Sunset sat in her room, watching the sun rise for the first time in months. It was a lot brighter than she remembered and seemed to change colour as she watched. With her were her associate that she once called friends, but they no longer saw her that way. To them she was their master and them her slaves.
"It's so beautiful." Applejack walked to the window to get a better view. "If only it was Celestia who raised it."
"Don't say that. You don't want her to hear you." Fluttershy hissed.
"Oh, I do not mind her musings. She may choose to think what she wishes. It is her actions that concern me most." Applejack's blood froze in her veins. At the doorway stood the lunar princess, clad in her silver armour.
"Princess! I'm sorry, I didn't mean any disrespect."
"Fear not child." The alicorn patted Applejack's head. "I do not seek to instil fear in you, just to ensure that their is order in my kingdom." Rarity approached the princess, while Fluttershy attempted to blend into the shadows.
"If I may be so bold princess, I think it is time to start work on a new line. Your current attire is a tad mundane. May I take my leave?"
The princess smiled before gesturing to the door. "I shall not stop you from doing your job." Rarity galloped off without a second thought, leaving the other five ponies behind. "So Sunset. As promised, the sun has returned. Enjoy it while it is here. I am still partial to the night."
Applejack bowed to the dark mare. "Thank princess for returnin' the sun."
"You are most welcome. Just remember the deal we have. I raise the sun, and you grow the food for my people."
"Of course." Applejack bowed her head, whilst slowly making her way out of the room, leaving only four ponies left, excluding the princess.
"And you, don't think shadows hide you from my sight. I was practically raised in them." Fluttershy didn't mumbled in fear. "Speak so that I may hear you properly."
It was barely audible, but her words could be understood. "Yes, princess. What is it you needed?"
"Fetch us some refreshments. I am ravenous." Fluttershy didn't need to be told twice. With the speed of a Wonderbolt, she flew off.
From the corner of the room, came another pony, her mane limp against her head, devoid of any and all curls. "And me princess. Have you no task for which I am to complete." Of all the ponies, Pinkie had been affected the most. Sunset no longer saw any happiness in those eyes. Only sadness. The princess turned her attention to Pinkie and shivered. Even she was unnerved by the dramatic change of Pinkie.
"No, I have nothing for you to do. But I do wish you to leave so that we may speak." Pinkie left the room, not even making a sound as she left. "Now shall we talk?"
"What about Rainbow?" Sunset gestured to the door, where a Pegasus is steel armour stood to attention. Nightmare Moon didn't turn around.
"Captain, do you have any duties to attend to?"
"Yes ma'am." The rainbow maned Pegasus responded. She turned and left the room.
"Aren't you afraid that she'll attack you one day?" Sunset queried.
"Not so long as her friends serve me. That's the benefit of loyalty. It can be manipulated. Now what is it you wished to speak about my dear protégé?"
"Nothing really, I was just curious about something."
"And that is?"
"Why now?"
"I do not follow." The alicorn tilted her head in confusion.
" Why did you wait until now to return the sun."
The alicorn pause to think. "Emphasis." Sunset didn't respond to this. She didn't know how to. "Let me elaborate. The long night show everypony who is in control. By giving them a taste of light, the night will be so much more dark. They will seek out the sun more and will therefore need me more." Sunset didn't see the logic in this but just agreed. The princess turned to leave.
"Princess?" She stopped.
"Yes."
"What happened to her?"
"Celestia?" Sunset's ears flattened.
"Yes. Celestia. I was just wondering what ever happened to her." The princess chuckled.
"You have already seen her today." Sunset's brow furrowed in confusion. "As I was sealed in the moon, she has been imprisoned in her celestial body. Please excuse the pun." The princess left without further comment. Sunset turned to look out the window, and finally she saw it. The sun's surface slowly changed colour. Different parts going from yellow to red. But when she focused, she saw a shape.
It was the shape of a pony.