//------------------------------// // Chapter 4 // Story: From Diamonds to Decay // by Static Shimmer //------------------------------// When Celestia and Cadence returned to the Grand Hall, they found Princess Luna amusing the filly, using her magic to create tiny stars in the air. The young pony sat patiently, staring up in wonder as hundreds of little beams of light glittered above her head. “She seems to like you,” Celestia said softly as she approached her sister, “How is she?” Luna used her magic aura to guide the stars to the other end of the Grand Hall, causing the filly to chase after them until she was out of earshot, “She’s very timid,” Luna sighed, “But she says her name is Nightshade, so I believe you may be right.” Celestia watched the pony thoughtfully, “I’m sure I am, I can see it in her eyes and the way she moves, she’s just like him.” “What are we going to do?” Luna looked to her sister. “She can’t stay here!” Shining Armour interrupted. He and Cadence had only just started their new life in the Crystal Empire – the last thing he wanted was for their peace to be disturbed by having to look after a child. Cadence shot him a look before turning to Celestia, “If we need to, we will do what we can for her.” “Thank you,” Celestia smiled, “But I think it would be best if she returns with us to Canterlot where we can keep a better watch on her.” Luna looked up, “Sister, don’t you think she has already had enough disruption in her life already? Surely taking her from her home will only cause her more distress?” “I’m afraid I don’t know what else to do. If she stays with us in Canterlot, not only can we keep her safe, but we can keep others safe from her too. I fear that her magic is very powerful.” Celestia replied, her tone incredibly serious. Luna nodded and cautiously approached Nightshade, unsure of how exactly she should handle the situation. She sat next to her, speaking softly, “Nightshade, um, how would you like to come and live with me and my sister?” The filly shook her head, “Where’s my father?” Her eyes filled with tears. “Listen,” Luna persisted, “We’re here to take care of you. If you come with us to Canterlot we can-” “No!” Nightshade got to her feet, “I’m not going anywhere!” Luna tried her best to calm her, “I know you’re scared but-” “I said no!” A dark green blast of magic fired at Luna, sending her flying across the hall. “Luna!” Celestia ran over to her sister followed by Cadence and Shining Armour. She knew that this kind of magic had a harmful effect on Luna, “This must be stopped.” “Wait!” Luna got shakily to her hooves, “She’s just a child! She’s scared and confused, she doesn’t know what she’s doing!” Celestia turned to Luna, realising the implication in her words. Luna saw her lot of herself in this vulnerable filly. Stepping forward before Celestia had time to speak, Luna cast a sleep spell over Nightshade, and used her magic to make sure she didn’t fall to the floor too hard. Cadence cleared her throat, “So, um, what now?” Celestia seemed disheartened as she made her way over to Nightshade, “She is too dangerous; we can’t allow her to remain like this.” “Can we not raise her in Canterlot and teach her to control her powers?” Luna protested. “The risk is too great,” Celestia said regretfully, “It isn’t her fault, but dark magic such as this poses a great threat to the stability of Equestria. I can’t allow things to return to how they were a thousand years ago.” Luna looked down, knowing her sister was right. “Instead, I propose that we remove her magic entirely, as well as her memories. We’ll place her for adoption in Ponyville – it’s far enough away from here to be able to conceal the truth, but if something does go wrong, I know Twilight and her friends will be capable of handling it.” Celestia wasn’t sure if she was doing the right thing, but this was their only viable option. Cadence and Luna both nodded in agreement, and Celestia leant down to the sleeping pony, shrouding her in a blinding white light. When the glow faded, Nightshade’s wings and horn had disappeared, and instead a simple earth pony was left sleeping soundly on the floor. “There is one more thing,” Celestia added, “If she is to live in Ponyville, Twilight and the others must not know of her true identity. Nightshade must not know that she is different.”