Ashes and Smoke Pt.3
Twilight’s idea made Shining think. The Crystal Heart was capable of defeating some of the most powerful magic. When amped by the love of ponies its power rivaled the Elements of Harmony. Blasting a love spell straight through it? Shining was both intrigued and hesitant. The problem with his sister’s plan is that the heart remained outside. After he married Cadence, he had it moved back to the top of the tower. He told the Crystal ponies that he simply wanted it to shine love to the whole world and not just their empire. It wasn't a lie, but anypony who knew Shining would know that was not his true intention. Only a few ponies knew just how protective he was of the things he loved.
"Twilight, the heart is back at the top of the tower. Too many 'visitors' tried to steal it or damage it. I couldn’t leave it out in the open. If Cadence and I go to the heart, it’s gonna be up to you to fight down here."
Twilight thought for a moment. She hated war. Science had its twists and turns. Math had its false hopes and tricks. Literature held unfamiliar worlds, thoughts, and beliefs. War? War never changed. Truthfully it was very simple and yet the most difficult thing for her. The idea of it scared her. It scared her more than bad writing could ever do. Bad writing could be forgotten, and in some cases it may even be forgiven and become humorous. After obliterating nearly all the copies of the book that shared her name she actually gave it a chance. The horrible dialogue and romance reminded her of other terrible books that could only be found in Rarity's closet. The actions of war, however were etched into the very souls of its participants. The fear, pain, and blood. It never went away. She stood tall and her horn glowed. Twilight had only one choice. She had to fight at a whole new level. The longer she delayed the more war would drown ponies in its simple flames. Twilight had to use her powers in ways she hoped she never would have to. She spoke firmly to Shining and once again he felt as if he was talking to an Alicorn princess instead of his sister.
"Get some medic ponies to keep Night Spark safe. I will push the changelings back...I can break their assault..."
She held a regretful face that caused Shining to grab her with both hooves. His sister wasn't supposed to fight in wars, she was supposed to follow her dreams and obtain knowledge that would change Equestria for the better. She was supposed to correct him when he said something unintelligent. Egg head was always a term that bothered her but, Shining didn't care.
"Twilight...just stay safe okay? If you can, try not to fight them all alone. I know you're an Alicorn but...well look at Night Spark. All the power in the universe won't save an idiot. That’s why mom and dad gave you the good genes.”
Shining watched her blush. He wondered if he could be so modest with so much power.
"Don't worry about me Shining."
Twilight's eyes glowed
"I AM the Princess of Magic. It's about time the changelings see what I can do. It's about time they see magic with end."
Shining placed his hooves on her face and looked her in the eyes.
"I don't care how powerful you are sis. I wish you weren't here. I wish you didn't have to be a part of this. Twily, just promise me that whatever you do... don't let this war change you. Don't ever stop being my little egg head of a sister."
She pulled away with a slightly annoyed face.
"Hey don't call me th-"
"Promise me Twi'!"
She furrowed her brow and sighed.
"I Promise."
He hugged his sister and kissed her head. Twilight smiled as her brother galloped away to get Cadence. She looked at the carnage taking place at the doorway of the castle. The soldier ponies were growing weary. The defense continued to falter and would soon break. She thought about what Night Spark had told her before they came to the empire.
Your value for life…even the life of your enemy…it should shame me yet all I feel is joy. I know that going forward Equestria has a wonderful example to follow.
She teleported in front of the troops and shot a massive kinetic wave from her horn. The result was a moments rest as the wave practically broke the changelings’ front lines. She turned to face the ponies before her. They showed gratitude for the moment of peace by nodding at her or simply bowing. Twilight smiled at the ponies. They hardly looked like warriors anymore. Most of them just seemed empty. No victory would save them from what they have seen.
“No more…”
She placed a barrier between herself and the soldiers. They immediately started to panic. Some of them attempted to ram it head on.
“Don’t worry about me. You ponies deserve to rest. You deserve a chance to mourn. I have more power than I care for. I’ve always prided myself on using it for good and to help others. That’s the way Star Swirl used his magic.”
She looked at the concerned troops and smiled sadly at them.
I know that going forward Equestria has a wonderful example to follow.
Night Spark’s words once again tore at her. They reminded her that Star Swirl would have never resorted to using dark magic in order to save ponies. They reminded her that she was the only pony alive to give in to that temptation. How could she not? She had to know. She had to understand and experience what even Star Swirl himself didn’t. If knowledge was there she would seek it and learn it. The truth that hid itself in the darkest chambers in her mind finally came to light.
“I am no Star Swirl, and I never will be.”
As the words came out of her mouth she felt herself go numb. Her body seemed to drift away from the soldiers who now screamed at her to come back. Twilight stood alone outside the castle. She watch as the changelings reformed the line and began their approach. They sped up significantly and charged at her like an angry black cloud. Her eyes closed tight as she thought on what she was about to do. No stun spells. No kinetic blasts. Nothing but pure and unconstrained magic. Magic she had never truly tested her limits in. Magic she only wanted to know and never use. Her eyelids squeezed tighter as if somehow that would make the war stop and go away. The sounds of the changelings roaring re-enforced that was an unattainable wish. The sudden weight of a hoof on her shoulder caused Twilight to open her eyes. Standing at her side was Flash Sentry. The Soldier glared at her.
“It’ll take more than a magic barrier to keep me from fighting by your side, princess.”
She looked at him confused and slightly agitated that he somehow passed her barrier.
“How did you-“
“I went to a higher floor and jumped out the window. Don’t be so surprised. Your brother is the one who trained me. Now listen, princess: you don’t have to do this alone. I don’t doubt that you could kick some serious tail out here, but our job is to fight by your side and protect you. We need to-“
She lifted him with magic.
“I am going to send you back inside. You are going to stay there and make sure your fellow ponies know that reinforcements are here. You are also going to stay by your brother’s side. I don’t know if you saw him but… Night Spark is in there barely hanging on to his life. Keep him alive or you deal with me later. Is that understood?”
Flash merely nodded while floating in air. Twilight then threw him through the magic barrier and turned her attention back the monsters closing in on her. The tip of her horn sparked with magic. Her eyes began to glow.
“I will try to make this as painless as possible… I am sorry…”
Crystal Empire Outer limits:
Violet carved through the horde. She moved swiftly and with such savage precision the five ponies behind her struggled to gallop over bodies. Her wings had been covered by protective metal that also served as her main weapon. As she galloped deeper into the horde she would occasionally allow herself to slide against the ground. While doing this her wings would spread and slice against the lower limbs of any changelings before her. The Ponyville ponies followed Violet and did their part to pitch in. Applejack and Rainbow landed powerful blows and shattered the bones of the smaller changelings. Rarity used her magic to join together all the metal sequins on her scarf essentially turning it into a sword. Pinkie hopped, skipped, and dodged every single attempt at her life. The changelings who missed her frequently ended up killing their own or themselves. Fluttershy watched the rear flank…literally. Her stare held back any changelings who dared strike from behind. As the ponies fought their way to the castle a deafening sound rang out through the battle field. It scraped against their ears as its shrieking grew. The six ponies and the changelings around them watched as magic like no other had begun it path of destruction. A tornado of white energy formed in the crowd near the castle. The massive funnel glowed a bright magenta as it tore through the crowds. Every single thing it touched crumbled into ash immediately. The ground beneath it turned to dust and ash that spun around as if in a storm. Even the larger changelings crumbled into nothing as the magic deconstructed their bodies at the atomic level. Large bolts of lightning shot out into the crowd and sky burning anything they touched. Violet turned to the ponies she was escorting.
“We have to get to that castle ladies. Quit staring and start killing these bugs.”
Violet wondered what if any limits Alicorn’s had to their power. Luna could crush beings physically under hoof or she could tear apart their minds to the point of madness. Celestia could summon spires of solar fire to melt her enemies and massive structures. Now Twilight could summon tornadoes of pure magical energy and turn anything to dust and ash. Violet felt as if she were in one of the old history books that referenced Celestia’s and Luna’s earlier adventures. She had always thought the books were reimagined from century to century to keep them interesting. The powers she had witnessed however, assured her that while Alicorn’s may look similar, they were beings of a different kind.
Violet led the ponies through the horde. The six of them used their best skills and effectively cut through to the most inner wall before the Crystal Castle. They closed in on the very gate which Shining Armor had protected earlier. As they attempted to reach it the way was blocked by three large changelings. They dwarfed the six ponies and stood at nearly 4 times their height. Violet gritted her teeth. The large changelings jeopardized her mission. If they all stayed and fought she risked one of Twilight’s friends becoming injured or worse. The middle changeling roared. His jaws were open so wide she had no doubt the creature could consume her in one whole bite. Violet spread her wings and lowered herself into an offensive stance. The stance was similar to that of Pegasi racers. She would use her momentum to dash forward and strike at the changelings. The other ponies readied themselves.
"No. You all need to get to Princess Twilight and the Crystal ponies. Nothing else matters if we are to win this."
Rainbow flew next to her. Violets eyes remained locked on the middle changeling that now seemed to dare her or her friends to attempt passing.
"No way Vi! You can't stay here on your own! We'll take 'em together and-"
Violet tensed and the hairs on the back of her neck rose as the adrenaline quickly surged through her body. One of her already extended wings pointed at Rainbow as she spoke.
"Your priority is reaching the princess and saving what's left of this empire. The more time you waste worrying about me the closer you are to failing your mission. Get your friends and get the buck to that castle...I'll take care of these bastards."
Rainbow looked at Violet with both admiration and pity. She knew the batpony was doing her duty, but she also knew that it may very well kill her. Rainbow turned and joined her friends. She picked up Applejack and flew over the wall. Fluttershy did the same for Rarity and Pinkie shot herself over it using her party canon. Violet felt some relief. She knew they still had to fight through some changelings but they were close enough to accomplish their task safely. The growls from the surrounding enemies filled her ears. Green magic glowed in her peripheral vision. The large changelings in front of her seem to smile as they closed in. Violet sighed then let out a light chuckle.
“Mayor Violet Midnight…”
Her eyes closed as she inhaled the aroma of war. Hints of decay and accents of smoldering buildings filled her nasal passages. The distant clash of the other bat ponies and the changelings created a unique melody. It harmonized with the crackling scream of Twilight’s tornado. She may have not wanted to be a soldier pony but she didn’t deny she made a damn good one. Very few ponies could hear and experience battle as the tragic symphony that is was. In her heart she knew it was her favorite genre. She could dissect it and separate each instrument. She could describe the timbre and know exactly when there was a key change. Even now at her last symphony she could feel the deafening crescendo of the enemies’ roars. She could hear the melisma executed by Twilight’s magic. The pulsing notes of her heart began to slow down along with the rest of the music. Exhaling, she opened her eyes and smirked.
“…nah.”
Crystal Castle Med Bay:
Flash Sentry sat next to his brother. That is all he could do. He had not seen Night Spark since an unforgettable day many years ago. Upon reuniting with him Flash realized that his special little bro was gone. Night Spark would never laugh with him again. He would never play pranks on ponies like they use to. The very mentioning of them being related may be the death of him.
He looked at Night Spark’s wounds with concerned eyes. Each cut and gash was held closed by magenta magic. Flash smiled lightly.
Even the changelings get more attention from her… you’re one lucky bastard Spark… well kind of…
Flash grabbed a bowl of water and a small rag. He began to wash away the blood on Night Sparks legs. He took caution to cause little or no movement to his forelegs. After a few small wipes Flash’s front legs were covered in his brother’s blood.
“I don’t know if you can hear me, Spark. Honestly part of me hopes you can’t because I don’t know what hurts you more… these wounds or seeing me... I was scared. It reminds me of you from all those years ago. I remember when we came back from the Royal theatre. We all thought the reenactment of Nightmare Moon’s rise was spectacular… except for you. She scared the living hay out of you.”
Flash wiped the blood from Night Sparks muzzle. Some of it was already dried so Flash let it be in order to allow his brother some rest.
“Me and dad used to tease you all the time and we’d get you good. He would stand outside and do his best evil cackle while I would open your window. The minute the smallest breeze touched you, you would think it was the breath of Nightmare Moon! That was priceless. That was innocent. That was you. But do you remember what happened when we didn’t stop?”
A single tear rolled down Flash’s cheek. He wiped it away and continued.
“One night I pushed you in your sleep while Dad did his terrible impression. You woke instantly and shot me in the chest with magic. It was an accident. Dad found me unconscious against the wall with you crying over me. I had to listen to you saying sorry for weeks even though I didn’t blame you. You acted out of fear and… you did something that you normally wouldn’t have. You did something you regretted. Maybe we don’t deserve another chance to have you as family. I’m not saying we didn’t let you down. I’m saying maybe we acted out of fear too. I know we all regretted it and still do. We missed you Night Spark. We mourned and missed you.”
Flash watched the gentle rise and fall of his brother’s chest. He could hear an almost inaudible wheezing coming from deep within Night Spark’s lungs.
“I missed you.”
Crystal Castle Entrance:
Twilight cried. She sobbed like she never had before. Her tornado ripped through the crowds with such ferocity many of the changelings retreated in fear and horror. The area in front of the castle was nearly clear of changelings. If they weren’t dismantled atom by atom they were moving away from Twilight. Seeing creatures, whether real or made from Chrysalis’s magic; terrified of her as the Crystal ponies once were of Sombra hurt Twilight. Of all things she never thought she would be imposing fear upon other beings.
What have I done?
The magical twister fell apart and dissipated. The winds calmed and the dust of hundreds of changelings fell silently upon the ground. Twilight’s legs buckled and she fell. Her body shook as she nearly choked from both her own sobbing and the dust in the air. She had passed the boundary that held her world together. For her this was not simply making a mistake or getting a question wrong. This was crossing over into territory that she swore to herself she would never do. The power she had gained from friendship and harmony had been tainted and purposed into a weapon of death and fear.
“Twilight!”
The voices of her friends caught her before she fell too far down the path of regret and doubt. She glanced at the direction of their voices and saw their faces. Each of them had changeling blood somewhere in their coats. They had received minor scratches and bruises, but all in all they appeared to be safe. Though she felt great relief upon seeing them her attempt to smile failed. Her eyes shifted low and to the ground. She could no longer see the dirt for what it was. Instead the ground became a reminder of what she had done. Each little spec a part of something she had destroyed.
“Twi’ are you ok?”
Applejack’s voice broke her thought process and once again lifted her mind out of a dark place. She replied to the farm pony with a near emotionless voice.
“I am fine, Applejack. It’s just that… well…”
Tears flowed gently down her cheeks and betrayed her monotone voice.
“I killed them. I. Killed. After everything I have learned… everything I have taught… I killed. I committed the worst possible thing. I…”
Applejack put a hoof to Twilight’s muzzle.
“Listen, Sugarcube. I know you’re feelin’ all kinds of things right now but we’re in the middle of a war. Ponies’ lives are at risk. So I need ya’ to buck up, stand tall, and be the pony with the plan like you always are. Otherwise we’re fightin’ for nothin’.”
Applejack’s words planted confidence in Twilight. She rose off the ground and went through a series of mental lists and checklists. Hundreds of variables became apparent and only a few outcomes were predicted. Her brain shoved aside any feelings or emotions. There would be more than enough time for her to contemplate her ability to teach friendship and harmony when the battle was over. Twilight turned to her friends and spoke.
“Girls, get inside that tower. Stay with the soldier ponies. I am going to check on my brother and Cadence. They should have already made it to the top of the tower. “
The ponies gave her an affirmative nod. She smiled at them and started to teleport.
“Stay safe, friends.”
She disappeared from their sight. All five ponies then galloped into the castle.
Crystal Empire Battle Field:
Luna’s hind legs slammed into the torso of a larger changeling. Before the creature flew into his nearby allies a satisfying crack sounded out from his chest. She darted forward and stomped down upon a group of three smaller changelings. Their bodies crushed under her hooves.
“Forward my ponies! Show these monsters that their dark deeds shall not go unpunished.”
Flapping both of her wings she shot up into the sky and instantly dive-bombed back onto the ground. The resulting shockwave cracked the dirt underneath her and sent drones flying in every direction.
War was Luna’s field of expertise. Even before the moon and the stars existed, she was interested in battle. As her wings sliced through changelings Luna remembered the days before day was even possible. She remembered sisterly fights with Celestia that took place before history or time could even be recorded. In every fight Celestia would charge at her with such overconfidence it became humorous at times. Luna would laugh as she watched her sister attack. Sometimes she would trick Celestia by teasing her with illusions. She would watch for hours, days, weeks, and so forth and her sister fought with nothing. When they both actually fought Luna would always think of ways to gain the advantage while Celestia would blindly assault her. Most battles resulted in ties or victories at Luna’s hooves. The only things Luna could never truly foresee were the things she did not want to see. She never wanted to see her sister using the Elements of Harmony on her even as Nightmare Moon. She never wanted to see the Crystal Empire desolated and destroyed. She never wanted to see the still bodies of good ponies. Luna’s eyes fixated on a certain body, the motionless body of Violet Midnight. The bat pony was on her back and had been severely injured in many areas of her body.
“…no.”
The word barely escaped from Luna as she slowly approached. She walked over to Violet and placed a hoof on the batpony’s face. Her body was still warm. Luna had just missed her. Tears dropped like falling stars from her eyes. A terrible sadness formed deep within Luna’s heart. Violet had either been the luckiest pony she knew or the best soldier Equestria had. Over the years death had nearly a thousand chances to take her. Luna knew that no soldier outlives a thousand chances. But every soldier believes in chance and trusts their luck. She closed Violet’s eyes with great care and kissed her head.
“I will honor your life and your wishes my brave little pony. Death is not the last sleep. No, it is the final awakening and now it is you who shall instead watch over my dreams. The song is ended, but the melody lingers on… I will make them hear it Violet. I swear… for your sake and for all the dead ponies, I shall bring this symphony of death down upon Chrysalis and her ilk. Go now unto my stars where you belong…”
Luna’s horn glowed a color of teal that frightened both ponies and changelings alike. Her body slowly rose and hovered above Violet as her pupils contracted and formed slits. The snarling growl coming from her muzzle made the hair rise on every creature who could hear it. Darkness seemed to emanate from her and the sun was being forced to set. As she spoke her voice shook the bones of those who could hear her.
“Death shall be the only resolution!”
Teal rays of energy shot from her radiating horn and carved through the changelings. The magic was casted from pure hatred and had one intent. The Batponies watched in awe and fear as their princess continued to rise into the sky. The higher she went the more powerful and numerous the teal beams became. Luna hated the changelings and did not care that she was harboring such feelings. The changelings had seen what Twilight’s power had done to them and now knew that fleeing would not save them. The black ocean raised its tides and thousands of changelings began to charge towards the lunar princess. In desperation they began firing magic at her with no concern for hitting their fellow kind. The dark sky was illuminated by what seemed like millions of green magical bolts and hundreds of teal beams. Luna voice was like a dark and majestic thunder.
“Nay! You will not stop me! There shall be killing until the score is paid!”
Black clouds appeared and swirled around her. Lightning and thunder applauded Luna’s might and encouraged her to continue. She halted her magical assault for a moment allowing herself to be struck by the enemies. The magic normally would not even bother her but when receiving it from thousands of changelings it actually brought Luna pain. It was a burning pain that reminded her of the attack on Ponyville. It reminded her of Night Spark’s battle with his brother. A sinister smile replaced the growling face she had. Deep inside Luna knew she was going too far. She knew she was crossing lines that both she and Celestia had discussed. However the thought of tormenting the changelings who had killed her friend and so many other ponies drowned her conscious. The changelings would suffer for their transgressions in the same manner Night Storm had suffered. Luna began to cackle as the storm grew stronger.
I shall teach them as Night Spark would.
Massive pillars of lightning fell from the sky. They were each as tall as the crystal castle and as wide as the Golden Oaks Library. The changelings they fell upon were slammed into the ground, crushed, and then incinerated. Thousands of smaller lightning bolts spread throughout the changelings that were hovering in the air. Smoldering bodies began to join the falling rain. Luna began to laugh in a terrifying and all too familiar tone. The dark cool influence of an angrier god was seeping into her mind. Its presence was intoxicating as it continued to lower Luna's barriers and free her of any worldly constraints. She contemplated fighting and pressing back but Luna knew what would happen if she let go. The wrath of the darkest night would be the most powerful weapon against Chrysalis but it would then turn on her friends.
Come. Come and ascend once more my dark passenger. Though this time I shall remain. We shall both exist and we shall both be. As we share this vessel we will unleash not a black night... no, but a smoldering one. We shall remind this realm that nothing no matter how powerful, can overcome the darkness, for in the end... that is all there shall be... My offer shall only come once, Nightmare. Accept it now and join me. Live no longer in the shadows of my mind and let us become one! Both Nightmare and Princess of the Night! What say you?
...and what of Celestia? What of this Discord fool that disturbs me so? How shall I act upon receiving rude stares and disgusting gossip? How will I harm those who disrespect my night?
You shall harm no pony! Display your strength! Speak with authority! Show no weakness! Soon they will realize the idle gossip and stares are nothing to us. We have shared differences. We have been terrible enemies for centuries. For all your power and for all of mine neither of us have succeed at anything. What? A few idle threats? Moments of our control slipping?
Moments of your control slipping while I remained prisoner in your mind! You have been freed Luna! I still remain in shackles! Now the only path to freedom is by joining you? No. Never. I shall wait in this prison for however long I need to wait. One day, you will let yourself ease your grip. Perhaps it will be when Chrysalis is crushed under your hoof. The bloodlust feeding your inner desires. Maybe it will be different. Maybe these changelings will overcome you and in your final moments you will realize that I am your destruction and your salvation. It matters not.
Damn you, Nightmare! Are we so different? Truly? We share much in common you and I. We crave power, love, and attention. We both have a love for the night that few understand. We both are willing to go to great lengths to accomplish what we desire. All that separates us is how we proceed with expressing ourselves. You would kill those that would make even the simplest of jokes where as I would merely scream until I positively shook every bone in their body... or perhaps I would laugh. I suppose it would depend on whether I am the subject of the joke. You desire the worship of ponies. I desire their love. You must see that we are nearly identical. Bind with me. End this war so that we can assist in ending another.
Cease your begging, Luna! I shall not have half of my godhood. I shall not have half of this body. I am Nightmare Moon! The moon bathes the night in gentle light but the moon always has a dark side. I am that dark side Luna. Take away everything and that darkness fully engulfs the moon. Like the night sky I am eternal. When every star burns out and flickers into nothing I shall remain. The power you wish to unleash upon the enemy can only be achieved one way. You may view me as cruel… unlovable even. Yet I can and would defend my subjects. Any who worship the night shall be protected and then loved in return. The suffering I would unleash upon the changelings would be to visceral for any quill to properly record upon parchment. I would not require any armies or assistance from others. No other ponies would be placed in danger as you have placed them in. Not even the greatest of your precious soldiers can escape danger. You failed to save Violet, Luna. A promising pony with a promising life. Due to the greed you and your infernal sister share for power Violet suffered. For what? To reach Twilight? To get the other elements to her despite them no longer possessing the power of Harmony? Unlike you I alone would have torn through their lines and unleashed the full power of a dark goddess upon them.
Nightmare’s words cut at Luna. Like the drops of rain before her she could feel herself falling apart. The chilling presence of her inner horror furthered its reach into her mind and body. Luna’s coat began to gradually grow darker.
Let go Luna. Let go and relinquish this vessel to me! Only then can you guarantee the safety and security of your subjects. Only then can Equestria survive this blight and press on. Many of these ponies have ambitions and promise. Do not fail them as you have failed others. Release me…
Luna’s mind grew hazy as she attempted to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of giving in. Her thoughts were interrupted by a deafening crack that shuddered the windows of every home in the Crystal Empire. With the force of a meteor, Celestia had pushed the sky. Her body tore through the sound barrier and slammed into Luna so hard that the resulting shockwave alone dissipated the storm. Both armies watched as Celestia and Luna crashed into buildings off in the distance.
Crystal Castle Upper Levels:
Twilight watched as one Alicorn assaulted another. Celestia had appeared from nowhere. She was not surprised however. If she could feel the dark presence flowing from Luna than there was no doubt Celestia could as well.
Luna what were you thinking?
Nightmare moon was only defeated by the power of the elements. Equestria no longer had that power. Should she have returned... The thought was interrupted with Twilight’s ears picking up on a faint sound. She teleport her way through the upper levels until finally appearing behind both Shining and Cadence. The couple was sitting down on the stairs. Twilight look at them both with great urgency.
“What are you two doing?! We need your spell!!!”
Shining turned to speak however Cadence was first. Her voice sounded strained.
“I know Twi’. We were on the way up but the baby started to kick and suddenly I felt so dizzy that-“
The rest of Cadence’s words seemed to melt away. Twilight’s ears and left eye twitched. She very slowly turned her gaze towards her brother.
“Baby?”
Shining grinned nervously as Cadence looked at Twilight confused. Upon realizing that Twilight was not aware she face hooved and looked at her husband.
“You didn’t tell her did you?”
He scratched his head.
“Uh well…no.”
Twilight took a threatening step forward.
“So first I find that my only sibling is getting married and the only reason I am aware is because of Celestia’s invitation.”
She took another step forward never once removing her eyes from her brother.
“Now I find out that I am going to become an Auntie and the first I’ve heard of it is in the middle of a genocidal war in which you’ve allowed your pregnant wife to fight?!”
She was mere inches away when Shining provided his reply in a quiet and fearful tone.
“I guess?”
Twilight was considering banishment or at the very least dungeon time, with no trials. Cadence spoke up and tried to calm her sister in law.
“Look Twi’ if I had known that he didn’t tell you… We are sorry. It’s just now isn’t the best time to kill your brother. I… The baby is taking a lot of my magic. I honestly do know if I can perform the spell.”
Twilight shook her head.
“Cadence, we need to end this now. You couldn’t see it, but that darkness you felt? That was Nightmare Moon working her way back into Luna. Celestia just tackled her out of the sky. I don’t want to wait around to see if the reinforcements she brought can somehow turn the tide. The longer this battle continues the more ponies are getting hurt. So you both are going to go to the top of this tower. You are both going to perform the love spell and amplify its power through the Crystal Heart. Cadence if you aren’t feeling well I can supply you with magic but this has to happen and it has to happen now.”
Twilight assisted Cadence off the stairs. Shining moved in to also lend a hoof but Twilight gave him a terrifying glare. His ears flopped down in shame.
“Twilight you have to believe me! I honestly forgot!”
She snorted as they climbed the steps.
“How can you forget telling family about your first foal?!”
Shining mumbled and spoke through a grunt.
“…just you…”
Twilight turned her head with a bewildered look. Shining seemed to shrink down a little as she spoke.
“Just ME?”
“…Yeah…I…already let Mom and Dad kn-“
Twilight lifted Cadence and placed her on her back. She growled as she flew up the stairs.
“Well maybe I should forget to save Equestria and go read a book!”
Cadence held on to Twilight as she sped up the last few steps. Cadence hopped off her back and stretched her wings.
“You know he honestly did forget Twi-“
“Oh don’t you defend him! You’re just as guilty! Just- do your bucking magic already and spread the love of your wonderful new family! I’ll just stand over here with all the other unimportant sister-in-law Alicorn princesses. They might be invisible but at least they let me know when they are having foals!”
Twilight walked and looked off the same edge she did when Night Spark and her arrived. Her anger was taken over by guilt and sorrow. The land was in worse shape than it was when she arrived. It had been scarred by the battle between changelings and ponies alike. She wondered how this war even started.
What could have driven Chrysalis to this?
Shining began to approach his sister, still feeling guilty. Just as he was going to place a hoof on her when Cadence stopped him. She looked at her husband and shook her head. He frowned as she led him towards the Crystal Heart. The massive stone levitated above a pedestal. With so little Crystal ponies left it no longer spun with rhythm. Shining looked at the heart and thought of everything that had transpired. Neither he nor Cadence, were Crystal ponies but they both still felt like they were family to them. Transitioning from a guard of royals to royalty was strange. The only thing that made it easy was the eagerness of the Crystal Empire to accept him. They didn’t have to. They could have demanded a Crystal Stallion or chose to have only Cadence rule yet they took him in. After overcoming the shadow of Sombra and becoming a part of the world again, they suffered once more.
“Crystal.”
Cadence looked at her husband with a puzzled expression. He held her hoof in his and continued.
“With your approval and should our foal be a filly, I was thinking Crystal.”
Cadence smiled at her husband and nuzzled him.
“That is perfect. Strong and beautiful.”
Shining kissed her on the cheek.
“Just like her mother.”
“You’re the only stallion I’ve met that actually wants a filly for a firstborn instead of a colt.”
Shining gave her the sweetest eyes he could.
“That’s because if she becomes like any of the mares in my life I’ll be the proudest father in Equestria.”
Cadence blushed.
“That amount of flattery won’t get you anything Mister. Now let’s get this spell going.”
Both ponies stood at an intimate distance from the Crystal heart. Both of their horns began to glow. Their combined magical aura swirled around the Crystal Heart. Twilight turned to watch them. Magical energy flowed from their horns and struck the Heart simultaneously. The top of the Castle began to flow with energy that illuminated the sky. As Cadence and Shining looked into each other’s eyes their magic grew exponentially. Each had flowing streams of energy that the heart was amplifying. The magic intensified, while the Heart grew much brighter. It spun with such force that it created a humming sound. While they continued their spell Twilight did not hear the whoosh of a dragon behind her. Shining caught movement out of the corner of his eye. Before he could warn his sister a massive tail slammed into her side. Twilight felt like her wing had been crushed. As her body flew through the air she tried to slow herself but the throbbing pain on her right side denied her any control of her body. She felt her left side slam against one of the pillars. Rock and rubble fell on her as her head laid over the edge of the tower. Her breaths were short and staggered as she used her failing energy to lift herself. She saw five large changeling dragons corner Shining and Cadence. As she attempted to rise Twilight felt blood trickle down her face. Her vision became foggy and everything seem like it had an echo. Shining’s voice rang out after her.
“Twilight! Twi!”
Her eyes shut and the world was denied a visual presence in her brain. She could faintly hear Shining and Cadence fighting the dragons. Spells, grunting, growling, along with the roar of fire were audible as well. The heat of the battle lasted only for a short time. Another voice could be heard too. It was soft and cold. It chilled the ground and the blood on Twilight’s body. It cooled the air passing through her lungs. Everything became unimaginably cold before it became completely black.
Crystal Empire Outskirts:
Luna’s body had been slammed against the ground. Celestia held her down as if she were trying to push the planet. Celestia gazed upon her sister with tears in her eyes. She was angry, hurt, and disappointed. Most of all she was worried. Luna did not meet her eyes.
“Why?!”
Luna remained silent. She did not even resist her sister yet she knew why Celestia held her down. Celestia was afraid.
“Luna! How could you? After Everything-“
Luna’s reply was monotone and dull.
“We must join the figh-“
“Damn the fight! Damn it and everything else! I want to know why the 501st is out there fighting and dying for a pony that would succumb to…”
Celestia could not finish her sentence. She couldn’t say that name. Not now not when she had been so close to coming back. Instead she just pushed Luna harder and then released her. Celestia fell on her haunches and look down at the ground beneath her. Luna stood slowly and kept a few meters between them. Her sister looked broken.
“Tia. I thought I could control it… use her… End both this war and my curse.”
Celestia did not look at her. She kept her eyes on the ground.
“At what cost? I would have lost you again… If that had happened what do you think would happen to me? To our subjects? To Twilight? Did you even think Luna? Do you even care?”
The words stung. They burned as much as Violet’s death. Luna approached her sister not believing she could have asked such a question. Did Celestia not think she loved her?
“Tia please. I am sorry. Violet fell in battle. She was my friend. I felt so much hatred. I looked at the changelings around me and had such terrible desires. I still do…”
Luna sat before her sister and waited for a reply. For Alicorns time passed at incredible speed. Years felt like days. However both sisters had felt like normal ponies as they remained silent for a few minutes. Their thoughts were interrupted as a pink and white light emitted from the top of the Crystal Tower. The clouds around the castle spun with ferocity. A ball of magic formed above the tower and flashed as bright as the sun. It expanded at a rapid rate and was soon the size of a floating house. Luna and Celestia watched the ball of magic then condensed even more rapidly than it formed. It shrunk inward so much that bolts of lightning shot out from where the magic originated. Luna looked confused for a brief moment, as nothing had happened. Her confusion was interrupted by an explosion of light and magic. The spell had worked.
In a matter of seconds the entire empire was engulfed in magic. The changelings at the front of the blast near the castle were crushed from the sheer force of the blast. The thousands of others relived the embarrassment of the siege on Canterlot. Ponies celebrated and shouted as the changelings were blasted as far as the eye could see. The blast did not stop at the Crystal Empire however and continued much farther. The changelings were blasted farther away than imagined. The massive horde was divided and spread across region. The sheer distance that the changelings were being thrown may have bought pony kind the time it needed to recover and bolster up.
Luna felt some relief but her sister’s silence concerned her. She knew she had hurt Celestia. She knew that thoughts and emotions from a thousand years ago had resurfaced. The white Alicorn rose slowly. She looked at Luna.
“I am sorry. We will have to talk later, Luna.”
She paused before she took flight.
“I’m scared little sister. My heart is full of a sadness I haven’t felt since… I’m scared.”
Celestia flew off to meet the soldier ponies. Luna remained at the outskirts of the city for some time before heading to the train station. The walk there was silent and alone. Thoughts of sadness and disappointment polluted her mind. She began to wonder if the day was really a victory.
Canterlot General Hospital:
We missed you Night Spark. We mourned and missed you… I missed you.
The sounds of ponies talking and going through papers went on for hours. Through it he could make out some familiar voices.
Celestia… Luna… Twilight…
Miss Doo?
Night Spark fought the weight out his eye lids and opened them. The hospital lights were unforgiving as they reminded his body of why he was here. Pain flared all over his body. His initial reaction was to move and attempt to find a position that would relieve his discomfort. This only caused the pain to intensify. He coughed as his body continued to move. Everything action caused another explosion of pain. Magenta magic covered him and numbed his pain. While the pain was terrible his mind was clear when it tormented him. The numbness he felt now was also in his mind. He slowly turned to see the source of the magic. Twilight gave him a small smile.
“Princess? What- where am I? What of the war? The battle, did we-“
She shushed him.
“You are in Canterlot General. The battle was won…barely. Night Spark, you were injured. The burns should heal up along with the gashes.”
He saw sadness in her eyes. Twilight did not look well. It was then when he noticed a small wrap around her wing. Immediately he tried to sit up as he questioned her again.
“Princess your wing! Are you injured as-“
The numbness withheld his pain. It numbed his mind as well. Things were processed a little slower. The one thing the numbness could not do was hide the strange feeling in his front legs. They felt warm and were swollen at the middle despite being hidden by bandages. When Night Spark tried to move them he barely could. It was then he remembered his fight with Night Frost. Tears welled up in his eyes and his face quivered. He tried to move his legs again and watched. They moved but did so with limited motion.
“Princess?”
He meant to ask her what went wrong but the quivering of his jaw would not cease. Words could hardly come out. In response to him, Twilight placed a hoof on his shoulder.
“Night Spark…”
She continued hesitantly.
“When you fought, your sister… she took aim at your tendons. Luckily they were not cut completely. The doctors did everything they could. I did everything I could. You will be able to walk but, it won’t be the same.”
Twilight was taken aback by what he said next.
“Night Frost… where is she?”
“She was captured and placed in a different room. I am having her wounds treated.”
Night Spark closed his eyes. His sister was alive and in Canterlot. Part of him felt relieved and part of him felt angry. Twilight walked away and brought up something else.
“This may not be the right time but I have waited long enough. I know about you and Flash being brothers Night Spark. It’s not my place to tell you what to do with your family. That doesn’t mean I can’t tell you what I think. You are lucky to be alive and for a second time at that. From what I know about you I think you have had a pretty difficult life. Take my advice and spend time with those who are your friends. Spend time with Ditzy and her sister. Spend time with me and my friends. But you have family. Granted your families both have their fair share of problems and I don’t know if you can fix them all. Though in the end they are still your family. So if it means having an awkward talk with Flash or one with Night Frost… then do it. Do it because if you wait too long then you may never have another chance. Now get some rest. I’ll be around in case your injuries flare up.”
“Thank you, Princess. I will think on your words. How long do you think I must be here?”
“I would say a few more days, Night Spark. I don’t want to rush your healing process. Trust me. It is better if you refrain from moving. If you’d like I could maybe see about bringing some books by?”
"I would like that very much. Thank you again, Princess, and I am sorry for my actions. Seeing Flash reminded me of things I had buried many years ago. I… I did not mean to direct my anger towards you. I said things that I-“
“I forgive you, Night Spark. Just rest okay?”
He nodded. Twilight left the room and closed the door behind her. The silence allow his thoughts to scream at him.
You will be able to walk, but it won’t be the same...
I missed you…
If you can still hear my voice know that…I too love you brother…
I will forever be an anomaly…
He stared at his two front legs as tears flowed down his face. The bandages were white with spots of blood on them. His mind plagued him with memories of regret and sorrow. It plagued him by reminding that had things throughout his life gone differently there would have been a chance at a happier life. With his eyes closed Night Spark thought of the one thing that comforted him most. The one pony that made the darkest parts of his life fade as she shined with happiness.
I love you, Miss Doo…