//------------------------------// // The Threat of the Snow Queen // Story: The Life of the Alicorn Sisters // by Rakoon1 //------------------------------// Years have passed ever since the incident that drove Princess Ingrid to adopt her new title as the Snow Queen. Such event was a hard blow to the royal family, but their hope of bringing Ingrid back was what allowed them to hold on and move on. The news about the Princess of Winter became almost null, with the only pertinent information being that she had taken a kingdom called Oldenmark, located beyond Equestia’s northeastern border. Of course there was little information about that place, as Ingrid had turned Oldenmark into a kingdom stuck in an eternal winter that was so intense that any scout would have problems to infiltrate. Beyond all the tension about what Ingrid could be planning to do, another event came to happen. The Lord of Order had appeared to King Cosmos and Queen Galaxia to offer them a place in Harmonia, what would allow Celestia and Luna to inherit their lights, getting then the control over day and night over the Pony Reality. A great celebration was hold to honor such moment. Ponies from all over the kingdom came to watch the transition of power that was about to happen, including Princess Aurora and the Generals of Order. The doors of the throne room opened, allowing Princess Celestia and Princess Luna to get in and approach the two thrones that used to belong to their parents. Cosmos and Galaxia were waiting for them, exhibiting a proud smile. Beside them was the Lord of Order, while Aurora and her Generals were at the front line of guesses, along with Prince Orion, who now was a young adolescent. Arriving to their parents’ front, the two alicorn sisters bowed respectfully their heads, while the king and the queen replied to them with the same gesture. After that, Cosmos, placed his hooves over his daughters’ shoulders, told them: “I always knew this moment would come and I also knew that, when it did, I would have in front of me two princesses ready to take the responsibility that was fated for them since birth.” “Are you sure we’re ready, father?” Luna asked. “If you weren’t, the Lord of Order wouldn’t have asked us to step down” Cosmos replied. “Don’t worry, you’ll be great rulers to Equestia.” “Your father is right” Galaxia said, going to hug her daughters. “It is now your time to shine.” “But how can we guide an entire land when we can’t even bring back a pony of our own blood?” Celestia asked. That made Cosmos and Galaxia to share a look. They knew how much Celestia blamed herself for what happened with Ingrid and that guilt has been tormenting her for all those years. Rising up chin with a hoof so their eyes could cross, Galaxia told Celestia: “Listen to me, Celestia, you’ll be fully the Princess of the Sun and, as such, it is your duty to bring the sunlight to all creatures, but that’s not your only duty. You’ll also have the responsibility to inspire all of your subjects, giving them the hope they need to live their lives with happiness. I am certain that, if you keep the light in your heart, you will be able to bring your sister back to the right path.” Tears flooded Celestia’s eyes, while she heard the words her mother said, and a smile appeared. “Thank you, mother…” she said. “Beyond that you won’t be alone” Galaxia continued. “Luna and Orion will be with you and they will help you in what they can.” Celestia looked to Luna who nodded to her, confirming what their mother had said, and then looked to her younger brother who smiled at her tenderly. All that gave Celestia the confidence she needed. “Well, now that the inspiring speeches are done, let’s go to the most important part” the Lord of Order said. And the Book of Fates appeared before Celestia and Luna, opening on the pages that contained their images and making appear two quills. “Sign your respective pages so you can inherit your parents’ lights and start your reign over the sun and moon” the Lord of Order. The two sisters shared a look and then each one took a quill with their magic, signing their respective pages. With their pages signed, the book closed and disappeared. To the amazement of everypony present, the flowers containing the two princesses’ star seeds appeared, revealing them. The same happened with Cosmos and Galaxia and their star seeds started to transfer part of their glow to their daughters’, with Celestia’s receiving from Galaxia’s and Luna receiving from Cosmos’. When the process was over, the two princesses had their star seeds glowing at the same intensity as their parents’. The star seeds returned to the interior of their own owners. After that moment, the Lord of Order stomped his spear on the ground, opening the portal that would take Cosmos and Galaxia to Harmonia. “Well, it’s time to go” he said. “And I hope you’re brief. I don’t like to have too much light giving my brother some room of maneuver.” The king and the queen involved their daughters in a strong hug with Orion joining them. After that, Cosmos and Galaxia turned to the portal and crossed it, with it closing afterwards. “Very well, now it’s your turn to carry on your parents’ legacy” the Lord of Order said. “I can see that you two will do great things…” “And you think one of those things includes our sister?” Celestia asked. “Only time will tell” he replied. “But I can say that you two, Celestia and Luna, will be the key to stop the Snow Queen once and for all.” Having said that, the Lord of Order disappeared, leaving Equestria’s new two regents meditating about his words. In Oldenmark, Ingrid observed her army training. Since she had took over that kingdom, the Snow Queen had started to get the army stronger, using her eternal winter to do that. Since then, her warriors had become only stronger, with the weaker being put aside. It was then she felt a small magical disturbance that left her uncomfortable. “What the hell…” she said. “I believe you chose the wrong words, my dear” a voice said. Ingrid turned around and faced the Lord of Chaos. “What are you doing here?” she asked coldly. “Don’t you see I’m busy overseeing my army’s training?” “Well, I came here to tell you the last events in Equestria that may explain that feeling you had, but if you’re not interested…” “What are you talking about?” “I’m talking about the passing of testimony between your parents and your sisters” the Lord of Chaos told. “Equestria now has new rulers to give it the day and the night.” Now Ingrid understood what she had felt. That was her sisters receiving their parents’ lights. “And why did you bother to come here telling me that?” Ingrid asked to the Lord of Chaos “I’m certain that you have much more important things to do.” “Maybe, but I couldn’t resist in giving you the news” he answered. “After all, we’re talking about your parents going to Harmonia and the ascension of your sisters to their full potencial. This must be a great day for them. I suppose they’re now celebrating with all the others, everypony happy… laughing…” When the image of Celestia laughing came into Ingrid’s mind, an immense rage invaded her, what caused the snow out there to fall with more intensity, along with the wind that was now blowing much stronger. “Silence…” Ingrid said, while she tried to control herself. “I don’t want to hear any more what you have to say.” “I’m just saying this is the ideal moment to enact your revenge” the Lord of Chaos said. “With your parents out of the way, Celestia will be vulnerable to you. She may have inherited the light of your mother, but she, unlike you, didn’t grow up dominating the plenitude of your power. You have the opportunity to make her pay for what she did to you, as well everypony that turned their backs on you to stay on your side.” There was a pause where Ingrid tried to deal with what the Lord of Chaos was saying. “This is your opportunity, Ingrid, and I hope you don’t waste it” the Lord of Chaos ended before disappearing. The Snow Queen left herself be for a few moments, before a sudden determination appear on her eyes, teleporting herself then. After Celestia and Luna’s nomination as the new rulers of Equestria and bringers of the day and night, a great celebration was held. Princess Aurora and the Generals had returned to the Light Kingdom after the nomination. There was a great amount of joy being share by everypony… except one. Celestia was sitting on her new throne, observing everypony else. Luna approached her and said: “Tia, why are you here alone?” “I can’t celebrate” Celestia replied. “Not when our family is as divided as it is.” “I know what you’re feeling, but instead of lamenting for the ones who are not with us, you should celebrate with those that are still with you” Luna said. “I’m talking about me and Orion. Come on, it will be good to you.” Despite everything, Celestia didn’t manage to say no to Luna. But when they prepared to join the others, the temperature dropped quickly, getting as cold as the longest night, while ice started to cover the walls. There was an explosion of white light and Ingrid appeared in the middle of the air, flapping her wings. Everypony got shocked with her sudden appearance, a shock that soon became fear to someponies. “Ingrid…” Celestia said. “Hello, my dear subjects” she said to the ponies beneath her. “We don’t see each other for a long time.” Some pegasus guards tried to corn her, but Ingrid said: “Really?” And she used her magic to freeze their wings, causing the guards to fall. Her attention went then to her sisters. “Just look who they are” she said. “Do I have to make a bow to the new bringers of the day and night?” “What are you doing here, Ingrid?” Luna asked. “I just came to congratulate my dear little sisters” she replied. “Although that’s an honor that you don’t deserve, Celestia.” “Please, Ingrid, let’s end this” Celestia asked. “Sure, just give me Equestria and your fate and all this will end.” “But… I can’t give you Equestria…” Celestia replied. “Then it looks like we have to do this the old way” Ingrid answered. “Why do you want Equestria, anyway?” Luna asked. “You already have Oldenmark.” “I’m just reclaiming my right as the oldest sister” Ingrid told. “Well, you have to pass through us first” Luna said, charging her horn. Ingrid did the same and the two attacks collided with each other, but Ingrid’s quickly subdued Luna’s, starting to approach her. It was then that Celestia intervened with her beam, stopping Ingrid’s and then making it hit a wall. “Enough!” Celestia said, turning to Ingrid. “Come on, Ingrid, this war has to end. What happened was tragedy, but you must not let that cloud your mind…” “Spare me, Celestia” Ingrid said. “You’ll never be able to convince me with those sweet words. You’re just saying them because you know that I’m more powerful than you and Luna. But, in the name of old times, I’ll make you two a deal: you have twenty-four hours to declare your surrender to me. Do it and I’ll spare you. Of course you’ll be exiled, but you’ll continue to live. Refuse to do it or try to attack me and I’ll make sure I’ll be the last thing you’ll see. I hope you choose well.” And, having said that, she teleported herself, leaving behind a sepulchral silence. After everypony was gone, Luna approached Celestia and said: “Celestia, we have to decide what we’re going to do. The threat Ingrid did…” “I know, she was talking seriously” Celestia said. “I think it is for the best to comply to her threat.” “What?!” Luna exclaimed. “We can’t do that.” “You heard what she said” Celestia said. “She will leave us go if we deliver Equestria to her. If we refuse, she will try to take it by force and innocents will get hurt only for her to win in the end. You saw her, Luna. She is too much powerful for the two of us.” “That can be true, but we can’t give her the kingdom” Luna replied. “If we do, the Lord of Chaos will be able to corner the Light Kingdom and get close to conquer this reality. Thinking like that is not you, Tia.” But Celestia didn’t say anything, avoiding look at Luna directly. It was then that the younger sister realized: “I know what’s happening… This is because what happened to Day Glow. Celestia, you shouldn’t blame yourself for his death. That was an unfortunate accident, no matter what Ingrid says or thinks.” “It doesn’t matter, Luna!” Celestia exclaimed. “What matters is what Ingrid believes, because it’s that what moves her actions against us… against me… We can’t face her, because she’s too powerful for us. Unless you have another idea, I don’t think we have any other option.” Luna thought for a while and then said: “Then we’ll talk with the Lord of Order. Let’s go ask his help on the subject.” That made Celestia to agree, as she couldn’t find an argument against Luna’s request. At the Lord of Order’s throne room, the two alicorn sisters explained to him the situation they were into. After they finished, he said: “I always thought she would cause problems. You did well in coming to me for help. In fact, Ingrid is too much powerful and blinded by hate. Don’t worry, I will take care of her.” “Please, don’t hurt her” Celestia asked. “She’s still our sister.” “She will be contained without suffering any damages” the Lord of Order ensured. “I haven’t lost hope on her yet. And I can see you feel the same.” “One more thing, my lord” Celestia said. “We know that our parents asked you to keep what drove Ingrid into the dark path a secret. We wanted to ask you to keep that information a secret. We don’t want Ingrid to be judged for something that was not entirely her fault.” “Of course, I also wasn’t planning in breaking that promise that I did to Cosmos and Galaxia” the Lord of Order answered. “And I have in mind the perfect pony to the mission. A pony capable of obeying without making any questions…” In Oldenmark, Ingrid was observing from her balcony her army getting ready in case her sisters refused to give her Equestria. She wouldn’t let them stay with what was hers by right. “You know, I liked you more when your heart wasn’t frozen” a voice said. Ingrid turned around and faced Heartbeat. “What are you doing here?” the Snow Queen asked. “How did you manage to pass by my guards?” “Answering to your last question, I used my swift nature” Heartbeat replied. “Now, about your first question, I think you know the reason why I’m here, because you announced it to anypony who wanted to hear it.” “So my sisters are so afraid of me they prefer send a little General to do their dirty job, didn’t they?” “First, it was the Lord of Order that sent me… at your sisters’ request” the General of Affection said. “Second, it was hard for them to do it. And third, I may be small, but I’m the most powerful General of Order that serves Princess Aurora.” “You think you scare me?” Ingrid asked. “I am the Snow Queen and I can freeze anything, even star seeds. I can freeze completely.” “I know you can” Heartbeat said. “I know everything you are capable of. You can’t say the same about me.” Ingrid chuckled and then told: “I think you’re underestimating me, Heartbeat” “No, you’re overestimating yourself” the General replied. “You don’t know me, Ingrid, not even the full extent of my powers.” It was then that Ingrid tried to attack Heartbeat, but it was then that something immobilized her, while she felt her rage and hate slipping away, while an immense joy invaded her. At that moment, she realized she was no longer in her castle. Actually, she didn’t even remember it, not even Oldenmark and her search for revenge against Celestia. She now was on the place where she met Day Glow, having a romantic picnic with him. Nothing more mattered to her beyond that moment… The truth was that was only an illusion inside her mind created by Heartbeat. Ingrid was immobilized with an empty look and a faint smile. “Ponies talk about Mirror Coat’s illusions with mirrors, but my illusions are better because they use the victims’ own emotions against them, giving them what they want so they don’t escape” Heartbeat said, while walking around Ingrid. “Your heart may be frozen, but I managed to find a way to get in. Don’t worry, the illusion will not last. Only until I put you in a place in a place where you can’t do stupid things.” And Heartbeat summoned a golden urn and then said to Ingrid: “I’m sorry to do this.” And she opened the urn and pointed it to Ingrid. She then turned into a white liquid that then was absorbed by the urn that was closed by Heartbeat. After having imprisoned Ingrid, Heartbeat took the urn to Tartarus, where she placed it in one of the cells in the solitary, sealing it then. With the loss of their queen, Oldenmark elected a new monarch, but, due to the time Ingrid had ruled, her magic entangled with the land, causing it to be covered by the eternal winter. What happened was hard to both Celestia and Luna, but they knew that it was necessary to keep the peace in the world. However, they still had hope that Ingrid would still come back to them and then they could be a family like before.