This story is a sequel to Before the Dawn

Over 1,000 years ago, King Sombra took hold of the Crystal Empire and cast a curse upon it and its ponies. Luna and Celestia mourned the fall of the Empire and blamed themselves for failing its inhabitants.

Years later, the Crystal Empire has returned, and Twilight Sparkle and her friends have been sent off to free it from the evil clutches of King Sombra. But not everypony is in support of Twilight's mission. Luna remembers Sombra as he was before the evil Nightmist took hold of him and turned him into an evil tyrant. It is she who wishes to go to the Empire and save him if at all possible.

But Celestia will not allow it.

Now, as the ponies celebrate the Empire's freedom, Luna dream walks to ease the ache in her heart. In her ethereal form, however, she feels a presence in the distance and knows that she must follow it no matter where it leads...
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This is a follow up to Before the Dawn. It is not necessary to read the story before this, but it will mean more to you if you do.

Cover art provided by: Inkyheart. Thank you! Please visit the artist here: Nekomemel