“Take cover!!!”
As a royal guard cried, massive explosions pounding in front of the guards’ troops. A variety of ammunitions, from arrows, magic beams, magic balls, to bullets, laser beams, and shells, were flying across the battlefield. The surrounding environment was in terrible shape. The castle was severely damaged, lots of houses and buildings were in flame, ponies were hiding or fleeing in despair, and the royal guards started to be overrun. Meanwhile, Queen Celestia, Princess Luna, Queen Cadence, Princess Twilight Sparkle, and their families and friends were waiting for their fate in the throne room.
King Sombra, Shining Armor, Flash Sentry, Courageous Heart, and the remaining royal guards were holding their position at the gate with weapons on their hooves. They were about to face the approaching enemies. Suddenly, the gate exploded and blasted all ponies away. The four stallions were heavily wounded and lost consciousness due to the strong blast. By looking at her brother and two husbands, Twilight Sparkle and her daughters, Violet Harmony and Evening Twinkle, rushed towards them with tears in their eyes. While they were sobbing, Queen Celestia looked at the King who was laying on the ground in disbelief, then looked at the gate in fear. A tall man-shaped shadow emerges from the smoke, which has a huge scythe in his hand. As he approaches, Queen Celestia distinctly could see the outline of his face, with a crimson spark sparked on one side.
“I’m back, Celestia.” A gloomy and vicious voice made Queen Celestia shiver, not because of the voice but familiarity. She couldn't believe that he returned. This couldn't be real, she kept persuading herself, but no avail, only saw he raised the scythe and swiftly slashed towards her.
“Celestia!!!”
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April 10, 1043 CE, 03:12:22
Queen Celestia’s Chamber, Canterlot, Equestria
Fortunately, it was just a dream. In Celestia’s chamber, King Sombra woke her up as he noticed something off on her.
“Ah……!!” Queen Celestia awoke with a gasp, she was sweating bullets and looking around while huffing.
She started to calm herself down as she realized that it was just a dream. Still, the dream was beyond realistic, she couldn’t stop trembling.
“Are you okay?” King Sombra comforted Celestia. Then Princess Luna rushed into the chamber.
“Sis, are you alright? I sensed a strong nightmare from you, but you woke up before I tried to help. What did you dream about?”
“I…I'm fine, Luna, it’s just…the nightmare was the strongest one I’ve ever dreamt…” Celestia lowered her head.
She hesitated whether she should tell about it or not, but looking at Luna and Sombra’s worrying faces, she decided to tell them.
“Luna, did you remember the human I told you several years ago?” Celestia looked at Luna.
“Do you mean the one who was banished by you 500 years ago?”
“Yes…I saw my family was killed by him right in front of my sight. As much as I don’t want to believe it, but his look, it couldn’t be more true.”
“I’m quite failed to follow, Tia and Luna. I know there’s one human named Megan Williams, but I thought she is the only human in Equestria. Was there any human come to Equestria in the past?” King Sombra chimed in, having no idea who the royal sisters were talking about.
It was true that the mysterious man who appeared in Celestia’s dream, Celestia didn’t mention to any royal members - even her lovely children and husband - except Luna. She thought that it would cause some disturbance. Now, however, she had no choice but to spill the beans.
“Luna, Sombra, tell the children to the meeting room next morning. It’s time to let them know.”
“What about Twilight Sparkle and her friends?”
“Leave them for now,” Celestia replied. “It’s not the time. Now go.”
“Yes, sis.” Said Luna, then she left the chamber.
Celestia went silent, every time she thought back to the scene in the nightmare, she couldn’t help but quiver. If the nightmare came true, herself, her family, all subjects in Equestria, even their allied nations would be in danger. As for King Sombra, he rubbed Celestia’s mane to comfort her, despite that he didn’t know what Celestia had gone through.
“Tia, don’t let the nightmare affect your emotions. I, Luna, and other families will be with you no matter what you’ve gone through.”
“Thank you, Sombra.” Celestia smiled and kissed Sombra’s forehead.
“Let’s go back to sleep, we need to wake up tomorrow for the meeting.”
Sombra lay down and slept, so did Celestia, but she only looked at the dim candlelight and mumbled, “N. Shroud……”