's not like I can go visit one of the girls, the six of them went up to the Crystal Empire to help Cadence. The inspector for the Equestria Games is visiting today so Cadence asked them to help make the empire stand out and hopefully get picked to host the games. From what I've gathered the Equestria Games is similar to the Olympics. And I couldn't go to Canterlot, Celestia has her duties as princess, Luna left the other day for Saddle Arabia, and the captains have duties as guards. Eventually I stopped playing and just flipped through the twenty TV channels that exist. I got bored of that too and just stared at the ceiling. It was a pretty boring day… until Spike came in. He came in dragging my friend's pets behind him. "Hey Steel, I got a letter for you. I think it's from Celestia." Normally he opens the letters as soon as he gets them but I noticed my name was on the outside. I guess he didn't bother to open it. "I have to go, there is a gem cake in my future so I need to get back to the library." As he left I opened the letter. The first thing I noticed was the notice that came before the letter

Warning: Top Secret, burn after reading

Steel,

As you know two days ago Luna left for Saddle Arabia with a contingent of twenty guards. Twenty minutes ago two guards returned carrying Luna, she was unconscious. Apparently they were ambushed enroot and they were the only survivors. The two of them were an advanced scouting party and were sent a head while the main group set up camp for the night. When they returned they found the camp destroyed and Luna buried under the remains of one of the carriages. Luna is stable. This is not common knowledge do not tell anypony, not even Twilight and the rest of the element bearers. I thought you should be informed considering your relationship.

Celestia

I quickly burned the letter and flew as fast as I could to Canterlot. On my approach I saw pegusi patrolling the sky and every guard in the city seemed to be on high alert. I landed in the first courtyard I saw and immediately had the guards bring me to Celestia. This was about the fiftieth time I found myself in the castles medical wing. Celestia was sitting next to the bed Luna was laying in, still unconscious. "Celestia, I came as soon as I got your letter. How is she?"

"Still unconscious but, she will make a full recovery. I thought we were winning and he does this! *sigh* I was so sure this was starting to end but if he can do this to Luna I'm not sure this will be over anytime soon. I can't help but think that by the time this is over somepony close to me will die." I always thought Celestia was the strongest pony I would ever meet and to see her starting to lose hope was unsettling. "Celestia, his army is shattered. Even if he does rebuild it will take time and in that time we will find him and stop him. So buck up, your ponies don't need to see you lose faith now." She nodded and we sat there waiting for Luna to wake up. We didn't wait long within an hour she was awake and walking around. I stayed by her side for the rest of the day but something was off. My instincts were yelling at me that something was wrong and that I should run despite it being Luna. I also noticed that she seemed nervous and jittery for the rest of the day. When it was time for me to say goodnight I decided to talk to her about it. "Luna, are you alright? You've been acting different ever since you woke up." She gave a humorless laugh, "You know, I thought Celestia would be the first to sense that something was wrong. I guess a thousand years of peace has made her far too trusting." Okay, something was defiantly wrong. "What are you talking about Luna?" My confusion disappeared when I looked at her eyes. The irises weren't her usual blue color but blood red. There is only one pony I know who has eyes that color. "Don't even think about calling the guards. Do that and you will never see her alive again." I gasped and he turned back to his normal form. "Yes, she still lives… for now. If you want to see her again you will do what I say. In five days 'Luna' is to be moved to a safe house in Vanhoover, she won't make it. The day after we will meet on a cliff overlooking the sea three miles north of Stalliongrad at sunset. You have two choices for that meeting. First, come with the Elements of Harmony, make sure you don't get caught breaking into the vault, Luna will be immediately released and we will fight each other in one on one combat. Two, come without the elements, we will still fight but Luna's fate will be decided by the winner." He had me in a corner, "You have six days to prepare, I would make the most of the time you have left." I left and made my way home. I wanted to tell somepony, anypony but he would kill her.

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Ponyville
Local time: 1500
Three months, seven days since arrival

I yawned as I left yet another jewelry store, disappointed. Tomorrow is when Shadow and I would fight for the last time and I almost have everything ready in case I don't walk away. I yawned again, I haven't been sleeping well. For the last few days I've been having this dream. If it was only once or twice I would have ignored it but it's been happening every night. And every night more details appear, but last night's was the most shocking.

I'm at the base of a hill, there's what appear to be shacks of some kind around me. I can't tell because of the thick fog around me. In front of me, standing on top of the hill, are two ponies. Walking forward I can defiantly tell that the larger one is Luna. Next to her is another pony, I can tell by the body structure that it's a filly but I can't make out any details, she's covered by the fog. I can tell that she's a unicorn. They're standing in front of a grave stone but I can't read it. Luna cries as she places flowers near it and the filly looks sad. "It's okay mommy, he's in a better place now." Luna nodes as she wipes away here tears. "I know, I just wish he was here to see you. You're so much like him, and you have his eyes. Let's go, we're supposed to meet you're aunts for lunch." Luna spreads he wings and takes off. The filly hesitates and spreads her wings as well, turns out she's an alicorn. As she flies away the grave marker changes and the words become legible. On it is my name, and as the dream fades I hear the filly's voice one last time, "Goodbye daddy."

I don't know if it's just a reoccurring dream or if it's more than that but I've taken steps in case it is more than a dream. Now there are only two things I still need to do before I face Shadow but one of them is proving to be almost impossible. I have been to almost a dozen jewelry store and still I haven't found what I'm looking for. There are only a few more stores I haven't checked yet and I don't have time to go to a different city. As it is I'm almost out of time already, if I was going to steal the elements it would have to be at night and tonight was my last chance. The next store on my list was across from the law office the mayor suggested so I guess I'll go there next. Entering the store I went to the section I wanted not really caring who else was there. "Steel, this is a pleasant surprise. What are you doing here?"

"Hey Rarity, uh, what are you doing here?" I noticed the clerk bring a bag out of the back. "Oh, I come here to get gems I need for my dresses. While Spike helps me get most of them I come here to get any I don't already have or when the customer asks for something specific." I guess that makes sense, "So what are you doing here." I looked around to see if any unwanted ears were listening. "Can you keep a secret?" An hour later I was walking across the street to the law office with my purchase in my saddle bags. "Hello, how can I help you today?"I need to fill out a will"

Authors Note: This will probably be my last chapter for a while considering school starts again on Tuesday. I don't know when the next chapter will be finished but expect it no sooner than at least a month