> Conspiracy
>  by FallBlau
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Divide et Impera 
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	There was a soft whisper in the evening air as Princess Celestia trotted out onto her private balcony. From her spire, she could see the gleaming lights of Canterlot below extinguish one by one as the lull of darkness set in and the moon rose higher and higher in the sky above. She breathed deeply, closing her eyes as she meditated in the serene calmness of the night.

Overhead, the stars began to appear, one by one as the shades of twilight dissipated into the oblivion, revealing the countless multitudes of sparkling orbs. Celestia sighed as she gazed at the heavens, only looking down as she heard a door open behind her. She turned to see her former protege, donned in her night attire.

“Princess? What are you doing out here?” she asked rubbing her eyes.

“I thought you were asleep,” she said, not turning toward her.

“I've not been sleeping well, and then I heard some noises. Is everything alright?”

“Yes,” she responded coldly, “Everything's perfectly fine.”

“Then why do you sound like that?” Twilight asked as she trotted next to her former mentor and leaned her head on the base of her neck.

Celestia smiled as wrapped her arm around her and petted her mane. “Oh, just a lot on my mind is all.”

“Like what?” she asked, yawning.

“Oh, something that doesn’t really concern you, dear. Something that I've had to deal with for a long time now...”

Twilight piqued her ears. “Oh? What is it?”

Celestia sighed. “It's my sister, Luna. She's not been feeling well lately.”

“It's not serious, I hope.”

“It's gotten a lot worse...”

“What? Why didn't you tell me sooner?” Twilight asked, a little taken back.

“I honestly didn't think it was that bad,” Celestia said, bowing her head. “But it escalated so quickly...”

“What's been going on with her?” Twilight asked as she moved closer. 

“She's been complaining of stomach pains and fatigue. It's gotten steadily worse. So much so that now she can't get out of bed. I've been doing her job for the past few days, but it's troubling. I don't know what could be wrong with her.”

Twilight moved closer and placed her hoof next to hers. “The burden of leadership can take a heavy toll on anypony...”

“Yes, this is true. It's just odd, is all. It's not like her to get sick...”

“Has she seen a doctor?”

“Yes, but he couldn't find the cause. The Royal Physician worked a few of his ‘cures’ – but to no avail.”

“Well, medicine is a very imprecise science...”

“He's a quack of a doctor!” Celestia said, pounding her hoof into the marble. Twilight cringed slightly. It wasn't like Celestia to allow her passions to overcome her. The Princess, though, must have seen how her actions affected her former student, for she quickly recoiled and composed herself again. “I apologize. It's just the thought of my sister's health. She's been away for so long and now that she's back...I feel like I need to look after her again, for all the time that we were apart. So now when she's sick....”

“I understand,” Twilight said, moving closer again. “Who wouldn't feel the same if they were in a similar position? Take my own brother – Shining. If something were to happen to him...I dunno what I'd do. But I'd probably be right at his side until he got to feeling better.” Twilight paused a moment. “You should go visit her.”

Celestia sighed. “I couldn't do that...I have duties to perform.”

“Surely just a pop-in wouldn't be unwelcome?”

“Well, it's not that simple. She's not in Canterlot at the moment.”

Twilight recoiled a bit, as if caught off-guard. “She's not? Where is she then?”

“I sent her a little ways away in the country. I thought that would be the best for her. A little time away from the city might improve her health.”

“How far away is she?”

“No more than half a day's journey from here...”

“Then we should go and visit her. You and I. We'll go together. You raise the sun tomorrow morning and we'll leave right then. We'll go there and be back before the end of the day. How does that sound?”

Celestia trotted to the balcony and stared out into the night, contemplating. “I don't know...” she said at last. “Seems risky...what if I'm needed?”

“I think Equestria can get by. Also, it's not even a whole day. If anything happens, you'll be back before it becomes a crisis.” 

“Perhaps you're right...” she said, nodding. “Yes, alright. I'll do it. We'll go tomorrow. We'll take the southern road out of the city so as to avoid attention. We can be there by noon, check on how she's doing, and be back at six, right before the sunset.”

Twilight yawned as she made her way back to the door. “Better get ready then...” Half-way there, though, she stopped an turned back to Celestia. “Will you be going to sleep soon?”

“I shall try. I still have a lot on my mind. But don't let that stop you though. Go on to bed, if you wish.”

Twilight politely nodded. “As you wish.” she curtsied and then trotted back inside the castle.

The next morning, at the break of dawn, the two set out on their journey from Canterlot, flying north above the Crystal River.  They flew in tandem with one another, making their way through the countryside, gliding low over rural farms and villages, which were just beginning to awaken to the new day. Amidst the clamor of everyday activities below, they heard the sounds of birds chirping and the occasional cock crowing as they passed. In the east, the two could see as the sun rose above the horizon, spreading a vibrant tint of orange and purple over the receding darkness of the night.

“It's beautiful, isn't it?” Celestia asked, pointing towards the horizon.

“Always!” Twilight smiled.

“I've been trying to get it just right for the last few thousand years now. Never quite what I want, but I guess I'll eventually get it right.”

“Practice makes perfect, I suppose.”

“True!”

When they had been flying for some time they finally came upon a small lake that lay nestled near the base of a mountain. “Here!” Celestia said over the sound of the wind.

“Down there?” Twilight asked. “I don't see anything!”

“It's hidden away! We'll have to go on hoof!”

They descended to the ground, brushing by the edge of the shimmering lake, whose crystal waters teemed with jumping fish. When they reached the opposite end, they landed on the shore, and began to orient themselves. “Where are we going, exactly?” Twilight asked.

“It's down this path,” Celestia said as she pointed to a clearing in the woods where the trees seemed to separate and form a narrow road of sorts. “Follow me.”

They trotted through the dark woods together, following through the twists and turns in the road until they came to a crossing where two guards, clad in black armor, stood at attention. Their spears crossed as the two princesses approached. “What's the password?” the one on the right asked.

“Friendship.” Princess Celestia said calmly.

The two guards retracted their spears immediately and the brown pony on the left stepped forward. “My lieges, we were not expecting you. Your visit comes as a surprise.”

“Your surprise is not unwarranted, Storm. We didn't know of it ourselves until just a few hours ago.”

“You know him?” Twilight asked.

“How could I not? Twilight, this is Night Storm, Captain of the Lunar Guard.”

He bowed. “At your service, milady.”

“A pleasure.”

“How has my sister been?” Celestia asked.

“Her condition remains volatile and her eating habits are erratic...”

“Spare me the formalities,” Celestia interupted.

The Captain bowed his head slightly. “She's not doing too well, I'm afraid. At least, from what I can tell. The guard has just changed. I haven't had a chance to check on her today.”

“Well, why don’t you come with us then, and we'll see her together?”

He nodded. “Yes, my liege. I can provide an escort, if you wish.”

“That won't be necessary,” Celestia said, smiling. “I appreciate the thought, though.”

“Yes,” he said, slightly pursing his lips. “This way, please.” He clunked his hooves together and did an about face and began to march ahead of them. 

They made their way further through the woods until they came to another clearing. There, among the ancient trees, was a simple, one story villa with a red-tiled roof and a wooden porch running around it. On one side, there were steps that lead to a large double-door, where two guards stood at attention. The Captain made his way ahead of them, climbing up the steps and, as if on command, the guards opened the door for them to enter. 

The inside of the villa was very modest. There was a long hallway that lead through the center of the building with doors on either side. At the end of the hall was another door, which lead to the kitchen, which was a little further from the main building. When they reached the second door on the right, the Captain turned to back to them. “I shall announce your presence to her highness.”

Celestia and Twilight nodded and the Captain turned back around and headed to the door and knocked three times with the bottom of his hoof. “Princess, you have visitors.”

There was a moan from inside. “Visitors? This early? Show them in.”

The Captain nodded and the two princesses preceded forward and entered through the narrow doorway into Luna's room. The room itself was very sparse, with only a window above the bed, and a dresser on the other wall, above which a picture hung for decoration. When they entered, the Princess of the Night, who still lay in bed, smiled when she saw her visitors. “Sister, you have come.”

“Yes, it was suggested by Twilight.”

At this point, the Captain, who stood in the doorway, politely bowed and exited, closing the door behind him. “It was very good of you to come.” Luna remarked.

“How have you been, sister?”

“Terrible,” she said, propping herself up in the bed. “When I arrived, I had a fever and a horrible stomach pain. I went to bed with a head-ache and chills. Through the course of the night, I began to wretch so much that I began to think I was dying. On third day, though, my fever broke and I started to feel a little better. I still have chills now and the occasional cramp, but overall, I'm doing much better.”

“That's good to hear.”

“Yes...It's the strangest thing, sister. I have no idea what it was that caused this.”

“Sounds like a case of food poisoning, if you ask me.” Twilight said. 

“Yes, it must have been something you ate, sister.”

“Perhaps so...” Luna said.

“Well, all that matters now is that you're well.” Celestia said. 

“Getting there,” she said, “Hopefully.” 

“How are you finding your accommodations here?”

“I find it to be quite peaceful here, sister. The country air does much to help the lungs and rejuvenate the humor. Though I find myself awfully bored laying around all the time. I wish I had something to read...Have you two read anything lately?”

“I'm afraid I don't have the time, sister. Twilight, how about you?”

Twilight looked down at her hooves. “Well, I'm always reading...”

“Go on,” Celestia said, smiling.

“Well, it's nothing special,” Twilight said, blushing. “Just a whodunit. I love a good mystery story.”

“You'll have to show it to me sometime,” Luna said excitedly. 

“Yeah. I'll do that.” Twilight said, smiling.

The three princesses chatted back and forth for hours until noon had come and gone, at which point, lunch was being served. Rather than retire, they continued talking at the dining table over this, that, and the other. To Twilight, it was a strange thing, for it seemed to her that it was like the two had not talked on a personal level in ages. But then again, when one has to be awake while the other is asleep, when did they have time to truly socialize? As lunch wore down, both Celestia and Luna became less and less talkative, and soon the conversation began to stagnate.

“Well,” Celestia said, placing a napkin on her plate. “It's getting time for me to leave.”

“So soon, sister?” Luna asked, pouting.

“Yes, I'm afraid so. I left Canterlot unannounced. I'm sure they're wondering where I am by now...”

“It was a nice gesture for you to come visit me, though.” Luna said, smiling. “I appreciate it.”

“Well, hopefully, you'll be well again soon and everything will be back to normal, once more.”

“One can only hope.” Luna said, getting up. “I am still feeling weak though. I think I'm going to go take a nap. Don't wait up for me.”

“Alright, sister. Farewell.” They embraced one another and exchanged kisses on the cheek before parting ways.

Twilight followed behind Celestia as they made their way to the front door. It was there, however, that she paused.

“Coming Twilight?” Celestia asked. 

“Yeah, hold on, I need to tell Luna something.”

“Alright, be quick. We have to leave for Canterlot soon or we won't be able to make it back in time.” 

“No worries, I won't be long.” 

Twilight trotted back into Luna's room, where she was lying down. “Oh, Twilight.” Luna said. “Forget something?”

Twilight paused a moment and looked down before she said anything. “You know, it's funny, Luna, I almost lost you.”

“What do you mean, Twilight?”

Twilight paused again, reflecting on her words as she stared at the princess, laying in her bed. When she spoke, she did so with precision, deliberating on her words very cautiously. “You disappeared so suddenly, I had no idea where you had gone. I didn't know until last night that you were sick or even that you had gone. You left without any notice.”

“Well, it did afflict me rather suddenly...”

Twilight's tone picked up, as if chastising her. “But not a word in the royal log or dispatches of the day though, nothing. I had no idea. I was afraid, Luna. I really was. That's why I asked to come and see you.”

“That's very thoughtful of you.” 

“I was afraid I wouldn't be able to finish what I started...”

“Finish what?”

She didn't answer. “I guess this goodbye,” she said at last.

“Goodbye?” she asked startled

“Yes, goodbye.” Twilight lunged at Luna and held her down on the bed, taking one of her pillows that lay next to her and pressed it down on her face. The Princess of the Night writhed furiously underneath Twilight's grasp, trying desperately to push her away, pulling and tugging madly to get free. Twilight, however, held her firmly underneath her, not allowing her to budge an inch. The battle ensued for several moments, but soon her erratic movements became less and less pugnacious until at last her body was entirely motionless. Twilight held the pillow for a moment longer before removing it. Beneath her, Luna's face stood frozen in an expression of desperation – her mouth gaping open for air where there was none to be had. Twilight checked her pulse – nothing. She was dead.

"Yes, I thought you had eluded me just before I could finish you off with the poison. Your sudden departure threw off my plan, but it all worked out, in the end. I guess it's as the old saying goes: if you want anything done right you have to do it yourself. Too bad you can't appreciate all the effort I put into it. Oh well."

She remade the sheets on the bed that been disarranged in their scuffle, and positioned Luna on her back. She then closed the Princesses' eyes and mouth and examined her once more, finding she had left no signs of a struggle. She then tucked her in so as to make her look as though she were asleep and headed for the door. Midway across the room, though, she stopped and turned back to her. “Sleep well, Queen of the Night,” she said, and was about to leave once more before she added, as if it had just come to mind: “Oh, and about that whodunit – it was Twilight, in the bedchamber, with the pillow.” She smiled as she opened the door and closed it softly behind her.

At once, she made her way to the front porch, where Celestia and Night Storm were waiting. “Ready to go now?” Celestia asked.

“Yes,” Twilight said, smiling. “I just wanted to say goodbye to Luna personally. Poor dear, she was falling asleep just as soon as I left.”

“She must be tired after such a long day,” Celestia said.

“Yes, dead tired.” Twilight said.

“Well, I best not disturb her then.” Night Storm said, nodding. 

“No,” Celestia said, “Leave her be. She needs all the rest she can get.” 

“Are we ready to go?” Twilight asked.

“Ready when you are,” Celestia said.

With that, the two of them embarked on the path back through the woods, both feeling very pleased with themselves, as they made their way back to Canterlot...

> Alae Iacta Est
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	The gloom of the palace hallways dissipated as the flame was levitated into the darkness, revealing the various portraits that hung here and there along its faded walls. The sound of hoofsteps echoed softly as the Princess made her way down the hall – her candle leading the way. When she arrived at her chambers, she grabbed the latch, and gently opened the door. A flood of light filled the hallway as Twilight made her way inside.

The room was just the way she had left it this morning – the books were tidily stacked upon the shelf of her personal library and her bed was neatly made. The only difference was a small, purple dragon, who lay dozing at her desk. She trotted up to him shook him gently.

“Spike,” she said, “Get up.”

“Huh, what...?” he murmured as he wiped some drool form his lip.

"I'm back, Spike.”

“So soon?” he asked as he got up.

“Yeah,” she said as she went over to her head-dresser and laid her crown on the counter. “Did you do all the organizing I asked you to do while I was away?”

“Yes, milady,” he said as he got up and leaned against the wall, rubbing his eyes. “All your memorandums are filed and ordered away, just as you requested. Took me almost the entire day, but it's done.”

“Good – and I told you not to call me that. You know I dislike it.”

“Terribly sorry,” he said, imitating a posh accent, “but you are royalty now. It's only fitting that I address you in a manner suiting to your rank and station.”

She sighed as she trotted to her desk and pulled out a piece of parchment. She laid it on the desk and began to write, furiously dashing lines from the tip of her quill.

“So, where did you go today? You left without telling me,” he said as he reclined on the bed.

“Out,” she said, not looking up from paper.

Spike twiddled his claws on his chin. “Out?”

“Out, Spike, out.”

“Out where?”

“Princess Celestia and I went to visit Luna.”

“Oh? How did that go?”

“Spike, can we discuss this some other time? It's been a long day and I'm sorta busy at the moment.”

“Fine, fine,” he said, getting up. “I understand. Is there anything else I can do for you?”

“No, you're dismissed for the night,” she said as she dipped her quill in the ink. “You may go."

“Oh....alright then.” He made his way to the door and stopped, looking back over his shoulder to see Twilight scribbling at her desk. “Oh yeah, before I forget,” he said, “there's someone waiting to see you.”

“What? Who?” Twilight asked getting up.

“Your brother.”

“What? When did he arrive?” she said, moving closer to the door.

“About an hour ago. I told him you had left this morning. He said that there was no rush and just to tell him when you got back.”

“Where is he now?”

“In the waiting-room.”

“Well, send for him immediately.”

He made his way to the door, but stopped. “Twilight, are you okay?”

“Yeah, Spike, fine and dandy. Why do you ask?”

“I don't know. You just seem...off.”

“Off?”

“Yeah, like you haven't slowed down since you've come in. Is something on your mind?”

She immediately stopped writing and laid her pen on the desk. She then closed her eyes and took a deep breath. “I'm sorry, Spike,” she said slowly making her way towards him. “You're right. I've not been acting myself.”

“Is something wrong?”

She looked away, biting her lower lip. “Luna is very sick, Spike.”

“Sick?”

“Yeah, she was in pretty bad shape too when we left her.”

“How serious is it?”

“Quite serious.”

“Oh, well, when will she recover?”

"I don't know, Spike.”

“I can see why you were upset now...”

“I'm not upset, Spike, just tired,” she said, smiling softly as she placed a hoof on Spike's shoulder. “I'm sorry for acting so rudely. You're my number one assistant and I've been treating you like a servant. I don't want you ever to feel neglected or used. Can you forgive me?”

He leaned his down, his cheeks turning a dark shade of crimson red. “Oh Twilight...come on. You know I'd do anything for you."

She kneeled down and embraced him. “Thanks Spike. That means a lot. Now, can you go and fetch my brother, please?"

“You betcha!” he saluted like a soldier and skipped to the hall.

“Oh, and Spike.”

“Yes, Twilight?” he asked he turned around at the doorway.

“Catch!” she threw him a shimmering diamond which he fumbled as he tried to hold it in his claw.

He held the precious jewel up to the light and examined it. “Oh wow! Thanks Twilight! You're the best!”

"No problem, Spike. You've earned it. Now, go fetch my brother and you can go to bed."

"It will be done!" he exclaimed and raced down the hallway.

As his footsteps became more and more distant, Twilight slumped in her seat and held her head low. She made her way to her dresser and looked into the mirror. The face that stared back at her was not her own. It was a different visage than the one she had seen this morning – her vibrant eyes now replaced by a blank, impassive stare that seemed to see right through her.

Twilight looked down, hanging her head low, as she allowed a single tear of remorse to fall from eye-lid onto the dresser below. She sighed and wiped her eyes with a cloth that lay near her, breathing shakingly as she straightened herself in her seat.

Suddenly there was a knock on the door. She gasped as she looked into the mirror, “Come in,” she said melodically, applying some mascara to hide her reddened eyes.

The door creaked open behind her and she heard her brother's familiar voice. “Were you successful?

She glanced at the mirror as she brushed her hair, smiling. “Yes. It is done.”

“Has Celestia been informed yet?”

“No,” she said, placing the comb down. “I don't expect news of her departure to be known until tomorrow.”

“Then that will give us time to prepare for the funeral. Is everything ready?”

“Yes, I have all the invitations written down and ready to be delivered.”

“Then the stage is set.” Shining breathed hard as he closed his eyes. “I'm ready."

“As am I,” she said, smirking.

“Good,” he said as he moved closer to her and laid his hoofs on her shoulders. She shivered as he slowly began to massage her back.” You know you're one of the most beautiful mares in all Equestria?”

"One of the most beautiful mares, Shining?”

“The most beautiful....”

“That's more like it,” she said as she turned around to face him. “And how has my big brother been?”

“The usual,” he said dryly. Twilight smirked.

“Has Cadence not been showing my handsome brother any love?” she asked as she wrapped her hooves around his neck.

“She’s been so frail these past weeks. It’s so odd. She constantly complains of headaches. Some days she lies in bed all day. Other days,  she just wants to be left alone. I don’t know, but sometimes, I think, she’s starting to use that excuse more and more…”

“Aww, my poor Shiny” she said, holding him close. “Let your sister help you...”

Shining closed his eyes as his sister stood up and slowly began unbuttoning his crimson jacket. “Careful," he said, motioning. "The door is open. Somepony might catch us.”

“We're guilty of far more serious crimes, brother. Does this really bother you?”

“Not at all,” he said softly.

“Good,” she said as discarded his jacket and started rubbing up and down the length of his well-toned chest.

Shining shivered at his sister's caresses. “If everything goes according to plan, soon you will be Empress of all Equestria,” he said as he gazed into her eyes.

Twilight moved closer to him, swaying as she held him by the nape of his neck. “And you will be Emperor,” she whispered. Their faces moved closer until their lips met in a soft, lingering kiss. She paused a moment and nestled her brother's chest. "You remember when we use to do this as kids?”

"What? You mean how we'd sneak kisses when mom and dad weren't looking?”

She smiled coyly. “Yes...”

"I think they started to catch on to it...” he said. They both laughed.

“Mom and dad...”

“They always wanted what was best for us,” Shining said, making his way to the glass doors that lead to the balcony. Twilight followed close behind him. “Do you remember? How they treated us?”

“They trained and groomed us for the Royal Academy since we were born.”

“They knew they had to push us hard. Not everyone can have the honor of attending, but look at us now. This is all we have ever dreamed for, since the beginning. And here we are – right at the top.”

Twilight turned her brother towards her as the cool wind of the night air brushed against their manes. “I love you,” she said softly as she stared up at her brother.

Shining petted her mane, holding her head like some priceless jewel. “Our fates,” he said, pressing her hoof over his head, “are not our own. But you will always be my sister. Nothing can ever change that.” He raised her hoof up to his lips and kissed it softly.

When they parted, Twilight looked down to the floor. “Do you love her?” she asked.

“What?”

“Do you love Cadence?”

He didn't answer, merely shook his head. “Twiley...”

“Answer the question.”

“I…I don’t know. No, I guess not. Not anymore. I use to love Cadence with all my heart, or at least, I thought I did. But something’s changed between us. I don’t know what it is, but it’s not the same anymore. I…I can’t put it into words. It’s more than just intimacy or anything like that. It’s like we’re two entirely different ponies now… like we don’t even know each other.”

“I thought I had lost you, brother, when you got married. You remember how upset I was...”

“I know, Twiley...”

“But even through all of that, my feelings are still the same. You’re the only pony in this entire world I can trust, who I can believe, who I can love… I need you, Shining.”

He shook his head. “You realize, if I do this, I can never go back to Cadence."

“Spare me, brother. You have no reason to be ashamed. You’re the most gallant and noble pony in all of Equestria. If anyone deserves to rule alongside me, it’s you.”

“I’m just a simple soldier…It’s all I’ve ever been.”

“Don’t begin to doubt yourself now, Shining. We’ve come too far for that now. You were made for greater things...”

“Do…do you really mean that?”

“Have I ever deceived you, brother? Ever lead you wrongly?”

“No. You’ve always been a good and faithful sister”

“Then trust me. All I ask is that you trust me.”

“I trust you...”

“Then Equestria is ours for the taking. Once we seize power, we shall rule everything together – as brother and sister. Colt and...”

“Wife..”

They both peered into each other’s eyes before leaning into another passionate kiss.

“When do we make our move?” Shining asked as he wrapped his arm around her waist

“Soon,” Twilight said as she guided him to the bed. “I still have to see what Celestia's intentions are in regards to her sister's title...but if I guess correctly, she will give it to me.”

“Then you'll be her successor...” he said as he planted a series of kisses down her neck.

“And then all we have to do-”

“Is get rid of Celestia.”

“How perceptive,” she said, smiling.

“I try to be,” he said as he caressed his sister's body.

After a moment, she stopped, and held his hoof in hers. “Remember this, though, brother - one crowded hour of glorious life is worth an age without a name.”

He stared deep into his sister's eyes, then nestled her chest. “Then the die is cast...”
> Obscuris Vera Involvens
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	The hushed silence of the night was broken by the peal of the palace bell, ringing softly in the dead of the night. It was a sad, soft melody, which echoed through the darkness and aroused the occupant of a plain bedchamber from his sleep.

Spike arrested himself from his slumber and sprang to his feet, almost tripping as he ran to the door. Now well accustomed to the palace’s procedures, he hurried himself to the door, knowing that his daily orders, delivered on a single piece of folded parchment, would be waiting for him at his mail slot – delivered there by a special mail-pony who made the rounds each morning.

He grabbed and lit the candle that lay on his dresser and peered down, cautiously examining the ground for the letter's familiar form amongst the shadows. Finally, he spied it, but gazed at it curiously. Unlike the regular parcel, it was sealed with Princess Celestia's own personal crest. He instantly seized it and tore it open.

He held the candle close to his eyes, using its light to examine the letter’s contents. He scanned over the lines feverishly, reading them with great haste. When he was finished, he folded it back up and laid it on the counter. “What time is it?” he asked as he rubbed his eyes.

He journeyed to his window and flung open the shutters. Outside, the hushed whisper of the summer night wind whispered through the air as the stars twinkled above. “It's not even morning, yet...”

Sighing reluctantly, he turned back inside and sat down on the bed. “It's too early for this... Why would Princess Celestia want to see Twilight at this hour?” He twiddled his thumbs for a moment, staring into the darkness before glaring back outside. “Unless...something serious has happened.”

He shook his head. “No, that can't be it. She needs help with something, that's all. Yeah, that must be it. She has to do some royal duty. Surely...” 

He tried to recall anything from yesterday that could offer any clues as to the reason for this early awakening, but kept drawing a blank. “There are no special ceremonies today...at least, I don't think there are. Very strange...”

As he tried to harken back to something that he had perhaps forgotten, he rescanned the letter that he still held in his claw, murmuring the lines over to himself. “Dear Spike...please summon Twilight to the throne room as soon as you receive this, without delay...” 

He made his way to the bathroom and splashed some water on face. “It really must be something serious...”

As quick as he could, he scurried out of his room and down the hallway to the royal quarters of the palace, traveling up several flights of stairs before arriving at the entrance where two Solar Guards stood at attention.

“Lookie 'ere, Mer” the gray pony on the left said. “He's come already.”

“Aye, Cad” the brown one nodded. “It's our mascot. Bit early to be running around, ain't it, Spike?”

Spike grabbed his knees as he breathed, having just ran the entire way there. “I have...an important...letter,” he said, holding it up in his claw.

“Lemme look at that,” the one on the right said, snatching it from his claw and reading it over himself. “It’s urgent, Mer. We best be letting him on his way...” 

“Aye, Cad, he's on royal business.” They both snickered.

“Please, you guys,” Spike said, still panting. “I don't have time...to joke around...now. I got to get this to Princess Twilight.”

“Oh, of course, of course. We understand. Here,” he said, handing him the letter back. “Pass,” he said as they retracted their spears.

“Thank you,” Spike said gratefully, and headed into the Royal Wing.

Spike disappeared into the hallways that lay beyond, leaving the guard on the right scratching his head. “What do you suppose that was all about, Cad?”

“No idea...”

“You think something could be amiss?”

“Maybe...”

“Then shouldn't we go and help?”

Cad shook his head. “There you go questioning things again. Just remember what I told you: Ours is not to reason why, ours is but to...something, something. Never did remember it all...”

“But, supposing it is something unusual, would it not be within our orders to protect the Princess? What if she's in danger?”

“Well, she ain't in danger, is she? If she was, wouldn't the letter have said so? No, she's safe and sound inside her bed, snug as a bug in a rug.”

“But...”

“There you go again! Look, here's a piece of advice for you if you want get along in the royal guards: don't question anything. Who can understand the workings of these royals? I'll tell you – nopony. Just do as you’re told and it will make things a lot easier on all of us and yourself. Got it?”

“Yes, sir.”

“Good, now stand to your post...”



***


Spike approached the door, writhing his claws around the letter as he pressed his face to its cold surface, hoping he could hear signs of activity. He heard nothing.

He sighed as he knocked on the door. “Twilight...” he whispered. “Twilight, it's me Spike.”

He knocked again, a little louder than before. “Twilight. Get up. Twilight.”

He pressed his face to the door again and heard the soft rustle of sheets and a faint groan. A moment later, the door slowly creaked open to reveal the Princess. “Yes, Spike?” she said, stretching. “What is it?”

“You're needed in the throne room, Twilight. I just got this letter. It told me to come and summon you immediately.”

“Is it from Celestia?” she said, yawning.

“I think so,” he said, looking it over. “It has her personal seal on it.”

“Alright then – wait for me here, Spike. I'll get ready and be out shortly.”

“Do you want anything? Coffee, maybe?”

“What?” she said, shaking her head. “No, just wait here. I won't be long.”

“Okay, Twilight....”

She nodded and slowly closed the door, making sure it made as little noise as possible. She then turned around and headed back to her disheveled bed where her brother lay sleeping. She gently nudged him, running her hooves up and down his shoulders. “Shining, my love, it's time to get up.”

He mumbled a bit as he pulled the covers over him. “Is it morning already?”

“Not quite. I just received a royal summons by the Princess. You'll have to get going...”

He turned towards her and smiled. “I hate to leave so soon...”

“Yes, brother, but it won't be for long.”

“Mmm, promise?” he said.

“Promise,” she said, and kissed him softly.

Shining smirked as he got out of bed and trotted toward the dresser. “What do I tell Cadence when I get back? She'll probably be wondering we're I've been.”

“I'm sure you'll think of something,” she said, throwing him his jacket.

“I guess. You think Celestia suspects anything?”

“Why don't you let me worry about that?” she said, brushing her hair.

“I'm just saying, what if you get caught? What then?”

“I won't get caught, Shining. Have a little faith in your sister, huh? I've got this...”

“If you say so...”

“What, you don't trust me?”

“No, it's not that. It’s just...you don't have a back-up plan of any kind?”

“Look, I know there's a chance of getting caught, but do you really think they're going to suspect me, of all ponies?

“No, I suppose not...”

“The most important thing, Shining, is that we keep our heads and stay calm. You let me deal with Celestia – I know what to say. In the meantime, you need to get going.”

“Alright then...One last farewell kiss?”

Twilight smirked and kissed him. “I love you, big brother.”

“I love you, too, Twiley...”

Her horn glowed as a luminescent glow appeared around him. In an instant, Shining disappeared into the ether on his way back to Crystal Empire.

Twilight spent the next half hour getting ready – taking a shower and applying her makeup the best she could to appear before Princess Celestia. When she finally emerged from her chambers, Spike was sitting against the other wall with his head held in his arms. “Coming Spike?” she asked. 

“Yeah...” he said, getting up.

“Tired?” 

“Very...”

“You should have gone to bed earlier...”

“I did! I think it's because I'm not a morning pony, like you. Any idea why Celestia needs you so early?”

“No idea, Spike.”

“Who was that you were talking with?”

“Spike, what have I told you about eaves-dropping?” she asked as they began walking together down the hall.

“I know, I know, but I heard voices. And I was pretty sure you weren't talking to yourself...”

Twilight sighed. “It was my brother...”

“Shining? Did he not leave?”

“Well, we stayed up a long time talking last night. By the time we were done, though, it was really late, so I just let him sleep with me.”

“Ah, I see.”

“Yeah, we did a lot of family bonding.”

“Well, I'm glad you two got caught up.”

As they continued chatting, they came to where the royal wing ended, passing by where the two guards stood. “Good morning,” she said, greeting them.

“Good morning, Princess!” they both responded in unison as she passed by them, with Spike following close behind her.

They descended the palace stairways, passing through by the various reception areas as they made their way to the throne room, which lay on the other end of the building. 

“Sure is quiet...” Spike said.

“It's because nopony's up, yet.” Twilight remarked.

“Kinda strange really – usually it’s so noisy and alive here. Now, it's as silent as the grave. Really creepy…” 

“A bit too quiet,” Twilight said to herself.

“Hey, Twilight.”

“Yeah, Spike?”

“Do you believe in ghosts?”

“Oh don't be silly, Spike. Do you really believe in that nonsense?”

“Well...I dunno. Do you?”

“Of course not, Spike. Anypony with any sense at all knows that ghosts are not real.”

“Oh, so what exactly happens then when ponies die?”

“I don't know, Spike.”

“Huh? What do you mean?”

“I don't know. Nopony knows. Sure, there have been theories, but nothing substantial to support any of them.. Even magic, for all the clairvoyance it offers us, can't give us any hint about what lies beyond, or if there's anything at all.”

“Well, if it is real, you think it’s possible to come back?”

“I sure hope not...” Twilight said softly.

“Huh?”

“Nothing, Spike. It's early. Can we talk about something else?”

“Sure,” he said, shrugging. 

“Have you eaten?”

“No,” he said, holding his stomach.

“Then why don't you go on to breakfast then? I'll go and see what Celestia needs, but in the meantime, you go and eat.”

“You sure you don't need me?”

“I'm sure.”

“Oh, alright then...I guess I'll see you around?”

“Of course,” she said as she stopped in the hallway. “I'll be in my room, later. Stop by. You'll probably be needed. Okay?”

“Okay...”

“Good. So long, Spike.”

She waved him goodbye as he walked down the other hallway towards to the servant's dining hall. “Such curious questions, he asks,” she said to herself, as she began trotting again. “Very curious indeed...”

When she reached her destination, she paused a moment, and stood frozen in front of the double doors that lead to the throne room. She took her time, cautiously examining the door's gilded veneer, sighing to herself as she did so. “This is the moment of truth,” she sighed as she straightened her posture and pushed open the door.

Inside, the room was obscured in darkness – the throne itself barely visible by the light of the lanterns that lay along its stone edifices. On either side of aisle were solar guards, their expressionless faces silently staring at her as she made her way to Celestia, who sat perched upon her throne.

At the base of her pedestal, Twilight kneeled before her. “I have come, Princess, as you have requested,” she said, not looking up.

For a moment, the Princess of the Sun said nothing at all – merely peering blankly into the absence of the darkened room, the rigid contours of her face starkly contrasted in the dim light. After several moments, she raised her hoof. “Leave us,” she said in a low, sonorous voice. 

The guards simultaneously about-faced and filed out of the room. As they did so, Twilight stayed perfectly still, waiting until the last guard closed the door behind him.

A piercing silence echoed through the room as Twilight stood kneeling before her former mentor – knowing the entire time she was looking down upon her with her merciless glare. “Arise, Twilight,” Celestia said at last.

Twilight stood shakily to her hooves, and gazed into Celestia’s eyes. “Princess, what's going?”

“Luna, Twilight," she said, bowing her head. "She's dead.”

Twilight covered her mouth. “Oh no...”

“They found her in this bed this morning,” she said, her voice breaking. “She had apparently died sometime during the night.”

“Celestia...I’m so sorry. I don't know what to say...”

“Oh Twilight!” the Princess of the Sun exclaimed as she rushed to her former student's side and wept on her shoulder. 

Twilight wrapped her hoof around her head and coaxed her mane. “There, there,” she said softly.

“She was fine yesterday. I hugged her, kissed her cheeks, and told her it would be all right. Now she is gone. Gone.”

“Ssh, it'll be alright," Twilight whispered. 

Celestia wept some more as Twilight cradled her head in her arms. “I’m angry, Twilight,” she sniffed.

“Why?”

“I could have done more for her. I should have known how serious her illness was. I promised her that I would always be there for her, that I would always protect her, that I would make up for the thousand years we've been apart and I failed her.” 

“That's not true. There's nothing you could have done. You gave her your time and your love, and that's all any sister can ever do.”

“You saw her last, didn't you?”

“Yes,” Twilight said nodding. “I did...”

“What did you tell her? What did she say?”

“I...I told her how happy I was to see her again and that I wished she would get well soon. She said she appreciated our time with her, and that she wished us a good trip home.”

“Did she say anything else?”

“Well...no. She was saying something before I left, but her voice was kinda muffled, so I didn't hear.”

“I suppose it doesn't really matter at this point,” Celestia said, making her way back to the throne. “I just can't believe it would happen so fast! She seemed in such good spirits...”

“Well, sometimes that's how it is with sick ponies. They act as if nothing is wrong around the ones they care for so as not to upset them. I'm sure she only did it with good intentions.”

“You really think so, Twilight?”

“I'm certain, Princess. She was one of the most kind and benevolent ponies in all Equestria. And when the moment came, I'm sure she was only thinking of you.”

“Oh, Twilight,” she sighed, “I don't know what I'm going to do.”

“What do you mean?” Twilight asked approaching her.

“With my sister gone, who will tend to the night?”

“Couldn't you, Princess? You did so for a thousand years...”

“But that was different. I had the Elements of Harmony, and even then, it was very draining on me. Now, I couldn't maintain it, even if I wanted to.”

“What are you saying, then?”

“The post must be filled. The balance between the Day and Night cannot be broken. There must be a new Princess of the Night.”

“Then who will succeed her?” 

“I don’t know. My sister never produced any heirs, so it falls on my descendants to fill the vacancy, but as it is, I don't have any qualified members who I think could handle that much responsibility.”

“Nopony, Princess?”

“I was hoping that, in time, my sister would have married, like I had once done, and groomed an heir herself. But who could have known that she would be taken from us so suddenly?”

Twilight cleared her throat. “Well, in any case, I'm sure the pony you pick will be qualified for the position.”

“I guess so,” she said as she turned towards the window and gazed out into the clear morning sky. “Wait a moment, though...Twilight?”

“Yes, Princess?”

“You are one of my most faithful student – a pony of outstanding integrity and now my adopted kin. You have demonstrated that you possess all the necessary aptitudes of leadership, and that you are a sincere, dedicated pony who puts the needs of others above herself. I realize this is a huge proposal, and I dare not wish you to consider it lightly, but seeing as there is nopony more qualified, would you care to take on the role as Princess of the Night?”

Twilight bowed her head and shook it several times. “Princess...”

“You don't have to answer right away. I know it is a lot to ask of anypony. I merely offer you this opportunity as a token of my faith in you.”

“You flatter me, Princess, with your kind words and generous offer. And while, as your servant, it is not my place to deny you, I must. The honor of such a prestigious post is much too great for me. Therefore, it is with a sad heart, I must decline – though I wish I would not upset you. Surely you must understand...”

“No need to say another word, my dear Twilight. I understand the gravity of the situation and the burden I must have just placed upon you. I only pray that you yourself are not being too hasty...”

“I should hope not, Princess. But we all must do our duty –for ourselves, and for the good of all Equestria.”

“No, you are right. Perhaps it is I myself who have acted in haste...I need time to consider the matter. In the meantime, I hope you will not discount the possibility altogether. Your acceptance would be a great blessing to me...”

“I do as I am commanded and act where I am most helpful. But on your wishes, Princess, I will consider it.”

“Thank you, Twilight. Your answer comforts me greatly.”

“Is there anything else you desire of me, Princess?”

“Yes, there is. Go to the heralds; tell them to spread the news of my sister's death to the four corners of the earth. In the meantime, we will prepare her funeral. Send out invitations to all the Royal Houses and announce that it will be held in three days’ time. If you could do all that for me, I would most grateful.”

“It shall be done.” Twilight curtsied and turned to leave. As she approached the door, she heard the Princess call behind her.

“Oh, and Twilight...”

“Yes, Princess?” she said, turning back.

“Thank you...”

Twilight nodded solemnly and proceeded to the exit, shutting the door behind her as she left.
> Virtus Sola Nobilitas
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Inside the confines of the Crystal Castle, Shining Armor crept along the stone hallway as he made his way back to his bedchamber. The sun had not come up yet, which he hoped would give him the opportunity to sneak back into their room, before his wife awoke. 

He cautiously opened the door and peered inside. On the bed, his wife lay sleeping –her controlled breathing making the covers rise and fall as she snored quietly. Shining deliberately made his way over to the bed and nudged himself beneath the sheets, wriggling cautiously so as not to wake her.

When at last he thought he had succeeded, however, he jerked his hoof too far and nudged the bundled mass that lay next to him. He heard a groan as the sheets began to rustle. He cursed underneath his breath.

“Shining?” he heard a groggy voice say. “Is that you?”

“Ssh, sweety, it's me,” he said, holding her. “No need to get up.”

“What? Is it morning?”

“No dear, not quite.”

“Where were you?” she asked, burying herself in the pillow.

“I was up working last night. You know how it goes...”

“Oh, Shining,” she said, petting his mane. “You work yourself so hard.”

“I know,” he said, nestling her neck. “But I do it because of you.”

Cadence smiled. “You're the best husband in the world...”

“Yeah...” Shining said, looking down.

“Something wrong, love?”

“No...It's just...It's nothing.”

“What? Tell me.”

“No,” he said waving his hoof.

“What?”

“Forget it. I've just had a long night and it probably doesn't mean anything.”

“Whatever you say...”

“I'm sorry for waking you, dear.”

“No, it's alright. What time is it?”

“A quarter to six now.”

“Probably best to get up, anyways...”

“Yeah...”

“Did you get any sleep last night?”

“I fell asleep on my desk. I just got up about a half hour ago.”

“Oh? What woke you?”

“Oh, er...nothing. Well, I mean, I just woke up on my own...”

Cadence rolled out of bed, rubbing her eyes. “Is there any tea left?”

“Are the headaches still bothering you, dear?”

“Not so much now – a little pain, but nothing else.”

“Is the medicine actually helping?”

“I think so. I drank it three times yesterday, like the doctor said, and it seems to be working.”

“Well, how are you feeling now?”

“Better. I think I'll go out today and see the gardens; check up on how our flowers are doing. You know the ones, Shining? The ones you and I planted. Have you seen them?”

“No, I haven't checked on them.”

“Not once?”

“I've been busy, you know. I don't have time to spare myself for such things. And, to be truthfully honest, it's really not the same without you.”

Cadence smiled softly as she took his hoof. “Oh, dear Shining, I'm sorry that I've been such a burden on you lately. I know how hard you work and how much of a strain I put on you, but you mustn’t let that discourage you from enjoying yourself. Life is not all work you know.”

Shining patted his hooves on the floor. “I’m very happy to see you up again…”

“Here, I know what! I’ll fix you breakfast this morning. Would you like that, dear? I’ll make those pancakes, just the way you like them.”

“You don’t have to do that.”

“No, but it’s the least I can do to show my gratitude to such a faithful and loving husband,” she said as she kissed him on the cheek. “It won’t take me long at all. You just stay right here and relax, and I’ll be right back.”

“You’re too kind…”

“As any good wife should be,” she said, trotting out the door.

Shining bowed his face sorrowfully as he slumped on the bed, holding his head in his hooves. “What have I done?” he asked aloud. 

“What was that?” Cadence asked as she walked back in.

“Back so soon?” Shining asked, startled.

“I forgot my tiara,” she said as she levitated it on to her head. “What have you done, love?”

“Nothing, dear,” he said, smiling. “It’s just…with everything that’s been going on, I just thought maybe you were really tired and needed to rest – which I would have been more than happy to have obliged. Still, I was concerned about you, that’s all.”

“Well, you needn’t worry anymore. I’m quite capable.”

“Then you must forgive me for doubting,” he said, nestling close to her.

“Then you are forgiven,” she said, brushing him away coyly.

Shining chuckled. “What say you and I go out after breakfast and tour the garden, then?”

“Oh Shining! You really want to?”

“More than anything in the world, my sweet.”

Cadence giggled happily. “Then I’ll get the breakfast fixed as quick as I can,” she said, and raced out the door.

“Don’t rush yourself!” he called as he trotted after her, lost in the euphoria of the moment.

In their private kitchen, Cadence set to work, mixing the batter and heating the stove as she prepared to make pancakes. “You don’t want anything else, love?” she called up the stairs that lead to the kitchen.

“Nothing particularly,” Shining replied as he stepped through the doorway. “Some blueberries would be nice.”

“Then blueberries it is!” she said procuring them from the cabinet. “Have you checked the mail yet?”

Shining froze. “No dear, not yet.”

“You mind?”

“No, not at all,” he said as he left the kitchen. 

Shining sighed as he gazed down the main hallway, and spied the parcel that bore his sister's seal sitting atop the heap of other letters, already knowing what it's contents were...


***


It was a sunny afternoon in Ponyville as Ms. Cheerilee stood before her class lecturing in the town schoolhouse. The rows of half-attentive faces stared back at her as the raspberry colored teacher concluded her lesson on Equestrian history

“It was during the Reign of Chaos and the upheavals that followed, that the ponies of Equestria sought a solution to the instability and in-fighting which had come to dominate their political landscape. A council was convened in 3205 CE by the leading authorities of each race to find a solution to these problems and put an end to the strife. 

“To achieve stability, the representatives turned to a little-known unicorn noblepony by the name of Chevauchée, Count of Canterlot. To unite the factions – the pegasi, the unicorns, and the earth ponies – it was agreed that this minor noble would become their King. This way, it was assumed, because of his limited influence and power, it would allow the ponies to maintain the freedom which they had always enjoyed while establishing Equestria as a legitimate power.

“Chevauchée graciously accepted their invitation and on Hearth’s Warming Day, 3206 CE, was crowned King of Equestria in Canterlot's main square.

“The newly crowned King immediately set about exercising what little strength he had as regent to pacify some of the nation’s woes. He assembled a new law code and established courts to deal with legal affairs and disputes. He also funded the building of schools and institutions of magic to promote education and scholarship. In addition, he negotiated trade rights with Equestria's neighbors, which soon made Canterlot a thriving hub of trade and commerce. 

“By the end of his reign, Chevauchée had turned his kingdom from a loose confederation of ponies into united, centralized power with a strong monarch at its head - securing his place as Equestria's greatest leaders. It would fall on his successors, however, to tame the spirit of Discord who had roamed freely through the Kingdom, wreaking havoc, for nearly a thousand years.

“We'll pick up on this tomorrow,” Cheerilee said, closing her book,  “but before I dismiss class, are there any questions?”

There was a dead silence in the room until a lone hoof in the back was raised. “Yes, Apple Bloom?” 

“So, are royalty immoral?”

“I think you mean 'immortal', yes?”

“Yeah, can royals live forever? Like, why are they still called Princesses? Doesn't that mean the King is still alive?”

“Well no – nopony can live forever. I was going to come back to this tomorrow, but when the King died, he left no male heirs. Because of pony law, mares cannot inherit the title of King. Therefore, his daughters, our current Princesses, will always hold their current positions, until either of them can produce a direct male heir- then he will become King.”

“So, how have the Princesses lived so much longer than normal ponies?”

Before Cheerilee could answer, the bell rang, and the entire class exploded into a frenzy of excitement as students hoped from their desks and headed for the door. “Be sure to review Chapter Eight in your history book! There will be a quiz on in tomorrow! Oh, and Apple Bloom, do you want to hear the answer to your question?”

“Nah, that's alright, Ms. Cheerilee,” Apple Bloom said, wishing to spare herself the tedium of what she knew would be her teacher's answer. “I'm good.”

“Oh, alright then,” Cheerilee said, smiling. “Have a great day then!”

“You too!” she called back as she trotted out the door.

Apple Bloom waited in the schoolyard until she spied her friends. “Hey girls, over here!” 

“Hey Apple Bloom!” Sweetie Belle said as she trotted up to her, with Scootaloo following at her side.

“That was the most boring lesson ever!” Scootaloo exclaimed.

“Yeah, tell me about it.” Apple Bloom replied.

“It was sorta dull,” Sweetie Belle remarked. “But aren't you going to get the answer from Miss Cheerilee?” 

“Nah,” Apple Bloom said, waving her hoof. “Why should I? It's not like it's really that important.”

“If you say so,” Sweetie Belle said.

“Besides, who cares if the Princesses can live forever?” Scootaloo asked leading the way. 

“It sorta makes since when you think about,” Sweetie Belle said. “I mean – they're royalty! What would happen to us if they were to go?”

“I dunno,” Apple Bloom said, following them. “Couldn't we rule ourselves?”

“No way!” Sweetie Belle said. “Weren't you listening to Ms. Cheerilee? Before the King, we were at each other's throats all the time.”

“Yeah...I guess so,” Apple Bloom shrugged. “But why couldn't a regular pony be royalty? I mean, that one pony became King!”

“That was different,” Sweetie Belle said. “He was a noble.”

“Wait a minute,” Apple Bloom said stopping. “What makes a pony noble?”

“Well, how else could he been a King if he weren't?”

“She's got a point there,” Scootaloo said.

“Wait, wait,” Apple Bloom said.  “Something doesn't make sense here.”

“What?” Sweetie Belle asked. “What doesn't make sense?”

“Where did he get his nobility from?”

“Well, that's simple,” Sweetie said, trotting ahead of the group as they made their way through the town, “He was born with it. He was given the talent and was put in the right place at the right time. Nopony can become noble who is not good– otherwise he would have never been chosen as King.”

“So hold on..” Apple Bloom said. “That means I could be Princess, right? If I wanted to, I mean.”

“Pffft, you wish,” Scootaloo said.

“What?” Apple Bloom said. “If any pony can be noble based on how they act, why couldn't I? I'm a good pony, Applejack says so.”

“I guess that's true,” Sweetie Belle said, nodding. “Well, there's nothing technically that says you couldn't.”

“Then I proclaim myself Apple Bloom, Queen of the Crusaders!”

There was a dead silence before Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle both busted out laughing. “What?” Apple Bloom asked. “I'm being serious!”

“Oh, we know,” Scootaloo said, bowing facetiously. “Long live the Queen!”

“Well, um...yes,” Apple  Bloom continued. “And as Queen, I decree we continue our quest to find our cutie-marks!”

“Then tell us,” Sweetie Belle asked in exaggerated accent. “Where shall we go crusading this time?”

“We shall go wherever we please, but first, let us journey to Sweet Apple Acres and procure snacks.”

“I'm already starting to like our new Queen,” Scootaloo said, nudging Sweetie Belle.

“Me too,” Sweetie said, smiling.

“Then to my house, away!” Apple Bloom exclaimed.

The three friends raced through the streets and alleyways of Ponyville, skipping and laughing as they made their way to Sweet Apple Acres.

“Bet you can't catch me!” Scootaloo said, racing ahead.

“Can so!” Apple Bloom shouted back.

“Wait for me!” Sweetie exclaimed,

The three friends raced up to the porch, pulling open the door as they ran inside. “Applejack! I'm home!” Apple Bloom exclaimed. Dead silence greeted the young fillies as the faces of her sister's friends stared back at her. “Oh...hey. I didn't know you guys were here.”

Applejack sighed. “Come in Apple Bloom.”

“What? What's going on? Why are ya'll here?”

“Have you not heard?” Rainbow Dash asked.

“No, we've not heard anything” Apple Bloom said. “What's happened?”

The five of them exchanged glances as the crusaders looked on, waiting breathlessly for an answer.

“It seems...” Rarity began, “that something tragic has happened. We all received letters informing us that...that....”

“That Princess Luna...is dead.” Applejack said.

“What? How can that be?” Sweetie asked.

“We got the letters from Twilight this morning,” Applejack continued. “She said the Princess passed away quietly in her sleep last night. That's why we're all gathered here – to talk about what to do next.”

“Well geez, that's a bummer,” Scootaloo said.

“I guess they really don't live forever,” Sweetie remarked.

“Ya'll should probably go outside,” Applejack said. “We have a lot to discuss.”

Apple Bloom dutifully nodded. “Alright sis...”

The three fillies filed solemnly out of the living room shutting the front door behind them as they exited the house.

“This is terrible,” Sweetie Belle said. “How could such a horrible thing happen?”

“I don't know,” Apple Bloom said shaking her head. “But something doesn't seem right about it.”

“What do you mean?” Scootaloo asked.

“It just...doesn't seem real.”

“Tell me about it,” Scootaloo said. “Here one minute, the next – boom! Gone.”

“What will become of the night now?” Apple Bloom asked. “Who will take over?”

“That's a good question.” Scootaloo said climbing the latter to the crusader's tree-house. “ I guess we'll find out. You guys still wanna go crusading?”

“Nah,” Apple Bloom said. “I think I'll look over Ms. Cheerilee's lesson. It's suddenly more important than I first thought...”


***


Later that night, Apple Bloom sat at the table with her family eating dinner. She played with an asparagus on her plate as the others busily ate away. “You'd best eat that,” Applejack said. “Or you won't get big and strong. Ain't that right, Big Mac?”

“Eeyup,” he said, nodding.

“Oh...yeah” Apple Bloom said, as if coming out of a dream. She lifted it up to her mouth and gnawed on it. “Hey Applejack...”

“Yes, Apple Bloom?”

“What were ya'll discussing earlier?”

“Grown-up things” Applejack said, calmly grabbing another slice of hay-cake.

“I was just wondering, cause I asked my teacher about something to do with it today.”

“Oh? What did you ask?”

“Well, see, I asked if the Princesses were immoral...er I mean, immortal.”

“Uh-huh, and what did your teacher say?”

“I dunno. I never got an answer.”

“Well, even Princesses can't live forever, Apple Bloom. Unfortunately, though, it seems one was taken before her time.”

“So what will happen now?”

“I don't really know, to tell you the truth, little sis. I guess I'll go to Canterlot and see.”

“You're going to Canterlot?”

“Yes, we all are – my friends and I. We've been summoned by Twilight.”

“Can I come with you?” Apple Bloom asked excitedly.

“No, Apple Bloom, you can't.”

“Aww, why not?”

“Cause it ain't a place for a young filly like yourself.”

“I can be good! I'll be really good! I promise!”

Applejack sighed. “Apple Bloom...”

“Please, sis, please?” 

“This isn't going to be anything like the wedding from before. No cakes, no dresses, no parties. There's gonna be a lot of adults there and no other fillies to play with. You'll be bored, for sure.”

“I don't care. I mean, school is boring too. I get along there just fine.”

“Oh, so this is what's this about? Getting out of school?”

“Come on! I've only been to Canterlot once, and its Thursday – I'll only miss one day!”

“I don't know...are you alright with going to a funeral?”

“I guess. I've never been to one.”

“It's not going to be fun. You gotta put on black and act very stiff like.” 

“Well, I'll act like I do when we have guests. So can I go sis, can I?

Applejack waved her hoof. “Fine, but don't say I didn't tell you so.”

“I won't!”

“I'm counting on you to keep that promise. Now, put up your plate and start getting everything ready.”

“Alright!” 

Apple Bloom skipped happily out the dining room and up the stairs to her room, eager to get her things together.

“When do you leave?” Big Mac asked.

“Tomorrow morning. I don't know when we'll be back though. I'm hesitant about leaving.” 

“It's your duty, child,” Granny said. “We can manage until you get back.”

“You sure?”

“Eeyup.”

Applejack smiled softly. “Then tomorrow we'll see what Canterlot has in store for us...”
> Honor Virtutis Praemium
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	There was a soft tap on the door of the Royal Bedchambers. “Princess…” the voice whispered, “Princess.” The Lunar Guard paused a moment, waiting for a response before tapping again. “It’s me, Night Storm.”  

Again, there was no response.

“Princess…”

As he tapped again, a low voice muttered: “Come in.” Night Storm slowly opened the door, adjusting his eyes as he peered into the darkened room. 

In the far corner, the Princess of the Sun stood stalwartly composed, gazing out from her balcony into the night beyond. She was a solitary figure; unmoving, even as Night Storm cleared his throat, trying to make his presence known.

“Princess, I…” 

“So you’ve come,” she said softly, turning towards him. “Good, good. I’m glad you could make it so speedily.”

“Yes, your majesty…”

In the pale moonlight he could barely make out the Princesses features, but as she stepped out of the darkness and into the light, he saw her more clearly. Her face was worn and tired, with large bags under her bloodshot eyes.

“You’ll forgive me,” she said, her voice cracking. “I was lost in my thoughts. I have been under enormous strain since I learned of my sister’s departure yesterday morning. Her loss has been hard to bear…”

“Understandably, your majesty,” he said bowing his head.

“Please come in, Captain” Princess Celestia said, moving to her bed. 

“As you wish,” he said, removing his helmet, trying to keep his stance steady. “Did you receive my message?”

“I did,” the Princess said nodding. “You’ve come with her?”

“Yes, we had her looked over and prepared beforehand. She’s in your throne-room now – ready for viewing.”

Celestia nodded as she turned back towards the window and gazed into the night.  “You attached some urgency in your last letter. You said there was something you wished to discuss with me?”

Night Storm clenched the grounds, his hooves beginning to shake. “Yes, your majesty,” he said.

“Please, speak freely then. I wish to hear.”

“Well, I...” Night Storm writhed and wrestled as he bore his teeth together.

Celestia slowly turned back to him. “What's wrong, Storm? Are you afraid? Why are you shaking?”

“No, it’s I…” he closed his eyes. “I’ve come to offer my resignation from the Guard.”

Princess Celestia piqued her eyebrow. “Why?

“I have failed in my duties to your sister,” he gazed down at his hooves, his voice low and deliberate. “I was entrusted with her safety and well-being and now she is gone.  Her death was under my command. I, alone, am responsible. That is why I now stand before your majesty. I believe my resignation is only fitting, considering all that’s happened. I feel I am no longer worthy to be a part of the guard...” 

Princess Celestia moved towards Night Storm, who clenched his eyes shut as tears flowed down his cheeks, no longer able to conceal his grief. He wept as the Princess laid her hoof on his shoulder.

“I am sorry,” he said through broken sobs. “But had I been more diligent, this might have never happened.”

“Nonsense,” Celestia breathed. “There’s nothing you could have done to have prevented this. It was a natural death and you were not responsible for it.”

“Forgive me,” he said regaining his composure, “I don’t mean to act this way, but I cannot hide my despair. I pledged my life to your sister and…” 

“You did your duty – and that’s all that matters.”

He wiped away his tears and looked up into the Princesses’ eyes. “I’m sorry, I just...”

“No need to say anything,” she said silencing him. “I know how you must feel.”

“It’s unprofessional, is all,” he said meekly. “And I no longer see how I could be of anymore service to your majesty.”

“Night Storm, I have known you since you were apprenticed as a page in my household. And in that time, I have seen as you grown from a curious boy in my service into a brave and honorable colt. I have always had faith in your abilities, and I still do. You are the epitome of what every guard should strive to be. You have demonstrated your devotion to your duty and our household, time and time again. And I am grateful, as your Princess, that I have had the pleasure of knowing you.

“In regards to my sister, you have only ever done what was expected of you.  There is no dishonor in your conduct and you have nothing to feel guilty for. And I believe that myself, and all Equestria, would be bearing a great loss if you were to leave the Guard.”

For a moment after Celestia spoke, he said nothing. He hung his head low, shaking it back and forth a few times, before standing upright to attention. “My Princess flatters me with her kind words…”

“Sincerity is the sweetest form of flattery,” she said, smiling softly. “Do you still wish to resign?”

“No, I…I will carry on,” he said resolutely.  “In what way can I best serve my Princess?”

“Spoken like a true soldier.”

“I am at your command, your majesty.”

Celestia said nothing as she looked on at the guard. After a moment, she spoke softly: “Your touching display of selflessness has moved me. Such loyalty should not go unrewarded. Hand me your sword and kneel.”

“P-princess?” he sputtered awkwardly. 

“You heard correctly. Hand me your sword.”

Night Storm hesitated at first, but then promptly unsheathed his sword and knelt before his Princess.

The blade glistened in the moonlight as the Princess held it aloft and began to speak. “Do you, Night Storm, pledge always to tell the truth, to be brave in the face of adversary, to always be charitable and help those in need, to be loyal to your country, and to protect your Princess, even unto death?”

“I do,” he said softly.

“Then, by the authority vested in me as Guardian of this Kingdom,” she tapped the sword on his shoulders. “I dub thee Sir Night Storm, Solar Knight. Arise.”

He did so, and looked into his Princesses’ eyes. “From this day forward,” she continued, “because of your service, you shall be my personal bodyguard.”

“Princess…” he said, recoiling, “this honor is more than I deserve.”

“Honor is the reward of virtue,” she said, handing his sword back to him. “Now come, escort me to my throne-room, I wish to go see my sister...” 

~

Spike slowly paced about under the open terrace of the Canterlot train station. A strong wind blew through the air, shaking the trees as the rain came down. On the platform, the ponies sat idly on the benches, smoking cigarettes and reading newspapers as they waited for the express.

Spike looked up at the large, metal clock that stood suspended by a wooden beam near the end of the platform. It was five minutes to nine – nearly an hour after the train was supposed to arrive.

The baby dragon sighed as he sat on a bench next to an elderly couple who sat doing a word puzzle and tried to keep his mind occupied. He reclined on the wooden bench, looking down the tracks, as he did so many times before, to see if the train was coming, only to greeted by the still silence of the night.

“Where are you guys?” he wondered aloud.

He closed his eyes and listened to the patter of the rain as it echoed off the steel roof above, letting his mind wander as he let the warm embrace of sleep take him. He was soon whisked away into the realm of his fantasies, perfectly at peace as he laid his arms over his chest.

Moments later, he was awoken from his slumber by the shriek of the engine’s whistle as the train lumbered into the station. Spike wiped his eyes as the train came to a halt. The station instantly came alive as ponies began disembarking from their coaches.

Spike peered through the crowd, trying to his friends. He searched faces, looking for recognizable features among the great mass of ponies moving back and forth. Having no success, he began moving the bustle until he heard a familiar voice: “The weather out here is dreadful!” 

He recognized the posh demeanor immediately. “Rarity!” he called out, searching for her.

“Spike?” 

He pushed his way through the throngs to find his companions gathered at the end of the platform.

“Hey you guys!” he called out. “Long time no see.”

“Spike!” they all responded.

“Well I'll be,” Applejack said, “It is him.”

“It's so good to see you again, darling,” Rarity said, flashing a demur smile. 

He looked at his crush standing under the gas lantern, her appearance just as compelling as ever. “It’s good to see you too, Rarity,” he said, blushing slightly.

“Sorry it took so long, partner,” Applejack continued. “We got delayed at a cross-over on the way here. They like never got that cow off the tracks.”

“Well, at least you're here now,” he said smiling. Spike noticed, though, that were an extra pair of legs behind Applejack's.

“Uh, Applejack, who's that?”

“Oh, my sister,” she said, moving aside to show Apple Bloom, bundled beneath a blanket.

“Hiya, Spike,” Apple Bloom said.

Spike waved. “Hey, Apple Bloom.”

“She wanted to tag along at the last minute,” Applejack continued. “So, here we are.”

“I can't believe I'm actually here in Canterlot!” Apple Bloom said, bouncing around happily.

“Stop, sis,” Applejack chastised her. 

“What?” Apple Bloom sulked.

“You're acting like you've never been here before!”

“This is only my second time...” Apple Bloom mumbled.

“Oh, no worries, I know how it goes,” Spike said. “This place is pretty exciting.”

“Hey Spike, have you seen Twilight around?” Rainbow Dash asked, scanning through the crowd.

Spike shook his head. “Twilight's been really busy managing everything, so she sent me here instead.”

“Has everything been alright? With the Princess, I mean...” Fluttershy asked meekly.

Spike shrugged. “It’s the same old, same old, with me, at least. I don’t know about Princess Celestia though. I've not seen her since yesterday.”

“Poor dear,” Fluttershy replied. “She must be absolutely devastated.”

Spike smiled softly, happy to see Fluttershy was the selfless pony she had always been – still putting the needs of others before her own.

“I don't know...” Spike said. “Twilight's been keeping me busy. I haven't had a lot of time to ask questions.”

Rarity nodded. “It's nice, at least, that she sent you.”

“Yeah,” Apple Bloom said, shivering. “Can we go now? It's freezing out here.”

“Sure,” Spike said. “The carriages are waiting in front.”

Spike lead way through the crowd, the six ponies following behind him until they reached the other end of open air station, where three sets of royal carriages sat idling in front. The friends loaded their things and climbed aboard.

As they were about to leave, Rarity peered out the window to see Spike idling on the platform. “Aren't you coming, darling?”

“No, there's no room,” he said waving. “I'll catch the next one.”

“Nonsense,” she said smiling, “Look, here, you can sit on my lap?”

Spike blinked, unsure of how to respond. “You sure you don’t mind me on your lap?” he questioned, making sure what he heard was indeed correct.

“Not at all, darling. I don't want you catching a cold standing out in the weather like this.”

“Yeah, Spike,” Applejack said. “Apple Bloom here's sitting on mine.”

“Come and join us, darling,” Rarity said.

Spike thought about it a moment, pondering.

“Of course,” Rarity said, “If you don't want to...”

He didn't have to be asked twice.

“Well okay, if you say so.”

He eagerly climbed up the steps into the wagon, taking his place on the lap of the fashionista. He rested his head on her shoulder, feeling perfectly content listening to the faint palpitation of Rarity's heart as the carriages sped into the night.

~

In the palace, Twilight hurried down the hall leading to the throne room. She brushed past the two guards who stood at attention at the open door and made her way inside, only to be stopped by the presence of Princess Celestia, who stood in the gallery looking over the arrangements above the canopy, where her sister lay in state. 

“Oh Princess,” Twilight said, “I didn't expect you here.”

She noticed that at Celestia's side was the Lunar Guard she had seen from her and the Princesses' trip. She eyed him, suspicious of his presence.

“Oh Twilight, there’s no need to worry. I was just looking it over myself. You've done such a magnificent job with all of this. I thank you.”

“Well...thank you, Princess,” Twilight said blushing a bit. “I tried to find flowers that were in season. I was afraid I'd have to settle for something less than ideal, but I managed to find the perfect set at the last minute – and a discount!”

“Your enthusiasm is commendable,” Princess Celestia said. “Twilight, you remember Night Storm.”

“Yes,” Twilight turned towards him. “It's good to see you again, Captain,” she said, bowing. “I regret we couldn't have met again under happier circumstances.”

The Captain nodded; his face emotionless as he stood with his hooves by his side.

“Twilight, I just knighted Night Storm. He is my personal bodyguard now.”

“Congratulations on your promotion, Sir Storm,” she said, emphasizing his new title. “If your previous conduct is any indication of your abilities, than I'm sure the Princess has made a wise decision making you her bodyguard.”

“Thank you, Princess,” he said. “I will try to carry out my duty as well as I am able.”

“I'm sure he'll perform admirably,” Twilight said, smiling.

Celestia smiled as she turned back to the altar which bore her sister's body.

The Princess of the Night was clothed in a magnificent blue dress, surrounded by a huge array of flowers on either side. She looked peaceful laying there with her hooves resting on her chest, and her eyes closed – as if sleeping.

Celestia was silent as she stood over her sister, her mind wandering back over those many centuries they had shared together.

“You really did an excellent job, Twilight. I can't find anything about it I don't like.”

“Seems I have an eye for design,” Twilight replied, smiling. “Something I picked up from Rarity, no doubt.”

“Speaking of, when will your friends be here?”

Twilight startled, trying to recall from memory. “I sent out the invitations yesterday, with tickets for the express this morning. They should have already arrived already.”

“Strange...” Celestia said.

At that moment, Spike ran through the door. “Twilight! Twilight!”

“Speak of the devil...” Twilight muttered.

“Oh!” Spike recoiled when he saw Princess Celestia on the other end of the room. “I'm sorry, Princess. I didn't know you were here, or I wouldn't have come in so abruptly.”

“It's quite alright,” Celestia said.

Twilight sighed. “Are our friends here?”

“Yes,” Spike nodded. “They're waiting in the main foyer.”

“Excellent,” Princes Celestia said. “I'll go and address them, then.”

“Now? But my brother hasn't arrived yet, Princess,” Twilight said.

“Actually,” Spike replied, “he and Cadance just got here.”

“Then everypony is accounted for,” Princess Celestia said, walking past them towards the door. “Coming Twilight?”

“Yes, Princess.”

Twilight motioned to Spike who followed her as they trailed a little ways behind the Princess on their way to the main foyer.

“What took them so long, Spike?” Twilight whispered, slightly annoyed.

“Applejack said their train got held up.”

“By what?” Twilight seethed.

“A cow, apparently,” Spike shrugged. “What's wrong with you, Twilight? Why so angry?”

“Nothing,” she said, waving her hoof. “Just stressed out.”

“You sure? You've been acting really strange lately.”

“I'm sure, Spike,” she replied. “Once the funeral is over, everything will be different.”

“Alright then,” Spike replied.

When they reached the foyer, their friends were waiting for them.

“Twilight!” Applejack exclaimed as they all rushed into a group embrace. “It's so good to see you again, sugar-cube.”

“Yes, darling, it really is,” Rarity said.

“It's so good to see all again,” Twilight replied, smiling.

At that moment Shining Armor walked in, his wife by his side. “Twiley...” he said, coolly.

Twilight's immediately sat up at the familiar voice.

“I hope we haven't missed anything,” Cadance said.

“Not at all,” Twilight said trotting up to them. “You arrived at the right time.”

“Good,” Cadance said as she embraced Twilight. “I thought we might have been late. My husband here sometimes forgets things.

Shining groaned. 

“He is forgetful,” Twilight said, giggling slightly.

“Hey!” Shining exclaimed.

“Don't be so modest brother – you were never that good with remembering things.”

Shining gave his sister an estranged look as she embraced his wife. “So nice to see you again, Twilight,” Cadance said smiling.

“Likewise! It'd do our dance, but I don't think now would be appropriate,” Twilight said, with more than a hint if disappointment in her voice.

“We can do it some other time,” Cadance replied. “For now, let's hear what Auntie has to say.”

“Yeah,” Rainbow Dash said, “what's been going on Princess?”

“A good question,” Princess Celestia said, moving towards them. “Very well, I shall answer all. As you all know from the letters that I had Twilight send out to you, my sister is indeed dead. From what I understand, and from what Night Storm has told, she succumbed to her illness in her sleep. 

“Her passing has been most unexpected, especially for me, but I have no reason to suspect that her death was anything but natural. That being said, I have made all the preparations ready for her funeral, which will be held tomorrow morning at eight.”

“So...” Pinkie Pie, said rubbing her chin, “Who will take over as Princess of the Night?”

“Yeah, that's what I've been wanting to know that, too,” Applejack said.

“Me three,” Rainbow Dash added.

Yes Auntie, who will take over?” Cadance asked.

“I'm very glad you asked,” Celestia said. “As I have already explained to Twilight, this will not be easy consensus to come to.”

“What do you mean, your majesty?” Rarity asked. “Surely there must be somepony...”

“There are many candidates on my side,” Celestia continued, “but none who I think are presently suited or capable of being Princess of the Night.”

“What about Twilight? She's more than capable!” Rainbow said.

Twilight looked down. “No, Rainbow, I...”

“I have already offered the opportunity to Twilight,” Celestia said.

“And?” 

“I turned it down,” Twilight said softly.

“Why would you do that, Twi?” Applejack asked.

“Yeah” Rainbow Dash said, “Isn't it something you want?”

Twilight shook her head. “It's just not something I feel worthy of accepting.”

“Are you sure, darling?” Rarity asked. “I mean, you do have magical capability for it. It would be a shame for you to pass it up.”

“Well,” Twilight said, “I don't know...Do you think I should Princess?”

“That is up for you to decide, Twilight,” Princess Celestia said. 

“I'd have to think about it...” Twilight said. “I didn't want to take it at first, but now...I'm not so sure.”

“I'll give you until tomorrow to decide,” Princess Celestia replied. “You can announce your decision at the funeral.”

“And if I still refuse?” Twilight asked.

“The post must be filled,” Celestia said. “I cannot go on maintaining the Night and Day both – it's just too much. I will have to find another.”

Twilight nodded. “Then I will consider it, Princess.”

“Very well, Twilight,” Princess Celestia said. “The Funeral will be held at eight, as I have said before, so I expect everypony to be read for the procession by seven. Are we all clear?”

“Clear,” everyone replied.

“Good,” she said, “That is all.”

As Celestia started to walk away, Twilight approached her friends.

“I'm sorry I can't catch up with you more, my friends, but I still have a lot of things to do.”

“We understand, sugar-cube,” Applejack said. “You do what you need to do. We'll be alright, won't we girls?”

They all nodded in agreement.

Twilight smiled. “You girls are the best friends in the world,” she said as she embraced them.

“Eh, don't sweat it, egghead,” Rainbow said. “What are friends for?”

“But I don't know what I'd do with you all,” Twilight said. “Thanks for being there for me. Now, if you'll excuse me,” she clapped her hooves together, summoning her loyal assistant. “I'll let Spike show you to your rooms. I hope you all sleep well, and I will see tomorrow morning.”

They all wished their Princess goodnight in some fashion and followed Spike down the corridors to the guest apartments, near the servant's quarters.

It was then that Twilight turned her attention towards Cadance, who was still standing in the foyer, but without Shining.

“Hey, where is my brother?”
~

In Twilight's room, Shining rummaged through her dresser cabinet. “Where does she keep it?” he wondered aloud. He pulled open the bottom drawer to reveal a black bottle of sherry. “Bingo!”

He took the bottle and pulled the cork off, taking one of the wine glasses that lay beside it in the drawer, and filled it up.

“And what do you think you're doing?” he heard his sister call from the doorway.

“I need a drink,” he said, not bother to turn towards her.

“So you just waltz into my room help yourself to my vintage?”

“Why not?” he said, taking a swig. “Sharing is caring, right?”

“Because brother,” she said, closing the door behind her, “I need you to keep your wits about you.”

“I'm fine,” he said, sipping on it.

“Look, Shining,” she said, her voice rising slightly. “Don't mess this up – not now. I've been playing my part too well to have it given away by you in a drunken stupor. You saw what I had to do down there to convince them of my good intentions.”

“And they don't suspect a thing,” he said, smiling. “I must hand it to you – you're quite a good actress, Twily. How did you ever learn to deceive ponies so easily? 

“Practice makes perfect, brother. I've been playing the part with those fools for nearly two years now. It comes almost as second nature now to be the sweet, studious librarian, who's modest to a fault and slavishly devoted to her Princess.”

“A little too devoted, sometimes, if you ask me,” he said, taking another swig. “And what was that whole thing about with Cadance anyway?”

“Nothing personal brother, but you are forgetful.”

Shining groaned. “Whatever,” he said sipping on his glass. “Why are we doing this again?”

“Doing what?” Twilight said, moving closer to him.

“This,” he said, waving his hoof in the air. “This whole thing. What does it accomplish?”

“You're not serious...please tell me you're not serious.”

“I am serious,” he said sternly. “Why?”

“Do you really need an explanation?”

“I would like one, yes,” Shining said.

“Power, brother, power! Why settle for anything less when you can have it all? How else would we be here if not for our own ambition? Now we're days away from becoming masters of all Equestria. Don't tell me you've suddenly lost the heart for it!”

“It doesn't seem right...” Shining said, shaking his head.

Twilight sighed. “What's suddenly brought this about?”

“I don't know,” he said. “I just...”

“Not feeling up to it anymore?”

“No, just...” he shook his head. “Does Cadance have to die?”

“Oh, I see,” Twilight said. “Now I understand. She's shown you some attention, and now you're having second thoughts about it.”

“It's not that...”

“What is it, then?” Twilight snapped.

“She doesn't need to die. We can take over Equestria and I can file a divorce. Then we can send her back to the Crystal Empire...”

“No! She cannot be allowed to live! By rights, if she didn't already have her own kingdom, she would be the heir-apparent right now to Luna, instead of me. If she is allowed to live, our legitimacy will constantly be in question. And then there's always the possibility she might launch and invasion in order to usurp us from the throne.”

“That doesn't sound like Cadance...”

“Still, best not to take that chance.”

“Does she being your former foal-sitter mean nothing to you?”

“My relationship with her doesn't enter into, brother. This isn't about her anyways, it's about us,” she said, moving closer to him. 

He sighed. “I still don't know...”

She held her brother, looking into his eyes. “Who loves you more, Shining, me or her?”

“You do,” he replied, gazing back.

“Would I ever betray you?”

“No,” he said. “We’ve always been loyal to one another.”

“That’s right,” she said nestling him. “Stay true to our cause, Shining. Remember – family before anything else.”

Shining nodded as he finished off the sherry, laying the bottle as he joined his sister on the bed.

“I know it’s going to be hard for you, brother,” she said, rubbing his mane, “but you mustn't let that stop you from fulfilling the destiny which we have worked so hard to achieve.”

“Is this really our destiny?” he said, reclining his head on his sister's lap.

“Of course, Shining,” she said, kissing him softly. "How could it have ever been in doubt?"

He groaned as he stretched his arms. “Are you going to accept Celestia's offer to Princess of the Night?”

“Perhaps,” she said.

“What do you mean perhaps?” 

“I haven't made up my mind, honestly,” she said, shrugging. “It matters little anyways. It's mine – if not now, then later.”

“But just how are you going to deal with the Princess?”

“You leave that to me,” she said, getting up. “It won't be long now, I assure you. We just have to wait for the ideal moment...”

> Quid est Veritas?
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	In the guest quarters of the Royal Palace, Twilight's friends, who had just arrived there several hours earlier, began unpacking their belongings in their individual rooms, which had been prepared in advance to accommodate them.

Rarity, ready for any occasion, unpacked her huge assortment of dresses and formal attire that she had seen fit to bring to Canterlot with her.

“Phew,” she said, putting away the last ones. “Applejack!” she called through the bathroom that connected their two rooms. “How are you coming along in there?”

“I was done half an hour ago!” Applejack replied, reclining on her bed.

Rarity scoffed.

“You must not be planning on going out much then.”

“Nope,” Applejack smirked, imitating her brother.

Rarity laughed a bit as she trotted through the bathroom into Applejack's room.

“Why ever not, dear? Do you not intend to stay and enjoy yourself?”

“I'm going to a funeral tomorrow,” Applejack said plainly. “That's it. No fancy-schmancy dinner parties, no social shin-digs, nothing.”

“Well, you're no fun at all,” Rarity replied.

“Is there a party going on in here?” Rainbow Dash asked, entering from the hallway.

“No, we were just discussing things,” Applejack said.

“Like how awesome I am?” Rainbow asked. 

Applejack rolled her eyes.

“Applejack here is being a fuddy-duddy,” Rarity said. 

“Oh? Why's that?” Rainbow queried, slightly amused. 

“She doesn't want to go out while she's here in Canterlot,” she replied.

“Well, she's no fun at all, is she?”

“That's what I said!”

“Now how in tarnation can y'all be thinking of going out? We're supposed to be going to a funeral tomorrow!” Applejack exclaimed.

“And we will, darling,” Rarity said, “But just because one pony's dead, doesn't mean we have to stop living, does it?”

“But she's a Princess!”

“So?” Rainbow asked.

“So? Y'all act like nothing's happened!”

“We barely knew her...” Rarity replied. 

“Yeah,” Rainbow said, nodding. “So what's go you so bothered?”

“Nothing,” Applejack said, shaking her head. “It just seems… odd, is all.”

“What's odd?” Rarity asked.

“Everything! Something just doesn't make sense here. I mean, why isn't Celestia all broken up? And Twilight...she's just so cold. They don't seem right to me.”

“I'm sure they're both taking it very hard,” Rarity replied. 

“They don't act like it,” Applejack replied.

“Who are we to judge?” Rainbow asked. “I mean, this stuff has gotta be hurting them more than anyone.”

“Rainbow's right,” Rarity said. “Could you even imagine what it must be to lose your sister? How would you possibly react?”

Applejack glanced to the balcony, where her own sister leaned against the banister, idly watching the stars above.

“I don't know...” Applejack replied.

“Lighten up, AJ,” Rainbow said, nudging her. “You and I could go out and do something ourselves tomorrow – forget all that fancy stuff that Rarity likes.”

“Hey!” Rarity exclaimed. 

“You can't deny it,” Rainbow remarked.

“That's true, but you make me sound like some vain, stuck-up socialite.”

“You said it, not me,” Rainbow replied. “So whatcha say AJ? Tomorrow – you and me.”

“I guess,” Applejack replied, shrugging. 

“Sweet,” Rainbow said, pumping her hoof.

“You think the funeral will be long?” Applejack asked.

“Probably not,” Rarity remarked. “It shouldn't take too long, I'd imagine.”

At that moment, Apple Bloom entered from the balcony. 

“Look sis! Look at what I caught!” she exclaimed. 

“What?” Applejack asked.

Apple Bloom opened her hooves to show the crushed remains of what had previously been a firefly. 

“Oh!” Apple Bloom whined.  “I smushed him!”

Applejack chuckled.

“The trick is to try to catch him without your hoofs touching.”

“I thought I did...” Apple Bloom said resigned as she cast the remains into the trash. 

“Well, it was just a lightning bug,” Applejack consoled her. “You can try it again.”

“But now I feel bad,” Apple Bloom replied, lying on the bed. “I mean, what if I had been him and he had been me?”

“But we're not bugs, darling,” Rarity said. “Bugs are unfeeling – merciless even. They devour one another and not to mention, they’re just plain icky. There's no use in feeling bad over the death of an insect.”

“But...he was so cute.”

“Cute, indeed,” Rarity scoffed.

“I'm sure he forgives you,” Applejack said, trying to console her.

“You think so?”

“Of course. He knows you didn't mean anything by it.”

“How does he know that?” Apple Bloom asked, her eyes getting big.

“I don't mean to interrupt,” Rainbow interjected, “But I gotta get ready for tomorrow.”

“Same here,” Rarity said. 

“Alright then,” Applejack said, nodding.  “See you both tomorrow then.”

“Goodnight,” they both replied in unison as they left.

“Before I do though, I'm going to take a shower,” Rarity said, moving towards the bathroom door. “I might be a while, though, if that's okay?”

“Oh, I know you will,” Applejack said under her breath.

Apple Bloom giggled.

“What was that?” Rarity asked.

“Nothing,” Applejack said, waving. “Take your shower.”

“Okay then,” Rarity said, closing the door.

Apple Bloom smirked.

“You really don't like her, do you?”

Applejack chuckled.

“Well, you see Apple Bloom, Rarity is a special sort of pony; she has to have everything just so or she's goes into a fit – and that gets under my hide like nothing else.”

“Is that why Sweetie Belle didn't want to be her sister that one time?”

“I'm not sure, to tell you the truth,” Applejack replied.

“Well, at least she's not mean,” Apple Bloom said.

“That's true,” Applejack remarked. “For all her faults, she isn't hard-nosed– at least, not intentionally.”

“So what were you saying, sis?” Apple Bloom asked.

“Saying what?”

“Remember, earlier – you were saying something about the bug.”

“Was I?”

“Yes, you said you knew that it forgave me.”

“Oh! Right, right! Sorry...yeah, I know he knows you didn't mean anything by it.”

“But how can dead things know anything?”

“Listen, Apple Bloom,” Applejack said exasperated. “It's a bug – don't worry about it. We all destroy things sometimes; that's no reason to get upset over it.”

“I know...but what if he had a wife and young'uns of his own?” 

“You're getting ridiculous now. Look at it this way: if you hadn't killed him, he would have probably gotten eaten by a frog or something. It's the circle of life – the strong devour the weak.”

“But he never meant nopony any harm...”

Applejack sighed.

“It doesn't matter, I suppose,” Apple Bloom said. “Just another bug.”

“Exactly,” Applejack replied. “So, besides that, have you been liking Canterlot so far?”

“It's alright, I guess,” Apple Bloom said, yawning. “I just can't believe I'm in the palace again. It just doesn't feel real...You think I could go to the library and look around?”

Applejack chuckled.

“I think it's time for bed now, sis.”

Apple Bloom groaned. 

“Do I have to?”

“We have a big day tomorrow, Apple Bloom. I need to be well-rested so you'll be ready for the funeral.”

Apple Bloom hopped from the bed.

“I guess you're right,” she replied, nodding.

“Now – teeth time.”

“Is Rarity done?” Apple Bloom asked.

“Good question!”

Applejack made her way to the bathroom door and knocked a few times – there was no response.

“I'll take that as a yes.”

Applejack opened the door and was greeted by a thick cloud of steam. The pungent scent of body-wash and perfume lay heavy in the air as the sister made their way inside.

Apple Bloom wiped the bathroom mirrors as she prepared her tooth-brush.

“Hey, Applejack,” she said, starting to brush.

“Yes, lil sis'?”

“Why do you think Twilight turned down being a Princess?”

“Well, she's already a Princess” Applejack replied.

“No, I mean – Princess of the Night. Wouldn't that be something everypony would want?”

“Not everypony, Apple Bloom. I don’t know much about magic, but from what I've heard, I'd imagine being the Princess of the Night is a tiring job. Raising and lowering the moon, looking after and maintaining the stars, it's all got to be quite demanding. Not sure Twi would like that...”

“But who else is gonna take over?”

“You sure do ask a lot of questions, don't you?” Applejack asked, smirking.

“I just wanna know, is all,” Apple Bloom replied.

“Well, I have no idea,” Applejack said. “I'm sure Princess Celestia will figure out something though.”

“If you say so,” Apple Bloom said, rinsing her tooth-brush.

“Don't you worry too much about all this,” Applejack said, gargling and spitting into the sink. “Come a week or two and this will all be sorted out, you'll see. Now – bedtime.”

Apple Bloom put up her tooth-brush and other things away and headed back into the bedroom, where she tucked herself in under the sheets of the bed.

Applejack turned off the lights in the bathroom and follow her sister’s example, sliding into the bed next to her.

“Do you need anything before I turn off the light?”

“No, I'm good,” Apple Bloom said, yawning.

“Alright,” Applejack said, turning of the gas-lamp.

In the darkness of the room, Apple Bloom laid on her back, staring up at the ceiling as the sound of crickets echoed through the soft stillness. She propped her head behind her hoofs as she thought about what she had seen earlier. A million questions still raced through her head, but one suddenly reemerged from the abyss of her memory.

“Hey Applejack,” she whispered.

“What?” her sister mumbled, already half-asleep.

“Do you think I could ever be Princess?”

“Oh, Apple Bloom,” she groaned. “You can be anything you want to be.”

“You really think so?”

“Uh-huh, now go to sleep.”

She didn't respond, but rather, basked with a feeling of satisfaction as she recalled the fantasy that she had crafted with her friends.

“Princess Apple Bloom,” she said silently. “Queen of the Crusaders.”

The young filly gently nodded off to sleep as fanciful scenes of heroic triumphs and breath-taking adventures danced around in her mind. She smiled contentedly when at last she drifted away, unaware of what awaited her the next morning.

~


In another part of the palace, during the dead of a night, a white stallion tossed and turned in his bed. He mumbled under his breath, smacking his lips as he pulled on the covers, turning his head restlessly on his pillow. 

In an instant of terror, he sprang from his sleep, panting hard as cold sweat trickled down his face.

He looked around in the pitch darkness and saw nothing. Realizing that it was only a bad dream, he breathed a moment in silent relief as he softly made his way out of bed –being sure not to disturb his partner.

Gazing at the bright moon outside, he trekked to the window and stared into the night, taking in the cool evening breeze as his mind descended gradually from its higher plain of illusion to the more modest trappings of reality. Yet, despite the peaceful environs, his conscience was still not at ease. 

He groaned a bit as he stretched and propped himself against the chair that lay next to the window. He held his head in his hooves, wiping some of the sweat from his cheeks as he wondered alone in the darkness.

The indomitable silence of the room was only broken by a soft voice, aroused from its slumber. “Shining? What are you doing up?”

For a moment, the former Captain of the Guard didn't respond. 

“Shining?”

“Nothing, my love,” he said plainly. “Go back to sleep.”

Cadance, sufficiently startled, roused from her place and instantly trotted to her husband's side.

“Is something wrong?” she asked gently, laying her hoof on his.

“No, no,” he said, motioning to her. “It's alright; just a nightmare.”

“A nightmare?” the Princess asked with concern. “What about?”

Shining shook his head.

“Nothing,” he said. “I can't remember...”

“Oh Shining,” Cadance said, holding him. “It's alright.”

Shining sighed, shrugging off his spouse a bit as he rested his head on his hoof.

“Is it something you want to talk about?” Cadance breathed silently.

Shining didn't speak for a long time; he merely rubbed his mane and sighed. A long while passed, and still Shining didn't breath to speak a word. Just when Cadance was about to pull away, however, he spoke in a low, murmured voice:

“I need to go see Princess Celestia...”

“At this time of night? Can't it wait until morning?”

“No, I don't think it can. I must go see her.”

Cadance shook her head.

“What do you want to see the Princess for?”

“I can't tell you, my love,” he said wearily. “It's something rather personal, but I fear the Princess is in great danger.”

“Great danger? Shining, what's going on?” Cadance asked, concerned. “Please tell me.”

Shining turned away.

“I can't tell you, but please believe me when I say: I must discuss this with the Princess, alone.”

“But, Shining, can't you just...”

Shining raised his hoof in the air.

“Please, love, trust me: you're better off not knowing. Do you trust me?”

Twilight's words from earlier echoed in his ears as Shining remember that she had asked him the same question.

Cadance nodded, looking down.

“Yes, I trust you...”

He moved towards his wife and lifted her chin, kissing her silently on the lips.

“Then stay here and go back to bed. I'll explain everything when this whole mess is over. In the meantime, I pray you'll forgive me for what I've done...”

Shining turned and didn't say another word as he headed out the door, leaving Cadance alone in their bedchamber. He traveled through the dimly lit corridors with a seriousness of purpose, walking diligently and with professional, military bearing until he reached the entrance to the Royal Quarters, where he was stopped by the two guards.

“Halt! Who goes there?” the brown one asked sternly, lowering his spear.

“I believe it's the Captain, Mer,” the gray one said.

“The Captain?”

“Former Captain,” Shining said, approaching then. “At ease men, no need to stand at attention for me.”

“I'm sorry, sir,” the brown one apologized. “I didn't recognize you there at first. What are you doing out and about at this witching hour?”

“Please,” Shining said. “I have to see Princess Celestia. It's urgent.”

“Urgent?” the gray one asked. “What's urgent?”

“I can't tell you,” Shining said sternly. “This is for the Princesses' ears only.”

“Well, I don't know, sir,” the brown one replied. “It being the middle of the night and the Princess sleeping, and all…”

“Please,” Shining said sharply. “This is very important.”

“It’s not that simple, sir,” the gray one said. “We're under strict orders from Night Storm: no one is allowed into the royal quarters after dark.”

“As your former commanding officer, I order you to let me by!”

“No can do, sir,” the brown one said, shaking his head. “We would be defying authority then; and you know, as well as us, what the penalty for that is.”  

Shining shook his head in frustration.

“Look,” Shining sighed in frustration. “How can I get by?”

“No chance of it, sir,” the gray one replied.  “Only way is if we're ordered by Night Storm – he's the Captain of the Guard now, and he's asleep.”

“Then go and wake him up,” Shining said. “I will speak to him myself.”

The two guards looked at the other and then back at Shining.

“Well?” Shining asked.

“I'm sorry, sir,” the brown one said. “But to do that, we'd have to abandon our post. On top of that, he doesn’t like to be disturbed.”

“I have had just about enough of your impertinence!” Shining fumed. “Let me by, or so help me, I'll-!” 

“No need for that, sir,” the gray one said, trying to calm him. “We'll go fetch him.”

The guard turned to the other.

“Mer', you stay here and keep your post while I go and get the captain.”

“Yes, sir!” the brown one said, snapping to attention.

Shining stood in several moments of prolonged expectation as he waited for the gray pony to return so he could talk with the Princess. An eternity seemed to pass until the guard returned with Night Storm following behind.

“I'm really sorry for waking you, sir, I really am; but our former Captain showed up and...”

“Is this the fellow?” Night Storm asked.

“Aye, sir,” the gray one said, nodding.

“What do you want here?” Night Storm asked, yawning.

“Night Storm, don't you recognize me?” Shining asked.

“Shining...?” Night Storm replied, rubbing his eye. “We'll aren't you a sight for sore eyes? What's the meaning of waking me up like in this? What do you want?”

“I must talk with the Princess,” Shining said. “It's of the utmost importance.”

“What about?” Night Storm asked.

“I can't tell you,” Shining said. “This is only for the Princess.”

“That's what he said, sir,” the gray guard said. “He wouldn't tell us either.”

“Look, Shining,” Night Storm replied. “You come barging in here at this hour and demand an audience with the Princess. It doesn't work like that – tonight of all nights, especially. We're on high alert at it is, so unless you have a damn good reason, I'm not letting you through.”

“Not even for a friend?” Shining asked.

“It's not about whether we're friends or not. I'm entrusted with the Princesses' security. I can't just let anyone go through.”

“But...”

“I'm sorry, my friend, but whatever you have to say to the Princess, can wait until morning.”

“But it can't wait until morning! Don't you understand? I haven't something she must hear!”

“You keep saying,” Night Storm replied. “But you won't tell us what it is.”

“Storm!” Shining exclaimed. “You knew me when I was in the cadet academy! We were in the same company! You know me! I’m no threat!”

“No, Armor, but that's irrelevant to the point. I'd suggest that you turn around and go back to your room and tell her Majesty what you wish her to know tomorrow.”

“It can't wait!” Shining said, struggling to push his way through. “I must tell her! PRINCESS!”

“Men, escort the former captain back to his room, before he wakes up the whole palace.”

“PRINCESS!”

The two guards set on him and started pulling him away.

“There's a good fellow, sir,” the one said. “Don't fight it.”

“PRINCESS!”

The two guards dragged Shining along the corridor until a booming voice caused them to stop.

“What's with all the noise?” Celestia asked, as she descended the stairs above, donned her night attire.

“Your Majesty,” Night Storm greeted her bowing, surprised at her presence. “I’m sorry if I disturbed you.”

“What on earth is going on down here?” she asked.

“Nothing, your majesty, I was just escorting your nephew-in-law back to his room.”

“What's all this?” Celestia asked. “Why are you holding him? Let him go.”

Night Storm nodded and motioned to the guards, who released Shining from their grip.

“I'm sorry, my Lady,” Night Storm said, bowing. “He was wanted to speak with you, but wouldn't give a reason – so I turned him away.”

“Please, your majesty,” Shining said. “We must talk. It’s gravely important.”

“Can it not wait until tomorrow?” Princess Celestia asked.

“I’m afraid not, your majesty. It concerns your well-being.”

“My well-being?” Princess Celestia asked, taken back.

“Please,” Shining said moving towards her. “May we speak, alone?”

Princess Celestia sighed.

“Very well,” she said, rubbing her temples. “Night Storm, let him pass – we’ll get to the bottom of all this.”

“Yes, your majesty,” he grumbled. “Let him pass.”

The two guards stepped to either side as Shining passed by them, following the Princess as she led him through the Royal Quarters. They traveled down a hallway until they reached the Royal Bedchambers, and once inside, Celestia casually seated herself in a chair that lay near the door as Shining entered behind her.

“Now, what is it you wanted to tell me?” Celestia asked.

“Princess…” Shining began. “I think your life might in danger.”

“Danger?” Princess Celestia scoffed. “From what?” 

“I believe my sister will betray you.”

The room became silent. 

The Princess said nothing, and for a long time, only gazed at Shining; at last, she asked: “How have you come to this conclusion?”

“I have heard it.”

“And where did you hear this from?”

“I’ve heard it from a reliable source – I think she has designs on your crown.”

“Twilight? With designs on my crown?” Princess Celestia asked. “I think not….”

“It’s true! I swear by my life, it’s true!”

“And how exactly do you know this?” Celestia asked, raising her brow.

Shining paused. He had to choose his words carefully; this revelation could just as easily implicate him in his sister’s plot.

“The rumors say…”

“Rumors!” Princess Celestia exclaimed with a laugh. “Is that all? My dear Shining, perhaps you are naïve to court gossip, but there are rumors about everything under the sun. You can’t actually believe them…”

“But it’s true! Have you seen how she’s acting?”

“Yes, I have. Twilight has been nothing but useful these past few days; helping me prepare for the funeral and being a paragon of modesty. Now,” Princess Celestia said, trotting to the door. “Unless you have something else to offer me beside these baseless accusations, I would recommend that your return to your bedchambers and prepare for tomorrow.”

“Wait!” Shining exclaimed. “I can prove it!”

“How?”

“I can prove it!”

“Go on…” Celestia said.

“Here’s how I’ll show you my sister’s true aims: tomorrow you are going to offer her Princess Luna’s crown, correct?”

“Yes…”

“Then if she is ambitious, will she not take the crown?”

“Shining,” Princess Celestia said, sighing. “I have personally encouraged her to take it; I don’t think it would be out of place for her to. You remember how I offered it to her tonight? And how many times she refused?”

“It’s all just a feint,” Shining said. “Twilight is ambitious and calculating, you must believe me. I know my sister. She desires your power more than anything; and tomorrow, in front of all the people, she will not hesitate to seize it.”

Celestia rested her head on her hoof.

“Twilight…a traitor; I just can’t wrap my mind around it.”

“She is a master of deception.”

“And how do I know that you’re not simply jealous of your sister’s position and wish to take it for yourself?” Celestia asked.

“Princess…” Shining said stunned. “For all those years, I was your Captain of the Guard- your faithful and reliable servant. How could you now doubt my sincerity now?”

“I don’t know, Shining,” Princess Celestia said, getting up. “You are not my Captain of the Guard anymore, and I have never had any reason to doubt your sister’s sincerity, either. Now you come to me and tell me that you believe she is plotting against me, which is, quite frankly, very hard to believe.”

“But it’s true!”

“And yet, you have no proof to offer, other than malicious rumors. So what then am I to assume, other than you are trying to discredit her to me?”

Shining bowed his head.

“I wish there was a way to make your believe me, but I know nothing I say will convince you. But please Princess, for my sake and yours, remember what I have said: my sister envies your power. She will take the crown tomorrow.”

“Is that all, Shining?” Princess Celestia asked sternly.

Shining nodded.

“Yes, your majesty.”

“Good, then I suggest you go reflect on your own motives and prepare for tomorrow.”

“Yes, your majesty,” he said, bowing obediently.

“Guards!”

The door instantly opened.

“Yes, your highness?”

“Escort the Prince back to his room.”

“At once, your majesty!”

The guards led Shining back through the Royal Quarters and down the hallway to his room, leaving Princess Celestia completely in the dark. 

> De Omnibus Dubitandum
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Celestia stared into her fireplace. The dying embers of the logs crackled and popped in the smoldering ashes, casting their soft glow on the Princess's face; her stare was steady and unbroken – a mind locked in deep concentration. 

She brought the edge of her tea-cup close to her lips and sipped the hot liquid before laying it on its plate on the table.

Outside, the wind sighed gently to the sound of crickets and the occasional owl hoot. The stars of the night overhead still glistened and in the sky, but there were dark clouds moving in from beyond the mountains.

Suddenly there was a brilliant flash of light that filled the entire room and then quickly vanished into darkness.

Celestia didn't flinch.

She brought the the cup up again and took another sip.

“Rain,” she said offhandedly.

Then, almost as if on cue, the faint rumble of thunder could be heard echoing off in the distance.

Having lived for so long, Celestia almost knew the weather of Equestria down to an exact science; yet there was always an element of uncertainty about it all. A storm might blow off course or a snow storm might produce hail instead. Once a system left the confines of Cloudsdale, it was at the mercy of the elements, and those elements weren't always predictable.

Celestia finished her tea and looked out side to see the first few droplets of rain wet the balcony as she pondered Shining's words from earlier.

Celestia shook her head.

It was all so absurd, ridiculous even. Twilight, the pupil she had personally tutored, her own adopted kin, a traitor? It was too good to be true. She had no reason to. She had always treated her kindly, never had acted unfairly towards her, never asked anymore than she herself would have done. No, Twilight couldn't wouldn't...could she?

Celestia closed her eyes.

“Who can know pony's intentions?” she asked. “No more than you can the weather.”

She couldn't shake the idea though that somehow, someway, Shining Armor was right; maybe Twilight was conspiring against her.

But then she remembered Twilight's character: the sweet, innocent, bookish student she had always known and cherished; who had always gotten top marks and never caused any sort of trouble.

It just didn't seem possible...

Celestia got up from her chair and stoked the fire as the rain began to come down harder outside.

Maybe Shining misheard something? Maybe Twilight had an off-moment and said something she didn't mean – those sorts of things happen after all – but somepony overheard and it escalated from there? Surely Twilight wouldn't do something so vile and treacherous.

The Princess turned away from the fire and headed towards the door.

There was only one way to find out...

Celestia slung on her nightgown and made way down the hallway, passing by the Royal Guards.

“Princess!” one of them exclaimed startled. “Where are you going?”

“Out,” she answered plainly.

“Do you want us to follow you?”

“No,” she said, motioning to them. “Stay here. I'll be back shortly. In the meantime, stand to your post.”

“Yes, Princess,” they both replied and snapping to attention. 

“But...what if you don't come back?”

“Oh, use you heads!” Celestia exclaimed as she rounded the corner.

The Princess of the Sun descended several flights of steps until she reached the floor where Twilight's room was. She passed through the murky hallways, levitating a torch in front of her, so she could find her way through the darkness.

At last, she reached Twilight's room and knocked softly on the door several times.

“Twilight...” she whispered.

No reply.

She knocked a few more times.

“Twilight...”

Celestia stood a few moments in the darkness, waiting for her to answer, only to be greeted by silence.

“She must be fast asleep...” Celestia mumbled. 

She knocked a few more times and waited, and still there was no answer.

The Princess began to turn away before the door slowly creaked open.

In the doorway, a weary, half-awake Twilight stood with a candle levitating next to her. 

“Princess?” she asked yawning. “What are you doing up at this hour?”

“I wanted to have a word with you, Twilight,” she said sternly. “If that's alright.”

“A word?” Twilight asked, clearing her eye. “About what? Is everything alright? Has something happened?”

“No, no,” Celestia reassured her. “Nothing like that. I just wanted to chat about some things with you. May I come in?”

Twilight stretched.

“By all means,” she said, turning back into her bedroom. 

The young alicorn walked inside, lighting one of the lanterns to dispel the darkness.

“You'll forgive me for not answering sooner,” she apologized to her former mentor. “I was asleep.”

“I guessed as much,” Celestia said, nodding.

“So,” Twilight said, sitting down. “What is it that you wanted to talk to me about?”

“Twilight...” Celestia began. “Do you remember what I first taught you when I took you in as my student those many years ago?”

“Um...let me think,” she said, wracking her mind. “The first thing you taught me was... the creed.”

“That's right,” Celestia said. “And what does the creed state?” 

Twilight pondered a while, her chin on her hoof.

“I am a student of the Royal Court,” she started. “I am to take responsibility for all my deeds; to be respectable and show kindness to all ponies; to be humble, knowing I am a servant to all; to be honest, to myself and to others; to be pure in my thoughts and my deeds; and most importantly, I am to be loyal, first to my heart, then to my Princess.”

“That is correct,” Celestia said, nodding. “And do you still believe in that creed?”

Twilight seemed taken aback.

“I...I...of course, Princess! I've always tried to live and serve as close to the creed as I possibly could.”

“And would you say you still do?”

“I don't understand...”

“Twilight...” Celestia said. “I don't think I have to tell you that things are different for Royalty than they are for the common ponies. There is an order to things: the lowly account to those above them, and then those account to those above them – but as Princesses, we account to no one. That being said, loyalty to one another is what keeps our land from falling into complete chaos and disharmony.”

“Do you have cause to doubt my loyalty?” Twilight asked, her voice cracking, tears welling in her eyes.

Celestia shook her head.

“Now Twilight, please don't get upset, it's nothing like that.”

“Then why are you saying all this?” Twilight said in a small voice.

Celestia moved next to her former student and held her close.

“I have never doubted you, Twilight,” Celestia whispered. “But you must remember: our obligations do not always depend on how we feel, but what is best for our subjects. I just want to know that I can depend on you as my sister's successor, if you so choose.”

Twilight sniffed as tears rolling down her cheeks as looked down.

“Princess,” she said, quivering. “ You're the one who taught me, trained me, gave me assignments, who watched over me, and directed me. I cannot conceive of doing anything less than what I have always striven for...” 

Twilight began to sob.

“Please, Princess, if I have displeased you in any way, if I have done something to earn you disapproval...”

“Ssh,” Celestia said, silencing her. “None of that now. Here,” she said, handing her a hoofkerchief. “Dry you tears.”

Twilight silently obeyed, and wiped her eyes.

“I'm sorry, Princess,” she said regretfully. “I didn't mean to...”

“It's alright,” Celestia reassured her. “I know you are faithful and dependable; your emotions prove that to me.”

“But Princess...” Twilight said, sniffing. “What prompted all this?”

“A rumor, my dear,” Celestia said. “Something I heard.”

“A rumor?” Twilight asked surprised. “What kind of rumor?”

“Court-gossip, you know, nothing more,” the Princess replied nonchalantly.

“What...what did this rumor say?” Twilight asked, her eyes looking worried.

“Some questions about your intentions,” Celestia said. “There are some who doubt your sincerity...”

“Who!?” Twilight asked, suddenly flying into a passion. “Who would say such things?”

“A confidential pony, Twilight,” Celestia replied. “I dismissed them, of course, and you've obviously proven your sincerity.”

“But who would...” Twilight turned away from the Princess Celestia and looked around the room, darting her eyes in all directions until she came to a sudden stop.

“It was my brother, wasn't it?”

Celestia remained silent.

“How did you know?” she asked at last.

“A suspicion...” Twilight replied, her voice growing low. “We talked early tonight and he told me about some of his... doubts.”

“What did he ask you?”

Twilight's eye flinched as she composed herself and turned back towards the Princess.

“He questioned me about whether I was going to take the crown or not...I told him I was undecided. Now, what did he tell you?”

Celestia hesitated.

“He merely said that you were going to take the crown for ulterior motives.” 

Twilight looked down to the ground, her eyes wide in disillusionment.

“But...why would he...”

“I understand what you must be feeling right now,” Celestia said. “But let's not get carried away.”

“No, it's fine,” Twilight said, a deadness in her voice. “It seems you can't trust anyone in this world.”

“Don't take it so hard,” Celestia said. “I think your brother meant well. Sometimes, even family members let their passions get carried away with them.”

“Yes,” Twilight said, setting next to her former mentor. “I suppose that is true. But, why would Shining say such things? It's not like him...”

“Who knows?” Celestia said shrugging. “Perhaps jealousy?”

“Maybe...” Twilight said. “Was your sister ever jealous of you, Princess?”

Celestia didn't respond, at which point, Twilight realized what she had just said.

“I'm sorry, Princess. I spoke without thinking.”

“No, it's not that,” she said. “I'm just thinking of those days, many, many years ago when she and I were young. How long it has been since that time, but those memories are still fresh on my mind as if they happened yesterday.”

“I'm listening...” Twilight said.

“When I was young,” Celestia began. “My Father, Count Chevauchée, as he was known then, would always go out on long journeys to neighboring kingdoms in the area around Canterlot; either to reassure an alliance or collect tribute from some minor lord, or some diplomatic affair. This was during the time before the great forests had been cleared, so sometimes his journeys would take days or weeks at a time. All the while, though, my sister and I would wait for his return, sitting on top of the city-gate – eager to see which one of us could spot him first coming over the horizon.

“When he would return, we  he would usually come back laden with gifts for the both of us; but I remember very clearly: he would always give the best to me. It was no different in other things. He was partial to me, and I think...Luna knew that too.”

“In hindsight, I think I understand now why Luna may have reacted the way she did when she realized the nature of her role as Princess of the Night. I think she felt cheated, like she had been of our father's attention. She felt this was another way of denying her her rightful place...so she snapped.”

Celestia sighed.

“It's not easy, ruling, Twilight,” Celestia said forlornly. “It's a thankless job that, despite it's few perks, is not nearly what it's cracked up to be. You have to be constantly on the alert from dangers at all times. Over time, it starts to take it's toll...”

“Any regrets?” Twilight asked.

“Many,” Celestia said. “Banishing my sister among them.”

Twilight piqued her eyebrow.

“But didn't you say yourself that her banishment was necessary to keep Equestria from falling intro darkness?” she asked.

“Yes,” she said silently. “But how easy it is to look back and say: 'I had to do this because of such and such a reason' to justify ones action. The truth is not always so simple. Had I practiced the same principles of love and kindness I have so often extolled to others, Luna might never have felt the need to rebel in the first place. But I was so busy in my own affairs, running the country and keeping the sun raised every morning, that I simply didn't care. I turned my back on my closest companion – my blood – and so she did the same to me.

“That being said, if I could go back and undo the mistakes of the past, I would; but that's simply not possible. And even though I have regrets, I'm not mistaken in my intentions: it has always been, and always will be for Equestria and it's citizens. They are the ones have given me the strength to make such hard decisions, and it's because of them that I have endured so long; despite all the hardships I've had to endure.”

Celestia turned towards her former protege.

“Take this word from me, Twilight, if nothing else: the price of ruling is not one many ponies are not willing to pay. Remember that when you make your decision tomorrow.”

Twilight looked down as Celestia exited the room and closed the door behind her.

“No need to worry, Princess,” Twilight said silently. “I made that decision a long time ago...” 
> Quos Amor Verus Tenuit Tenebit
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Shining sighed as he trekked back down the palace corridors to his room in the Royal Quarters. His hoofs dragged heavy on the floor, his pace lagging and weary, his body stumbling about, as if in a trance or a dream.

He had failed to warn the Princess of the impending danger, so now what did he do? His sister would inevitably put her plans into action, but what could he do?  Betray her? In a way, he already had. He had given away the plan, yet to no avail. The question that remained then was: could he do anything else? Could he actually stop his sister physically?

Shining despaired as he rounded the corner and saw the door approaching.

What would he say to Cadance now? Did he tell her to flee why she still had the chance? Twilight would surely suspect something if he did. There would be no telling what would happen then. He knew it was never a wise policy to upset his sister. Her retribution would be deadly...

Shining approached the door and slowly turned the knob. He hesitantly entered the darkened room, expecting to see Cadance waiting for him, but this was not the case – the room and the beds were empty.

“Cadance,” Shining called softly.

The only reply was a soft groan from the bathroom.

Shining trotted to the other side of the room where he saw his wife lying on the bathroom floor, huddled over toilet, vomiting. 

Shining immediately raced to her side.

“Honey, are you alright?” he asked.

“Could...be better...” Cadance said panting. 

Shining held her by the hoof as she tried to regain her composure.

“What happened?” Shining asked.

“Nothing,” she replied. “Just a little nausea is all.”

“Was it something you ate?”

“I don't think so...”

“Here, let me get you some...”

Before he could finish, the Princess of the Crystal Empire lunged forward, and wretched once more into the toilet. Several minutes of heavy breathed and strained gagging passed before Cadance could talk again.

“How do you feel?” Shining asked.

Cadance gave him a wary glance.

“Like crap, Shining dear,” she said, trying to be as polite as possible.

“I mean...are you alright now?” Shining stammered.

“Yeah,” she replied, leaning on the door frame. “Hopefully.”

“Good, good,” Shining said, nodding. “I'm glad to hear that.”

“What about you?” Cadance asked. “Did you get everything sorted out with the Princess?”

Shining's face flustered.

“Oh, well...yeah, we did.”

“You seemed really despondent when you left. You sure, everything's okay?”

“Yeah, it's fine love,” Shining said. “I was just concerned about the safety precautions for the Princess at the funeral tomorrow. You know, the old 'captain of guard' inside of me taking over again.”

Cadance smiled as she wrapped her hoofs around his chest.

“You're always so thoughtful, sweety,” she said, kissing his cheeks. “Always putting other's concerns before your own. That's why I love you.”

Shining grimaced.

“Yeah...” he said, looking down.

“But didn't you ask me something before you left? Cadance asked. “You wanted to me forgive you for something?”

“Oh it was nothing,” Shining said. “Just thought I had forgotten something.”

“Oh, okay then...” Cadance said, holding him. “Shining...” she said, sitting down the bed. “I have something to tell you...”

“Yes?” Shining asked, petting her mane.

“I'm pregnant.”

The words fell heavy on Shining's heart. For a long while, the room remained silent as Shining stared into his wife's eyes, unable to form a reply

“I got the results back from the doctor before we left,” Cadance continued. “I wanted to wait until after the funeral to tell you, but I guess the cat's out of the bag now,” she said, motioning towards the toilet.

Shining said nothing as he stared into the void of the darkness. 

“Are you mad at me for not telling you earlier?” Cadence asked.

Shining let a single tear roll down his cheek as he turned towards his wife – his face filled with agony and joy.

“No, not at all,” he said, his voice cracking as the tears began to flow. “It's wonderful...”

Cadence held her husband as he cradled his face in her shoulder, coaxing his head with her hoofs.

“You're going to be a father, Shining,” she said, smiling. “Aren't you excited?”

“Yes,” Shining said, wiping his eyes. “More than I could ever say. It's just...”

“Just what?” Cadance asked.

“I'm just...so happy,” Shining sniffled, rubbing Cadence's back. “For the both of us.”

For a long time Shining held Cadance in his embrace, not a single word passing between them. In that time, though, a thousand thoughts ran through the young Prince's mind – visions of a peaceful existence in the Crystal Empire, raising a family, and getting old with his wife and progeny. Yet, in the back of his mind, the dark reality of the situation loomed ominously over his vision of the future. He knew that why his sister lived, such thoughts were but fleeting fantasies. There was also the guilt, curdling up in the pit of his stomach – guilt for how he had betrayed Cadance.

But now he would surely have to do something.  He couldn't stand idly by and allow his wife and unborn foal to fall prey to his sister's lust for power. No, something had to be done, but for the moment, at least, Shining allowed himself to hope – if only to banish his lingering fears of what was to come. A time would come for action, Shining thought, and then he could admit freely what he had done and beg for forgiveness, but for the time being, he had to wait and bide his time – an opportunity would surely present itself soon, and when it did, that's when he would act. For now, though, he contended himself with the affections of his loving wife.

“Cadance, dear,” Shining said. “How would you feel about going away?”

Cadance looked puzzled.

“Going...away?”

“Yeah,” Shining said, holding her close. “We'll go somewhere together – just you and me. How does that sound?”

“Oh Shining...” Cadance said, taken back. “That sounds wonderful. But what's brought this on?”

“Everything at court has become so hectic lately,” Shining replied. “I just thought it would be nice to get away for it a while and spend a little time together, you know...”

Cadance leaned on her husband's shoulder.

“When?” she asked softly.

“Right after the funeral,” Shining said.

Cadance startled.

“That's a little soon, isn't it?”

“The sooner, the better,” Shining said. “Wouldn't you agree?”

Cadance looked down.

“Is something wrong?” Shining asked.

“No, nothing,” Cadance replied. “Just surprised, is all.”

Shining leaned in and kissed Cadance on the forehead.

“You know there's nothing I wouldn't do for you,” he said softly.

“But Shining, where would we go?”

“Someplace – anyplace – just somewhere far away. Somewhere nice and secluded; a distant island, perhaps.”

“Sounds romantic,” Cadance said, planting a kiss on his cheek. “But do you mean it? Really mean it?”

“Every word.”

Cadance sighed contentedly as she laid down in the bed.

“You're the best, Shining,” she said lovingly.

Shining laid his hoof across Cadance's cheek.

“How are you feeling?”

“Better,” Cadance said. “Still a little nauseous though.”

“Is there anything you'd like me to get for you, dear?”

“No, just...stay with me,” Cadance said, lightly patting the bed.

Shining smiled.

“Of course, dear.”

Shining laid down next to his wife and held her close, listening to her steady breathing as she drifted back to sleep. He knew that tomorrow he would have to face his sister's wrath, but he didn't care. For the first time in what seemed to him like an eternity, he felt his heart at ease, and for once, he allowed himself to dream...
> Familia Supra Omnia
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Silence – sweet serenity. The darkness is all enveloping. The solemn lull of thoughts, singular and clairvoyant. An endless passing of existence. Asleep, yet not quite; aware, but only passingly so. Thoughts float from one realm to another in endless succession– like a boat being cast in a storm, being blown here and there without limitation of reason or purpose.

Yet, there is a deeper sense of understanding – a meditation of sort. Reality becomes like water – fluid and malleable. Memories, faces, places, events, joys, and sorrows pass before your eyes like flashing reflections in a pool, glimpses of things that were intermingled with hopes and aspirations – fantasies of every nature and kind.

Like a winding road, dreams too can be treacherous – but for now, the road is wide and even, the rolling pastures passing by, green and beautiful. The sun above is shining bright on the meadows below. There is warmth and goodness here. Warmth.

A sight of content, and then, a burning wind whisks itself upon the nape of the neck. The body contorts and writhes, and then the eyes open.

There is silence still, but it is joined by the soft humming of the cricket's chirp. The drowsy inertia of sleep's gentle grasp slowly gives way to awareness as he feels the presence of fur rubbing against him.

He looks up sees a familiar face resting itself on his shoulder – the eyes closed, breathing contentedly as her hoof lay idly around his waist.

“Twilight?” Spike asked groggily, wiping his eye. “What are you doing here? Is it time to get ready for the funeral?”

“Not quite,” Twilight replied gently, not opening her eyes

“Then what are you doing here?” Spike asked, burying his head back into his pillow.

“I couldn't sleep,” Twilight said.

“So you come and wake me up?” Spike whispered irately.

A moment of silence passed between them.

“Do you want me to leave?” Twilight asked, easing her hoof from around his waist.

Spike shook his head, wrestling with the urge to fall back to sleep.

“Not really, just...What time is it?” he asked.

“An hour or so until sunrise, I believe,” Twilight said.

“And you didn't sleep at all?”

“I was...until the Princess came to visit.”

“Celestia visited you in the middle of the night?”

Twilight nodded.

“Seems strange...” Spike said. “Any reason why?”

“That's what I wanted to know,” Twilight replied. “I asked her. She said that my brother had told her that I was plotting against her.”

“Were you?” Spike asked, still not quite awake.

“And if I was?” she asked.

“Well, then that would be treason,” Spike said. “Punishable by...”

“Death.”

The young dragon blinked.

“Yeah...” Spike said, a hint of concern in his voice. “You aren't really plotting against Celestia, are you?”

“Of course not, Spike,” Twilight replied.

“Oh good,” Spike said relieved. “You had me worried there for a second.”

Twilight chuckled.

“You're such a worry-wart sometimes.”

“Well, I never know when you're joking or not,” Spike said.

“That's part of the joke,” Twilight replied smugly.

“Sometimes I think you just like to make people suffer.”

“Never unjustly,” Twilight smirked, holding him closer.

Spike writhed slightly.

“When are you ever going to stop babying me?” he pouted.

“When I feel like it,” Twilight said, running her hoof down his smooth scales. “Besides, I thought you liked me babying you.”

Spike looked away.

“Well...only with you.”

“And Rarity?”

“Oh, yeah...and her.”

“You really do love her, don't you?”

“With all my heart,” Spike said, his cheeks turned a glowing hue of red.

Twilight giggled.

“You try so hard to impress her,” she replied, petting his head. “But I feel like you do so in vain.”

“Oh? Why's that?” Spike asked.

“You and her are just different, Spike,” Twilight said. “She's a full-grown mare and you're...still just a kid. It's sweet and all that you go out of your way to please her, but she's never had any interest in you.”

Spike looked down.

“You...you think so?”

“Think about all the times you've helped her, opened the door for her, gave her flowers, was nice to her – and does she ever even give you so much as the courtesy of acknowledging it?”

“No, but...”

“Spike, I know Rarity – she and I have talked many times – and she likes you and all, but she's told me that she only thinks of you as, well...a brother.”

Spike blinked.

“Did...did she really say that?”

“To the word.”

Spike frowned as he turned his head towards his pillow.

“Now don't take it like that,” Twilight said. “There are plenty of other mares out there.”

“But only one of Rarity,” Spike replied forlornly.

“I know it's hard,” Twilight said, sympathetically. “But really, if you ask me, you're too good for her anyways. Do you really think she deserves someone as caring and devoted as you are?”

“Well, I, uh...”

“You slave away for her and what is the recognition you receive? Not even so much as a wayward glance. You deserve better, Spike – you really do.”

“I guess you're right...” Spike said.

“You need somepony who knows what a kind-hearted and loving dragon you really are; who recognizes your talents.”

The young dragon sighed.

“Why are you telling me all this?” Spike asked.

“Because I care about you, Spike,” Twilight said, covering him with her wing. “And I don't want you to waste your time chasing after somepony who has no intention of returning your affection.”

“I...I don't believe you.”

“Oh, Spike...”

Tears began to well up in his eyes.

“But …why?” he asked, his voice cracking.

“It's just Rarity, Spike,” Twilight said. “I haven't said anything before because I thought that eventually you'd come to see that, but with everything that's happened recently, I really think it's time to face reality: Rarity doesn't love you – she never has, she never will. You're helpful to her, though, which is why she keeps you around. Sure, she might act nice to you, even send a nice gesture your way every now and again too – but don't believe she is sincere when she does so – she has no intention of ever letting you have what you want. She'll continue playing this game, entertaining your romantic notions, until she has no more use for you, then she'll find another, and discard you like one of her old dresses.”

Spike said nothing, and as the moments passed, the silence became heavier.

After some time, though, Twilight spoke to him a quiet voice.

“What are you feeling, Spike?” she asked.

“I...I don't know,” Spike replied. “I just...can't believe it, but at the same time...”

“Let the truth sink in...”

The dragon let out a whimper.

“Why would she do that to me?”

“Shhh,” Twilight said, holding him closer. “It's alright...”

Spike nestled into her shoulder, silently sorrowing.

“I don't understand,” Spike said, sniffling. “All I ever did was treat her nicely. How could she do something so heartless?”

“It's hard sometimes to see a pony's true intentions,” Twilight said. “Some ponies are just deceitful and only use others for their own ends – but I would never do that, especially to you, Spike.  Please believe me when I say that I'm only telling you this because I love and would rather you hear it from me, than somepony who will only break your heart.”

“You've always been so kind to me...” Spike said, quietly.

“We'll we're family, Spike. Other ponies will go around your back and betray you – like someone I could name – but families...families stays loyal to one another. They're supposed to stay loyal to one another. In a world where you can't depend on anyone, family is all you've got. If you can't rely on them, than whom can you rely on? That's why we need to stick together, you and I – to look after one another.”

Twilight petted his head as she wiped away his tear with a hoof-kerchief.

“There, better?”

Spike nodded, his cheeks still flustered.

Twilight gazed affectionately over the little dragon she had hatched those many years ago.

“Oh Spike,” she said, kissing him on the forehead. “My noble cavalier, how I have neglected you lately...”

“It's alright,” Spike said softly. “I know you've been busy...”

“But I want you to know that you can trust me though, Spike. Even if you can't trust anypony else. Do you trust me?”

“Yes...” Spike said. “I trust you.”

Twilight nodded and leaned in close to his ear.

“Then stick with me Spike,” she whispered. “And I'll make sure you're reward with what you really want – that I promise you. I just need to you to do a few things for me...”

“What I really want, huh?” Spike asked, his voice piqued with curiosity.

“Anything you wish.”

Spike mulled it over in his mind.

“Even...Rarity?”

Twilight paused.

“Is that you truly want?” she asked.

The young dragon looked down regretfully – an agonized expression in his glistening eyes.

“I mean, even if she did all that, if she had used me, I still feel – I cannot think of the word – something still tugging on my heart...Maybe, it can still work out, somehow...”

Twilight looked at him solemnly.

“I admire your sincerity, Spike,” Twilight said looking away. “So...I will help you win your lady-love's heart – even if it grieves me to do so.”

“You will?” Spike asked, a look of elation and hope washing over his face.

“I promise that before this week is out, Rarity will be yours. But first, I need to know if I can I depend on you to do what I ask?”

Spike nodded.

“Yes, you can depend on me.”

“Good,” Twilight said, getting from the bed and looking out the window. “Then you won't be going to the funeral today. I need you to do something else, instead. “

“What?”

“When we leave today on the procession, I need you to deliver this letter to Rainbow Dash's room,” she said, producing a folded and sealed envelope, laying it on the bed. “Slide it underneath her doorway. Then, I need you to go into the Princess' room and retrieve a piece of her parchment for me – make sure it is the one with her personal seal on it.”

“Why do you need the Princess' parchment?”

“All will be revealed in time, my dear Spike,” Twilight said. “But for now, just do as you're told.”

“And what do I do if the guards stop me?”

“They won't – they'll all be at the funeral. But if there is one, just say that you're retrieving something for the Princess.”

“Yes, but...”

“It's an easy errand,” Twilight said. “I'm sure you'll have no problem with it. Once you've got the parchment, take it straight it back to my room. Do you understand?”

“Yes.”

“Good, now repeat back to me: what did I ask you to do?”

“Deliver the letter to Rainbow's room and fetch a piece of Celestia's parchment.”

“When?”

“Right after everypony leaves for the funeral.”

“And take the parchment where?”

“Straight to your room.”

“Good. I know you'll do fine. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to get ready. The sun is coming up now and I'm sure that Celestia will be in need of me shortly – still many things to do. I will see you again in a few hours.”

Twilight made her way to the door but stopped and wheeled back around before crossing the threshold.

“Oh, and Spike...”

“Yes?”

“Don't tell any pony about this, okay? I prefer to keep this confidential. Just between you and me, okay?”

Spike nodded.

“Okay.”

“Excellent,” Twilight said, smiling. “I bid you farewell then, Spike. Will see you in a bit.”

Twilight waved her hoof and departed, leaving Spike in the darkness.
> Bona Fide
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Twilight proceeded down the long corridors of the Palace, making her way to Celestia. It was still only dawn yet, the sun barely rising in the east – most ponies were still asleep. She made her way up the stair-cases until she reached the Royal Quarters, and made for the Princess' bedchambers at the end of the hall.

The morning had come for the final time, Twilight hoped, for both Celestia and her sister. This would be the last time either of them would share this physical domain; she was determined of this, but she mustn’t let her guard down, not when she was so close to achieving her goal. There were still things to do yet, loose ends to tie down, and a few more parts to play – then she could put her plot into action and sever the head from the body.

The end was in sight, but she still had to remain vigilant. One false move, one wrong word, one crack in the facade could give it all away and lay waste to years of planning. Twilight was going to make sure she didn't let that happen.

Needless to say, the previous night's excitement had given her enough cause to worry. She didn't think that her own brother would have had it in him to do such a rash thing; apparently she was wrong, but he would be dealt with soon enough. But before she could do that, she needed to make sure that the funeral went off without a hitch. Everything had to be just so, and to that end, she had gone over all the various scenarios that could unfold in her head many times over, ready with an appropriate response to anything that would be thrown her way. She was ready. 

Before she reached the Princess' room, Twilight stopped and took a deep breath, composing herself as she had many times before. When she stepped beyond that threshold, she was stepping onto a stage, and on that stage she was Princess Twilight Sparkle, librarian of Ponyville, studier of Friendship, and loyal follower of Celestia. She wore her mask convincingly.

When she thought she was mentally prepared, Twilight made her way to the door, only to stop when she heard the sound of voices coming from within. She instinctively pressed herself to the wall and tuned in, wondering if her presence was known. She listened carefully, straining for every word as they came into focus. She could hear faint whispers being passed back and forth – one she clearly knew as Celestia's, the other one, she wasn't so sure of.

“Princess, I'm not sure you should be going to the funeral today."

Twilight knew that voice – it was the bodyguard she had met when she had gone to see Luna.

“Why? What's the problem?”

“Well if what you say is true, do you not think your life might be in danger?”

“Hardly. It was just a rumour after all. I told you – all he had was hear-say to go on, nothing else.”

“That's still reason enough to change your plans. I wouldn't want you to go out into a public place where you would be vulnerable."

“This is my sister's funeral. Dignitaries from all over the world have come to see this. How would it look if I, her only sister, didn't show up? It would be a dishonor to her and to this Kingdom.”

“Yes, your majesty, my apologies. I am only thinking of the possibility of assassins skulking in the crowd, looking for a chance to strike. I would suggest that you forgo the funeral eulogy, and depart as soon as the body has been interred.”

“Nonsense,” Princess Celestia said. “I'm nowhere safer than in the midst of my loyal subjects. Besides, if any problem should arise, I'm sure you and the guards are more than able to care of it, Night Storm. But I will never allow fear to console my actions. Do you understand?”

“Perfectly, your majesty,” Night Storm replied. “It is only your safety that it is my concern. You are only the only monarch of Equestria now, and your enemies may feel keen to exploit that.”

“Let them come if they might,” the Princess answered defiantly. “They'll find me ready.”

“And what about Princess Twilight?”

“What about her?”

“Was there anything truthful in what the former Captain said?”

“No, none that I could see. His claims seem unsubstantiated to me.”

“Still, it might be good to be wary of her...”

“Who, Twilight?”

“Yes, your majesty. Even if it is far-fetched, wouldn't she have the most to gain from your demise?”

“I find the idea repulsive. The Twilight I know is still that curious book-worm I met those many years ago, the one I personally mentored and instructed since she was small. She has always been one of my most faithful student, and I have practically been a second mother to her in return. The thought of her betraying me is as ludicrous as it is incomprehensible; as if Twilight were some kind of villain scheming against me in the dark. It goes against everything she has ever said or done up this point, and doesn't seem in the nature of her character at all. Although, I admit, the idea such a thing makes for a wonderful story, but only that – a story, nothing more. No, Twilight has always been loyal to me, and I have no reason to doubt that loyalty now. Her conduct these past few days especially has been proof enough to me that she has only my, and Equestria's best interests at heart and you insult me by suggesting otherwise.”

“Apologies, your majesty – I did not mean to imply that. I know you have only the highest esteem for your student, and I acknowledge her personal dedication to your person. I am only suggesting that you remain vigilant.”

“Your suggestion has been duly noted. Do you have any more concerns, Captain?”

“None, your majesty.”

“Good,” the Princess replied curtly. “It's an important day, Night Storm. We must be sure to impress the dignitaries. I want you to make sure the guards are as sharp as possible today – very professional. We must show them that our loss has no affected our country's military prowess.”

“Yes, your majesty. I will see to the guards. Everything will be carried out as you say.”

Twilight heard the echo of the captain's hoof-steps approaching, at which point she pulled away and hid in one of the narrow recesses in the wall, hoping he would not see her. Just as he pushed open the door, the Princess called to him.

“Oh, and Night Storm?”

“Yes, your majesty?” he said, turning around to face her.

“I'm sorry for what I said. I didn't mean to lash out at you. I know you mean well, it's just that I've been under a lot of stress
lately with everything that's happened over these past few days. I feel like I'm losing it...”

“There's no need to apologize to me, your majesty,” he said. “I understand the gravity of your situation. You are the sovereign, and I am merely a soldier. I am only looking after your best interests personally, but you must ultimately decide what is best for the nation.”

“You are more than a soldier,” Celestia said approaching him. “You've also been one of my closest counsellors and advisers; someone I've always been able to confide in. And I need you, Night Storm, more now than ever. I can't do this all on my own.”

“I understand, your majesty. I will endeavor to help in whatever way I can.”

“I know I can count on you,” the Princess said. “Now, go and make sure that all the guards are properly mobilized.”

“Yes, your majesty,” he said, snapping his hoofs together and saluting.

“Oh, and Captain?”

“Yes?” he said, turning back towards her.

The Princess leaned in close and kissed him on the lips.

“Thank you,” she said, pulling away.

Night Storm bowed graciously, as if the Princess' action was expected.

“Will that be all, your Majesty?” he asked.

“Yes,” Princess Celestia said, brushing her hoof down his shoulder. “That is all.”

“Very well, I will go and do as you bade me. Farewell.”

“Farewell.”

Night Storm headed to the door, at which point, Twilight teleported to the end of opposite hallway and watched as he descended the stairs in the opposite direction, towards the barracks.

Twilight was shocked. She almost couldn't believe what she had seen. Did the Princess really just do that? Twilight had always known there was more to her mentor than what she was led to believe, but this was almost surreal. If she was having an affair with Night Storm, how many other guards had the Princess known?

The question, though, was irrelevant for the moment, thought it might prove useful later. For now, Twilight still had arranged a few things with the Princess, even though she could safely say that Celestia still didn't have a clue.

Twilight began to make her way back to the Princess' bedroom when a thought crossed her mind: there were no guards; Night Storm had just departed, and that left no guard in the entire Royal Quarter, and the Princess was completely alone.

Twilight levitated the dagger which carried around concealed underneath her wing in a special scabbard, and held it close to her, letting the weight of the cold steel rest in her hoof. She could strike. No one would know. She could have her target eliminated in one go. No more intricate designs, no more waiting – her target was literally within her grasp, and she could finish it, once and for all.

She savored the idea, but as she thought over it, she was quickly dissuaded. There were still other things to do yet, but the idea was unsatisfying. The Princess, slain in her own room, with no one to see? What ignoble end would that be? Hardly one suited for Royalty. No, Celestia's demise would come later – one far grander and more worthy or her status and rank.

Twilight sheathed her dagger, and with a disappointed sigh, proceeded to the Princess' room, and knocked on the wooden door.

“Enter,” Celestia's voice said.

Twilight pushed open the door, to be greeted with the backside of the Princess as she combed her mane on the bed.

“Did you forget something...” she said turning around. “Oh, Twilight, I'm sorry, I was expecting somepony else.”

“Good morning, Princess,” Twilight said, bowing. “And who were you expecting, if you don't mind me asking?”

“Oh nopony in particular,” Celestia replied. “Did you sleep well last night? I'm hope my intrusion didn't bother you too much.”

“Not at all, Princess,” Twilight said. “I slept like a newborn foal.”

“Good, I'm glad you're well-rested,” she said. “Have you given anymore thought to the proposition of being Princess of the
Night?”

“I have, Princess.”

“And?”

“You said I could announce my decision at the funeral.”

“So I did, so I did. But have you had any changes of heart?”

“The heart is a very hard thing to change, Princess.”

“That's very true,” Celestia said, grooming herself in the mirror. “And what is your heart telling you, Twilight?”

“Many things, Princess.”

“I see...” Princess Celestia said nodding. “Twilight, do you have any...ambitions?”

“Ambitions?”

“You know, aspirations – future plans, that sort of thing.”

“Oh well....none important enough to mention,” Twilight said.

“Please,” Celestia said, motioning. “I'd like to hear. What's something you've always wanted to do?”

“Well...” Twilight said hesitantly. “My greatest ambition has always been to serve you, Princess. And in all honesty, I never would have dreamed, not in all my life, that I would be in the position that I am today. It seems almost a little immodest to want anything more at this point.”

“Nothing?” Celestia asked. “Nothing at all?”

“Nothing, Princess. I have received everything I have ever wanted. I desire nothing else, except your approval.”

“Your humility touches me,” Celestia said. “But surely there is not something else that you want?”

“I don't understand, your majesty...” Twilight said.

Celestia laughed slightly.

“Don't tell me you haven't given it some consideration?”

Twilight looked at the Princess confused.

“A family, Twilight,” said Celestia.

“Oh...” Twilight said, slightly off-guard “Well to be honest, Princess, such things have been the farthest thing from my mind lately.”

“I understand,” the Princess replied. “But have you never considered it?”

“Princess, I find the nature of this conversation strange, especially considering the occasion.”

“There is a time for grieving, Twilight, but for now, I am looking at the future. Before we can consider the present, we must think about what is to come, and Luna's death has figured into that heavily. The fact of the matter is, Twilight, is that my sister's recent demise has made me reconsider my position and its power on the fate of Equestria as a whole.”

“What are you saying Princess?”

“I mean I want to leave a clear line of succession, Twilight. This recent calamity has made me realize how fragile the present institution is. With no clear laws of inheritance and so many claimants, there is the possibility, however slight, that the peace and order that Equestria has enjoyed these past thousand years could vanish in an instant and be replaced with anarchy if not out-right civil war, should anything happen to me. This would be a catastrophe; as such situations bring out the very worst in ponies. That being said, I'm determined to make sure that does not happen. Which is where you come in, Twilight.”

“Your majesty?”

“I have decided, Twilight, that you will be my successor. I have written it up here,” Celestia said, producing a scroll lying on a nearby table. “In my new will. If anything should happen to me, regardless of whether you take my sister's position today, you will be the next legitimate ruler of Equestria. I plan to announce this decision at the banquet tonight in my sister's memory.”

“P-princess...” Twilight stammered. “I...I....this is too much!”

“I beg your pardon?”

“I fear you are not acting rationally, Princess. You are taking increasingly bolder steps in your affairs, and in doing so, are putting me in a position I have no desire to be in. I am simply not worthy to accept such a thing.”

“It's less a matter of you accepting it, Twilight, as it is affirming what already exists. If something were to happen to me right now, for instance, who would take over? My nephew Blueblood? He isn't fit to govern himself, much less Equestria. Likewise, many of my other relatives have used their connection to me to only pursue their own decadent and wanton life-styles at the state's expense. They simply cannot be trusted with the reigns of powers. I am partly to blame for this. With no apparent need for them to take command, I neglected them and left to their own devices, but now things have changed, and you are the only pony who has the ability and knowledge to run the nation, should anything happen.”

“Princess, you flatter me, but I simply cannot accept this. Taking over in an emergency is one thing, but this seems like a little too much, too soon, if you ask me; especially considering the rumors against me, as you yourself pointed out last night...”

“As a royal, any decision you make is going to be met with opposition and criticism – that's the nature of our positions – but you may be right in your assessment...”

“Princess, if I could make a suggestion: why not simply keep this between us. I will take the papers, so it will be official, but this way, you can avoid the censure of any dissidents and keep harmony between your other relatives. Would that not be the better option of the two?”

“I hadn't thought of that,” Celestia said. “But now that I think about it, that could work: you get to be the successor, but no one will know.”

“I would think a fair amount of discretion would be advisable in such a matter anyway, but...”

“No, you're absolutely right, and that's exactly what I will do. Here.” she said taking the scroll and placing it in a safe, discretely hidden beneath her desk. “This only has to remain between us to preserve order amongst the ponies,” she said, rolling the tumbler into place. “But again, this idea only proves to me that you are the most capable to lead.”

“Your majesty does me a great kindness; one I'm most certainly not worthy of...”

“Eternally modest, Twilight” Celestia said. “But I know that is one of your best traits.”

“Princess, may I ask you something?”

“Anything, Twilight.”

“If I were not to accept your sister's position today, would it have an effect between us, personally?”

“Not at all, my dear,” Celestia replied. “But as I said before – the post must be filled.”

“If not by me, then who?”

Celestia remained silent for a moment.

“I have still been deliberating on the decision,” the Princess said at last. “But there is one blood-line, one that I have not mentioned, that I believe would be suitable for the task – one uncorrupted by the decadency of Canterlot and the Royal Court.”

“What is this blood-line?”

“That information is confidential, even between us, Twilight. I would tell you, but the matter has been sworn to absolute secrecy between my sister and I. And with her death, now I am the only one who knows. But understand this: even if you do not accept the title, the fate of Equestria doesn't rest solely on your shoulders. There are others.”

Those words rang repeatedly in Twilight's ears. Others? What others? Why had she never heard of these “others” before? This had the potential to throw off everything she had done so far, but still, such possibilities were merely hypothetical. But even if there were 'others' they would have to be dealt with at some point. But who were they? This Twilight didn't know, but as she stood nodding before Princess Celestia, she knew she had been right to stay her hoof from ending her life then and there.  What other things had the Princess not told her about?

“It matters little, thought. But whatever decision you decide to make, Twilight, I hope you will make it with your heart – no because you feel obliged to.”

Twilight nodded, silently.

“Thank you, your majesty.”

At that moment, the clock on the wall rang, signalling it to be half past seven – only a half-hour away from the start of the funeral procession.

“Oh dear, I'm running a bit late. Twilight, would you care to escort me downstairs, to meet the dignitaries?”

“It would be my pleasure, Princess,” Twilight replied, bowing.

“Very well, then let us be off.”

With that, the two of them departed together, trekking down the stairs to the funeral, and to destiny.
> Aurora Musis Amica
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Shining stood rigidly in front of the mirror as he adjusted the collar on his tunic. He had just taken a shower, combed his mane, polished his hooves, and was now donned in his full royal regalia – a bright scarlet jacket, laden with medals and ribbons, and bright golden epaulets. It was all quite a splendid sight, yet Shining knew it was merely a facade. The uniform now signified nothing to him now, other than an empty pretense of formality. As a soldier, he learned long ago, that it wasn't the uniform that was overly important, but the soldier beneath it – and he had proven himself a terrible soldier.

He had done everything he had always been taught to not do; he had betrayed his wife, his ideals, his country, and now he had even betrayed his family – his own blood. What sort of colt was he? The image that stared back at him from the mirror was not that of the once proud captain of the guard he had once been, but a shell of his former self; an adulterer, a turncoat, and a traitor.

Shining sighed.

How would he ever live with himself after all of this? It's one thing to be true to a virtue, but if one is not true to oneself, then what is that pony but a feckless, faithless coward? He does not even belong to himself, but to his passions, and Shining knew that, therein, was the path to destruction.

Still, before he fell into despair and resigned himself to his fate, he had seen one window of opportunity still left open to him. If he could convince Princess Celestia to see his sister as the traitor he knew she was, and unveil her sinister plots, he could safeguard the Princess's life and save Equestria. He still had his own crimes to answer for – he was complicit in all of this after all – but by this act he hoped to win his own redemption, and perhaps even his forgiveness from everyone whose life he had put in jeopardy by going along with his sister's quest for power.

As Shining finished, he turned around to see his wife, who still lay in bed peacefully dozing. She had been up most of the night sick, and she had only just fallen asleep about an hour before after taking a special potion to help her sleep. Shining initially was going to rouse her, but thought it better to let her rest – she was in no condition to go a funeral anyway.

There was something compelling, though, to Shining about the sight of his wife, soundly asleep and oblivious to actions transpiring around her, that pulled on some tender chords, deep within his heart.

“Oh Cadance, my love,” he whispered softly, sitting beside her. “I hope you will forgive me of the many pains I have caused you. If it were in my power to go back and right the wrongs I've committed, maybe I could have spared you from what's to come; but now I fear now that I'm on a course of destiny I cannot alter, and one that compels me to obey my own convictions, not for my own sake, but for yours – you who I hold most dear. But I am willing, perfectly willing, to do what is necessary to right those wrongs – even at the cost of my own life.”

He paused for a moment and looked out into the window.

“It's a sorry thing for a husband like me to have to make such a confession,”  he said, getting up. “Indeed, if I were a real colt, I would have told you long ago, and accepted the forfeit of my errors.”

He shook his head.

“I know that you may not be able to forgive me for what I've done, but maybe this way, I can prove myself worthy of the love which you have so often shown me, and our unborn foal might have a father that it isn't ashamed of.”

Shining grimaced, allowing a single tear to fall down his cheek as he ran his hoof through her soft, tangled mane.

“Oh Cadance, beautiful Cadance, my one true love....farewell.”

He leaned close and kissed her forehead, before promptly departing out the door; his wife still peacefully slumbering.

~

In the main lobby of the Royal Palace, the air was alive with activity. Here and there, and all around, groups of ponies gathering in small groups; conversing as they helped themselves to a breakfast buffet which had been set up in the middle of the room.

In the midst of all of this, Shining felt himself unnervingly out of place. He was the only one, besides the guards, in uniform, and being unaccompanied, in an open area, didn't help any. Shining had always been mildly agoraphobic (growing up in a big city had made him properly paranoid of the dangers that lurked in open spaces), but besides his general feelings of unease, there was something gnawing in the back of his mind; some off-setting sense of danger.

He knew that the Princess was still unconvinced of his sister's intentions, but how much did she still trust her? He didn't know. Maybe, at the very least, he had aroused some mild suspicion in her mind that would ultimately lead Celestia to, if nothing else, keep her distance from her, but this was only optimistic wishfulness. The best he could hope for now was that he could keep his sister distracted long enough until he was able to alert the others of her plans, and put an end to this, once and for all.

Shining sighed as he scanned the room.

Shining knew his chances of success were low. If he could not alert the others, what would he do then? He had been mulling that over in the back of his mind for some time, and the options before him were very grim. He knew, though, that he could not allow Twilight to continue with her schemes, and if it came to it, he wondered if he would be able to stop her – even if it meant using the ultimate means...

It was a horrible thought, killing one's own sister, but what other options did he have? Twilight could not be allowed to succeed. Too much was riding on her plan now, and he knew that his sister was too determined to see it carried out. And with the fate of Equestria hanging in the balance, there was scarcely room for inaction.

Still, as much as he wished to stop his sister, the idea of actually killing her was something that Shining wondered he had the courage to actually to do. It was one thing to talk about plotting someone's murder, as he and Twilight had done many times in the past, but to actually do it with one's own hoofs...

He knew his sister fully capable of this, however. She had already proven that. Shining also knew that she was as manipulative as she was unforgiving. If she even whiffed the faintest scent of betrayal, he knew that his life would be over. It wasn't in Twilight's character, after all, to let anything hinder her from carrying out what she planned – even if it meant doing the unthinkable, which is why it was imperative for Shining to remain calm and not act like anything was amiss. The element of surprise was still on his side, he hoped, and with a little bit of luck, he reckoned that he just might be able to stop his sister before she was able to do any more harm.

Shining could only hope, but as he stood pondering what was to come, the sense of danger he had perceived earlier, only seemed to intensify. Dark shadows seemed to dance around in his mind, and the vague uneasiness he had felt earlier, suddenly turned to outright fear. It was no longer a case of hypotheticals – it was an inevitability. The time was drawing nearer, but nearer to what? To the end? But it had all just begun...

Shining breathed deeply as he shook his head. He couldn't stay here anymore.

The young Prince made his way to the far end of the lobby, casually passing by the crowds of ponies, until he reached a door, hidden discreetly in the shadows. The door opened to reveal a winding corridor.

It was a familiar route for Shining. As a cadet in the Royal Guards, it was one he had traveled many times before. It was a secret passage; one of many built into the palace that allowed guards to move freely to any location in the palace, quickly and discreetly, in case of emergencies.

Shining exited the corridor into the marble veranda, and looked out on the gray, dreary landscape. The rain was still falling in a light shower, and the wind was bitingly cold for summer. The sun was hardly visible through the thick, dark clouds overhead, and soft rumble of thunder still echoed in the distance.

The young colt sighed as he opened his left breast pocket and produced a cigarette. He placed the thin, rolled piece of paper into his lips, and used his magic to light the tip. Shining instantly felt the edge taken off as the hot, dirty air filled his lungs. He exhaled with a deep feeling of satisfaction, watching with a mild sense of ease as the smoke dissipated into the damp, muggy air.

Shining stared into the morning sky, trying to empty his mind of unnecessary thoughts, until he heard a calm voice behind him:

“Good morning.”

Shining instantly wheeled to his left to see a white mare with a purple mane striding over in his direction. It was the mare he had seen last night in the reception area – one of Twilight's friends.

“I hope I'm not interrupting anything,” she said, apologetically. “I just saw you come out and thought I would join you.”

Shining nodded.

“Be my guest...”

The mare took out her own cigarette from a pocket on her black dress.

“You mind?” she asked, holding it up.

“No, not at all.”

Shining held the tip of his up to hers until it had caught light.

“Thanks,” she said as she inhaled.

Shining looked over the mare as she stood by the balcony edge.

“Never took you for the kind of pony to smoke,” he remarked.

“I didn't take you for one, either,” she replied.

Shining smirked.

“I don't usually smoke,” he said. “Actually, I've been saving this one.”

“Oh? Any special reason now?”

“A funeral's a better excuse than others, I suppose,” he said, shrugging. “Live while you're alive, you know?”

“I guess you're right,” she said, taking another puff.

“What about you?”

“Oh, just a hang-up of mine I picked up when I was younger,” she replied. “I gave it up, though,  few years back when I made my big break-through. It was considered unfitting for a fashionista of good renown to smoke, so I gave it up.. But every now and again, I just I like to blow one off. Old habits die hard, I guess.”

“Mmm, tell me about it...”

“And you?”

“Smoked my first in basic – didn't like it much. Smoked a few here and there, but not nearly as bad as others. To be honest, I can't really stand them,” he said, shrugging. “It's the smell, I suppose; could never get used to it...”

“You and everyone else, darling. You never really 'get used to it' – you just get to a point where you find it tolerable.”

Shining nodded.

“So, you're into fashion, huh?”

“That's right,” she said. “I make dresses. Maybe you've heard of me: I've designed several popular fashion lines that are all the rage here in Canterlot. Have you heard of this Spring's Folie à Deux style? That was mine.”

Shining chuckled.

“I'm afraid you're asking the wrong pony when it comes to fashion.”

“That's funny, I thought you have remembered my fashion expertise from your wedding – I made your wife and handmaids' dresses.”

The Prince shook his head.

“You'll forgive me for not remembering – my wedding is a bit of blur to me, for obvious reasons. That being said, I don't recall your name...”

“Rarity,” she said, extending her hoof. “It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance personally, Shining Armor.”

Shining bowed and lightly kissed her hoof.

“Enchanté.”

“My, my, somepony is very charming.”

“I do know a little something about how to treat a mare,” he said, standing back up..

“Well, I am impressed,” she replied, blushing. “Not many ponies can speak En Francais. It does you credit.”

“I should hope so; I speak Spanish to my Princess, French to mares, Italian to stallions, and German to my wife.”

“My my, somepony is a cunning linguist...”

Shining smiled.

“Well, you could say my tongue is well trained...”

Both Shining and Rarity's cheeks turned a shade of red.

“Terribly sorry,” he apologized. “But sometimes my tongue does get away from me...”

They both laughed, and Shining groaned internally. It was too early in the morning for this...

“I didn't take you for the kind of colt to use his tongue so idly,” Rarity said, batting her eyes.

“Neither did I,” Shining replied. “Though, truth be told, I am little rusty with it.”

“Practice makes perfect, darling.”

“So it does,” Shining said with a distant sense of seriousness.  “So I hope you won't mind me probing some of your eloquent phrases.”

“It would be my pleasure,” Rarity said.

“You mentioned earlier you had created a fashion line... Folie à Deux, was it?”

“Madness of Two, yes,” Rarity said, nodding affirmatively. “It's my finest work yet.”

“Interesting name,” Shining commented dryly. “What made you choose it?”

“It's funny you should mention that,” Rarity said, her tone decidedly more interested now that they were discussing her area of expertise. “I wanted to choose something with a certain je ne sais quoi; something edgy, mysterious even. I designed the clothes with bold tenacity – using vibrant colors and bold patterns for both colt and mare – so that they compliment the other. A sort of avant-garde expression in style and pose.”

“Interesting,” Shining noted, wryly puckering his lips. “And was it based on any theme in particular?”

“Love,” Rarity said. “Or more precisely: passion. After all, love and passion are temporary madness, wouldn't you say?”

Shining felt a cold shiver run up his back. That statement landed a little too close for comfort.

“Yes, I can see...”

“And that's exactly what I tried to capture in my clothing – raw energy combined with trendy fashion sensibilities. And I pulled it off marvelously, if I do say so myself. It was a splendid success.”

“Congratulations,” Shining said. “What do you plan to do next?”

“You know, I hadn't really given it much thought,” Rarity replied. “I guess I'll start on a summer ensemble, but lately I've been feeling really uninspired...”

Shining arched a curious eye-brow.

“That's odd,” he said. “You seem full of ideas.”

“Well yes,” she said evenly. “But putting those ideas into reality is not always as easy as it sounds; and just because I feel passionately about something doesn't mean I always want to do it – or even that I enjoy it. Not that I don't enjoy it – I mostly certainly do. It's just that sometimes doing what you love takes a lot out of you...”

Shining nodded, acknowledging the truth in that remark.

“I can understand that,” he said, nodding. “May I ask you a question?”

“Sure, go ahead.

“In your line of work, have you ever posed with a difficult choice? One that made you choosing between what you loved and what you knew was right?”

Rarity shrugged, before looking thoughtfully off into the distance.

“I can't think of an instance off hand,” she said, pondering the question. “I guess everypony struggles between doing what they think is right and doing and what they want to do.  It's those who choose the former, though, that we consider more more worthy, than somepony who acts selfishly, because they put the needs of others before themselves. In my own experience, I've always tried to act on my own principles, but as a business pony, you're not always afforded that luxury.  Why do you ask?”

“No reason,” Shining said. “I've just been thinking something over in my mind.”

“Oh?” Rarity asked, her interest piqued. “Well, with not intention to offend, may I ask what exactly you've been thinking?”

“Oh, nothing really,” Shining said coolly. “I just seem to have found myself in a tricky situation, and now I'm wondering if I'll be able to do the right thing, even if it means hurting those I care for...”

Rarity gave a soft smile as she nodded in understanding.

“I know how you feel, dear,” she said sympathetically. “Sometimes doing the right thing doesn't always mean doing what is easy, or even pleasant. Sometimes we're forced into ordeals, but it's the ponies who suffer through those ordeals together, with steadfast resolve, who form the relationships that last.”

“I guess you're right...” he replied, meditating on those words.

“But whatever it is you're going through,” she continued. “I'm sure you'll make the right decision.”

Shining nodded.

“I sure hope you're right...” he said quietly.

They continued to smoke and chat idly until, a few moments later, the blaring of trumpets began to emanate from inside the palace.

“Sounds like the ceremony is getting started,” Rarity said, extinguishing her cigarette. “Best be getting inside.”

She headed for the door, but paused when she noticed that Shining had not moved from his position.

“Aren't you coming?” she asked.

Shining took one final glimpse of the landscape – the soft, obscured features of the distant hills and inhaled the fresh scent of the morning dew – maybe for the last time.

“Yeah...be right there.”

He threw away his cigarette and turned to the door that lead back into the main foyer, not knowing what to expect....
> Nil Nisi Bonum
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Princess Celestia strode regally through the palace hallways. Flanked on either side by her guards, and with Twilight following close behind, she couldn't have felt more secure. 

She was the soul of calmness. With a stoic composure, she held her head up high, nobly lifted up like some force of nature, walking with a unbreakable determination.

It was only the lone cry of a single voice that caught her attention:

“Princess!”

Her entourage immediately stopped as the Princes looked around.

“Who calls?” she asked. “Reveal yourself!”

“As you command.”

From the shadows, a cloaked unicorn with a withered and ghastly appearance emerged – his eyes white and glossy. 

The guards immediately lowered their spears, but the Princess motioned them to let him be.

“Who are you?” the Princess asked. 

“A humble servant,” he replied. “Tiresias is my name. I've come to humbly beg for an audience with your majesty.”

“You have chosen a fine time to do so,” the Princess remarked. “Do you not know that my sister's funeral is today?”

The old pony nodded.

“Aye, I did, your grace.”

“And you still had the audacity to bother me?” she asked, as she started to resume her path.

“Wait!” the sage exclaimed, bounding towards her. “Never in my life have I asked a favor of the crown or of your person, O wise Princess! But grant me this one small favor, and allow me to speak my piece, that my words of wisdom and warning may fall upon your noble ears!”

Twilight Sparkle took her cue to interject.

“We don't have time for this today,” Twilight said angrily. “This beggar obviously snuck into the castle to ask a favor of you to better his own position, by exploiting your grief, no doubt. Let me deal with him,” she offered. “And you go on.”

“Wait,” Princess Celestia said. “I want to hear him.”

“But...Princess...”

“I want to hear him,” the Princess asserted again. 

“But he may try to harm you...”

“I am in no danger,” the Princess said. “He only wants to speak – so let him speak. I shall indulge his petition. It is my royal duty.”

Twilight gave a hesitant sigh.

“Fine...”

“You go on Twilight,” Celestia commanded. “And prepare my way. I shall talk with this fellow a moment and be along with you shortly.”

Twilight nodded obediently.

“As you wish...”

Twilight grudgingly departed their company, leaving the Princess alone with old pony.

“Now,” she said, turning to him. “What is it you wanted to ask of me, sirrah?” 

“Your kindness is much appreciated,” the sage began. “Such kindness as befitting of the crown, which you wear upon your head. But mark my words, if you wish to keep it so: Through marvelous visions, it has been said, that ponies can see into the future. So it is with me. After I lost the use of my eyes in the service of your majesty, I have been beset by strange and horrible visions of what is to come; which is why I come to you today: to warn you, Princess.”

Celestia raised her eyebrow. She had often heard of many types of unknown magic in her many years, but never the ability to see the future. Such an ability was far beyond even the most advanced ponies – she knew, because she had tried it herself. And yet, here stood this humble figure, this withered, beaten appearance, telling her that he knew? Surely it was jest. But at the same time...maybe he had discovered some ability that gave him clairvoyance?

“Tell me then, old pony, if what you say is true, how did you acquire your practice? And how can you tell the fate of ponies?”

“I do not know how,” the blind sage confessed. “The means are far beyond my petty power to understand, such is the way of magic, but what I do know is this: your life is in grave danger.”

“Grave danger? Grave danger from what?” Celestia asked.

“Listen to my words and know: things are not what they seem. Words are hollow, and emotion insincere. Many plot against you, so take heed; but beware most of all of the one you hold closest to you –  she seeks to end your life.”

“Who? Twilight?”

“Aye, Princess.” 

“I-I don't believe it! I've heard this claim before and I didn't believe it then either! What game are you playing? Who are you working for?!”

“No game, your majesty,” he said solemnly. “I serve only you and Equestria. And I tell you truthfully: Twilight will betray you.”

Celestia eyed the blind pony suspiciously.

“Betrayed....by Twilight...”

The Princess shook her head.

“Betrayed by the one I love most...the little filly who I poured out all my soul for to teach and care for...”

Tears started to race down Celestia's cheeks. 

“It's not true...it simply can't be true...”

“Your majesty, please, I beg of you, listen to my words. Your life is in great peril, but it is not too late. You can still save your kingdom from ruin, but only if you act in the greatest of haste.”

Princess Celestia stood up firmly, and looked straight into his unseeing eyes.

“If all is as you say, if my former student is plotting against me and seeks to end my life, and if you truly can see the future as you claim you can, then answer me this one question: will Twilight be the one who takes my life?”

The old pony shook his head.

“No, your majesty...”

“Then I don't need to hear another word,” she said, a slight anger gathering in her voice. “You say that my successor wants me dead and that my life is danger, but she won't be the one to kill me? What am I to make of that? What you say is foolishness, old gelding.”

“Not foolishness, your majesty– truth.”

The Princess heaved a weary sigh.

“Even if it were true, what reason do I have to be afraid? Will a monarch kneel before subjects in cowardly fright? No,” she said, turning towards the window and pointing to the dim reflection of the sun in the sky. “I am like the morning star, which I command – an ever steady fortress strong and brave. I fear nothing, not even death itself. Come what may, I shall not diverge my course. Guards! Sound the trumpets to announce my entrance, and let all the world marvel or tremble – whichever they prefer.”

“Yes, your majesty!”

The two guards departed, their Princess trailing fast behind them, leaving the old pony alone.

“What I fear is what is to come,
A furious deed soon to unfold; 
Where rash action will make loud voice dumb, 
and wreak bloody chaos untold...”

The seer turned to make his way out, before leaning on his cane.

“Thus here to I prophecy:
In these walls, the sun, will die.”

~

Celestia stormed away angrily down the hallway, her rage blinding her to little else. 

The insolence of such a brazen colt on the day of her sister's funeral was more than the Princess could bear. She was in no mood for games, or to hear the outrageous lies being perpetrated against her former student and now successor. 

“Twilight wants to kill me, but she won't do it,” Celestia griped under her breath. “Well, I wanna kill a lot of ponies too sometimes, but that doesn't mean I'm going to do it. Hearsay, nothing more.”

Besides that, Celestia knew better than to take him at his word. After all, did he really have clairvoyance, a skill that even eluded her powerful understanding of magic? It was doubtful. And even if he did, what difference would it make? She wasn't going to die – at least by Twilight's hoof. 

The thought of her former student even committing a violent act, let alone doing so against her, was a scenario that the Princess found highly unlikely. After all, Twilight had always been a pacifist – that was just her nature.

As the Princess' feelings of rage began to subside, and her more discerning instincts returned, she began to wonder.

“Pride does hide its immodesty...” she mused silently. What if Twilight really was hiding a deceitful nature under a facade?

“If she has, she's in the wrong profession – would make a good actor, if it were true.”

The Princess laughed passively at that comment, remembering the reenactment of first Hearth's Warming Eve Celebration and then stopped dead in her tracks. 

“But...she is a good actor...Could she..?”

The idea seemed implausible, but at the same time, she had been twice warned now – by a stranger and her closest blood.

Maybe something was amiss. Maybe Twilight was planning her downfall, but  how could she? It just seemed so fantastical...

“Twilight has always been ambitious, true enough, but Twilight is an honorable pony.... Yet as I think how she received my sister's death, how she comforted me and gave me condolences, how she wept with me in my own private confidences, I begin to doubt. Surely ambition is made of sterner stuff...”

The Princess sighed.

“It's all too much,” she said resignedly. “Twilight the Ambitious – Twilight the Traitor? Twilight...”

She shook her head.

“How many times have I said that name with loving adoration – lavishing her with praise while instilling those virtues closest to my heart in hers. She is as close to me as if she were my own child. More so, even, I dare to say. Since she was a child, I have tested her honor and her strength, time and time again, and she always demonstrated herself to to be of the finest character – never wavering in her devotion to magic or to her friends, and always passionate about whatever her mind could grasp.  A curious, loving soul – is that the soul of a traitor?”

Celestia was jolted out of her meditation by the presence of one of her guard.

“Your majesty, are you okay?” the guard asked.

“Yes,” she replied slowly. “I'm fine, just...thinking.”

“They're ready for you now, Princess. The trumpets have announced your entrance.”

“Very good,” Princess Celestia said, coming to. “Then resume your post – as I will, mine.”

The guard bowed, and departed.

“We shall see if this seer was correct – and all is lies and delusion. If Twilight were ambitious, surely she wouldn't reject the crown...”

The Princess readied herself, straightening her posture before stepping past the opened double doors onto the balcony beyond, where below, a whole host of ponies stood chatting. As soon as her royal presence was gleamed, however, the noise instantly died away, leaving a breathless silence in the room.

Celestia eyed the crowd – panning over the various faces. Some were familiar, some were not; some filled with anguish, others calmly reserved; some disinterested, some already lending their full attention. In short, the entire spectrum of pony kind was assembled here, and now the spotlight was on her.

The Princess cleared her throat as she stepped forward to the balcony, and began to recite the speech she had composed the night before:

“My Loyal Subjects, 

It is with the heaviest of hearts that I stand before you today on this solemn occasion to the mark to the passing of my beloved sister, taken too soon from this world. It is only right, that we are gathered here to pay her tribute, and to honor all that she gave for her country and fellow ponies. And while I am grieved, I am comforted also – for just as the sun must set and the moon must take its place, so every day, and every night must end. It is only natural. And so let us not be disparaged, for as all things live, so must they die. It is up to us, the living then, to remember and give thanks for all the good times that we shared with the deceased, and to cherish and honor those memories, as we continue with our own lives.”

The Princess took a deep breath as she fought to hold her stern complexion.

“Let us, therefore, take a moment to reflect on what she mean to each of us, and all that she did.”

A tense moment of silence passed, the seconds ticking by hours as Celestia herself thought about her life and what little time she had actually spent with her sister. How she wished in that brief moment of reflection, her mind filled with regret and sadness – but she dared not let it show. Such thoughts were worth meditating on and expressing, but not today; not in front of her subjects. That would have to wait.

As the silence ended, the Princess continued:

“As you you know, my former student and now fellow-royal, Twilight Sparkle, was one of the few companions, along with myself, who shared her company in her last hours. But these two especially have shared a close, mutual relationship. It was Twilight Sparkle who, not only rid my sister of the evil that had consumed her, but likewise befriended her and helped her adjust, after a thousand years of banishment. For that, she has my eternal gratitude and thanks.

“Over the years, Twilight has demonstrated to me that she more than capable in a role of leadership. And it is only because of her persistent loyalty and devotion to my sister, even unto death, that I now, feel confident in the decision that I about to make now. Let the crown be brought forth.”

Murmurs began in the crowd as a guard brought forth the former Princess of the Night's crown atop a silk pillow – much like the one that was used to end her life. 

“Twilight Sparkle,” Princess Celestia began, levitating the crown from off its pillow. “In honor of your faithful service and dedication, I offer you, with the power conferred upon me by my own Royal Title and  with all of these subjects as witnesses, the crown and position of Princess of the Night, along with all privileges and responsibilities that it entails. Would you honor the memory of my sister, by taking this position by my side?”

A tense moment of silence passed as Twilight looked around the room, surveying the many faces that looked upon her – waiting for her to speak.

The young mare approached the balcony, a slight tremble in her step as she turned towards the crown that now was both physically and literally within her reach.

Now was the hour she had hoped for. Now was the deciding moment. She could take it or leave, but in this split moment she had a choice to make.

It had already been made...

“Your Majesty is very kind. Much too kind for mere words, I'm afraid; but you've always been kind to me. Your offer is beyond generous, and I would be amiss if I did not, at least, consider it. That being said, I think before I give you my decision, I would say a few words about the one who lays before us today.

“Princess Luna was a good friend. I have known her ever since her return from her thousand year banishment. I was there for her when she needed someone– I helped her to adjust and to make friends after living in darkness for so many years.

“But not only was she was one of my dear friends – she was an excellent Princess. With her solemn devotion to her post, she conferred a sublime dignity to the Night, which she ruled over. Her dedication to her rank and responsibilities,  as well as those close to her, make her passing a moment of truly great sadness.

Twilight paused a moment, before turning to the crown, slowly lifting it into the air with her magic.

“That being said, it is with the most solemn dignity and respect towards the dead that I stand before you now and declare my undying allegiance to her. I vow to uphold the mission and purpose which she set forth, and to bear the torch into the darkness, as she once did. It is with the same sense of duty and purpose that I must, unfortunately decline the Princess' offer.”

There was a collective  murmur as Twilight placed the crown back on the pillow.

“The task of being Princess of the Night is something that I do not feel I am worthy enough to accept, for it would take one greater than I to fill such a position. That being said, I will continue to dedicate myself to the upholding of my duties that I already maintain to preserve the unity and harmony of the Kingdom and my subjects.” 

Twilight stepped away solemnly from the balcony and took her place next to Celestia as the crowd stirred until a thunderous applause filled the room, shaking the room as cheers rang out: “Long live the Princesses! Long live Equestria!” 

This continued for several moment as Celestia gazed at her former mentor with a look of satisfaction.

That was the Twilight she had always known...

The Princess allowed the cries to die down before taking to the stand, once again, to address the crowd. 

“In accordance with the Princess' wishes, let us trot now in solemn procession and carry forth my sister to the afterlife with her due honor that she deserves. Strike up the drums! And let the sound of our trumpets announce our way! Hail Equestria, free forever!”

> Conspiratio
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	It was mid-day before the funeral ended, and Luna's pyre was lit. With fire from the eternal flame of the sun, and a proud procession of mourners and bells ringing, the ceremony could not have been more glorious.

Afterwards, the crowds dispersed in solemn fashion back to their homes, after the Princess declared a day of rest to mark the sad occasion and the announcement of banquet later that evening to celebrate her sister's life and legacy.

Twilight Sparkle, who had never left Celestia's side, accompanied her mentor back the palace, after which she retired to her room, where she found the piece of Royal Parchment she had asked Spike to retrieve earlier.

“Excellent,” she said to herself, and began almost immediately writing – thoughtfully spelling out each line as she put her thoughts to paper, until an hour later she heard a soft knock on the door.

“Enter,” she commanded.

Through the doorway, a familiar figure appeared.

“Good Afternoon, Sister” Shining said, closing the door.

Twilight turned from her work to look at at her brother, before turning back to her work.

“Good Afternoon, Brother,” she replied.

Shining made his way over to the table, where the bottle of sherry he had opened the day previous lay perched inside a bucket of ice – a clear glass next to it.

Twilight busied herself with her task as her brother helped himself, eagerly downing half a cup before wiping his mouth as he felt the familiar, warm sensation rising in his stomach.

“So...what was all that about?” Shining asked passively.

“What was all what about, brother?” Twilight asked back, not looking up.

“Why didn't you accept the crown?”

“I didn't need to,” Twilight said. “It'll be mine in a short time anyways – the crown and a whole lot more as well. Why do you ask?” she asked, turning to him.

“No reason,” Shining said dryly. “Just wondering...”

“No worries, brother,” Twilight reassured him. “You'll get what's coming to you in due time, but for now just be patient. My plan is almost completed. All I have to do now is pull out the final pin to set the levers in action and by this time tomorrow we shall rule over all of Equestria...”

“And just how do you expect to do that?” Shining asked, taking another draft of sherry.

“Simple,” Twilight replied. “But that part doesn't concern you – at least, not that the moment.”

“Twilight, please,” Shining said,a  desperateness growing in his voice. “We don't have to do this...it's not right.”

Twilight laughed.

“Right? Do you really think the Princesses cared about what was 'right' when they murdered our patriarch Starswirl – the rightful heir –  for the crown? The only 'right' they cared about was their 'right' to the throne. Something you seem to have forgotten brother.”

“I've not forgotten,” Shining said, bowing his head. “But that was in the past, this is now... surely there's some other way.”

“Even if they were not directly responsible, they were complicit in its furtherance, but soon Equestria will see justice done...when we rise to take their place, as the rightful inheritors to the throne.”

Shining shook his head.

“You won't get away with it,” he mumbled. “It's too late... I've already told them, Twi.”

“Yes, and they believed you just about as well as I figured they would.”

Shining's eyes dilated as he clenched his hoofs.

Twilight smirked.

“But... how did you..?”

“That's not important right now,” she said, dismissing his question. “What is important is that this task is done and, unfortunately, you have proven to me that you are incapable of summoning the fortitude to carry it out. I'm sorry Shining, I really am, but I can't allow you or any one else to jeopardize what our family has worked so hard for.”

“W-what are you..?”

Shining began to feel the warm sensation he felt in his stomach turn into gut-wrenching pain.  He looked down at the bottle of sherry next sitting on the table and realized that it was too late.

He lunged forward, his legs giving out beneath him, his head swooning as he fell to the floor.

“You've poisoned me!” Shining exclaimed hoarsely, reaching our vainly with his hoof.

“Oh stop with the dramatics, Shining!” Twilight scolded him. “Do you really think I'd kill you? Blood does not betray blood – a tenet that you unfortunately don't seem to believe in. But I am merciful. The potion that you have just consumed will put you into a deep sleep – at least until the task is done.”

Shining could feel his vision fading as the sleep over-powered him.

“Please, Twilight,” he said writhing. “Don't do this. Cadance is... Cadance is...”

The blackness overtook his vision as he felt the last of his strength depart him – leaving him unconscious upon the floor.

Twilight knelt down beside her sleeping brother and brushed his mane.

“Despite what you do, brother... I forgive you. And when you wake up, you shall be a King.”

She planted a kiss tenderly upon his forehead before dragging him across the room and placing him in her wardrobe.

“I would put you in my bed, but I'm expecting company,” she said apologetically as the closed the door. “Now, back to business... I must finish this before they arrive.”
~
Some time passed until another knock came at the door.

Twilight had no second guesses as to who it could be. She threw some sand over the parchment she had been working on and got up before opening the doors.

Outside, waiting together were her friends.

Twilight nodded as she looked them over.

“You are all here then?” she asked solemnly.

“Yeah, I got your letter,” Dash said, producing the piece of parchment

“Good,” Twilight said. “Please come inside, won't you?”

Twilight opened her doors to let her friends enter; noting the expressions on each of their faces. When everyone was inside, she went to the door and closed it, making sure to make as little noise as possible.

“You wanted to see us about something, Twilight?” Rarity asked.

“Yeah, what's up?” Rainbow Dash added.

“All will be answered shortly, friends,” Twilight said. “But first I must tell you, you have taken the greatest of risks by coming here, and if I did not inform you that our lives are in danger, I would be remiss.”

“Danger?” each of them gasped.

“Yes, incredible danger.”

“Oh, what are we in danger of?” Fluttershy asked timidly.

“A moment please,” Twilight said. “And I shall tell all: but first I must get you to promise, with solemn oaths, that not a word that passes between us here shall leave this room.”

The friends exchanged looks with each other.

“Do you swear?” Twilight asked.

They nodded.

“We swear,” they all repeated together.

“Now what's this all about, sugar cube?” Applejack asked.

Twilight shook her head despondently as she traced about the room.

“My friends,” she said, not looking up. “It is with the heaviest of hearts and the greatness of sadness that I've called you here, but as I said, my conscious would not allow me to do otherwise, for I believe we are all in great peril. I have had my suspicions, and these were recently. I dare not say it, nor wish to hope, but only one conclusion can be drawn from it – the Princess Luna did not die naturally, she was murdered.”

“Murdered?” each of them whispered.

“But...by who?” Pinkie asked.

“That is a question I have asked myself many times these past few days,” Twilight continued. “But as much as I wished to know, I also wished not to...”

Twilight leaned up against the wall and turned toward the window.

“From all I have witnessed, and the evidence I have gathered, it's only too clear though who did the murder...”

Twilight paused before standing up and turning to them.

“It was Princess Celestia who killed her only sister!”

They all gasped.

“Princess Celestia killed Luna?” Pinkie asked in astonishment.

“I don't believe it!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed. “There's no way the Princess would ever do something like that!”

“My friends, I know it may be hard to believe,” Twilight said, bowing her head. “But I fear it's all too true. I had known for some time that Princess Luna had been sick, though this was not known to the public at large; though the reasons escaped me. No amount of magic, and despite my best efforts to find a cure, nothing seemed to help her condition.

“During that time, I started wandering through the Canterlot archives, looking for some reference to Princess Luna's symptoms that might aid in finding a cure. Night after night I poured myself into my studies, until one off-night I was retiring to my room and made a quick stop by the kitchen for a snack. That's when I found these...”
Twilight pulled her night-stand drawer open and levitated some empty vials marked with skull and crossbones on them.

“...empty poison vials laying on the counter, right next to a tray that was bearing Princess Luna's food. Naturally my curiosity was struck, and when I asked the Princess about them, she said that there had been insect out-break, and that they were being used to deal with them....”

“Hold on a moment now, sugar cube,” Applejack interjected. “Just because you found some empty poison vials in the kitchen doesn't mean that Celestia was poisoning her sister. Maybe she really was just dealing with insects. You can't jump to conclusions about these things...”

“I thought likewise,”  Twilight continued. “I found no reason to question what the Princess had said, until the next day, when I learned that the Princess was sending her sister away to some retreat, far from prying eyes..."

“I began to grow suspicious of the Princess' intentions, and my suspicions grew when I insisted on visiting Luna, and was horrified by what I saw: the Princess was a mere shadow of her former self; she was weak and bed-ridden, unable to speak, let alone move, with eyes shrunken into the back of her head, and her cheeks a pallid gray. Oh friends, if you could have seen what a state she was in, you surely would have anguished at the sight, just as I did. The Princess, though, remained silent and reserved through most of our visit, just as she was during the funeral.”

“But though I suspected the Princess had some hoof in all of this, I remained silent, and kept my thoughts to myself, until I found this...”

Twilight took the piece of parchment off her desk – the very the same one she had asked Spike to retrieve, the one bearing the royal heading and branded with Princess Celestia's own personal seal.

“This! This my friends is what finally confirmed my suspicions; after a thousand years of solitary rule, the Princess can not tolerate sharing power with her sister, even symbolically. So she had her poisoned and made it look like she died of natural causes so that she could rule as supreme monarch over all. This decree gives her absolute authority over both the sun and moon. Let me read it to you friends, so that you can see final result of her unrestrained lust for power.”

“It states here: 'I, Princess Celestia, being of sound mind, do hereby declare and decree, now and forever, that I shall maintain control and responsibility of all privileges and rights of the Princess of the Night, and that I furthermore, shall enjoy all customs and ceremony due to this rank, until such time that the position will be filled by an heir or subject of my choosing...”

Twilight rolled up the parchment and handed it to them.

“The Princess intends to announce this at the banquet honoring her sister tonight. She will seize power, and rule over all Equestria.”

Twilight's friends poured over the document, their eyes wide as they read to themselves what certainly spelled out the Princess' intentions.

“My friends,” Twilight continued, as they finished reading. “I would not be telling you all of this if I did not have good reason to believe it. You all know that I am a pony of integrity, and that I have always been loyal to Equestria and to the Princess, but in this instance, I feel that my loyalty to the first prohibits my loyalty to the latter. You see, I believe that the Princess wished to give me her sister's position, because she knew I would not question her, and would do everything she asked of me. However, how could I kiss the Princess' hoof when her sister's blood still sits fresh upon it. No, my friends, I would not accept the position, but there's something else...”

Twilight stooped her head as she made circles on the floor.

“The Princess knows that I was suspicious, and if she even guessed that I might know the truth...”

“My friends,” she said, turning to them, her voice cracking as she stood with a longing look of desperation. “I'm... afraid. I can't... I can't go on like this anymore. I fear not only for my own life, but for yours as well. Can't you see? Don't you realize? We're all going to die... if not now, then later, but it is inevitable. We are the last thing standing in her way now...”

“She lied to us, friends – from the very beginning, about everything. It wasn't because her sister was jealous of her power that she banished her to the moon...it was because she couldn't tolerate the thought of sharing it. But she couldn't kill her out-right... no, she had to have an excuse, a reason to lock her sister away, and so she perpetuates this myth of the righteous Princess who only acts in the interest of her subjects, when in fact, she only acts in the interest of herself, and uses any means necessary to quell dissent. Using us like pawns by getting us to bend the sacred magic of harmony to her evil purposes against any fore that would oppose her.  We helped her perpetuate the system...all of us were taken in by the lies; even myself, but that doesn't meant we can't make this right...”

“What are you thinking we should do?” Rarity asked.

“I dare not say it...” Twilight said, a tremble in her voice. “Such a suggestion I will not make, but I fail to see any other way...”

There was a collective silence as the weight of the words lingered in the air.

“Are you saying that we... kill her?”Pinkie asked aloud, trying to grasp such a concept.

“You mean like an assassination?” Rainbow Dash asked.

“An assassination!” Rarity exclaimed. “Such a thing is...is unheard of! Nopony has ever assassinated a Princess!”

“But plenty have tried,” Twilight said. “And that is why she has guards and now I finally understand why...”

“I don't know about this, sugar-cube,” Applejack said. “There's just something... off, about it. Why would Princess Celestia do something like this?”

“Who knows...” Twilight said, shaking her head. “When a pony lusts for power, they will do anything – even betray their closest friends – to achieve their ambitions. Power doesn't need a reason, only a result...”

“I suppose,” Applejack said. “But I still don't see it...”

“What's their not to see?” Rainbow Dash exclaimed, flying into the air. “It's all there! Black and White! Celestia murdered her own sister!”

“We have nothing to prove that!” Applejack retorted. “All we have are a few empty poison vials and a proclamation saying that Celestia will watch over the night until somepony else can take her place.”

“Applejack,” Twilight said, looking into her eyes. “I know this may be hard to accept, but you have to believe me on this one, you must...”

“Yes, I hate to admit it, darling,” Rarity said. “But the evidence speaks for itself.”

“Yeah, why can you not see this? Do you not believe Twilight?” Rainbow Dash asked.

“I never said that!” Applejack protested. “I'm just saying that...”

“That you what? That you support the Princess? Is that it?” Rainbow Dash replied angrily.

“No, I...”

“Yeah, Applejack,” Pinkie said. “Whose side are you on anyhow?”

“I'm on nobody's side!” Applejack said defensively. “I just think that we're taking this too fast, too soon. We need time to collect more evidence...”

“Time is the one thing we do not possess,” Twilight said gravely. “If we delay, we might give up the only opportunity we have to stop her before she is secure in her power. By then, it may be too late...”

“Yeah, so what's it gonna be Applejack?” Rainbow asked. “Are you with us or against us?”

Applejack looked them over; their hardened faces now turned against her.  The orange mare could feel a deep sense of resignation building in her chest, and there was nothing she could do about it.

Without another word, Applejack placed her hat back upon her head, and made her way to the exit, pausing momentarily as she opened the door, before closing it behind her.

A moment of silence passed in the room before Rainbow spoke:

“Should we go after her?”

“Stay here,” Twilight said. as she headed for the door. “I'll go talk with her.”

The friends nodded as Twilight bolted down the hall-way, catching up to her as she approached the stair-case.

“Applejack, wait!” Twilight called. “We can talk about this!”

“There's nothing left to talk about, sugar-cube,” the orange farm-pony replied. “I'm done.”

“Please, Applejack, you don't have to do this,” Twilight begged. “Consider what you're doing.”

“Consider what I'm doing?” Applejack asked incredulously. “Consider what you're doing! You're going against everything we've ever stood for! Everything we've ever believed in! You're betraying the Princess, you, her star pupil, the pony who had always stood by her side, are now suggesting that we get rid of her because you believe she killed her own sister? I just... I don't believe it!”

“Applejack, please...”

“No, Twilight, I just... I can't,” she said, turning away. “I may just be a simple farm-pony, and not know much about these sorts of things, but I do know that I would rather be entirely sure about what it is I was getting myself into, before I acted. That's why I cannot follow y'all, not in good conscience. I'm sorry, Twilight...”
Twilight looked down.

“No, Applejack, I'm sorry; sorry that it's come to this. Had things been different, or circumstances more permitting, I would agree with you. You know I have never used violence to achieve my means; but if I do not act... I fear what is to come – for our friends and loved ones. It's for their sake that I'm doing this, not for mine. Please try to understand; if there were another way, another means: I would take it... but there isn't, and so I must take this one the one that has been laid before me... whether I agree with the means or not. But that should be cause to separate us. Please, Applejack, for your sake and ours, reconsider...”

Applejack remained silent.

“Is that your final decision, then?”

Applejack nodded.

“I see,” Twilight said thoughtfully. “Well, you must do what you think is right, my friend. I won't stop you. Do what you feel you must, but I want to remind you of your oath that you took to keep what has passed between us secret.”

“I remember...” Applejack said. “I won't say a word, but I'm taking the first train out of Canterlot back home.”

“I understand,” Twilight said. “Have a safe trip home.”

With those final words, Applejack turned and headed down the staircase back to her room, as Twilight turned around and made her way back to her own.
> Amare Et Sapere Vix Deo Conceditur
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Apple Bloom relaxed casually on the bed as she stared blankly up at the ceiling. A cool breeze gently crept through the room, causing her to shiver slightly. The young mare turned on her side – looking towards the opposite end of the room – where the the window was located.

Outside, the sun was shining; the dark clouds all but driven away now. On the perch of the window, the birds stood chirping near the shady branches of the tree outside.

The young mare yawned as she closed her eyes.

It's so peaceful here... Apple Bloom thought to her self.

She had imagined that Canterlot would have been noisier than she was used to, having grown up on a farm, but she found an odd solace inside the confines of the palace. It was like being inside of a different world – one that couldn't be busied with the problems that concerned the commoners of the city beyond.

“So this is what it's like to be a Princess, huh?” she said, getting up and walking towards the balcony. “Big rooms, fancy dresses, ponies to do whatever you want...”

She scarcely could have imagined, while playing pretend with her friends a few days earlier, that this was what the reality of living in the place where the fate of Equestria was determined on a daily basis was like. It almost didn't seem real. And yet, in the tranquility of the summer afternoon, Apple Bloom almost felt like she could have stayed there forever.

As Apple Bloom continued to gaze out the window, the door behind her slowly creaked open. She turned around to greet her sister, only to find Applejack standing solemnly in the door-way.

“Applejack?” Apple Bloom. “W-what's wrong?”

“Nothing,” Applejack said curtly. “Get your stuff together, we're leaving.”

“Leaving? What for?” Apple Bloom asked. “We just got here!”

“Well, apparently we're no longer wanted or need here,” Applejack said, tossing her suitcase on the bed and opening it. “No reason for us to stay any longer.”

“But... but...” Apple Bloom stuttered looking out towards the city. “Canterlot, Applejack! You promised we'd go out! You promised!”

"And we will, Apple Bloom. Someday. It's just not going to be today, alright?”

Apple Bloom felt her heart sinking. She stood there in silence for a few moments, unsure of what to do or say as her sister packed what few clothes she had back into the suitcase.

“Well?” Applejack  asked, looking up from her packing. “You just gonna stand there all day or what?”

Tears began to well up in Apple Bloom's eyes.

Applejack sighed as she stopped what she was doing.

“I'm sorry, I didn't mean that...” Applejack said. “It's just that...some things have happened.”

Apple Bloom looked puzzled as she wiped her eyes.

“What kind of things?”

“We got into an argument...” Applejack replied.

“With your friends?”

“Yeah...”

“What about?”

“It's hard to explain,” Applejack said.  “But my friends are about to do something that is going to change everything – and it is either going to save a lot of ponies, or it could have disastrous consequences. We had been talking it out, but in the end, I felt like it was something that I couldn't be a part of.”

“Be a part of what?” Apple Bloom asked.

Applejack remained silent.

“Applejack...what's going on?”

“I figure it's something you're better off not knowing,” her sister replied at last, with great deliberateness. “But please believe me,  Apple Bloom, I only made this choice because of you.  I don't want you to get hurt. You mean the world to me, and if something were to happen to you because of a decision that I made... then I could never forgive myself....”

A long moment so silence passed between them as they stared into each others eyes, before Apple Bloom looked down.

“What are we going to do?” she asked meekly.

“We're going to go home, and hope that everything turns out for the best. That's all we can do. But we need to start getting ready to leave as soon as possible. Do you need any help with your clothes?”

“No, I'm good,” Apple Bloom replied. “Just give me a second...”

The little filly proceeded to the dresser and began to take out the clothes that she had just put away yesterday – clothes which she had hoped to wear on the many social occasions and sight-seeing opportunities which she had expected inside the magnificent palace and the capital itself. As the young crusader laid out her things on the bed, ready to pack them back into her bag, she could only wonder at what her sister was talking about. What could possibly be so important, so urgent that she couldn't speak of the matter to her? They had never held anything back from each other before, and it wasn't in Applejack's nature to lie or keep secrets.

Apple Bloom's mind raced with possibilities; flooded with thoughts of speculation, yet try as she might, she couldn't fathom a satisfactory reason to account for her sister's strange behavior. Still, she decided to leave it as it was, and not pursue her line of inquiry any further. She knew that her sister never did anything without good reason, and there was no reason to suspect that this was any different. If only she could figure out what “it” was...

Applejack and her sister collected and packed the rest of their belongings as best as they were able to and departed the palace, leaving its stone confines behind them as they boarded the train back to Ponyville.

But as Apple Bloom reclined on her seat, looking out the window, she couldn't help feeling a sense fear, wedged deep in her mind; fear of the unknown, fear of what was to come; and as the train began to pull away from the station, as the spires of the palace grew smaller behind her, a sense of profound sadness as well for the world which she was only allowed a glimpse of, which she was now forced to leave miles behind her...

~

Meanwhile, back in that decadent world, the soft lights of the afternoon sun illuminated the dark hallway leading to the Princess' bedchambers.

Night Storm trotted down the long corridor, his iron plates clinking against each other as he stepped over the cobbled floor. When he reached the entrance, he knocked three times, as was his usual way, and waited.

The stillness in the air seemed eerily reminiscent of when he had found Luna a few days ago. The memory of that event caused a pain to well up in his stomach.

He knocked again.

“Princess?”

Every second waiting was a torture.

He knocked again.

"Princess?"

“Yes, sorry,” Celestia's' voice answered from within. “Just give me a second.”

“Yes, ma'am.”

Night Storm was obliged to answer courteously, because of his standing. As official protocol dictated, he wasn't “at ease” until the Princess said so, though in any other circumstances, he would have forgone such formalities.

A few moments passed before the ivory coated Princess of the Sun appeared before him.

“I apologize,” she said, the ends of her mane still damp. “I was taking a bath and didn't hear you at first.”

“No majesty, it's alright. I'm sorry for intruding.”

“No intrusion at all,” Celestia replied, smiling gently. “Won't you come in?”

The Princess opened the door  for him. Night Storm stepped inside the room, the strong scent of steam and lilac lingering in the air.

“You wanted to report something to me?” the Princess asked, casually reclining on her bed.

“Yes, your majesty. I wanted to inform you that the banquet  for your sister has been prepared – everything is just as you wished it.”

The Princess nodded approvingly.

“Good, good, then everything will go splendidly...”

“Princess, I do have some concerns...”

“Yes?”

“I believe that we should tighten security...”

“Nonsense,” the Princess said, waving dismissively. “I'll hear no more of security. It's tight enough already tight enough as it is need.”

“Yes, but you will be mingling with the crowd. I just want to take all steps to make sure that you safe.”

“We went over this earlier today. If I'm not safe among my own subjects than where am I safe?”

“Understood.”

“Besides, I have more pressing problems,” Celestia said, turning to the window. “How will I ever make it through tonight?”

Night Storm raised his eyebrow.

“Majesty?”

“The Banquet,” she said, gazing down on the fountain below. “I'm not sure if I will be able to keep my composure...”

“You seemed to have no problem with the eulogy you gave this morning....”

“Speeches are easy,” the Princess said turning to him. “Accepting the death of one's sister...that's hard. I'm not sure if I shall be able to keep a dignified face...”

“Your majesty, if you grieve, it's only because you truly care for your sister. Is it not better to shed a few tears and be looked down by some, than to look so stern that you appear unfeeling?”

The Princess looked down.

“I had not considered that....but you're right. You're absolutely right.... I think is because I am afraid...”

“What is your majesty afraid of?”

Celestia turned to him and gave him a soft smile before gazing back towards the wall.

“When my sister and I were young, my father was always very demanding of the both of us. He taught us never to show fear or weakness, and would scold us whenever we tried to cry, or show our true emotions. In hindsight, I understand now what he wanted of both of us – strong daughters who would manage his kingdom, but at the time, it was a constant struggle between my own wishes and my father's. And while he was alive, I resented him for it. After he was gone though, I realized what he meant.

“If one is to be a leader, one must be the rock; unwavering, untiring, and eternally vigilant. Everyone looks to you in a time of crisis, and if you are not there to guide them, then who will?”

“It was these realities that made me understand why my father had been so hard with us....but at the same time, I feel I have given up a part of myself in the process...”

A long silence drifted between the two before Night Storm spoke.

“Was is worth it?”

The Princess looked up, her eyes fixated on a point beyond Night Storm's reckoning.

“I have asked myself that question many times on countless sleepless nights and restless days. Sometimes I think, for the greater sake of harmony, that the choices I have made are for the better. But it is always the choices I did not make which seem to haunt me the most... And sometimes I ask myself: did I do the right thing?”

“In the end your majesty,” Night Storm said softly. “The answer to that question is one only you can decide.”

The Princess rose from her bed and turned to face him, her heavy eyes laden with a mixture of sadness and regret, and even...longing?

She stepped closer to him, her eyes now fixated with his.

“And what do you think, Night Storm?” she whispered.

Night Storm could feel his hoofs trembling beneath him, and try as he might, he couldn't bring himself to speak.

“Am I tyrant?” the Princess asked.

“No...” Night Storm replied, his voice almost an inaudible whisper.

“Then what am I?”

Celestia moved closer, the smell rose-scented perfumes lingering in the air– they were only a breath's distance away now.

“My Princess...”

As they stared into each others eyes, all of their subdued emotions came flooding out as they instinctively moved closer; their lips meeting in a gentle embrace. In that moment, all of time seemed to stand still, and both of their fears, anxieties, and doubts seemed to dissipate like water before sun – a radiant warmth overcoming them.

They stayed like that for what seemed like an eternity before they pulled away – their cheeks flushed with life.

“I'm sorry....” Night Storm said, as if coming out of a dream. “I don't know what came over me...”

“But it felt right, did it not?” the Princess asked intently.

“Princess...”

“Please,” Celestia silenced him. “No more words...just listen to me...”

Her loyal knight nodded.

“Sometimes in life we are given choices,” she began, her voice tremulous. “Other times we are not. And in this uncertain journey, even a Princess may wish for something to hope for... something to cling to... something to love. Despite their differences in the day, in the dark... there exists only light...”

She moved closer and kissed him, this time with no resistance. Night Storm felt his entire being suddenly wrapped into the essence of his sovereign, as they melted in the others embrace.

It was all quite natural. Before either of them had time to grasp what was happening, they were both on the bed, completely consumed in the other.

What followed was a perfect completion of their souls; a pure embrace of hearts in harmony. Awkward fumbling, rhythmic motions, and ecstasy of moaning and passion in one unmitigated realization of their heart's desires.

Fury mixed with the overwhelming sensations of united bliss culminated in the highest attainment of earthly and spiritual love, until they were as one with another; two souls linked together in a pool of their own sweat.

For a long time after, the two of them laid there; both perfectly content in the other one's presence; not a word passing between them, as Celestia lay nestled with Night Storm behind her – his hoofs wrapped around her waist.

At last though, Night Storm broke the silence.

“Majesty, I....”

“Ssh,” Celestia silenced him. “No talking now. Only snuggles.”

She nestled his head against his chest.

“You were amazing...” she whispered.

“Thanks...” Night Storm replied in a small voice. “You were too...”

“Celestia giggled.

“You must make love to a lot of mares,” she said, half seriously.

“No,” he replied flatly. “You're the first...”

The Princess looked up at him with a curious expression.

“Really?” she asked, with a mixture of amusement and surprise.

“On my honor.”

“Why? If you don't mind me asking,” she said, looking up at him.

Night Storm shrugged.

“Just never seemed that important...” he said at last.

Celestia closed her eyes as the laid next to him.

“Perhaps it is better this way,” she said thoughtfully. “Though I'm sure you've known many beautiful mares..”

“None as beautiful as you,” he said, petting her mane.

Celestia felt her cheeks redden.

“Are you always so charming, Night Storm?”

“No,” he replied sincerely. “But I make exceptions.”

“A flattering tongue will take you far.”

“Yes, and I see how far that is.”

The Princess smirked.

“You are a bold one.”

“Is that not why you knighted me?”

“Partly,” Celestia said. “But I never give such awards if I do not feel they are earned.”

“Is this just another reward then?”

Celestia paused, and look away – gazing thoughtfully towards the window.

“I should hope not...” she whispered softly.

Night Storm looked down, and  examined his Princess's countenance, which seemed wholly forlorn.

“What shall become of us then?” he asked.

“I don't know...” Celestia replied. “What becomes of any of us?”

There was a long silence between them before Night Storm spoke, his words ringing clearly through the silence:

“I love you.”

“You are not the first to say so. Many ponies have declared their love for the crown and all it represents.”

"But I love you more," he said, gazing into her eyes. "More than just a crown or what you represent. I love more than everything that was ever important to me, that ever meant anything to me. More than land, or gold, or fame. The day I met you, I felt that I should be happier with nothing less than to serve you..."

"But that is all anyone ever does! Serve me, protect me....Why does no one take into account that I may want something more than the distance caused by that obligation? Especially now, having lost the only pony with whom that distance was bridged at all...."

"I served your sister as I serve you, and during that time she confided many things in me. I know how much you grieved that you banished her, but she understood. Above all other things though, she always expressed her admiration and affection for you -- the same I share. I love you, not as my monarch, but for the pony that your sister and I have always known you to be..."

Tears welled up in the Princess's eyes as she buried her face in his chest, his hoofs wrapped around her as she wept silently.

“It has been so long since anyone has spoken truly to me; whispered me a kind word. My sister did, and so do you, it seems...”

“Would you expect me to speak otherwise?”

She looked up at him.

“No,” she whispered.

Night Storm laid his hoof on his chest – right over his heart – and then onto hers, as he gazed into her eyes; leaning in until their lips were but a breath apart.

“I promise,” he said softly. “That this heart shall always be yours. And that as long as I live, I shall love you.”

Their lips met in a tender kiss as they lay together in the bed; quite secure on their remote island of solitude, in a sea of brooding darkness around them...
> Mundus Vult Decipi
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Twilight sniffed the dank air of the caverns beneath the palace as she looked around the large, empty room she found herself in. The sound of water dripping could be heard echoing off the stones as the glow of the torch she held in front of her flickered and danced, casting eerie shadows on the wall.

She walked further still, clearing a few spider webs from the entrance way, where a hideous and grotesque statue of what appeared to be a creature composed of the features of many others stood guard.

Twilight cringed inwardly at its contorted gestures as she brushed passed it, and proceeded into the darkness – her torch leading the way.
“It must be this one,” she murmured to herself, as she felt the walls. “Yes, I'm fairly sure...”

She had only been down her a handful of times before and it had been ages since she had last done so, yet Twilight found there was something that she found familiarly intrinsic about it.

Twilight made her way softly down the corridor of the vault, passing staring faces – dead faces – until she reached the end of vault, where a simple carved sarcophagus laid beneath a crack in the ceiling that let in a singular beam of light, illuminating its form.

The young mare silently trotted to the tomb until it was fully in her view. On the side of the marble sepulcher, an inscription in worn letters, proclaimed its occupant:

“Starswirl, son of Brightmoon, the Regent, Chancellor, Archmage of the Court, the King's Loyal Servant, and Friend to Many – Farewell.”

Over the lid of the tomb was carved a edifice of its occupant; the worn, withered expression of a bearded sorcerer, dressed in his fineries, laying peacefully at rest – his eyes closed and his arms folded across his chest.

“Oh noble son of Brightmoon,” Twilight said as took a few few candles from her saddle bags and placed them by his side.. “How long you have had to languish here.”

She placed her hoof upon his brow, and gently petted his cold head as she lit the candles.

“How often you have had to stay here in the dark,” she said tenderly. “Quite alone and forgotten... "

“If only bones could speak, what would you say to me? How we would ruminate together. How I would tell you of my plans.  I have already sent one of your murderers down to meet you, and the other is sure to follow. All that is needed now are for my friends to play their parts... Look here!”

She produced a vial from her bag – filled with a pitch black liquid.

“A potion of your own invention – whose effects instill such mad fury in those who drink it –  that they loose all sense of themselves. With this, they shall feel no hesitancy, and will strike down the usurper.”

“The crown, the kingdom, and the rightful rule shall be all at once in my possession, and I shall take my rightful place as the heir to throne.”

There was a silence as Twilight searched over his stony effigy

“But is that my destiny..?

The question resounded off the walls as Twilight looked down.

“I do not do what I do because I like to be wanton or cruel,” she said in a small voice. “If I had been born to another family, I would have been perfectly content to live the remainder of my life in peace and harmony – just like any mare or stallion in this kingdom –  but I have not been bequeathed that right. Instead, I was born of your family, your house, your line. And so my duty has been thrust upon me....my duty to avenge your demise, which saw you put here... quite forlorn..."

“And yet,” she said, looking away into the darkness, shuddering slightly as a chill ran up her spine. “Even now, some disquiet stirs within me. It is though I stare into precipice, knowing I must jump, and yet... I waver.”

“I am true, but I tremble at what is to come. For once I commit, there is no turning back. For once in my life, I am unsure of actions...”
T	wilight stood to her feet, a deep anger growing in her voice.

“Even now, as I think of your bones resting beneath this stone and the the murder which put them there, I am filled with fury! All the passions of my soul come issuing forth all at once, and surety of my cause seems certain...”

Twilight paused as she looked down at her ancestor's likeness, a sudden softness watching over her hardened expression.

“Please,” she said, tears welling in her eyes. “If I am to do right by you, guide me, and let me be the instrument of your just revenge, oh Son of the Heavens...”

She kissed his forehead and blew out the candles, headeding back the way she came, her torch leading the way– out of the darkness, and into the light...

~

In another part of the palace, far removed from the darkness of the caverns below, Twilight's friends had gathered together in one of the bedrooms they had been given.

The air inside the little room was still. Not a single word uttered  They merely sat in a circle, gazing at each other, waiting for one of them to break the silence, and address the issue that none of them wished to discuss.

Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, Twilight reentered the room.

Every one stood to their hoofs as Twilight looked them over – their long, hard faces staring back at her.

“Hey Twi,” Rainbow greeted her.

Hey,” Twilight replied. “What's going on? Why are you all looking that way?"

They all remained silent.

“I see... well, I can't say that I blame you,” Twilight said sympathetically. “It is not with joy that I look at what lies before us, or what it may bring. Had our Monarch practiced a less coercive form of governance, this day may never have dawned for us – but it has. And so now we have a choice before us. Will we now live in fear? In submission to our Princess who we once believed to be benevolent, or shall we stand up, like the decent ponies we know we are, and rid ourselves of this tyranny?”

They all looked down, or away – none looking her in the eyes.

“If you are undecided,” Twilight continued. “Let me remind you of  those you hold close – your loved ones  waiting for you back home – who are counting on you to do the right thing.  What will you say to them? Those who entrusted you with so much? Will you abandon them now to their fates?”

“Keep that in mind, all of you – for once we commit, there's no more turning back. We must either be all in together, or we have no hope of success.”

“So what will it be?” Twilight asked. “In or out?”

Twilight paused a moment as she let her words sink in, and watched a tumult of emotions washed over her friends faces.

Finally, it was Rainbow who spoke:

“I'm with you Twilight,” she said, standing up and trotting beside her.

A moment passed, before a familiar voice joined in.

“I am as well,” Rarity said, and took her place next to them.

“Count me in too," Pinkie said, and joined the others.

All of the ponies in the room stood beside Twilight, save the timid, yellow pegasi in the corner.

“And you, Fluttershy?” Twilight asked.

The young animal caretaker gulped, and then spoke in a very solemn way –  a slight tremble rolling off her lips.

“I'm not very brave,” she said, stepping towards them. “But no pony will call me a coward.”

She felt the familiar, reassuring press of Rainbow's hoof on her shoulder as she fell in among them; everyone looking on approvingly.

“Thank you girls,” Twilight said.  “This means means more than you know...”

“Well yeah, Twilight,” Rainbow said offhandedly. “I mean, what are friends for?”

“That's right, darling,” Rarity joined. “If you can't rely on your friends, who can you?”

Twilight nodded.

“Well, if we are all in agreement, then shall we take an oath?”

“An oath?” Pinkie asked.

“A promise,” Twilight reiterated. “To stand by one another, no matter what may come.”

“Yes, that sounds like a good idea,” Fluttershy said.

All the others nodded in agreement.

“Very well,” Twilight said. “Then form a circle around and give each of me your hoof.”

The friends shifted back and forth until they had formed a circle, and then placed their hoofs on Twilight's shoulders.

“Repeat after me: I swear....”

“I swear...”

The words echoed solemnly together; a somber, sad chorus. Each sentence, each phrase, each word, all crafted for one, singular purpose alone. And that was that none of them would waver, none of them would shrink, none of them would stop, until the Princess was slain and Equestria was free.

At the end of the pledge, Twilight took her goblet, which she had taken from her room, being sure to discreetly add her potion, before holding it up.

“Let us drink, friends,” she said. “And reflect upon what is to come. Though I wish all success in the coming hours, this may be the last time we meet.”

Twilight closed her eyes and took a sip from the rim, before passing to her left. Each of her friends took a drink from the cup, until, when it returned to her, there was only a little left at the very bottom.

“Almost gone, good, it shall strengthen our nerve for the task ahead.”

“About that, Twilight” Rarity asked. “How do we actually intend to... kill her?”

“A fair question,” Twilight replied. “And I will tell you: tonight, the Princess is holding a celebration in her sister's memory at the banquet hall, at which, she intends to issue the proclamation which I have shown you. But we shall act, before she has a chance to do that.

“Yes, but how exactly?” Rainbow asked. “Won't there be a lot of guards?”

“Yes,” Twilight said. “But look here...”

Twilight unfurled a map she produced from her satchel, outlining the interior plan of the palace, and pointed to a distant corner on the paper with her hoof.

“This is the banquet hall,” she said. “You should all be partially acquainted with it – it is where the main events of the grand-galloping gala are held each year. Every entrance into the room is guarded, except the open-air terrace that leads to the gardens beyond. There is no security here, the area beyond the perimeter is enclosed by the walls.”

“You all, therefore, will hide within the garden's shrubbery until such time as I have lured the Princess outside for a private audience, at which point, you shall strike.”

“And after the deed is done?” Rarity asked.

“Then you will flee. There is a concealed staircase here” Twilight said, pointing to a statue on that map “That was once used to transport materials when the palace was being built. You can disappear discreetly and hide yourself in the palace vaults – at least until everything is under control. There's no telling what sort of panic shall ensue from this, so it would be safer if you hide yourselves.”

“And yourself, Twilight?” Pinkie asked. “What will you do? Don't you think you might be in just as much danger?”

“I will try to reign the guards and guests as best I can,” she said. “Though, how much I will able to do, I cannot say...”

“But won't you be in danger, then?”

Twilight heaved a heavy sigh.

“It's a risk,” Twilight said. “But one I am willing to take – for Equestria's sake – as I hope that all of you are, as well.”

They nodded, but not before Rainbow Dash spoke:

“Twilight, I just wanted to say....that, regardless of what happens tonight... I think you are one of the bravest and selfless pony I have ever known...”

“You're an inspiration to us all,” Rarity said.

“A true friend,” Fluttershy continued. “Honest and upright.”

“Yeah, we love you Twi – all of us.”

Twilight could feel the heat in her cheeks rising as she looked down.

“I don't know what to say...” she replied meekly.

Twilight felt in that instant the warm embrace of all her friends as they crowded around her – each vying for a place close to her – as a singular tear rolled down her cheek.

"I love you all too..."
> Sic Semper Tyrannis
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

It was perfect.

Everything...was perfect.

Yet, it had been planned that way – from the very beginning.

The rays of the setting sun bathed the exterior of the marble Palace in its warm embrace. The bright peaks of the spires glistened, causing glittering pools of luminescence on the Royal Garden waters below.

By the pool's edge, Twilight sat under the shade of a cherry tree, its boughs still christened with blooming pink buds.

Twilight trailed her hoof along the pond's surface, watching as the waves from her movements rebound over the still waters as she drew a lotus blossom closer to her. She examined the flower's vibrant petals; it's smooth, radiant features. How fragile, how transient did its existence seem. It added nothing to the world, beyond its statement of purity. Its appearance, which could be seen as simple and unassuming, and yet, for all that beauty, though fleeting, was enchanting...

Twilight let the flower rest at the base of her hoof for a few more moments before loosening her hold – letting it silently float back into it's place.

The young unicorn felt a strange sense of peace as she relaxed in the dying hours of the day. She had dreamed of this moment many times before, often in fervent anticipation of when it would arrive, and now that it had, it almost seemed more than real; like some fantastical imagination. It was here, it was now, and still, she felt as though she didn't have a care in the world...

It was, after all, just another day for Twilight.

Everything in her life had brought her to this moment. This, beyond some meaningless titles, beyond some temporal friendships, was her true destiny – to reclaim what was hers, what had always been hers.

She had earned this, and she could have rightfully indulged herself with those feelings of righteous indignation which she had so often ruminated on...but she didn't. She didn't need to. For, in a larger sense, it wasn't her doing. No, fate had willed this. It was fate that had made this so; that had given her this possibility.. Not her petty machinations, nor her intrigues – it was justice. Everything had been aligned just so, and now all it needed was for her to act – and it would be.

Twilight grimaced, looking over the city of Canterlot as the darkness began to cover its face – the lights of the great city glowing in the gloom of the approaching night. From afar, it looked like some great jewel – sitting triumphantly perched atop its mountain; it's marble edifice still as breath-taking as it was from afar.

Tomorrow the city, its citizens, the crown, Equestria – all would be hers. But for right now, she was still Twilight...just Twilight. And before she claimed her just vengeance, she wanted to take the time to commit to memory what this moment was...what it felt like.

That way, years from now, when she would look over her brave new world, she could remember what it was like before, and how far she had come...

As Twilight rested her head against the cherry tree, nearly asleep, a hoof gently awakened her from her meditation.

“Twilight,” Rainbow said, kneeling beside. “It's time...”

Twilight looked up at her, as if coming out of a dream.

“So it is...” Twilight replied, rubbing her eyes.

“Are you alright?” Rainbow asked quizzically.

Twilight gave her a reassuring nod and she rose to hoofs.

“Yes, I was just...thinking...”

“Well, we're ready, if you are...”

“Girls...” Twilight began softly, but suddenly fell silent. In the pale light of approaching stars, the harsh countenances of her friends said enough. They all told her – wordlessly – what they all knew and understood. Nothing more needed to be said.

Twilight looked each of them in the eyes, thinking over everything they had ever done together, since the day they had meet that fateful afternoon...

Despite what she had used them for – and what she now expected them to do on her behalf – she did not wholly consider them immaterial. On the contrary, it was only because she had grown to know them all so well that she was able to earn their trust. She had put on a convincing display, though at times, Twilight wondered if she herself had not been played by her own part. She did care about them...she knew them, talked with them, and now...now...she was asking them to die for her. They were willing to give everything they ever had in this mortal life....to her.

Twilight felt a pang of conscience. What was this feeling? Remorse? Regret? Maybe both? Whatever it was, it disturbed Twilight profoundly, especially since she thought she had learned to tidily tuck away such emotions long ago. But now, as she stared into their faces – her friend's faces – she could feel the tears come – the hot streams of pain coursing down her cheeks.

Twilight instantly felt the loving press of her friends as they gathered around her – each of them shedding solemn tears. Twilight gave each of them a chance to say goodbye, planting a kiss on each of their cheeks she she heard their mournful valedictions.

When all this at last had been done, Twilight turned away as her friends all assumed their places – preparing themselves for what was to come.

Twilight prepared herself too. She couldn't waiver now; she had come too far to let one instance of emotional excitement make her lose her focus. Still, as Twilight departed her friends company, perhaps for the last time, and made her way through the gloom to the palace beyond, she could feel a dull ache in her chest.

This was it there was no turning back. The next few hours would decide the fate of all Equestria. This was the moment of destiny...

~

Meanwhile, inside the grand corridors of the palace itself, everything was also going according to plan. The decorations for the commemorative banquet were all in place – a titanic task set before the palace staff, yet it had all been done. The great hall was bedecked with mourning tassels and candles, used specifically in Equestrian funerals as a sign of grieving.

The mood itself was light yet, strikingly enjoyable. An ensemble of musicians had been hastily put together and stood near the opposite side of the hall; playing lively dances as guests, donned in 'mourning masks' – danced and conversed with one another.

Even Princess Celestia herself, draped in an appropriate black dress and wearing an ornately attired mask of orange and yellow, had joined in the festivities; though in a very symbolic way. She had opened the occasion with the lighting of the first candle – a symbol of the pony’s significance in another's life – and had been danced once or twice herself until she had finally retired to quiet corner of the hall and watched the events from afar.

By the Princess' side, her ever loyal and newly-promoted Captain of the Guard, also sat watching as the events of the night unfolding; but not with any merriment or revelry. No, Night Storm attentively glared over every member, cautiously peering over the crowd; every watchful, ever observant of what was going on.

Along the balconies, stationed at their usual posts, the guards on duty stood rigidly at their positions – despite the festivities all around them. A testament to their training, no doubt, but it would take more than keeping post to ensure the Princess' safety.

A serious blow had been dealt to the Royal Guard's prestige, especially in light of recent failures concerning breaches of security. Night Storm wished to remedy this. Though it was his predecessor, Shining Armor, who had kept the guard to such high standards of conduct that earned the golden-clad guardsmen their fame. He would try to live up the reputation which was expected of not just the soldiers under him, but of himself as well.

As the merrymaking continued, and the joyous sounds of violins and drums floated in the air, a single solitary figure discreetly entered the hall. Night Storm had spotted her almost instantly; her modest apparel and unadorned mask contrasted with the bright colors of those ponies around her.

The Captain leaned close to the Princess' ear:

“Your highness, the Princess of Friendship had just arrived, although there is still no sign of either Shining Armor or Princess Cadence. Would you like me to send someone to investigate?”

“No,that won't be necessary,” Celestia said, waving it off dismissively. “My niece was suffering from something this morning. I'm sure she is just sick and her husband probably right at her side; poor thing.”

“It is troubling through...you think that this sickness might be the same thing your sister had?”

Celestia grimaced.

“I dare not contemplate that...” she replied.

“It might very well be something serious...” Night Storm suggested carefully. “Perhaps you should send a physician?”

“Yes,” Celestia said nodding. “I think I will visit my niece; later though. After the celebrations are done.”

“Yes, your highness...” Night Storm said Twilight approached the table, her footing shaky and her expression somber/.

“Good evening, Princess,” she said mutely, curtsying.

“Twilight, are you alright?” Celestia addressed her, with more than a hint of concern. “You don't seem well.”

“Oh...it's nothing,” Twilight said, distractedly. “Just...thinking about today is all.”

“I understand...” Celestia said plainly, having just gone through the same tumult of emotions herself. “Why don't you sit up here, next to me?”

Twilight gave a silent acknowledgment and assumed her place next to the Princess, with Night Storm's suspecting gaze upon her. The Captain of the Guard was right to be cautious, having not forgotten what he heard earlier that today. Something was off about this Princess – though he couldn't put his hoof on it.

Whatever it was, it left a strange feeling in Night Storm's stomach.

“Have you seen your brother lately?” Celestia asked Twilight casually.

“No, not since this afternoon,” Twilight said carefully. “Last I saw of him though, he seemed to be tied up...”

“With what?” Celestia wondered aloud.

“He did mention Princess Cadence...I'm sure it was just his concern. You know how he is – always so devoted.”
Twilight smiled, even as she felt the blade of the dagger she carried under her wing pressing at her skin, begging to be let free.

Twilight cringed. How much she loathed feeling it – now of all times too. It was like it was teasing her, taunting her. How eagerly her feelings of righteous anger wished to end it all, here and now. Tossing aside all worldly concerns, she would have...only her bottomless restraint and will to finally claim what was hers prevented her from doing so.

The Princess of Friendship took a deep breath, and exhaled all her frustrations; as she sat content, for the moment, in her place.

“That was my guess,” Celestia replied. “By chance, you haven't seen Cadance at all have you?”

“No,” Twilight said plainly. “I haven't. Shining said she was complaining of a headache, that's all I know.”

Princess Celestia frowned, causing Twilight to shift uncomfortably in her chair.

“So the celebration is going well,” Twilight said, trying to change the subject.

For a moment, Celestia didn't respond, but seemed to be deep in thought until at last she spoke.

“Yes, it was a difficult task, but everything seemed to come together quite well...”

And so it continued between the two of them; with both Celestia and Twilight chatting idly about whatever subject happened to come up; which Twilight made sure to steer far away from anything that might arouse the Princess' attention.

Time passed, and as the night wore on and the candles began to flicker low, though that hardly seemed a deterrent to the revelers. Twilight who, up to this time, had keep herself composed by sipping on her glass of wine and sometimes breaking off a piece of bread during lulls in their conversation, didn't want to wait too long and risk loosing her nerve, and so gathered as much resolve as she could, and with as firm, but equally measured voice, solicited the Princess' attention.

“Princess...” Twilight said, gently nudging Celestia's hoof. “I was wondering if I might be excused. I was wanting to take a stroll out in the garden.”

“But of course, Twilight,” Celestia responded, her motherly smile giving silent affirmation to her words.

“Princess...” Twilight said, her voice low. “I was wondering...if you might come with me?”

The question was direct, if not somewhat timid.

Celestia has always appreciated her student's earnestness; even if it prompted some to see her as being a little forward. She had always know her as analytic and frank. Not quite Celestia's ideal virtues, but she could definitely appreciate them when the situation called for them, which they often did. The Princess also knew that when Twilight talked to into that manner, whatever she wanted of her was of the utmost importance.

“Yes,” Princess Celestia said arising. “I think some fresh air would do me some good...”

Night Storm arose too.

Twilight flashed an apprehensive look to him and then back to Celestia, who recognized her feelings immediately.

“Your presence won't be necessary, Night Storm,” Celestia said, with all the authority that her royal voice commanded. “I wish to speak with Twilight alone.”

“Your majesty,” the guard said, more than a little dazed at the proposal of the Princess going unattended. “With all due respect, do you think that is a good idea to go alone?”

“You have guards posted don't you?” Celestia asked.
Night Storm hesitantly nodded.

“Yes...”

“Then it will be fine,” Celestia said, turning back towards Twilight. “If you need me, I will be outside. I need some fresh air anyway and then I'll be back. Until then, you will remain here.”

Night Storm pursed his lips.

“Yes, your majesty...” he responded obediently, bowing as the two departed on their way to one of the doors leading to the garden...

~

Outside, in the soft tranquility of the garden, the evening flare of the stars illuminated the dark sky over-head, while below the soft glint of fire-flies dancing along the pond's edge gleamed with the soft reassurance of safety – far apart from those presences still hiding in the bushes.

Twilight and Celestia made their way along the familiar path, leading into the middle of the garden, passing by the royal fountain; it's many intricate figures shimmering with the reflections of the pools below.

“It's beautiful out tonight...” Twilight remarked, trying to hide her anxiety.

“Yes...,” Celestia said, slightly enraptured as she stared into the heavens. “Something worthy of my sister...”

Twilight nodded as she steadied herself.

Her friends waiting all around her only waited for her signal – an embrace – before they struck. It was carefully considered that if the Princess were distracted – if only for a moment – then she would not have time to react before they delivered the fatal blows. It was all up to Twilight now...

“Princess...” Twilight said, looking down, her voice meek and subdued. “There's something I've been wanting to tell you...”

“Yes,” Celestia said thoughtfully. “There's something I've been wanting to tell you too.”

Twilight's steadied her breathing, her mind crowding with anxiety.

“What is it?” Twilight said, trying to mask the uncertainty in her voice.

“These last few days have been filled with uncertainty and doubt. But you have been there for me, Twilight. And you, my humble student, have shown yourself to be a true and respectable Princess; modest, virtuous, and selfless. Which is why I believe that the time is right...”

“Time, Princess?” Twilight asked confused. “Time for what?”

“To tell you the truth, Twilight,” Celestia replied. “You see, long ago, I had witnessed another death – my father's. He had been sick for many months, and when he died, it was revealed that he had left the entire Kingdom under the control of Starswirl – his adviser. I'm sure you are intimately acquainted with his works, yes?”

Twilight's heart leapt, and for a moment she almost couldn't bring herself to answer.

“Y-yes, Princess...”

“You know then that Starswirl was a great sorcerer; well respected for his many spells and theories of magic. But more than he was one of my closest mentors and a good friend. My father trusted him too, and he was to look over us as Stewart of the Realm until we came of age....unfortunately it didn't work out like that.

“You see, Twilight,” Celestia said, looking up at the stars. “Power has a way of changing things. It makes a pony – any pony – capable of doing things that, they themselves, would never have done otherwise. So it was with Starswirl...

“Starswirl believed that the only way for the subjects of Equestria to thrive and prosper could only be achieved through friendship. He began to obsess over his spells, looking for the perfect element that would make his friendship spell work; including using black magic. What he failed to realize, however, was that friendship cannot be forced; it must be learned, it must be cherished. Friendship is does not lie in magic of the will, but magic of the heart...yet he could not see that...”

“The more he pursued it, though, the more it consumed him, until finally, his quest for universal friendship and harmony, drove him mad. That was when our departure was arranged....

“My sister and I were to be taken away to a foreign land, supposedly as a means of ensuring peace. But the night before we left a guard came to us and informed us of the real reason for our departure: Starswirl intended to send us away to seize the throne and then banish us from our Kingdom...”

Celestia voice grew low and melancholy as she continued.

“Sometimes Twilight, we do things in life that we regret. And many times I have wondered if things could have been different. I wish I could tell you that I was righteous in my actions, but that would be a lie...”

“What did you do?” Twilight asked, her voice barely audible.

“Celestia turned to Twilight, a forlorn look in her eyes.

“We killed him.”

Twilight's stomach turned. Her own mentor had just admitted to her wrong-doing, her transgression. Was this real...or was it a dream? Yes, she must be dreaming. There was no way this would ever happen...but it was. It was real. Too real. Yet Twilight found herself unable to act, only continue to listen as the story unfolded before her.

“How did you...kill him?”

Celestia gave a long sigh and looked down.

“On the day we left, he was to escort us as far as the River Halycon, over the Saddle Mountains. We had it all arranged. When we arrived at the bridge, he was tossed into the water. We knew that he didn't know how to swim so...he drowned.

“We feigned it as an accident; that way Starswirl's legacy would not have been tainted by his treachery. To that end, I did everything in my power to keep his memory as the wise and compassionate colt I knew him once to be alive....”

Celestia paused for a long moment, and, turning back to Twilight yet again, continued; her voice steady and composed.

“I let his mistress stay in the city. I even let his foals and their descendants keep every privilege and benefit that Starswirl enjoyed. It was the least I could have done for them, but also because I knew that the progeny of such a great Conjurer would be powerful indeed...

“Which brings me to you, Twilight...”

“Me, Princess?”

“Yes Twilight...you are Starswirl's descendant.”

“I...don't understand, Princess. Why are you telling me all this?”

“Because Twilight, the murder of Starswirl has something that has plagued my conscience for many years. I've known fthat a time would be coming when I would have to be held to account for my crime.

“You see Twilight, when you had passed your entrance exam into my school, I realized that you possessed great power. Even more, I dare say, than me...But I knew that power needed to be honed, but most importantly: I wanted you to succeed where Starswirl failed.

“To that end, I knew your studies could only bring you so far, and so I arranged for you to be sent to Ponyville, knowing that it was necessary if you were ever to learn the true meaning of Friendship.”

Celestia sighed.

“I tell you all this because, it was intention – as it has always been my intention – to one day hand over the throne to someone else. And with the death of my sister, I feel that time is now. That is why I asked you if you would accept to be my successor. I feel it is something you are entitled to Twilight...for Starswirl's sake and your own.”

By now, Twilight could barely keep the tears back. Everything she had always been told was true...but equally false at the same time. The world seemed to be shattering around her as she struggled to grasp what had been revealed to her.

Celestia...Starswirl...the crown. Meaningless now, meaningless.

A dark feeling started welling up inside of the purple unicorn. Suddenly, waves of guilt began to rush over as everything began to flash before her eyes. Her fillyhood, her admittance into the School for Gifted Unicorns, her time in Ponyville and now the murder of Luna.

Twilight felt her stomach cramp and the tears flowed unabated as her emotions overcame her.

Princess Celestia, seeing Twilight plight moved forward, even as she tried to keep her at a distance. Before she knew it, Twilight felt the long legs of her mentor wrap around her, and then she knew it was too late...

It happened in a flash, a blur. All at once, from every direction, like phantoms they descended – their daggers glistening in the dark. Lunging, twisted, stabbing, screaming as the whole world seemed to be spinning out of control.

And then there was the blood...so much blood...

Before Twilight could even come to, it was all over. In front of her, the twisting, writhing mass of the Princess lay crumpled on the ground, convulsing in agony. Twilight immediately fell to her side and wept; her tears mixing with the blood on the Princess' white coat as she struggled to breath.

“Twilight...” her low, a raspy voice called. “Twilight...”

The Princess looked up at her and gave a faint smile before turning her head and drooping forward – her eyes vacant and lifeless.

She was dead. Just as it had all been planned. But nothing was as it suppose to be. Nothing at all.

Everything around Twilight seemed at once to be consumed with darkness, and life had no more meaning. She felt her own dagger, still pressed at her side, and felt at once she could turn it on herself. To feel the coldness of death; to join her Princess.

But she couldn't. Even now, her sense of self-preservation still governed her hoof, even though her life had already ceased to be. There was nothing left now. Nothing at all. And as Twilight looked around, she felt as though for once in her life, that she was truly and utterly alone...

A sickening queasiness overcame her, and she almost wretched, but only just managed to keep herself contained, when the heavy roll of hoofs came thundering towards her.

In the pale moon light, and through the obscurity of her tears, she saw the form of Night Storm, still clad in his gold armor.

“What happened!?” he yelled, as loudly as he could.

Twilight tried to answer between sobs.

“They killed her! They killed her!” she cried.

For a moment, Night Storm was unable to act or say anything – merely looking on in a state of disconcerted shock, unsure of what to do.

He finally knelt beside the hysterical Twilight, and placed his hoof on her shoulder, almost as equally distraught.

“Princess,” he said in a soft voice. “Please, we must leave, they may be back...”

Twilight shook her head, as she clenched her eyes shut, unable to speak.

“Princess...”

Twilight looked down and then, wiping her cheeks, tried as best she could to stand to her hoofs; wobbling even as Night Storm helped her.

“Go call out the guard,” Twilight said to him in a quiet voice. “Tell them the Princess has been murdered, but don't alert the guests. Meanwhile, make sure that every entrance is sealed off. I don't want any pony leaving. After you have done that, go and arrest Princess Cadance and bring her to me.”

“You think that she is behind this?” Night Storm asked astonished.

“I don't know. Whether she is guilty or innocent is irrelevant right now...but we will soon find out the truth. But for right now, I need your loyalty...”

Twilight turned to him.

“Swear your loyalty to me,” she said, pressing against him earnestly. “For your Princess and for Equestria.”

Night Storm, overcome, almost immediately keeled.

“Yes, Princess. I swear...I will be loyal...”

Twilight nodded.

“Then we haven't a second to lose. Go, do what must be done, and leave the rest to me...”  

> Ignosce Mihi
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Night Stormed wandered down the empty hallways of the palace, his torch leading before him. 

He kept his eyes transfixed on way ahead of him, covered over in darkness.

It was silent – dead silent – except for the faint sounds of some ponies further off.

The guardsman looked around anxiously, keeping his sword close to his person, starting into the shadows.

Was it a whisper he heard? Or a move in the darkness? And he could have swore, in the darkness, he saw the glistening blades of their bloodied daggers.

“Come out!” he yelled furiously, swinging his sword against the wall. “Come for me!”

Silence was his only reply.

Night Storm let out a mighty roar as he leaned on the wall, unsure if he could bear his own weight.

“Cowards…” he muttered. “Damn cowards…O Gods!” he cried, clenching his stomach in pain. 

“What have I done? Celestia’s murderers still live and I am alive?”

Night Storm ran his hoof over the blade of his sword. The steel was sharp – he knew, for he had spent countless hours whetting it against the stone. It would be easy…

The guardsman shook his head, sliding the sword back into his sheath. He took a deep breath and scanned the empty hall as the sounds of more distant voices echoed from afar, and the palace bells began to peal in alarm.

“I’ll have to find them…” he stated, running his hand along the stone. “And I’ll bring them to justice…every…single…last…one.” 

~

In Cadance’s bedchamber, the alarm bells echoed as rolling peals of thunder. The Princess herself was soon aroused by the commotion, looking to see ponies scrambling here and there.

“How long have I…been out?” she said, looking around, realizing it was night. “…All 
day?”

Cadance frowned, hearing the noises outside. 

From her window, Cadance could see that the sky was dark and that the once pale moon had turned an eerie, blood red. 

“What’s going on…?”

Then, amid the cries and shouts – there came a knocking on the door, ominous and foreboding. 

Cadance's heart froze and she wondered if this were still a dream.

She waited a moment before again, the knocking came, this time harder and more rapid than before.

She began to trek to the entrance, carefully measuring each step.

“Who’s there?” she asked.

She was answered with another around of knocks.

At last she stood before the door, her hoof pressed on the handle. Another knock entreated her to open.

She opened the door with a mighty swing and standing before her was Shining!

“Cadance!” Shining exclaimed, moving past her. “There’s no time to explain, you have to run.”

“Run? Run from what? Shining, what’s going on?”

“There’s no time. There’s been a murder and your life in grave danger.”

“A murder! Who’s been murdered!?” she exclaimed.

“Princess Celestia, I think…”

“You think!? Shining, what is going on!?”

“Cadanc, listen to what I am saying: you have to go, right now! There is no time. We have to-” 

The door shook with another knock.

Cadance and Shining looked at each other. Shining gave his wife a reassuring motion, bidding her to stay, while he opened the door.

It was Night Storm.

They were both equally surprised to see each other, as they both hesitated for words when they saw the other.

“Your majesty,” Night Storm greeted him, reverently but firmly.

“I’m sorry to intrude on you at this late hour, but I must insist you come with me, there’s been an incident…”

“The Princess?”

Night Storm paused.

“How did you…?”

“Why else would you be here if it wasn’t about the Princess?”

“That is so, and I have orders to escort you to the throne room, for your safety.”

“Orders? Whose orders?”

“Your sister’s, sir.”

“I see…I thank you and my sister for her concern, but I think we are perfectly well here.”

“No, sir, you don’t understand – you must go.”

“What do you mean ‘must go’? Why? For what reason?”

“Sir, Princess Celestia has been murdered. Her murderers are still on the loose and the Princess fears for your lives.”

“Again, I say, I thank you for her concern, but if they try to harm us, you can rest assured, they will have to go through me.”

Shining turned to go back into the room as Night Storm spoke in a forceful voice.

“Sir, you insist on non-cooperation, I will have to place you both under arrest.”

Shining paused, his back to the door, leaning on the frame. The former-guardsman turned around, his face as rigid as stone.

“On what charge?” he asked in an icy voice.

“On conspiracy to murder.”

A long silence followed as the two of them stared the other down in dread earnestness.

“You think…that I…who committed so many years to the protection of her majesty…am a traitor?” Shining spoke.

“A traitor is only one who would disobey the lawful authority of the crown…”

“That now sits on my sister’s head!? The Princess is not even buried and yet you spit on her grave!”

“Don’t you dare!” he shot back. “I love my Princess more than the world and it’s by that same love I serve the will of the crown now. Come with me, both of you, or I will make you go!”

“Then I will fight you, you damn scoundrel!. Arm yourself! Harmony will decide the right!”

“Shining, no!” Cadance wailed, throwing herself on her husband’s shoulder.

Shining cast her off, drawing his sword, Night Storm doing likewise. 

“I’ll give you one last chance, sir, because of your former association with the guards – put up your sword and come with me,” Night Storm commanded.

“It’ll be a cold day in Tartarus!”

Shining threw himself into the fray, swinging his sword in a wild frenzy. 

Night Storm countered every blow, nimbly dodging his former captain’s blade.

Blood pumped in Shining’s ears and his breaths became heavy. He hacked and slashed, hurling his hoof with all his might, missing his opponent and inadvertently cutting tapestries from the wall. 

Whenever their blades met, sparks flew in all directions as they fought pell-mell in the narrow confines of the hall. 

Each of the adversaries tried to maneuver, at last yielding, only when Night Storm head-butted against Shining and kicked him in the stomach. 

The lunar guardsman quickly recovered his sword, but was thrown off balance by Shining’s quick recovery.

Shining leaped upon him, battering at his blade until it flew from his hoof, before striking his opponent’s hind leg with the razored edge of his sword. 

Night Storm cried out in pain, collapsing backwards on the floor as he tried to beat a hasty escape, holding his fore-hoof over his head.

“Mercy! Mercy!”

Shining took his newly bloodied blade and approached him, eager to finish off his opponent, before his wife, crying and hysterical, grabbed his sword-hoof.

“Shining, stop! No! You can’t do this! He’s wounded!”

Shining tried to press by her as she held him back, the guardsman trying to crawl away – his blood trailing behind him.

“Mercy…” he moaned, holding leg.

Shining advanced at him, but Cadance stepped to intervene; only to stumble back onto the floor. It was only then that Shining gave pause, and looked down at the two terrified visages looking up at him, and noticed the blood that dripped from his hoofs.. 

In instant, Shining threw his sword to the ground with a echoing clatter, kneeling beside his wife to hold her in his arms. 

“No more killing…No more killing…”

His wife embraced him.

“Shining…”

Shining turned his head away as they both rose together.

“Cadance…I’m not the pony you think I am…”

Cadance placed her hoof upon his cheek and guided his eyes back to hers.

“You’re my husband.”

Shining felt his wife’s warm lips touched him, the sweat from the battle now cold upon his brow. He thought at that moment of nothing but the love of his wife – unaware and unhearing of the sword being recovered behind him.

At once, it a state of muted pain, Shining felt himself severed, as the cold steel found its mark.

Cadance let out a horrific shriek as the blood splattered in all directions, staining her coat and mane.

Night Storm quickly flew, throwing his sword behind him, limping down the hall, and disappearing into the darkness.

Shining collapsed on the floor, a pool of red quickly forming around him – his white cheeks turning an ashen gray.

“Cadance,” he rasped, as his hysterical wife cradled his head. “I haven’t got long…listen to me…”

Cadance tried to stop the torrent of tears and sobbing long enough to hear her husband’s words.

“Cadance...I haven’t got long,” he labored. “Listen to me: go and find Twilight’s friends. All of your lives are in danger.”

Cadance shook her head.

“Cadance, look at me!” Shining exclaimed, clenching her hoof. “Promise me you will not stop until the crown is off my sister’s head!”

Cadance choked, closing her eyes.

“Promise me!” 

“I...promise,” Cadance stammered.

“Cadance,” Shining continued, his voice faltering. “You must preserve the realm, or many more lives will be lost. You’ve got to...got to...Cadance forgive me!”

The Prince clenched his wounds, his breaths labored and heavy.

“Cadance…” he whispered, looking into her eyes. “Forgive me…”	

> Finis
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

“And so you see, my dear Twilight, that is the reason I simply cannot allow you to become a Princess.”

Twilight looked at her mentor with wonder and disbelief and she stood in her regal posture atop her throne, sipping on her tea.

“Princess Celestia, that story was…disturbing. You think that I would murder your sister, sleep with my brother, enslave Equestria, and then trick my friends into assassinating you to gain power over the realm?”

“Anything is possible,” she replied shrugging. 

“Forgive me, Princess, but you have a very vivid and paranoid imagination.”

Celestia laughed.

“Well of course I do Twilight! You don’t get to rule over a realm like mine for over a thousand years without being just a tiny bit paranoid.”

“How do you sleep at night worrying about such ludicrous things?”

“Oh that’s easy. I just purge all of those ponies close to me every five years or so. Did you never once wonder what happened to my favorite pupils before this? Why it just so happened that you got to be my personal apprentice just as you came of age? Do you think that all happens by accident?”

A knot twisted itself in Twilight’s stomach and her hooves began to tremble. 

“Does that mean…I’m next?” she gulped.

“See, if I told you that, it would ruin all the fun.”

“Sister, stop it! You’re scaring her!” Luna said, lightly batting her sister as she trotted into the room.  “Look at her, she’s frightened to death, poor thing.”

Luna gave Twilight a hug. 

“So, none of that is true?” Twilight asked, not sure if they were being serious at all anymore.

“No of course not,” Celestia said. “You have absolutely nothing to be afraid of…or do you!? DUUUH!” 

Luna snatched away the flashlight Celestia was holding underneath her face.

“Aw, spoil sport,” Celestia pouted.

Twilight breathed a sigh of relief.

“Well, I’m just glad for that. I know I would never do anything like that to you, Celestia. I love you too much! You’re like a second mom to me.”

“Aww, and you’re like a second daughter to me, Twilight.”

“Wait, what?”

“Nothing, just enjoy the moment.”

The three of them embraced one another in familial and cordial love as a rainbow appeared in the heavens.