The Second Age of Equestria : Whispers in the Night

by 404 Mercy

For Equestria!

Rainbow Dash was lecturing a random filly in the seat behind her about the Wonderbolts. Pinkie Pie was bouncing up and down the aisle. While an elderly stallion in a uniform standing at the rear of the car clicked his tongue at her. Rarity and Applejack were arguing over fashion, or the lack thereof. Fluttershy was worrying out loud about Angel bunny. Two filly’s in the front of the car were crying. The sun was extremely warm. The train was extremely slow. And all of this was leading to Twilight’s inevitable mental break down.

Mere seconds before she let her magic set her on fire. Again. Somebody poked her in the ribs. “Hey Twilight, are you okay? You look like you are about to freak out. Again.”

Twilight exhaled sharply before turning to the seat beside her. “No Spike. I am definitely NOT okay!”
“Um why? The Princess probably just wants to see us” The little dragonling responded, looking curiously at her.

“JUST WANTS TO SEE US?!” Twilights outburst drew the attention of nearly every on in their car. “SEE US! She sent a royal paige, all the way to Ponyville. And a letter by dragon fire. AND a letter by post. All saying for US to come to Canterlot. WITH the Elements of Harmony. AS SOON AS POSSIBLE! But no, she probably just wants to see us. Or say hi! Or send us on a picnic! Not tell me she’s disappointed in me as student. And that I failed something! And that she is going to take the Elements away and find new bearers because I messed up so badly! Not at all banish me to the moon because I’m such a horrible pony!”

Twilight was standing on the edge of her seat glaring at her assistant panting. Spike for his part, looked like he was about to break out laughing. Which made Twilight even more upset. She was about to explode again when someone else poked her in the ribs.

“Jeez Twi, come down. I’m sure it’s not that bad.” Dash said, not at all concerned with the glare she was receiving.

Before Twilight could respond Pinkie Pie popped up into her face. “Yeah! She probably just wants another batch of my super duper extra special brownies! Or! Or! Most likely some evil villain of some sort has broken free or returned from exile and is threatening Equestria and the very fabric of existence! And the Princess wants us to take the Elements and go up to them be all like voosh vroom wam and send them back to Meanieville!”

The pupils in Twilight’s eyes shrank to pinpoints. Seeing this Applejack nudged Pinkie aside. “Sugarcube, I don’t think y’alls helping are Twi out to much like that.”

Rarity nodded in agreement. “Quite darling. Twilight dear? I’m sure every things is fine. Right girls?”
Everypony nodded their head. Rarity turned back to the panicking librarian. “See? Nothing to worry about. We don’t want to have another incident now do we?”

Twilight cringed and tried to calm herself down a bit. “Girls I appreciate it but this isn’t the same. I’m not imagining the issue this time! Something really is up! Why would she have us ALL come to the palace on short notice with the Elements otherwise?”

They all pondered it for a moment. After a brief silence Rarity spoke up again. “Okay dear, I’ll give you that. But, it can’t be all that bad. She didn’t come herself, and she didn’t send a chariot. And Equestria seems normal. So how bad can it be?”

Twilight shook her head in exasperation. “Very. Very. BAD! What if Celestia knows a threat is coming and wants us here beforehand! Or what if it’s already here but hiding! Like assassins! Or *gulp* what if the unspeakable happened ...”

Twilight started shivering at the mere thought. The rest of the girls looked really confused. It was Fluttershy who spoke first. “The unspeakable? That sounds really bad.”

Twilight shook her head. Fluttershy continued on. “C-can you speak of it? If you don’t mind that is ...”

        Twilight looked up fearfully at her friends. Body shaking and lips quivering she tried to explain it to them. “Wh-what i-if ... what if Celestia hasn’t been getting m-my friendship reports?!”

Everypony who had been on edge while she spoke slumped back down in their seats at her revelation. Pinkie Pie fell on the floor and began cackling. Ignoring her Rainbow Dash poked Twilight again, causing her to jump. “Are you kidding me egghead? That’s the unspeakable? Here I thought you were talking about an apocalypse or something.”

Rarity and AJ shook their heads in agreement. Fluttershy was hiding behind her bangs. And Pinkie was still snickering on the floor. The librarian glared at them. “Fine, it might not be the worst possible outcome. Or even probable for that matter. But something is still up. And this train is getting us absolutely nowhere!”

She shot the last remark over her shoulder at the ticket collector who had been staring at her angrily for some time now. As she settled back in her seat the elderly stallion pushed his way through the aisle, over Pinkie, and into the next car.

“Twi, I know y’er a bit anxious and all. But we won’t get there ‘til we get there. So jus’ try and calm down for now. ‘kay?” Applejack soothed, rubbing Twilights shoulder.

Twilight was about to respond when the elderly ticket collector returned with two younger stallions with him. All three of which marched up to her. Slightly startled she spoke to them. “Um hi. Can I help you with something?”

One of the younger ponies. A stallion with a dark green coat and mane, wearing a slightly more decorated uniform replied. “Yes, yes you can. You can start by calming down and not disturbing my passengers. I’ve been told that for past ten minutes you’ve been shouting and moving around quite a bit and it is scaring your fellow travelers. I must ask that you refrain from such activities. Or we will have to remove you. By force if necessary”

Normally Twilight would have apologized and spent the remainder of the trip in quiet so as not to agitate any one. Normally Twilight wasn’t on the verge of a pyromaniac like psychotic break. She jumped off her bench and into the stallions face. “Firstly, I am not quite sure I like your tone. A simple please would have sufficed. Next, threaten me ever again and it will be a decision you will carry to your surely premature grave. And lastly! I wouldn’t be having an issue to begin with if this Celestia damned train would move faster!”
The stallion flinched and backed up a step or two. “Mam, I understand you are impatient but that is no reason for such vi-”

He was cut off as Twilight advanced again. “YES! Yes it is a very good reason. The very fate of pony kind could hang in the balance. The decidable factor being whether or not we make it to Canterlot on time. On the very orders of Celestia herself!”

Again the stallion shrunk back. “Ah-h I s-see. Well I am very s-sorry but the trains steam pipes are old. And starting to leak. At such low pressure this is as fast as we can go.”

Twilight fell back into her seat with a frustrated moan. She was about to give up hope and resign herself to her inevitable banishment when she found a solution. She jumped back up. Causing the still present train employees to jump back. “Girls? Can you look after Spike and the Elements? And meet me at the palace when you get there?”

Rarity looked around to see if anyone else understood more before she replied. “Um, of course Twilight, but where are you go-”

Before she could finish there was a bright violet flash and Twilight disappeared.

After clearing his vision Spike spoke up. “Does anyone else think Twilight doesn’t react well to not knowing things?”

        Pinkie giggled and nodded. “Well that’s for sure.”

        
The familiar feel of the void between realities pressed in on Twilight; nearly suffocating her. She was accustomed to the feeling, but not for such a long period of time as this lengthy of a journey. Right when she thought she couldn’t handle anymore the feeling faded and she reappeared in the appropriate dimension with a small satisfactory pop.

She opened her eyes to see where exactly she was. A long and wide corridor made of rough cut stone dotted with statue filled alcoves stretched out before her. Warm sunlight streamed in through a giant arched glass ceiling giving a very alluring shade to the deep red of a carpet spanning the space. Turning around she the behind her the hall ended at a small wooden door.
Wracking her brain for memories of the castle produced no results for the hall, though she assumed it was the Hall of History that led to the archives. But it didn’t matter. She was close enough now that she could teleport the exact location. The lavender energy coalesced and she disappeared into the void again. This time appearing in a more familiar part of the castle.

The attendants service hall for the Throne Room. It’s about three in the afternoon, so Celestia should still be holding court. If court is still a thing in a potentially dystopian world. So, right through that door there to Celestia. Who might banish me. So, through the door. Now. Go. Door. Open. Enter.

Despite her attempts she was either unable or unwilling to go through the door that could lead to her doom. Keeping her rooted to the spot. Luckily the door opened a tan earth pony mare with red hair a flower cutie mark came through the door. Oh praise the sun. I think that’s Miss Flowers. Wow she looks old. And surprised. And angry. Uh oh.

“Lady Sparkle! What in Equestria are you doing here? Where did you come from? Don’t you know not to wonder around the castle? I would've thought you learned your lesson after the last time.” Flowers rambled on after closing the door behind her.

“Um hi Miss Flowers it’s uh- nice to see you again?” She said in a hardly convincing tone. Miss Flowers and Twilight had not had the best relationship while Twilight was still living in the castle. And she was pretty sure the last time they had seen each other Twilight accidently turned her mane into grass while practicing a herbology spell.

Apparently Miss Flowers remembered as well. “Likewise Lady Sparkle. Her highness is expecting you in a few hours. I am going to revoke my previous questions in regards to why you are so early, as I do not want to know. Shall I inform the Princess you are here?”

Twilight nodded and before she could respond the maid had turned and re-entered the throne room. When the sound of the door closing faded and silence resumed panic began to set in again. Twilight tried to find something to distract herself with, but servant’s corridors were devoid of such things as a rule. Even in the flames of the torches seemed less merry then they ought. But luckily before she could be stuck with her own musings for too long the door opened again.

“Her highness welcomes you back to Canterlot and bids you patience. She is currently wrapping up Noon Court but will be done shortly. She also asks that you wait in her study where she will join you shortly. And I ask that you do remain there. And do not try any new spells while on premise.” The last part was accompanied by a look of loathing from Miss Flowers.

Twilight grinned sheepishly before coughing into her hoof and teleporting away.

The void welcomed her back for a second before approaching her destination. It then turned aggressive and booted her back. Popping her back into reality in the hall outside of Celestia's chambers. What in Tartarus was that? I thought I was strong enough to teleport in the castle now? She reached out with her magic and immediately recoiled at the amount of wards around the rooms. Those are new. I wonder who put those up? Tabling the issue for the time being Twilight entered the royal chambers of her mentor. Fond memories drifting back to her as retraced the route to her teachers study. The nostalgia temporarily banishing her fears.

As she entered the study she noticed several things that quickly ruined this state of tranquility. First was that it was a disaster. Secondly many of Celestia’s desks and shelves had been torn to pieces. Thirdly what looked like the previous occupants of said furnishings were all on a table in front of the lounge. And lastly, she was not alone.

A multihued presence of light was hovering beside the lounge. Seemingly regarding the papers and books arranged there. However, when it appeared to notice Twilight, it let out a mischievous laugh and disappeared. All of these startled her so much she froze on the spot.

Several minutes, or hours, passed before something finally brought her out of her daze.

“I said no spells!”

Twilight turned to find Miss Flowers standing in the door with a tray of tea balanced on her back and a horrified expression upon her face.

“Bu-bu- I did- it-” The purple unicorn tried to splutter to her defense, but to no avail. The maid set her tray down and turned from the room. Several more minutes passed with Twilight standing and spluttering before Celestia herself entered the room.

“Princess!” Twilight almost shrieked as she dropped into a bow.

Celestia cast a glance at her before turning her gaze to the room. “Rise my little pony. Tell me, what has happened here.”

Twilight jumped up and launched into a frantic monologue. “Princess! Please don’t banish me! Or throw me in a dungeon! Or banish me then throw me in a dungeon in the place you banished me! Or throw me in a dungeon then banish me then throw the place you BANISHED me into a dungeon! Please please please please please please-”

“Twilight Sparkle!” Celestia commanded.
“I’m sorry!” She squeaked.
“Twilight. What, happened?” Celestia asked in her calmest tone.
“I-I’m not sure! I came into the study and everything was a mess. And then there was this mass of light by the table-” Celestia interrupted before she could go any farther.
“Mass of light you say? Where in particular was it Twilight?”
“Um, by the lounge your highness. It looked like it was reading your papers there.” Twilight replied very confused now.

Celestia swept across the room to the table in question and studied the items laid out upon it. Her eyes darted back and forth as she mumbled out non sequiturs Twilight could barely hear. “... Documentation of Tax Rush Family Farms year FA 2323... History of the Everfree by Starsw-... Lemon Cake recipe? Journal of FA 2450 Northern Expedition... What is the meaning of all this nonsense? What are you up to?”

Twilight tried to follow her teachers train of thought but was unable. Gulping nervously she spoke up. “Princess?”

Celestia looked up and into her students eyes for the first time. She smiled and spoke. “Do not worry my faithful student. Despite Miss Flowers best attempt to convince me otherwise, I know this was not you. I know quite well who it was though.”

“And who would that be princess?” Twilight asked nervously.
The regal monarch turned and looked out the window, which overlooked the gardens. “Discord.”

Several unicorns and earth ponies were moving about the study cleaning up debris and putting books back on their shelves. Miss Flowers stood at the center of activity barking orders to the workers about where things were to go. And occasionally shooting dirty looks at Twilight.
For her part the purple librarian was standing against the wall next to her teacher, trying to stay out of the way. They were both drinking the reheated tea set out for them earlier. While Twilight watched the activity in the study Celestia regarded the distant horizon out of the large picture window. The unicorn swilled the dregs of her tea around for a few moments working up courage, before finally asking the question burning in her mind. “Princess, when you said Discord did this...”

Celestia turned to her student and regarded her with intelligent eyes. “I quite meant it Twilight. Discord did indeed do this.”

She continued to watch her, almost mapping her response. “But isn’t he sealed in stone?”

The alicorn smiled and nodded. “He is indeed. But he IS a God of Chaos. I’m not sure many rules of reality apply to him. So I am actually more surprised that he mostly sealed in stone, and less that he wasn’t entirely.”

Twilight mulled over this information for a moment, then panic set in. “But doesn’t that mean he can bring about chaos?! Get free?! Ruin Equestria?!”

Celestia chuckled. “Calm down my student. He has been this way since the Element sealed him. And yes, he causes as much trouble as he can.” She gestured to the room behind them. “And yes he can escape, as he has several times. But he is easy enough to keep track off, and easy enough to predict is chaos. It is when he starts thinking rationally and doing sensible things, that is the time to worry.”

Twilight nodded and turned back to the workers. But Celestia spoke again and she turned back. “Now that this matter is settled. We can move onto the real reason I called you here.”

Twilight hung her head and expected the worst. But the princess laughed again. “Relax Twilight, it is nothing serious and you are not in any kind of trouble. But time is of the essence and I do require the help of the elements.”

The purple unicorn let out a breath she had not realised she had been holding. “Okay Princess, what do you need me to do.”
 Celestia smiled at her but shook her head. “Not here Twilight, this requires a bit more... privacy. We shall adjourn to my chambers.”

With that she turned and crossed the room. Twilight swiftly followed after her. They exited the study and crossed the hall, then began climbing a small spiral staircase. The stairs let off at the very top of the tower, in a large round room surrounded by glass. A thick white rug stretched from wall to wall. Teak furniture dotted the space, with a large bed dominating the center of the room. The rays of the setting sun shone brightly through the windows casting deep shadow and harsh light on the floor.

Twilight let out a small gasp as she admired the room, and the impressive view the windows offered. “Princess... I’ve never been to your bedroom before... this is beautiful!”

Celestia smiled at her before gesturing for her to follow. She crossed the room and circled around the bed to a small table with several cushions set around it. The alicorn sank gracefully into one, and indicated Twilight do also. Once they were properly settled in Celestia spoke.

“Now Twilight, what we are about to discuss is very sensitive in nature. And I must ask that you speak to nobody about it. Do you understand?”

Twilight was about to ask a question but she was cut off. “Even, to the other Elements. They will perform their task in this but they are better off not knowing. You however, as Magic must know what you are doing to perform it right. Do you understand?”

She nodded and Celestia resumed. “Now, when Luna underwent her transformation into Nightmare Moon, it is my belief that she lost all sense of self and perception. Meaning she has no memory of the incident. She rebelled against me and out of jealousy, refused to lower the moon. I was forced to use the Elements and banish her to the moon for one thousand years. Upon her return, and subsequent cleansing all appeared fine. But I began to notice off behavior. Incidents. Questions she would ask. It appears that whatever wall had gone up between her and the Nightmare, separating their minds and memories, was coming down. She began to remember bits and pieces of what had transpired. I also believe that should this continue, she will remember everything... and once again turn into the Nightmare.”

Silence followed her speech while Twilight tried to process the information and Celestia started down at her hooves. Finally Twilight looked up. “Okay Princess, I think I understand. What do you need me to do?”

A grin broke across the alicorns face. “Oh Twilight that is wonderful, thank you so very much.”

Twilight smiled sheepishly back “Of course Princess. Anything to help you and Luna.”

Celestia nodded in agreement. “Right. But what I need from you is the control of the Elements. The Elements are meant to be wielded by mortals but not used upon them. So while they work on an alicorn, an alicorn can not use them. I need you and the Elements to delve into Luna’s mind and reinforce the barrier between her and the Nightmare. Succeed where I failed.”

“But Princess, why can’t my friends know? They would understand completely! They would help!”
A grim look crossed Celestia’s face. “I do not doubt there convictions Twilight. But their integrity. I know they would help. But I cannot trust any but you to keep it a secret.”

“Why must it remain a secret?”

Celestia sighed. “Because I have seen Luna go through too much. I could not bear to see how ponies would treat her if they knew she still carried the Nightmare. It must stay between us.”

Twilight nodded. “I understand. I will still help. But won’t Luna know what we are doing? Won’t she be suspicious?”

The alicorn nodded again. “Yes and no. I have explained to her you are coming with the Elements to help rejuvenate her, and restore her to her full power.”

“I see. When will we be starting?”

“Immediately. The sooner the better. Please go and fetch Luna. I think she would like to see a friendly face. I will summon the Elements. Uh, incidentally. Where are your friends?”

Twilight planted her hoof on her forehead, “I’m guessing still stuck on the blasted train at the bottom of the mountain.”

“Ah yes, I do recall seeing that the Ponyville Express was in need of repairs. I will need to get on that. In the meantime I will send a chariot to recover them.”

The alicorn stood from the cushion, followed by the unicorn, and made for the stairs. However Celestia halted suddenly, nearly sending Twilight into her flanks. The princess turned to face the librarian with a quizzical expression.

“If the train is not here my student, how are you?”

“Oh, well.” Twilight said slightly embarrassed. “I was getting very impatient so I teleported to Canterlot.”

Celestia’s eyebrows shot up. “That far? It is several miles from the tracks at the bottom of the mountain to the palace gates. Your powers are getting that strong?”

Twilight crossed her hooves. “Actually Princess, I teleported directly into castle.”

If the Princess looked surprised before it was nothing compared to now. “But there are wards preventing such things? Even I was never able to do so while still keeping the sun in motion. As a matter of fact the only ponies I have known able to do that are Starswirl the Bearded and my sister. Even they could only go short distances inside the castle. I am very impressed my student, you have become incredibly powerful.”

Twilight bowed to her teacher. “I owe it all to you Princess. Thank you.”
Celestia smiled and returned the bow. “It was my pleasure Twilight. But now, we have matters to attend to. I will see to a chariot for your friends, please go collect my sister and inform her of the plan.”

Twilight nodded before lighting her horn. The last thing she saw before teleporting away was the look of pride upon her mentors face.

Stepping from the void and out in front of Luna’s chambers Twilight paused to collect her thoughts. Have to make sure my story is straight. Have to be convincing. For her own sake.

Taking a deep breath Twilight knocked on the doors. After waiting several moments with no response she knocked again. With still no response Twilight called out. “Princess Luna? It’s Twilight Sparkle? Are you here?”

She knocked again before trying the knob. To her surprise the door swung open. She called out again as she stepped into the room. But there was still no answer. She lit her horn to illuminate the dark interior and locate the Princess.

Right off the bat she saw the difference between the two sisters. Whereas Celestia had an entire tower for her chambers, Luna had only two rooms. A large bedroom/study. And what she assumed was a bath. All of the upholstery and fabric in the room was in deep black or blue. Bookshelves lined all of the walls with several desks set between them.

Twilight entered deeper into the room looking for the Princess. Not in the bed. Not at the desks. Not on the balcony. She must not be here. She turned to leave the room. I wonder where she is. She should be sleeping at this time of day. Maybe she is- Wait, what is that.

Twilight crossed the room to one of the larger desks. The large drawer was nearly ripped out of the desk. Items from the top were scattered across the floor. But what caught her eye was the compartments lone occupant. A small black clad book. With “journal” stitched in gold across the front.