All right guys, hope you have enjoyed the ride. Sorry it took so long, got really emotional during this, so couldn't do it in one sit. Like it or not, I appreciate and thank all of you who have read. I am proud of myself, for I don't do much that really touches my heart the way writing does. I will be doing another story, but i don't know what about yet, so suggestions would be nice. Thank you everyone, and i hope it touches you the way it did me. Thank you.

Dark Sacrifice

THE NEXT MORNING

Twilight awakens to notice the rest of her friends are still asleep, but cannot locate Silver. She clumsily packs her stuff into her backpack. She then notices droplets of blood leading down a side trail.

"I should go find him so we can pinpoint Princess Luna's position and get a move on right when the others awaken."

Twilight leaves her backpack but levitates the scroll with her as she searches for Silver. Twilight pushes herself through the clumped bushes and fallen tree branches and comes across a small lake.

As she slowly walks and scans the area, she notices small splashes in the middle of the lake.

"Hey Silver!"

Twilight waves to get his attention. Silver turns his head and his cheeks become dark red.

He begins to swim over to Twilight.

"Umm, Hi Twilight… Sorry, didn't recognize you, I think your spell wore off"

"Thank goodness, but I think that's the first time I've seen you enjoying yourself Silver. Just having a moments rest and cleaning your armor before we head out?"

"Uhh, about that Twilight, you kind of got me at a bad time…"

"I thought you were eager to leave Silver."

"Hehe, I am, but you all were asleep and I came over here for "me" time, look over next to that tree Twilight"

Silver points to a nearby tree and lay beneath it his armor, bright and shining. Twilight slowly looks over at Silver. Her cheeks become a bright red.

"Oh, I see, so you're…"

"Eeyup"

"I am so sorry Silver; I'll just meet you back at camp. We need to pinpoint Princess Luna's location."

Twilight slowly walks through the bushel and returns back to camp. Silver emerges and slowly walks over to his armor.

"So, I finally find out…"

Silver re-equips his armor and makes his way back to camp. Every pony is up and looks at Silver with bright expressions as he returns to camp.

"Y'all ready to save the Princess?"

Silver smiles as he walks up to Twilight.

"Alright Twilight, lets see that spell."

Twilight's horn emits a bright white orb. She stands motionless but completely focused as she searches for Princess Luna.

"I got it! *gasp*"

"Well Sugarcube, where is she"

A frown forms over Twilight's face.

"She's at the temple where we defeated Nightmare Moon…"

"Then let's go, double time it ponys!"

Twilight leads the group in a full sprint as they rush towards the ruined temple.

"*sigh* I guess the next few moments are gonna seem awfully familiar… Just hope they're not…"

"Alright guys, we are almost at the temple."

"Uhh, Twi, something big is going on."

"Huh, how do you know Applejack?"

Applejack points up to wear a beacon of blue light is beaming into the sky. Everyone looks in awe up at the beam of light. Silver's eyes widen at the sight of the ray of light. He dashes towards the temple, leaving the others still in awe.

"Then it is true… I gotta hurry"

"Silver… Wait up, ugh, that fella is too proud."

Silver rushes up to the temple, the purple glow grower more and more intense the closer he gets. Sweat rushes down his face and tears begin to form in his eyes. He stops at the base of the staircase, waiting for the others to catch up.

"She is just up ahead Silver, go! We will keep y'all safe."

Silver's eyes widen at what he had just heard. He bolts up the stairs.

"No… It won't end the same way, I swear it."

Upon entering the top sanctum, he sees Princes Luna standing inside a blue circle surrounded by glyphs and scrolls and her horn glowing bright blue. He begins to run up towards the princess.

"Miss Luna!"

Princess Luna turns to see the oncoming guard. Silver comes to a stop mere inches away from the princess.

"Silver… Why are you here…"

"Princess Luna, what are you doing? Why did you leave…?"

Princess Luna turns around, and resumes casting. Tears run down her face.

"I'm ending it all Silver…I do nothing in this world. I made a mistake that has ruined my life. No one knows me as Princess Luna; they only see Nightmare Moon…"

"No! Miss Luna stop! That's not true!"

"I…I cannot Silver. I have already begun casting this curse"

"Curse?"

"Yes Silver, I wish for my life to end during the time I used to own..."

"The night…?"

"Yes Silver, this curse will end my misery the next time I sleep…"

Sweat and tears begin to stream down Silver's face as he continues to think.

"Curse… Twilight… Twilight!"

Twilight and the others rush up and meet Silver. The wind intensifies as Luna continues casting her curse.

"Twilight, she is casting a curse on herself… I know this sounds crazy, but can you transfer the curse once she finishes the curse?"

"I could try, but the person needs to be willing to take the curse… And they need to go touching the person for it to transfer. Silver… you're not going to…"

Before Twilight can finish Silver bolts over towards Princess Luna. Princess Luna turns and with tears in her eyes, emits a purple orb from her horn. A blue wall is suspended across the room, cutting off Princess Luna from the others and Silver.

"Stop Silver, I can't let you… I'm not worth the trouble"

Silver continues to charge at the wall. Lowering his head as he prepares to put all his force into his ram. He strikes the wall with all his force, but is thrown back with such tremendous force his helmet is knocked off his head and the burn wound on his face opens, causing a stream of blood to run down his face.

"Miss Luna, you don't need to do…"

"I do Silver… being unloved for so long… I am already dead inside… "

"You're wrong Miss Luna, Equestria loves you… the elements love you… and most importantly… I love you Miss Luna… And regardless if you want to do this or not… I WILL NOT LET YOU!"

Silver stumbles up onto his hooves. He slowly takes a few steps back and prepares for another charge. His wound oozing blood, slowly dripping off his face. Silver charges at the barrier one at full speed. The barrier shatters and Silver continues to run over to Princess Luna and grabs ahold of her tightly. His eyes widen as his mind races.

"Twilight, do it now!

Twilight's horn emits a glow so bright it floods the room, consuming everyone inside the sanctum.

Emerging from the light is Silver carrying Princess Luna, followed by the rest of group. They make their way back to the kingdom. Blood runs down Silver's face as he walks over of the temple. The others emerge, a few with a small limp, others with small cuts and scrapes. Twilight looks over at Silver with a frown.

"So… What are you going to do now Silver…?"

"I don't know Twilight… However, my first priority is getting the princess back to Canterlot… I will worry about myself when that's accomplished. Twilight, you and the others rest; we have quite a journey to travel. I'll be on watch…judging how I don't have much of a choice *chuckle*"

"Are you sure?"

"Aye, I'll be fine Miss Twilight…"

Silver lays Princess Luna softly on the ground before fetching some wood. Twilight and the others lie down and fall asleep rather quickly, exhausted from there encounter. Silver returns with some wood and lights a fire. He begins to speak softly.

"So… My rash decision causes a loss of life, my own… In doing so, I protected life, but at a dear cost… My duties as Guard Captain… Not relinquished… but proven… I have to stay awake, just until tomorrow, and then I can…"

Tears run down his face. He lowers his head and starts crying, streams of tears hitting the soft ground beneath him. He feels something nudge him. He looks up and notices Princess Luna standing next to him, blushing. He smiles and wipes his tears.

"Miss Luna, you should rest."

Princess Luna responds with a smile. And continues to look at him. Silver acquires a confused expression.

"Miss Lu…"

Princess Luna cuts him off with a kiss. Silver's eyes widen in surprise and his cheeks turn a deep red. Miss Luna pulls away, also blushing. Silver continues to stare at Princess Luna, eyes wide. She raises her arm and slaps Silver across the face. Tears begin stream down Luna's face. She breaks down crying and leans against Silver. He puts his arms around her neck and tightly holds her.

"Why… Why did you do that Silver, you shouldn't have done that!"

"It's ok Miss Luna… I knew what I was getting myself into…"

"I can never forgive myself if you die Silver… I didn't want to harm anypony else…"

"But I forgive you Miss Luna… please don't be upset…"

Princess Luna continues to cry as Silver tightens his hold upon her. Her strokes her mane in attempt to calm her down.

"I finally find someone who… loves me, and I end up killing them…"

"I'm not dead Miss Luna… I am right here, holding you… loving you…"

"I… just wish you didn't do what you did Silver…"

"Hehe, Can you stop Miss Luna, instead of grieving over what I did, enjoy the fact I'm still around NOW Miss Luna"

"Sorry… I'm just not used… to being wanted… or loved."

Silver holds Luna tightly, stroking her mane. Luna's head rests on Silver's chest plate. Tears stream down Luna's face. With his bandaged hoof, he lifts Princess Luna's chin. The two stare at each other, moments pass.

"Your eyes… Miss Luna… They are so beautiful…"

"Thank you Silver, such a gentlecolt. But Silver... Why must you wear your armor?"

"I... I don't know, I've never had it any other way..."

"Its selfish of you to keep yourself covered up"

"Ma'am... Not everything beneath my armor is as you say"

"Oh hush now"

Silver removes his breastplate and his plate boots as well. Revealing his gray coat and silver mane. He hesitates to remove his helm.

"Silver?"

Silver frowns. Princess Luna gets up on her hooves and removes his helm, gasping at the sight.

Silver's burn wound is covered in dried blood and was heavily irritated from the helmet. Princess

Luna lifts her head and smiles as she hears a nearby stream.

"Follow me Silver"

Princess Luna leads Silver to the nearby stream. Silver stops and studies the area. He looks over to Princess Luna, who has already submerged herself in the stream.

"What are we doing here Miss Luna?"

"Cleaning you up of course, now come, join me."

Silver blushes and enters the stream, getting closer to Luna. Princess Luna splashes water on Silver's wound, cleaning it. Princess Luna frowns and tears stream down here face.

"There you go, beautiful... Just... Wish it wasn't wasted on such a heroic soul..."

"Miss Luna... Please"

Silver wraps his arms around Luna and holds her tight.

"Silver... Have you ever thought about continuing your bloodline...?"

"Aye ma'am... Seems thats not possible now huh?"

"Silver... That's not... Entirely true... you know"

"But Miss Luna... You are royalty. I am just a guard..."

"You're wrong... You are my hero... Please, be one with me Silver..."

"I love you Luna..."
"I love you to Silver..."

CANTERLOT ROYAL PALACE

TWO DAYS LATER

Silver, Princess Luna and Twilight enter the inner thrown room, greeted by saluting guards and Princess Celestia.

"Oh thank goodness you are ok dear sister. I was so worried about you, please don't ever do that again. Twilight, where are your friends? Did they assist you?"

"They did Princess, but we decided to take Princess Luna around Ponyville to cheer her up. I told the others they can return home, I was hoping you could make an appearance in Ponyville tomorrow and visit them."

"I most certainly can Twilight."

Silver walks up to Princess Celestia and bows his head in respect, but he is barely able to stand upright. Twilight and Luna frown as they notice Princess Celestia grow and angered face towards the grey stallion.

"Aye Princess, I'm sorry I left my post, but I had to do more then just sit around and wait. Please understand Princess…"

"I did not order you to leave Canterlot Sir Silver. What you did was reckless and that sort of behavior isn't welcome in the royal guard. I'm sorry Silver, but…"

Princess Celestia is interrupted by Luna, who is now crying and standing in front of Silver.

"Stop sister! You don't know what he has done during his leave… Please…"

"Luna, please take Sir Silver to the medic… I have a feeling he needs it. And Twilight, I want a full report on what took place during your search."

Princess Luna turns around and comforts the exhausted guardspony, signaling for two other guards to assist her in transporting him to the medic. Moments pass as Silver fights with the doctors and nurses, refusing to lie down and rest. Princess Celestia and Twilight enter the infirmary.

"Princess Luna, Twilight tells me you and Silver spent some time together for the past few days… Day and night. Care to explain?"

"Aye ma'am, ill explain… *cough* I love her… and that's all that needs to be said ma'am"

Princess Luna smiles, but cringes when she feels a sharp pain in her stomach. Princess Celestia gasps and stares at Luna.

"Doctor, please take my sister and give her treatment, I feel she is going through something linked with Silver. Silver… I'm sorry for what you have been put through… Although there is magic to dispel curses, the curse my sister used is of ancient origin, we cannot reverse it. I am sorry"

The doctor returns over to Princess Celestia with a mix of excitement and worry.

"Princess Celestia… It appears Princess Luna is pregnant. We have undergone treatment, it'll be a few weeks before delivery but she seems stable."

"Thank you, I had a feeling. Silver, go spend your time with Miss Luna. Twilight and I will arrange a memorial service and your honor ceremony."

Silver walks over to Luna, who is now resting on one of the hospital's beds. His mind begins to race due to his exhaustion. Tears begin to stream down his face.

"Maybe NOW you can find a way to forgive that earth pony's family… Family… My family…"

He makes his way slowly over to Princess Luna. She smiles and lays her arms out forward, signaling for a hug. Silver falls into her arms, holding her tightly. Tears stream down her face as she begins to cry.

"I don't want you to go Silver… Please"

"Luna… I'll stay with you as long as possible… I promise, but promise me you'll be strong… People do love you and are willing to make sacrifices for you, like I did…"

THAT AFTERNOON

CANTERLOT ROYAL GARDENS

7 HOURS LATER

"We gather you all here, citizens of Ponyville and Canterlot to commemorate and honor a sacrifice made by a heroic pony. He made the ultimate decision, to trade his life… for the one he loved. He is still alive now, but for when he sleeps, he will pass… He wishes to come out and speak before his moment."

*cheer and applause*

Celestia steps down off the podium and Silver, accompanied by two other guards, is assisted onto the podium.

"Aye… citizens of Equestria, I wish to thank you all for coming… It… *cough* It truly is an honor, but I must tell, I have done nothing you yourselves could do… I do not consider myself a hero for making a sacrifice I believed was worth it. I followed my heart… and in doing so, saved the one I love. My main reason for today, was not to speak, but to apologize… apologize to the mother of my unborn child… In my decision… I saved a life, but I also hurt the ones I love… It's hard to tell if what I did was right, but I ask from you… the citizens of Equestria… To treat my child with the respect he earns… not for the reputation of his blood… Thank you and remember… You all have the potential to do what I have done… Just be willing to make sacrifices…"

Silver salutes the ever-growing emotional crowd. Instead of cheer he is answered with deep sobs and applause. He smiles and returns to Miss Luna who is also crying. He wipes the tears away from her face and nods to Princess Celestia.

"Please, everypony… Take a moment and be silent in respect."

Silver stumbles to the decorated and honored room arranged to be his final resting spot. Princess Luna signals for the guards to wait outside the door. Silver stumbles to the bed and before entering it. He turns and looks at Princess Luna. Tears stream down his face. Princess Luna struggles as she holds back the tears.

"Luna… I want you to promise me you'll stay strong… I will be watching over you and our child… Protecting you both… But I want you to stay strong… and remember, I'm always with you…"

Princess Luna nods and wipes away the tears forming in her eyes. She helps him into the bed and kisses him one last time.

"I promise Silver… And I forgive you… You made the right choice… I love you Silver"

"I love you too… Luna… and I love you too…"

Silver rubs Luna's stomach, smiling he returns his hoof to Princess Luna's face. Princess Luna grabs his hoof and holds onto it. Silvers grip slowly gets looser and looser. Silver's eyes slowly begin to shut. His cutey mark begins to shine a bright white glow. He slowly speaks.

"I…will always…protect you…my love…"

His eyes shut and his grip on Miss Luna completely loosens. Tears stream down Princess Luna's face as she emerges outside the room back towards the podium. She nods to Princess Celestia and then flies up to her room. The guards remove Silver from the room and slowly begin the burial service. Princess Celestia returns to the podium.

"Citizens of Equestria… A hero has fallen today… Let his memory stay with you for the centuries to come… Continue to pass on his legacy and take his final words to heart. Thank you…"

CANTERLOT ROYAL PALACE

TWO YEARS AFTER CEREMONY

Princess Celestia knocks on Princess Luna's door. A loud thump and crash is heard beyond the door. Moments later Luna opens the door and begins running around the room.

"Hehe, he giving you some trouble sister?"

"He just has a lot of energy, and loves the little armor the royal guard gave to him. He hasn't taken it off since… Just like his father…"

"I just know he will grow up into an honorable stallion just like his father, sister."

"I know he will, well, I'm going to go out into the garden and let him burn his energy. Aegis! Let's go outside dear."

A colt appears from behind a pile of pillows, he is grey with a light blue mane. He wears armor that closely resembles the armor his father was stationed with. His helm has a small opening were a little horn protrudes from.

"Can I keep my armor on, huh, huh can I?

"Hehe, of course you can dear, but it's selfish to keep yourself hidden beneath your armor, how about you wear it at home and when we go visit Ponyville, you let your true self show."

"Alright mom, whatever you say. Now let's go!"

Aegis runs out of the room followed by Princess Luna, struggling to keep up. Princess Celestia watches the two leave and slowly makes her way out of the room.

"Yes sister… He will make us all proud one day."