A Requiem of Stars: Time's Demise (Open, Please Apply in OOC)

[Valencetiger]

~On the walls of Canterlot, the eve before the Summer Sun Celebration~

Everything was silent amidst the countryside and dimly-lit city, the moon hanging like a silver crescent blade overhead, and the stars twinkling with the same unending light they always possessed. It was the same tonight as it was every night, the Peace almost never being broken. Tomorrow was the Summer Sun Celebration, one of the biggest events in Equestria, and as a result security had been increased exponentially. Many of the Night Watch, guards who served under Princess Luna, patrolled the skies and streets, keeping the realm of the night under control. A lone, black-armor clad figure stood on the southern end of Canterlot's massive walls, gazing silently at the rolling green hills further down the mountain, the silvery light of the moon making them appear like waves on the ocean.

His name was Lunar Cross, Guard Captain of the Night Watch, and a near-alternate version of Shining Armor. While his compatriot was the shield of the day, he was the sword of the night. His yellow gaze searched the countryside atop the wall, constantly looking for any sign of danger. Another guard approached him from the side, his rank obviously lower by the lack of decoration on his armor. The pony saluted Lunar, before speaking. "Captain Cross, all sectors have been secured and the magical wards have been refreshed. Also, all patrols have came back from the outlying countryside." Lunar remained silent momentarily, before nodding. "Very well, call in all guards. Dawn is approaching soon, and we shouldn't frighten the citizens unnecessarily without-"

He was suddenly interrupted by a bright, white flash in the sky. When he and the other guard regained their vision, a streak fell across the sky. A shooting star, from the looks of it. But upon further inspection... That's no star...it's something else! The urgent thought was followed by the impact of the 'star' on one of the hills, and he unstrapped his cloak. "Rouse the Watch, Sargeant! Immediately!" The shaken guard nodded slowly, before spreading his wings and soaring off further into Canterlot. Lunar Cross grimaced, his darkened helmet making his visage look fearsome and his facial features lupine. Stepping back a bit, he widened his own black wings before dashing off the walls, flying off toward the impact site of this mysterious 'star'. Like a shadow against the pitch-black horizon, he flew hastily, intent to discover exactly what was going on. After several abnormally long moments, he arrived to what appeared to be a small crater that hummed with magical energy. But what sat at it's center shocked him more than anything else could have.

Directly in the middle of the crater lay the inert form of a silver-robed unicorn mare, not a scratch or smudge of dust on her unconscious form. Seeing this, Lunar instantly dove down into the small, warped terrain, and approached the mysterious mare warily, his armor clinking against itself with each careful step. Now that he was closer, he could tell a lot more about the unicorn...and dear Celestia, she was beautiful. She possessed a silky white coat and a silvery mane and tail that matched her dress, a couple studded sapphire earrings, and on the side of her flank that had been slightly exposed was a cutie mark that appeared to be a bow with a background of stars. Gently, he knelt down in front of her and lifted her up, brushing a few strands of gray mane from her face.

The mare stirred in his hooves, causing him to flinch a bit, but he didn't set her down as her eyes opened to reveal a pair of sparkling, violet orbs. His throat went dry while she stared at him sleepily, and it took him several moments to raise the strength to speak. "Wh-who...are you, or what are you?" She lifted a hoof and drew his head close, her voice a silken whisper on his ear. "...They come. The Time-Lords come again..."

Her head and leg fell back down limp as she slipped into unconsciousness once more. It was at this moment when a patrol of the Night Watch swooped in, along with the sargeant from earlier. "Captain, we came as soon as we could, and...sir, who is that?"

Lunar Cross knelt there in silence, eyeing her as if she were the strangest thing he had ever seen. Time-Lords...? What is she talking about? The guard's question drew him from his contemplation, grunting as he lowered the mare gently to the ground and standing up. "I...do not know. Bring her to the Castle, and make sure she is given medical attention immediately. I must talk to the Princesses." Two of the other Night Watch soldiers moved to obey his orders, taking the mare carefully and flying off with her limp form. He followed them, along with the rest of the patrol, his mind fogged by what he had just seen and heard. Something was coming to Equestria...and it wasn't anything good.

(Finally! You guys may begin your posts we'll be starting right before dawn, the city preparing for the festivities and the stage for Celestia to raise the sun.)

[Shadowbolt0]

Inside the Castle, near the thrown room another Pegasus guard waited. A former member of the Equestian air-force and now a member of Luna's secruity force, the Night Guard. He was inside the throne room, where Luna was sitting patiently, wating for her sister to arrrive.

The guard took a step forwards, his armour was lighter than most armour assigned to the guards, but given it was moddified armour from the military, it was allowed. Lightweight and decent in protection, he knew his armour was a temporary solution, it was a light material designed to take a decent amout of damage, before being desposed off.

He walks in the direction of Luna, his body clock going off telling his that the sun was about to rise.

His black coat made it seem like there was no armour on him, since it merged in perfectly with his own armour colour. His black-red mane was messy as usual, and his amber eyes were set on his target direction.

Sergeant Shadow Flare continued down the hall, until he was in the princesses view. Bowing, he adresses Luna "My princess, it is nearly time for Celestia to raise the sun and bring about day. The guards are probabily on their way now"

[QueenChrysalis747]

Darkness saw the 'star' impact the hill from atop 'his' waterfall and sighed, "This is why I avoid cities, too much hastle," he sighed and spread his wings, heading toward Canterlot sadly, he needed to buy a few things, dawn was the perfect time to do this.

[Starbuster]

Starbuster stepped out of the Cloudsdale Observatory, stretching her wings after a nice sleep. She looked up into the sky, regarding the stars with a fondness only she and a few others felt. Studying the stars, they told her that it was nearing the dawn of the Summer Sun Celebration, and that she must be ready for it. She disappeared back into her beloved Observatory, donned her cape, and stepped outside into the darkness of the night. It wasn't a long flight to Canterlot, but she wanted to be where the festivities were this year. Her gorgeous teal eyes scanned the landscape. It was beautiful during the nighttime, and quiet. Not like during the day, where ponies were out and about, playing or working or any number of things that ponies do. The dew on the grass sparkled in the starlight, the wind whistled through the trees, playing its own nighttime song. Starbuster sighed, stretching her wings out for the journey to Canterlot. She loved flying under the night sky, and it would give her time with her beloved stars that she loved so much.

Flying over the fields on her way to Canterlot, the dew on the grass far below sparkled in the starlight, streaking through the sky with dazzling arrays of multicoloured lights, and Starbuster's smile could be seen for miles. She loved this time of night, when everything was waking up to come out and play, or enjoy the day. She glided towards Canterlot with a smile on her face. Her muscled wings rippled as they flew her closer and closer, until she reached the city. Landing, she nodded at one of the eastern guards, smiling at them. They knew who she was, of course. She'd only been through here hundreds of times, leading ponies into and out of the cities. She knew most of the Night Watch by name, and so they let her in.

As she stepped through the gates of Canterlot, the gleaming white stone was beautiful to her. She looked up at the massive walls, always impressed at the architecture. She stepped inside Canterlot, and was immediately greeted with a flash of light from the sky. Blinding her momentarily, she looked up to see a shooting star... Which she found very quickly was not an actual star. She saw it fall to the ground and considered investigating, but decided against it, seeing as how half the guard had disappeared with its appearance. She went to where the ponies were to hang out and sat front row, awaiting Princess Celestia to bring out the sun. She sat, awaiting the opening of the Summer Sun Celebration.

[QueenChrysalis747]

Darkness spotted a pony, a mare Pegasus to be exact and ducked into the shadows. Due to his past he wasn't a very social pony an knew he would mess up talking to her do he tried going instead, he just hoped she would be too distracted to notice his mane and tail, they kind of stuck out/

[JokerOfJester]

On the road just outside Canterlot just before sunrise there is Tyrael a young pony that is trekking his way into Canterlot, he knew it was the Summer sun celebration and there would be more security and maybe he could meet a member of the royal guard and maybe they could teach him a more civilized combat. Tyrael had been in the woods the past couple of days, but today Tyrael burst out of the woods almost galloping. seeing the castle put a huge smile on his face almost like he was seeing an old friend again, Tyrael has never seen the castle in the moonlight and for some reason it almost looked better then in the sun light. Tyrael soon had to slow to a trot galloping in an breast plate is not exactly easy.

Suddenly a flash over head and then a sound of thunder off in the near distance, Tyrael had a feeling that is was nothing good, he galloped once again heading straight for Canterlot not thinking twice. Tyrael arrived in Canterlot seeing on panic nothing happening just a calm asleep castle, almost in a panic he searched for a guard but he could not find one, eventually Tyrael just calmed down thinking maybe it wasn't nothing. Tyrael decided he should just calm down and enjoy the celebration a little, so he made his way to where Celestia would raise the sun but he didn't like being the with the crowed so Tyrael stood off in the distance, seeing a Pegasus in the front row feeling he had some kind of attraction to her that he could explain, then he caught a whiff of himself and thought maybe she's just making me want to take a shower and get new robes he giggled to himself.

[TotalEcplise]

Gideon awoke exactly when he expected to. The night was old and would soon wear out its welcome. Stretching and yawning, he rolled over only to be met by the cruelest mistress in the universe, gravity. Luckily for him cynogriffons have wings and can abuse a fluid force called lift, and circumvent planetary gravity with lift. [colour=#008000]It's the planets fault really.[/colour] he thought. If it didn't want me to fly, it would have a thinner atmosphere. He laughed at his internal joke and for a fleeting moment, forgot that he was plummeting nearly twenty stories to his demise. He started to flap his wings quickly, but in a controlled manner, to stop his descent. The fear of death never crossed his mind, he was in control. With proper understanding of the world around him, anything was possible.[colour=#008000] Unicorn's pfft.[/colour] he said to himself. [colour=#008000]Physics is magic.[/colour] They just get to cheat.

Hovering in place he looked over the city. Even in the darkness Canterlot was beautiful the nighttime combined with the white marble gave the city a dark bluish tint to the eyes. Moonlight reflected from the gold trimmings of several buildings giving the city a royal glow. This city was truly the closest thing to Elysium on this world.

He cleared his mind and remembered his goal. [colour=#006400]Stubborn guards, all I wanted was a sample of Celestia magic so that I could complete my radiation forge.[/colour] The day prior the guards had tossed the scientist and engineer out. He theorized that magic was just a form of energized particle like heat or light and Hence his current goal, to be front and center at the Summer Sun Celebration with his forge and sample the sun goddess' power.

He flew to where the podium was set up and waited...

[Valencetiger]

~Princess Luna, within Canterlot Castle with Shadowblaze~

Luna gazed out one of the halls' many windows at the descending moon. Soon, the sun would rise...with a brand new day behind it. It should be a wonderful, glorious day...but for some reason she felt an odd forebodding. Lately, her magical power and slowly fading, along with her sister's. Something was coming, she could feel it in her bones. A voice called her away from her private thoughts, making her turn her head to see who it was. Seeing the guard's outfit, she recognized him immediately. "Ah, Sargeant Shadow Flare. We've been expecting you." When he made his report, she sighed. "Yes, yes...we know. However, we are concerned about Celestia. She hasn't felt very well these past couple of days. Still, though, the show must go on, mustn't it?"

The sound of doors opening drew her attention, as Lunar Cross marched in with a grim look on his face. Once he was in front of her, he bowed respectfully before looking at her. "Princess, something has occured thatt you must be made aware of. Just an hour ago, a bright flash had erupted in the sky, with a falling star. Only, it wasn't a star...but a mare. She crashed out in the countryside, and was miraculously unharmed...but she was unconscious. The mare is currently in the infirmary." Luna listened intensely, interested in what her guard captain was saying. A mare...falling from the sky? That was bizarre... Nodding, the Princess looked further down the hall at her sister's chambers. "...we'd better go awaken our sister. If you'll excuse us." She smiled at two Night Watch guards before trotting off. Lunar Cross glanced at Shadow Flare a moment. "...Sargeant, you noticed the flash as well, I take it?"

[Shadowbolt0]

Shadow looked at Cross, his face unreadable "[colour=#FF0000]Well, i didn't see it because i was in here...But, i felt it, i guess. It feels like something...corrupted is coming, a sense of impending doom"[/colour]

[colour=#000000]Shadow sighed, tapping his front hoof against the cold hard floor [/colour][colour=#FF0000]"S-sir? If i may ask..." [/colour][colour=#000000]He glances around, making sure the area was clear [/colour][colour=#FF0000]"A-are the rumours true? That the princesses are weaking? Normally i wouldn't believe such things....but even i've seen it now, they eat less then normal. Luna is obviously strained when she raises the moon....A-and now a mare falling from the sky....."[/colour]

[colour=#FF0000]"I wouldn't believe it Cross, but...Something's not right, and this mare things gives me the creeps" [/colour][colour=#000000]Shadow strechted out his wings, which he hated keeping inactive and there were several cracking noises as the joints moved.[/colour]

[colour=#FF0000]"Well, now what?"[/colour]

[shadowblaze417]

Cirrus Storm wakes up in astonishment in the canterlot castle library letting out a loud gasp, " [colour=#0000ff]AHH.. I'm up I didnt fall asleep in the library again![/colour]" he said upon waking up but so to notice that there was no one there. " [colour=#0000ff]huh.. where is everypony?[/colour]" he thought to himself. he looked down to see the finished dragon report he finished just a few hours earlyer "[colour=#0000ff] oh no I completely forgot I gotta take this to the princess![/colour]" he quickly rolled up the report and put it in his saddle bag and ran out the library room.

cirrus took a sharp turn as he came out of the royal library and ran full speed down the hall, making a couple of more turns trying to get to the princess throne as fast as he could, " [colour=#0000ff]come on cirrus you can't let your first meeting with the princess start off like this![/colour]" he said to himself as he finally came up to the throne room, but at the door were two of princess Luna's royal guards.

He tries to stop himself as he approached but soon realized that he couldn't stop " W-Watch out!!" he yelled as his hoofs skidded along the floor but came to a stop when he fell over and slid towards them. " [colour=#0000ff]sooo... may I see the princess?[/colour]"

[Shadowbolt0]

At the unexpected noise inside the throne room, Shadow instinctivly grabbed the short sword on his armour and pointed straight at the pony who had stopped sliding. Shadow quickly reconised him, even is that pony didn't know him. Shadow did make it his business to know everyponies name and face who was in the castle.

Shadow kept his weapon trained on him regardless, before glancing over at Cross, then back to the pony on the group

[colour=#FF0000]"You are....Storm, no? You arrived recently under orders...something of importance, if i remember correctly. Why do you want to see the princesses? As you can guess, they are, preocupied, with that celebration happening soon"[/colour]

[colour=#000000]Shadow took another glance at Cross, as if asking the captain for his opinion on what to do with their unexpected guest[/colour]

[Valencetiger]

~Lunar Cross, in Canterlot Castle's Throne Room~

The veteran guard had withdrawn into his own private thoughts on the current events occuring within Canterlot and with the Princesses lately, barely noticing the questions being cast at him. Finally regaining his state-of-mind, he eyed Cirrus Storm up and down before replying in his normal, emotionless drawl. "...Master Storm, I'm afraid we must know your intentions before letting you into the Princesses' chambers, until we have been told otherwise." After saying that, he looked over at Shadow Flare with an expression of equal concern. "Everything you've heard about is, unfortunately, true. However, I have little doubt that this mystery mare is of no threat to us. All we can do...is sit back and wait to see what happens. But believe me, Sargeant, that everypony has been feeling the same thing as you."

-------

~Princess Luna, within Celestia's Chambers in Canterlot Castle~

The thin, graceful alicorn moved deftly amongst the piles of books that lay scattered across the floor of her sister's bedroom. For several days, Celestia had been trying to find the reason to their failing magic, but she had been unsuccessful so far. Luna hoped her sister would find the answer soon...otherwise, something terrible might happen. Sneaking over to her sister's bed, she peered over to find Celestia still sleeping. Making a wicked grin, she decided to use the 'royal voice'. "GOOD MORNING, SISTER! RISE AND SHINE!"

The sudden boom of the alicorn's voice caused Celestia to practically jump from her bed in fright, panting as she looked around. Finally, after regaining her composure, Celestia affixed a tired glare onto an innocently-beaming Luna. "...what time is it, Luna?" "Why, it's almost dawn. Everypony is awaiting for you to raise the sun." Celestia groaned softly, rubbing her cheeks with her hooves. "...give me a few minutes to get prepared." Luna nodded, swiftly exiting the chambers to find her two guards suspiciously staring down Cirrus Storm. Blinking, she gave them searching looks. "Is something the matter, Captain Cross? Sargeant Flare? Mister Storm hasn't done anything...wrong...has he?" Lunar cross shook his head, standing aside and offering a servile bow.

[QueenChrysalis747]

Darkness looked around, the coast looked clear so he padded down the road with a sigh until he bumped into a sign, "Hey who put this sign here?" he asked as he looked at it, "Summer sun festival, bah, there will probeley be too many ponies there," he sighed and got up and trotted on

[Shadowbolt0]

Shadow noticed the return of Luna and quickly put his weapon away, and like the captain, quickly bowed [colour=#FF0000]"N-not to our knowledge Princess, we were simply umm, well, he requested to see you and Princess Celestia. We were simply asking him why, we know that with dawn underway, you might prefere not to be....occupied with other subjects"[/colour]

[colour=#000000]Slowly rises, Shadow took a step out of the way, keeping his gaze stuck on storm. If there was one thing the military had taught him, everypony, or nearly everypony, is a possible hostile[/colour]

[Starbuster]

Starbuster was bumped from behind by a small filly. She turned, seeing a little filly at the front of the crowd. She smiled at the filly, picking her up and putting her in Starbuster's spot. Starbuster winked at the filly, and she smiled and turned to fly towards the back of the crowd of ponies. She looked around, seeing several ponies, and decided on occupying a windowsill to a nearby bakery. She spotted a lone unicorn below her.[colour=#4b0082] "Hey, you want a better view?"[/colour] She asked him, looking down at him. [colour=#4b0082]"I can get you up here if you'd like, you may be able to see better."[/colour] She smiled at him. She wanted to be nice in the spirit of things, so she wanted to offer him a lift.

[JokerOfJester]

Tyrael had been thinking that he missed the Castle and its people, he also liked its celebrations even though he didn't like being bunched up in the crowds he was happy being on the sidelines. What Tyrael liked most was seeing the Princesses almost everyday, seeing the people who ruled the lands made Tyraels spine tingle like almost he could be running it if he tried hard enough.

Out of the blue a Pegasus asking Tyrael for a lift, he thought to himself well why not it'll get him out of the crowd and maybe he'll meet a friend [colour=#daa520]"i would love that if you van get me up there, I'm a little dirty I hope that does not bother you"[/colour]

[QueenChrysalis747]

Darkness padded down the streets of Canterlot, everything was closed, what was up with this? He sighed and decided to head back toward te forest, sighing as he ha gotten nothing accomplished.

[Starbuster]

Starbuster laughed at the unicorn. [colour=#4b0082]"You aren't dirty, silly. Feeling a bit self conscious?"[/colour] She said, giggling at him. She picked him up and flapped her powerful wings, carrying him up to the balcony. Setting him down gently, she sat beside him.[colour=#4b0082] "So, you come here every celebration? I don't know that I've ever seen you, and I know just about everypony. That's what happens when you're a guide."[/colour] She sighed, remembering countless adventures she'd had before.[colour=#4b0082] "You know, one time, I had to escort Fluttershy home because she was too scared to go anywhere during a stormy night." [/colour]She laughed. [colour=#4b0082]"We had some good talks, you know, after she calmed down about the storm. She was so scared." [/colour]Starbuster said, smiling lightly.[colour=#4b0082] "I wonder what's taking them so long." [/colour]She said, looking up at the balcony of the princesses.

[JokerOfJester]

[colour=#daa520]"I actually use to live here but i moved away and haven't been back for far to long, I miss it to be honest, all of the celebrations and people"[/colour] He looked back out to the crowed [colour=#daa520]"yea i wonder to I hope everything is ok, why dont we will the time"[/colour] Tyrael got up and leaned against the railing [colour=#daa520]"so you've meet Fluttershy I've heard about that group of pony's and Fluttershy sounds exactly how everyone describes her, so what kind of guiding do you do?"[/colour] Tyrael glanced back at the pony [colour=#daa520]"oh my name is Tyrael by the way, its a pleasure meeting you" [/colour]Tyrael smiled at the pony.

[Valencetiger]

~Princess Luna, in Canterlot Castle~

"Yes, we did summon Mister Cloud. However, I think there was a misunderstanding on the time." She gave Cirrus a sympathetic smile as she strode past them and further down the hall, Lunar Cross falling in right behind her. "We're afraid our meeting will have to be extended to a later date, perhaps tomorrow night." She turned her head out the window to see Celestia trotting out onto her balcony to address the gathering of ponies outside for the Summer Sun Celebration. It was time for it to begin...the coming of a new day. However, despite what would normally be a happy occasion, she felt a shiver crawl up her spine. She prayed that everything would be well...oh, how she hoped it will.

-------

~Princess Celestia, outside on her Ceremonial Balcony~

The alicorn princess gazed at the oakwood doors solemnly, her mind abuzz with confusing and disturbing thoughts. For several thousand years, her magical power had never drained to such low levels before...for the past two decades, it had been slowly fading, but she couldn't tell why. Even the Elements of Harmony were obviously losing their powers...it couldn't be them, could it? No...no, they were banished forever, never to return as long as the Scepter remained hidden. Taking in a deep, calming breath as she stepped toward the doors, opening them wide to let in the city lights that glowed outside. Squinting, she trotted out...to be seen by a large crowd of cheering ponies. Seeing them put a smile on her face. These are my subjects...my family. As long as I'm alive...I will protect them. Raising her head high and proud as she addressed the gathering.

"Greetings, my loyal subjects! Today marks the beginning of a new cycle, a new summer! We gather here to celebrate the years of peace, prosperity, and love that we have claimed as our own, and to honor this joyous occasion, I will raise the sun. Every year, you all try so hard...you work and you struggle to make not just your lives, but everypony else's lives better. I am honored to be your Princess..." The alicorn made an elegant bow towards the throng of ponies, drawing enormous, thundering cries from them. The thrum of patriotism and excitement filled the air, and the Princess rose up from her bow. Spreading her white wings, she flapped them and began to lift off the ground. Her horn started to glow with a soft white light, which grew steadily in intensity with each smooth wing flap. Her multi-coloured mane flowed in streams around her, coiling and embracing her body. Once she was aligned with the edge of the horizon, she summoned the magic to raise the sun, and then...nothing happened. The magic fled her body in a sudden instant, and her horn became dull and without light. She let out a strangled gasp, and the crowd began to make concerned, frightened murmurs.

Nothing was happening! She couldn't feel the magic anymore...it was gone! She no longer felt the sun! How could this have happened, and so suddenly? The distraught alicorn glided down onto the balcony, feeling faint as a dozen guards rushed from her chambers to care for her. Something wasn't right...something wrong just happened! "...it has been a long time, Princess. My, how you've grown...it's a shame that we've come to take our toys from you." Celestia felt a chill inch along her spine, and she finally knew why; they had returned. The makers of Equestria as it physically is today, and the ones she and her sister had banished to save their race...the Time-Lords have come again. Lifting her head, she saw a looming figure sitting on the edge of her balcony, and seven other similarly-shaped beings stood amongst the rooftops and walls. They were strange, awkward, bipedal creatures, who possessed hair only on their heads, with the exception of the face on the obviously-male ones. The fleshy being before her was dressed in a multitude of black silk, clean-cut and befitting that of a prince. He was clean-shaven, and his dark, pitiless eyes pierced into her. The black clothing stood out against his pale flesh, magnifying both several times over, and he wore a similarly-coloured, wide-brimmed hat with a violet flower looped inside it. Getting off the balcony's stone rails, he bowed toward her with a flourish of his hat and purple cape, an insideous smile on his face. "My siblings and I are together once more...after millennia of banishment, by you. Now, it is only fair we take back what is rightfully ours. The sun is no longer yours to command, dear Princess." The other bipedal beings laughed as if at some ironic joke...perhaps it was. All Celestia could do was stare in complete horror at what was occuring before her.

[Shadowbolt0]

Shadow had followed Luna and Cross to the balcony, and watched. He saw Celestia make her grand speech, and then.she fell. He looked over at Luna [colour=#FF0000]"P-Princess...was that meant to....?"[/colour]

[colour=#000000]Then the Time lords showed up. Shadow drew his short sword, before looking back at Luna [/colour][colour=#FF0000]"Princess, what is happening? What are those...things talking about? and what have they done to Princess Celestia? Princess? Cross? Somehow i don't think just staring at them is going to do anything...We need to...to...attack...or something..."[/colour]

[colour=#000000]Shadow set his eyes upon the leader of the Time Lords, flaring his wings out. Preparing to charge, before realising if it could stop Celestia raising the sun, it would have no trouble killing him if he tried anything.[/colour]

[colour=#000000]Glacning down in the courtyard, civilians were in awe at the arrival of the things.[/colour]

[colour=#FF0000]"T-the civilians...They might do something to the civilians...Cross, i know you're a higher rank then me, but go. You get the Princess somewhere safe, i'll see if i can get the civilians to safety"[/colour]

[colour=#000000]Shadow then dived off the balcony, headed down to the civilians.[/colour]

[Valencetiger]

~Princess Luna, in Canterlot Castle~

All she could do was stare in the same gruesome horror as her sister was currently doing, her eyes wide as she stared at the bizarre creatures out there. Her legs began to shake, and her breathing became ragged. She opened her mouth, trying to work her jaw and to give out orders, but all that came out were murmurs of denial. "Th-this cannot be happening...they were supposed to be gone forever...how have they come back?!" Lunar Cross already had his own sword out, glancing at the Princess before turning back to the disturbing scene before him. His veteran perception picked up on something, something that truly frightened him; one of the fleshy beings was gone. I knew I saw eight of them, but now there are seven. Where did that other one go? He turned around...coming face to face to one of the creatures. This one wore a graceful white suit, and had piercing blue eyes that matched with his blonde mane and facial hair. Luna turned around as well, and gasped, stepping back as her horn began to glow...but the glow instantly died, causing more alarm within the alicorn.

The bipedal monster approached them with a warm smile on his face. "...don't make this difficult for me, dear Luna. You are your sister are going to be ours, now. The less you struggle...the better things will be." Lunar Cross snarled as he stepped in between his Princess and the creature, his yellow eyes locking with it. It gave him a disgusted look...like a cockroach underneath his hoof. That look...infuriated him! It didn't matter if he died...as long as he made sure Luna was safe. Diving to the side, he closed the distance like a striking snake, lifting the blade and aiming it straight for the creature's gut. It raised one of it's non-sharp talons...and a beam of light as bright as the sun burst out from it, striking Lunar Cross and blinding him severely, the intense heat and light making him shriek in agony as he crumbled to the ground, smoke rising from his chest and face. A few burn marks lay on his coat, but he was otherwise unharmed. The creature came over and lifted his head painfully by the back of his mane, a cruel smile on his face. "...you have guts, bug, to try to take on the creator of the sun. Remember me as I send you into death, worm...I am called Helios, and I will give you the last bit of sunlight before you die." Lunar Cross, through his blurred vision, glared at Helios defiantly...watching in silence as the god-like being drew back a fist that glowed with the sun's light. A piercing cry broke through the mental void in his mind, and he and Helios turned to look at Luna, who had collapsed into a kneel and was sobbing. "Please...stop, Helios...we beg you! We'll go with you, and we will not cause any trouble! Just don't kill our beloved captain! Let our subjects live!" The guard captain shook his head, muttering softly in despair. "No...Princess...don't...do this..."

Helios let loose a cackle that sounded as dark as the bleakest shadow, a complete opposite of what he was supposed to represent. "...excellent. Come, then...once my siblings are done here, I am sure they will love to spend some time with you and your sister after all these years of distance." The flesh-covered demon walked over to the kneeling princess, taking her by a limp hoof as he grinned down at her. A slow, bright glow began to engulf the two as Lunar Cross struggled to his hooves...but to no avail, as he collapsed repeatedly.

"Princess..." Tears streamed down his eyes and onto his cheeks, as did Luna's. The glow spreaded further, the light becoming oppressing.

"Princess...Luna... No!" Cross sobbed, reaching for her with an out-stretched hoof. She drew back, murmuring 'We're sorry' as the light fully enveloped her.

Flicker. In a sudden burst of light, Helios...and Luna...were both gone. Lunar Cross gritted his teeth, streams of burning tears dropping to the tile floors beneath him. He let out a cry of complete misery and emotional agony as he sank to the floor.

"LUNAAAAA!!"

-------

~Princess Celestia, on her private balcony~

The dark-coated creature turned to see a bright flash of light go off inside the castle, and he smiled wickedly before turning back to the Princess. "Celestia, none of this ever truly belonged to you. Because of your actions, you have corrupted and ruined everything myself and my siblings struggled so hard to make...now, we will have to begin anew. But first...you will come with us, like your sister has." Upon mentioning the alicorn's sister, Celestia rose up, her fear replaced with complete outrage, her body quivering from hatred as she looked at each of the Time-Lords. "What...have you done...to my sister, you heathens!" The black-garbed Time-Lord's smile widened even further. "We've done nothing...yet. Things will be easier on you, her, and the rest of these lesser beings if you simply...let go, and come with us." He extended his right hand out to her, barely able to contain his amusement as several other Time-Lords laughed, a few snickering with glee. The Princess looked about frantically, but after a moment her haunches sagged, as she lowered her head in defeat.

"...very well, Chronos. I will come willingly, as long as you promise you will not harm any of these innocent creatures." She placed a hoof on his out-stretched hand, as he wrapped it with his other hand, drawing her in and smirking. "...of course, Celestia, of course..." Glowing chained coiled around the alicorn's body, tightening around her as she became bound. The guards moved in to try to free her, but a quick glance from her told them to back away...and they obeyed, hesitantly drawing away. Laughing, Chronos turned to address a small, frail looking female Time-Lord. "Gaia. Take care of these...pests, will you?" The blank-faced girl nodded, holding out a hand. Suddenly, magical energy began to form and take shape within her grasp...changing itself into a massive, intimidating warhammer, which she seemed to carry with ease. Lifting it onto her shoulder, she floated to the ground in the middle of the city square...raising the warhammer, and bringing it down, smashing the marble around it apart. At first, nothing happened...but then the cracks began to spread, further and further, until they started growing along the walls and further into Canterlot proper itself. If the crowd wasn't panicking before, they were now...hundreds of ponies began to flee for their lives, trying to avoid the caving-in walls and buildings, trying to escape from the frightening Time-Lords. Celestia snarled and hissed at Chronos. "You said you wouldn't hurt them!" Chronos turned to her and smiled, a cold...dark smile. "I lied. Just as you lied to me thousands of years ago, dear. Either way, come along...we've got a precious schedule to keep, but first..." He walked off the balcony, but seemed to be striding on the air itself, for he hadn't fallen. He climbed further and further up, until he stood over the entire city itself, and raised his voice for all to hear. "Creatures of Equestria! The world you once knew is dead! A new world will be born...and it begins tonight...from the ashes of yours! Run, and despair! The sins your ancestors committed are now to be punished...unfortunately with you. Make your prayers..." He raised a large, crystalline staff into the air, as the sky began to glow. The sun rose high from the horizon, but with it came a mysterious darkness...a twilight. The land became bathed in a sinister glow, as if the life were being drained out of it. Cackling madly, he disappeared in a flash of light...as did the other Time-Lords, with Celestia as their prize.

An era of new darkness had begun.

(So it begins, my wonderful participants )

[Starbuster]

Starbuster reacted quickly. She snapped up Tyrael and lifted off with him. [colour=#4b0082]"This can't be happening! What is going on?" [/colour]She dropped Tyrael on the ground. [colour=#4b0082]"Get these ponies out of here! I'm going to the castle to see if i can help get some of them out!"[/colour] She turned, and flew in through Canterlot Castle's eastern door. She flew above countless ponies attempting to flee the castle. She soared through the rooms, eventually coming to a room where a lone pony sat sobbing on the floor, apparently oblivious to the chaos around him. He looked familiar... [colour=#4b0082]"Captain? Captain Cross! We need to get out of here!" [/colour]Of course she knew who he was. As a Captain of the Night Watch, he watched over Canterlot as she did her job, escorting lost ponies to and fro. She'd seen him before, but not like this. He had been strong, held himself nobly, but now he was a sobbing wreck.[colour=#4b0082] "Captain, we need to go, now. There are ponies in need of your assistance, and they can't see one of their leaders like this. We need to help them, now." [/colour]She said to him, her eyes boring into him. [colour=#4b0082]"We need to search the castle for any stragglers or trapped ponies. Most of the ponies are taking the Eastern exit, so we need to get them out of either the Southern exit or the Western." [/colour]She softened her gaze.[colour=#4b0082] "Come on Captain. We need a leader. Who better to lead us right now than you?" [/colour]

[Shadowbolt0]

Shadow's mind was split when he heard Cross scream. Part of him wanted to fly down for the Civilians, part of him wanted to go back and see what had happened, and the 3rd part wanted to attack those time lords. Finally making his mind up, he quickly reversed his direction and headed back to the castle. Landing on the balcony, the scene he saw extremtly different to what it had been when he'd left.

He saw Cross on the ground, injured and crying to himself. Luna was no where to be seen. Then a mare ran in, one Shadow reconised. Starbuster, a Pegasus who like many, enjoyed the night like himself and the night watch. He listened to her speech, about how they needed a leader now, more than ever.

Shadow stepped forwards [colour=#FF0000]"She's right captain, with these things on the loose and the chaos that's bound to happen. We need a leader, someone to lead both the guard, and the civilians. They need something to believe in, hope. Anything...You need to take that charge, you know that you can...I'll have your back the whole time captain, we both will" [/colour]

[colour=#000000]Shadow took a glance at Star [/colour][colour=#FF0000]"What happened to Luna, you see anything Star? It's important that we get her back, if not...then i fear for the whole of Equestia"[/colour]

[JokerOfJester]

Seeing everything falling apart so quickly with such precession sent shivers down Tyrael's spine. As the buildings begin to fall down all around with no sense of preservation just destruction. [colour=#daa520]"Get out of here"[/colour] Tyrael yelled to the pony that was keeping him company, out of nowhere he was flying and the dropped on the ground being told to help other ponies. Tyrael takes a deep breath whyll looking around frantically not sure if he should help or just get to what he really wanted to do. [colour=#daa520]"ill just help a few and get out here myself and gear up"[/colour] Tyrael jump into action after his decision grabbing what stray ponies he could leading them to the exits, also trying to keep other ponies from being trampled on. Deciding he has done enough and making his way now to the barracks, hopefully he could find the armory in there and soldiers to help. Tyrael made his way to the barracks a wing just off Canterlot castle. Bursting threw the doors seeing an almost half full barracks of cowering soldiers [colour=#daa520]"GET OUT THERE AND FIGHT BACK AND HELP KEEP THE ORDER, WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU PONIES"[/colour] Tyrael could not stand cowards [colour=#daa520]"Now go what are you waiting for"[/colour] as Tyrael hoped he knocked sense into most of the soldiers, they began to file out of the building. Tyrael made his way back into the armory equipping himself with a sword and helm heading back out of the barracks and back to where he last saw the princes.