//------------------------------//
// Chapter 3 
// Story: Sunburned 
// by Madox 
//------------------------------//

Twilight grumbled to herself, the angry growl bouncing off the stony walls and echoing through the barely lit cave. She desperately wanted to hit herself for how foolish she had handled the situation that led to her current predicament. Freezing on the spot while knowing that the enemy is closing in on your location? Her drill sergeant would turn in his grave upon hearing that!

Twilight had no idea how long she had been unconscious after the fight in the castle, but upon waking up she found herself in this cave without any of her equipment, a magic suppressor ring on her horn and her hooves chained up. Two unicorn guards wearing armor and holding spears have been watching her the entire time from the only exit, their hostility clear on their faces. The cave itself was nothing extraordinary at first glance, with just a few magical torches attached to the walls for light, but even with her magic suppressed she could feel the defensive wards around her.

No knowledge of her location, hoofs chained, magic suppressed, defensive wards all around her and two guards not letting her out of their sight with who knows how many more lurking beyond her prison. Escaping would be by far no easy feat under those circumstances, but not impossible.

The sound of approaching hoofsteps snapped Twilight out of her thoughts. Looking over to the guards she saw another one appear from around the corner, this one a thestral wearing the same armor as the unicorns. He spoke for a few moments with them before all three moved closer, their weapons leveled at her.

"Get up!" the thestral snapped at her. "You are coming with us."

Twilight narrowed her eyes and growled again before she got to her hooves, her chains rattling with each move. As long as they are not going to get rid of her now, this was a good opportunity to learn more about her location.

The chains connecting her legs left her enough room to walk slowly, but not enough to fight. The unicorns took places behind her, their spears never pointing away from her, while the thestral led the way.

During their trip, Twilight did her best to memorize as much of the cave as possible for a later escape. The cave system was much bigger than she expected and had barely anything she could use to orientate herself. She had to admit, their choice of a hideout was impressive.

After several minutes of walking, they reached a big cave filled with several tents and more guards. The leading guard brought them to one of the biggest tents flanked by two more guards under the watchful eye of everypony they passed, many of which glared openly at Twilight or whispered to each other. One of the guards opened the flap of the tent, letting Twilight and the leading guard inside while the other two remained outside.

The inside of the tent was not filled with much, making it look like it had been erected quickly and not long ago. The only thing Twilight could make out thanks to the little bit of light provided by the magic orbs that floated around was a small mountain of pillows near the back.

And, of course, the dark alicorn laying on them. She had a few bandages around her legs and her barrel, but no sign of the smaller injuries Twilight had seen in the castle. It appears she has been unconscious for longer than expected.

Immediately upon seeing her Twilight growled and glared at her, but she didn't seem to notice as she looked her over before her eyes fixated on hers.

"The prisoner, your highness," the thestral said with a bow.

"Thank you," the alicorn said without looking away. "Please, leave us alone."

The thestral looked up, his brow furrowed. "By all respect, your highness, I don't think-"

"I appreciate your concern, but I wish to talk with her in private. There is no need to worry. I may be weakened, but I'm still capable enough to deal with her if necessary."

The guard hesitated for a moment while his gaze wandered from the alicorn to Twilight, both still looking at each other, before he bowed once more and left the tent. The silence in the tent stretched out for what felt like hours before the alicorn spoke up.

"This tent has been soundproofed, so we can both speak freely. I'm Princess Luna of Equestria, ruler of the night." Twilight continued glaring without saying anything. Luna cocked her head to the side before she perked up. She used her magic to grab one of the pillows and positioned it on the floor close to Twilight. "Please, feel free to make yourself comfortable. This is not an interrogation and I mean no harm, I only wish to talk." Twilight only threw a quick glance at the pillow as it landed before she ignored it completely and remained standing.

"You are an unrelenting mare, Twilight Sparkle." That got a small reaction out of Twilight as her ear twitched and her glare hardened. "Yes, I do know who you are and what you are capable of, but I assure you I only wish to talk with you. Maybe this will help you relax."

Her horn began glowing and before Twilight could do anything she heard a rattling from below and weights falling off her legs. Looking down she saw that her chains had been unlocked and her legs were free. A second later her eyes widened when she felt the familiar rush of magic through her body as the magic suppressor was lifted off her horn and placed atop the chains on the floor.

She looked in surprise at Luna who seemed to wait for something before she returned to simply looking at her. Luna waited for a minute before she spoke again.

"I admit that I expected you to try something once the ring and the shackles are off, either to escape or to fight."

"I'm not an idiot or an overconfident newby who thinks she can defeat an alicorn all on her own, so why waste the time and strength?" Twilight replied. "Not to speak of all the guards outside this tent."

"I see," Luna replied with a smile before she once again motioned to the pillow on the floor. "Are you sure you do not wish to take a seat? It must be tiring to remain standing this entire time."

Twilight glanced at the pillow once more before she cast a spell over it to search for any kind of trap or spell, but found nothing. It was just an ordinary pillow. She stepped closer and sat down before she continued to glare at the alicorn.

"Alright, what is it you want?" Twilight snarled. "I doubt you are just interested in small talk."

"You are right," Luna said. "I did my best to learn as much as possible about you during these two hours since my return from my prison, Twilight Sparkle."

Twilight perked up in surprise upon hearing that. 'Two hours?' she thought. 'It's been only two hours since I got knocked out? Judging by her healed injuries I thought I would have been out for at least a full day! The healing powers of alicorns are amazing.'

"You are a strong mare in regards to both, your physical strength and your magical talent. But those do not compare to your will to protect Equestria and its citizens against who or whatever is threatening it." Luna stopped in her speech for a moment during which she closed her eyes and took a deep breath. "I'm afraid that you, just like most of Equestria, have been used. It's neither I nor the night itself that's been threatening Equestria, but my sister."

Faster than Luna expected Twilight rose from her pillow, glaring at the alicorn with a snarl on her face. "Don't you dare insult her majesty after everything you did!" she snapped. "It's your fault that we need to fight for our lives every single day! Her Majesty's been doing what she can to protect us for hundreds of years from your monsters, and we of the guard assist her!"

Luna remained calm and seated while she waited for the mare to finish. "And that's what she's been lying about to all of Equestria this entire time. I never did anything to endanger our country and our citizens, and neither did those she declared as "creatures of the night". I do not claim that timberwolves and other monsters do not attack innocents, but they are just that: wild animals and monsters, doing what is in their nature. It is my sister who is the betrayer, she attacked and banished me before twisting the truth to fit her desire to rule as she wanted."

Twilight gritted her teeth, getting angrier with every word Luna said, but before she could say something herself Luna continued. "Tell me, how many ponies have gone "missing" over the past ten years under unknown circumstances?"

Twilight glared at the alicorn. "Countless. No one knows the exact number, but most are not unknown reasons! They have been taken by your monsters!"

Luna shook her head. "And those reports came from the crown or the guard, am I right?" She waited a moment to let the implication sink in before she continued. "They are those that either learned about the past or did something else to anger my sister, so they had to disappear. Or, in the worst case, just happened to be at the wrong place at the wrong time and ended up as casualties, dealt with by the help of some individuals inside the guard that are aware of the truth and assist my sister to seek power or just because they enjoy causing pain."

Twilight gaped at her, her mouth hanging open, unable to process the alicorns words. "You can't be serious."

"Sadly, it's the honest truth."

"YOU ARE LYING!" Twilight yelled. "Her Majesty may not be the kindest ruler, but she is our protector who fought for and with us against the darkness! Give me one good reason why I should believe any of your blasphemous words!"

"You would never be able to forgive yourself if you dismiss this information now, only to discover later that it is the truth and that you could have prevented the death of countless innocents," Luna said calmly, her gaze not leaving Twilights. "You can not deny the possibility that what I'm telling you is the truth."

Twilight gritted her teeth. Luna was right, as much as she hated that thought. No matter how ridiculous it may sound, it is a possibility. It is possible that the queen was a manipulating monster, that she had killed and ordered to kill innocents, used all of Equestria for a thousand years.

It was possible that everything Twilight has been fighting for was nothing but a lie.

After what felt like hours of both mares staring into each others eyes Twilight averted her gaze, settling back down onto the pillow. "Fine, I admit that it could be true. So what, you think I would just take your words for granted and believe you?"

The princess shook her head. "No, it would be foolish to simply believe anything I'm telling you. As you admit that I might be telling the truth, I admit that everything I told you could be a lie. Instead I want to tell you about what happened a thousand years ago with my sister, and show you proof that what I'm claiming is true. Sadly, I won't be able to do either of those now."

Twilight scoffed, rolling her eyes. "How convenient. And why can't you prove anything?"

Luna closed her eyes. "For one, there is no time to tell what happens, we are about to leave the forest very soon. And second...," she opened her eyes again, "...I have been back from the moon for not even three hours, and as such I lack any sort of evidence to provide credence to my claims. However, I have an offer for you."

Twilight narrowed her eyes. She was not keen on making a deal with the enemy, but there was that nagging voice in her mind that thought about what the alicorn had said, and that it would not hurt to hear her out. "I'm listening."

"I'm willing to let you go before we leave if you agree to return and meet me in-" Luna stopped for a moment while she thought, "-three days. By that time I will be able to tell you everything about the events that led up to my banishment, as well as present you proof about the truth of my words. Afterwards you can decide for yourself which road you wish to take."

Everything was still as Luna finished speaking. Twilight sat still, silently locking eyes with the alicorn. "That's it? You call that a deal?" She chuckled as she finally spoke up. "It's a joke, nothing more. The freedom you are offering me means nothing. Should I agree to this I would need to get approval to leave again which would not happen without a good reason. I could just leave without approval but the second I return to Canterlot I would be arrested, interrogated and probably executed for unauthorized absence. You can just save both our times and take me down right now, that way at least my good name would not be dragged through the mud!"

The princess remained silent for several long moments while she thought this new information over. "I see, but what is if you return with something to show? Something that would be worth this risk. Would that at least save your life?"

Twilight looked at the alicorn warily. "If it is of enough importance, yes, but I doubt there is anything you could offer that's worth this risk. Even if my life gets spared there would still be consequences for me."

"I can assure you of its importance," Luna said, shifting on her pillows. "The original deal remains the same, but should the proof I present you not be sufficient enough to convince you that what I am saying is true, I will surrender myself to you and return as your prisoner to Canterlot."

No amount of training could  prevent Twilight’s jaw from dropping, her eye’s widening in surprise at the alicorn’s offering. This wasn’t some petty offering- if Luna was telling the truth then Twilight would be able to bring the leader of the Night Forces herself back to Canterlot! The very monster that brought darkness over their lands! No doubt the Night Forces would be devastated by the capture of their leader so soon after her return!

And yet, as much as she wanted to deny it, the thought that Luna may be telling the truth was too tantalizing to Twilight. She would know who was the true threat to Equestria’s peace, and she would be able to concentrate all her efforts and power into fighting it, to protect the innocent even if they don’t recognize nor appreciate her efforts. It was seeming that no matter the outcome of this offer, Twilight had very little to lose, but much to gain.

Twilight took a deep breath to regain her posture. "That's truly a generous offer, but why should I trust you?" she asked, her scowl returning. "For all I know you will never turn yourself in, or even show up in the first place, leaving me stranded with nothing but death awaiting me upon returning to Canterlot."

"I may not look like it, but I'm a warrior myself. I'm honor bound to keep my word," Luna said with pride in her voice. "But you're right, there is no reason to trust my words, or for me to trust yours. Luckily there is another way to ensure my honesty to you. I assume you are familiar with a magic pact?"

Twilight raised an eyebrow, bemused at the question she had just been asked. “Of course I am.” A magic pact was an unbreakable bond, only able to be formed by unicorns. It required three parties to enact, the two making the pact, and the third to cast the spell and act as the anchor. It had been created centuries ago by the great Starswirl the Bearded, and was intended to make sure that whatever agreement was reached was followed through, no matter how much one or both parties would fight it. If Luna really was telling the truth, she would be stuck as Twilight’s captive.

Luna nodded. "That's how we will proceed if you accept. This way I will not be able to stab you in the back or try to flee, and you won't be able to lay a trap.

"Do you accept this deal?"

It wasn't a deal she could refuse. Not much to lose, much to gain. Twilight would be an idiot to refuse, and she knew it. Even if the queen decided to sentence her to death for her decisions, it would be in exchange for the other alicorn's imprisonment, a deed worth her death if it meant dealing a critical strike to the Night Forces. No matter what her punishment would be, it would be worth it.

But there was one detail Twilight couldn't wrap her head around. Something she couldn't find an answer for.

"Why are you doing this?" she asked. "You are going to incredible lengths to make sure that I agree, even gambling away your own freedom after a thousand-year imprisonment. I doubt that you would do something similar for any other pony, so why me?"

The princess remained silent, with her eyes closed, for several long moments. "Do you believe in fate, Twilight Sparkle?" she finally asked before she opened her eyes. "I do. I believe that everything that happens is dictated by fate, no matter how terrible or wonderful it is. It was my sisters' fate to fall to darkness, and it was my fate to be banished to my own moon.

"I believe it was fate that brought you to our old castle, in that specific room on that specific night so that we could meet. I have the feeling that you are a very important piece in fate's overall picture, even if I can't say on which side. I'm willing to try my luck and hope that, for once, fate will be on my side."

Twilight remained silent as she thought about the princess' speech. She couldn't care any less about fate or something, or of the role she apparently has in all of this, but she had to admit that the alicorns faith in her believes was admirable, even if it is stupid in her own opinion.

Steeling her resolve Twilight looked deep into Luna's eyes. "I do not believe in fate, and I don't think that I'm that important, but you are right in one aspect: Knowing that you might be telling the truth, I need to know for sure, even if I have to pay for it. I will do it for Equestria, so I accept."

Luna nodded, a tiny smile on her face. "Very well. We do not have much time left, so let us proceed." She used her magic to open the flap of the tent. A robe clad pony standing a few feet away saw it open and moved closer, stepping inside. The night-blue robe, adorned with silver stitchings to symbolize stars, concealed every feature that would help to identify her. Her face was hidden by a veil of shadows, as well as her tail and her hooves whenever they would have been visible while walking. A very common magic trick to remain unrecognized, but the small frame made it clear that it was a mare.

The magus suddenly came to a stop in her tracks and looked down. Following her line of sight Twilight realized that she was looking at the chains and the suppressor she had left on the floor earlier, showing that she was completely free. After a few moments, she continued on her way, stepping past Twilight until she stood besides Luna.

"Princess, once more I have to voice my objections regarding your intentions," she said in a deep, magically distorted voice. "It's too dangerous, we can't lose you again."

"I appreciate your concern, but it is my decision."

Twilight narrowed her eyes. "You planned this," she said in a low voice. "You never expected me to agree in the beginning, offering your freedom was your plan from the very beginning."

Luna smirked. "I may have been the warrior a thousand years ago while my sister was the diplomat, but that does not mean that I don't know how to fight with words to reach my goals." She turned back to the magus. "I know what I'm doing, please trust me on this."

The magus sighed in defeat. "Very well. I trust your intuition, your highness. Let's begin the preparations."

They spent the next fifteen minutes on coaxing out the exact details for the pact to cover. Once everything was done Twilight stood in front of Luna who was still lying on her pillows, with the magus standing to the side between them. Her horn was glowing a light pinkish-grey color which split to the sides to connect both Twilights and Luna's horn.

"I, Princess Luna, agree to grant Twilight Sparkle her freedom today in exchange for a meeting in three days time. The meeting point will be the clearing one mile east from the castle ruins in the Everfree Forest at midnight. I will come unarmed and without guards accompanying me or stationed in three miles surrounding the meeting point. I will tell her my side of the story and provide evidence to my claims. If my evidence does not convince Twilight Sparkle, I will surrender myself to her and follow her back as a prisoner.”

"I, Commander Twilight Sparkle, agree to meet Princess Luna alone in three days time in exchange for my freedom today. I will not harm anypony today while on my way out of the forest besides self-defense if necessary, and I will not talk to anypony about today’s or the upcoming meeting of any kind. During the meeting, I will listen to her claims and decide on the following course of actions, either by believing her or taking her as a prisoner back to Canterlot."

"Do both sides agree to the mentioned parts of the pact?" the magus asked and received a yes from both mares. "So shall it be. The pact has been made!" The magic vanished from her horn, but the connection between Twilight and Luna remained for another minute before it vanished as well.

"My task has been done. If you will excuse me, princess, I have...," she looked at Twilight for a moment, "...other places to be." She bowed before she walked past Twilight towards the exit of the tent.

Twilight noticed her look. "What's wrong? Not feeling comfortable in my presence?" she asked with a smirk while the magus walked past her.

The mare stopped for a second but didn't turn. "You have changed, Twilight. You are not the filly I used to know."

Twilight's eyes widened and she quickly turned around, but the magus had already left. She turned back to Luna. "Who was that?!" she snarled.

Luna looked after the magus herself, surprise written on her face. "I'm afraid I cannot tell you. It was her wish to stay anonymous, which was a reasonable request, but I wasn't aware that she knows you."

Twilight calmed down a bit and turned her head slightly to look behind her. 'I wonder who she was and from where she knows me,' she thought.

"Anyway, if there is nothing else you wish to know I will fulfill the first part of our pact." Twilight turned back and nodded at the princess who lifted the flap of the tent and called a guard in, the same thestral that led her through the cave earlier.

"Your Highness," he said with a bow, keeping Twilight in his line of sight.

"Please show the commander where her equipment is stored and the way out of the cave," Luna said. "She is free to go and no one will be harmed by her as long as no one strikes first."

The guard opened his mouth to say something but closed it again after a moment. "As you wish," he said slowly, and it was clear that he wasn't fond of that order. He turned around and looked at Twilight. "Follow me."

Twilight nodded and followed the guard. "Until we meet again, Twilight Sparkle," the princess called from behind.

"Whatever," Twilight said, wondering as she followed the guard what in Equestria she has herself gotten into.

Either way it didn't matter. She has made her decisions, and in a few days she will deliver her prisoner to the queen, explain her reasons and face the queen's judgement. After all, there was no way that Luna was telling the truth.

...

Right?