Wait! So Rarity's being impersonated by a changeling? And Twilight too? And... the rest of the Elements of Harmony?

Okay. So what's the big deal again?

UPDATE: labeled as complete. I really can't think of anything else to add to this story. The second chapter will remain as a bonus.

At first glance, Princess Luna's charioteers might appear to be little more than Royal Guards dressed in festive apparel for Nightmare Night. However, there is far more to the story than that - the Night Guards once played a pivotal role in the history of Equestria, and have sacrificed more for their beloved princess than most ponies are even aware of.

Following the return of the Crystal Empire, Twilight begins some intensive research into the history of the Empire and its late king. Modern historians know next to nothing about the enigmatic dark mage. Who was he? Did he have family? Loved ones?

The answers to those questions changes everything the Element of Magic knows about herself, and in doing so catches the attention of a shadow that yet clings to the frailty of life...

Cover art made by Skijarama!
Reading can be found here.
Edited by RC2101_Copey.
Featured on 20/10/2018.
Russian Translation: Here

Twilight Sparkle has fulfilled her destiny and become the sole ruler of Equestria.

Unfortunately, at her first council meeting, she learns a terrible truth.

Equestria is a bit of a mess.

Pinkie is looking for more lucrative work so that she can eventually start her own bakery, so she's applied to be one of the Night Guard. The job pays well, and the benefits are fantastic...

But in order for her to take the job she has to undergo a change.

Is it worth transforming into a Thestral for 750 bits a week and full health and dental? She'll have to think carefully.

This story is a sequel to Discord's Time Travel Trip.

Somehow, (Discord), someway (definitely Discord), Nightmare Moon meets her future self. (It’s all because of Discord.)

How will she react to seeing the mare she’s destined to become? And how will Luna feel when confronted by her dark past?

(For those of you who will ask, this Discord is the younger Discord of the previous fic.)

*Spoilers for Season 8 episode 24 & 25 “School Raze”*

An ordinary day takes a turn for the worst when magic begins to disappear all over equestria. According to Princess Celestia, and her old mentor, Starswirl the Bearded, unless they find out what is responsible for this catastrophe in three days.......all magic in their world will vanish into the ether.

Forever.

But thanks to a certain filly who serves as assistant to Princess Twilight in her School, our heroes may have a lead on who is responsible for enticing this insidious curse upon their world. Someone who is already known for his ability to steal magic in order to gain new strength.

The evil centaur, Lord Tirek.

But he’s in Tartarus, isn’t he? At least, that’s what everypony believes, still. And yet, all signs seem to point in HIS direction. As such, the Mane Six find no choice but to venture to the infernal prison, and see for themselves. And if he IS there, perhaps they can obtain answers as to why Equestrian Magic is vanishing. When they DO find him, they may end up finding a dreadful surprise in store for them: one of them being the devious appearance of their originally aged foe.

And in the end, they might find themselves paying a great price for the safety of their world.