From two different dimensions, two ponies accidentally meet. With little info, they form a mysterious world together with no way back to theirs.
There exist three dimensional planes, many believe it was only two, with the light, and the darkness. This "something" in between...they cannot decide which to team with. This dimension is known as Shadowren. Every single creatures that lives...has an equivalent. But not in Shadowren. Each Dimension has an owner. But we can cross that bridge once we get there. Note You can read the comics to understand this better...specifically issues 17-21. However, it isn't required. UPDATE I think I'll work on this a year later. Sorry, but I just don't wanna write it anymore.
In the world of Equestria, each and every living being is doubled. There are two dimensions holding each of their souls.
Equestria, their holy and The Underworld, their darkness.
Many believed it was all just Light and Dark, but facts are more believable than assumptions.
There is Equestria, the world of the Light. It is the highest of the three Planes of Shadow; peace and harmony reigns over this land, and many things that we suffer from...are nonexistent.
There is the Underworld, the world of the Dark. It is the lowest of the three Planes of Shadow; Destruction and many fought battles are what lay in this restless wasteland, and everything here is what we experience a lot; pain, and distress.
Lastly, there is Shadowren, the world of the Silver. It lives in between the three Planes of Shadow; and was made from two ponies from both Equestria and The Underworld. Both found by accident.
"Okay, yes. That dimension is blending in with ours. If this affects them any longer...we cannot use the portal...but what if we go every now and again?"
"You have gone to The Underworld far enough, Celestia. You've gone so much now that I have deemed that world of such an unholy title. I won't allow any more usage of it."
"But-"
"No. I forbid you to use the portal from here on out."
The colt stared deeply at the mirror, awaiting for an unequine presence to come out. Soon, his suspicions were confirmed when a blue figure, tall and horn held came out...
Celestia.
"Oh!"
"How many times have you been there?"
"Not...often."
"How often?!"
"On and off...for...a while."
"You KNOW what kind of CONSEQUENCES there are to visiting this world too often. We've TALKED about this. You PROMISED me...we can't RISK it. You're putting everypony in DANGER. What could possibly be worth it?!"
"What do you think is worth it?" Tears flowed from Celestia's eyes as she stared deeply at the colt.
"No. Celestia..."
"No..."
"I'm sorry...but I can't just...-"
"I'm ending this."
"What do you mean 'ending this'? You can't, I...-" Celestia was thrown from her sobbing and frantically chased whilst asking.
"I will not let you put your kingdom...and HIS at risk. This is OVER. NOW."
"Kingdom come, and kingdom go. A land so close to our core. Our worlds now severed, ebb and flow. Doth from this point, we close the door.
"No! Atleast let me say goodbye!"
After that, all that remained of the magic in the mirror was a book of torn pages.
"I never want to talk about this again. I'm very disappointed in you, Princess."
With tears streaming like a river, Celestia ran. She didn't know where she would go, but she ran as far as she could from what had happened.
...I don't belong here. I know it. I was taken here. I have memories of parents in this land, and they remember caring for me. But I refuse to believe it.
My name, is Silverfang. I am a royal guard for her Highness, Princess Luna of Equestria.
And....I'm what's known as a batpony. Apparently, only a Princess knows how to create such a dark creature.
Before, I was a regular ol' pony, (apparently...) and, well...my parents signed me up for being a guard, with a good reason for entering a mare, too. However, to their dismay, Princess Luna had just returned, and her guards numbers were practically nonexistent. So all ponies were sent towards her, and not Celestia.
However, in order to become one of her guards, you must become a batpony. So, after multiple transformations, the most fearsome group of guards to exist in Equestria were created.
Now, many guards are typically only colts, but some special exceptions exist in some mares. For example, I exceeded in tactics and planning. Which is rather important because the royal guards couldn't plan a good strategy to save their flanks. In order to recognize me for a captain of sorts, I got a signature for that.
My wings have a nice looking spike, (this is actually for a self-defense mechanism in a sort, in case I get nearly pushed into the back of a wall,) and because I'm a mare, I get the rights to take off my armor, because its annoying and it conceals my purpose and beauty. I'm not supposed to be out for war, I'm supposed to plan it.
Oh, and because I'm special, I get the rights to keep my mane in its original form and color. Unfortunately, not my coat, but my mane consists of a nice color scheme that fits and matches to it so, its alright! I guess. (Cause all colts that work for the Princesses had to have short manes and kinda stubs behind them for tails.)
So, I'm CLEARLY distinguished from all the other guard ponies, and I love it and hate it. Being individual gives you a confidence boost, tells you everyone else isn't as AWESOME as you, but....uh, well I sorta have stage fright, and being individual can't be very boosting all the time. But I still stand firm and proud to be a practical captain of the royal guards.
Now, I know that Alicorns are uhm, gods...but us "captain" batponies get an exception. We have been given a permanent horn from the Princess herself. No magic or other can get rid of it, you can block magic but the horn is permanent no matter what. But we aren't really...uh, Alicorns. These wings aren't really for a pegasus, and the horn is...well, only usable when a powerful ball of magic is nearby or a really powerful being. Its to ensure that we use it near dangerous areas, and not for destroying everything in sight just by looking at it or somethin', I dunno.
Alright. Enough about me. Time for me to explain my discovery of that weird glowin' mirror thingy!
So, one day, I was taking my usual strol- errrr, patrolling around the castle, and all of a sudden, my horn began to form into my dome. So, with what I knew, a powerful magic was in the area. Along with that, my suspicions also grew when I heard a familiar voice nearby. So I wandered around and kept going until my horn was fully grown out. (To identify if my thoughts are true.) With my horn in a full elegant shape, I knew I was only a few feet away from whatever was there. Then, once I reached where the magic was being summoned, I saw Princess Luna and all I heard was... uhm, something along the lines of; "Get thy hindquarters back here this instant!"
It wasn't that hard to know that was Luna. ESPECIALLY with that wacko language she speaks, but its weird....I understand exactly what she says every time...huh, maybe she gives her guards that ability too. But that wasn't what I was so freaked out about. So I went in deep thought wondering after that; Who left? Who was Luna talking to earlier? Why is she shaking a mirror around?!?!?? Where is she taking that mir- Ohhhh boy I'd better get outta here! Teleport work!
I tried running away, but that only furthered my distance and the magic I had left was slowly dispersing into the air and sky and whatever. I think about teleporting and the second I panic I bolt away...what am I DOING?!
Quickly turning back in the direction that I just came from, my horn began to reappear with my magic.
...I can't teleport if I run too far...
...And if I get too close Luna will notice me...
While I was running back and forth in my one area in deep, deep thought wondering what to do...a figure suddenly appeared in front of me.
"What art thou...do explain what you are doing, Captain."
Luna...
"Lu- I mean, Princess Luna of Equestria, I...uh-" I began to panic.
As quickly as I could, I teleported out with the remaining magic that was left in my puny self, and got near...the conference room? Well, with a huffed pant I looked around and hid inside some closet of sorts, and waited after hearing some panicked hoofsteps quickly trotting their way up. With it, my horn began shaping once more. Wasn't really hard to figure out who it was time two.
"...I suppose I shall let this slide, Captain." Those were the last words that I heard.
Really wish she would stop trotting around the room. My back is starting to hurt. All I'm hearing is Luna repeating somethin' like "Tia, Tia, Tia, Tia, Tia...." Wonder who this Tia is...do they have to do with the mirror?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~About a week Later~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Ugh, how many times have I been in a closet to eavesdrop now? Like, three times? Alright, let me explain what happened.
During my actual patrolling of the castle at the beginning of the night, I passed by Princess Luna's room again...and eavesdropped. Again. I heard her grab a paper of some sort, and hastily begin scribbling something. She began to say something out loud.
"Princess Twilight, gather thou's friends and get thyself to the castle of Canterlot now!"
And, with a strange swish sound...hoofsteps began gathering that room Huh. Something happen like three minutes ago or what? So important that Princess Twilight Sparkle has to come? I sure do wo- hoofsteps. Act natural or hide?
Hide.
I quickly trotted to the end of the hall and teleported into the conference room again. Frantically looking around the room, I saw a familiar rectangular box. So I Bolted to the closet, and waited. Its gonna take the Princess a while to get here...so, let me explain what has also happened ever since that weird mirror thingy caught Luna's attention.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~During The Week~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Lots sorta happened over the course of a week. Princess Luna was seen and unseen. Somehow....Princess Celestia looked....different...like, her regalia was too big for her and... I'm not sure how to explain it, but she was shakier than usual...also, she spoke in Luna's way of speech. Oh, and for the duration of the week, the two Princesses were never seen together doing their usual silly activities. So out of pure curiosity, I followed Celestia to her room to see what had happened...and by followed I mean teleported into another closet. I am such a good guard.
So, while waiting inside the hollow boards, (Wonder why they keep them, you can just put your regalia on a desk or something,) I heard and felt a door being slammed. With a pant and a gasp for air, I heard a mutter.
I couldn't identify who it was because it was so quiet, unfortunately. So I snuck a little peek out of the closet and began to see what I thought I'd never see.
It was Princess Celestia. She took a bucket full of water, and poured it on top of her. Slowly, her colors fell off of her...and I saw that familiar black coat and cutie mark. She still had the hair, but there was no doubt in my mind. Princess Luna in Celestia's regalia and a paper on the ground with two papers, both carrying suns. What the heck was going on?!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Back to our present~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Anywho, back to the closet in the conference room, the door burst open and Luna began explaining what had happened. I knew about EXACTLY everything that happened. Apparently...
About a week ago, Princess Luna was looking for Princess Celestia. She was trailing for her sister, and ended up finding her entering a mirror...and then suddenly being missing. As for the reason of no contact earlier and being a week late....well, what happened during the week sorta explains it. Anyway, after that, Luna told the Princess and her friends to follow her. It was pretty hard to listen up after that. So I made my way sneakily out of the closet and closely followed. Pretending to be on guard, from a distance that I could hear at least something fluent.
You'd think that I heard something important. It was MORE than important.
Luna claimed that Celestia used to work with Star Swirl the Bearded, and they really loved workin' with that mirror, because it had something that really piqued their interest in it. But the only way to learn of what it does is to visit Star Swirl's library which is secretly under Canterlot, or the mountain its been built over.
Don't think its easy to eavesdrop some on-the-move ponies. Cause it ain't. Following them into a chamber where they have to explore a mountain dungeon and look at every corner is near impossible. I should be grateful that a Princess is linked with them. It allows me to use my magic AND shapeshift. Did I mention that magic that's given is super powerful? Like, maybe not to a Princesses level powerful, but still pretty amazing?
With a flash of magic, I quickly became a stalactite and hung from the ceiling. If you couldn't tell, I'm a master at eavesdropping and hiding. I was given the ability to be a guard because I was talented in tactics and planning after all. Trust me, these are easy tactics compared to other ones, being a boulder that follows by rolling around is NOT fun.
I heard and saw...a lot. Bunches of vases, dressers, scraps, pebbles...you name it. Oh and the 3-headed dragon in the back, but not very threatening. Or alive.
After nearly 15 minutes of wandering, Princess Twilight perked up and said the library is... an ath...an athena...an athenaeum. Which, by the way, I can't pronounce in one try to save my life.
With a hastened dash, the ponies rushed into the...you know what I'm just gonna call it a library. I quietly followed along with a slow and steady teleportation spell into the next room...you would not believe how much more organized that room was.
Been a while since I've seen a Princess freak out. This is the first time I've also seen Princess Twilight freak out.
"Oh my gosh! Look over there! It's an original tome of Star Swirl's heavenly spheres...And over there! His original diagrams for the uses of practical magic! Anypony wanna see a geek fanpony out about everything?!?!"
Anywho, after about five minutes of exploration, adaptation, and being a nerd STILL around their surroundings, Twilight and her friends began getting to business...sorta. The whole party just...read a bunch and listened to a freaked-out Princess talking about every little thing you could see in a book.
"Oh man, Star Swirl's studies on this!" and "Oh man, Star Swirl'd studies on that!" It got so annoying and boring so quickly I swear I seriously fell asleep during this. But if I fell asleep, I wouldn't be able to stick to the ceiling, so I had to distract myself with something...interesting. So, I began thinking about what would happen if Princess Twilight Sparkle would be the new Princess of Equestria, like co-owner. Cause she's still sorta kinda under Celstia's wing.
It would go horribly wrong. THAT is my final answer.
Wasn't long before I began napping on the ceiling. (Never knew gravitation spells could be so useful, cause levitation isn't fun 24/7,) It took about 30 minutes after that for somepony to slam their hooves on the table below me, bringing me to a shocking awakening. As I stared down below, I saw a Princess intently looking and reading a book out loud.
What I found out? That mirror isn't just a mirror. Its a portal.
When Star Swirl the Bearded and Princess Celestia worked together hundreds of years ago, they worked tirelessly on this portal. Turns out it was used as a prototype for some other mirror portal that Princess Twilight used in hot pursuit of some "Sunset Shimmer" pony. Anyway, the duo used to go back and forth through this portal for YEARS.
But after an abrupt end, the portal was sealed off after some "incident" occurred. Wish I knew what it was, but the book just ends there with ripped pages.
With this news, the ponies found a way to quickly get back to Princess Luna with their acquired info. Once they all got out, I got out of my disguise and teleported to the closest hallway near the location they would enter.
As fast as I could, I put my ear up to the door, and listened to what was happening.
There was a "fwoosh," and Luna scolding Princess Celestia for being missing and all the chores she had to fill in for her during her absence. Then, there was a thud, and the group inside began to shout jibber-jabbers.
I quickly bust open the door.
Not a pretty sight.
Princess Luna was on the floor holding Princess Celestia, who looked like she just got in a fight with a really powerful enemy. Scratches on her coat, crooked feathers, bent regalia, a choppy mane...and, of course, blood. The most I've seen from one pony at that. I've been to war, and this is THE worst looking pony and Princess I have ever seen.In the background was Princess Twilight and her friends, who were hugging each other in fright.
"Wh-what happened?!?!?"
"Quickly! Alert the other guards! Tia! Tia, wake up!"
As swiftly as I could, I teleported out and alerted the guards nearby. Luckily, the conference room isn't very far from the Royal Guards main area, the Princesses rooms. So I could reserve enough magic for other things for the day.
When we rushed back, we took Princess Celestia into the closest sick bay, and left Nurse Redheart and the others to the rest.
First Celestia entering a portal and being missing for a week...then info on Star Swirl and Celestia....and then Celestia with life-threatening injuries...
Just what is that mirror-portal? I traveled back to it in the conference room once I was confirmed that Princess Celestia would make it. My horn, for some reason, was still in tact. Was another powerful trace of magic in the room, or was it another powerful being? Whatever. I came for that mirror. No distractions aloud.
I inspected the mirror from every angle possible, I looked closer at the reflection for anything that looked off colored.
Reflecting with a flowing presence...and with that gorgeous orange lining its outsides...with those sparkling gems of a flaming violet of chaotic purposes...
Nothing.
Bored of observing, I decided to touch it. But, right as I was about to touch the mirror on the front, a hoof came out and grabbed mine, and I heard a muffled scream.
I quickly reacted by yanking my hoof out, flying up, and blasting the front of the mirror with magic. It began to glow a dark aura, and it abruptly ended in about three seconds.
While still huffing with fear and relief, I got down and touched the portal. My hoof went straight through, and I immediately reeled back in fright. After waving my hoof around and observing for any changes on my personnel, nothing had changed. Guess I don't know what portals really do.
Attempting to comprehend what the heck just happened, I just sat and stared at space. It look liked I was thinking, but also just...waiting to test something out.
I did this for a few seconds. Okay, few minutes. Okay, a lot of minutes.
During an uncountable amount of time, how about that?
I was wondering, finally about something to do. Do I pull myself farther through the portal and see where it leads? Should I accompany the Princesses and confirm Luna is safe? Wait...the mirror isn't...it isn't wafting around anymore...
I poked my hoof at the edges of the mirror.
It didn't go through.
So, I finally thought of an answer as to my next move.
"I've been through worse, much, much worse." I blurted out loud
So. I stepped back from the portal, and I counted out loud.
My names Dark Grace. I am a royal guard for his Royalty, King Sombra of The Underworld.
I am a pegasus who is in high honor of his Royalty.
But, thought I am treasured as a rarity, I do not understand why. I have wings, not magic. I'm faster than other guards, but not by a lot. Even my mere existence in this world baffles me, my coat is of a different color than the others, a soothing white instead of a threatening grey.
In order to show my importance, this coat of mine is a symbol to show my dependence to his Royalty, King Sombra. I do wonder how, though. Maybe because white is a rare color to see in this land, so it shows my dedication to justice? I do ponder this, with any free time I may gather.
According to everypony else and my memory, I have served his Royalty for about ten years. However, I do not remember siblings or parents, but the other guards claim that maybe I've never seen my parents in a long, long time. For they remember none of either groups, as well.
But what they claim isn't as clear as facts.
Creatures that use different body structures, that draconequus, Discord. His name literally means chaos, but he works for good.
Creatures that use the same body structures with a few tweaks, the changeling, Chrysalis. Her appearance looks frightful, yet...she assists us in battle.
These beasts, they cannot be just...working for us like this. Especially for "good, justice, and love".
But, for now, I have no info as to why I feel so suspicious about this.
Enough has been spoken of me. 'Tis time to discuss the current activities of what has happened through the land.
During the last few days, Princess Celestia and Princess Luna have been launching more assaults than usual on the Castle of Canterlot. This has risen many thoughts and theories among the other guards, its all I've heard in the last...I can't even remember when the theories started. The day after the attacks, during or even before.
One day, I was told by his Royalty himself to stand guard in front of a door. He told me never once to open or allow others entry to this one specific room. Along with me was a young unicorn, said to have powers beyond her age. But, just because she's young doesn't mean that she isn't troublesome.
"Can I open the door?"
"No."
"Please?"
"No."
This lasted on and on and on. She kept pleading and pleading and pleading. She would have broken my consciousness and psyche had she not finally stopped and said; "Awh booo...why do I always have to be put with the cranky guards?"
But right as she ended, an awkward sound was heard. As if somepony inside, possibly even his Royalty was casting magic...but why? Ah, that's not the main problem right now...the main problem was right next to me, and it was growing larger and larger.
...I'm growing more and more worried about that look of determination.
"Fine...if push comes to shove, I'm bustin' down that door!"
The young mare immediately began charging towards the door...so, as quickly as I could I tried to restrain her.
"Gyak! Let...go! I wanna see what Sombra's up to!" On the exact moment she called his Royalty by his first name, my head began to ache slowly, for some reason, that name doesn't seem to fit. But in thought, I also loosened my grip, and the mare broke down the door in that one charge with all the energy she built up.
Right there, I saw something...strange.
When I came back to my senses, in front of me was that mare, backing up as the smoke cleared. We saw his Royalty channeling a spell into some kind of...mirror. It was taller than his Royalty, and a blue figurine, just a little taller in appearance of his Royalty...wait, he hasn't seen or heard us break the door?! Surely he would look towards us, or at least raise his attention!
As I stepped forwards to inspect what was going on, the mare hastily used her magic, put the door back in place and bolted it, making it look like nothing had happened. All the while shoving me out with her magic. I am truly praying that this wasn't the loudest sound in the world. Otherwise, truly praying...he never noticed.
Sweating bullets, the mare next to me panicked and tried as hard as she could to not hyperventilate every ten seconds. I couldn't really do anything, sadly, because I was not aloud to leave my post.
But I tried as hard as I could to ignore this gasping for air, and tried to hone my ears on the activities happening inside the door.
"My sweet, sweet Celestia. It has been long since I have seen you."
"Ah, yes, Sombra-" That name...sent chills down my spine...why!?
"Please, do tell why you've left me here...for so long...alone..."
"Ah, uhm...weeeeeelll..-"
I tried to grasp for more info on who this other pony, (presumably mare, by voice,) was. But...I forgot about the unreasonable swine next to me.
Once I couldn't hear a single sound inside the door...(except for some giggling...) I took a peek at my "partner," and she was on the ground. I don't know why this spooked her so much, a guard, even mare, should have seen and must have experienced worse.
"Get up. You were told to hold guard here by his Highness himself. Do it with honor and not fright." I had a calm face, calm emotion and calm voice as I showed my hoof towards her. She immediately took it, and just sat upright, didn't even bother to stand up.
Still hyperventilating, she sat in that position for about a minute. Then...she suddenly...stopped breathing...and stood upright.
"S-s-sorry. I-I-I don't like seeing his Majesty using magic...whenever I see it..." Suddenly, in a split second, I saw something I couldn't comprehend...
From the glimpse of my eyes, I saw the pony in front of me...glimmer...like a crystal...but what does it mean?
We sat around, standing guard and staying completely silent.
But it was hard to not think about just what has happened in the last few days.
Common attacks, mirrors, figures, a shiny pony...what is this...?
Just as I tried to create an answer, somepony opened the door. Some tall white figurine...with a horn and- WAIT A MOMENT...That's...that's Princess Celestia! Wh-what is she doing with his Royalty!?
I immediately flew in front and raised my spear in front of her.
"Halt! Don't make another m-"
"Guard! Stand down!" I heard somepony in the back yell a command at me...
Out came his Royalty, and he screamed the word guard.
"But, your Royalty-"
"No, don't harm her! Not my Celestia!"
I was really confused at this point...Celestia attacks commonly and you call her "my Celestia?"
Lowering my spear and guard, I stepped back in front of the door.
"Now, listen closely, Commander. This Celestia is sweet and nice. Not like the other one. This one has a different cutie mark, mane, and appearance in general. I want you and all the other guards to always protect her and never harm even a feather on her. Do you understand?" I nodded...and wanted to ask questions.
But I had to keep them to myself.
Because of...piquing inquiries yet to be studied.
"Now, if you would please spread this to other guards. You are off duty for the day as well.
Meanwhile...above in the castle of the Underworld versions of the two Sisters...
"Luna! Get your ugly flank over here NOW!" Princess Celestia cried in terror as she made a swift landing onto the balcony and burst the doors open.
"Don't shout! Some guards were just about to enter and you scared them away! You know how many hooves we could have broken?!" Princess Luna furiously scolded her sister in rage.
"I have a RIGHT to shout you stupid foal. ESPECIALLY in these situations!"
"Ugh, whatever. So is Sombra recruiting more guards now or what?" Luna yawned in her usual manner.
"Get this; Sombra has some other Celestia with him!"
The second Princess Luna heard this, she immediately shouted
"WHAAAAAAAAAAAT?! You mean like a clone?!"
"And you say MY voice is loud..."
"Well EXCUUUUUUUSE me PRINCESS. But, do enlighten me as to what this 'Other Celestia' is like."
"Its...so...not...me...this other THING calls itself Celestia. Sombra calls is Celestia. Sombra's GUARDS call it-" Luna shoved a hoof in her sister's mouth, and said; "I get it. skip forwards to what's so weird."
For the next couple of days...many a sleepless nights have happened.
Every night his Royalty commanded me to take guard of that door we "politely" opened earlier.
With that "gleaming" guard I was with earlier.
She tried to keep me interested every single time from midnight to morning, and I wasn't really listening to her endless rambles.
But when she began talking about his Royalty, my ears perked up and I finally decided to give a listen.
"So, you know how that "different Celestia" appeared all of a sudden in that room when Sombra was the only one in, and there weren't any windows and there's only this one door?!"
"Yes?"
"Okay, I have a theory."
"Yes?"
"Alright, so I bet that other Celestia is some weird kinda mirror opposite thingy!"
"Uhm, please do elaborate in a manor I can understand, miss."
"My name is Glowing Moon, for your information! For some egghead like you, I'll explain in a way you can understand."
"Thank you." I tried not to grind my teeth in her sight, what a rude little mare.
"Sooooooo when we busted in we saw some blue creature being thingy come out of the mirror...now what if Sombra was clicking some magic and breathing life into that mirror, and tried to make a Celestia to counter this one? But made this one all happy-go-lucky to make her more distinct and different?!"
Glowing Moon stared at me intently with some puppy-dog eyes, and was looking for some feedback for her theory.
"..."
"..."
"...You think I'm daydreaming too much, don't you?"
"No, I think your theory is plausible. I can agree that-"
"Ugh, don't LIE to me about it. Be honest, am I the REAL egghead here?" She exploded in front of me, and then suddenly backed down.
"I truly do believe that theory is a possibility. It's more believable than those 'Shapeshifting Luna' and 'Contract' campfire stories."
"Yeah, so I tried to think of one that would make sense with what I saw!"
I got deeper into thought about this whole "mirror creation" fiasco. Luckily, I think Glowing Moon was too, because she suddenly stopped talking about...I'm...not exactly sure, to be honest. But regardless, I began to wonder and get lost into MY daydreams after that impossible-yet-possible theory of hers.
So, if what we saw was his Royalty channeling magic into a mirror of power, or something of the sorts, then this Celestia that always joins and plays with him at day has come from that very place, correct?
But I find way too many plot holes in this.
Why does she only come during the day?
For what purpose does his Royalty need for this "secondary Celestia"?
Lastly...
Why did the Two Evil Sisters stop attacking?
One answer at a time, or one every year, I suppose...
About an hour later, the sunlight rose and his Royalty re-entered the mirror room, and asked if anything suspicious had happened that night.
"I wish, this is getting BOOOOOOOOOOOORING" With a yawn and yell, Glowing Moon boomed at his Royalty.
"Haha, yes, I know, your shifts are tiring. I apologize, but you are my best guards as of the moment. Strongest and fastest, anyway."
"Ahhh morning Sombra~" Some cheery voice echoed across the hallways.
"Greeting, Celestia. Are the beds comfortable? Did you sleep nicely?" Celestia came in, and I wondered if his Royalty was right with her looking "different".
With a closer inspection, he was right.
Her regalia was a yellow hue, golden; for that matter, a yellow sun, not black for cutie mark, this mane wasn't tied back in any sort of way, and she has shoes for regalia, not boots.
"Yep! You guards are home free by the w-"
In a flash, (quite literally,) Glowing Moon was teleporting and cheering down the hallways.
"H-hey! These are MY guards, not YOURS." Celestia reeled her head back and sweated bullets as his Royalty reeled his head in and gleamed a deathly stare at her.
"Well, what's done is done. I guess that mare is going off." Celestia shrugged and brought her head back again as his Royalty had an even colder stare this time.
"Ah, Dark Grace, your free off now, if you wish."
That wasn't his Royalty.
That was Celestia.
"W-wa-wait how do you know my name?!" I stared in surprise at the Celestia, awaiting a proof-filled answer.
"Well, if I'm here, I gotta learn everyponies names, right?" With that, Celestia and his Royalty walked off."
I guess, if I get the option to do my job, then I can take it.
I've gone 3 restless nights before, doesn't mean I can do it again.
Because I am actually starting to tire on guard duty.
I could get off anytime I wish but I don't want to. Like a force here is compelling me to do it over my will.
But at the same time, I know I can get off shift, and want to do it.
Odd, is it because I'm in presence of this door?
No that can't be it.
Because I'd lost all common sense at that point, what was good and what wasn't...
My hoof touched the handle of the door I'd been guarding.
And I slowly pushed and heard it creak open.
"Wait...what am I doing?!"
I clasped my other hoof on the one I suddenly couldn't control, but a red cloud suddenly stopped it, and I suddenly lost control of myself.
Awaiting an outcome, I tried as best as I could to move even a feather on my wings.
No luck.
Once the door was open, I saw something that I thought was just a campfire tale.
"Ohoho~ look at the widdle pwetty guawd pwotecting this here portal!" A red magic surrounded me, I could move, but was being floated midair.
Princess Luna.
"So you WERE being a shadow of Celest-"
"Oh come ONNNN you can't believe those theories. Those guards? Regular. You guard? Commander. Why believe such tall tales?" Flipping her tongue out at me, she spat.
"...So you aren't the perpetrator?"
"Nope~ I came to this room after a few injuries to investigate!" Luna cheerfully clapped her hooves together whilst holding me above.
"Fine. Why did you bring me in here the-GAH" Suddenly, I was tossed across the room, in front of the mirror.
"Weeeeelll...I need a tester to come out!"
"Wait...you can't seriously be suggesting-"
"Oh yeah! Now lets see if this cloning thing works!"
Soon, Luna' horn began to glow a dark crimson, and a beam of light shot towards the mirror.
It began to glow a strange gray...and started showing off a horrific aura. I could feel it seeping darkness into me.
"Awhhhh...it isn't a clone device...darn it. Stupid campfire ponies. This woulda been the BEST. ARMY. EVER."
"Wait...you overheard me and-"
"Yes, you are a cute couple, I get it. kiss kiss smooch smooch."
I flushed into a rosebush of red.
"Wrong Ide-"
"But I was HOPING you would get into that door so I could test out this thing and see if your theories were true. Being commanders, it isn't hard to believe your smarter than the rest."
"Anywho, lets see what we got here..." The magic from Luna's horn began levitating me towards the glowing mirror...and all of a sudden, my body went through.
She quickly reeled me back in surprise. "W-w-woah! That...would be so fun to TORTURE WITH."
Passing me back and forth through the portal, I suddenly cried out.
"LET ME GO YOU FIEND!"
"Boo hoo. Let me have some fun every now and again, 'kay, comanndeer?
Suddenly, hoofsteps were heard nearby...quick ones, at that.
"Awh, guess they already found out. Party pooper. Anyway, have fun wherever this goes~"
This time, when I was sent into the portal, it was for real.
When I awoke, I was resting on...a bush? With some beautiful berries, ranging from a regular white to the whole spectrum of relaxing colors.
I slowly rolled off, and tried to get up, but my muscles were too tired to even lift up a hoof. After all, I was just teleported and put into a mirror multitudes of times.
But my sore muscles would be the least worrying thing here.
Once I could at least rotate my head a little, my eyes widened, my wings opened...and a shroud of pain covered my head in a matter of seconds.
I cried out in a thrashing rage, and my whole body was suddenly active again. The pain grew and grew, and I suddenly blacked out again.
I was...in a room. With white walls, golden doors and a table. I saw myself too- wait, what?
I tried to interact, but I couldn't touch or talk to anyone.
I was mute, and a possible ghost.
My other self began walking around, and chatting with others...
W-wait...how do I know that's ME?!
I know it...I don't see it though! Something tells me that IS me though...
The armor the guards and myself wore, it was golden...like Celestia's regalia...
This layout looks like a conference room...like the one in Canterlot Castle...but brighter...
What is happening?!
"Heyo, Darkie~" A mare came up and slapped me in the back of the neck, as I rubbed it...I began...laughing along with her? This isn't my personality at all...
"Greetings, Glowing Blossom." I got another slap, and this time, I wasn't laughing.
"No need to be so formal, ya dingus. Names Bloom, that's that, got it?"
With a cold stare, I shakily nodded my head...I know this mare?
"Soooo whatcha up to?" Glowing Blossom stood on her hind legs and moved her head forwards me while holding her hooves together.
"More guard duties from the Princesses...they just won't stop getting mo-"
Wait...did I just say Princesses? But it's just his-
Suddenly, what I expect to be a mailmare busted in. Wait a minute...isn't that an Element of Disharmony?
"Mailmare Derpy ready for buisness~ Mister Grace, where is he?"
No glasses and crashing into everything that can fall or break.
This is one weird place.
"Dark Grace, right here!" I waved my hoof towards Derpy.
"You have been summoned by Celestia. She wanted for me to tell you that, she's too busy to say it herself, apparently."
Summoned by Princess Celestia, I assume? Wait...then that Princess I work for...
I help the mischievous and despairing Celestia!?
So, I ran out the doors and went somewhere. Suddenly, a white glow surrounded me...and I teleported somewhere.
I was...at a throne room? With glass panes with ponies that- h-hey! These panes have ponies on them with name labels on them...kinda reminds me of his Royalty's throne room. But these have different ponies on them, and ACTUAL ponies...not like Chrysalis.
I looked around, but the second I turned my head I locked onto something I couldn't comprehend.
The large door to the room slowly creaked open, and I walked in.
"Dark Grace...I'm sorry I couldn't call you personally."
"No need to apologize, Princess. What is it that you require?"
"Ah, I should apologize. Especially for the task that I ask you of."
Task? From CELESTIA? ME? Wait...this is that "other" Celestia. The "nice" Celestia that was wandering with his Royalty.
"Hm, whatever do you mean, Princess?"
"Follow. I must show you something."
Princess Celestia walked behind her throne, and invited me over. I ran towards the back of the throne...and I tagged along with "myself".
"Okay, now stand back for a moment, if you'd please." I backed off...both of me.
Suddenly, a huge ray of magic shot into the crystal in the back...and it turned a beautiful shade of gray. It suddenly backed out, and showed on the middle right side of the throne.
Celestia reached out, grabbed the crystal, and turned it.
I was shocked at what had happened. It didn't matter if I couldn't control my body.
Celestia reeled her hoof back immediately, and she began stepping towards the throne. With a flash of light, she passed through.
My other self was shocked...but I began to take a step forward...and I was gone.
And another blinding light pushed me into a vortex, and I teleported again.
"Okay, so do you know of a Star Swirl, by chance?"
I heard Celestia speak, and I was in some kind of old archive of books and scribbles. I turned towards Celestia and- what?! That's...that's... that's the mirror that we saw when we broke down his Royalty's door and saw channeling magic into!
"Erhm, if I recall the stories...he was a magical wizard with gifted powers beyond natural, correct?"
"Yep. He was with me ages ago when he still existed."
...Not getting any memories on this one...odd...
"Hm, interesting. Explains how he got such amazing magics."
"Ah, no...Star Swirl didn't get his magic from me. He got it from this mirror here."
Celestia pointed her hoof and touched the mirror.
"Uhm, regular old mirrors and magic? I'm sorry, but I don't quite follow...
"Okay, if you promise me you'll give me a listen, and never tell the other guards about this...I will tell you what this is all about."
"I swear it on my honor as a Commander."
"Fair enough." Celestia let her hoof lose of the mirror, and stepped back, looking at me again.
"So, this mirror here is a prototype of a certain mirror elsewhere...if you know the correct spell, there is a way to activate it. Upon activation, you can cross into different dimensions with some, well, MANY other features.
"So Star Swirl took advantage of this, and learned the magic of this world..
"But after a while, after a mistake that I had created...he sealed off the portal."
...? Then how did you get-
"However, after years of research, I've been able to regain access to this world...but...I know now that this dimension has lesser guards compared to us. I have a high request for you..."
...Don't tell me...
"...Please, I ask that you guard the lands and owner of this dimension...you don't have to take it, if you do not wish..."
Celestia stared intently at me, awaiting an answer.
"...It is by your hoof that I, Dark Grace, Commander of the Pegasus Guards...accept this invitation."
I was shocked...taking request, by Celestia?!
"Okay, then step back a little more and look behind you as you go."
Celestia and me stepped back...and a beam of light from Celestia's pointy horn crossed paths into the mirror...and it lit up...with that same feeling of dread when Luna hit it.
"Wait, before I cross...who exactly is it that I'm going to help...?"
"King Sombra."
"Uh, okay, backing down now..." I turned my flank to guarding his Royalty...this is...uhm...
Not acceptable.
"No, wait! This Sombra isn't evil, he's...he's..."
Right as I was about to fly out of the archives...Celestia spat it out
"I love him!"
"...What."
Took the words right out of my mouth.
"I have wanted to see him for so long...and he needs guards! He's nice, kind, polite, like me! Not like that evil shadow one!"
"Hm, it is another dimension...I guess I should take your word for it. After all, the Princess would never lie, right?"
"Yep! That's right!"
I am lost, really, really lost.
"Is there anything that will change? When I pass through, I mean."
"No, just a shaky arrival and you should be okay!"
"Well, I fare thee well, Princess Celestia of Equestria."
And with that, I charged towards the portal.
"A Princess will never lie, huh?
"Guess I should have told him of that I placed a memory loss spell...
"Ugh, horsefeathers...I feel awful now..."
...Memory loss...
...Now that she mentions it...
...Is...is this...what happened?
...It would explain why I have a creeping feeling about all this...
