The dim horizon beckoned to Celestia, as her father's grief spilled beneath her wings. She turned her focus outward to the subtle warm light rising from above the hilltops and mountains. It called to her, and she could almost hear her name whispering through the winds and the scarlet glow illuminating the clouds above.
Celestia closed her eyes and lit her horn, and once more found herself at the helm of her golden chariot on a pilgrimage through the heavens. From her right she saw nothing; a terminal void of emptiness that pulled her as she continued to stare. Out from her left, a brilliant star bloomed and coalesced from the dark. Like a flower spreading its petals, like an angel spreading its wings, its rays like many outstretched hands brought light and comfort to the universe. Celestia's breath stilled, her eyes captivated by the dancing of the star's golden light, its violet aura, and the ribbons of shimmering color slithering in every direction. She could hear the light silently whispering her name as it grew greater in size and luminance, and at its heart she then saw the form of a stallion. His wings spanned either side of his body, his mane blazed and swirled around him, his eyes golden and bright as the light radiating from his being. Celestia knew his face instantly, like no other. He bore a face of gleeful welcome, opening his arms to greet a lost loved one. Celestia's face brightened as she reached for his grasp, and to her delight he took hold.
With her chariot of the skies now accompanied by her passenger, Celestia continued her journey across the ethereal plane. Before they could get far, the void behind them took shape and formed a voracious black wolf, eager to consume them. Celestia commanded her coach to make haste, and the wolf chased closely behind, baring its teeth like knives. The two rushed through the etherium to seemingly no end, and Celestia was unsure of where they would go to escape the clutches of the ravenous beast behind them. But then, far in the distance, land began to form. The stallion by her side put forth his arm, and dust and gas joined to create rippling hills and valleys. Rivers and lakes filled with shimmering water by the whim of his other hoof, and his countenance gave life and purity to the newly formed world. Celestia recognized it by this point as the lands surrounding Canterlot.
Aurelius slowed his breathing and uncovered his face, feeling a sense of relief after so much anguish. He sensed the heat of daylight casting onto every inch of his body not shielded by his daughter, and looked up to see that the sun had risen without his doing. His tears dried, and his sadness evaporated into the warming air. Celestia had done it; she raised the sun. Aurelius faced her with a look of incredulity. Celestia opened her eyes while the light faded from her horn, and when she saw the sun in the sky she overflowed with joy.
"You did it," Aurelius said softly. "You raised the sun..."
Celestia withdrew her wings and looked to her father, her expression brightening. "I thought of you this time."
Aurelius leaned forward and wrapped his arms around Celestia into a tight and warmly reciprocated hug. "I always knew you could do it, my dear sunshine."
"Well that's wonderful, Father," Celestia said, "because I didn't."
Aurelius formed a welcome smile and chuckled after hearing her remark. "Father knows best, like I always used to say. On your second try though, that is quite astonishing!"
"Maybe not so much. It is my duty, after all."
"Truly," Aurelius said, "Equestria is blessed to have you both by their side." He stood and made his way back inside. "Join us for breakfast?"
Celestia followed behind. "Certainly," she said. "Oh, I do still wonder though, does this change your mind at all about myself and Silver?"
Aurelius sighed. "Not now, Celestia. We'll discuss it at a later time. For the moment, you are still expected to address the Coltlumbia attack today. I hope you will have some words prepared by the afternoon."
"Don't worry," Celestia said. "I know just what to say."
Later that afternoon, crowds began to gather around the entrance and outer courtyard of the Canterlot castle, all waiting to hear the royal family's plan of action for the Changeling attack on Coltlumbia. Celestia stepped out to the lower balcony, Aurelius and Lucretia watching from indoors. Luna stood by their side; Celestia gestured for her to come out and join her, but Luna declined. A mare with a notepad and quill was allowed onto the balcony with Celestia, presumably to record her speech for the presses. Celestia approached the edge of the railing, and observed the many faces down below. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath. Were it not for the weight of the matter which brought them together, such a sight would normally lighten her spirits, but not today.
"My dear and loyal subjects," Celestia said, her royal Canterlot voice echoing far and wide. "Not two days prior, and with no prior provocation, the ponies of our great land were set upon by the ancient terror known as the Changeling Empire. Such an attack had not since been seen in over two-and-a-half thousand years, when Lord Magnus waged war against their forces and halted their campaign of world domination.
"The fishing village of Coltlumbia, by my own observation, had been infiltrated and compromised by Changeling usurpers, and was subsequently pillaged by invading forces due east of the Horseshoe Bay. Despite my best efforts, only a few could be saved, and I regret to tell you that many good lives were lost. Survivors of the harrowing attack have taken refuge in the city of Baltimare, and their homes will be rebuilt at no cost to them.
"We had observed no warning or hint that this attack was imminent, but rest assured that we have thus far seen no signs of a future strike. Every measure shall be taken to investigate the origins of this event, and every inch of Equestrian soil, every Equestrian coast and beach will be kept under the watch of our guard and military forces to keep our subjects safe and secure. Make no mistake, there is hostility in the far reaches of the world, and there are those who would seek to subvert our interests and destroy us from the inside out. Our people, our territory, and our vision for this great nation can be maintained only by our continued strength and unity. No matter how long it may take, we will never rest until every mare, stallion, filly, and colt within our reach can sleep soundly for every night of their lives. With confidence in our reign and faith in our forces, with the endless determination of our people, we shall prevail."
The audience erupted into applause, and Celestia did her best to avoid looking directly at the constant camera flashes dotting the assembly below. The mare at the doorway finished her scribbling, gave a quick "thank you", and left. Celestia returned indoors and met with Aurelius and Lucretia.
"How did I do?" she asked.
"Very becoming of Equestria's new ruler," Aurelius said. "Eloquently put, and absent of fear. Remember always that your subjects will follow your example, and they will look to you for how they should feel. If you look confident, they'll feel confident."
"Your first move, if I may suggest, Celestia," Lucretia added, "should be directed towards the lands of ice and rock to the far south of the known world. I sense a great and dark presence there... Latrodectis may yet be alive after all."
"Latrodectis?" Celestia asked. "I recall that name from our youth. She was the leader of the Changelings, she led the charges that advanced worldwide and attempted to turn all living things into cattle for them to consume and feed. Her plans were put to an end when the Empire and its subjects united and destroyed them. I thought she was dead."
"I thought she was too," Lucretia said, "but my visions do not lie. A spidery foe, bounded by a sea of glaciers, shifting and forming at will. Its eye fixed on our world, seeking to savor our life and love. You may yet need to take up my father-in-law's shoes and fight once more, my dear daughter."
"If I could only find a way not to fight," Celestia said. "My heart has had its fill of bloodshed at their hands."
"I understand, Celestia," Aurelius said. "No leader ever wants to sacrifice their people in the name of war, but sometimes there is no choice. Every soldier and legionnaire is more than happy to give their life to protect their keep, and they will follow you to the ends of this world."
"And I'll always have you both to guide me, will I not?" Celestia asked. They did not respond at first; Aurelius looked away, then back to Celestia.
"We will be with you for as long as we can, Celestia, but you mustn't rely on us. You're a fully grown mare now, and the responsibility of the Crown lies with you. Have faith in yourself, as we have faith in you." Aurelius smiled briefly. "If you'll excuse us, we have a few important matters to attend to. I'll see you at sundown - we shall see if you can repeat your success this morning." With that, Aurelius and Lucretia left the hall, leaving Celestia behind with Luna.
"You have such a way with crowds, dear sister," Luna said. "Although this bit of news with Latrodectis is very troubling."
"Indeed," Celestia said. "I never thought enough about the true responsibilities of being a ruler. It feels a bit much sometimes, and now I have the possible threat of war lingering over my head."
"I did, and I knew that such things would come eventually. But you are not alone, never let that thought dwell in your mind. You'll always have me to help and support you, and you have our vast armies by your side. Besides, we have something, an ancient weapon that the Changelings and all their armies don't have or even know about. We have the Elements of Harmony."
Celestia raised her eyebrows slightly. "The Elements of Harmony? Oh, dear Luna, I know you mean well but we cannot trust the crafts and sorceries of a bygone era. Lord Magnus and our forebears delved too deeply into esoteric studies and arcane constructs."
"Are you perhaps referring to the esoteric studies that granted them their cities in the sky?" Luna asked.
"It worked in their favor when they built their magnificent floating capitals, yes, but the Elements have never been fully tested. We have no knowledge of their effects or what they will do to us, only the rumors. Whispers of change in appearance and even personality, or changing one's destiny beyond what they were intended for. It may work in our favor against our enemies, but it will have an effect on us as well."
"So we might look different afterwards, I wouldn't consider that a big deal. The benefits far outweigh the risks here."
"It's not just that, Luna," Celestia said. "Those are just the rumors. We have no idea what will happen if we use the Elements, and even something that may sound benign like a change in personality could be much more sinister. For all we know, we could be changed into incompetents, or worse, power-hungry tyrants."
"My sister, you're worrying over nothing. These are just rumors. If we use the Elements, this impending war could be over before it begins."
"How do we even know they will work as intended? We only have Magnus' notes to give us even a hint of what they're meant to do. It would be foolish to trust them alone. My answer is a firm no."
Luna's brow furrowed, and her expression heated. "So you would sacrifice our armies, send them away to another battlefield away from their families when Magnus left us a better solution right here? Do you not find that foolish?"
Celestia gave an exasperated sigh. "I said no, and I mean it!" Her voice pierced Luna's defenses and echoed through the large walls and pillars of the grand hall. Luna threw her a nasty scowl and then hastily left the hall, slamming the doors shut behind her. Celestia watched her sister leave and sighed once more, but this time more softly. Her nerves rattled, and her feet felt heavy. At heart, she had no idea what she wanted to do, or what decision was best. She would meet with her sister to ensure that she was okay, but for the time being Celestia's duty was to the sun.
Evening soon came, and Celestia met with Aurelius in their castle's private courtyard, once more outside the dining hall. She looked out to the horizon, beyond the whistling trees, the breeze flowing through her mane. Under her father's watch, she closed her eyes, and a soft light danced around her ivory horn. The sun soon began to lower, setting fire to the world and clouds around it and unveiling a curtain of starlight above. Aurelius smiled.
"Very good, Celestia!" he said excitedly. "Thanks to your achievement, I no longer have to wake so early."
Celestia laughed. "And also, I've mastered one of our family's most important duties."
"Indeed, it is quite an important milestone for your life."
"But not the only," Celestia said, facing Aurelius. "You promised we would discuss this. What do you see between myself and Silver?"
Aurelius' smile faded. His eyes were wistful, glistening with his long years of wisdom and experience. He didn't so much move, but so looked into his daughter's eyes in his sullen gaze. "I saw nothing in your future but heartbreak. There is nothing for you with that stallion."
Celestia sighed and returned her gaze to the mountains beyond. Harbored by their white towers, she stared into the distance, befallen by forlonging and sorrow. "Forgive my disbelief, Father, but I see only life and happiness. What bitter curse could give way to your disapproval?"
"Your grace, your immortality will outdo him," Aurelius said. "He will sooner or later leave the world, whether through time or untimely demise. He will leave behind a legacy of triumph, he will pass down his greatness and wisdom to a new generation of life, but here you will dwell forever, as life turns to unlife and as the fading trees finally give way."
Celestia could feel her heart sinking. Her vision blurred as her eyes welled, but she maintained her composure as Aurelius continued. "You will be left in your grief, as all you had once known becomes unknown and all you have loved becomes a distant history in the passage of time. To be bound to a fleeting image of mortality is to be cursed for all of existence."
The stillness of their stone courtyard took hold. As the sunset gave in to blackness, grief had set hold in Celestia's heart, her tearful eyes focused on nothing more than what was to come. She struggled to catch her breath. Her thoughts conflicted; she loved this stallion, more than anything, but she had now realized that he would not be around long. Breathing heavily, she ran to hug Aurelius, who returned the gesture warmly.
"I am sorry, my dear Celestia," he spoke softly. "I will leave the choice to you, but choose well."
They ended their embrace, and Aurelius held Celestia's chin with his hoof. His solemn expression became a warm but slight smile. "Know that no matter the choice you make, I will still be here for you, my daughter. You will always have our love."
"You'll always have mine too, father." Celestia managed a brief smile of her own, gave Aurelius a brief nuzzle under his chin, and returned inside, lost in thought. As much as she hated it, her father was right. Just as the sun set outside their gleaming palace, so too had it set in her soul.
Lucretia's pale moonlight touched every corner of the world in that moment, and Celestia knew what she had to do. This was for the best, she thought. Her heart felt heavy, her mind raced with conflicting thoughts, imaginings of both white and black veils. His subtle touch, and the sting of his passing. Lost in the streets of Canterlot, unphased by the polite greetings of passersby, Celestia ventured forth to Ponyville to meet with Silver Brighthoof.
With a few knocks on the door to the Apple family's home, she was greeted by Ginger Gold, who smiled as she recognized Celestia.
"Well hi there, Princess Celestia, what a surprise to see you! Is there something I can help you with?"
"I, um, came to see Silver Brighthoof," Celestia said. "Is he home?"
"I haven't seen him recently," Ginger said. "He might still be out in the fields. Bless his soul, that boy stays out late all the time."
"Ah, well thank you. I'll let you know once I've found him."
Celestia then began to search through Sweet Apple Acres for Silver. First the nearby barn, where she found only cattle and straw. She then searched the apple orchards, and saw only apple trees and empty baskets. Celestia searched all over the farm, growing increasingly worried as she failed to find him. She returned to the farmhouse and once more hurriedly knocked on the door, again greeted by Ginger Gold.
"I can't find him!" Celestia said, a distraught expression on her face.
"He's not outside?" Ginger asked. "You looked every which way? Didn't see hide nor hair of him?"
"Not a soul, anywhere!"
Ginger's face went pale, and she ran back inside yelling for Jonah to come downstairs. The two ponies momentarily re-emerged carrying lanterns, and the three fanned out in every direction to hunt for Silver Brighthoof. With no luck, they returned to the farmhouse.
"Maybe he just went out...?" Celestia asked.
"Not a chance," Jonah said. "Silver never leaves the farm, except to sell our food. Never feels a reason to otherwise. And we wouldn't send him out this late."
"You don't think..." Ginger started. "... you don't think those Changelings took him?"
"Is there no other explanation?" Celestia asked. "Perhaps he went exploring and got lost?"
"I hope you're right, Princess," Ginger said. "He may not be blood, but he's family to us, and we don't want anything bad happening to him. Can you find him, Princess? Please?"
"Well, I need to speak with him in any case, so yes, I will search for him. Worry not, Ginger Gold, I will find Silver."
Ginger and Jonah both then hugged her. "Thank you, Princess Celestia!"
Celestia hugged them back. "You're very welcome, Ginger and Jonah Gold. I will return with Silver, or not at all!"
Celestia left Sweet Apple Acres, but then realized that she had no idea of where to look first. There were no unusual clues on the farm, and nothing indicating where he had gone. As she pondered, she then heard a fell voice in the air... a distant sound of singing, the wisps of a siren calling Celestia's name. She felt compelled to follow the voice, having a strong feeling inside that it had something to do with Silver. Perhaps he heard the voice and followed it as well? She followed the sounds out of town and into the countryside, eventually taking flight to cover ground more quickly.
After some time, Celestia spotted a structure on the ground below and landed nearby. She closed her wings and reached the top of a hill, overlooking the green but darkened valley below. The veil of night had now overshadowed this land's regular beauty, and even the usual light of the stars could not penetrate the clouds above. In the distance, a ruined spire could be seen. Its pillars of stone and marbled arches jutted into the sky, despite its decay still appearing defiant and desperate to continue its former glory. Celestia recognized it soon enough, having been told of its early splendor by Aurelius. "The watchtower of Turra Galaxia..."
As she observed the tower, a thought occurred in her mind, which in moments grew into a strong sensation. With no doubt, she knew that Silver was there. Overrun with urgency, she began to gallop forward, drawn to the withering tower. She began to feel a sense of reassurance, almost as if a benevolent force was guiding her to her other half.
She soon landed upon the main entrance to the tower, and a new sense of mystique took her. She had never herself seen the antiquities of the Solar Empire, and as delighted as she was to finally get a close look, this feeling was overcome by the conflicting sense of unease and dread, due to its darkened doorways and empty windows among the bleak surroundings. Swallowing her fear, she stepped inside, and quickly formed a ball of magical light at the tip of her horn so she could illuminate the path ahead.
The strange singing could be heard again, whispering through the dim corridors and reverbrating through the cobwebs that had grown between the old paintings of Celestia's long forgotten ancestors. The faint voice called to her, leading her upwards past the crumbling galleries and empty armories inhabited by common insects and pestilence expected of such a tomb, given to distant memory. She ran, feeling as though the voice had belonged to the presence of an archaic matriarch wishing to guide her to Silver.
She eventually found herself at the top of the tower, its breathtaking view once again underplayed by its immediate surroundings. Many statues encircled the stone courtyard, all bearing crowns and brandishing carvings of mighty swords reflecting their kingdoms of old. At the center of the circular and arched platform lied a stone table, upon which Celestia had at last found him: Silver Brighthoof, injured but unconscious, lay motionless atop the platform. Celestia gave out a gasp, delighted to have finally discovered the stallion, yet worried for his condition. "Silver!"
As she ran towards him, one of the statues turned its head in her direction. Spotting this bizarre movement from the corner of her eye, Celestia stopped in her tracks, and turned to examine the stone carving. They appeared to share eye contact, and she detected a strange sense of life.
The statue appeared to form a scowl on its stone face, and in a quick instant a pair of glowing green eyes appeared, the air was filled with a roaring deep hiss and the statue jumped towards Celestia, knocking her onto the ground. The carving's true form was revealed, the blackened form of a Changeling.
As Celestia regained her stance, wide-eyed and heart racing, the other five statues changed their form as well, appearing as more of these creatures. As they closed in around Celestia, their profane magic lifted Silver into the air, before the newly unveiled moon.
"And who would you be, the unfortunate traveler, who dares to come between the Changeling and their prey?" hissed one of the creatures, an evil grin forming on their dark face.
"I recognize this one's sickening light from afar," another of them piped in, showing a strong animosity in their words. "The spawn of the bright lord's loins!"
"It matters little to me," the first Changeling growled. "All flesh, all rotted softlings, all soon dead. Harboring our feed, the succulent love we shall absorb!" As if a great serpent had been awoken, the sounds of these foul creatures could not be mistaken. Celestia recognized them as well. Despite her trembling, she backed away no further, and took a step forward. Her face of fright became that of courage and determination.
"You stand before the new Princess of Equestria," she proclaimed, "the almighty progeny of many Kings and Queens of old. The ruler of this land, and all the lands that have come before it. I know you dark creatures as you are, and I demand that you return to the nothingness from whence you came. I intend to take my dear Silver Brighthoof, and I will leave with him."
The Changelings hesitated for a moment, but in their brash ignorance stood firm. "Your bright lords and softlings will soon kneel in terror before the Changeling Empire, and you will scatter like whimpering curs! You are naught but the living shadow of greater legacies, oh wretched and desperate one!"
The creatures then voiced their vile cries and charged at Celestia. She lowered her head and closed her eyes. A bright light exploded from her horn, sounding of lightning, spiraling outward into her surroundings and echoing into the booming distance. In an instant, the beasts were no more, only sparse piles of dried fragments in their wake.
Celestia took a moment to catch her breath. The faint singing stopped, replaced by the nightly sounds of wind and crickets. She ran to Silver's side, who lied still motionless on the table. Celestia pressed her ear to his chest, and was relieved to find that he was still alive. After a moment he began to stir, and his eyes opened slightly. "Wh-where... Where am I..."
"Oh, thank goodness!" Celestia hugged onto Silver and kissed his cheek. "You're safe," Celestia said softly. "We're in the hold of my ancestors, atop one of their creations. You were taken by Changelings, but they are no more."
"Changelings...?" he whispered. "I don't recall any Changelings, outside of my nightmares... I dreamed that they were devouring me alive, sucking my soul dry. The last thing I remember, I was hit over the head by a strange mare asking me if I was single."
Celestia chuckled. "I guess she didn't like the answer."
"I don't find it very funny, Celestia."
"Let's get you out of here," Celestia said, lifting him onto her back with her magic. "There are far fouler things in the depths of the ancient world than Changelings."
As they began to make their exit, Celestia spotted a dark figure standing ominously on the other end of the hall leading out to the courtyard. She could not make out any features, but it took the shape of a stallion. She once more heard the whispering, this time becoming more loud and aggressive. The singing evolved into ranting, and images flashed into her mind of a decorated warrior bearing the armor and insignias of the Solar Empire. Celestia felt an overwhelming sensation of anger flowing from the figure, but before she could react it suddenly zoomed toward them. Its darkness fell and illuminated a bright spectre, a skeletal armored form phasing and wisping like torn cobwebs. Before it could reach them, Celestia fired a bolt of light into its chest. The spectre's wail echoed into the night as it dissipated, and Celestia quickly flew away from the tower with Silver in tow.
They set down in a nearby forest, and Silver managed to stand up on his own under the trees, donned blue by Lucretia's blessing. Celestia's magenta eyes soon and once again became lost in his, but she retained focus, not a sound but the running water of a nearby river.
"Silver, I am so glad that you're alright, but... I needed to speak with you about something."
"Well, alright," Silver said. "What about?"
"You..." Celestia said. "You love me... don't you?"
Silver's face went slightly red, and he looked down and smiled. "Yeah... Yeah, I do. I would've thought it was obvious. Even when I was a kid I had a crush on you. You make me feel crazy sometimes, you know."
Celestia sighed. "I love you too..." - Silver's smile widened - "... and that's exactly the problem."
"What?" Silver asked. "What do you mean, what's wrong?" Celestia did not answer, and he took notice of her troubled and sullen expression. "What is it, Celestia? You can tell me." He spoke softly, and moved in closer in an attempt to comfort her, his nose touching against hers. This act of affection warmed Celestia's heart for a moment, but her mind raced with the distant pain of his inevitable death. She closed her eyes tightly and winced slightly, but this did little to stop her internal conflict from rolling down her cheeks as she stepped back.
"There's something that I must tell you, Silver," Celestia said. "I regret that I never told you this before, and I understand if it upsets you."
Silver was confused by this sudden act of rejection, and somewhat hurt, but he was intent on hearing Celestia's trouble and helping any way he could. "What is it?"
"My family and I, we're not like common ponies. We're alicorns by birth, we have abilities and gifts not given to any other than Equestria's rulers. The common pony is mortal, afflicted by the decay of time," Celestia said, observing his serious expression, likely knowing what was coming next. "You will die... and I will not." She looked away at the ground and closed her eyes, as the fireflies took light and flew around them.
"So, you mean to say that even after I live as long as I can, you will still be the same age, and you'll continue living forever?"
Celestia nodded softly. "I don't think I could stand the pain of your passing. With how I feel about you, Silver, I don't ever want to lose you."
"So you're trying to lose me now? My dear sunshine, my dear Celestia. You're focusing on the wrong side of it! I'm sure this has been said to death, but don't be sad that something is over, be glad that it happened! Think of it this way, you have the chance to make me the happiest stallion in all of Equestria for the rest of my life. That's a good seventy or so years at the most, and then you'll have the company of our possible progeny. I'll always be with you in spirit, and you'll never be alone, because I'll always be in your memories."
Celestia looked back up at Silver, and a new smile crept along her face. Her outlook began to change; she would have the chance to observe their legacy first hand, even long after he passed on. As if the fire of the sun had once more taken hold of her heart, she approached Silver again and wrapped her arms around him, her nose caressing his neck. They ended the hug and looked into each other's eyes, and without warning Silver pressed his lips against hers. Celestia's body melted, and wrapped her arms around his neck while closing her eyes. Her heart raced, and sparks flew in her mind and soul. After Silver ended the kiss, Celestia felt dazed, and her knees felt weak.
"Looks like you enjoyed that," Silver said with a smile. Celestia could only grin and giggle for a few moments after.
"Th-thank you ever so much, Silver," she eventually said. "I spent this whole time dwelling on myself without even thinking about you."
Silver smiled. "I understand, Tia. I can't pretend to know what it must be like for you, but the fact that you're willing to stay with me despite my limited time here is the sweetest thing I've ever heard of."
Celestia chuckled, once again looking into his eyes. "You probably shouldn't bring up kids this early, though. You have yet to even meet my parents!"
Silver blushed and looked away, chuckling nervously. "Oh, um, right."
"Let's get you home, shall we?" Celestia said.
"Yeah, that would be great... wait, NONONONONONONO-"
Celestia's wing spread apart, and the ground dropped from under Silver's hooves. "You're going to drop me one of these days, Celestia, and if you do I swear to Equus I'll strangle you!" he shouted. Celestia laughed, secure in her grasp, and carried him across the land back to Sweet Apple Acres.