Chapter 2:Friendship is Magic Part 2

The laughter howling through the building, and the terror on the faces of every pony. This was chaos in all it's glory, and Orion was in the middle of the whole thing. His sister standing a top of the balcony laughing as she did the day she turned to this dark foe. This Nightmare Moon, a harbinger of eternal darkness and shadow. He needed to stop her, and he must do everything in his power to save her from this darkness.

The mayor had then shouted for the guards to seize the dark mare. Though He knew it was foolhardy to challenge a member of royalty to a fight. Lightning pierced the ceiling while her clouds of midnight blue, and stars swirled above her head.

"Get back you fools!"She threatened before striking the attackers that flew in to take her.

Lightning sent the Pegasus guards in gold armor in all directions. Terrifying the pony citizens as lightning spooked them away. One stray bolt was even aiming for the man himself, but he was ready for the attack. After letting tiny red crystals fall from his fingers and bury themselves in the ground for a moment. He watched the lightning snake at him, and in that moment, Twilight herself feared the end for him.

However it was in that moment that their ears rang as the ground exploded. In a flash of bright red, a pillar of solid crystal shot from the very soil itself. It completely stood before Orion, and glowed with red glory and magic. The electrical shot stood no chance as it struck the crystal pillar hard and shook the whole building. The electricity spiraled around the pillar and was redirected back at Nightmare Moon.

Her eyes widened as she quickly flew to the side with a hint of fear in her flight. Her eyes glowed as she watched where she once stood crumble and blow away like dust from her own attack. Not only was she fearful of being over powered, but she herself knew that red crystal any where. Only two beings in Equestria have ever wielded such a special ability. One of which was now standing before her in disguise.

"What...? Those crystals...! It can't be...Orion?"She spat while flying back from the named stranger while he approached.

"It's me, Luna... After all this time... Seems like only yesterday we were in these two positions,"He walked slowly towards her, she could feel their auras clashing and hers being pushed,"What happened, little sister? Why did a thousand years separate you, me, and Tia from each other?"

The ponies fear now battled with confusion, silence consumed the chaos, and the behavior between the two was ominous. Such a terrifying mare of nightmares suddenly backing away in fear by simple stranger in a robe. Her teeth gritted together to force hatred to overtake her fear.

"You know why, and she knows why! But...that doesn't matter any more, Orion...!"She she was grim with her anger and her eyes turned to the sides to spot a window to escape,"Luna is dead, and this is all that remains, I'm going to reclaim what is rightfully mine. Stay out of the way...please..."

"You think what you're doing will make things right? Trying to cloak the sun in eternal night,"He forced the pillar to crumble and sink back into the ground,"That will disrupt the balance of the world! You knew that then, you know that now, and you know what that'll force me to do!"

"I...know, but this should all be the same to you. Just another monster you've put to rest...forever,"Nightmare Moon lowered her head and snickered with internal acceptance,"But if you don't wish to do what you must, leave me to my desires and do not pursue...!"

Suddenly the mare shrouded herself in night time fog and scurried for the nearest window, his eyes spotted her escape route. He lifted his hand to raise a pillar to plug the window, but her form was now that of fog, and it found a crack in the frame. She disappeared into the frame the pillar cracked in its haste to grow, and she was gone.

"Not so fast!"He watched his sister flee while the bold Pegasus Rainbow Dash had pursued her.

While ponies began to panic and scurry out of the building. This was his cue to leave as well, and pursue Luna at post haste, and without being stopped. He ruffled his cloak and began to stomp to the door. His eyes scanning the whole area before he neared the door and quickly spotted Twilight running for him. He turned and whipped his cloak before Twilight stopped and panted to catch her breath.

"She knows you. And you know her. Just tell me the truth right now,"Twilight demanded while Spike slouched onto her back completely tired,"Who are you? And where are you going?"

He turned his head and raised an eye brow, he then turned away, sighing. He could feel her moment of faultering trust for him, there was a connection he shared to this enemy and the unicorn wanted answers. After a moment of looking to the grass and easing his mind, he understood her need for simple honesty. He chose to respect this and look back at Twilight with a smile monotone smile.

"I'm her brother... And I'm going to stop her...!"The answer made her ears droop to her cheeks at the reveal.

He nodded, and slowly left the building with his secret in the hooves of his sister's student. He burst out the doors and looked around before spotting the night time mist slithering towards the forest. His eyes spotted Rainbow Dash and Twilight fleeing the scene. Rainbow flew after Twilight along with the mares from earlier, and others. They were after Twilight, and that meant they were off his trail, he could leave with ease.

His feet flew fast and tread the dirt beneath him as he gave chase. He could see her entering the forest and disappearing without a trace. He could feel her magic already effecting the world around him, for the sun never rose. The sky was dark and the moon was shining like silver in the night. It was cold and isolated, unlike the normal nights his sister brought.

He growled and looked away, knowing this very isolation from the day Luna was sent away. He quickly entered the Ever Free forest and onto a vigorous and courageous journey. Through the darkest forest in the world, the second most evil place in all existence. Towards the very home that Celestia had left behind for the mountain. In the pursuit of bringing his family back.

Through the trees he slowed to a fast walk and opened his right hand. The brushes were thick as was the tree branches that hung low. He needed to clear the path, and he had the perfect tool for cutting them apart. He looked down to his hand as a red blade of crystal grew from the palm. He smirked before the blade had stretched three feet before a four piece hilt spawned before he gripped it.

Before he knew it, he was holding a long red crystal sword full of his red magic. He held it above his head, and began to swing to deliver clean cuts. Wood and leaves split in two, and cut like butter against the blade of crystal. He wore a composed look of steel hidden desire to save his family from permanent separation. He swung his blade while the flutters and bristles of the forest becoming greatly active.

He could see his surrounding area full of most creatures that were small. Though there was some others that were large and very much dangerous. He grew cautious as the wilderness grew quiet for a moment before slight chirps were heard. He stepped over a small creek and looked back with the eerie feeling one would have when he was being watched. He kept his sword drawn, and at the ready, for he felt an ambush coming.

"Might as well not try and stalk. I can see you clearly, and I can feel your presence."He paused and called out to his hidden enemy as he looked to the bushes behind,"Come out now, or I will draw you out myself...!"

Suddenly he could see a tail slither from the bushes above the low tree branches. His eyes glint with red as he clenched his sword and watched the creature he could now see. The massive red lion's mane he outlined from the bush, and the yellow fur. It's growls were easy to make out from other predators he's seen before. He cracked his neck and watched as the creature finally appeared in it's massive bulk and complete glory.

"A Manticore...! How interesting."His eyes flared and spotted the creature from every angle as it too looked at the man.

It lifted up and roared before it's tail shot at the hidden prince. He remained silent and still as he awaited the moment to strike the beast. He already spotted a soft spot to strike, now it was merely a matter of timing. He knew the horrors of being struck with the venom of a Manticore, getting hit was not an option. Finally the stinger nearly struck his eye before he suddenly ducked down in a flash of timed speed.

His thoughts were calm and correct as he kicked off the ground and lunged low towards the front legs. He slashed them ankles deep and slid to the side as it went to lift it's right paw, he then high kicked it's exposed ribs. The air left the manticore's body as the kick force made it roll violently through a tree, causing it to collapse. The manticore grumbled and groaned before slowly rising in pain from the bushes, it snarled.

This time, the beast leaped from the bushes to pounce with it's head lowered and horns ready to gore it's prey. But O's timing was impregnable, for he made the next move right as the beast's paws touch the dirt before him, he simply stepped in with his toes. Crushing the right paw toes of the creature, it yelped, O's foot felt like a cinderblock falling directly on it's paw. The strange being then performed a similar hand technic by open palm slapping both hands into the ears of the manticore.

It's eyes grew wide as blood spurted from its ears, and strong feelings of pure stun effected him.

"Now...! Get the hay out of my way."With his words fierce as the fist he clenched in his right, he reared back to strike.

The hard right fist connected with bone breaking results against the beast's jaw. The force knocked the Manticore clear across the ground and crashing through the trees. Before finally coming to a crashing end right into a bush of sharp thorns. Orion took a step back and awaited the Manticore's return to the fight, but pain had already settled in for the monster. It tried to get up, and in the process had a long thorn deep in it's paw.

It screeched in deep pain as it stumbled to it's feet and looked at Orion with the deepest hate. He merely looked back with a raised eye brow and took a step forward. Intimidating the beast to the point where it retreated to find much easier prey. Hoping for the best that the strange wiggling thorn in it's paw wouldn't cause it so much pain. Orion sighed and took the small victory in stride before turning to continue on.

"Well... That was easy enough... Pesky creatures like that are rarely a problem any more..."He spoke to himself to keep his mind from going insane in the darkness of the forest.

As he walked and let his thoughts swim through his mind while he retrieved his sword. He felt the sword come back to his hand and slowly sink back into his body. His walk was now meant with uncertainty about his newest friend Twilight. His gut instinct was telling him that she would soon be meeting him here as well on the quest for Nightmare Moon. What exactly her purpose was when she found Nightmare Moon was what he feared most.

Was she going to try and seal her away like Celestia did? Or could she even have the intention to kill her, and put an end to the dark mare forever. The time for that question to be answered could come at any moment, and he needed to be ready. Ready to do what he must for his family, and for Equestria. He let out another sigh as he approached an oddly dark part of the forest.

It sent a very eerie chill in his skin he's dealt with plenty of times before. He barely saw a thing through the darkness, but felt a sort of intimidation about it. A creepy feel that was nothing to laugh at unless you were basically insane. He felt the magic of his sister being the cause of many things he was feeling about the area. He then paused and saw grotesque faces glow with orange lights like jack o lanterns.

He paused and felt his body want to flinch from the faces he saw attached to trees. He groaned and shoved a tree to the point that it tumbled over. He growled and knew this was Luna's attempt to stop him from coming to her. Fortunately she forgot who she was trying to scare, and her brother wasn't exactly the fearful type. He pushed on and made sure not to look at the faces in hopes of preserving sanity through the psychiatric area.

"Oh Luna... I wish none of this had ever happened... This is just as much of my fault as it it Celestia's,"He used words on himself for humility and means of clearing his mind,"I won't make that same mistake again... I will save you, and help you become that beautiful night princess you were born to be...!"

With his promise once again refreshed to boost his determination, he smiled at a light at the end. The light was also met with the sound of rushing waters. A clear sign of a river perhaps, and that meant swimming, Orion was not too big on swimming. Swiping at creepy tree branches helped him brace for the inevitable as he made it out of the dark part of the forest and was met with a stream. A powerful, and gushing stream that looked powerful to the touch.

He stopped at the edge of the water and looked down to the rushing current. A novice swimmer like himself would never be able to handle waters like this. He did already have an alternative to the issue and was then backing up for it. His plan was to jump over the big stream and hope to land on the other side. His only problem had then suddenly arose from the stream itself in a flash of purple scales and orange hair

"What the hay is... Oh you got to be kidding me...!"Orion groaned and stopped his jump to see a massive serpent with the most unappealing hair and mustache he had ever seen.

"Ooooh my gosh... That was the best nap I had ever had in ages!"The strange serpent yawned and began scratching it's back.

"Hey! Serpent! You're standing in my path!"Orion called out to the creature and nearly made the serpent jump from the water.

"Oh my goodness! You scared the scales off me little guy,"The serpent collected his thoughts and looked down to the man,"And I do have a name sir! My name is Steven Magnet, thank you very much!"

"I do not care what title or name you possess. I need to cross the river, my business is my own."He demanded with urgency for his mission.

"Well now, kind sir, you wont be going any where with that attitude,"Steven crossed his arms and looked the other way,"You might as well just find a way around it pal. Unless you're willing to apologize...!"

His head tilted, irritation mounted in his heart to almost true anger. This serpent genuinely dared to stand in his way and impede on the mission, this would not be allowed to fly. So he silently charged with aggression.

Steven heard he pitter patter of the man's feet approaching and walking upon the water. He quickly turned with a racing heart, not being one to resort to violence much. Too bad as he saw the hidden royalty approach with glimmers of red in his hands, O did not carry the same feelings toward violence.

"Whoa whoa whoa. Easy there, what are you doing?!"He held his hands up to his face in surrender as the man jumped.

He closed his eyes and braced to be seriously injured by the human prince. He could feel the stranger's wind hit his face as he felt him pass by, and a cut be made. Time had frozen for Steven as he waited for the worse, and was given the second worse thing. He opened his eyes and looked to see Orion had made it clear over his head and left him a present. A slice of wind went off, and the right side of his mustache had fallen from his face.

His eyes widen with horror as it plummeted into the rushing water. Before it was then carried away by the unforgivable stream, while he was left with only half a mustache. He touched at the missing piece of facial hair, and was horrified by what had just happened. Tears welled in his eyes and stuttered breaths shook his body to the core. While Orion looked back to the serpent and glared at him.

"Wha... What have you done...? My mustache..."He breathed in fear as tears streamed from the serpents eyes.

"Very few beings have been as foolish as you. And those who have done such foolish things were far less fortunate than you. Be grateful that you're still breathing...!"He pulled his sharp crystals back into his hands and taunted.

The serpent suddenly then burst into tears and began to cry for his lost mustache. Orion shook his head at the serpents obsession with his facial hair, choosing to leave. He had it up to here with the pesky creature, and it's attitude, and left it to his grief. Grief over a mustache he honestly did not like himself, so why was he crying about it? He just shook his head and walked back into the woods and neared his old home.

The crying began to fade from his ears as he closed his eyes for the destination coming up. Only for a new issue to come along the wind in the voice of a mare. A mare he knew all too well, and she was begging for him to stop.

"Turn back... I don't want to hurt you..."Her voice stopped him cold and put him on alert.

"No...! I will not, not this time."He spoke and closed his eyes to a blue cloud that twinkled as it ruffled his cloak.

"Turn back. Don't make me fight you brother. I don't want the only piece of my heart to be lost with you,"She sounded like she was crying, and losing all sanity,"I'm begging you... Go back now..."

"No... I abandoned you and did nothing to stop your banishment. I won't make that mistake again...!"He opened his eyes and saw the cloud before something else caught it's attention.

He watched it splice into three new figures and wisp away to his right. Clearly he was not the only one who made it out this far. Curiosity was struck and he ran towards the cloud as it took the form of three Pegasus ponies in dark wonder bolt like costumes. He could feel the magic of two unicorns as well as his sisters in the distance. Only to see with his crystal eyes that he was closer to the final destination than previously thought.

"Rainbow..."The Pegasus whispered as O burst through the trees and saw it.

His old home in ruins, just the way it was left the day he chose to leave in grief. It looked so old to him now, it nearly drove a tear to leave his eye seeing his home in such a state. The memories of the battle between his sisters flooded back into his mind. The powerlessness he felt when he felt he could never hurt them, even when it went against his warrior will. However he had little time to soak in the shame he and Celestia had brought to their home.

He looked forward and to his left he spotted his new friend and the mares she had met before. They were all together at the bridge, and appeared to be waiting for something. Looking to his right he spotted Rainbow Dash herself about to bring over the broken bridge to the group. Though it looks like that would be put on hold seeing the three fake ponies approach. His eyes narrowed as they called out to Rainbow Dash, using names such as the greatest flyer in all of Equestria.

"Really?! I mean... Oh yeah. Me. Uh you wouldn't mind telling the Wonderbolts that, would ya,"Rainbow appeared to be falling for their ploy,"Cause I've been trying to get into that group for like, ever."

O shook his head and heard the word Shadow bolts be said before raising his head to them. They began to entice her with compliments, such as magnificent, swiftest, bravest flyer in all the land. As expected she appeared to be buying into them just as she then wished to be signed up. Only issue with that, was that her friends needed her. Yet the shadow bolts wished for her to choose whether to join them, or her friends.

"Rainbow, what's taking so long? Oh no. Rainbow don't listen to them!"Twilight called out and forced O to take action just as Rainbow gave her answer.

"You... Thank you. For the offer I mean, but I have to say no,"The man's eyes opened wide to Rainbow's answer of loyalty and trust before she went back to her Cheering friends with the bridge,"See? I never leave my friends hanging."

"Very well! Then we do this the hard way you fool!"The lead Shadow bolt and her team were quick to get into formation for an assault.

Fearful the group prepared for a fight with highly experienced Wonderbolt copy cats. Rainbow was now feeling much happier that she chose her friends, and was ready for a fight. Fortunately their hooves would not need to be dirtied as Twilight's big friend entered. He hoisted himself over a cliff with a strong jump just as the leader was in mid take off. Right as she lifted off that ground, Orion attacked.

"I don't think so!"O formed a solid one legged drop kick and crashed against the leader's side.

His blow sent the shadow bolt into the side of a cliff before she poofed into a piece of cloud. He landed and watched the explosion of rock and dust before he turned to the next two. He swung himself under the male shadow bolt and kicked a hoof of the other female away from his face. Both dark ones were on the attack, but the prince was moving like the wind. He swung his body smoothly over a direct tackle and kneed the male in the belly.

The man grabbed the back of the shadowbolt's neck, he held firm and performed a double whammy. He jerked his wrist towards the neck and broke it like fragile pieces of tinder, his gripped remained solid. As he completed this two part move by slamming the face of his enemy into the dirt, his face was lodged a foot and a half deep. Rainbow Dash was agape in shock as the second attacker erupted into nightly clouds as well, leaving the final Shadowbolt flustered.

There was no chance of victory, and only time would be wasted in a fight. She growled and melted into one last cloud piece before slithering into the old castle. He watched the retreat with fists clenched before there was a moment of calm.

"I'm...gonna lend my friends a hoof across the cliffs...!"Rainbow called gently to avoid the tension.

"I think that's a good idea...!"He agreed with her.

He ceased his clenched hands and sighed to put his mind at ease before looking back to the group, as they made their way across the bridge Rainbow laid out. He had a few questions for them, and the first one that shouted out the most was.

"How in the hay did you all get here so quickly?"He asked without a hello to start.

"Hello to you too sir. I see manners aren't a strong suit to go with your... Skills..."The purple mane and tail unicorn of white commented.

"Who are you? Some unicorn who can't grow any hair back on that destroyed tail?"He commented back before causing the mare to huff and tuck her cut up short tail between her legs.

"Uh... Sorry about that, Mister O,"Twilight stuttered and made sure to use the name he had asked her to use,"We took the east path. It's the fastest way through the forest."

That was new and quite the lesson he learned about the forest, a new path way. It had been a while since ponies put any love and care into the forest that once held his home. Maybe this new generation wasn't too bad after all. Only thing was manners that these ponies had. While Rainbow Dash, Applejack and the unicorn were glaring at him. He recognized Pinkie Pie, but the Pegasus hiding behind them was new and looking quite shy.

"New friends you have here Twilight? Care to introduce?"He asked while looking back to the castle with the urge to find his sister.

"Uh sure. You know Rainbow Dash, Applejack and Pinkie Pie right? I'm sure you met them,"Twilight decided to get the group going again with the man tagging along,"The ones you don't know. This nice unicorn here is Rarity. Try not to talk about her tail. She gave that to a serpent that lost his mustache to some maniac with blades..."

"Oh really...? How...interesting,"He did his best not to snicker at that knowledge as he looked to the slow and shy one,"And the one back there? Ducking under more than a wet feline?"

"Oh... That's Fluttershy. She's really nice, and a bit shy as you can see,"Twilight chuckled nervously as her and the whole group came upon the gems of legend,"Look...! There they are!"

"It's been so long since they were stonified... They actually lasted this long intact?"Orion ran to the pedestal that bared the elements themselves.

"Whoa. Come on, Twilight. Isn't this what you've been waiting for?"Applejack as they all gathered around the elements.

"The elements of harmony. We found them,"Twilight was overwhelmed herself as she carefully gathered the five gems,"Careful. Careful!"

"One, two, three, four... There's only five!"Pinkie carefully pointed out for them surprising the prince even.

"Where's the sixth?"Rainbow exclaimed with her own confusion.

"The book said. When the five are present. A spark will cause the sixth element to appear...!"Twilight explained her information of the elements.

"What in the hay is that suppose to mean?"Applejack questioned dumbfounded by the knowledge.

"It means the five need something for the sixth element to appear. Celestia must have set it up this way, so what happened a thousand years ago would not repeat unless it was necessary..."Orion spoke the last words to himself as Twilight approached them.

"Maybe... I have an idea. Stand back. I don't know what will happen."Twilight warned them as she started to use her magic.

"Come on now, y'all. She needs to concentrate."Applejack said as she gathered the group while Orion stayed.

"I'm not going anywhere...!"He denied and waited as Twilight was about to give the elements the spark.

Suddenly his eyes widen as he sees a vortex of magic surrounding her. The girls panic as Twilight screams before suddenly disappearing along with the elements. This sent the girls into a panic while O searched around for Twilight and the gems with his eyes. As they panicked and questioned each other on her whereabouts. He then found Twilight in the old chamber where the elements were first stored for use.

He decided to leave and find Twilight on his own, he could see her there in a daze. Along with Nightmare Moon herself standing on the destroyed pedestal. He rushed up a flight of stairs and down a short hall way in pursuit of a friend and sister. Once he had found another round of stairs, he could hear her laughing at Twilight's capture. He raced up the stairs towards the laughter that grew louder.

Once he had entered the chamber where he spotted Twilight, he was clicked into a state of conflict. He was ready for whatever may happen, as he found Twilight on the ground while Nightmare stood tall laughing. Juggling and placing the elements behind her.

"No...!"Twilight got up and saw Nightmare about to shoot her with a blast of pure Alicorn power.

Orion widen his eyes and looked from Nightmare to Twilight before it was time to act. He waved his hands, and lit them up with red magic before a red aura went over Twilight's body. Nightmare fired her magic just as O's eyes glinted and he was in control of the issue. He began to move in the form of a sort of dance, mixed with odd dodging techniques. Twilight was mind blown as her body lifted up against her will and began to move as well.

As He side flipped, so did Twilight while she watched the beam graze her mane. Nightmare was shocked and stared over to the cloaked man before growling. She aimed her horn again, and began a rapid fire of many magical blasts. Twilight gasped in fear, but O had her covered for the long range battle. He jumped and began to twirl and spin while Twilight mimicked his movements perfectly.

Beams smoothly crossed right by both him and Twilight while Nightmare struck only walls and air. Her attacks were sloppy and getting worse as her anger raised. Twilight felt as if she was in a new world as her body moved in complete harmony in ways she would never be able to do by herself. She turned and smiled at her puppeteer friend as he moved with her. Finally Nightmare ceased fire and promoted Orion to stop.

"I thought I told you to stay away...! I have no quarrel with you."Nightmare said as Orion quietly walked over to a smiling Twilight.

"I'll never turn my back on my family. No matter how far they had fallen from grace,"He spoke before kneeling down and whispering into Twilight's ear,"I can detain her while you get the elements and perform the spark. I'll be right behind you..."

"Right. Right behind... Oh...! You knew I was going to do that,"Twilight said to a nodding prince before she faced Nightmare Moon with confidence,"I'm ready...!"

Twilight snorted and and stomped her hoof down to grind dust back. Preparing to charge with a horn full of purple magic as she swept more dust behind her. O prepared to charge from behind as Nightmare Moon raised an eye brow at her challenge.

"You're kidding... You're kidding, right?"She called Twilight's bluff before the unicorn took off with O charging right behind her.

Nightmare Moon took the challenge and ran towards the glowing unicorn at full speed. She knew she could flatten Twilight, but she failed to take in account of who was behind her. Her strength was under used and focused and trampling Twilight. A perfect chance for O, and a big mistake for her as they were about to collide. Twilight closed her eyes and glowed bright purple before she disappeared in a flash.

Nightmare looked back to where Twilight had then reappeared, but had no time to think. Before she was then brutally head butted by her brother directly on the forehead. He followed by grabbing her face in his hand to slam her like the foes before her, but she knew of his skill to heart. She simply mimicked Twilight's idea and in a teleported with her own magic and appeared behind him. She then locked her front hooves around his neck, creating her version of a rear naked.

"This is pointless brother...! How long do you intend to ignore the warnings and stroll towards death?!"She questioned before he suddenly kicked off the floor, cracking it in his wake.

This kick launched him back and smashed Nightmare Moon against a pillar, the shock of her back against stone stole her breath. He capitalized on this once her grip had also loosened and grabbed the back of her head to flip her over his head, slamming her to the solid floor on her back. She could not breath for a second, and in this second, Ge kicked her and grabbed her right front hoof as she rolled to her side. Spinning and pulling it back with his legs to restrain her with an arm bar.

"No offense, Luna...but I've done that very thing for ages upon ages to keep our home safe. What kind of question is that?"He stated and forced the mare on her belly to lock her in,"Now You will not move...! And we are going to fix what was broken a thousand years ago...!"

Her eyes grew wide as she manage to see Twilight using a spell to lift the elements up, hoping to awaken their power. She broke into a sweat, she was in a tight spot and her plans for an eternal night were now at risk. She growled and her teeth grinded against each other as she struggled. O simply responded by tightening the grip and pull against her body's natural reflexes.

"Don't...you know I can break it...! You can't win...! I am only holding back because you're my sister and the goal is not to defeat you,"He warned and closed his eyes to find reasoning for her to grasp to,"Just let this go and we can help you, Luna...!"

"That's your problem...! You're holding back...! And that's what gets you in trouble!"She used magic and conjured the light of her moon into the room.

He was confused, but kept his hold on her as the light struck them both, but then he saw it. A strange crumbling white stone like material forming on his hands and legs, he felt his magic become suppressed as his hands were covered in the stone like substance. She smirked, his grip no longer enhanced with magic to stop her from teleporting as she snaked out of his grip in a nightly cloud. She then reformed with a hiss and shriek as she struck him in the cheek.

He flew back and crashed against the wall, before she then looked back to Twilight and ran for her. He quickly got up and chased the mare of the moon, but she then disappeared and reappeared above Twilight.

"Hurry Twilight!"He yelled as Twilight lifted the elements with her magic.

Twilight gasped and broke from her focus to see Nightmare Moon above her and scowling at her. She then shot her Alicorn magic upon her and Twilight tried to shield herself against, but mere unicorn magic stood no chance, the shield shattered. Twilight was struck and launched away from the elements.

She flew like a mad Pegasus into the arms of O. Only to see the elements rising with magic within them appearing to reawaken their power. However all hope seemed lost as the elements faded out of the magic and fell to her hooves once more. Nightmare laughed as Twilight and O gasped in horror of their only hope being crushed. After a stomp of the night mare's hooves smashed the elements to pieces.

"But... Where's the sixth element?!"Twilight panicked at her plan not working.

"You little fool! Thinking you could defeat me? Now you will never see your princess, or your sun,"Nightmare laughed evilly at her accomplished plot,"The night will last... Forever!"

"Luna..."Orion moped before he and Twilight heard the voices of their new friends coming.

That's when Twilight finally began to see it, something she had refused to see before. Her eyes widen and twinkled as she gasped at the friends who came to her no matter the danger. The tenacity and friendship Orion saw in her and these friends remind him of the old days. When friendship had first sparked for Equestria thanks to six friends he knew a long time ago. He already knew what was coming, and he could see new hope in Twilight as she jumped from his arms.

"You think you can destroy the elements of harmony just like that? Well you're wrong,"Twilight said before looking to her arriving friends while Orion already knew his task,"The elements are right here!"

Orion ran to Nightmare as she gasped at the element shards rising from the grown in rainbow colored glows. He stopped before Nightmare and gained her attention. Letting the shards pass right by him as Twilight foretold of the elements that they all represented. Nightmare felt her success slipping and went to attack, but her horn was already in Orion's hand. She struggled and fought before he was shoving her back towards the flat pedestal.

Though she still continued to fight, and with fear of the elements in her heart. She needed to fight harder. She screamed before disappearing in a flash, and reappearing behind the desperate man. A swift hoof met his side and made him flinch before he cartwheeled away. Lazily bringing a light kick to the mare's jaw before landing on his feet and suddenly smashing heads with the tenacious sister.

"I'm not going back to that prison! I'd rather die than spend my eternal life locked away and hated by all I begged for love...!"Nightmare shoved him back and slammed Orion's back against a now cracked up wall.

"That is not the intention Luna! We just want to free you from this evil,"Orion suddenly went under her in a quick motion and lifted her up in a bear hug,"We want that little sister that made the nights beautiful and full of hope for a better...TOMORROW!"

He roared and forced her into the air before tossing her against a wall and shattering a window next to her. She groaned while sliding down the crumbled wall before looking up to an incoming threat. A stream of magic shot from her horn, along with a roar of her own. Only for a hand made of crystal to grab her horn again and yank it down to the ground. Leaving her to get her neck grabbed and her body lifted into the air.

She screamed in frustration as he supplexed her and let the floor crumble in exchange for knocking the wind from her again. He then rolled and lunged for her back while she laid still and struggling to breath. He snaked his arms under the forearms of her limbs up to the collarbone and locked his hands over the back of her neck. He then lifted her up and dangled her as she weakly struggled against unwavering strength she failed to remember properly.

"Luna! This is over! I don't want you to be in the darkness any more...!"He said while pinning her against a pedestal.

"It's too late Orion. Why can't you just save yourself. Why help a sister that has shamed you enough?!"She argued and tried to shoot magic at Twilight and her floating and glowing friends.

"Because you are the star of the night, the mare that brings a calming night to settle the mind for a brighter tomorrow,"He shouted and held her horn to aim the shot through the window,"These are the words our parents spoke of the day you were born! And I failed to protect that once before! I can't fail you again...!"

"What if they try to put me down again?! What if they always hate me for what I've done?!"She cried as she swung her hooves, but he held firm and her hooves could not find any strength.

"They won't. As long as I'm here! I won't let any pony hurt you ever again! You will be Equestria's beautiful princess of the night again,"Orion promised his sister as a tear streamed from her right eye,"Just come back to me! I want my little sister back!"

"Is... Tia mad? Is she going to put me away for all I have done?"Luna asked as Twilight's eyes lit up and a rainbow like beam shot from her and her friends.

"No... She misses you Luna. I miss you... We just...want you home again. Please..."Orion hugged her before they were both surrounded in the rainbow blast.

He closed his eyes and embraced the light as he always had in the name of Equestria. The rainbow left him untouched, but it was chipping away at the dark mare that held the true princess of the night. He smiled and held onto her as his hood flew from his head and exposed his face to her. Tears poured from her eyes to see her big brother after so long. She held on tight and prayed for the end of the transformation she underwent.

Orion felt the light starting to fade after Nightmare Moon blew apart like a shell. Smoke had then filled the chamber as he dropped to his knees while the mare before him dropped. She fell to her side as Twilight and her friends did from the power of the elements. His eyes returned to normal since the smoke blocked his view of the area. He didn't need them however to see Twilight and her friends wearing necklaces and a crown with the elements in the shape of their cutie marks.

He sighed and nodded in understanding, now he knew for certain that Twilight was quite special. If Celestia had missed this unicorn, it would have been a grave mistake. She had just saved his sister from the clutches of evil, and made her as she truly was. He looked back to where Nightmare once was, and found a beautiful Alicorn princess of the night. With her blue mane and tail with black and royal garments, and the cutie mark of the crescent moon.

Tears could almost form as he smiled softly at the sight of his baby sister. He crawled over and checked on Luna as a groan was heard from her, and her eyes fluttered slightly open. Her head turned and she could see him smiling back at her, and staring happily into her blue eyes.

"Orion...? Is it really you?"Luna finally asked with blurry vision from the blast of magic.

"Yes, and you are you once more... My sweet little sister,"He picked her up and smothered her in a loving embrace,"I missed you my little star... I missed you so much...!"

"Orion... I'm so sorry... I'm sorry I hurt you and Celestia. I never should have let my jealousy turn me against you,"Luna spoke over the mane six awakening and seeing the elements they bared,"I missed you too...! Please... I don't want to be without you..."

"You won't... I'll be here with you... Always...!"Orion promised with butterflies in his stomach and a heart burning like a furnace with happiness.

He kept his smiled and stood up as he nodded to Luna as she smiled back. He gripped his hood and threw it back over his head before he looked towards a sun shining window. He could feel the magic of an old family member coming back to them to meet with Twilight. A frown grew on his face as he pulled the cloak cloth over his mouth. He now needed to leave before he was ready to strangle none other than Celestia.

She appeared before Twilight as they all bowed to her, but he would never bow to this middle sister. Especially one that had caused all of this to come to pass. He looked to Luna and looked her right in the eyes before she understood his body language. She could read him like a book, since they were quite the little duo of royalty. He wished not to be more acquainted with Celestia any more than just a mere stranger.

"Now if only another one will as well. Princess Luna...!"He froze at the voice of his sister and slowly turned.

Twilight's ears drooped as a chill reached her spine to see her mentor meeting him. She had stopped to greet him with a gentle smile to reflect her pure white coat and rainbow mane and tail. Her attire hadn't changed as it bared gold fashion for a sense of fashion supremacy. He turned his head to her sun cutie mark before she chuckled once and spoke.

"And who might you be stranger...? I know it was you who helped my student on her journey."Her words were met with silent sneers at her complete clueless mind.

"No pony you need to concern yourself with princess... Just.. A stranger..."He passed by her and hip checked her before choosing to leave before he turned around and throttled her.

"Could I at least thank you for saving my sister?"She asked before all the mares exclaimed the word "sister".

He looked to the side towards the floor, a slow sigh left him as his mind contemplated the simple wish she asked for. This was a first, but not entirely unheard of, so he responded the only way he felt he could to such a gentle response from family.

"There's no need... I did what vowed to do, and now the moon has returned to Equestria. All thanks go to your student"He spoke as he jumped to the window edge and looked back to Twilight with a smile of appreciation, "And Twilight. I'm glad I could have you as a friend..."

With a chuckle he leaped from the window and closed his eyes before a blast of red exploded from his back. Quickly forming into a pair of bright red angel like wings made of dense red magic. With these wings he stopped above the trees and was heading back to Ponyville. He had happiness, anger, friendship, so many emotions to process that he had little time for. But he would have his moment after returning to the town and awaiting the return of his new friends.

It was only an hour or so before Twilight, her friends, Celestia and even Luna were there. He stood a top a building and looked to the ponies that gathered to celebrate. His smile never faded, even with Celestia in the picture. It was as if his entire family was back together, and harmony had returned to their home. As he saw the ponies putting flowers on Luna as a sign of welcome after a thousand years, he had hope.

She even looked to the sky and found him watching over her still in disguise. Standing a top of the building that would now be Twilight's new home. She waved to him before he then jumped down and flipped to the ground and spotted Twilight talking with Celestia. Chances were, Twilight was talking about friendship, and how it turned out to be the greatest thing she had ever gotten to know. He shook his head and chuckled, knowing just how right she was.

"Oh thank you, princess Celestia! I'll study harder than I ever did before!"Twilight suddenly exclaimed as the ponies cheered in celebration.

He chuckled as he then saw that Twilight had spotted him in the distance. She ran to him with Spike once again in her company as she smiled at him with joy. She jumped and hugged Orion tightly and nuzzled his arm before looking to him.

"So what's going on? Did Celestia just make you a teacher for a school or something?"He laughed as he patted her back and put her down.

"I'm going to stay here in Ponyville and study the magic of friendship. The very thing that gave the elements power,"She said before she bowed her head and looked to him again,"I wouldn't have been able to do all this without you... I guess you need to go now right...?"

"Actually. Things have now changed Twilight. I've been away from the world long enough, I sense that with the return of Luna and the elements, something or somethings...are coming."He spoke and bowed his head and walked a couple steps before he then thought of something,"And I need to be here to watch over my home once more."

"If that's true...then we'll be there with you to fight whatever lays ahead!"Twilight promised and even laughed happily.

"There is one more problem though... I...don't think the time has come for me to even approach Celestia quite yet,"He lowered his head a bit to scratch at his hair,"So...I can't exactly live at the kingdom like before. I'll need to find a place to stay..."

"Wait! What about here with me! I'm staying in the library. It's big enough for both of us,"She offered in excitement in hopes to try and keep him in her life as a friend,"Besides... You're my friend too. And a friend shouldn't be alone."

"That's quite an offer Twilight. Are you certain it's not too much trouble?"He asked and turned to her with shock that she offered him a place to stay.

"Not at all. Technically...you are the first friend I've ever made."She extended a hoof to the hidden prince with a smile of friendship.

He looked to the hoof and couldn't help but value that friendly attitude she now had. For the first friend he had made in a thousand years, she was quite the young mare. He sighed and took up her hoof in his hand and shook it in agreement to be her roommate. This handshake symbolized much more than he even knew, the adventures he would have with her, they pain they would take together. This mattered very little, for it mostly meant that the prince of Equestria had returned.

Ready to defend his home once more as the warrior he was to this day. Ready to fight some of the worst enemies he has ever known in his past. And with Twilight by his side, they would prevail as he always did.

"Orion... When in private... Call me...Orion."

Stay pony everyone.