For a Thousand Years... (CableZ) (Finished)

[Xelliea]

The combination of the white noise and the attacks from Aero were really beginning to work Vowz into a frenzy. Where as before, the battle with the knights was little more than an amusement for him, one in which little effort was needed, now it was a different story. While he was in no danger of fatal damage, he was feeling something he'd not felt for many millennia: pain. Truly, he'd had enough of this annoying little fly, but it seemed the Pegasus dodged everything that he sent at him. And all the while, the other ponies were up to something.

Letting out an ear shattering roar, Vowz's form began to glow a faint, sky blue. Then, in a moment, the same blue aura shot out at all sides. There was little Aero could do to dodge this, and as such the attack sent him plummeting toward the nearest wall. There was no negative energy involved in such an attack, just pure force borrowed from Vowz's very soul. The attack clearly had taken its toll on Vowz, too, as for a moment he was left still, unable to do anything but recover from the taxing action. Still, he knew he couldn't spend too long inactive.

By the time Vowz was active again, the circle's places were already almost filled. Caelum, doing his best to not only direct the endeavour, but to also convince the ponies not to rush to Aero's side, realised rather quickly that Vowz had turned his attention directly onto them. However, he also knew that any offensive action would spoil the whole ritual, and so he laboured on, the dark, tentacled form learning closer and closer.

There was one thing that caught Vowz's pseudo-eyes, and that was the still form of Dread that lay alone on the cold floor. There was something coming from him, some energy that Vowz found exceedingly intriguing. He reached down as he got closer, grasping Dread up in one of his claws. He could feel the energy the minute he touched the pony. Vowz's magical connections, indeed the connections of all Sentinels, came from different sources than those of ponies. As such, magical links to Sentinels were non-existent to ponies, and visa-versa, but this energy seemed to affect both.

Almost in unison to Vowz plucking Dread from the floor, an until now still Alicorn began to stir across the room. With a swift motion, she swiped the cyan and black hair from her eyes.

[CableZ]

The noise.

The piercing, screeching, horrible noise.

It had steadily been increasing in pitch and volume, and now it over powered any other sense they possessed, they couldn't smell anything, they couldn't taste anything, their sight would be blurred. Just the agonizing constant noise. As Vowz made contact with Dread the noise would increase ten fold, any other creature would have passed out from the noise, or at least have blood seeping from their ears. Dread was still motionless, Vowz would feel power from him, but seemingly no life force.

Aero slammed into the wall with an incredible force, a crack could be heard as he slammed into it. However it was not his bones that cracked, more the wall itself, a visible impact site could be seen where the marble had impacted and fractured. Aero struggled to get his to his hooves however, he was still in pain and he fell back down as he moved his strained muscles. Looking up from the floor, he saw Utopia rise from her previously downed state.

"That's fantastic" He sighed.

[Xelliea]

The ear-piercing noise, while affecting every other magical pony in the room, seemed absent in the mind of Utopia. Maybe it was because the same energy causing the noise had given Utopia her form, that the extra stream of energy was just like adding water to water. Had Hyperion been a Unicorn, perhaps the same could be said about her. Instead of noise, however, the Alicorn felt something else: remorse. As she looked at the apocalyptic beast before her, it dawned on her that all this, all this destruction, had been because of her. Sure, that was clear before, but it was only now that she began to feel sorry, to wish she hadn't. It was a new feeling, but it stirred her into action.

All this... it's unforgivable... but, if I can't put it right, I'll die trying... She spoke more to herself, her own soul, than to any other pony. Her horn glowing, her gaze turned completely to Vowz. Across from her, the ritual had been completely broken up. As long as the noise continued, there was little chance of it taking place. The non-magical ponies were themselves stunned by the chaos the noise had caused, and it was even enough to distract them from Vowz's and Utopia's actions.

Apparently in his own bubble, Vowz cared little for what was going on with the ponies. The energy, the power Dread was filled with drew him in like gold to a beggar. In one swift motion, he pulled Dread into the air, then dropped him into his dark, pseudo-mouth, promptly swallowing him whole. Vowz had no internal organs in the way one would define organs. His mouth lead to a pit of negative energy, the source of his breath attacks. Rather than a stomach of acid, it was a deep pit of energy, and any pony, indeed anything to come into contact with it would find themselves physically unharmed, one could speed weeks inside and come out without a scratch, but the negative energy rapidly drew all life from the pony, and if Dread hadn't been filled with energy, he would be sucked dry in seconds.

It was at that point that both Hasta and Hyperion noticed what Vowz was doing. Hasta almost screamed, taking off in a sprint towards Vowz, caring little for her own safety, promptly followed by Hyperion. Across from them, Utopia too was rushing over to the Sentinel, horn glowing and hissing energy. As the three grew closer, a faint pink line joined the three in a bow-shape, getting ever brighter as they got closer. From Hyperion and Utopia, it came from their minds, but from Hasta it came from her heart.

Then, as Hasta finally made contact with Vowz, something incredible happened. A huge ray of pink energy shot out from her, and at the same time shot out from Dread. The two met, tearing Vowz's form apart both inside and out. The massive beast let out a roar, a wail that could be heard all the way from the dry planes of the west. Pain shot through him as negative energy leaked out of him like blood would from another being. Stumbling, he fell off his giant claws, coming crashing down upon the floor, sending wood and rock everywhere.

Both Hasta and Dread, joined by a still brilliant beam, found themselves floating a good fifteen feet in the air, while both Hyperion and Utopia below looked on amazed. Vowz, bleeding but still very much alive, tried to rise, but once again stumbled and fell. Whipping at everything around him with a mass of claws and tentacles, he found himself engulfed in auras of rainbow energy, burning at his pseudo-skin and ripping him apart. Whatever magic this was, it was never seen before, and perhaps even outdated Harmony magic. For this was the magic of emotion, of life itself. For a creature of negative energy foreign to mortal life, Vowz found this power to be like the strongest acid.

With one last growl, he reached out into the air around him. Then, in a second, his whole form dissolved. His negative form neutralised by the positive energy, leaving only ghostly mists, energy neither positive or negative. A sound like someone taking in a long breath whistled through the room, and a faint shape shot sharply into the heavens. With that, there was no sign of Vowz, no sign of the monster that could have ended Equestria. That is, except a small being, lying curled up where Vowz once lay. A diminutive dragon, no taller than a pony's forearm. It caught the eye of a curious Hyperion, who, still stunned by Vowz's disintegration, trotted over to it.

Hasta and Dread, the magic joining them finally calming, both found themselves dropped down onto the floor ever so softly, both together, both unconscious. To anypony who didn't know better, they could have been dead, but that energy that had connected them was pure life. If anything, they were further away from death than ever. As they lay there, the other ponies around the room all began to gather themselves together, many did not understand what they'd just seen, and many never would. Such power, would Equestria ever see it again?


Chapter VI - Coronation

[CableZ]

Aero had finally managed to struggle to his hooves, he had to grit his teeth as his aching muscles strained to support his weight. His vision was blurred from the impact, his balance was off and he was sickeningly dizzy. He had to lean against the wall for most of his balance. He ached all over, luckily and pretty amazingly nothing was broken, however he was too weak to even keep his wings tucked by his side so they flopped down wearily, he struggled to stay conscious but he was too stubborn to be taken out of the fight that easily. He looked up from his daze just in time to see Vowz be defeated, he hadn't heard much up to that point due to having somewhat of a shellshock effect. As the beast was vanquished, he wasn't sure if what he had seen was real or he was just hallucinating. Either way he was a good sight, seeing the beast fall was just incredible, he wasn't sure how, what or why, but he sure was thankful that whatever occurred did.

After he'd recovered a bit more he stumbled over to where Hasta and Dread now lay, he gave a very worried Stygian a idiotic reassuring sile smile, however he soon realized one of his teeth had been knocked out so he quickly closed his mouth with a sheepish little grin. Looking down at the two unconscious ponies, he tapped Dread Lock lightly with his hoof, and it seemed that was all that was needed to wake him up.

Dread opened his eyes silently, with no noise or word, he slowly got up to his hooves. Looking around her wondered what everypony was looking at him for. Looking down he saw Hasta laying there, he then looked back up at everyone.

"I'm not entirely sure I like the past all too much" [/color]He said before turning and walking over to the exit to the room that led to large balcony that the morality would usually use to address the ponies of Canterlot.

[Xelliea]

Hasta had herself awoken at the exact time Dread had, but after all that had happened, she just stayed where she was for a brief time. When she felt that her hooves would support her, she slowly got up from the cold ground. She only remembered flashing lights and growls from the previous event, but she could tell that, by the fact there was no death and destruction, that Vowz had been defeated. Seeing Dread wander over the the balcony, Hasta made her way over to follow him. Despite all that had happened, they were both ok. And, maybe Dread didn't like the past. Maybe he hated, or just didn't care, about everything, but Hasta did. They'd saved both the past and their present... together.

Having watched Hasta follow Dread, Hyperion's eyes turned back to the diminutive creature before her. It was alive... but quite what it was, she wasn't sure. But, despite its almost certain connection with Vowz, she felt nothing evil coming from it. Maybe it had been what Vowz had occupied to appear in the physical realm. Maybe it was all the was left of Vowz form after the dark Sentinel had left it. Maybe it was, in some way, Vowz. She, in truth, would never know. Hyperion felt some sort of connection with the creature, however. Its outcast position, the darkness it was birthed from. She bent down, gently lifting the sleeping creature onto her back, the almost forgotten feeling of happiness within her once more.

Utopia found herself under the gazes of both Caelum and Stygian, both of whom made their way over the the black Alicorn. For my part, I deserve this. There is nopony to whom deserves such a disgrace as to be spoken in a last request from somepony as wicked as myself. Yet, instead of anger, there was some forgiveness in the eyes of the two royal ponies before her. Hours ago, I would have banished you without a blink. You may have committed the highest treason, but punishment would only lead to more sorrow. Something we have had enough of. Punishment can't change what's already happened, after all. Utopia, upon hearing these words, only leaned her head against Caelum's shoulder. Thank you.

You two really need to get together. Lux's comment was both a joke and a true suggestion, having easily noticed the feelings between Aero and Stygian. I wouldn't be surprised, if I'm honest, if they don't make you a knight. I've never seen bravery like what you did back there. It'd be good to have another knight who isn't one of those arrogant Alicorns... Looking over at Stygian and her brother, he added ... no offence, then finished with a laugh.

It had been a hard ordeal for everypony, and it would be something none of them forgot. But, even in the darkness of despair and sadness, the virtues of love and friendship shone through. The battle with the Dark Sentinel was over, and it would be one that would be remembered through the ages.

[CableZ]

Dread Lock looked out from the Balcony, seeing the completely empty capitol of Esquestria, a cold wind whistled around them as a soundtrack of this ghost town. The wind hit him hard, blowing his tendril like hair back, revealing his face properly for probably the first time. He still had an emotionless look on his face, like all the events of this crazy couple of days hasn't even phased him, but that was just because his face was still sort of stiff from being technically dead. His air softly thrashed around to the side of him as the wind brought life to it, it felt good to get the hair out of his face, it allowed him to breath and see clearly for once. Taking a deep breath, he turned to look at Hasta as she walked out onto the balcony. Really he had no idea what to say at this point, so he just turned back to look out into Canterlot.

In his head he wasn't thinking for once, he was just...there. For once in his life he didn't want to think or obsess over things that had happened. Frankly he had been unconscious for a lot of the recent developments, so there wasn't much to obsess over, his memory was blurry due to said unconsciousness as well. Still he was at peace in his mind, it didn't show, but he was.

~~

Aero wasn't listening to Utopia's speech or anything really, he was still aching too much, his ears were ringing as well. Luckily his earing returned to him just enough to hear Lux's suggestion, he just smirked in response, he saw Stygian blush profusely, which made him think that she might have even wanted to be a couple. Aero looked back at Lux as he talked about Aero being a knight.

"You know that only magic users are knights Lux, I'm perfectly happy in the military thanks. Besides i'm sure that if i were here everyday, Stygian wouldn't be able to concentrate on her work"[/color] He laughed as he gave the princess a kiss on her cheek with a wink.

[Xelliea]

Stygian blushed and smiled at Aero's kiss, her shy and nervous self, although it had all but vanished a short time ago, was back now, the bravery that she had faced Vowz with was replaced with a timid charm. She'd always liked Aero, ever since she first laid eyes on him, his personality almost completely contrasted hers. but in a good way. Sure all the guards and knights were brave, and it was almost unheard of for there to be any sort of partnership between Alicorn royals and 'lesser races', but Aero was special to her. Maybe they each held something that the other lacked, like opposite poles of a magnet, as so they were draw together so perfectly.

_________________________________________

As Hasta looked at Dread, she noticed that, despite the fact that he almost, if not actually, died, he still seemed uncaring about all that had happened. It was an anathema to Hasta. They had saved the past, present and future, and still Dread didn't care. Maybe he felt it was just another experience, just another story. Hasta didn't claim to understand who Dread thought, she only claimed that she loved him.

As she looked back over all the ponies in the room, she realised the scope of what had been done that day. No sacrifices, no deaths, yet they had won against impossible odds. In fact, she felt a sense of deserved pride for what they had done that day, but it hadn't come without its share of pain and hardships. Come to think of it, she did agree with Dread on one thing: if she never saw the past again, it would be too soon.

________________________________

Caelum straighten up the void-black Alicorn before him, placing a hoof on her shoulder. You might as well be my twin, my sibling, my daughter. In fact, I'd be proud to call you Princess Utopia. Giving a reassuring smile to the almost crying mare, Caelum turned to the ponies around the room, clearing his voice and preparing to speak to them. Ponies... friends... if I may. I've become a changed pony though all that has happened in these last few days. Through the moment our two guests entered this time, to when I sent them to find an artefact better left alone, to when pony after pony tried to take the throne, to the battle with an ancient sentinel itself, everything I've seen and felt have changed me more than the rest of my life. I know now I can't stand alone through any trail. One needs friends, and one needs family...

He gave a smile to Stygian, before continuing. ...At one point, I thought I needed the whole of Equestria to bow down to me, that my fate was to be king of this great land. Perhaps it still is, but I know now that I cannot do it alone. So, I humbly ask that my sister, Princess Stygian, would rule alongside me, so that we may both work together, for a better Equestria. Turning to Stygian one more as he finished, he waited for her response.

B-but what about the people? Nopony's ever heard of a joint leadership.

The people love you, sister, they will cast aside even the eldest tradition so that both their prince and princess may rule together.

Then yes, I could think of nothing better for us, or for our Equestria.

For a moment, Caelum, and indeed the whole room, was silent. Then, with a calmness which could almost be mistaken for timidness, Caelum spoke with a smile. Then let it be so. Equestria's first joint monarchy. Perhaps this day will be remembered for more than just the slaying of an ancient evil, eh? I would hope for our coronation to be closer than perhaps is tradition... His gaze turned to Hasta and Dread ...such that we may all see it, before some of us return to our far away homes.

[CableZ]

Aero smirked as Stygian reverted to her shy old self, she was so cute when she was like this, which was all the time really. However he next saw a side of her that he had never seen during his time as her gaurd, and that was her side of being a sister. Before now, Caelum had been anything but a caring brother, yet now it seemed the two were as close as any other brother or sister, seemed their childhood was closer than Aero thought. He watched the two royals as they made their decision to reform Equestria, it meant so much for Equestria, but he didn't know what it would mean for him, he was a military pony by heart, and age of peace didn't speak well for his career, he'd have to think about what his future held after the celebrations. His gaze, like the other's turned to Dread and Hasta as Caelum mentioned them.

Dread Lock wasn't sure what to say, he just turned and looked at Hasta, looked her deep in the eye with his cold emotionless ones, trying to find an emotion to feel. He just looked her in the eye and she stared back, his hair still flew in the wind, his face fully visible to her. His cold eyes stared at her with not flicker of anything behind them, it was something to behold really. However, he slowly walked towards the mare, still looking her in the eye, he got closer and closer. It was at the point where they were milimeters from each other, and ever so slowly, Dread planted his lips upon Hasta's. For a few tentative seconds the two were connected, then Dread moved away. Sighing he walked back over to the balcony.

"Why can't I feel anything? I'm supposed to feel...SOMETHING!!"[/color] Dread shouted, sounding angry for the first time since Hasta had met him

[Xelliea]

Unlike Aero, Lux didn't hold the same concern for his future in diarchic Equestria and the peace that would reign. It would be a good time, a time where ponies would finally be able to live in adoration of their rulers, as he had heard ponies did in Hasta and Dread's time. There'd be no more worry about an ancient evil sleeping within Equestria's very boarders, not that most ponies knew about that to begin with. However, it was no for these reasons that he held little concern for his future.

Once Caelum had finished talking, Lux decided it that this would be the time to ask something he had wanted to since before they'd even reached the sanctuary. Perhaps he hadn't been so sure of it then, or maybe he had been too scared to ask, but now he knew what he wanted. He was sure of himself. He went to speak, but little so much as a word could leave his mouth before he, along most of the ponies in the room, were distracted by a shout from the balcony.

____________________________

Not expecting Dread's anger, Hasta almost fell off her hooves when he raised his voice. Rather than worry or any sort of irritation, she only looked at him with an expression of sadness, mainly at the fact that love was so foreign to Dread. Slowly, she walked over to him, trying to feign a smile. Dread... I think you do feel something. Maybe you just don't know it's the something you're meant to feel. Just, concentrate on your heart, that feeling that may be so distant that you've never thought it worth any notice.

She sighed in the silence, hoping her words would have some effect, that she might see the pony she loved smile. She had heard ponies say in the past that if you love somepony, the right thing to do is make them happy, even if that means letting them go, accepting that they may not love you. But, with Dread, she could never say. She wanted so much to make him happy, but she just couldn't find how.

____________________

Caelum, watching the two ponies on the balcony, noticed Lux standing at his side. Turning his attention for a moment, he faced the knight. Lux? Are you all right? Lux took a deep breath. He knew what he was about to ask may be turned away with scorn, but he had to ask it none the less. Sir, if you'd hear it, I would like to make a request.

Caelum only smiled in response to Lux's obvious nerves. Lux, you've played a part in the reason we're all even standing here. Whatever it is, I will happily listen.

[CableZ]

Dread Lock looked back at Hasta as she spoke, as she was trying to hold on to the idea of dread having something within, she would see the blank stare in his eyes. Even now he didn't have much of a reaction, however she could see in his eye, a tear. A single tear rolled from his eye and down his face, even he was aware of it. Raising his hoof up to it, he stopped the tear in its tracks and let it set on his hoof for a moment.

"Hm...whats this? It isn't raining is it?" [/b]

Dread looked up to the sky for a moment, not a cloud. Looking back down at the small liquid droplet that was present on his hoof, looking up to Hasta he raised an eyebrow as if to ask a question. He quickly wiped the tear from his hoof and thought about it before Hasta could answer, in fact soon after he turned away from her as he thought.

"Um, never mind, I'm just so tired of not knowing what i am feeling, if I should feel it...and not feeling anything" He sighed "But when I kiss you, I don't KNOW if I feel anything at all, and...that's never happened before." He simply looked at her for a moment, not knowing how to proceed.

~~

While Lux went to speak with Caelum, and Stygian was left with Utopia. Aero went over to Hyperion, he saw the remains of what Vowz was on her back, and a little smile on her face. He walked up with a smile, warm and charming.

"hehe, found a new friend have you?" He asked with a chuckle as he looked at the little creature "You sure it's safe?" just making sure she was ok, he didn't really know who this mare was, and he liked knowing who he risked his life for.

[Xelliea]

You want to go back with them? Lux nodded in conformation. Despite the past, as it was to Hasta and Dread, being Lux's home, where he was born, where almost everypony he knew was, he had always felt something was missing. Talking to his friends from the future, he decided that perhaps what that thing was was exactly what the future held: a new world. Sure, with the unification of Caelum and Stygian as rulers, there would be more peace, and the future may not be perfect, but from what he had heard, the future sounded vastly different from his own time, in a good way. The arrogance of the Alicorns, the feeling of never quite fitting in with his fellow knights, he'd had enough of it all.

In truth, although he even found it hard to admit it to himself, the real reason why he wanted to go to the future was that he didn't want to say goodbye to his two friends, enough so that he would be willing to say goodbye to everything he knew. He wished Aero would come with him, but that was unlikely. The Pegasus seemed happy here, and Lux wasn't going to try and force him to change his mind.

I'm sure High Noon would have something to say against it, but, if it is your wish, then I will see it granted. About to walk away, having thanked the prince, Lux stopped, turning around to face Caelum once more. Is there any way I could ask for one more thing, s-sir?
Yes?
Turn that sanctuary to ash and dust.

_______________________________________________

Maybe it's not if you feel anything at all, maybe it's that the feeling is so different, you don't even know it's there. Hasta tried to help and comfort Dread at the same time. Seeing him cry made her sad, but... it also gave her hope. Hope that the cage that sealed away Dread's emotions had finally been burst open. She could even believe these were the first tears his eyes had ever shed, and maybe that meant this was the first time he ever truly felt.

She never spoke any of this, instead only standing in silent next to the pony she loved. Still not speaking, she instead just wrapped herself around him. After a while, she leaned her face to his ear. Maybe you don't know it's there, but maybe you've still found it.

___________________________________

Yeah... yeah, I think it is. Hyperion looked over her shoulder at the creature, who slightly stirred before sleeping once again. She smiled, her heart glowing with an almost maternal care. After a while, she turned back around to look at Aero. We're both new to this world, new to everything. I may look like an adult but I've got a lot of growing up to do, and maybe, it and I... we can grow up together.

[CableZ]

Dread Lock thought over what Hasta said, it made sense, but the problem was he didn't make much sense. He tried to figure out if maybe it was something he hadn't felt before, or if he even felt something. There was always some inkling, but he didn't know. As emotionally stunted as Dread was, he knew that love meant a lot to someponies, and if Hasta loved Dread, he knew that meant a lot to here at least. He didn't want to hurt her feelings, but he knew to be tentative.

"Um..Hasta. I know its fairly obvious I don't...know about this...stuff." She sighed, a little frustrated at himself "But..I don't want to say absolutely..that I do or don't feel something, for your sake I suppose" He was surprised at himself that he was considering all this stuff. "I don't...I don't think i can figure this out myself, and I hate admitting that, I want to figure myself out on my own...but I think I need your help with this...so what I'm asking is...can you help me figure out...love?" He wondered if that was even possible, he also had no idea that he has basically just asked Hasta to be his special somepony. But he did have that little smile on his face, it actually felt good asking for help.

------------------------------------------------

Aero looked at the cute little thing on Hyperion's back, he smiled when it stirred, it was kind of adorable he had to admit. Looking back at Hyperion with a smile, he had to respect her, she was making the most of the short life she had live, and had already found a kindred spirit. He wondered if he could find something as special at that, and his thoughts immediatly turned to Stygian at such a thought. Turning to look at the princess, he thought about her properly for a moment, thought about how he felt when he thought of her, and all he could feel inside him was warmth. Smirking, he had an idea, he was going to just take a risk.

He flew over toward Stygian, hovering just at her level, he looked her in the eye for a moment.

"Stygian I know this is completely the wrong moment to do this and that your brother might punch me after I do it, but I have to do this" He said all this very quickly, before softly placing her hooves on her face and bringing her into a tender kiss. It lasted for about a minute, before Aero broke the kiss to gasp for breath, it was only now that he released how much of a risk he'd taken. She gave her a sheepish smile, moving away from her slightly
"Heh...sorry"

[Xelliea]

Once Dread had finished talking, Hasta only leaned in for another embrace. What he had said, while it may not have been the admittance of love that Hasta was hopping for inside, but then again that wasn't going to happen. Instead, his request of aid in discovering love was more than enough for her, and, maybe, one day, they'd know the love they felt for each other fully.

Letting him go, she waited a moment and nodded in affirmation of his request. Then, silently, she leant against him, looking from the balcony over the beautiful scene of Canterlot. Ponies had begun to return to their capital, after the shock evacuation that had been brought about not hours before. As she looked, Hasta thought about all they had done, she and Dread, how it was because of them that the world still stood, and that their world had just begun.

________________________________

It may have been a risk, but it was the right one. It was clear from the princess's expression that said kiss had made her happier than even the prospect of ruling with her brother. Thinking of the prince, she turned slightly to glance at him, being given a an approving smile from Caelum, having just finishing talking to Lux.

With that, she turned back to look at the pony who had just kissed her. Her nerves were causing her to almost shake, but still she refused to avert her gaze. She would have returned the kiss, but that was a little too much for her. Instead, she stood still, almost crying with happiness. I... I love you, Aero.

[CableZ]

Dread didn't know what to do now, but maybe that was normal? He knew this can't have been an everyday thing for most ponies, and if it was...he didn't want to be normal anymore. Still there was something about the current situation that he liked. Maybe it was the peace and quiet, maybe it was that they finally had chance to rest, or maybe, just maybe..it was the warmth of Hasta leaning against him. Whatever the reason, Dread looked out at the setting sun as it passed over the horizon and a small smile came to his face, despite all that had happened, he was smiling.

For once. Dread didn't think about it, it never even came to his mind, he just let it be. Now he would later think back on this point and try and figure out why he didn't think about it, it wasn't like him after all, but he would never have an answer..he just let it lie for once.

~~

Inside, Aero gulped with nervousness, he didn't know what to expect. After all he was a simple pegasi and she was ruler of the entire friggen nation, no Alicorn had EVER been with a normal pony, they considered it like being with an animal. He flapped his wings to hover in front of Stygian, luckily the movement disguised his nervous shaking. But seeing her reaction made his heart not only start beating again, but melt as well. He'd never seen here that happy...well he'd seen her ALMOST that happy around 2 minutes ago, but still it was the first time he'd seen that smile. His heart stopped slightly when she looked to Caelum, but seeing his little smile made him start breathing again.

When she turned him to him and almost cried with happiness, he didn't know how to react, but then she said the words that floored him. He looked shocked for a moment, not in a bad way, but just in a "i didn't expect that" look. He tried to process what he heard, he just smiled for a moment.

"Y...you do? Thanks!...I uh mean, That's awesome!..ugh!" He hit himself in frustration, he then looked back at the princess. She shot forward, grabbing her by the hooves and flying up in the air, despite her being bigger than him, he was stronger than her and could lift her easily. When she started flapping her wings with him, the two flew up in the air, with Aero spinning the princess around, and then bringing her into a massive hug.

"I LOVE YOU TOO!" He laughed, he never expect such a good response.

[Xelliea]

Stygian shared in Aero's embrace as the two fluttered around the the air of the library, illuminated in streaks of dark orange from the almost set sun. The rest of the room was left to watch the two express their love for each other. If this had happened less than a day ago, Caelum would never had supported such a breaking in national tradition. He probably would have had Aero taken to the dungeons for it, but now, now he knew that tradition was just a bunch of self-imposed laws to honour the past, and seeing his sister happy was worth breaking every rule in the book.

For Hasta, seeing such an open joining of two ponies would have probably brought her to tears, and not ones of happiness at that, before she and Dread had walked onto that balcony. It had been hard, and many times Hasta had thought that maybe Dread just didn't love her, but after what the two had said to each other that day, she had realised love always found a way, be it in an explosion of affection, or a slow crawl. So instead, she watched Aero and Stygian with a smile, leaning against Dread with a buzzing heart.

For Utopia, this sight was something she probably understood less than Dread did. She may have been born from Noctis's memory of the only pony the dark king had ever cared for, but the caring part of the memory was not the part she had been birthed from. With Hyperion, despite being like Utopia, had seen Hasta's love for Dread when the two were still the same pony, and could base a small understanding of love from that, but Utopia didn't have that. The parts of Caelum and Noctis she was created from had no love. Still, even if she couldn't understand it, seeing Aero and Stygian together made her heart melt.

__________________________________________

As Aero and Stygian began to come back down to earth, as it were, Caelum made his way over to both Hasta and Dread, though still his eyes every so often would glance to his sister. Wonderful, isn't it... love I mean. Although, I don't think I need to explain love to you two. He smiled, coupled with a brief chuckle. Anyway, I meant to ask you. Before I start making arrangements, do you two, and your yellow-maned friend, want to stay for the coronation? You're of course welcome, but if you're tired enough of this time, I completely understand.