After the battle with the warlocks we quickly returned to Arcana Castle. Several ponies had been injured during the fight and needed treatment, and there were prisoners to interrogate. A detachment was left in the castle ruins to make sure they were indeed clear of any threats and to ambush any warlocks who might seek sanctuary within. While Mother fussed over me, my rescue had largely been overshadowed by Morning’s apotheosis. Everypony of importance wished to speak with her, and I found myself pushed aside to deal with the great news of the hour.
Corva returned to my mind soon after leaving my former prison. She said she had recovered from her fatigue, but had been unable to contact me during mine imprisonment due to wards placed over the castle. In truth I was unsure what to believe; a great part of me wished to swim in the magic she offered and the luxurious sensations that came with that great power, but I had my reservations. Stalwart had said my behavior changed during the duel with Topaz, and thinking back on that fight had left me perturbed. Despite Corva’s assurances that ‘twas fine to start drawing on her power once again, I decided not to do so for now. There was enough for me to occupy myself in the aftermath of my rescue, in any event.
I dearly wished to speak with Morning and Mother, but as soon as we returned to the castle they sequestered themselves in meetings I was not privy to. My chief desire thwarted, I concentrated on something else that had been plaguing my thoughts since my capture. I had traveled with Subtle for the trip back to the castle and had spoken with her over several matters, and she agreed to lead me to the pony I wished to speak with.
“My thanks for showing me the way,” I told Subtle as we walked the castle hallways. “Thy services are always welcome.”
“But of course.” Subtle flashed me a wry smile. “Even if I am afraid I will not be in your service for much longer.”
I tilted my head. “What dost thou mean?”
“I have a new mission.” She held up a hoof to her lips in a gesture of silence. “Mine apologies, but I cannot speak of it. Mayhaps I can return to you when I am done and tell you of my grand adventure, but until then my lips are sealed.”
“Ah, I understand.” It perturbed me to hear this, but I understood the logic of it. I did not enjoy the idea of Subtle leaving my service, but she was an agent of the crown first and would go where she was told. “Best of luck with thy new assignment.”
“Thank you.” Subtle stopped in front of a door. “He is in here.”
“My thanks. I would speak with thee again before thy departure, if possible.” It seemed right to arrange Subtle a dinner and perhaps a gift. Her service had been valuable to me, and it only seemed proper to show mine appreciation.
“I am sure it can be arranged.” Subtle placed a hoof on my shoulder, and the usual casual joy in her tone was cast aside. “Are you okay with going in by yourself? I can come with if you need it.”
I shook my head. “I will be fine. There are words I wish to say that I would prefer to remain private.”
“If you are sure.” Subtle removed her hoof. “I will leave you to it, then.”
She departed, and I entered the castle hospital. After speaking with one of the doctors I was lead to the bed Stalwart lay upon. His side was bandaged up, but ‘twas a relief to see that he was indeed alive. I feared the worst when Moonwatch ambushed him and had fretted during mine imprisonment. Though that relief was all too quickly replaced by worry and other unpleasant feelings.
“Stalwart? 'Tis I, Midnight.” I moved so that he could better see me.
Stalwart groaned and shifted to get a better look at me. His smile was tired, but genuine. “Midnight. ‘Tis good to see that you are alive and well.”
“Thanks to Mother and Morning,” I said. “How art thou?”
Stalwart sighed and looked to his barrel where he had been wounded by Moonwatch’s blade. “I have been better.”
I grimaced and sat by his bed. “When I saw thee injured on the floor... I worried I had lost thee.”
“I was more than a little worried I had fought my last battle as well.” Stalwart’s wing twitched and his ears flattened. “And in truth, perhaps I have regardless.”
My heart clenched. “What dost thou mean?”
Stalwart sighed and his ears wilted. “You are yet young enough to heal from such wounds. I ... am not. Mine old wound from the war still aches when it rains, and I doubt this one will be any kinder to me. Even once I recover I doubt I will be as able as I was. That being the case, I feel my time as your bodyguard is over. I am too old and hurt to keep up with somepony who runs as fast as you, and ‘twould likely be wiser to find someone younger and more vigorous to watch over you.”
“I see.” I sniffed and my eyes started stinging. “I am sorry thou wert injured on my behalf.”
Stalwart reached out to place a hoof on mine. “That is part of my job. ‘Twas certainly no failing of thine.”
My throat clenched and tears started flowing down my cheeks as the guilt grew. “I am not so sure. I could have been faster, stronger, wiser over the past few days. If I had been, then...” Mine eyes flicked over his wounds. Wounds inflicted by Moonwatch that I had been unable to do anything about. Once again I had been found wanting, and another pony that depended on me had been harmed. Instead I was captured, and needed rescue by others. ‘Twas just like how I had been helpless to aid Red Steel back in Appleton, or the ponies that had been harmed in Honeyfield. What was the point of the power I possessed if it could not even help those around me?
“Or if I had been more attentive and noticed Moonwatch behind me.” Stalwart shook his head. “And I think if we should place any blame for it, ‘twould be on him. He put a knife in my back.”
My thoughts hardened as they turned to the loathsome creature that was Moonwatch. “At least now he is dead.” (1)
1. Moonwatch was never seen again after this point in time, and given he was never the most subtle of ponies, it’s fair to say that he did indeed die.
The corner of Stalwart’s mouth smirked. “I am glad you avenged my wounds.”
I rubbed my leg. “That was Morning, actually.” I explained to him everything that happened after I my capture excluding everything involving Corva. Best not to worry him overmuch while he was recovering.
“She ... what? She is an alicorn?!” Stalwart quickly tried to sit up, but immediately regretted it as pain wracked him.
Mine ears fell flat to my head. “I saw it with mine own eyes: she had wings, and her power was greater than it ever was. Unless something is amiss, she is indeed an alicorn.” No small part of me worried that she might instead be a false alicorn, and that something below the surface might be wrong with her. It had happened a hooffull of times when ponies had attempted apotheosis. I prayed desperately that ‘twas not so. I wished for this to be the miracle it appeared to be. If ‘twas not and Morning had done what she had to save my life...
“But how?” Stalwart asked, irrespective of my internal debate.
“I am not sure I am at liberty to say.” The knowledge that the archmagi and a select core of senior magi had been studying and even improving on the warlocks’ Avatar ritual did not seem like something Mother would want known publicly. Who knew what sort of stir that would cause amongst the hoi polloi?
I ran a hoof through my mane. “I have not even had time to speak with Morning since the battle. Mother, Shadow, and Celestia all wish to speak with her, among others, and I suspect they will be in meetings with one another about this for some time. They will be the ones to decide if she is something to worry about.”
Mother certainly had not seemed thrilled to see what Morning had done to herself, and had only spoken to her coldly while within my hearing. How Shadow and Her Highness would react I could only guess. All the uncertainty of the moment only made me want to see Morning all the more.
“It does not sound like she is a new Avatar, but a new alicorn is certainly concerning,” Stalwart said. “You spoke with her. Your thoughts?”
“Near as I can tell she is healthy of both mind and body,” I told him. “There was nothing to suggest anything was wrong with her; quite the opposite. She seems just like the mare I have always known, except for the obvious changes. I am praying 'twill be for the best, even if I am still coming to grips with what happened. It happened so suddenly, after so much else occured. There was Tempus’ murder, the fights with the warlocks, Topaz and Chivalrous’ machinations, the duel, and now Morning...”
“It has been an eventful day,” Stalwart agreed.
“That is quite true.” Mine eyes narrowed as I considered everything that had occurred. “Even if I am unsure who has truly won, 'tween us and the warlocks.”
“The warlocks are dead and we are not,” Stalwart pointed out. “And their plan to create another Avatar was spoiled. It seems simple enough to me.”
“I do not think so.” I crossed my legs over my chest. “A great many of the warlocks are dead or captured, but Hidden and some others are still free. (2) Shadow thought she had him, but it turned out she was merely following a simulacrum. Or perhaps Hidden was never amongst their numbers and we have merely been chasing a shadow. In any event, the files they stole are gone, including the secret of how the Firestorm of Maresidian Field was made. If Hidden is selling that information to High King Severus then it could cause us a great deal of trouble, not to mention whatever other knowledge he has stolen from us.” Like the file on how Morning had performed her transformation.
2. According to the official report, three masters and eleven cultists were slain during the fighting and five cultists captured and interrogated. One of those captured was hanged, though the other four were given lighter sentences when they cooperated with the Magi Order and Royal Guard. True to his deal with Midnight, Lemon Limestone was eventually exiled for his crimes, though he was given enough gold to start a new life and emigrated to Freeport. What happened to him there is a tale for another time.
“I had not thought it any great secret,” Stalwart said. “The clans made the entire region a tinderbox with their drought, then we lit the flame.”
“We may know that, but not everyone knows how the firestorm was created,” I pointed out. “And the gryphons were not there and did not see how it was done. All they have are wild rumors about a whole army being instantly annihilated. How many Gryphonian nobles do you think would be willing to risk their armies in a war where they might be slain so terribly for no gain?”
Stalwart nodded. “Misinformation is a powerful tool. They might be able to guess what we did at Mareidian Field, but that is not the same as knowing. They might not be as hesitant to strike now.”
“Aye, they will have seen through our veil if what we have learned is true,” I said. “It is why I am not sure how to interpret our battle with Hidden's coven, assuming ‘twas not actually Moonwatch’s all along. Likely we have gutted his cult, but he achieved at least one of his objectives. ‘Tis possible he had more than the two objectives we know about, but ‘tis impossible to say at this moment. Depending on what he gained out of this, this might be declared a pyrrhic victory for the cult. It would be a defeat for us if this strike is but a prelude to an actual war with Gryphonia. And if Severus is willing to hire warlocks to get what he wants...”
“Then we had best be ready for war.” Stalwart frowned at his wound.
“I have a feeling preparations will begin in earnest once Daylight has been elected as archmagus.” I rubbed the back of my neck. “From what I have heard, Topaz’s coalition is broken and nopony has thus far been able to pull it back together. (3) Meanwhile, Daylight’s name has been cleared, and he even gained a boon to his reputation by defeating one of the warlock masters at the castle ruins. I would be greatly surprised if any kind of effective resistance forms to challenge his rise to archmagus.”
3. Gleaming Topaz’s humiliating defeat at Midnight’s hooves resulted in her coalition fragmenting. Great stock is placed in an archmagus candidate's magical prowess and wisdom, and getting herself drawn into a duel and then losing to a junior magus, even one as demonstratively talented as Midnight, caused many of her supporters to doubt her ability. Despite her remaining supporters encouraging her to run for archmagus again at the next conclave, Topaz retired from public life, citing a desire to focus on academic pursuits. Her family and friends closest to her remarked she was never the same mentally or physically after her duel with Midnight, and her retirement was her attempt to bow out of the public sphere with relative dignity.
“That is good to hear.” Stalwart smiled. “No doubt Chivalrous is furious that he lost.”
“If I could but see his face,” I lamented. “Seeing him fume over his defeat would almost make it worth seeing him again. Though from what I heard from Subtle, he has not been seen since the duel.”
Stalwart snorted. “He did slink away from the dueling field when he saw that his champion was losing. (4) He might very well have fled the city when he saw he was about to lose his protector. ‘Tis not as though courage is one of his virtues.”
4. The duel between Topaz and Midnight was the last confirmed sighting of Duke Chivalrous Line before his mysterious disappearance. There were a few sightings of the duke within the castle, the city, and by the city gates, but none of these incidents could be completely confirmed by reliable sources. All we can say for certain was that he was last seen fleeing the dueling field, and that he and several of his guards were never seen again.
Of course, this hasn’t prevented wild speculation on what happened to Chivalrous. The most common speculation was that he fell afoul of murder. Common explanations for what happened to him are that he had been captured by warlocks looking for a sacrifice, slain by bandits on the road while fleeing Fillydelphia, murdered by his bodyguards when he failed to pay them on time, killed by one of Sunbeam’s supporters or an old rival to his family, or even Midnight herself. My favorite theory is that it was Sunbeam who did in the duke. It would certainly be like her to kill the last scion of House Line after he committed the same sin as the rest of his family. Not to mention she was more than capable of hiding a body if necessary, if she didn’t simply incinerate him outright.
I shrugged. “Mayhaps. But if I were to never see him again ‘twould be too soon.” My shoulders hunched as I looked over Stalwart’s wounds. “I am far more concerned for thee.”
Stalwart smiled sadly. “Do not fear for me. I am told I will recover, though I fear my time on the front lines is past. I am just glad I lived long enough to retire. Many warriors do not, and I will be able to watch my children grow. I am sure Lady Shadow will find uses for me. In truth, I far more enjoy teaching the children of my clan than going into battle, so if a place can be found for me in that then I can be content.”
“That much is good then.” I did not feel the words I said, but if Stalwart was content then I needed to be so as well for his sake. “I feel I owe thee a debt. Thou hast done so much for me.”
“If I do need anything, I will let you know,” he assured me. “Thank you for your concerns, Magus. It ... has been a singular pleasure serving with you.”
“And I could hardly have asked for a better bodyguard.” I sniffed and wiped mine eye. “I will be sure to tell Shadow that thou served me honorably and with distinction.”
“Thank you. We will meet again, Magus.”
‘Twas late in the evening when I finally got an opportunity to meet with Morning. A servant had been sent to me with a message saying that she was ready to see me, and I quickly made my way to see her. On the way I briefly traded some words with Nova and Sidereal to make sure each of them was well before I continued on. When I caught up to Morning she was standing on top of one of the castle keep’s towers. She was gazing out over the city with a faint smile on her face.
I tentatively stepped forward as I called out to her. “Morning? You wished to see me?”
“Yes.” Morning’s head turned towards me. and her smile grew warmer. “Art thou well?”
I nodded. “I am much better now than I was under Moonwatch's imprisonment where he wished to turn me into their monster intended to fight Princess Celestia and usher in a dark age from which there would be no escape.”
“Good.” Morning reached out with a wing, the motion stilted as she moved her unfamiliar limb, and then wrapped it around me. “I wanted to protect.”
“Considering I am standing here hale and healthy, we can safely say you succeeded in that.” I looked at the wing that embraced me, unsure how to feel about it. “Even if the method you used to do so came as quite a shock.”
“We use the tools we have available.” She let out a long sigh. “Thy mother asked me to unravel the mysteries behind the ritual used to create the Avatar. ‘Twas only prudent after the she nearly brought us to ruin. When I got word from Lemon that thou wert in mortal peril ... I could not stand the thought of what might happen to thee, and did what was necessary.”
“I was wondering about that. It seems you succeeded, based on the results.” Morning looked healthy, in both body and mind. Neigh, she was more vibrant than I had ever seen her. She was strong, powerful, and her eyes were bright and focused. Also taller.
“Aye, and more.” Morning stretched out her other wing to study it. “I found a way to purify it.”
My head tilted. “How?”
“I cannot share the details at this time.” Her smile was tinged with regret as she looked down at me. “I am sure 'tis no surprise that Celestia wishes to study my work at great length.”
I huffed and nodded. That made sense, all things considered. Such knowledge becoming public could cause problems. Already there would be a great many questions about what happened with Morning, and I could only guess what the consequences would be. “Aye, yet another example where I am too junior for such knowledge.”
“For the moment, all the world save her are.” Morning squeezed me with her wing. “Even thy mother has been forbidden from studying my notes, as well as the other archmagi, so do not feel excluded.”
“I take it that was one of the things you discussed with her during your meeting today?”
“Aye, among many others.” Morning’s gaze was drawn in by the fading sun on the horizon. “Mostly she wanted to take my measure and ensure I would not go mad. Something I can hardly fault her for, given the long history of false alicorns. Though she seems content with my existence, and was even supportive of me by the end of our meeting.”
“That is good to hear.” If there was anypony who would know if another was a false alicorn ‘twas Princess Celestia. I could hardly imagine she would allow a monster to walk among her subjects. So if she let Morning be ‘twas no doubt for very good reason. “So what now?”
“For now, I shall grow into my new status.” Morning moved around her free wing to get a better feel for it. “I have a great deal to learn.”
“Little surprise.” Unsure what to say, I asked. “Do you require anything of me?”
“For now, only thy friendship.” Morning smiled as her gaze swept over the horizon, taking in all of Equestria from the heights of the tower. “We are going to achieve so much together.”
I smiled shyly. Morning’s words were filled with so much hope, and strength, and they stirred something within me. “I would like that. Of course, a great deal depends on what Mother wants, and whom I take up as a patron.”
“I would be glad to have thee, of course.” She released me from her wing so that she might face me. “I could use thy service, especially now. I am no longer a mother and old magus looking at retirement, but a reinvigorated alicorn with a bright future ahead of her. Having thee by my side would benefit the both of us.”
I stroked my chin as I appreciated all the potential benefits. “Aye, 'tis a tempting proposition, all things considered.”
“Think upon it.” Morning ears twitched, and her movements became stiff as she turned back to the horizon. “Thou knowest why I did this?”
That much seemed obvious. “To save me?”
Morning nodded. “Thou art like unto a daughter to me.”
I smiled when she said that, for those words spread a warmth through me. “Aye, that I know, and you are like a mother to me.”
Morning embraced me, squeezing me tight like she never intended on letting go. “And I will not bury another pony I love.”
“You are looking well,” I told Daylight a couple of days later. Without effective resistance to oppose him, Daylight swiftly won the vote to become the next Archmagus of Eastmarch. Now there was simply the matter of him partaking in the official ceremony to take his post, and giving a speech before the gathered magi of the conclave.
“Thou thinkest so? Do I seem like an archmagus now?” Daylight looked himself over in a mirror. A crown of bronze with inlaid rubies adorned his head, and a red cloak with white fur trim laid across his back. He also wore his armor, its bronze scales shining, as well as a sash adorned with badges signifying the many honors that had heralded his rise to archmagus.
I inspected him and nodded. “I am reasonably confident, and I have seen several archmagi over my years.”
“Then it should be alright.” He fiddled with his cloak and armor as he continued looking at himself. “I know it to be foolish, but I am more afraid of speaking before all the magi that elected me than I have been charging into some battles.”
I blinked slowly. “Would it make you feel better knowing that many of the magi gathered are far more dangerous than many of the enemies you have fought, and combined possess the power to break nations, tear the land asunder, and bring ruin to even the most powerful beings known to ponykind?”
Daylight blinked a few times before he turned to face me. “Thou hast a singular method of reassuring others, dost thou knowest that?”
I nodded. “I have been told I have a unique perspective on the world.”
“Right.” He turned back to the mirror to finish examining himself. “It should be fine. My speech and ending the conclave, anyways. After we are done here I am back to dealing with bands of reivers and preparing for war.”
I hummed unhappily and went to the window to see the city beyond. “It seems that war is all but inevitable.”
“They have already given us a casus belli,” Daylight pointed out. “‘Tween allowing reivers to ravage our land and Severus’ scheming with warlocks, we are well within our rights to declare war. If ‘twere not for the fact that Celestia so badly wishes to give peace a chance she would no doubt have taken the opportunity after mine acceptance speech to announce an attack.”
“I am aware of that,” I groused. “‘Tis not as though I am blind to the facts.”
“I would hope not.” Daylight straighten the sword at his side. “Especially when ‘tis because of Severus’ alliance with Hidden’s warlocks that Archmagus Tempus was murdered, I was arrested and threatened with hanging for murder, and thou wert nearly sacrificed. We cannot be so quick to forgive such things. An enemy who thinks they can wound thee without consequence will do so again.”
I rubbed my brow. “I am hardly going to forgive the warlocks for what they have done, and know them to be mine enemies. If there is war, then so be it. But war is not something I will ever look forward to, however justified.”
Daylight sighed and ran a hoof through his mane. “Mine apologies, mayhaps I push my case too hard with thee. I hope that we can still have that meal that I promised thee. I am afraid events overtook us before we could do that and I could explain...”
“That you are my brother?”
“Aye, that.” Daylight took a deep breath. “Though I spoke with our mother about the matter. In the end, we decided ‘twould be best if we did not reveal the truth to everypony.”
I frowned at this news. “And why is that? Did you not wish to be acknowledged as Mother’s child? That is your right—there are lands and titles that should be yours as the eldest sibling.”
“In truth, I need none of those things.” My brother placed a hoof on my shoulder and smiled. “I have done fine on mine own, with ponies that both care and love me within the Order. What is more, revealing the truth would have complications—for both of us. If ‘twas revealed now, many influential ponies would feel they have been fooled into electing Mother’s progeny and would worry that she is setting up a dynasty within the Magi Order, doubly so when they know she intends on thee replacing her someday. Many would tolerate me being an archmagus, but two of Mother’s children being archmagi?” He shook his head.
“Much of the support for me would evaporate.” My shoulders sagged. “Though that hardly seems fair to you.”
Daylight shrugged. “Fairness rarely has anything to do with politics, and I am not willing to stifle thy political ambitions merely for mine own self-validation.” He patted my shoulder. “But while Mother cannot acknowledge me in public, ‘tis my hope that we can know each other as brother and sister.”
I smiled slightly. “I would like that as well, even if we might need to be circumspect about it.”
“I am sure we can manage, as long as—” There was a knock on the door, and Daylight let out an annoyed sigh. “I swear, I cannot have a minute’s peace. Mine apologies.”
He called out to whoever had knocked to open, and a servant entered. “Mine apologies, Archmagus, but I have a message from Archmagus Sunbeam and Lady Shadow requesting Magus Midnight’s presence.”
“Understood, tell them that their message has been delivered.” Daylight waved the servant off and she left us alone again. He frowned as he returned his attention to me. “It seems the wheel of politics stops for nopony. Not that I am surprised. But you better go attend to them. Mayhaps we can have dinner together later tonight so that we can talk of these things in more detail?”
I nodded. “I would like that. Until then.” After hesitating for a moment, we embraced one another. While ‘twould not be an easy relationship, I now had a brother. That was one positive thing I had gained from everything that had happened, even if the legacy of the conclave would not be an altogether happy one.
Soon enough I was entering Shadow’s quarters within the castle. I was curious what Mother and Shadow wished to speak with me about. In truth, we had barely exchanged words with one another since the warlocks were defeated at the castle ruins. Over the past few days Shadow had been busy with the interrogation of the captured warlocks, hunting down those that had escaped, and raiding their sanctuaries and supply caches. Mother herself had been busy seeing the conclave to a successful conclusion and the only words she had exchanged with me were instructions for me to aid her in making sure Daylight won the election. Not to mention there was the whole matter with Morning’s ascension. But with the conclave effectively over, mayhaps things had calmed down enough for the both of them to speak with me about whatever it was they wished to discuss.
I announced mine arrival to them, and Mother wasted no time in walking over to me and started thoroughly looking me over. “What is it?”
“I am merely looking to my daughter,” Mother told me as she continued her scans. “‘Tis only natural after all that has happened. In truth, I wish I could have spared the time to do this sooner, but events moved too quickly.”
“Aye, quite so,” Shadow agreed as she circled around me, also giving me a careful inspection. “In truth, I was quite worried about thee after I heard thou wert captured.” She glowered deeply. “As I had feared, I was being lead away from where the warlocks intended to strike. Hidden had left quite a few false trails, assuming 'twas him at all. None of us have laid eyes upon him, and his name has power.”
“I have heard the theory that we might be dealing with somepony just claiming to be him.” I shrugged as Mother began scanning me with her magic. “Though I hardly blame you for what happened. We all knew there was a risk it was some elaborate trick intended to draw you away, and the warlocks had made thorough preparations for the conclave.”
“Whatever the case might be, ‘tis good to see that thou art safe.” Shadow smiled slightly. “And even if we fell for Hidden’s ruse, several of his warlocks paid with their lives for their deception. Not to mention those we captured are readily betraying their confederates. We will be scooping more of them up here soon, and they will be in a much poorer position to assault us again in the future.”
“That is good to hear.” Despite the good news, I let out a long sigh. “Though that makes me wonder when it will all end. It sounds like at least some of the warlocks escaped. I wonder if I will have to worry about being kidnapped by warlocks for the rest of my days.”
“Hopefully this will be the last of it.” Mother’s brow furrowed as her eyes darkened. “I certainly intend to hunt down and destroy all involved in this matter. All who threaten mine daughter will discover the error of their ways—permanently.”
“I would not mind that at all, especially when they seem so intent on capturing me specifically.” I looked between them as I tried to gauge their mood. “Though I was wondering, was it the warlocks you wished to discuss with me, or did you have another reason for requesting my presence?”
Mother ceased her scans, seemingly content with her findings. “We have a great many things to discuss, my child. Thy kidnapping, and Morning's transformation being chief among them.”
“I can tell you everything I know, though I doubt 'twill be anything you do not already know,” I said. “No doubt you have heard most of the story from Morning and Lemon.”
Mother flicked her wrist. “Tell us anyway.”
“Very well.” I told the story of everything that happened after my meeting with Mother, though I left out the details about Corva. Still, I told them everything involving Moonwatch, how I had been captured and later convinced Lemon to turn on his fellow warlocks, my failed attempt to escape, and my rescue by Morning.
Shadow hummed after I had finished my tale. “Fascinating.”
“I thought so.” I glanced ‘tween their stoic expressions. “I was considering making Morning my patron.”
Mother’s eyes narrowed. “That seems profoundly unwise.”
I tilted my head. “Why? She is an alicorn, and Princess Celestia has approved of her. This could be a unique opportunity for me. She is bound to do great things thanks to ascension, and I could do much at her side.”
Mother snorted. “To call it approval might be a step too far. Celestia examined her carefully to make sure Morning has not been corrupted by her transformation, but just because she seems fine now does not mean a problem will not appear later. More than one false alicorn has seemed hale and healthy only for some great malady to show up later.”
I frowned, for I did not like what she was implying. “'Tis Morning, Mother. She saved my life. Do I not owe it to give her a chance? Aye, if some issue comes up we will act appropriately, but it sounds like you are already condemning her.”
“Because she is quite likely a false alicorn.” Mother poked me in the chest. “Thou sayest she is of sound mind and body, but how much an expert art thou on the topic?”
“Not much, considering that topic is forbidden,” I admitted.
Mother nodded. “Exactly. It does seem prudent to be wary until we are more certain.”
My brow furrowed and I felt my anger rise. “So what am I to do, shun her?”
“Hardly.” Mother presser her lips together as she thought. “Thy position makes thee ideally placed to keep a close eye upon her.”
I blinked at this. “You wish for me to spy on her? After all she has done for me, you would have me betray her confidence?!”
“Aye, I think so,” Mother announced. “If all is well then nothing will come of it, but if she is a false alicorn and presents a danger to Equestria we will need to know about it as soon as possible. Thou hast her confidence, and she wishes for thee to be close to her side. Thou wouldst be the ideal pony to keep an eye on her.”
“B-but this is Morning we are talking about!” I objected. “She has been like another mother to me!”
Shadow placed a hoof on my shoulder. “And hopefully she still is, but we should consider what is best for Equestria. Even if we might find parts of this distasteful, there are facts we cannot ignore and possibilities to be wary of. Morning has taken a great risk in transforming herself, a risk she no doubt knew as well as anypony. And the Morning I know would not wish for us to tolerate a threat to everypony else, especially her children. She might not be that threat yet, but precautions must be taken. ‘Tis best to watch her for now so that we can judge her actions and act accordingly.”
I shook my head. “I cannot do this to her. Not after all she has done for me.”
Mother scowled. “I was not asking.”
I met Mother’s scowl and did not waver. “No, this is too much. I will not betray her trust like this.” Mother’s response was to cross her arms and unleash a silent glower. ‘Twas a tactic she had used many times before to build up pressure until I relented. ‘Twould not work this time. “Do not think merely brooding at me will make me submit. You cannot make me do this.”
Shadow sighed, having dealt with Mother when she was like this many a time. “Sunbeam, she is too old and too much thy daughter for thee to o'erpower by sheer force of personality.”
“'Twould be nice if she would ever listen to me,” I huffed. “Not that I am optimistic about the prospect.”
Mother glowered at Shadow. “I do listen. I simply—”
“Expect her to obey thy commands without question, as a child should,” Shadow cut her off. “But she is no longer a child who must be told when to go to bed. She is a grown a mare, and must be respected as one. That means talking with her instead of just commanding her.”
Mother sniffed and refused to meet Shadow’s eyes. “I know that.”
“Then for once treat me like an adult,” I pleaded.
Mother’s ears twitched for a time until she spoke more softly. “Thou art my child.”
I took a deep breath. “Aye, I am your daughter, and I wish to be a good daughter to you, but you are making it very difficult right now.”
Mother frowned, as though not understanding what I was trying very hard to explain. “But how?”
“Because thou art not treating her as an adult,” Shadow said.
“But she is my child,” Mother stubbornly persisted.
“And she is also an adult.” The corner of Shadow’s mouth cracked into a smile. “‘Tis been known to happen with children. They grow up and take up the responsibilities of their elders.”
Mother’s response was to growl in irritation and start pacing.
Shadow chuckled and shook her head. “Ah, so this is what it feels like to have the advantage of logic against thee in an argument. If I could but bottle up this feeling and treasure it.”
I groaned and ran a hoof down my face. “How is this so difficult to understand?”
“Because thou hast ne'er been a mother,” Shadow explained. “It can be a difficult transition for a parent to see their child come into their own, as many changes are.”
Mother narrowed her eyes at Shadow. “Do not presume to lecture me in how to raise my daughter.”
“I will if I think 'tis needed,” Shadow answered cooly. “Thine anger makes a poor shield for thy knowledge that thou art wrong and I am right.”
Mother bared her teeth. “You are not her mother! Morning is not her mother! I am her mother! Nopony else!”
I instinctively recoiled back from her. Even by her own standards, Mother was quite angry, and I worried that I may have been pushing her too far. But I could not turn back now. If I did then she may never respect me. “They are like mothers onto me, whether you want to acknowledge it or not. I love them.”
“Why didst thou seek so many other mothers?!” Mother screamed. “Was I so unworthy?!”
Shadow frowned deeply and firmly gripped Mother’s shoulder and shook her. Mother blinked in shock at her rough treatment, but Shadow’s grip on her was not easily broken. “Calm thyself, Sunbeam! Thou hast been a good mother to her in many ways, but kindness was ne'er thy strong suit. Nor hast thou e'er wished to be known as kind.”
Mother recovered and directed her ire against Shadow. “Aye. I raised her well, and she wanted for nothing!”
Shadow squeezed her shoulder. “Children need more than education, food, and shelter.”
I hunched my shoulders and nodded. “Those are not things I am complaining about.” Shadow released Mother and wrapped a wing around me. I leaned against her for support and nuzzled her. At least I had Shadow here; that helped, even if Mother was being stubborn yet again.
Mother stomped a hoof. “So I am a bad mother because I do not hug her in my every waking moment?”
“Neigh, but it is a lack she feels. Every child wishes to be loved by their parent, and to go without that love leaves an emptiness in them.” Shadow took Mother by the leg and pulled her close and, to my surprise, pushed us together so that we embraced. ‘Twas an awkward hug, to say the least, and Shadow crossed her arms as she glowered at us. “I am tired of seeing you two in discord. This ends, now. You need to act as mother and daughter should.”
“I am trying,” I insisted. “Even if ‘tis not easy.”
“As am I.” Mother took a deep breath, her temper now more even as she spoke. “I ... am perhaps not always a perfect mother. But all that I do is in thy best interest, as best I can see at the time.”
Seeing an opportunity to reconcile, I took it. “I wish to be a good daughter to you, loyal and true, and to be what you wish of me. Even if I am not always sure what I must do to please you. ‘Tis frustrating when it feels like all I can do is disappoint you or draw your ire. I want to please you, but the path is often not clear for how to do that without submitting myself completely to you. But that is not something I can do if I am to be my own pony.”
Mother huffed and nodded. “I suppose ... Shadow might not be entirely mistaken.”
“Sunbeam, thou art quick enough to take issue when I am wrong in thine eyes,” Shadow said. “At least have the courage to apply the same standard to thyself.”
“Thou art especially vexing today.” Mother sighed and tossed her mane. “Fine. Yes, I erred. Hiding from it does no good. Thou art my daughter, but also a grown mare who must be treated differently from a mere child. Especially if I am to continue helping thee grow as we both wish to see.”
Considering Mother was giving some, I decided it best to do the same. We were both prideful, after all. “And mayhaps I have been more vexing than 'twas mine intention. It has been borne of frustration, but I could be doing better in speaking with you.”
Shadow’s eyes flicked ‘tween us. “So the two of thee are resolved, then?”
I let out a long breath and nodded. “I hope so. I do not like this quarrel.”
“Nor do I,” Mother grumbled. “‘Tis unpleasant.”
I groaned and rubbed my brow. “Then I suppose we need to figure out what we are actually doing with Morning, since that is what drove us to discord this time around.”
Shadow nodded. “I think we should watch her carefully, but not treat her as an enemy ere we are given cause to do so. Commander Celestia sees no sign of corruption in her. Yet.”
I shook my head, not liking the idea. But did it have merit, if I took my personal feelings out of the equation? Technically, yes, Morning could be a threat, as loathe as I was to think of it. Her modifications to the Avatar ritual might have unforeseen consequences. It had never been used in this manner, and so something might have been overlooked or miscalculated. “Mayhaps, aye. I suppose it depends on what Her Highness thinks.”
“And she seems inclined to trust but verify,” Mother agreed.
Before we could continue our discussion there was a knock on the door. To my mild surprise, ‘twas Princess Celestia. She smiled down at me. “Midnight, I would have words with thee.”
I blinked slowly as I looked up at Her Highness. “Did you know we were speaking about you, or was this some great coincidence?”
Her Highness’ only answer was to smile cryptically. Knowing that she was never going to reply out loud, I looked to Mother and Shadow. “Her Highness is being extremely mysterious and wishes to speak with me about something.”
Mother frowned as she watched Celestia through the doorway, but then she flicked her wrist for me to go. “Then 'twould be best to speak with her.”
“I will be back when I can be.” I existed Shadow’s quarter’s and closed the door behind me. “What was it you wished to speak with me about?”
“First I would like for us to be in private.” Celestia lead me along until we reached the rooms she had taken up within the castle, then dismissed the servants gathered there. Once they were gone she cast several powerful and complicated privacy spells. That done, her smile disappeared and she fixed me with a serious frown. “How long hast thou been speaking with my sister?”
That single weighty question made me blink and nearly staggered me. “W-what?! Your sister?! What are you speaking of?”
“There is no point in playing coy, Midnight.” Celestia’s wings snapped out as she loomed over me. “I know my sister's magic when I see it, and thou art covered by it.”
“I-I know not what you mean!” My thoughts whirled as I tried to regain my composure. Could this have been the result of my capture by the warlocks? Whatever Celestia thought I had done she must have been mistaken. “Why would I ever seek out and speak with your sister? She tried to have me sacrificed, and turn me against everypony I know and love. For what mad reason would I seek her?”
Celestia stood there in dreadful silence as she carefully watched me. For a terrible moment I worried she might smite me due to some sort of error, but then she broke her silence. “What being gave thee the power to o'ercome Topaz?”
My mouth worked wordlessly, my thoughts unable to organize so that I could speak. I forced myself to form a reply. Of course Celestia had heard about my duel with Topaz. I had dueled in front of a gathering of some of the most powerful and influential ponies in Equestria. And considering this was yet another conversation I was having about the nature of the power I had bargained for, it seemed my demonstration of strength had been suspicious. Sensing the danger in lying to Celestia, I decided to tell the truth.
“A spirit who goes by the name of Corva,” I told her. “She first started speaking with me when I was sent to Appleton. She contacts me through the Dreamscape, and I have taken several lessons from her since. I ended up making a deal with her: one hour of every day I must spend with her in exchange for her power.”
“Corva.” Celestia frowned and then nodded to herself. “Dost thou trust me, Midnight?”
“O-of course,” I was quick to say, not sure why she would ask such a question.
She offered me a hoof. “Then come with me.”
I took her hoof. “Where are we—“
There was a great flash of light that left me stunned. I knew not how long it took for me to regain my senses, but when I did we were not in Celestia’s quarters. Neigh, we were not in the castle or anywhere in Fillydelphia, and likely not even in Equestria. Before me was an ethereal realm made of dense stars as we stood high in a night sky. Great magic permeated this place, where or whatever it was, and I got the sense I was looking at something grand. It felt as though I were staring at the internal workings of the universe, even if I had only the barest understanding of the functions of that reality.
“If this place has a name, thou wouldst not recognize it,” Celestia said from besides me.
I opened my mouth to ask yet further questions, but I paused when I felt a shadow fall over me. Behind us stood Corva, and we turned to face her. ‘Twas strange to see her, for I had been given the impression that she was restricted to the Dreamscape, but I was relatively certain this place was not the place of dreams. Could those two planes be connected somehow? I had a great many questions, but Her Highness spoke before I could voice any of them.
“Enough masks, Luna.” Celestia burst with a profound, revealing light. The light struck Corva and her form was blasted away like so many grains of sand in the wind. But the core of her was not blown away, neigh, only the disguise she had been wearing. Before me now stood an alicorn, her coat black as the night, standing as tall as Princess Celestia in her light blue regalia. Her mane was an ethereal blue that moved of its own accord as her sister’s did, and a quarter moon adorned her flank.
“N-Nightmare Moon!” I recoiled from her and sought to hide behind Celestia, though for once even that felt like insufficient protection against what I faced.
Nightmare Moon’s eyes narrowed as she took an imperius tone. “‘Twould seem I have been discovered. A pity, I wished to make this a surprise for thee later.”
“Thou never wert as subtle as thou thought, sister.” Celestia’s wings snapped out. “Stay this madness.”
Nightmare Moon slowly approached us, making me feel as though a predator was stalking us. “What madness? I am merely giving Midnight the support and power that is her birthright. That is more than can be said for thee.”
I blinked as the terrible facts aligned before me. “Neigh, I have not... If I had known...” But I had not known, and I had made a deal with Queen Luna. Damn me, I had made a deal with Celestia’s exiled sister, and had not even known it. Had I been tricked so thoroughly? Was there something I had missed? What had been the chances that Nightmare Moon would wish to make a deal with me of all ponies?
“Then why didst thou lie to her?” Celestia demanded.
Nightmare Moon bared her fangs in a snarl. “Because thou hast tainted her mind against me, like how thou hast turned all our ponies against me. All I wished to do was aid and instruct her, but she would never deal with me if she knew who I was, thanks to thee and that damned Sunbeam. I needed a disguise so that I could convince her to let me aid her. And she has benefitted from my tutelage. She has learned much of magic, politics, philosophy, and other things from me. What is more, ‘twas with my power that she defeated Topaz. Ours is a beneficial relationship.”
“I turned her against thee?” Celestia frowned. “Thou hast done that thyself with thine own actions, just as thou turned against me. Thou art the one who has conspired with warlocks to turn her into nothing more than a tool for thy designs.”
“Lies!” Nightmare Moon roared and rushed us. I was convinced she would have attacked if chains made of rainbow light did not suddenly form to constrain her and hold her fast. “She is mine! She was always intended to be mine from her very conception!”
Celestia placed herself ‘tween me and her sister. “She is her own pony, Luna.”
With her struggles against her chains futile, Nightmare Moon settled with scowling at her sister. “On that we can both agree. The cultists who created her were so shortsighted in their designs. The pony she is now is so much more than they could ever have imagined.”
I raised an eyebrow as I looked up to Celestia. “Cultists? Created? What does she mean? Is this some lie born out of her madness?”
Nightmare Moon’s grin flashed her fangs. “Ah yes, that is right. Thou and Sunbeam lied to her about her origins, didst thou not? She has never been trusted with the truth for how she came to be or what her purpose is. Shall I tell her the truth, dear sister, or wouldst thou like to finally free thyself from the guilt of thy great deception?”
This was all so unreal that I wondered if I was suffering a fevered dream. “A lie? What lie?”
Celestia signed as she turned to face me. “‘Tis thy right to know the truth. Thou wert born to two of Nightmare Moon's acolytes for the purpose of providing a physical form for Luna's Avatar. ‘Twas their intention that with a body in this world my sister would be able to free herself from her prison and overthrow me.”
“What? N-no! That cannot be true—'tis...” I shook my head as I paced about. This all sounded mad. I was some creation. A-a conduit? Was that why I had been born—neigh, created? “What am I?”
Celestia placed a comforting hoof on my shoulder. “Thou art Midnight Sparkle, Sunbeam Sparkle's daughter. Whate'er Luna might have intended for thee is of no consequence.”
“Thou art lying again, sister.” Nightmare Moon stepped up besides her sister so that she could lean in her head to speak. “We both know what I intend for her very much has consequences. That was why thou brought her here, was it not? Because thou art afraid. Tell me, how many times hast thou considered becoming a kinslayer? My blood runs in her veins—thy blood as well. She is thy niece, and thou art considering murdering her because of thy desperate wish to forget me.”
I could not help but look upon Celestia and wonder if there was a measure of truth to that. Above all else Her Highness prioritized the safety of her people. If I became a threat to Equestria, would she not deal with me as she must? Even if ‘twas not mine intention to be a threat? I knew how Mother would feel on the matter, though Celestia had her own answer.
“Never,” Celestia declared as her eyes narrowed.
“‘Never’?” Nightmare Moon snorted. “We both know what thou art capable of if it means keeping thy crown. For example, what happened to Midnight’s parents, dear sister? Thou remembers, neigh? What are the consequences for those who question mine exile?”
Celestia’s jaw squared itself as she answered. “The ones who bore her chose their deaths. I take no pleasure in it, but 'tis how 'twas.”
Nightmare Moon waggled a hoof in front of her sister’s face. “Thou art dodging the question. That might work with those who grovel for but one second more in the sun, but it will not work on me. If thou dost not have the courage to tell the truth, the whole truth, then I will.”
“Thy truth is naught but a lie” Celestia took a deep breath before addressing me once again. “As I said, the cultists bore thee in the hopes of creating a conduit for Luna's spirit. Their aim was to allow her to have influence in Equestria once more despite her imprisonment. Sunbeam slew them for their crimes and adopted thee as her child, doing her best to remove Luna's hold upon thee and remake thee in her image.”
I trembled, hardly being able to believe what I was hearing. It sounded like a deranged fantasy. These two sisters were enemies. If they both agreed on something, it must be because they both thought it to be true. Then that meant Mother had killed the ponies that had brought me into the world and taken me from them. “Mother changed me? How? Why? Am I even a pony or some object to be possessed by others?! What am I?! I feel like I am in a nightmare from which there is no waking from!”
Celestia squeezed my shoulder. “Thou art Midnight Sparkle, a pony valued and beloved by many. Sunbeam sought to make thee free of the Nightmare's influence.” She pulled me into a hug as I trembled. “Everything is going to be okay, Midnight. That I swear.”
“Indeed, for now thou knowest the truth, and from there we can aid thee in achieving greatness,” Nightmare Moon declared. “As was always thy birthright.”
Celestia glowered at her sister as she continued to embrace me. “Begone from this place, Nightmare Moon. Any bargain struck 'tween thee and Midnight is null and void on account of thy lies.”
Nightmare Moon’s face hardened as her sister tried to dismiss her. “I think not. Midnight bargained with me, and we made an accord. Thou canst not separate us. My power has been given in good faith, and she has accepted and used it.”
I blinked slowly. “But is that true? Something has been bothering me. When Moonwatch ambushed me I suddenly lost your power at the most inconvenient of moments. You said ‘twas because you were exhausted from my fight with Topaz, but you had not mentioned that leading up to Moonwatch striking. Something I suspect you knew was coming, considering ‘twas your plan to have me serve as your Avatar. ‘Tis even possible you planned the whole thing. Likely you waiting for me to become exhausted fighting a dangerous opponent, offered me your deal, and then took away the power you offered when your minion came to capture me. Something similar probably would have happened if I had taken your deal when I first fought Moonwatch as well.”
Celestia nodded. “That seems likely, aye.”
“You cannot prove that,” Nightmare Moon growled.
Celestia tsked as she shook her head. “Thou art so transparent. Instead of taking this opportunity to guide Midnight and makes a friend for thy lonely exile, thou became greedy and took advantage of poor Midnight in order to try and advance thy plans. What is more, thou hast given me the opportunity to break thy hold on her because of thy perfidy.”
“She is mine!” Nightmare Moon cried, her chains forming again as she tried to strike at her sister. “Thou cannot deny me to her! She is of my blood!”
“She is Sunbeam's daughter, and her own pony.” Celestia’s body started glowing with such a brightness that ‘twas painful to mine eyes and I was forced to turn my gaze. “She is nothing to thee but another victim. Because of thy treachery I am breaking thy contract with Midnight. Leave her be, and let her live her life in peace.”
“No!” Nightmare Moon looked to me. “Do not let her separate us! Thou canst stop her from doing this! I can make thee great and powerful, that is the truth!”
I hunched my shoulders and did my best to stay behind Celestia. “I do not desire your help. You have deceived me, manipulated me, and sought to use me for your own means. I am nothing but a tool to you.”
“That was not mine intention!” Nightmare Moon looked around, as though desperate for an escape as her sister prepared her magic. “Moonwatch acted on his own. I only wish to help thee. Dost thou not understand what I am offering thee? I can make thee one of the most powerful ponies in Equestria, only after myself.”
“I think the price of your power too much,” I told her.
She glared at me and her words became sharper. “Is that it then? Do you always intend on being weak? To always need rescuing by others? To always be beaten by enemies such as Topaz and Moonwatch? Wilt thou remain in thy mother’s shadow for the remainder of thy days? Art thou to be saved by my sister now?”
My gaze fall to the ground. As much as I wished to deny it, she was right in that I desired the power she offered. There was so much I could theoretically do with it, and I may never be nearly as powerful as I was during my duel with Topaz. But the price... “If I must depend on others, then so be it. ‘Tis better than what you offer.”
“That is enough, sister.” Celestia stepped forward, and her penetrating light caused Nightmare Moon to take a step back. “She has made her choice, and thou wilt abide. Leave her be and return to thy sleep.”
“Why?!” Nightmare Moon demanded as her body trembled with rage. “Why must thou takest everypony away from me?! Thou now hast all of Equestria; what is so wrong with me having one daughter?! One pony in all the world to confide in, to teach, to aid?! Wouldst thou leave me alone in the dark once again?!”
“Because, as much as it pains me to say this, thou art a madmare who would destroy Equestria out of spite because thou dost demand their love as if 'tis thy birthright.” Celestia’s light stabbed out to strike her sister, and Nightmare Moon started to dissipate like grains of sand caught up in the wind. “Be gone from this place, Luna. I hope one day thou canst see reason, but I will not allow thee to harm others until that day.”
“I will destroy thee one day!” Nightmare spat as she disappeared into glowing blue sand. “I so swear! I will have my vengeance, and I will take back what is rightfully mine! Thou and thine minions have stopped me thus far, but I need succeed only once! And we both shall live a very, very long time!”
The painfully bright light stripped Nightmare Moon away, but through it I saw a diminished form. ‘Twas Nightmare Moon, but she was smaller, and her coat a lighter blue. Sadness lay heavy in her eyes, and she whispered. “Please do not leave me alone.”
Before I could reply, the light fully consumed Nightmare Moon and then the whole plane of existence. When the great light lessened I blinked my eyes to see that I was back in Her Highness’ quarters.
I looked about the room, not sure if I could trust my senses. “She is gone?”
Celestia took a deep breath, her voice weary. “For now.”
“I wish I could say that made me feel better.” I looked down at the floor, feeling both a fool and a sense of dread. For all these months I had been learning from Corva—neigh, Nightmare Moon, and I had not realized it. Night after night I had learned from her, and not suspected the monster I was facing. Never once did I suspect the madness the lurked beneath the raven-like mask she wore. But then, I was not looking for such a thing. Any eccentricities I had dismissed as that of an alien spirit whose true motivations I could only guess at.
I look up into Celestia’s face. “She has been dismissed, but how long before she returns?”
“I will take measures to sever the connection once more.” Celestia lead me to a cushion by the window to sit down on. “Thou needst not fear her as long as thou dost not seek her out, and if she does appear before thee again come to me and I will deal with the matter. This is not a burden thou must to bear alone.”
My ears wilted as I sat. “I feel like a great fool. The entire time I spoke with her I never suspected what she really was.”
“We all make mistakes, and sometimes trust those we find out we should not have.” Celestia rubbed my back. “What is important is how we move forward and try and not recreate them.”
I let out a long sigh, feeling very tired after all that had happened. “That sounds simple enough, but... would it be terrible to say that I miss the power she gave me? ‘Tis just... it felt good. For once in my life I felt truly powerful, like I was the master of my destiny, and that I could do anything.”
“Power can help thee achieve thy desires.” Her Highness tipped my chin up so that we were eye to eye. “However, Luna's power comes with a heavy price. As she demonstrated, she can remove that power at will and deceive thee. Most likely that power would only lead to thy ruination and to that of everypony around thee, and I do not think thou wishest for that.”
“Neigh, I do not. Still...” I groaned and rubbed my face. “I know ‘tis foolish, but I cannot help but wonder if ‘twould be of use. There is a war to come, and other threats besides, and I do not wish to be found wanting.”
Celestia shook her head. “Nightmare Moon would not offer thee any more power than needed to ensnare thee and draw thee to ruin. Always remember that. She would not try and help thee, but only further her mad aims.”
I sighed and nodded. “That is the terrible truth of it, is it not?” That power was closed to me, however much I might want it again. I wanted it even though I could not help but remember what I had been like while drinking in Nightmare Moon’s power. I had enjoyed it, even though I had acted quite unlike myself. What would I become like if I always used such power? I could not imagine it would be be anything good. Little wonder Celestia had confronted me so soon after feeling her sister’s magic about me.
Celestia extended a wing, though she hesitated for a moment before wrapping around me. “I am sorry, Midnight.”
I tilted my head. “For what?”
“For all of this.” Her shoulders sagged. “‘Tis terribly unfair to thee. My sister’s madness should never have become a burden to thee.”
“Why was I never told the truth? About everything?”
Celestia looked out the window, taking her time before answering. “‘Twas to protect thee, and to keep terrible burdens from thy shoulders. What child deserves to know that their parents were warlocks who threatened all of Equestria? Not to mention we feared what would happen should thou seekest my sister out of curiosity. As thou hast experienced, she seeks to trick thee into her plots.”
“I suppose that is all true.” I wrapped mine arms around myself. “‘'Tis ... much to take in. I am not even sure who or what I am anymore. All has been cast into doubt. Where do I go from here?”
Celestia smiled and squeezed me with her wing. “Thou art Midnight Sparkle, and thou wilt go wherever thou wouldst. Thy destiny is thine own, despite anything my sister might tell thee. Do not let this undo thee. I have great hopes for thee, and I am sure thou wilt overcome this like all the other challenges that have been put in thy path.”
I took a deep breath. “I will try, though this only adds to my recent troubles.”
“I would suggest speaking with thy mother about this,” Celestia said. “Sunbeam is thy mother, and loves thee dearly... in her own way. She should know thou knowest the truth, and get in her word on everything.”
I grimaced. “I am not sure how wise ‘twould be to speak with her about this. She is likely to be quite angry with me.”
“I think if thou dost not, 'twill eat at thee.” Celestia smiled encouragingly. “Believe in her. And if she becomes o’erwrought thou canst come back to me and I will speak with her about the matter.”
“Mayhaps so.” I rubbed my arm as I thought it over. “And I do not wish more discord with her. But we already disagree on much, like who shall be my patron.”
Celestia raised an eyebrow. “Oh?”
I nodded slowly. “We have discussed Morning becoming my patron. I initially welcomed the idea, but then Mother told me I should spy on Morning for her. That is something I do not desire, but if Morning is a false alicorn...”
Celestia frowned as she thought it over. “I think Morning could use a dear friend.”
I tilted my head, not quite sure what she wished of me. “Are you saying that I should aid Morning by having her be my patron, or are you saying I should do as Mother asks? Because doing so would betray Morning’s trust. But there are arguments for doing so, given we do not know the consequences for Morning’s transformation, and...” I groaned in frustration.
After a moment, Celestia said, “I am sure thou wilt do what is right.”
That was damnably cryptic. Why could Her Highness never be straightforward when I had important questions? But then, what was the right thing to do? Mother and Shadow both wished for me to do this, and Celestia was encouraging me to make Morning my patron. If so many important ponies wished this of me could I reject them? Morning wished for me to select her as well, even if she did not know the machinations of the others. Should I tell Morning? Morning could no doubt use my help thanks to her new status, but what if she was a false alicorn? What if she was not? Why did life have so many difficult questions?
I took a deep breath as I resigned myself. “Very well.”
After taking some time to regain my composure, I went out to seek Mother. Celestia was right, as loathe as I was to admit it. Mother needed to hear what had happened, even if this was not a discussion I looked forward to. No doubt she would take this opportunity to tell me how she had been right while I had been foolish. But there was no avoiding it, and ‘twould only become worse the longer I waited to tell her.
I found Mother chatting with some other magi in the castle gardens. I waited for her to finish before I approached her. “Mother, may I speak with you about something important?” I asked, wanting to get this over already.
“Of course, my child.” Mother sat on a garden bench over watching a small pond with brightly colored fish within.
I cast a privacy spell and sat next to her. “I finished my talk with Princess Celestia just a while ago. 'Twas ... unpleasant, through no fault of her own, admittedly.”
Mother raised an eyebrow. “Oh? What made it unpleasant, then?”
I wrung my hooves, forcing myself to say what needed to be spoken. “Celestia discovered Corva is Nightmare Moon.”
Mother’s face became stony and impossible to read. That was to my surprise, for I expected her to shoot to her hooves and chastise me with great fervor. But instead she maintained her calm. She was silent for several long moments before she said, “Ah. That is ... most unfortunate. Considering Celestia let thee go I imagine any immediate threat had been dealt with.”
I nodded. “Luna committed an error in judgement. She violated the letter of our agreement, and Celestia will be able to break the deal on account of the deception. She will be taking pains to make it more difficult for her sister to speak to me again.”
“Well that is a great relief.” Mother scowled. “I had hoped we would have seen the last of Nightmare Moon.”
“I would have preferred that as well.” I rubbed my leg. “That leads me to the second revelation I experienced. I have learned of my origins. Nightmare Moon forced it out of her sister in an attempt to turn me against Celestia, though I was not about to do so. Still the truth has come out.”
Mother grimaced and stared into the pond’s depths. “That is unfortunate.”
“Why did you not tell me?” I asked, trying to keep my voice calm and without accusation in it. There had been enough arguments ‘tween us over the past week without starting on here. “For all these years I have wondered where I came from, but you have never told me.”
“I am sure thou canst guess,” Mother said calmly. “The Nightmare cultists have long sought thee so that they could use thee for their own foul ends. By not telling thee I hoped to protect thee. Thou hast always been terribly curious, and I did not wish for that curiosity to lead thee to them. Thou art too important to ever allow that to happen.”
“That does make some sense,” I admitted. “I had long wondered why they have focused on me. And this would explain it.” I looked down at hooves I was not entirely sure I recognized anymore. “To them I am some sort of homunculus intended to further their plans. An object to be used.”
“Aye, but as with so many things, they are wrong.” Mother closed her eyes, drew a deep breath, and wrapped a leg around me. “Thou art my daughter. Whatever those cultists plan to do can go straight to Tartarus, and I will help send them there if they object. I have raised thee, taught thee, and one day I will pass on all that is mine to thee. I think that has far more weight than anything else.”
“I will not argue with this logic. You are my mother, that I will not deny.” I leaned against her, feeling better to be able to do so. “Though can you ... tell me of the ponies that brought me into the world someday? I am curious. Even if I know they had nothing but evil intentions. It seems best to learn everything from thee instead of some foul warlock or Luna.”
Mother sighed before nodding. “I will tell thee what I can, then. The truth is already out now. Thou might as well know the whole of it.”
“I would like that, I think. Though I would prefer to hear the story later once I have had time to think over what I have already learned.” I shook my head. “Even if I have a great many questions about who I am, and my future.”
Mother shook me lightly. “Thou art Midnight Sparkle, my daughter. And thy future is whate'er thou wouldst make of it.”
“I hope that is true.” I ran a hoof through my mane. “That was Celestia’s sentiment. I suppose much has been leveled on me all at once. The past few days have been filled with far more madness than I ever expected for the conclave. It has tired me”
“Aye. it has been quite an eventful few days,” Mother agreed. “I will make sure thou hast time to rest and recover.”
“My thanks.” My shoulders sagged as I thought over the events of the past few days. “All that trouble, and now I do not even have the power I bargained for and sought. I think ‘twould be fine were it not for the fact that I may need such power in the future. There will be more enemies in the future, and my recent battles have shown my limits.”
Mother frowned in thought as she stared out at the garden the ponies that drifted in and out. “That is a difficult question.”
I blinked slowly. “Have I actually come up with a quandary you do not have a ready answer for?”
Mother scoffed and tossed her mane. “Hardly, I am merely contemplating the best path for thee. The paths to power are few, and most of them come at a price that I would not have thee pay.”
I groaned and kicked a stone into the pond. “That is at the core of the problem. I need the power, for I doubt the likes of Hidden’s cult will give up on capturing me, and we are likely to see war here soon. But the price is so damnably high.”
“Aye, but that is why we will diversify thine education,” Mother said. “With new training comes greater skill. If you cannot grow upward, grow outwards.”
I rubbed my chin as I consider my mother’s words. “I suppose that is one option. What would you recommend I study?”
Mother crossed her arms. “Hm, that would depend upon who thy patron will be.”
I sensed Mother watching me carefully, and I took a deep breath. “I am picking Morning Star. You, Shadow, and Celestia wish for me to ask her to be my patron, and I will consent to this. And as Celestia has bid me, I will do the right thing. I will watch Morning carefully for any signs of corruption.”
Mother studied me before nodding. “Then I would say her skill at enchantment is an obvious direction. She is one of the the most skilled enchanters of magical items in all of Equestria. Thou wouldst do well to learn from her.”
“That much is true; she should be able to teach me much, if she has the time.” I stood from the bench with a sigh. “Then it seems my destiny lies with Morning.”
“So it does.” Mother stood up and stretched. “Take advantage of the opportunity, and ‘twill turn out for the best. Even if thou must be ever wary. Things are changing, and with change comes both danger and opportunity. Seize the opportunities, but be mindful of the dangers.”
“Aye, I know that.”
The conclave had not gone nearly as I had expected. I believed I had improved myself much leading into the conclave, but it seemed I still had much further to go. My encounters with the warlocks and Topaz had proved that. Nightmare Moon’s power was cut off from me unless I wished to seek damnation. Though what I had not mentioned to anypony was how my brief plunge into Luna’s power had left a store of knowledge within my mind that I had yet to sift through, in addition to everything she had taught me. I would see what Morning had to teach me, in addition to continuing with my own studies. Mayhaps hard work would gain me what I desired in the end, and an unforeseen opportunity would present itself in the future.
I had not given up my desire to become an archmagus, and I needed to improve myself if I was going to be ready for the oncoming war and the other challenges that would present themselves in the future. I had tasted the level of power I desired, even if its source and what it did to me was distasteful. But I was not finished yet. As Mother had suggested, I had options, and I would learn much from Morning. The only path for me was forward, even if that path was not as clear as it once had been. But then no one said the path to power was an easy one, and I had recently seen several harsh examples of what happened to those that faltered or attempted to take shortcuts while following that path. Whatever happened, I could not allow myself to fail. There was far too much to do.
“Shall we go see Morning then, Mother?” I asked. “I see little reason to delay, unless you had other business.”
“Neigh, let us go.” Mother’s face hardened as she looked up at the tower where Morning had taken up residence. “Let us meet Equestria’s newest so-called alicorn and best position ourselves to deal with her entrance onto the stage.”