//------------------------------//
// Ready or Not 
// Story: Acceptance 
// by Riddle-Me-Think 
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I do not own My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic





Nightmares are never a pleasant thing for anypony. None have ever disputed this fact, as nightmares marked only the things the dreamer would truly fear, no matter how irrational it may be. But some nightmares, were very much real, and only made their grip on the mind all the more terrifying.

This was what Luna was seeing before her right now, deep inside the dreamscape that she traveled this night during her nightly duties. Normally, she would have passed up this task for later work, as the invasion that drew closer would call for more of her attention. But thanks to the Lue clan at their side, the lunar princess had more time to spend doing others tasks such as this.

Luna was certainly glad of this, as she had almost missed a nightmare that was all but screaming for her attention. What made it so notable to her was how much it tugged on her senses, and who it was from. Inside the brilliant star of a dream floated a crystal heart, one belonging to Cadence.

I know she hath been stressed over the wedding preparations, but I would have not thought they would cause her this much pain. It was troubling to the older alicorn to see her niece in such a condition. Though the younger alicorn retained some of her kindness, it had seemed slightly more spoiled than usual.

A look inside her dreams will truly tell us what troubles her mind, Luna nodded to herself, putting all speed towards the darkened dream-turned-nightmare and set hoof onto… stone floors?

This was not Canterlots castle, nor was she in Canterlot… In fact, Luna didn’t know where she was when looking about. All she could see with her night eyes were shadows and darkened walls that only belonged to caverns fit for diamond dogs. Carefully looking about her surroundings, Luna could see the slight glints of the walls and floor, telling her that it was not all stone, but stone with plenty of crystals.

Moving through the vast caves, Luna could only wonder why Cadence would have such a nightmare such as this. It certainly didn’t fit in with what had been happening for nearly four days now, and the idea of the alicorn of love dreaming up a dark and silent cave didn’t feel right.

It was but a fluke that we even found this nightmare. Luna thought grimly to herself, after all, it was Bard who convinced me to take care of my royal duties than act as guard. Part of her still wished to be up on that tower and looking through the spying glass for the changelings that would attack. But now, she was glad the heir convinced her otherwise.

Then, she heard it. It was quiet and sorrowful, filled with misery and self-loathing. It was a heartbreaking sound to Luna’s ears, one she could never take pleasure in hearing.

Quickly, Luna opened her wings and took flight, rushing down the cavern tunnels and following the sobs to their source. With urgency, Luna quickly approached where the sobs of pain came from, quickly finding a shocking sight.

There was her niece, battered and dirtied while quickly stumbling in the dark with the faintest of light that glowed from the crystals around her. All around the younger alicorn was certainly the reason for her tortured mind, as images of a more cleaner and stronger Cadence adorned each crystal wall.

With smirks, each one spoke something, always in a taunting fashion or fake pity. One of them stood with a image of Shinning Armor, running her hoof tenderly over his cheek while saying, “And to think, I would have never gotten a better wedding gift, isn’t that right ‘dear’?” The stallion seemed to only numbly nod to her inquiry, apparently not completely there.

Cadence looked away, tripping on a hidden rock, while another image came into focus on the next crystal wall she was near. This reflection seemed to look sad and told in a pitying voice, “Oh how foolish you were, letting me so close and have the chance to take all that is dear to you.”

Moving up to the wall it was in, the image continued to say in it’s fake voice of care, “Letting them all down because you just had to be selfish, what would ‘aunty’ Celestia think?” Then put a hoof to her mouth saying, “What would ‘aunty’ Luna think? Or dear, dear Twilight, who will no doubt grovel at my hooves!” Shouting the last part out with some maniacal glee and eyes briefly flashing into green cat-eyes.

Another sob escaped Cadences lips, turning away from the image again and slowly getting up from the cold floor to keep moving. Yet even with this, another image worked itself into the next reflective wall, holding a limp and dazed Twilight in her grasp.

Cuddling the lavender mare close, the image cooed, “You were always my favorite little filly, you know that Twilight?” Getting a slow and tiered nod from the mare. With a wicked smile, the image began to run her hoof over Twilight’s mane saying, “You know I love you, don’t you Twilight?” watching as the unicorn smile weakly while slowly falling asleep.

Again Cadence turned away from this, tears easily seen in the darkness around her, and focusing on the ground. Yet even with this, the floor lit up some and held a new image, one that had Twilight Velvet and Night Light, both smiling tiredly and looking on in a daze.

Cadence’s reflection was between the two, a hoof over each of their shoulders telling, “Such a loving family, with such strong ties to their children.” Using one of her hooves to move Night Light’s head about as if inspecting him and absently saying, “They even would love another that is not of their family, so readily accepting them into their fold.”

“Stop it…” Cadence voice cracked, trying to pick up her pace as image began to laugh mockingly at her. She picked up her pace, just as more images came up, some just to taunt, while others played with everypony she knew and care for. Soon, Cadence began to run, trying to escape the mocking laughter, the constant taunting and insults, the shame she had brought upon the name of alicorn.

“Leave me alone!” She shouted, eyes closed tight and trying to escape her torturing self. Then, one of Cadence’s hooves hit something, sending the mare stumbling over head and leave her sobbing on the ground.

All round her, the cavern tunnel was lit with light, as hundreds of images surrounded her, reminding her of her failure, of how she had lost, that she had forfeit everything. Curling on the floor, Cadence sobbed, “No more, please, I‘m sorry!” As the mocking laughter and insults seemed to echo all around the alicorn that was breaking down now. Make them stop, make them stop!

“ENOUGH!” Luna bellowed, stomping onto the cold hard ground and banishing the nightmare Cadence was trapped in. Dark and constricting shadows and crystal stone quickly broke away, being lit by moon light overhead that showed the hilly grassy fields it presided over.

Cadence came out of her crying, looking about in confusion before jumping at the warm and soft feeling of something on her. Looking down, she found a familiar sight of a dark navy-blue wing over her, pulling her up into a protective hold. Glancing up, all the pain and suffering she had been in melted away into relief and joy.

Luna was slightly taken back when Cadence all but jumped up and hugged her close, sobbing into her chest as muffled mutterings were made. “I’m sorry aunty, I‘m so sorry!” And seemed to hug the larger pony tighter.

Bringing her own foreleg up to return the hug, Luna softly asked, “Cadence, what ill‘s you, what manner of woe did you receive to create such foul demons in thy mind?” Fallen back into her more traditional speech at the worry she was feeling.

Now pulling away some, Cadence asked in voice full of worry, “M-my mind?” Swiftly looking about saying, “Are you saying I‘m still dreaming!” Looking even more stressed then before.

Hushing the mare, Luna calmly told, “Yes my niece, I am sure you recall of my affinity with the dreams of those who sleep in my night?” Trying to keep the younger princess calm.

Breathing a little quickly, but retaining some calm, Cadence nodded saying, “Y-yes, I remember you said you could do that…” Then almost tackled Luna again, nearly shouting, “Aunty, you have to help Shinny, he‘s in danger-- your in danger!”

Bringing her hooves up to calm down the distressed mare, Luna said with some force, “Cadence, hold they feelings fast, lest we do not understand you.”

Seeing the princess nod and breath a few times to get her mind together, Luna sat and waited. Cadence was obviously greatly stressed and afraid. This was the first time Luna had seen Cadence in such a condition, making the night princess worries grow some. 

After some time to compose herself, Cadence looked back at her aunt and told with a ting of regret, “I‘m trapped somewhere underground by a changeling that tricked me.” Making Luna almost reel back from shock.

“I‘m sorry Aunty, I told Aunty Celestia and professor Intrusive that I was going out for some more supplies for the wedding, and they asked me to be careful--” Cadence could feel the tears well in her eyes and the hear the quiver in her voice while she spoke, “I even brought some of Shinning‘s guard with, but I separated myself for just a moment and let my guard down…”

Luna moved herself beside her niece, putting her wing over the smaller alicorn who was once again breaking down, and softly told, “It‘s alright Cadence, your not the first to fall for such tricks.” Soothingly stroking her back, “Now tell us, are you hurt, and how long have you been gone?”

Calming down at the soft and gentle touch from Luna, Cadence relaxed a little and told, “I don’t know how long it‘s been, as there is next to no light down here…and I‘m a little banged up after one of the tunnels collapsed below my hooves.”

“What can you tell us about the caves you are in?” Luna asked, wanting to know if there was more Cadence knew that was not in her dream. If she was going to find her niece, she needed to know more.

Looking down in thought, Cadence shook her head telling, “It‘s mostly crystals and rocks, and I think I found some support beams, so I think there’s an exit.”

So, she is trapped somewhere inside some mines. Luna nodded to Cadence saying, “I understand, thank you.” Pulling her wing back reluctantly, “I will get Celestia, post hast.” And nuzzled the one pony she could truly call her niece telling, “Fear not our niece, we will find you and save your future husband.”

Nuzzling back and letting a few tears fall, Cadence quickly noticed that Luna was just gone…already away to do her task. Looking up and perking her ears, Cadence gazed up at the moon as a distant echo of Luna’s voice called, “Stay strong, and hold fast thy faith.” Leaving Cadence in the serene grassy fields under the lunar alicorn’s night sky that promised a peaceful dream.





On the tracks that lead to Canterlot, a train making its paces chugged and clucked along the steel tracks and ready to reach its destination. Inside, a number of ponies talked with one another, going over their plans for the wedding to come and excited about it’s festivities.

The same could not be said for Twilight, who could only look out the window in slight worry with what she knew. Before she had gotten up that morning, she had received a rather troubling message from the princess, informing her that she and Masquerade had to come straight to them once at Canterlot.

She wasn’t sure what had happened to call for them both, but Twilight could only guess that something had either gone wrong, or there was a change in plans already set. She could hardly keep her mind off the subject, as reasons for this continually popped into her head.

Her worried seemed to come to halt though, as a familiar hoof was put around her and pulled her closer to it’s owner. She smiled, already knowing that it was Masquerade, no doubt trying to ease her mind after all the anxiety she was feeling.

Looking up, Twilight could see that despite Mask's intentions to help her relax, he too was worried at what was happening. She could clearly understand why, as he had been trying to prepare her and Equestria for this moment when his own people invaded. If anything, Masquerade was more worried about losing her than the conflict to come.

Leaning her head on Mask’s shoulder, she smiled, “I‘ll be fine Mask, you saw to it that I would be ready for this.” Doing her best to keep the stallion’s nerves calm.

With a slightly weak chuckle, he rubbed his hoof up and down the lavender mares side telling, “Can you blame me, you had only one-and-a-half weeks worth of training from me, I‘m obligated to be worried about you.”

Rolling her eyes, Twilight asked, “And what about Canterlot, aren’t you worried about what would happen to it?” Only getting a an amused grin form the infiltrator.

“That‘s Cadence‘s and Bard‘s part of this little play, not mine nor yours.” The stallion smirked coolly, “Besides, we have our roles to play in the coming act, hope you remembered to read your script.”

With a smile of her own and a light swat at her stallion’s chest, Twilight told, “As long as you remember your queue‘s, I‘m sure it will work out splendidly.”

Now smiling at the other, both unicorns laughed with the other at their little bit of banter, feeling the stress fade away from their bodies. Calming down, Twilight closed her eyes and leaned onto Masquerade, who gave no complaint with her using him like a pillow. With a smile, Twilight said, “Thanks for that.”

With his grin in place, Masquerade told, “Not a problem Twinkles.” Hugging her closer, “It‘s what any good stallion would do for his mare.”

Peeking an eye open, Twilight asked, “Last I checked, you were my stallion, seeing as you live in my home.” Feeling a slight smile work onto her face.

Grinning at this new challenge, Mask replied, “What are you talking about, it‘s my claimed territory, you just happen to live there.”

Twilight shook her head, amazed at how things had changed over the months since the black unicorn had reentered her life. Before, she would have started to try fighting back against his unique way of think, but now it was like a game. One that I can enjoy, smirking as she said, “I pay the bills, what do you do?”

Looking up in absent thought, Mask named off, “Guard the library, rearrange books, take out the trash, clean dishes, do laundry when Spike‘s not looking, keep your quill and ink supplies full…” Grinning at the surprised mare taunting, “Must I go on?”

Blinking at him, Twilight questioned, “Since when did you do all of that?” Just now realizing how she hadn’t needed to go for any writing supplies lately.

With a light shrug, Mask told, “Somepony had to pick up the slack when you were…temporarily disabled.” Hinting at the day she was nearly drained of her emotions, “And once again after your ‘little’ argument with that pegasus mare.”

Twilight huffed at the last one, but knew otherwise to dispute it. When ever she apparently is hurt or unable to do something, Mask seemed more than willing to do everything for her so she could get rest, no matter how much she protested. With a sigh, she conceded, “Fine, so maybe your not a completely lazy lump.” Getting a few hushed laughs from around the cabin she and Masquerade shared with the six others.

Making a exasperated sigh, Masquerade asked, “Really ladies --and dragon--, must you all eavesdrop on us?” Turning to look at the ponies and one dragon that were watching the couple somewhat expectantly.

“We are not eavesdropping Masquerade.” Rarity told somewhat hotly, “Only admiring your relationship with Twilight since you started dating.”

Shaking his head, Mask said, “I still prefer courting.”

Not a moment after he said the ‘C’ word in front of her friends, Twilight smacked the stallion upside the head, calmly saying, “I thought I told you not to use that word.”

Holding back his amused smile, Mask put up a sad face and whined, “But honey, it‘s true!” Getting another, if not more playful, smack to his shoulder from the mare who could not contain her own smile. The other also gained smiles, while some snickered at this.

“I said no, and that’s final.” Twilight told the stallion off with the best stern look she could muster at the moment. It was rather difficult with how silly the unicorn stallion was being at the moment.

With a resigned bow of his head, Mask said pitifully, “Yes dear.” Making all the others inside the cart laugh heartily.

Widely smiling at the two, Rainbow Dash could hardly laugh out, “What did you do to get the guy on such a tight leash Twi?” Asking the same question most of the mares were actually wondering. It was known that the black unicorn was rather hard to control, and often did things whenever he felt like it.

Sitting up straighter as if to give a lesson, Twilight told, “It is a combination of discipline, affection and treats when ever he does something right.”

Smirking at what Twilight had said so far, Applejack prodded, “So wha‘ ya‘ll are sayin‘ is you‘re trainin‘ him like a dog?”

Twilight went to object to that, but was cut off as Masquerade flashed into a new form. This new form looked like a golden retriever, barking happily and gave a rather slobbery dog kiss to Twilight’s cheek while wagging his tail and panting happily.

None held back their laughter at Twilights completely surprised face, even the pony-turned-dog snickered to himself at catch the mare by surprised. Regaining her wits, Twilight glared at the dog seated next to her and said, “I‘m getting you back for that.”

All she got from Masquerade was a wolfish grin as, if daring her to even try her hoof at such a notion.





Bard sat at the table that he was asked to wait at, twiddling his hooves in boredom while his mind worked over any last second things he or the other changelings might have missed. He had been rather busy during his stay up in Canterlot, asking his underlings to bring any paper work up to him while the few elders back at the clan hive dealt with things there. 

His work included positioning the guard with Shinning Armor, refitting some guard with better armaments, and keeping tabs on the movement of the invasion force that had almost slipped past some scouting posts. With a sigh, Bard could only think, ah stag, I can’t wait till my little bro’s old enough to challenge my position as clan head. Massaging his head at the thought, being head of a clan can be such a drag.

A cross from the heir was the pony who called for him, Luna, whom patiently waited for the others to arrive for this sudden meeting. Bard didn’t know why they needed one, and so close to the expected day of the attack, but it only meant one thing that made sense. Something has changed.

Thankfully, Bard didn’t need to wait for too much longer. Elder Intrusive was the first to come in and take his seat, giving nothing away with his life long experience. Celestia soon came in as well, both Twilight and an armed Masquerade trailing behind her.

Even with his disposition of being laid-back and carefree, Bard was an effective reader when it came to body langue. It was something he capitalized on when he was in the middle of a fight, and one of the few things he could even learn from the changeling elder nearby.

While the older beings in the room could hid their body langue well, there feelings told otherwise. And though Masquerade could hid his feelings, his body gave suitable hints. They were all tense or worried about why they were here, which only unsettled Bard a bit more.

When they were all seated, Luna was the first to speak, telling, “We are sure you are all wondering why you all have been summoned?” Glancing about the privately closed room and making it a point to make eye contact with each pony or changeling in the room.

They all gave nods, but Twilight spoke up saying, “Wait, what about Cadence and Shinning Armor, they aren’t present.” Pointing out something rather obvious to them all.

With a sad sigh, Celestia said, “That is because they are the reason for this meeting.” Already spotting the changelings in the room working over her words as if to figure out who would solve the puzzle first. Not in the mood for that, Celestia cut to the chase telling, “An infiltrator has made it into the city, and had taken Princess Mi Amur Cadenza‘s form.”

This gathered a shocked gasp from Twilight and alarmed looks from the changelings. Celestia continued however, saying, “Caption Shinning Armor has been no doubt exposed and possibly under their influence, so neither one is present for this.”

Mind a flurry of activity, Masquerade could only cures in displeasure at the turn of events and hissed, “This isn’t good, without Shinning in complete control of the barrier, and Cadence unable to direct the nobles, we‘ve lost our inner defense!”

Intrusive nodded grimly, saying, “Even if we are to expose this imposter of her highness, it would do us no good, as Capitan Armor will no doubt be weaker, and we will be short one high-ranking leader.” Understanding that this was near the ‘worse case’ type of situation. At least it was not her highness Celestia, the elder thankfully thought, things would become greatly complicated if she was indisposed of.

“Do we know where Cadence is?” Twilight asked, worried about her future sister-in-law, “And how did you find out, I thought it was near impossible to see through a infiltrators disguise?” Mostly directing this question to Masquerade.

Catching this, the master infiltrator told, “Only if they can walk the walk, and talk the talk. If they mess either of those up, their exposed easier.” Then started to think about the situation more deeply, “But that doesn’t matter much now, what does is finding Cadence and also changing our plans.”

Bard nodded to that saying, “Without Cadence, I can‘t lead my changeling knights into the fight, we‘ll be seen as the enemy.” Hitting the floor lightly, “But if Celestia--”

“No, out of the question.” Intrusive barked, “Princess Celestia‘s position is too important for her to leave in this plan, and so is Princess Luna‘s!” Knowing that if either left their part of the plan unattended, things might quickly go sour.

Though a little reluctantly, Celestia nodded with Intrusive and reminded the Lue head, “If I am not in position when the time comes, Sham will not have anypony to help coordinate the counter-offensive.” This being more important as they had no way to contact the hiding Gem clan.

Deciding to speak up again, Luna told, “I have sent some of my lunar guard to search for Cadence.” And looked to her sister saying, “My sister believes Cadence is trapped in the crystal caves underneath Canterlot, meaning my guard will be best equipped to search for her in the caves.”

With a smile, Bard said, “Alright, problem solved, what‘s next?” knowing they still had planning to do.

Thinking to himself for a moment, Masquerade told, “Might I ask if I can do some investigation on the fake Cadence?” Garnering all attention to himself, “I have been trying to practice a spell I found last time I was here in Canterlot, and think it would be perfect for this.”

Twilight however, looked to concerned and asked, “Your not suggesting what I think your suggesting, are you?”

Tilting her head to the side, Luna asked, “What is it that Masquerade is speaking of Twilight?” Interested in knowing what the infiltrator might have in mind.

Looking to the assembly before her, Twilight told, “Apparently, Mask snuck into one of the more advanced wings in the Canterlot Library to get a spell tome with more advanced illusion based spells.” And glared at the stallion, “Despite the possible dangers of learning said spells.”

Holding both hooves up, the infiltrator told, “I‘m ranked high enough to handle it Twilight, and this would not be the first time I‘m learning an advanced illusion spell.”

“What sort of spell?” Celestia’s voice cut between the two and keeping them from continuing.

Glancing at the stallion for a moment, Twilight sighed and told, “Masquerade learned an invisibility spell, to hopefully render him invisible to sight.” But when looking to the mentioned unicorn, she added, “But he took his time looking over some copied text to be sure he could use it.”

When Celestia looked a little confused, Masquerade picked up from there telling, “Changelings can only learn certain spells, ones that don’t require a higher emotional mix that ponies use.” Then waved to Intrusive saying, “Professor Intrusive could tell you a number of reasons for it too.”

See as Masquerade had dropped the explanation to him, the elder cleared his voice and explained, “Ponies, as you know, use emotions in their magic naturally. This creates a balance that is connected with the pony, allowing for more focus or control as it goes with your natural abilities with your surroundings.”

“A changeling, does not have this advantage, using nearly pure magic that has little emotional influence to shape it otherwise and give it a certain unique structure.” Intrusive said, pointing to Twilight and giving an example, “For instance, your student has a natural affinity with magic in general, and her emotions reflect this along side her cutie mark-- thus making a basic structure for her magic to manifest with.”

Now pointing to Masquerade, Intrusive told, “Masquerade’s magic does not have this same advantage, as nearly all the emotion used to make it more controllable spells are taken away. Any remaining emotions are used to structure some of his magic, but not on the same level as most unicorns.”

Putting a hoof up to stop the elder from going on, Celestia said, “As much as I would like to hear the workings of changeling magic in greater depth, I feel that you should get to the point, time is of the essence.”

Nodding to this, Intrusive breathed in and said, “Of course your highness.” Taking a moment to think and get to what they wished to hear, “The point I am trying to make, is that some magic made by ponies cannot be done by changelings because it requires a certain structure that your emotions create.”

This was when Bard spoke up saying, “It‘s rather bogus really, you ponies can teleport, but we changelings can‘t ‘cuz the magic gets all crazy before you become green mush.” Seeing a collective number of eyes looking towards himself, Bard shrugged, “Tried to jump five feet away, was paralyzed for two weeks from magical feedback.”

Intrusive just shook his head muttering, “You gave your parents heart attacks with that stunt.” Getting a sheepish look from the current clan head.

“Were you able to learn this spell then?” Luna inquired, looking at the infiltrator, ignoring the two Lue changelings, “If so, then keeping an eye on this imposter would give us an edge.”

With a shake of her head, Twilight told, “I‘m not sure if that is a good idea, Mask can barely use the spell as it is.”

“It holds!” Masquerade objected, only to be met with Twilight’s blank look, “Granted it only works for nine seconds...” Then hastily told, “If anything, it‘s a means to quickly lose anypony chasing me.”

Sighing to this, Celestia shook her head telling, “If that is so, it would perhaps be better if you don‘t spy on her, we still don’t want to show our hoof.”

“Agreed.” Luna nodded giving a pointed look to Masquerade, “If you can‘t hold the spell for too long, than I suggest disguising yourself as a servant.” Then looked to Twilight, “You will then follow Twilight about, going by the cover that you are to assist her in planning the wedding, while keeping an eye on this false alicorn.”





After the meeting was finished and a number of her tasks complete for the day, Celestia returned to her chambers, looking out one of her windows as Luna set the sun and brought out the moon. With a smile, Celestia went about putting up her golden horseshoes, tiara and yolk inside her wardrobe.

As she went to close the fine wooden furniture, something caught the alicorns eye, something she had not looked at for nearly a thousand years. For a moment she considered closing the door and not look upon the large red box.

Why should I ignore it though? She asked herself, I will be needing it soon anyways.

With a resigned sigh, Celestia lit her horn and grabbed hold of the box made of red wood. The box itself was highly decorated, trimmed with golden tapped edges and the lid lined with rubies and ember. With another sigh, Celestia pulled the lid off, looking down at what she could almost call an old friend of sorts, one that has aided her since wars long past.

There, laying in it’s own bed of red silk was a halberd, made by an old friend of hers that had became king of the minotaur’s kingdom. Steel Horn was always such an artistic craftsmen. Celestia thought with a smile, lifting the large two handed weapon with her golden magic. It was truly a thing of beauty to her.

The whole weapon came at a height of six feet with the pole alone and six inches added by the small spear head. A foot of the red pole was taken up by the axe that was on the front, and the hook in the back. The steel used was made with a rare metal that conducted magic, much like Luna’s new sword or Masquerades own sword.

But unlike their weapons steel, this steel was special in it’s own right. It was neither of silver or obsidian, but of a golden color, forged to handle the fires of the sun itself, or as king Steel Horn said himself. With a grin, Celestia could only think that he was right.

The edges were rounded slightly, unable to cut, but when focused with the right magic, those edges became so hot, not even the strongest of armor was safe. She had slain many a foe with this weapons named Solar Wind, melting through any defense that stood in it’s path.

The alicorn ran a hoof over the old weapon, marveling that despite it’s age, it still remained untouched by time. Surly, this was Steel Horns most finest of works. Celestia thought sadly, sometimes wishing she could once more talk to the minotaur king again.

Bringing it up and tapping the golden steel pummel on her marble floor, the princess of the day turned to her mirror and looked at who was there. A thousand years past, she would see a younger, more fiercer alicorn, passionate and prideful in her want to rule over her subjects with the best of her potential had to offer.

She would see herself in golden armor, crafted from metal that was similar to her weapons steel, ready to defended everything that was in the kingdom she and her sister had made. But now, she saw a different being. Now, Celestia saw a old and wise mare, one who had to learn from her mistakes and sacrifice things she loved to protect others that might potentially hate her for such acts.

She had not killed, but murdered hundreds in battles past to help secure peace with her sister. She had to face the horrors from demons, changelings and tyrants that corrupted or destroyed all in their wake. She had to banish her sister, her only family, to the moon so the corruption that had taken her sister might not harm their subjects.

But even after all of that, it took another hundred years to truly secure any semblance of peace with all neighboring nations. The minotaurs were the most easiest to persuade, as they had been long time allies. The griffons fell in beside them, reaching a golden age of industry with her ponies and the minotaurs. With more and more nations following this time of peace, even the diamond dogs put away their ways of war to enjoy the comforts of this time.

But now after a thousand years of peace, the changelings have returned, and not all bearing gifts. Celestia thought sadly, putting Solar Wind back in it’s place inside the decorative box. A battle was coming to Canterlot soon, and Celestia only hoped that not only she, but her ponies were ready for it.