During the events of the Royal Wedding, Twilight is cast into the absolute darkness. In her despair a creature from beyond promises power in exchange for a price Twilight will find beyond her own morality.
Countless millennia ago, the Alicorns sisters sealed away a creature of endless hunger and darkness. Deep below Canterlot it awaits the day when another being enters its prison, to at last be free...
Twilight is the protege of Princess Celestia and Princess Luna, she is a friend to all, a great one at that, but when her friends and family forsake her at the wedding between her brother and former foal sitter. Twilight is entrapped beneath Canterlot by Princess 'Cadence', and seeks a way out to stop whatever plans the Alicorn has for her homeland.
But before she can find a means to escape, Twilight comes across an ancient crystal prison deep in the mines. That's when IT appeared finding her sobbing at the foot of its prison...
Notice - I have changed Voidras to just Void and Twilight to her official (Twilight Sparkle) name.
Twilight Sparkle wept. Everyone she had ever known, had given her the cold shoulder. Even her beloved mentor, Princess Celestia turned away from her student and went to comfort 'Cadence'. Twilight knew there was something wrong about her former foal sitter, but she couldn't find any evidence of her treachery. 'She put me down here, after all. With no way to return.'
Twilight had found herself sealed beneath Canterlot's foundation, deep within the abandoned Crystal Mines. Ages ago, countless greedy Unicorns sought to horde the mines' vast amount of magical crystals to themselves. Many lost their lives down here, never to be seen or heard from again. Those who did survive became babbling madponies, due to the large amount of wild and untamed magic that dwelt within the walls. Twilight knew these stories well, her own uncle once stepped foot into the mines, searching for a rare gem that was said to grant wishes. A week later he was found missing, various guard patrols set about the infamous caverns, after another week of searching the corpse of Vane Sparkle was found.
'Uncle Vane...' Twilight shook her head in agony, shaking the terrible thoughts away and back to her current predicament. “I must find a way out of here, Cadence must be stopped.” Rising to her hooves once again, Twilight stepped into another vast cavern. She lit her horn with a weak light spell, and sent the small ball of focused magic directly in front of her. Several huge crystals laid about the cavern reflecting some of the magical light.
The sad unicorn trudged forward slowly, with a slight limp in her right hind leg. 'Tch, it's definitely twisted.' She murmured mentally. Twilight looked left and right, attempting to peer into the darkness the best she could. All around her were various sizes and shapes of the crystals embedded into the walls and ground, which was free of any sort of mining tools and rail tracks. “Now that's strange, so far I've come across all sorts of abandoned mining equipment, but this room is bare of any sign of pony hooves.” Twilight mused warily as she made her way to the center of the vast space.
Her spell fizzed out and the cave went black. “Darn it!” She tried her magic again, but nothing came up. “N-n-no! Not n-n-now!” Finally after hours of fruitless searching, Twilight smacked face-first into something and fell to her belly and sobbed. “W-why?! Why did nopony believe me?! I cared and treated the girls like they were my actual sisters.” She covered her face with her hooves as she felt another rack of sobs come down. “Princess, you too...fooled so easily by...Her.” Twilight's anger flared harshly, but it was smothered just as fast by her rising hopelessness. “I can no longer stop her from whatever she's planning, oh Cadence, why have you betrayed me like this? I thought we were best friends.”
Cadence's recent actions shattered Twilight's deep affection of her, it was such a fickle thing. A little filly's crush. She was mad that her brother never bothered to tell her that he planned on marrying Twilight's foal sitter, but was still happy for both of them. Her love for Cadence would never sprout again unfortunately, as her world upended around her, and her once close friends and family deserted her. “Even my own parents, haven't said a word to me ever since we arrived...” Her crying stopped suddenly. “NO! Why!? WHY!? WHHYYYY!??” Twilight's voice filled the vast chamber, it bounced off of every surface for miles until a deep voice answered back.
“You seem lost, equine.”
Twilight gasped at the sound of another voice appearing from somewhere. She turned her head about wildly, trying to locate it. “Who there!?”
“It's not a matter of who, but a matter of what.” It shot back.
Despite the pain in her back leg, Twilight stood up shakily. “I don't understand...”
Whatever it was, growled slightly. “Of course not. Mere mortals don't understand the concept of Eternals.”
Twilight drew her attention ahead of where she heard the voice. She looked up as her draw dropped. A massive crystal pillar jutted from the floor into the ceiling, white and light-blue runes glowed all around its structure each one thrumming with power. Three blood-red eyes gazed at her from within the pillar, the pupils were slitted almost like a dragon's, they had more of a four pointed star look to them. Twilight began to sweat. “E-Eternals?” She asked as she took a step back.
The middle eye blinked. “Yessss, beings who came before your Alicorns, We are one such being.” Twilight lowered her head in fear. “Now, what issss your name, equine? You musssst have one” It asked with a heavy hiss.
She could feel her legs shaking as it spoke. “T-Twilight S-Sparkle.” Twilight answered as the red eyes narrowed slightly.
“We see. We are Void, Twilight Sparkle.” Void as it referred to itself as it rose higher within the pillar. “Why are you here?”
Twilight hesitated. She had never encountered a creature like this before, she could somehow feel its immense power from within the crystal pillar. She briefly looked at the runes more closely. 'The magic coming off of those runes feels like Princess Celestia's and Luna's. But why?' She stepped closer and placed a hoof upon a blue rune. 'There's no doubt, this is definitely Luna's magical signature.' Twilight rubbed her tears away with a hoof and gazed back at the red eyes of Voidras who was now level with her. “They imprisoned you down here didn't they?”
Void seemed to understand who she meant. “Yessss, the Sun and Moon Alicorns trapped Us within this crystal prison.” It growled again, Void's voice reverberating across the crystal. “We wish nothing, but to be free again...”
The wounded mare turned, and walked away as swiftly as she could. “Then, I'm afraid you're out of luck. If the Princesses saw fit to seal you away down here, than it's probably for the best.”
Void's eyes widened for a moment before it rose up. “Like how they put you here with Us?”
That stopped Twilight mid-stride, as her own eyes widened. “What?” She said meekly.
“Alicorns have always been an arrogant race. Believing themselves above all other races of Pony.” Twilight turned her head around slowly. “Why do you think they would imprison you here, with the likes of Us? We can see it within you, the potential to become something more. And yet here you are, sealed away beneath their hooves like a criminal. Never to see the light of day again.” Twilight stared at its baleful eyes. “Itsss not hard to miss, Twilight Sparkle. We witnessed the entire scene from within here, they did not believe a word you said, did they?” Void smiled warmly at her with its dagger-like teeth.
Twilight's ears pinned back against her skull. “They did not.” She murmured.
“The Alicorn named Cadence, fooled you. But so did your mentor Celestia. Doesn't it strike you odd that she would so easily turn on you, the moment you say anything negative about her fellow Alicorn?” Void asked curiously.
The lavender mare faced Void. “Well, maybe a little. Princess Celestia always seems distracted or cold faced whenever I asked a personal question about her origins.”
“It's simple. She is the eldest Alicorn alive correct?” Twilight nodded slowly. “We see. How many Alicorns all together, that you know about?”
Twilight looked down. “Three so far. But there have been legends and myths of other Alicorns throughout the history section in the Canterlot Library.”
“Yessss. We can see that your talent is Magic yessss?” Another nod. “Cadenza trapped you down here for a reason, and it is likely that Celestia is aware of this.”
Twilight blanched. 'What did it just say?!' She glared at it for a moment. “Princess Celestia would never allow such a thing to happen when she can help it! I'm her...her...her faithful student...” She trailed off.
“And yet here you are. With Us. All alone. She turned away from you without a second thought, her most faithful student. She couldn't bare the thought of a lesser Unicorn say nasty things about her own niece.” Void growled and smiled cruelly at Twilight. “You are nothing but a prize to be shown to the other races of equine, Twilight Sparkle. She cared not for your safety when you faced down Chaos Incarnate or the Terror Nightmare her sister became. We saw it in her eyes, those cold, calculating eyes filled with deceit.” Void's eyes softened. “We wished nothing but to bring peace and equality to the world, but they disagreed and sealed Us away for all time, deep beneath their seat of power, eons ago.”
Twilight looked at Void with rapt attention, not seeing the creeping tendril of darkness coming up behind her head. “W-why should I even trust a word you say? For all I know you could be lying to me just so you can escape and wreak chaos.” The tendril paused.
Void smiled toothily. “What have you to lose? We swear, you have nothing to fear, except...”
Twilight lowered in head. “Except? What?”
Void smirked softly. “Except this.” The tendril rushed forward and sunk itself into Twilight's head.
Twilight screamed, her head was yanked back as the tendril lifted her body into the air and before Void's face behind the crystal pillar. “Understand Us, Twilight.” Twilight stared in terror. “We feel your pain, your every fear, loss, your feel betrayed by those closest to you. We wish to be free of here, the same as you do. Understand our pain, understand Us and We will understand you like you deserve.” Twilight was brought closer. “You're not alone, another being like you came to Us once, long ago. She felt betrayed by everything she knew. She asked Us for the power to gain the respect she wanted and fell to her own fool's heart. You know of whom We speak.” Twilight's eyes widened as tears of pain fell down her cheeks. “We will help you, if you help Us. If its revenge you seek, than We shall seek it also. If its the truth you want than We shall want it too.”
Twilight cried. “Do I have a choice?” Void nodded. “What's your bargain?”
“One thing.” Void summoned more tendrils and they carefully mended Twilight's wounds and noisily snapped Twilight's twisted leg into place, she clenched her teeth. “Freedom. We shall assist you at every corner, no one shall ever betray you again. We shall house Our power in you, Twilight Sparkle. Equestria, no the world shall fear Our power, we can see it within you your endless want for knowledge, with Us by your side, the world shall be your library, your canvas.” Void brought her even closer. “Just place your hoof upon this crystal, to undo this wretched seal holding Us within. Your connection to Harmony is strong enough, this seal would've broken eventually but We have waited for far too long.”
Twilight wordlessly lifted a hoof as Void's tendrils wrapped around her gently. “Yessss that's it, Twilight.” Magic itself blossomed within Twilight as she laid her hoof on the largest rune helping contain Void. “Let it fill every fiber of your being. You will know power. You will know truth. You will know Freedom. Together.”
The runes glowed for a moment longer.
Than went out all at once.
The cave exploded in a shower of endless darkness. Void smiled a sinister smile as it held Twilight in its grey-black crystal claws. “We haven't lied to you pony. Together this world will know peace, an eternal peace under Our sway.” Under the guise of darkness Twilight's body began to change. “You shall become Our second Seed in existence, in the place where Our first Seed failed.” The cavern rumbled as Void stalked through it, with no feat upon the ground. “Alicorns. Ugly creatures they are, false deities for the mortal realm. No more, Our brethren are gone and will not stop Us from doing what We set out to do before.”
Twilight's eyes were barely open, but if one looked closely, one could see how her pupils became a sinister four pointed black star.
The wedding was going off without a hitch, Princess Celestia though was sweating profusely. She had not seen hide or hair of her student Twilight for hours, even after the scene during the wedding rehearsal. She knew Twilight was hurt, and she went searching for her all around Canterlot; her room was empty, the observatory tower was devoid of life besides a maid cleaning it, even the Royal Canterlot library was short a purple, book loving mare.
The Princess figured Twilight needed time to herself after their argument, but she wanted nothing more, than to make her student feel better and maybe visit Pony Joe's after the wedding. Roughly an hour ago, the entire base of Canterlot shook, Celestia couldn't put her hoof on it. 'Earthquakes are a rare occurrence in Equestria, the last one gave rise to Mount Kolga, seven centuries back.' She looked at Shining Armor, he seemed...odd. He stood like a statue and hadn't moved for the past hour, even as Cadence cantered toward them.
'I'll talk to him after this, he's most likely worried about Twilight just the same as I am.' Celestia smiled warmly as Cadence came to stop before her. She began with the usual opening for a wedding ceremony.
'Cadence' snickered internally, as Celestia spoke. 'So close now. Just a little more and my plan can begin, these ponies won't know how to react fast enough to know what's coming.' The pink Alicorn had already dealt with her biggest obstacle; Twilight Sparkle, who was now trapped deep beneath Canterlot and wouldn't escape anytime soon. 'With her out of the way this will be like taking candy from a-' Her thoughts were interrupted by another loud boom that caused dust to fall from the ceiling. She briefly looked outside, and felt her jaw drop slightly.
Celestia saw this and the majority of guests go wide eyed when the thunderous sound echoed across the city. “One moment, fillies and gentle colts.” The princess nodded to her closest guards than trotted to the balcony overlooking Canterlot. What she saw made her light her horn on reflex, the sky was shrouded by dark billowing clouds. Even her beloved Sun wasn't visible through the thick mass of cloud cover. Arcs of red lightning struck the ground, launching up debris over the streets, ponies ran to and fro trying not to be crushed.
“Captain Swift!” Celestia called out to the golden plated Pegasus beside her.
“Your Majesty!” He saluted, standing upright.
“Take your fastest and most able bodied Pegasi and contain those thunder clouds!” The princess ordered, the captain nodded and flew into air.
A piercing screech filled the air and Celestia cranked her head over. Countless flying creatures were pouring out from within the clouds. 'Wyverns!?' They certainly looked like the winged cousins of the dragons, but there was something creepingly off about them. Celestia took to the skies and blasted one across its face, the black scaled wyvern screeched and fell to a nearby roof. Celestia landed than began scanning the creature with her magic.
She paused when she felt a familiar signature, a very evil one at that. She stumbled back a few steps in a panic. “Somepony released it!?” A tremor shook the ground as more of the black Wyverns flooded the sky, the dark clouds began to swirl together forming a huge cone. The solar mare gazed up and broke out into a cold sweat. Three blood red eyes, pupils shaped like a four-pointed star stared back from within the tornado. “Void...” She breathed.
The middle eye narrowed. “Celestia, We have missed you.” The wyverns stopped in their tracks and under the command of Void circled Celestia. “These Void Wyverns of Ours remember you.” It hissed.
Taking action, Celestia blasted through the sky and into the castle, where Spike and Twilight's friends were waiting with various degrees of worry on their faces. “Gather the Elements now! You MUST find Twilight. Go. Now!” She yelled before heading to her sister's tower.
Void waited patiently for the alicorn to return with her sibling, hoping for a fight. Canterlot's civilians ran in fear of the being before them in a terror induced panic. It had realized earlier, a swarm of small insect-like creatures buzzing around the shield that surrounded the city. They seemed excited about something, and especially hungry due to the massive hunger radiating off of them. Void had dealt with them personally. “More Voidlings for Our cause.” It smirked cruelly, as a white speck dashed across the castle. “What happened to her over the eons? Her connection to Harmony is much too weak.”
Its crystalline arms spread out, a small violet sphere of energy was clutched in Void's right claw. “It's almost time, Our dear Seed. They will pay for their transgressions against Us both.” Looking down, Void gently caressed the sphere with its free claw. “Such a powerful aura, you will be more than a match for these Alicorns.” It closed its middle eye as the violet orb glowed floating between its claws.
“Twilight Sparkle, feel Our power, feel Our pain, feel Our...Emptiness.” Power cascaded throughout Void, and over to the prone form of Twilight as the Wyverns screeched and flew around them in packs. Void was about to open its eye when suddenly dozens of pegasi dove in from the castle, Celestia at the front, but Princess Luna was strangely absent. “She must not wish to face Us again.” It smirked as Celestia hovered and her guards (Unicorns included) took up stances.
Celestia was still sweating a river as she glared warily at Void, but kept her voice firm. “Leave these lands and my subjects out of this Void. This is between you and me.”
“Ussss and you?” It crossed its arms and nuzzled Twilight's sphere. “There's more to this than just some quarrel We had eons ago. A pony came to Us in her despair, We offered Our power and she freed Us.” Celestia's horn shone brightly, she destroyed wyvern after wyvern as Voidras spoke. “It'ssss about time Our new Seed ended your race for good.”
The wind picked as the violet sphere rose, Celestia finished off another void wyvern and made her way toward it. “That poor soul you have fooled, I will not allow them to be played with any further!” Void swiped at her with its tendrils, Celestia raised herself up, narrowly avoiding the dark appendages. She threw her legs around the glowing sphere and soared back into the castle. “Retreat now!” The guards broke off their fights with the amassing wyverns, and followed their princess. Celestia looked around the castle lobby which was filled to the brim with ponies. 'Good, Luna must have sent them here, Canterlot is lost with Void free.' She though grimly.
“Princess!” A voice called from behind her.
Turning around, Celestia caught sight of Twilight's friends, minus Spike. “Did you find Twilight?” She asked worriedly.
The Elements all sighed. “Not quite, Your Highness.” Rarity huffed.
“We can't find the egghead anywhere!” Rainbow spun around before groaning.
Pinkie seemed to deflate a little. “We have our Elements but, Twilight just isn't anywhere we looked.”
The princess panicked as her worry rose for her student. 'Twilight where have you gone? Did my words hurt you that much?' She shifted in place nervously, despite her face looking calm and composed. The sphere beneath her hooves pulsated, startled out of her thoughts she looked down. The violet sphere was the size of a pony, and it seemed to be filled with pure mana. 'What has Voidras done to this pony?' It would hard to tell what the sphere was by a normal pony, but Princess Celestia was no ordinary pony. She could sense the life force of a mare coming from the sphere.
It pulsated again, than grew larger. “Wha-” She cut off as the wall was blown in by a huge crystalline fist, and Void drew its head inside looking at the crowd of terrified ponies.
“We believe you have something of Ours.”
“You're not gonna take any of my little ponies, creature.” The princess growled. 'This is not good, without Twilight the Elements of Harmony will be powerless against Void.'
“We're not asking, hand over Our Seed pitiful equine.” Wyverns flew into the chamber.
The violet sphere's glow almost blinded everyone around it as it grew more and more. Void's smile grew past its eyes. “Too late.” It shot its tendrils toward them attempting to reclaim the growing sphere.
“No, too late for you!” Luna zoomed in and blasted the tendrils away with a huge beam of concentrated moonlight. “Sister! We may lack our connection Harmony, but we are NOT helpless!” She landed beside Celestia with courageous grin. “Sorry I took so long, those pesky Wyverns barred my windows and doors shut than attacked me in my chambers.”
Celestia felt her heart grow stronger as she lit her horn in tandem. “Then let's not waste anymore time sister mine!” The alicorns fired a combined beam of magic directly into Void's open mouth, causing it to smash its head into the ceiling. “Where are Shining Armor and Cadence?!” Celestia yelled, pumping more power into her horn.
“I'm afraid 'Cadence' wasn't Cadence at all, sister! Before I arrived, I found her trying to escape the city with the Captain!” The sisters took a step forward as they hammered Void with even more heavy doses of pure mana. “Turns out, she was actually a Changeling in disguise! She had us all fooled!”
Celestia almost tripped over herself as she digested the news. 'Than, Twilight was right all along...oh I am such a foal!' Harnessing her anger toward herself, Celestia unleashed all of her pent up emotions upon Voidras. “Have you seen Twilight!?”
“I haven't seen her, no!” Luna felt her strength begin to leave her, as she panted.
Celestia felt a similar feeling of exhaustion over her as she pummeled Void.
Their magic ran out slowly, and they both collapsed into a heap. “I'm...too...tired...Celly...” Luna breathed as she fought to keep her eyes open.
“Me...me too...Lulu...did...we...do it?” They gazed up and noticed a sizable hole in the lobby's ceiling and wall, but the wyverns were gone along with Void seemingly...
“I...I don't...know...it won't...go down that...easily.” Luna stood up shakily as did her sister.
“Well played, Alicorns. But now We are finished playing your little gamessss.” Void rose from the rubble covering it, and growled impatiently. “Sssseed, reveal yourself! And be born anew!” The violet sphere from before hovered above everypony, than began to fracture in several spots. Void let loose a silent laugh.
Black light shone from the cracks like light from the sun. A hoof burst free of the sphere, followed by three more. The legs soon wiggled their way past the walls of the sphere, purple fur grew a rapid rate along the limbs. A bladed black horn cut through the thick crystal-like membrane, a purple stripe ran up the back of the horn, the four limbs flailed around, attempting to break free.
Celestia, still tired from unleashing her fury upon Void, stood up beside Luna as the Element Bearers took point behind them. Her eyes couldn't focus, her legs felt like jelly. 'Must...save..'
The sphere cracked even further before shattering, its pieces vanishing into nothing. A large form landed with a thud, its limbs finding purchase on the floor as it stood up tall. The mare before the frightened crowd was tall, very tall, at least the height of Celestia. A gaseous black mane and tail billowed past her obscured head and cutie mark, flashes of purple lit up within occasionally. Lavender fur covered the mare's curvy body, her strong build gave her a sense a foreboding as the mane moved down to reveal a purple eye. The mare's pupil was star shaped like Voidras's. Celestia's stomach dropped.
“Twilight!?! No! Not you! Never you...” The alabaster mare fell to her side in defeat. Twilight's friends backed away in fear not believing what was before them. Luna's jaw dropped, mortal terror gripping her heart.
Void smiled softly at Twilight. “Gorgeous, isn't she? We're quite proud of this one.” It sneered at them. “You hurt ssssuch a beautiful creature, and now she's with Ussss.”
Twilight eyes roamed across the assembled crowd, testing their courage with her sight alone. It didn't last long as she dropped her head with a whimper. 'I feel nothing toward them, my mind is clear.'
“That issss a very natural side effect, Our Seed.” Void purred as it came up behind Twilight. “You'll find that Our power will change you in wayssss that no other could begin to understand.”
“Do not listen to it Twilight Sparkle! It's only using you for its own goals!” Luna warned firmly.
Twilight raised her head and peered into Luna's eyes. “I can see that you, yourself haven't been truthful either Luna. Why do you hide behind that curtain?” She smiled softly. “Trust me, Luna. No need to hide any longer.” She swatted Void away from her and stepped toward the moon princess.
Luna tripped over herself trying to escape, but she was much too weak to continue standing. “T-Twilight, p-please what are you talking about?” She asked with a stutter.
“You can't conceal that beautiful form from me, Luna.” She laid a lavender hoof on Luna's shoulder and spoke in a whisper. “Please trust me, I trust Void only as far as I can throw it. Besides, you are the only one I can really trust right now.” Twilight sniffled.
Luna opened her mouth to speak but nothing came out. Twilight's appearance was heart wrenching, but the unicorn was Luna's first real friend ever since her return from the moon. Besides Celestia, nopony else was very open with her and they all avoided her like the plague whenever they could. Of course there was also Twilight's friends, but even they weren't as close as Twilight Sparkle was to her. Behind them, Luna could hear Voidras growling angrily. She sighed. “Alright.” She felt Twilight help her to her hooves.
Void stopped its glowering as a grin creeped up its face. “There wassss another thing.” Twilight supported Luna as the lunar mare leaned heavily on her. Rarity and the others turned to glance at Twilight. “Luna, don't you have a rendezvous with a certain...” Its grin turned predatory. “Filly of yourssss?”
Luna's eyed widened. “Don't you dare...” She mumbled, as Void grabbed Twilight and Luna. “Release me!”
“No.” It smiled before they disappeared with a flash of darkness.
The various guards around the chamber charged Void, it raised itself up as it knocked the stallions senseless with its tendrils. “It may seem petty, but there will be plenty of suffering before We end you this time.”
Panting, Celestia gathered the last of her strength into her horn. “You may be too much for us to handle right now, Void. But this won't be our demise.” Void opened its maw, darkness spewed out and began engulfing the ponies in its wake. “Everypony get close to me! Now!” Celestia yelled. As the remaining Element bearers gathered around her, along with several dozen other ponies, Void continued its assault.
The eldritch horror smiled wide as Celestia's horn shone brilliantly just a before the ponies closest to her vanished with a golden flash. “Hide and seek, is it? Interesting. Okay then, We'll play along.”
Princess Celestia panted as her remaining guard ponies guided the Canterlot citizens deep into the caves of the Canterhorn. “But Your Highness, what about you?” Asked Shining Armour, the captain of Celestia's Day Guard and Princess Cadence's groom-to be.
“I don't have time to explain Captain Armour.” Celestia bit her lip as she heard the sound of loud rumbling to the west of Canterlot. 'Void will find us soon. I must buy them time to escape.' Another rumble to the east made itself known. “Go! Get my subjects to safety!” Once the last of the ponies were inside the cave Celestia telekinetically sent Shining, Cadence and the last few guards after them. “Forgive me.” She charged her horn with solar magic.
“Princess Celestia! You can't-!” Shining's retort was cut off as Celestia blasted the mountain side and caused a rock slide to cover the entrance to the cave.
The Princess closed her eyes and waited.
One step.
Two.
Three.
Four.
Five...
“And where have your precioussss ponies gone, Alicorn?”
Celestia gazed forward into the blood-red eyes of her age old adversary. She felt a shiver of terror grip her like a vice as the giant form of Void towered over her. “That's none of your concern creature.” She hissed in anticipation.
“Oh? That's too bad, we were looking forward to them becoming a part of Us.” Void grinned cruelly showing its razor-sharp teeth. “Without Our failed Seed by your sssside, you can't possibly stop Us from taking you as one of Us.” It sighed loudly.
“I have just one question for you, Void.”
“Do you now?” It gave her a curious look.
Celestia braced herself, asking what this abomination did to her student was at the forefront of her mind. But she knew she didn't need to ask, this time it was personal. “...Do you know what happens when a star dies?” She asked.
Void frowned slightly, then continued smiling. “No, what does happen Alicorn?”
Celestia steadied her breath as she raised her horn skyward. With her magic, Celestia banished the clouds away and forced her Sun to reach its apex in the sky. 'I hope She doesn't cause too much damage.' Reaching deep within her soul Celestia found her, and waited as she felt the temperature around body rising. “It goes SUPERNOVA!!” Screaming at the top of her lungs, Celestia's mane and tail burst into flames, her crown melted into molten gold then reformed into a new one. This crown had two large golden dragon-like horns sitting just behind Celestia's ears, where there was once one purple jewel sat five new ones encircling her brow. Golden chain-like beads wrapped around her neck followed by a new peytral embedded with five more purple gems. Four golden hoof cuffs solidified around her hooves, inlaid with even more jewels.
Void drew back slightly at the sight of the fiery alicorn. “So you've given into your own darknesssss.” It laughed silently.
Celestia opened her eyes slowly-which were now slitted like a dragon's-a small fire glowing behind her pupils. “I am Nightmare Star.”
The eldrich horror's eyes widened with glee. “You hold none of Our power, but you hold within you a Nightmare. Interesting.”
The newly christened Nightmare Star curled her lips in disgust. “Do not mock me beast! I am nothing like that false Nightmare you created within my sister!” Her horn lit with fiery wrath and unleashed a very powerful blast of super-heated plasma upon the dark Eternal.
Void raised an arm to block the beam, which the plasma cut through like butter. The beam obliterated half of Void's face upon contact which caused it to let out a blood curdling roar. Nightmare Star flew overhead with her horn wreathed with flames, her mouth curled in hatred. “You will pay for your insolence! Turning both my dear sister and my favoured student into your playthings!! This day will be your last!! Under MY flaming star!!”
Tendrils of all sizes rose into the air as Void's head and arms vanished into its formless body. “Harming Us will cosssst you more than your ssssoul! We shall enjoy wrenching your power away and using it to burn your body into ash!!” The mass lashed at her with its tendrils.
Nightmare Star nimbly avoided the tendrils as they reached for her. “Child's play.” She charged her horn again than unleashed another beam of plasma. Darkness surrounded the nightmarish alicorn on all sides as her beam failed to hit the creature. “Tch.” She quickly teleported away from the mass of Void. Magic gathered around her horn as the glowed even brighter causing the air around Canterlot to grow hotter.
Void' head reappeared from the mass grinning. “Try again.” It felt its limbs and movements becoming slower as it attempted to move. A large red magic circle below Voidras' form burst into existence. “What's this?” Red strands gripped at its flowing body.
Balls of plasma fired from Nightmare Star's horn striking Void. “How's this monster?” The eldrich horror continued to smile. 'Why is it still grinning!?' She growled internally.
Void delighted in the solar alicorn's expression of anger and utter hatred. “Such darknessssss...” It purred. It raised its right arm and swung it at Nightmare Star. The alicorn raised a shield but it shattered on impact with the crystalline arm, sending her into the roof of a nearby house with a painful thud. Energy gathered in Void's maw, once done it sent a sphere of darkness directly to where the mare landed.
The explosion decimated the building much to Void's excitement. A laugh erupted from above it where Nightmare Star hovered with her own grin. “Is that all you have? Ventus Solaris!” Waves of super-heated energy burned into Void's' limbs.
Void snapped out of its bonds and bull rushed Nightmare into another house which in turn burst into flames soon after. Nightmare Star minimized most of the damage with a quick teleport. “Void is getting stronger? How?” A claw reached for her out from the burning wreckage. “Damn!” Summoning a lance made of solar fire, Nightmare launched it straight into Void's arm with all her might. Unfortunately, the weapon was deflected by a stray tendril as more moved in to grab her. “No!”
Void rose up to its supposed full height and leveled a glare at the solar princess. Opening its maw, it it dangled Nightmare Star over its head planning to swallow her whole. “Good attempt, but time's up for you Celestia. We are starving due to being trapped below for several millennia, you and your Alicorn soul will do nicely.”
Nightmare Star struggled within Void's grasp, angry at herself for failing once again to stop it for good. 'I can't fall here!' Her horn flared angrily as her magic began to turn the city of Canterlot into a burning inferno. 'I can't lose to this thing!' She let out a desperate scream.
“So pitiful, Equine. You and your sister are the last Alicorns in existence, devouring you will be a pleasure.” Before Nightmare Star could break free Void lunged forward and ate her as she screamed once more.
“TWILIGHT!”
Void let out a silent laugh as the sun dimmed and the temperature lowered drastically. “Sssso delicioussss.” It hissed in delight. “Now who's next?”
As the sky darkened Luna cried in despair as she held a large pale lavender mare in her hooves. “My sister-” She sniffled. “-has fallen...i-it can't be.” More tears came to her eyes. “How did this all happen? That monster was never that strong before, Twilight!” She buried her muzzle into the warm of the pony before her.
“I don't know Luna.” Twilight cringed internally as her base emotions were muted by Void's powerful magic. “Celestia was a strong mare at heart.”
“Why do you talk as if you don't care about my sister's demise!?” Luna screamed at her. “She was your mentor!”
Twilight looked away. “Was my mentor, Luna. She's not anymore.” She said in a emotionless voice.
“Twilight Sparkle! How could you say that!” Luna tightened her grip around the pony as she bawled her eyes out. “M-my sister is...is...is...” She shut her eyes tight as despair and grief took over.
“...I will not let Celestia die in vain Luna.” The Mare of the Void vowed as she stepped outside and left Luna to her own devices.
The Lunar Princess opened her eyes as Twilight left and gazed down at pale mare in her arms. “Void is a monster that spreads darkness like a plague. It has taken away my only sister, corrupted my first real friend in over a thousand years and has harmed my dear daughter.” Her horn lit up in anger as her glamour faded away revealing her midnight black coat and draconic eyes. “It will pay dearly for this! Together my daughter, Silent Dusk. Void will be burn in Tartarus!!” Luna yelled as the pony in her hooves awoke into the waking world.
Nightmare Star opened her eyes as floated deep within a vast featureless black abyss. “Celestia better thank me for agreeing to this foalish plan of hers.” She growled angrily.
-'Well, what did you expect Star? That that monstrous horror would just let us in here without a fight?'-
“It ATE us for our Sun's sake!” Nightmare Star yelled. “I could have turned it into a puddle of molten slag if you had just let me!”
-'I know that, but I wanted Void to think we were weaker than it. Besides you know as well as I that Eternals are made of sterner stuff than any foe we have ever encountered before.'-
“And your brilliant plan was for it to EAT us!? From what I can see, there's nothing in here but darkness and more darkness!” Star squinted into the endless black trying to make out something other than just her flaming mane.
-'Look, we don't really know much about Void and its real intentions for Equestria.'-
“Couldn't you have just used the Elements on it? You've handled all six of them before, so it should be a simple matter for me.” The false Celestia grinned smugly.
-'No, we lost our connection to harmony when Luna was banished to the moon...anyway, Void is powerful, immensely so. So defeating it will take more than just brute force.'-
“So getting eaten whole was part of your plan?” Nightmare Star shook her head. “While we're stuck in here trying to find its weak spot, Luna, Twilight and Equestria are in danger!” She warned.
-'That's what worries me, Star. But this was only plan I could come up with. You have to trust me. Twilight's friends...there's more to them then meets the eye. I know there's a core or heart of some kind in here. We just have to find it.'-
Star lowered her eyes. “You are insane, Celestia.”
-'*sigh* You tell me that every day, Star.'-
Twilight nosed open the door to her study within Golden Oaks Library in search of a particular tome. “Void mentioned something about Eternals before he set me free. I remember reading something about them in one these books but I can't recall which one it was exactly. 'Beyond the understanding of mortals' it said, but what does that mean?” She thought back to how Celestia fought with Voidras up on Canterlot as felt tears building up. 'She's not dead, she's not dead, she's not dead. Celestia would never go down so easily.' Despite her memories of being turned down by Celestia during the wedding, Twilight never completely gave up on the princess.
“Void's words, Celestia's trust, I'm so confused.” Her bladed horn glowed a dark purple as plucked a small book from her personal collection. “...Aha! This is it! Myths and Ancient Rites of the Forgotten Era. The tome Princess Celestia and Luna gave to me last year.” Opening the small book, Twilight scoured through its pages looking for anything related to Eternals. Then she hit page sixty-seven and her eyes widened. “Let's see here...”
Eternals are beings not known by most races of Equis, much of the world has either forgotten about them, has been expunged from their histories or replaced by more recent religions...
Twilight raised an eyebrow. “Religion? I don't know of any religions in Equestria, maybe besides a few groups who worship Celestia and Luna as goddesses.” She turned back to reading.
“Eternals” in short are beings of some cosmic force in our world. Ranging from; Light, Darkness, the very elements themselves, Day and Night etc..
Twilight took in all she could from the short amount of knowledge held within the page. 'Is this really all there is?' She read further.
...then there was one Eternal who wanted a Utopia for all who lived as mortals. We believe the name of this being was Harbinger of the Endless Black, a monstrosity with an endless thirst for life and even magic itself. At first, the Eternal wanted nothing more than to unite all under its banner for peace, but some unknown incident happened so the Eternal went mad and began to devour the very souls it wished to unite.
“Wait, Harbinger? I thought it meant Void, after all it was sealed deep underneath Canterlot by the Sisters. Maybe it changed its name or perhaps-” A loud knocking cut off her train of thought causing her to sigh. “Who is it!?”
When nopony answered, Twilight shrugged it off as a prank and continued reading before being interrupted again by even louder knocking. “It's open!” Another knock this one even louder than before. 'I hope it's not another pony trying to get me out of my treehouse.' Sighing, Twilight trotted down the stairs and opened the door with her new magic.
Three figures stood outside, but just who it was shocked Twilight to her core.
“Hey Twily...” Princess Cadence solemnly looked over the other mare's transformed body. Shining Armour in full guard armour stood beside her along with surprisingly Prince Blueblood. “Can we come in?” Cadence asked gently.
Twilight could feel her bile rising as she stared into Cadence's light-purple eyes. “Why hello there Cadenza.” She spat. 'So my anger is still there after all. Voidras sure is picky.'
Cadence gasped at Twilight's not-so-friendly tone. “Twily? It's me, Cadence. You know, your old foal-sitter.” She reached out with a pink hoof. “Please Twilight, you're friends need you...I-I need you.” She flinched when Shining's face contorted with a grimace.
The void mare glared at the whimpering princess, unsure whether to slam the door in her face or outright attack her. “How did you get here so quickly? I was sure Void wouldn't allow anypony to escape Canterlot.” She said growling.
Shining returned his sister's glare. “Princess Celestia helped us. Did you already forget about the emergency teleporter in Canterlot?” He asked rhetorically as Cadence, Blueblood and himself moved past Twilight into the library proper.
Twilight's gaseous mane rolled in anger as she slammed the door behind them. Her anger toward her brother and Cadence still fresh in her mind, at least Blueblood had the decency to appear frightened by her. “I'm aware Shining, but the fact still remains.” She levitated Cadence over to her. “Cadence, is Princess Celestia alright?”
“I...I don't know Twily. Shining told me she stayed behind to keep that thing busy.”
“So she's...”
“...”
At Cadence's silence, Twilight's eyes hardened. “Void told me some frightening things about Celestia and you.” Cadence paled. “I'm not a fool Cadence, Void is dangerous. But I made my choice and I'm going to help it.”
The pink mare began to tear up. “Why? Why are you helping that thing?! It attacked Canterlot, it harmed ponies, I know it did something horrible to Auntie Celestia!” Unable to break free of Twilight's magic, Cadence instead hugged Twilight's slender neck. “It turned you into...this!” She whimpered.
Twilight sighed than glared at Shining. “I must, Cadence.” She let go of her magic, forcing Cadence to flap her wings in order to keep her balance, followed by Cadence gripping Twilight's neck even tighter. “I am no longer a normal pony. I've...changed.” Her mane wrapped around the pink mare's body.
Shining noticed this and lit his horn. “Twilight, don't you dare harm he-” He was cut off by Twilight lifting Cadence and capturing her lips in a sudden kiss. “Twilight!!” He bolted over to them.
Twilight moved her mouth against Cadence's with a boldness she wasn't used to. 'It's so sweet, oh Cadence it is you...' Unknown to most, this wasn't the first kiss the two shared. 'I was just a teenager at the time, and very curious...then she began seeing my brother.' Twilight caught sight of Shining Armor lunging at her with his magic ready. 'Brother, I love you as a sibling, but you have taken too much from me.' She channeled her new void magic through her blade-like horn. 'Sorry Shining.'
The guard captain charged his taller sibling. “Twilight!” He went to tackle Twilight, but immediately found his legs frozen to the floor. “What did you-” He got his answer when he looked at his hooves. Cold, black-grey something was gripping his legs in a vice grip.
Twilight backed away from Cadence's lips, a string of saliva connecting them before it broke, she smirked at her brother. “A little trick Void taught me.” Twilight lowered the slightly shocked Cadence to the floor, then trotted over to Shining. “Forgive me, brother. But Cadence is...important to me.” The pink princess blushed at this. “I have...loved her for a long time, not like I did with Celestia, but-” Shining glared at her.
“So you wish steal her from me. That thing corrupted you after all!” He pulled against his restraints feebly trying to reach Twilight.
Cadence through all of this, merely looked between the two siblings unsure of what to do. 'Twilight I...I wasn't aware that this was how you felt...but Shining.'
“I was not corrupted, Shining! I was reborn.”
“Don't make me laugh! Just look at yourself! You are not the same anymore!”
“I am still Twilight Sparkle! Only with more power, and a new future without any lies to hold me back!” The void mare rose to her full height, standing over Shining easily twice his height.
“Lies?! What lies?! It's rather obvious to me that you have betrayed the princess and Equestria by helping that monster!” He went to summon his magic but Twilight stopped him by placing more of the black-grey stuff over his horn.
“Despite the lies she fed me, you and those so called friends of mine condemned me! The false Cadence had you all wrapped around her evil little hooves, you couldn't see all the obvious signs that she was false! I've come to realize that Celestia may have been in league with that fake the whole time just to get me out of the way when they realized I was onto her.” Twilight snarled as she stalked closer. “I still want to believe in Princess Celestia, but I'm finding that very hard these days since it seems so easy for her to give me the cold shoulder.”
“What did you expect!? You called Cadence evil without any proof! Even if she was not the real Cadence, you should have found some real proof of her falsity! You can't just go around screaming and calling ponies such things, especially if they're royalty!” Shining snapped back.
Twilight stamped her hooves causing cracks to appear in the floor. “But she wasn't Cadence! I knew it the moment I looked at her and her blatant disrespect against my blind friends! You're all idiots!”
Cadence began to feel a numbing chill in the air as Twilight ranted. She looked over at Blueblood only to find him missing from the building entirely.
“Celestia lied to me, Shining.” Twilight backed off and released him.
“How!? You haven't explained anything!” Shining yelled.
Twilight bit her lip, she recalled the depressing information Void told her within the caverns.
The Alicorns destroyed Our home, and sealed us away to keep us from purifying the land.
She didn't believe the eldrich horror's words completely, but she felt this pull that refused to let her go. It was small at first, but it kept growing ever since she gained her new body, she could feel Void's power no matter where or how far she was from it. “...It's not something you would understand Shining.” She turned around and snatched Cadence up in her mane again. “Take Blueblood and leave, Cadence stays with me.”
“No Twilight! She's my wife and you're gonna tell me everything that monster told you to turn you into this...this...” Shining grit his teeth. “...abomination.”
Twilight's and Cadence's jaws dropped at his words and tone. “Shining Armor, you-!” Cadence started only to be interrupted by a angry snarl of rage from Twilight.
“GET OUT, ALREADY!!” Twilight raised up on her front hooves and bucked Shining right in the muzzle sending the wounded stallion hurtling out the door, the impact busted the door off its hinges and he hit the dirt road with a bodily thud.
“Aghh!!”
“Come back when you've cleaned up your attitude!” Twilight yelled as she slammed the broken door shut and sealed it with her magic.
“T-Twilight I won't let...you g-get away with this...” Shining stammered before a deep lavender barrier surrounded the library cutting off all of his future attempts at getting back inside. “...Buck!!”
“Twilight?” Cadence took a step back as the other mare turned her gaze on her.
“I admit it, I have had a crush on you ever since I was fourteen years old, Cadence.” She began trotting slowly toward Cadence. “I was hurt when you announced your relationship with my brother after our kiss.”
“That was an experiment Twily. You wanted to know what it was like but were too embarrassed remember?” Cadence was still stunned by Twilight's confession and quite shaken up by her and Shining's fight, but she shoved those thoughts back and adopted a soft smile.
Twilight shook her head while keeping her eyes on Cadence's. “It was a revelation for me, that was the day I discovered the depths of my feelings for you. Despite what you may think, Shining and I were never really on the best of terms. We always used to fight when we lived together with Mom and Dad, even over the most simple of things.” She now loomed over Cadence who found her rump against the wall of the library. “Sorry, if I'm being very forward here Cady, but Void's influence over me has suppressed several of my emotions.”
“I-its fine, Twily.” Cadence gulped as Twilight rubbed a hoof across her cheek.
Twilight sighed at her reaction and lowered her hoof and stepped away. “You're important to me just the same as Luna, Cadence.”
Cadence blinked. “Auntie Luna? How?”
“She's like me. A Seed of Void, or she was one once before being banished to the Moon.” Her thoughts took her back to the book she was reading. “Oh! That reminds me I need to continue reading a book Cadence. Follow me.” With an excited grin, Twilight bounded up the stairs.
The pink princess stood there for a moment going over what Twilight just revealed to her. “Things are going to get worse before they get better, I just know it.” She noted before following Twilight up the steps leaving the library cold and empty.
There it was. The heart of the monstrosity known as Void.
Or what was left of it.
Nightmare Star stared at the thing as it slowly deteriorated before her eyes, though she couldn't understand why. “It's...it's dying? But how could that be?”
The glowing red sphere that was Void's heart, was losing pieces of itself as it hovered in the endless black.
-'I wasn't expecting this at all...oh Twilight.'-
Star smirked wickedly as she lit her horn. “This is a perfect opportunity to kill it, if you ask me.”
-'Star wait! Something's not righ-'- Celestia began before Nightmare Star unleashed a devastating beam at Void's heart.
A solid purple barrier sprang into sight and deflected the beam back toward them, Nightmare Star was only just barely quick enough to avoid it. “What manner of sorcery is this!?”
-'I knew it.'-
“What?”
-'Void is clearly using Twilight's magic to protect itself despite its death being a sure thing. Look, the magic is the same shade of Twilight's. Luna mentioned it being able to harness some of it's host's magic for personal use.'-
“Your student is more powerful than I gave her credit for then. But Void still needs to die.” Nightmare Star circled around the heart searching for a weak spot in the barrier.
-'I agree fully, but we need to be cautious. We don't know what else this creature has up it's sleeve.'-
“Tch...”
Twilight lied on her bed reading as Cadence gazed out the window and onto her fiance unsure of how to pull her sister-in-law away from her books and into a state of...well into a more agreeable mood as it were.
Her last few attempts failed miserably. Jumping out the window didn't work, Twilight had it sealed with whatever that black-grey substance was so that route was out. She could probably engage Twilight in a fight, being an Alicorn surely made her more powerful than the transformed unicorn right? 'No, that would solve nothing I can feel her power from here, it's too much for me. Maybe one of my Aunts could but they're...not here.' Cadence's mood dropped at the thought of her missing aunts.
A book slammed closed startling the pink mare. “Time to leave, Cady.” Twilight stood up and began walking out the door with Cadence following behind.
“Twilight, where are you going?” Cadence questioned as Twilight opened the door and dropped her shield.
Twilight grinned. “To the Castle of the Two Sisters.'
Void spread its tendrils as far as it could, blanketing the whole of Canterlot. It raised a claw gazing intently at the small cracks forming along its palm. “We were trapped within that crsssytal for too long.”
The creature knew time was running out for it, as it was becoming more of a challenge to spread its influence. “...Need to complete Our new Seed before we...are-” Before it could finish a hot searing pain flared around its non-existent chest as it smoke rose into air as the sun became even hotter. “Ssssso you still live”
Before long, Nightmare Star burst out of Void's body grinning wildly. “Ha! You should known better, monster!” The alicorn hovered in front Void's frowning face. “Hmpf! Me and my sister should have guessed.”
Void rose up until it towered over Nightmare Star once again. “And what would that be?”
Nightmare Star surrounded herself with flames. “That you are not a true Eternal.”
-Be careful, Star.-
Void cracked its knuckles as it smirked cruelly. “So it finally comessss to light doessss it?” Chuckling silently Void crossed its arms. “Yessss, We are not an Eternal. We never were. The original Eternal we were created from left this world.”
Nightmare Star began channeling pure light through her body causing her eyes to turn white. “Harbinger.”
The eldrich being raised its arms. “We are living off of borrowed time, We are dying. Soon We will vanish forever into the aether. But it will not matter, your precious Twilight will be Our successor.” It began laughing silently.
Nightmare Star glared at it hatefully. “...You have destroyed more than you have realized.” Without warning, she charged at Void completely wreathed with flame.
Void swiped at claw at her but found its movements once again slowed by Nightmare Star's magic circle. “Thissss again?”
“I'm not holding anything back this time!” She swiftly dodged the claw and blasted Void with solar fire, incinerating parts of its shadowy body.
Void howled in pain as it broke free of the magic circle. “We are going to die anyway, but not alone.” The alicorn made back away but was intercepted by a black wyvern.
“Argh!!” Nightmare Star unleashed her flames onto the void creature as it bit into her back. She heard it shriek before she teleported away while avoiding more of Void's attacks.
Void summoned dozens of tendrils form its body attempting to skewer the solar alicorn. Nightmare Star raised a single barrier deflecting with tendrils, with a grunt of exertion she trapped the dark appendages within her magic.
The creature opened its maw firing balls of void energy at its adversary, Nightmare Star flapped her wings to gain some altitude but was hit by one of the spheres in the leg. She cringed at the pain as she spotted more wyverns coming in from all sides. “Tch.” With one flap of her wings she unleashed a wave of super-heated air, burning the creatures in midair.
Void watched as its creations were burned to cinders. It could feel its own power wavering as the fight continued, each of them trading blow for blow. It managed to catch to her a number of times, but the alicorn proved herself to be a real challenge.
Nightmare Star eventually created a sword out of pure flame, which made slicing Void's tendrils an easy task. Void opened its maw for a blast of its own. “We are more than you realize, Alicorn!” As it spoke it unleashed a wide beam of black-grey energy toward the panting mare.
Nightmare Star grit her teeth. 'It's weakening, its power is still immense but I doubt it could keep this up for much longer.' Charging up her own horn, Nightmare Star met Void's beam with her one of her own but made pure plasma.
Void planted its claws into ground demolishing buildings in its wake. 'She'ssss more powerful than We thought.' It could feel the strain as their beams refused to let up.
Nightmare Star flapped her wings in a furious pace. “I will not let you win, Void! I refuse to let you harm my precious student with your evil!!”
-'Star?'-
Void was suddenly forced back as its beam was pushed back by such sudden and overwhelming magic. “What!?” It hadn't foreseen this, something beyond simple hatred was powering the solar alicorn now, but Voidras couldn't figure out what it was.
“You took my sister from me!” He primary feathers burst into flame. “Harmed my ponies!” The sun turned red. “And now you have turned my Twilight into your puppet!”
Void launched dozens of tendrils at Nightmare Star only to find them being turned to ash before they could even grip her. The heat was of no danger to Void itself, but its physical form couldn't take this much angry solar magic licking at its body.
Nightmare Star gave final burst of magic into her beam causing it over power Void's and taking half of its face in the process. “HA!” She laughed as Void fell to the streets below.
Void's massive head slammed into the cobblestone streets, destroying even more buildings in the process. It chuckled silently eyeing up alicorn now standing before it. “How interesting, We didn't know you had that kind of power hiding within you.” Its face had already reformed but it could barely move at this point.
Nightmare Star grinned despite her panting. “I'm at my limit I'm afraid. But I doubt you will be getting up again, monster.” She raised her wings, her primaries still aflame.
“We can feel Our essence fading...We haven't lost, though We lay dying.” Void's arms shattered into nothingness.
Nightmare Star stomped a hoof. “It's over, Void. Your return was short lived.” She lit her horn for one final spell.
Void let out an actual chuckle. “Foal, regardless of Our demisssse, this land will be unified under Our power.”
Nightmare Star snorted. “Without you I will release Twilight from your so called 'power'.”
“Oh? Even though your sister still remains tainted by Our influence?” Void smiled.
Nightmare Star drew closer. “I have no time for your mind games anymore.”
Void's' head fell to the side as more of its body evaporated. “Hahahahaahhhaaa!!” It began laughing maniacally before Nightmare Star let loose with her spell and obliterated both Void's head and now unprotected heart. “Even if We...die...We will never truly be gone-” Was all it said before being silenced forever.
Luna jumped as she felt her sister's presence return. “Sister...I knew it.” She looked up to see the red sun revert back its original hue and the power of Void vanish into nothing. “And that abomination is gone at last.”
She heard a groan, and looked over to see the pale purple alicorn standing up on her wobbly legs. “Oh my daughter!” She ran over to support the other mare's weight with a wing. 'With Void dead, she must have been released from whatever spell it had over her.'
Silent Dusk rose to her hooves slowly. “Ngh...what...what happened?” Opening her grey draconic eyes, she realized she was standing in the castle of the two sisters. “How did I get here?” She asked as slowly turned her head.
“You are home, my star.”
She heard a voice to her left, and spun her head around to see Nightmare Moon standing beside her. “N-Nightmare!” She screamed knocking the warm wing away and jumping away several feet from the black alicorn. “H-How did you survive!? I saw you being destroyed!”
Luna's eyebrows rose in confusion. “What? Don't you recognize me, Silent? I'm your mother!” She took a step forward.
Silent Dusk flared her wings. “You-” She gasped when she noticed the wings on her back. “Huh?! When did I get wings!?” She looked down noticing how tall she was. “Taller...” She summoned a mirror made of magic. “Ah!” She was wearing black armour similar in style to Nightmare Moon's with a single pink star-burst on the breast plate. “My eyes too?!” She dismissed the mirror and took a step back in a panic.
Luna adopted a concerned look. “What's gotten into you, Silent? You're acting strange.”
Silent Dusk looked over at Nightmare. “Did you do this to me?” She growled.
Luna gave a pained frown. “My star...it's me Luna, your mother. I would never harm you. I'm longer a nightmare!”
The pale alicorn's anger simmered down slightly when she noticed the heartfelt look in Luna's eyes. “What?”
Luna carefully trotted over to the frightened mare and wrapped her large black wings around her. “It's alright now, Void is no more. It cannot harm you or anypony ever again.” She whispered warmly.
Silent Dusk froze at the contact. 'Dead? But how? I was just...' She raised a hoof to her neck. 'There's no puncture wound?'
Luna smiled as she felt her daughter's wings wrapped around barrel with slight hesitation. “That's it, I'm here now. I won't let anything harm you again.”
Despite the warmth, Silent Dusk felt a cold tingle go up her spine. 'What happened to me?' She gazed at her cutie mark, which was a pink star-burst surrounded by stars covered by a black crescent moon with a purple splotch behind it all. “What did Void do to me?” She asked Luna quietly.
“It took you from the castle and sealed you away where I couldn't get to you, my star.” Luna nuzzled her cheek lovingly. “I tried everything to free you, but it just wouldn't let you out.”
Silent Dusk backed away out of the embrace. “But why do you look like Nightmare Moon?”
“You don't remember?” Silent shook her head. “But how do you not know this?...Void...” Luna scowled. “It must have messed with your memories.”
Silent Dusk rubbed a fetlock with a hoof. “My memories are fine. I think.” She frowned.
“That's good.”A familiar voice said, catching both mare's attention.
Twilight Sparkle and Princess Cadence walked into the open chamber, one wearing a slightly cold frown and the other following the taller mare warily. Silent Dusk's gaze was drawn to Twilight's oddly shaped eyes. “Aunty!” Cadence yelped at Luna's appearance.
“It's me Cadence, not the Nightmare.” Luna said softly as Cadence's mouth opened and closed in shock. “I merely look like this due to the monster known as Void.”
The pink princess looked at Twilight then back to Luna as she acknowledged just what the connection was. “Then, you were its last victim?”
Luna nodded gravely. “Yes it chose me as its Seed after it was sealed away, my jealousy blinded me to its power.” She looked at Twilight. “But you know the rest.” Twilight merely nodded as she stepped forward.
Silent Dusk for the life of her couldn't restrain the growl that rose up in her throat as she blocked Twilight's advance. “What kind of pony are you?” She flared her wings in a threatening manner.
Twilight lit her horn. “Oh and who might you be?”
“...” Silent Dusk opened her mouth to reply but stopped herself when she realized she couldn't actaully remember her name. “I'm...my name is...”
Luna clicked her tongue. “Her name is Silent Dusk, Twilight.”
Something clicked in Silent's brain when she heard the name 'Twilight'. 'What, but that's...'
Twilight nodded. “Alright. Sorry, my name is Twilight Sparkle, the Element of Magic and Void's new Seed.” She said with nonchalance, like it was completely normal.
The other mares gawked at her. “No, Twilight! The creature is dead! There is no reason for you to follows its wishes any longer!” Luna stepped between Silent and Twilight with a stern frown.
The void mare raised an eyebrow. “I know it's a monster, but Void merely wanted to unify the ponies.” Luna and Cadence shared a frightened look. “And its dead...somepony must carry on its dream.”
Silent Dusk didn't like where this was going, this 'Twilight' was acting creepily. Her gaseous mane was rolling in what seemed to be barely restrained anger, and the unicorn stood as tall as Luna. She felt the air temperature drop, as Twilight's bladed horn lit up. 'I don't think so.' Before she could release her magic Silent Dusk grabbed her with her own flowing purple mane and tossed the unicorn across the room. “Look out!”
Twilight let loose a powerful black beam into what remained of the ceiling, destroying it in the process. Luna and Cadence gasped and teleported away from Twilight. Twilight grunted as she got up. “You shouldn't have done that.” She said with a grin.
“Twilight?” Luna raised a barrier as the void mare calmly trotted to them.
Twilight smiled. “You're not your true self anymore, Luna. You must join with me.”
Cadence couldn't believe her eyes, Twilight acted almost like herself at the library. But in no time flat she already tried to attack them. “What are you doing Twilight!? Stop this!” She pleaded.
“Celestia is alive. Void is gone. Luna is not being true to herself. You Cadence...are mine.” Twilight stated as she lit her horn again.
Cadence started, before a pained frown came over her lips. “You...you are not Twilight.” Her magic awoke as it passed Twilight's body, which showed exactly what was wrong with her. “Aunty, her love is gone, it's been twisted by whatever Void did to her!”
Luna narrowed her eyes. “Just like what it did to me as Nightmare Moon.” Both mares let out a blast of magic at Twilight's chest...
...only for them to be absorbed by the tendrils Twilight summoned. “Every moment you spend resisting me, only makes me stronger.” She shook her head in disappointment.
Silent Dusk noticed what Twilight did. 'This Cadence mare isn't nearly strong enough,and Luna isn't quite at her full strength. Twilight seems to devour magic.'
Twilight rolled her eyes. “Devour it? No, no you have it all wrong. I AM magic.” With a swish of her horn the Element of Magic appeared and landed on her head. “See?” More tendrils sprung from the ground as she advanced their position.
Silent grit her teeth. “So you can read minds?” Twilight merely grinned. “...Well then, en garde.” She said before launching herself at her.
