The wrath of Daybreaker

by Hyper44

First published 29th of May, 2017

What if Celestia became something that nightmares are made of? What if Nightmare Moon never existed and Daybreaker took her place?

A thousand years in Equsetria's past everything seems bright for it's citizens but unbeknownst to them their rulers are still young and immature by Alicorn standards. The newer generations barely regard Luna as a major part of their leadership or their lives setting Luna on the path to become Nightmare Moon. But this is all changed when close to her breaking point Luna meets a creature who can grant her what she wants, to be loved while her elder sister is scorned. Her wish is granted but at a dire cost. What she thought was her dream come true became a nightmare that the princess of dreams could not escape.
Note: I made the possessed Celestia a little more darker than Nightmare Moon or the series's Daybreaker.

A sister Scorned

“… and because the earth ponies are taking up so much room for their farms it behooves me to speak on behalf of the unicorns…”

Blah,blah,blah! Why can’t they just come out and just say what they want in a few sentences? Do they think that they will get extra points for words?

“On the matter of allotted land south of the Everfree,” The unicorn continued in a monotone voice. He had one hoof to his chest, neck ramrod straight and his head high in the air as he spoke.

Yet he can still look at my sister, why can’t they ever address me? They know that I’m here too.

Princess Luna knew she shouldn’t feel such anger burning up inside of her but the small voice telling her to be patient was quickly drowned out. Trying to keep her irritation out of her expression she looked over at Celestia who was listening to the unicorn with an unreadable stoic face and the patience of a saint.

“We are left with tiny gardens while the earth ponies have huge lots land, so large that it takes an entire family to maintain it. It seems unfair that they be given such generous portions of the land while we only have small portions around our homes. This limitation greatly reduces the size of our gardens and beauty is extremely important to us unicorns.”

Yes I suppose having room for your luxury gardens is more important for food to supply the kingdom, Luna thought bitterly, and not every farmer is an earth pony.

“I see,” Princess Celestia said slowly. “I know how important this is to you but you do realize however that the land there was given out to farmers in order to supply the kingdom with sufficient food?”

The unicorn fumbled with his jeweled hat while Luna grimaced bitterly.

“That land was specially given to farmers, not all of which are earth ponies if you take the time to look, because the ground has perfect soil for growing crops. If you’ve noticed, we’ve had a few lean winters and the Pegasus had to extend the growing season beyond what was natural. There are other places in Equestria in which anypony can have a house with land for large gardens. I’m afraid that you must either accept a small garden area or simply relocate to another area. I’m sorry but your request for reallotting the land is denied. Celestia finished with a slight bow of her head indicating that the hearing was officially over.

The unicorn stared back with an open an if he was going to argue but then bowed his head low, “Yes, your majesty.”

After he strolled out Celestia dismissed the guards for the day and the two princesses left their thrones. Golden and silver clad hooves clicked against the stone floor as Celestia led the way to the highest tower. There were few servants about and they bowed to the princess as they hustled off to their quarters. Nearing the upper reaches of the tower Celestia opened a huge ornate door with her magic and lead the way in. She glanced out the large arched window at the sun sinking to the horizon.

“Barely in time to raise the-“

“BANG!”

Celestia jumped as Luna bucked the door shut. She spun around to see fire burning in her bright blue eyes.

“YOUR MAJEISTY!” Luna roared. “Your majesty,” she repeated in a mocking tone. “Not your majesties? Could he not see that I was there? This is the third day that I have taken part in hearings and no pony directs a question at me and most have yet to notice that I’m there!”

“Luna, it is still new to them and they will need time to adjust. This kingdom itself still need time to adjust. Don’t forget some of them have great-grandparents who can remember a time before we became rulers.”

Luna snorted and trotted up to the window. She leaned on the window seal and narrowed her eyes against the bright sun. In spite of herself Luna couldn’t help but feel resentment for the bright shining orb and could hardly wait until it was gone from the sky.

“I know that I have been keeping to the night when they sleep from their hard labors and I have not been appearing before them during the day but still. I have been seeing to the night and providing them with peaceful and restful sleep for decades. Yet they do not really see me as a ruler of Equestria, do they? I am like a figure from a myth, or just a piece of their dream to be forgotten when they wake. They do not appreciate the night and rest that I provide for them. They take it for granted before they wake and go dance in the sun.” Luna glared at the ray disappearing below the horizon wishing it would vanish for a long time and force the ponies to work and play under the moon.

“Oh, Luna,” Celestia sighed draping a wing across her sister’s shoulders. “Of course they appreciate the night. They enjoy the rest and quite that you provide for them. Where will they be without rest?”

“Just because somepony needs and enjoys something it does not mean that they really appreciate it or the pony who provides it. All they see is you. Me? I’m just the shadow in the background. Do you really even care,” Luna snapped but instantly regretted her words. Her sister hid it well but Luna could still see the hurt in her eyes.

“Of course I care,” Celestia replied. “Why do you think I asked you to take part in the evening hearings? Over time ponies will learn to recognize you properly as a monarch.”

“A lot of good that did,” Luna grumbled. “They would hardly look at me beyond the initial surprise of seeing me there.”

“They’re just not used to it yet,” Celestia replied. “It’s only been three days.”

“And I’ve been their princess since most Equestrians were born,” Luna retorted. “They should know me as a real, living Princess of their kingdom.” She leaped out of the window before her sister could reply. She knew how hurtful it was to leave such a bad not but she also knew that if she had stayed she like would have said something worse. Her sister just did not understand what it was like for her. Oh, how she wished she could.

Author's Notes:

I did not have them speak in the "old tongue" with thees and thous because it would have been too tiresome to read and write.

The dream of a dream princess

Like a mini sun Princess Celestia strode forward with light gleaming from her coat. It made Luna’s eyes water whenever she so much as glanced at her sister. Cheers of delighted ponies echoed thorough the hills like thunder. Luna gagged at the sight of a sea of precious sun-loving faces. Ponies crowded around Celestia calling her name and dancing with joy whenever she looked their way.
All the while Luna stood in the dark. It was a shroud made from a piece of the night that blocked her from the view of the crowd even as she scrambled around snatching nightmares before they pounced on unsuspecting victims. If they ever noticed her they never reacted. Luna ran to and fro preparing their restful sleep but no pony so much as gave her a grateful nod. All they did is cheer and bow to her sister. She tried to call out to Celestia and then the ponies but she could not even hear her own voice above the noise. Even with rushing close to her sister or flying up to the sun she could not dispel the little circle of night that surrounded her and blocked ponies from seeing her.

“Does my crown no longer count!” Luna cried throwing her crown to the dust. “Does anypony notice anything! Even servants get more gratitude than me! I might as well join them.” Luna covered her ears as if she could block out that horrible cheering. She slumped to the ground and let the darkness block out her sight as well.

* * *

Luna’s eyes snapped open only for her to shut them against the bright sunlight that was glaring through her curtain. She snorted and kicked her covers off.

“How strange is it that the princess of the dream world who saves so many from nightmares can’t save herself in her own dream?” She muttered as she stared up the ceiling. “Well, no point in trying to get back to sleep now.”

Luna slipped out of bed and trotted to the window. She swung the curtain aside and after blinking in the light a moment she looked out. The sun was a good five hours from the horizon at least. Luna groaned. It was going to be one long tiresome night. Her ears twitched as she realized that were was some murmuring coming from the ground far below. She looked down to see guards standing at the castle gate. More were further out standing along a rope that separated about fifty to sixty ponies from the castle while Pegasus guards hovered above the markers.

“Don’t tell me all those ponies are coming for a hearing this evening,” Then she heard the castle doors open and cheers erupted as Celestia walked out escorted by wo guards. Ponies in the back jumped up and down while Pegasus flew just above their heads. Even serval stallions pushed their way to the front waiving bouquets of flowers. Ponies called her name while Celestia gently waived a wing trying to quite them down.

“AAAUUUGGGHHH!” Luna groaned banging her head down on the window base. “My nightmare has come to haunt me in my waking hours!” She was not heard over the cheering of the crowd. Luna sighed deeply and slumped to the floor. She would have stayed there but she could not stand the cheering bombarding her from the ground below. She slung herself out of the window and spread her wings. Luna passed unnoticed over the ponies below and rapidly flew across the forest to find a place far away from the voices cheering her sister.

* * *

Ponies in the little but growing town of Manehattan looked up in surprise as a figure from their dreams flew over their city. Out in the farmlands most ponies were too busy toiling in barns and fields to notice a figure so high up. Of the few that noticed was a tiny filly who sat watching her mother repair a fence. The moment her bright eyes spotted the alicorn soaring below the clouds she squealed with delight and reached up with her tiny hooves as if she could hug the far away figure.

“There now,” her mother said glancing over from her work. “That nightmare isn’t worrying you anymore, is it?”

The foal never responded. She kept her eyes on Luna reaching out longingly to her hero until the figure disappeared. Luna never saw nor heard, if she had perhaps things would have been different.

For over an hour Luna flew aimlessly over the kingdom mentally reliving the first years of Equsetria. Ponies looked at both her and her sister with shining eyes as they cheered their new rulers. Luna had had the same duties that she did now but the first generations regarded her no less than her sister then. She could hear their joyous shouts and cries of admiration after she and Celestia had saved them from Discord. Back then they recognized her as being just as important as her sister. Now she was just a figure in the background, a figment of dreams.

Luna angrily swiped at a cloud that got in her way. Unable to stop herself Luna began striking at every cloud that dared be in her way as she despised their happy, fluffy appearance. With a snarl she struck the next cloud hardly realizing how far she was from her currant self. Something was burning and growing inside her that was becoming harder and harder to control. Her vision blurred momentarily and she had to fight hard to keep herself from lashing out with magic. Taking deep breaths Luna closed her eyes and took a few moments to calm herself. Finally breathing normally, she looked around. The sky was somewhat full of clouds except the immediate area around her. She quickly spotted a large mass of cloud that had little houses shaped on it’s top. Pegasus walked across the top hard at work creating and sending their fluffy creations adrift. Luna felt a little bad for destroying some since each cloud had to be made by hoof and they had a huge area to cover.

Of course, they may appreciate a little help, Luna thought with hope quieting her anger a bit. After all, her sister often came to help them on hard days and they adored her for it. “And don’t even really care to be adored. I just want to be recognized and appreciated.”

Pegasus jumped in surprise when Luna landed among them. They stared at her, some rubbed their eyes and blinked to make sure they weren’t dreaming. Some remembered to bow and did so quickly and awkwardly.

“Thought she only existed in dreams?” the whispering voice of a young pony could be heard above the silence. His mother only shushed him.

Luna grit her teeth and pretended not to hear. “I believe that you could use some help today,” Luna said calmly.

Smiles of joy broke out on the faces of the crowd and they looked to the surrounding sky as delighted murmuring filled the silence. “I didn’t know that Princess Celestia was coming today,” the lead pony said motioning to the surrounding Pegasus. Ponies quickly left their work and scrambled to spruce the place up.

“NO!” Luna snapped and ponies froze in shock. Struggling to keep her temper under control she tried to laugh as if their misconception was amusing. She did a barely passable job as ponies stared uncertainly at her. “No,” She said again softly. “I have come to help you.”

“Oh, I’m sorry your highness,” the lead Pegasus said with a bow. “I guess I didn’t consider how busy Princess Celestia would be with having a whole kingdom of ponies to look after. I should have realized that she would have to give some duties to you.”

“Of course,” Luna said through clenched teeth. Luna lit up her horn and focused on the cloud material while she fought the boiling rage inside her. A thunderous blast caused every pagasus throw themselves flat and cover their heads. When they dared to look up the sky was around their city was thick with rumbling storm clouds and not only was all the cloud material gone but so was the storehouse and the cloud that it had stood upon. Princess Luna was nowhere to be seen, just a slice through the storm clouds where she had fled.

* * *

“She would have to give me duties as if I don’t already have some?!” Luna snapped aloud as she flew away as fast as she could. “Am I a child princess that I have to be given duties? How can they not realize what I do for them!”

When the mass of storm clouds became a dot in the sky Luna crashed down on a large hill surrounded by empty land. She folded her wings tightly, gritted her teeth and squeezed eyes shut against the annoying brightness of the sun. How she wished she could forever banish it from the sky and make ponies notice the night.

Luna didn’t know how long she stood there fighting the storm raging inside her. Slowly it faded to a dull roar and Luna finally dared to relax. She still didn’t hate the sun any less but a least she was confidant that she could hide her feelings, at least from her subjects. Just as she spread her wings to fly back to the Everfree castle she spotted two ponies shuffling across the distance with some kind of cart. For some reason suspicion nagged at her mind but she couldn’t put her hoof on just why. She wanted to ignore it but on a whim, she leaped into the air and headed straight for them. She would forever regret this decision.

Author's Notes:

Note: the entire original idea for this story spawned from a creature that I made up for another story, How Lilt got her creepy super strength you don't have to read it for explanation though. In short they are dragons, tiny by dragon standards but have a very special and powerful type of magic. While they can't use it for themselves they can use it for others even to the point of altering destiny. In a sense, they can grant wishes but if used incorrectly it can have dire consequences for both wisher and the dragon. At one point when playing with random ideas I asked myself what Luna would ask for and the idea for this story and outcome developed. I hope that you enjoy.

The Dragon

Luna cloaked herself with an invisibility spell and hovered over two stallions as they pushed an enclosed metal cart across the flatland towards the rocky hills in the distance.

“Push harder Rubble,” One of them grumbled. “You ever know when somepony is going to come along.”

“Push harder huh?” His companion snorted. “Who don’t you? Don’t you remember that I did most of the work while you played ‘lookout?’”

“Well, somepony had to ensure that we weren’t spotted.”

“Alright then, why don’t I go be the lookout now while you push Sandstone?”

“Hey, do you want to go back to the rock farm? If you want to go ahead, but I’m not going to ever go back to that life.” Sandstone snorted.

“You might as go back because you’re not getting any magic out of me.” A voice snarled from inside the box.

“Then you’re going to stay in there forever-AAHHH!” Sandstone yelped and ducked just in time as a burst of flame exploded out of a tiny window in the metal cart.

Luna shed her invisibility spell and landed hard on the ground next to the cart. The two ponies yelped and scrambled backwards in a panic. Luna glared at them with her previous anger mixing with new. “Did you not know that it is illegal to capture sentient creatures and to attempt to extort wish dragons for their magic?” Luna demanded in a regal voice.

The two ponies blinked at her in a stunned silence for a while. “H-how is this a dream,” Sandstone stammered looking at Rubble. “This does not feel like a dream.”

“You are not dreaming,” Luna snapped stomping a hoof. “I am just as real as my sister and you two have been caught kidnapping and breaking the law. Give me one good reason why you shouldn’t be sent to the dungeons.”

The two ponies dithered about shuffling their hooves under her glare while the mini dragon inside the metal cart voiced his opinion, “Dump them in the dungeons.”

“We can’t stand working on a rock farm anymore!” Rubble finally spoke up. “So we needed him to grant us wishes but he refused.”

“There are many other options to changing one’s lot in life other than instant riches.” Luna snapped. “Go make you own way rather than taking it from others.”

The two stallions backed up more but they didn’t flee or bow. “Does she have the authority? I mean she is only the princess of the night and not the real ruler like Princess Celestia,” Sandstone mumbled to Rubble.

“ONLY THE PRINCESS OF THE NIGHT AND NOT THE REAL RULER!” Luna roared I a voice that would have put a lion to shame and the two ponies vanished in a single flash of light. “Let’s see if you stay in the dungeons being sent there by only the princess of the night!” With a twist of her neck she tore the metal cart to pieces and a reddish-brown dragon jumped out.

“I didn’t really expect help from another pony,” he said disdainfully, “I don’t suppose you’re going to ask for a wish for a reward for my rescue because you won’t get it.”

If Luna heard him she didn’t show it. Her eyes flashed as they focused on the remains of the cart. She bared her teeth like a wild beast and the pieces of metal melted into liquid. The dragon blinked and then slowly inched away before he flew off to the rocky hill that was sure to be full of hiding places.

* * *

After taking time to calm down again Luna flew back to the castle that she shared with her sister. She was a little embarrassed about her outburst bust she couldn’t really care. All she could think about was how ponies have come to see her. To some she was a child compared to her sister and was given out petty duties. Too others she was not much more than a dream. Some saw her as nothing more than a figure that stood in the background always behind her sister while others hardly seemed to see her at all. This was so far than what it had been, yet somehow her sister had only grown brighter in their eyes.

The sun was nearly an hour from setting and Luna could almost feel the moon calling to her to reach out to it. That time couldn’t come soon enough. How she loathed knowing that the night must end and that wrenched sun would again be back in the sky.

“Luna!” Celestia called as her sister flew in through a tower window. Luna turned to see Celestia hurrying her way. “I was looking for you to ask if you wanted to preside of the hearings this evening.”

“No thanks,” Luna grumbled flatly, “They’ll only pay attention to you, the real ruler and ignore me, who is only the princess of the night.”

“What.. Luna I mean for you alone to preside over the hearings. You are just as capable as me and this will help the citizens of Equestria to get used to seeing you on a regular basis.”

“I met some citizens today,” Luna replied in a bitter voice. “First I watched them cheer the second that you walked out of the castle doors. Then I flew to the Pegasus city to help them with creating the weather. The only thing that they seemed to wonder is where is Princess Celestia? Oh, she must have been to busy so she must have given the chore to me since I had nothing to do. After that I spotted to stallions who had captured a wish dragon. When I confronted them they were not even sure that I could really give them orders because I was not the real ruler after all.” She said the last words with a bitter mocking voice.

Celestia blinked at her in stunned silence a moment. “Oh… I guess that would explain the two terrified ponies who appeared in our dungeons,” Celestia said trying lighten up the tone. Luna glared at her unamused.

“Luna,” Celestia pleaded, “Please don’t take it so hard, they simply don’t understand. With all the hard struggles that they’ve been through and are still going through it’s easy for ponies with finite lives to forget and become confused. Especially when they are born to a time when you are rarely seen beyond dreams. With time, they will change.”

“Don’t take it so hard!” Luna snapped. “Easy for you to say since you’ve never been in my position! All you have to do is show your face and they are overjoyed. You have no idea what it is like to work so hard for ponies who hardly recognize you, who shun the beautiful night that you provide for them! You have no idea what it’s like to have ponies stare at you as if you were a dream or always look past you to somepony else! Why do you always have to be the perfect adored princess!”

“Luna! I am not perfect, nor have I ever claimed to be. I-“

“Then why do you seem to be?! Everything simply works out perfectly for you with everypony raving about how amazing you are.”

“If you think that everything works itself out for me and my life a breeze then you know little about it,” Celestia stated firmly. “What do you want me to do? Do things wrong on purpose? Luna, this is only a phase. If you would only be patient and work at your relationship with our citizens then things will change. Your anger will only make it worse.”

“Easy for you to say when you are not walking in my hoofsteps,” Luna growled again.

“Do you want to preside over the hearings or not?” Celestia asked with a deep sigh. Luna just snorted and trotted off down the hall. Celestia watched her go slamming the door behind her. With a moan Celestia leaned her head on the cold stone. “What do I do?”

* * *

It was easy work raising the moon. It covered the land with its soft pale light and Luna basked it in. If only it could take away the terrible anger and frustration that was gnawing at her. If only I could make Celestia feel how I feel! If only I could make her be the one ignored while she watched ponies adore me! If only they would love the night and shun the day! Luna thought bitterly. But sadly, there was no such magic that she possessed that could make such a thing happen. Then a memory popped into her head with a small but delightful idea. There was a creature she knew of that could even alter fate itself in one turn and being a princess, she had plenty to trade for it.
Luna instantly spun around in the air and flew across the sky leaving ponies to their own devices to deal with their dreams.

A dangerous wish granted.

Luna flew so swiftly across Equestria that the castle vanished in seconds and within heartbeat she saw the rocky hills looming before her. She hovered over them knowing that there were many caves and crevasse for a dragon to hide. This was no problem for Luna however. She closed her eyes and darkness overtook her. When she opened them again dreams contained in orbs floated all around her. In the network of unconsciousness there were a few nightmares echoing in the background. Luna hardly noticed them. Her keen eyes swiftly searched the minds of sleeping creatures and she quickly found what she was looking for. There was the brown dragon laughing in a sleep fantasy while chasing ponies who fled in terror. In a flash Luna was inside his dream and under the wash of a white light she transformed her image to that of a small dragon. Leaping in front of him Luna wasted no time.

“Where did you hide in the hills?” She demanded. The dragon jumped and stared back in surprise. “Where?!” Luna roared.

“The one with the narrow entrance beside the claw shaped rock. Why? Do you need to hide from ponies too?” He asked but the dragon in his dream just vanished leaving him suspicions and confused.

Luna left the dream world and began scouring the hills for the right landmark. Quickly she spotted a large boulder that was curved in the shape of a talon. She swooped down and landed hard on the slope. Small rocks rolled down as she walked along the hill. It took her a moment but soon she found the narrow entrance that was well hidden by nature. It was a tight squeeze for an alicorn but she would have carved out the rock if she had to.

The cave widened as she slipped inside and there at the back was the wish dragon. His eyes quickly snapped open and locked on Luna. He jumped up with a snarl. “I knew it!” He roared pointing an accusing claw at Luna, “Greedy ponies can’t help themselves!”

“I have not come for a wish out of greed but for one out of desperation!” Luna snapped glaring at him with blazing eyes. “And I have much to trade. I can grant you land, I can make any decree that you want, rooms full of jewels. What do you want?”

The dragon stared warily at those angry eyes blazing with a white light. “What is it that you want? You look like a Dark mare.”

Luna snorted and stomped a hoof. “Mares of darkness do not exist! That’s an old pony’s tale. Alicorns do not turn evil based on mood. As for what I want, I want sister to suffer as I have. I want her to feel the pain and frustration that I do! I want her to look on as ponies praise and adore me while she is ignored. I want ponies to look at me the way they used to look at my sister. No! I want them to adore me even more.”

The dragon tapped a claw on his chin as he looked critically at Luna. “If you want her to feel exactly as you feel now this would likely be tampering with things too much because that would mean altering the heart of a pony. In this case I think it can be done but you do realize that not all wishes are harmless. Wishes that may tamper with fate are very dangerous.”

“I will not stand my fate any longer! What will you take in exchange for granting my wish.”

The dragon tried not to flinch as she glowered at him. He looked away and in spite of the situation bared his teeth in a grin. “I’ll require nothing in return, your wish is enough.” He raised his claws and they began to glow. “If this is what you wish for then simply say so.”

“I wish it to be!” Luna declared loudly. Light flashed out from the dragon’s claws filling he cave with blinding light. Luna gasped and doubled over in excruciating pain as suddenly she felt as if searing hot claws were clutching her heart. The pain was horrific, like some beast was viciously clinging to the muscle to keep from being torn away. Just as she thought her heart would be ripped open the horrible talons vanished and there followed a feeling of a massively heavy weight falling away. Luna looked up feeling a clarity that she hadn’t known she was missing. She still weary from the effects of whatever had happened but Luna was aware of the absence of a fog that she never known was ever encompassing her. More than that, Luna was aware of her mind working clearly for the first time in a very long time. Thinking back to recent years each memory seemed like a dream or even a drugged stupor infused with the most horrible of feelings. Then she suddenly she felt horrible in a different way. As she remembered how she had acted and treated her sister a massive wave of shame washed over her. How could she had done so? It was like she wasn’t truly herself. She could hardly believe that those memories were real.

“Feeling better?” A voice suddenly cut into her thoughts.

Luna remembered the dragon and turned to him. “What happened? What did you do?”

“I granted your wish,” The dragon replied as he slipped past her to the cave entrance motioning for her to follow.

“Yes, but what did you do?” Luna persisted as she followed him out into the night air.

“You got just what you asked for but there is one more thing for you to do,” The dragon said pointing up to the star-studded skies. “Fly up and bring out the dancing night lights, or whatever you ponies call it. Then go find the first village where ponies are stirring.”

“Why?” Luna asked still reeling from the shock of what had happened. “What for?”

“Just do it!” The dragon snapped. “You can ask me later.” Luna blinked at him for a moment but then spread her wings and flew upwards towards the stars. The wish dragon watched her for a little while then grinned a grin of pure malicious joy. “Or not. Your traded my perfect revenge on ponies but sadly I can’t be around to be caught up in whatever disaster follows.” Silently he flew low and fast over the hills heading as far away as possible.

The crisp night air refreshed Luna as she tried to comprehend what had happened to her. Her mind was clear yet she was so confused. What was that pain from her heart? How could she be in such a daze without even noticing that she wasn’t herself for so long? How could she let jealousy make her act the way she had? Most of all, what had happened at the moment of the wish and what did it mean now?

Luna sighed, she would have no answer now and there was no point in not taking the last steps. Closing her eyes she reached out to the sun on the other side of the earth. Once she felt it she struck out with magic made it pulse. Soon she could sense the lights dancing on the poles of the Earth. With a sudden flash of her horn she sent a powerful burst of magic to it. Like waves on the ocean the magnificent lights of the aurora borealis spread across the skies of Equestria. The landscape below was bathed in blues, greens, and purple patters that were never still.

Luna watched it a moment thinking of all the ponies who miss things like this. She felt a pang of sadness but her heart now was void of anger. Of course, there was her wish. Luna began flying casually back and forth looking down at each village and town that she passed over. Each one she saw was like they always were, quiet, dark and still beneath any beautiful night.

Luna was beginning to think that she had been duped and her wish was just one mean trick when she spotted a light that did not come from the sky. She stopped and hovered to get a better look. There in a small farming village lanterns glowed from one of the houses. A triangle of light was suddenly cast on the ground as the door creaked open. The with wide eyes, a mare strode out never taking her gaze from the skies. She sat down in the dirt and stared up with her mouth open in a silent expression of awe. Three foals raced outside and huddled around her as they too stared up in wonder. Luna couldn’t hear them but it looked like they were begging their mother for answers.

The windows of another house suddenly lit up. The door slowly opened as a stallion walked out while staying protectively in front of his family. However, it wasn’t long before they too just sat and stared. More candles began to flicker and little by little more ponies ventured out. Any sleepy eyes soon opened wide. Foals began racing and squealing with joy beneath the lights while most of the older ponies watched in awestruck silence.

From above Luna looked down on something that she hadn’t seen in many years. So many ponies awake and appreciating the night. Lights appearing one by one near the horizon let her know that other villages in the distance were stirring as well. Not sure what to do next, Luna just hovered in the air mostly hidden by the bright dancing lights. She knew that she should likely fly down there and let them know what was going on but still she worried about their reaction. Would it really be any different? After all, they were even more likely to think that this was a dream.

Luna’s silent watch was suddenly interrupted by wild whoops and excited laughter. She turned to see a virtual swarm of Pegasus streaming out of their city to chase the lights. Luna couldn’t help but giggle at the sight of strong warrior ponies playing like foals alongside their children. A yelp suddenly sounded over the noise and a colt who had lost control came hurtling through a wave of blue light. Luna caught him in her hooves and steadied him.

He hovered in front of her a moment then replied, “Sorry, I was trying to catch that light.”

“Not if I catch it first,” Luna replied dashing off after the wave.

“Hey!” The foal yelled flapping after her with his tiny wings. Luna slowed so that they reached it at about the same time. “This is the best dream ever!” He declared.

“This is no dream,” Luna replied with a smile before descending towards the ground leaving a stunned colt poking himself with a hoof to see if he was really awake.

Some ponies gasped when Luna landed among them while the foals raced eagerly over to see what was going on.

“So, we are dreaming,” One of the said aloud.

Luna shook her head. “No this is very real.” She spread a wing a pointed to the skies with its tip. “This is the aurora borealis. It is caused when the sun’s fire touches the pole of the earth and I usually only bring it this far ever hundred years or so.”

As she spoke a filly had been creeping forward as the other foals watched intently. When she reached Luna she tapped a hoof against one of her silver shoes. The clink of the metal was faint but clear. “She is real! So this is real.” She stated pointing up at the sky. The foals gasped.

“I always thought the night was scary,” The filly said looking up at Luna. “Not anymore.”

Luna smiled back, “The night is not the kind darkness that you find in nightmares. It is a time of rest, a break from work and a time to see the lights that you never see when everything is bright.”

“I never knew such things existed,” A mare said breathlessly barely taking her eyes from the lights. “There is nothing like it during the day.”

“We’re always so tired at the end of the day that we’re asleep the moment Princess Celestia sets the sun.” A stallion added. “Will we ever see it again?”

“Please!” The filly cried wrapping her hooves around Luna’s leg. "Please bring the lights back again before a hundred years!”

Luna smiled back. “I can bring them back regularly, perhaps yearly or even more often but only if you promise to find even just a little bit of time to enjoy the night.”

* * *

The northern lights began to fade as the time for the daybreak grew near and tired ponies went off to bed to sleep the dawn away. Luna flew back to the royal castle in the Everfree feeling just as exhausted and perhaps almost as awestruck as they had been. Her wish had been granted. With every town or village that she had visited she found it to full of ponies who reacted in much the same way as the first. When it came to ponies who had a hard time believing that she existed outside of dreams it didn’t bother her as much. It wasn’t just the fact of finally having her wish granted or that the ponies reactions to her were any different. The fact was, she was different. Whatever had happened inside her had taken away all that anger and rage leaving Luna herself again. It made her wonder about old legends of Mares of darkness, alicorns transformed by letting dark emotions consume them. The whole thing almost made her believe it.

There was one thing she did seriously consider though. The other half of the wish. In her enraged state, she had wished for Celestia to feel as scorned and neglected as she had. Now that Luna was herself again she would never want such a thing to befall her beloved sister. Especially with knowing what that felt like. As the castle came into sight Luna made a vow, she would do everything within her power to stop that from happening. Wish or no wish she would make sure that her sister did not come to know the pain that she had. Surely she could do that with what she knew now.

As Luna made her vow Princess Celestia woke up.

A change of heart

The moment Celestia woke she flinched at a dull pain in her chest. Somewhere, faintly as if on the edge of a dream she could sense a memory of something like talons gripping her heart. However, as the pain in her chest faded so did that trace of a memory. She blinked as she looked around aware that something was different. She didn’t really know what but for some reason she didn’t really care.

It was time to raise the sun but was keeping a perfect schedule for everypony really worth getting up now? Since when did anypony ever work around her schedule? She snorted and rolled out of bed. Striding across the room she kicked open the doors to her balcony. Standing on her hind legs Celestia lit up her horn and jerked the sun above the horizon. Spinning on her heels Celestia strode back into the castle. She kicked open the doors to her room making the guards jump. Golden hooves sounded on the stone floor as the princess strode down the hall. She held her head high, shoulder back and neither looked left nor right, not even when ponies bowed or guards saluted. Most noticed that there was something different about her walk, the way she carried herself but it was hard to place a hoof on it. For some it looked like a stride of arrogance and pride but naa. It couldn't be. That wasn’t Celestia at all.

A servant had a breakfast table set and ready and bowed deeply with a smile as the princess approached. “I made your favorites this morning,” She said happily, “Is there anything else that I can get you?”

Celestia just waived her off with a motion of her wing. With a hurt look on her face the pony bowed again and hurried away. Celestia hardly noticed. She was too irritated and restless this morning to have time for troublesome little ponies. For some reason, she just wasn’t herself today. Celestia normally would have immediately been alarmed but as she was she could hardly ponder it.

A door creaked open and a stallion walked in carrying a bundle of scrolls. He bowed and placed them beside her. “The daily reports your majesty,” he said with a bow.

“How many are lined up for hearings today,” The princess asked with a grumble.

“Um, none your majesty,” He replied.

“None!”

“Yes, we received messages that many ponies stayed up late last night watching the dancing lights that Princess Luna decorated the skies with. Many stated that they were too tired and would have to postpone. Others simply didn’t show up.”

Celesita narrowed her eyes only now noticing the exhaustion on his face. “Just be sure to remember that some ponies still have duties even if they stay up late. That is all.”

“Yes, your majesty,” He said with yet another bow and left.

Once he was gone Celestia snorted and opened the first scroll. “Well, I guess that Luna finally got what she wanted. Maybe that will keep the little brat happy for a while.” She suddenly paused realizing what she had just said. Then she shrugged and refocused on the scroll. “Well, she just shouldn’t be such a brat.”

Before she finished the first scroll the door creaked and Princess Luna walked up with her head low and her eyes on the floor. Celestia didn’t bother to greet her as usual.

She’s just a little angry that’s all, Luna thought, and she has every right to be. How do I start? I guess just by starting.

“Sister…” Luna began. Celestia slowly lowered the scroll and peered disdainfully over the top. Luna flinched. Ok, maybe very angry. “I just wanted to say that I’m sorry. I know that I never should have acted that way. It’s not your fault and I know you were only trying to help me but I only responded with scorn instead of gratitude. For that, I am very sorry.”

Celestia continued to stare at her a moment before replying, “I’m that you realized that.” Then she just raised the scroll again and ignored her. Luna took a step back feeling as if she had been slapped in the face. “Sister…”

“Luna I am very busy,” Celestia replied curtly.

“Of… of course sister,” Luna stammred and then stumbled out of the room. Once out Luna forced herself to walk normally and took deep breaths to calm herself.

“She’s fine,” She reassured herself, “Celestia is still herself. Sure she’s never been like that before but she’s just still a little angry, that’s all. She’ll be fine later. There’s no way some wish would make her change, I’m sure of it.” Luna stopped and stood still in the hallway a moment. Then she bolted down the passageway as fast as her legs would carry her. This wish had to be undone!

"What I wanted!"

A few weeks went by and things began to fall into a new routine for both the royal sisters and the ponies of Equestria. The citizens the kept a strange pattern of sleeping late into the day and waking up in the afternoon. When it was time for the sun to set they gathered on hills and rooftops or anywhere with a clear view of the sky to count the stars as they came out. During the brighter half of the moon phase they slept even later into the day in order to work under the coolness of night. In the homes of unicorns and richer ponies, tiny fragments of clear jewels dotted ceilings to create an illusion of the night sky and the new rave among all the artist was to create expressions based off of the dancing lights. Finally, in whatever they did at night ponies kept an eye on the skies for their beloved princess flying overhead.

With so many ponies wake during the night there was little need for Luna to roam the dream world in search of nightmares. She flew the skies willing to stop for any pony and mingle among the citizens from farmers to barons. The fact that generations had almost forgotten her was now a bit of a blessing. With ponies not used to seeing her in such a regal stature she seemed far more approachable than her sister. She was both a princess and a friend.

As much as she loved this, large part of Luna’s routine was searching for the dragon so he could undo it all. If she was going to have it than she would only have it without causing the suffering of another. Restlessly Luna searched all of Equestria, the surrounding lands and the dream world but that dragon was nowhere to be found. Either he had gone way too far for her to connect with him the dream realm, had cast a spell to keep from dreaming, or more likely both.

A deep sigh escaped from Luna as she stood on a balcony watching the evening sky and predicting another fruitless night of searching. She could always make herself invisible so that no pony called to her and gain more time to search. However, Luna knew deep down that she would never find that dragon again. Not unless she could leave Equestria for a season or more to search in far distant lands. Even then, she may not find him.

With another deep sigh Luna raised her head and reached out to the moon. As it rose it cast its soft light over the surrounding lands and caused the castle walls to glow. Before Luna could leave, steady staccato beats echoed like drums from inside the castle. Luna’s heart pounded faster. It was time for another part of her new routine.

Slipping inside, Luna looked down the hallway to see her sister heading her way. Celestia’s eyes gleamed bright and angry but she still carried herself in that proud way she now had. Luna couldn’t help but find it disturbing. No longer did she give off the aurora of calming confidence, there was only pride.

“Hey, do you want to come with me tonight?” Luna called out to her sister while forcing herself to smile. “You haven’t been out to see ponies for a while.”

Celestia’s eyes hardened ever more but she refused to even glare at her sister as she strode stiffly past. Luna took a deep breath vowing to be patience. After all, she knew exactly how Celestia felt and understood that she was not at fault for her behavior.

“It’ll be fun!” Luna insisted chasing after her sister. “Ponies must miss you for-“

“Do they?!” Celestia roared suddenly rounding on Luna. “They don’t seem to miss me at all now that they have you. We both know that you just want to gloat over stealing attention from me. The past two weeks not one pony, not… one… pony had wanted me to preside over hearings. They all request you.”

“No, I want to spend time with my sister,” Luna pleaded. “Celestia please…”

Celestia just snorted and kept walking down the hall but her sister was not about to give up. “Celestia, there is no need for us to fight. They haven’t forgotten you. It is rather like what you told me a few weeks ago. This is new to them. They have had a hard time and I am simply the next new thing now that they’ve remembered me. Soon they will pay more attention to you again. Besides it is obvious that they do not love me nearly as much as they love you. Can’t you tell by their actions?”

Celestia finally stopped and slightly turned her head to look at Luna with one eye. Glad that she was finally listening Luna continued, “They don’t scream my name in droves like they do when you appear. They don’t bow to me like they do for you. I mean they bow sometimes but more as an afterthought. They do not see me of full of royal spender like you. I mean they know me as a princess obviously but I think that they see me as being closer to a friend and more of a normal pony than a grand princess like you.”

“I wanted that!” Celestia screamed causing Luna to jump back in shock. “I did not want them screaming my name! I’ve wanted ponies to see me as more than a high regal figure. Ponies stand back, afraid to approach me, or they bow and scramble about to serve me! They never just talk to me as a pony because they are unable to see me as a pony with emotions, wants and needs! I’ve wanted ponies to see me as a friend not a celebrity for so long! I’ve wanted to mingle freely among them since day one of Equestria but I can’t. I can’t walk into a room without ponies scrambling to bow and touting “Your majesty!” I can’t have a normal conversation with regular ponies. I can’t laugh and joke with them. I can’t get an honest opinion out of them without them being terrified. I’ve wanted them to know me as Celestia the pony so badly but I can’t ever have it!”

The silence that fell on the hall after Celesita’s outburst was more defending than the princess’s cries. Celestia glared at her sister with fire burning in her eyes. “Go entertain you ponies and leave me in peace,” Celestia snarled before shoving past her sister and storming into her room. The slamming door echoed loudly down the hallway. Silence fell for a moment only to be broken by the sad heavy hoof steps of Luna walking away.

Celestia glared at the door waiting for the sounds to fade. The she snorted and walked to a large ornate mirror. She stood still a moment admiring her image that was reflected back at her. Her sleek form was matched by a sleek smooth coat. She stood tall and imposing and her rare rainbow colored hair flowed with magic in a way that few princesses had.

“They should simply admire me though,” Celestia said to her image. “It is irritating that Luna would have what I wanted for so long even if I don’t want their friendship anymore! Why would I ever want to be friends with such lowly ponies." Celestia scoffed. It was ridiculous for me to ever want that. I am too powerful and grand to be concerned being their friend. However, that is also why they should adore me, NOT Luna!” She glared into the eyes gleaming back at her from the glass. "I will a way to make it happen."

The heat

Luna’s wings barely made a sound as she flew away from the castle. Wind ruffled though her dark blue feathers making a soft whooshing sound. Her mane and tail flowed like water and the dots of light in her hair flickered beneath the stars. Looking down at her moon shadow as it ran across the ground Luna sighed deeply as she wondered if she could ever undo this. Regret made her heart ache and she knew that she would never forgive herself if she could not change what had happened to Celestia, through the wish.

Luna angrily grit her teeth. That dragon! She knew now that she had been doped. He had made her wish her revenge. Now the innocent suffered because of his spite. Then Luna sighed again know that it wasn’t just the dragons fault as far as she could see. Before she knew it it getting hard to see the stars through the tears in her eyes.

“Lunaaaaa! Princess Lunaaaa!”

Tiny voices suddenly broke through her thoughts. She stopped and hovered in the air to see a group of foals streaking down a hill towards her. They stopped at the base waiving and calling her name. Luna quickly wiped all water from her eyes, forced herself to smile and glided down to them.

“Hey, hey, look!” They declared showing off the bright jewels that hung around their necks. Each had been enchanted and glowed like a lantern on a necklace.

“One of the elders came up with it! Now we’re allowed to play outside the village at night as long as we stay close enough that out parents can see our light! Isn’t it neat!”

“It is neat,” Luna said folding her wings on her back. “So what are you playing?”

“Oh, we’re not playing right now,” One foal said.

“Yes, we’re painting the sky,” Another finished pointing up the hill. In the grass clay plates, jars and cups lay scattered.

“We wanted to show how much we liked the night so our parents made us these to paint the skies on.”

“Do you want to come join us?” A filly asked looking up at Luna with pleading eyes.

“I’m sorry, I can’t right now but you can do me a big favor…” Luna whispered her request and the foals were soon scrambling back to their art projects. She waited until they all had reached the top and then spread her wings. Once high in the air Luna cast an invisibly spell to hide herself from any eyes in the ground. She hated avoiding ponies like this but she wanted no delays.

Her wings carried her to the outermost edged of Equestria to where a large grove of weeping willow trees grew. Right in the center stood a tall house that loomed over the trees. Leaves and branches waived and quivered as Luna swooped down to land in the shade of the willows. Dappled moon light crossed her face as she hustled towards the house. She reached out with her magic but before she could open the door it swung open.

“Come in, I think that I have found what you are looking for,” A soft but clear voice called out to her.

Luna trotted inside the candle lit house and barely avoided tripping over a pile of books. Thick tombs were everywhere, on tables leading up the stairs and along shelves that disappeared into separate rooms. Some were open some were closed, none however seemed dusty. In the center of the chaos was a unicorn whose purple coat coloring was so pale that it looked like a illusion cast by surrounding lighting. She stood beneath as painting of Clover the Clever with a number of open books setting atop stacks of closed books.

“Whisper in the Willows, what have you discovered?” Luna asked eagerly. The mare turned and looked at Luna.

“I think that I found what you wanted to know,” The mare replied getting up and plucking up a few books that lay nearby. The covers were etched with draconic writing. “You wanted to know about how a pony could ask a wish dragon for a change of fate and receive it and just how much could be changed. Then you wanted to know in what way it could be undone. All in the name of protecting Equestria just in case a pony happens makes such a wish,” Whisper stated and then stood there staring suspiciously at Luna for a while.

“Yes, what have you found,” Luna replied without missing a beat.

The mare blinked at her, shrugged and then opened the books. “There are dragons who’s wishes can tamper with fate, though these are rare. Even more rare is finding a dragon that will be willing to.” She stopped and looked at Luna a moment but the princess just nodded for her to continue. “That’s because this can be very dangerous and according to any dragon, it never ends well. It is possible to undo wishes with the wish of another dragon but that doesn’t always work. There are of course more natural ways, if say one wishes for certain trees to grow in a desert all one has to do is dig them up and the wish is undone. With wishes that tamper with fate it would be harder to find a natural cure, if even possible in some situations.”

“But it can be undone, especially if one can find a dragon willing to grant a new wish to counter it,” Luna said.

The mare nodded. “Yes, but one thing to remember, the special magic that dragons possess do have special limits. One in particular, no wish can turnback time. Whatever happens with a wish, happens. Even if the wish is undone, there is now way to undo the events that took place because of it.”

Luna nodded. “Thank you for your work. That is all I needed to know incase this danger arose.”

Again, the mare stared curiously at her but the princess gave nothing away. Luna stoically left the house and flew gleefully across the skies. The moment the willow grove was lost from sight the princess began doing backflips and cartwheels.

“Whoooo-hoooo! Yes!” She cheered towards the stars. “This can be changed! I’ll try one more attempt to do so naturally by giving her what she has always wanted. If that doesn’t work I will find a good dragon, explain the situation and have this undone. I may not be able to make it like it never happened but what’s a few arguments between sisters like us. It’s not like anything really bad happened.”

Luna had to make a few stops on the way for ponies who spotted her flying overhead but she soon made it back to the foals at the hill. All around them lay clay cups and plates that were covered with joyful depictions of the daytime. Brightly colored suns shone over fields of beautiful flowers or dancing rabbits and singing birds. It was like a spot of sunlight in the night. Luna looked at them almost wondering if she herself had forgotten the life that the daytime brings.

The foals beamed cheerily at her. “We made lots of them so Princess Celestia will be really happy. This much happy,” One said throwing his hooves open wide. They all scrambled to each show Luna the paintings that they had done. She thanked each one before she gathered up the paintings and sent the fillies and coats home to their parents.

With new hope Luna flew back to the castle in the Everfree carrying her load. Adoring foals knew not the need to show reverence, just love. Perhaps they could give Celestia the happiness that she had wanted for so long and snap her out of her walking nightmare.

Reaching the castle Luna flew through a window and hustled down the hallway thinking to perhaps to put them in a box and wrap them as a gift. Cutting through the dining room Luna nearly collided with her sister. The younger mare jumped back in surprise. Celestia stepped away and glowered down at her.

“What are you doing up so late?” Luna asked cautiously.

Celestia snorted contemptuously. “Why shouldn’t I be, every other pony is.” She tipped her head trying to see what Luna had hovering behind her. “I got word that the ambassadors from Saddle Arabia who were supposed to arrive this moring were delayed due to a collapsed bridge. Some of our citizens helped them and now they will be here soon. It may be the middle of the night but I must be there to greet them. Luna, what are you up too sneaking around with something like a silly foal who raided the sweets?”

“I brought a gift for you,” Luna replied. Celestia’s sneer faded somewhat and mild interest showed in her eyes. Luna hovered the plates, cups and bowls into the room and laid them out on a table in front of her sister. “Some foals made these for you to show how much they appreciate you and the day that you bring. They hope that you can come and play one day.” Luna turned to her sister only to see a snaring expression like that of a wild animal. Her eyes were glazed over and flame erupted from her horn. Luna jumped back in horror as the table and all the items exploded raining smoldering wood and clay fragments around the room.

“How dare you!” Celestia screeched. “Am I some pitiful grandma that you bring me a wrenched gift like this! This is nothing more than an insult! What would I want with the pathetic art of foals you little whelp!”

Luna cringed away from the wrathful eyes of her sister. “I.. I didn’t mean it like that! You would have loved this! I just… I…” She stammered.

“Oh, I.. I.. I… I’m just foolish! Out! Get out! Go back to your night!” Celestia screamed pointing at the dining hall windows.

Luna raced from the room and lunged out of the window. Wings pounding hard she flew north from the castle. She wasn’t just running from her sister she had to find a wish dragon and NOW! It may take days but she could only hope nothing got worse in her absence.

Celestia watched her sister disappear from sight then turned and stormed out of the dinning hall. She hardly noticed the terrified guards who were huddled in the corners on either side of the doors trying to hide. Her hooves pounded on the stone floor as she made her way to the throne room.

“Little wretch!” Celestia growled under breath. “Even more wretched are the ponies who adore her. Those stupid little ponies will learn. At least the most important ones still know that it is me they need to see and not that child.”

She soon reached the throne room and was only halfway down the carpet when a guard stepped in through the massive double doors. “Your majesty,” he said with a deep bow. “The ambassadors from Saddle Arabia are here.”

“Well, send them in,” Celestia ordered turning around. The stallion bowed and stepped out of the way to join the other guards who were standing around the room. As he did three ponies, a stallion and two mares clad in traditional Saddle Arabia garb strode in. They bowed to Celestia who bowed back though it was little more than a nod really.

“Your majesty,” Said the lead pony. He was a tall stallion with a dark coat. “We apologize of our late arrival. We had a little trouble along the way as I’m sure you have heard.”

“Yes, I heard,” Celestia replied, “I’m sure that you are tired though and I give you leave to rest so that we may talk in the morning.”

“Actually,” one of the mare ambassadors spoke up suddenly, “Along the way, your kind citizens told us of your sister who was always at rest when we arrived in the past. From what we have heard we would like to meet her. So tonight we wish to appeal to Luna’s throne and meet your sister.”

Celestia stared at them a moment and then replied in a deceptively calm voice. “You wish to appeal to Luna’s throne?”

“Yes,” The mare replied.

Celestia turned her head and looked at her sister’s throne. Suddenly she seized it in her magic. There was groan and then a horrible CRRRAACCCKKKK as Celestia ripped the heavy stone throne from its base.

“Then appeal to it!” She roared jerking her head and slinging the heavy stone mass at them. The ambassadors cried in terror and scrambled out of the way just in time to avoid being crushed. The throne shattered on impact pelting both the ambassadors and guards with heavy fragments.

“Or better yet! Why don’t you appeal to my dungeons!” Celestia roared. Just as the three ponies scrambled to flee they vanished in a flash of light.

“I will take this no more!” Celestia screamed spinning around and blasting out a section of the throne room roof. What wasn't vaporized crashed smoldering to the floor. Standing on he hind legs Celestia reached out with her magic. The light of the moon faded and the stars vanished as the sun rose. The sunlight gleamed through the roof and with it came terrible rolling waves of heat.

As the guards stared in shock and horror at their beloved princess flame flared from her mane. Black shadows began to swirl around growing thicker and thicker until she was lost from sight. The black mass of shadows suddenly erupted into a ball of fire. A searing heat wave rolled across the room and black smoke belched out through the gaping roof and down the halls. Terrible laughter echoed through the castle and the ball of fire suddenly collapsed revealing a terrifying sneering face with a mouthful of fangs and gleaming eyes. Celestia’s mane and tail were now rippling waves of fire that crackled and radiated heat.

The guards collapsed to the ground in fear as she turned her eyes to them. “Arm yourselves and go out into my lands. Ask anypony that you see which princess do they adore most. If they do not give the right answer, and I’m sure you know what that answer is, deal with them immediately. Oh, if you see my sister, tell her that I must speak with her... Hurry you fools, GO!”

The stallions leaped to their feet and ran. Instead of going to the armory they fled wide eyed with terror into the forest. Their hooves pounded the earth they ran, headless of the branches and thorns that tore at their armor and the howls of the timber wolves. What in the Everfree could possibly be more terrifying than what they were running from?

The new dawn

Princess Luna could see the mountains that boarded Equestria looming ahead when suddenly the night melted away and the stars vanished. She spun around and stared in shock at the sun hovering in the sky in the middle of the night. There was no gentle warmth falling down on the earth either. Instead it sent out waves of blistering heat.

Despite the scorching temperature, icy fear ran down Luna’s spine. “She wouldn’t!”

“Luna! Princess Luna!” A terrified voice cried out. Luna looked down to see a group of ponies huddled under the shade of a tree. She quickly dipped her wings and flew down to them.

“What is happening?” A mare cried looking up that the sun as it cast down its scorching glare.

“I don’t know but go home and stay there until night falls again,” Luna instructed casing a cooling spell over them. The ponies streaked away to get inside before the spell wore off. Casting a similar spell on herself Luna leapt back into the air. Even with the spell sweat beaded on her brow as she pounded her wings against their air. Picturing the castle in her mind Luna vanished and reappeared over the stone structure. Her momentum nearly took her right past it. Yet, even before Luna managed to stop herself she saw the gaping hole in the roof the throne room.

Fearing the worst, Luna dove into the nearest window. She landed in the hallway and stood ready with her wings raised and her horn alight. It had to be some horrible beast who harmed her sister… though what other being could raise the sun! Discord! Luna bolted down the hall to look out over the gardens. There was his statue standing silent as ever with his mocking face looking up at the scorching sun.

A sudden scuffling sound to her right made Luna jump and take another fighting stance. At the far end of the hall, terrified eyes stared at her. Luna slowly stalked forward until she could make out the figures hiding the shade of a broken door. A guard was crouching in front of several servants who were huddled in terror against the wall. While he was taking on the role of protector, the guards eyes were just as terrified as theirs'.

Luna continued to move slowly as they looked as if any sudden movement would spook them. “What has happened?” She asked softly and slowly.

“Princess Celestia… is not Princess Celestia.” The guard whispered as if he thought she would overhear. His eyes darted around the room and his ears twitched and swiveled as he listened for the slightest sound.

“What are you talking about?” Luna pressed struggling not to raise her voice or let it quiver.

“It’s in the throne room.” He replied so softly that Luna could barely hear him.

Seeing that it was useless to seek answers from him Luna just nodded. “Whatever it is, I’ll take care of it.” She turned and quickly headed to the throne room with no idea what she would find and terrified of finding it. When she neared Luna slowed down and stalked forward noiselessly. She could detect the smell of smoke filtering out of the half open door and as she drew closer her ears perked up. A light sound repeated over and over. It took her a moment but she realized that it was the sound of tearing cloth.

Reaching the door Luna stayed behind it a moment breathing deep as her heart pounded in her chest. After a few moments of trying to steady herself and then realizing that it was useless, Luna crept around the door. Her feet froze to the floor at the sight that greeted her. Her throne had been shattered into rubble. The sun glared directly though the hole in the roof and the floors and walls were marred with scorch marks. Standing next to her sister’s throne was a white mare with fire for a mane and tail. She wore golden armor and had fangs that were visible even when her mouth was closed. Worst of all, she had her sister’s cutie mark. The mare had her back to Luna and was focused on her task. She held Luna’s night tapestry in her magic and tiny piece by tiny piece she was ripping it apart. She dropped each piece to floor making it burst into flame before it landed.

Luna stood motionless for a while, too scared and too shocked to react. Finally, she opened her mouth speak but only a strange sound manged to make its way out. The mare spun around and snarled like a wild beast showing her fangs and making Luna jump. Then mare was suddenly calm and smiled at her. The smile was more frightening than the snarl.

“Little sister,” She said, “I was wondering when you would come.”

“Celestia…” Luan started.

“NO!” The mare snapped, “I am Daybreaker and welcome to the new dawn.”

“Celestia what…”

“I am not Celestia!” The mare roared and the flame of her mane and tail danced wildly, crackling as it did.

“Sister,” Luna started again unable to call Celestia by the new name, “What happened to you? Why did you raise the sun? It is night.”

“It is not night, it will never again be the time for night,” Daybreaker replied simply. “Therefore, there is no more need for you Luna. You are not a princess of Equestria anymore.”

Luna struggled to keep from hyperventilating. “Cel… sister, you can’t. Ponies can’t live like this and the heat will kill them anyway. You have to stop this.”

“Oh,” Daybreaker paused in thought for a moment, “That is perfect!” She suddenly declared. “I don’t need those ponies, those wretches who turned their back on me. There are other creatures who can survive under such heat. Like the massive greed dragons… yes. I will bend them to my will and make them my subjects.”

“Sister… stop… your scaring me,” Luna whispered.

Daybreaker slapped her hooves to her cheeks in mock despair. “Oh! Is poor Lulu scared? Poor, poor thing. That is why you are not going to be princess anymore, you are too weak,” Daybreaker snarled snatching the crown off of Luna’s head with her magic.

“If you will stop and lower the sun I will give up being a princess,” Luna promised.

“I am in no position that I would have to bargain,” Daybreaker laughed, “Though, do you not understand? For as long as you elements of all three pony races you are a princess, crown or no crown.”

“What?!” Luna gasped.

“You heard me. You can lose the wings and be a unicorn, you can be a Pegasus, or you can be an earth pony. Take your pick. I’m powerful enough to cast such a spell and you probably won’t be hurt… much.”

“Celestia you can’t do this,” Luna pleaded slowly backing up, “It doesn’t have to be this way.”

“Daybreaker!” The mare snapped baring her fangs, “And yes it does have to be this way,” She said slowly stalking forward. “There can only be one princess now. You can choose to fight for the throne or surrender. What is it going to be Lulu?”

Escape the flames

“Celestia wait! You are not well,” Luna pleaded as she backed away from Daybreaker who was slowly moving forward like a cat stalking its prey.

“Not well,” Daybreaker laughed, “Oh Luna, just because I’m hot it does not mean that I have a fever.”

“No, I did this to you,” Luna insisted.

“How?! What could you possibly do?” Daybreaker laughed.

“I made a wish that would change our fates. I don’t know what happened but somehow it took all the rage and frustration that I had and put it in you. It was because I wanted you to know how I felt but I never should have done it this. Please, you are not yourself. The old Celestia would never do anything like this. Let me help you.”

“Old Celestia,” Daybreaker said. She looked around as if searching for somepony. “Old Celestia? Where are you? Oh yes, she is not here anymore. She is nowhere.” She sneered at Luna. “There is no more Old Celestia and she never will be again!” Daybreaker reared on her hind hooves and gathered magic in her horn.

Luna gasped and dodged behind the throne room door. The blast smashed the door clean off its hinges sending it hurtling down the hallway with Luna skidding behind it. With a subtle flash flicker of light from her horn Luna became transparent and vanished through the floor and into the room blow. The door tipped over and fell flat with a heavy thud. Celestia snarled and raised up her forehooves as a golden light swelled around them. She slammed them down with such impact that cracks shot across the floor in all directions. Luna raced down the lower hallway as Celestia smashed through the ceiling with the second blow. Golden shod hooves pounded heavily as Daybreaker gained on her sister. Nearing a set of large double doors Luna suddenly vanished. Daybreaker didn’t even pause. She smashed right through the doors. Dust flew as she skidded to a stop on the garden path. Slowly Daybreaker scanned the trees and flowers that were already wilting under the heat of her new sun. Only the statues seemed untouched as they stood as regal or as imposing as ever. Though somehow the laughter on Discord’s face somehow seemed more gleeful.

Daybreaker slowly stalked down the path with her eyes darting back and forth. She bared her fangs and called out in a sing-song voice, “The itsy bisty pony climbed up the castle wall, down came rain and made the pony fall. Out came the sun above that little wisp, it brought the heat and burned her to a crisp!”

Slowly she made her way around the garden never losing her grin. Fangs gleamed in the hot sunlight and golden eyes never ceased to move. Suddenly from nowhere a ball of magic came hurtling at her. Daybreaker spun to face it forming a shield in front of herself but the mass expanded and in a split second it had encased her in a bubble. Luna cautiously walked out of a wilting hedge.

“Sister let me help you. This is not how things are supposed to be,” Luan said. “I asked a vengeful wish dragon to grant my request and it turned you into this. You are not the real you anymore. If you let me, I can help you and put an end to this thing you've become. Don't you understand? You are a Mare of Darkness, you are no longer the real you.”

Daybreaker was silent in thought for a moment. She stared at her sister’s imploring face with unreadable eyes for a tense moment that seemed to continue forever. Then she finally replied, “Well, then I suppose that I should thank him… then destroy him and all of his kind! I can’t risk any creature making a wish to be as powerful as me, can I?”

“Celestia!” Luna gasped.

“I AM DAYBREAKER!” Her sister yelled as flames erupted from her horn. “And you really shouldn't be outside unless you can take the heat!” The sun above them grew even brighter as beams shot directly out of it towards Luna. Luna scrambled back covering herself with a magic shield as the trees around her erupted into flames. Even her cooling spell faltered under the staggering heat. She turned tail and raced for the shelter of the castle.

Daybreaker laughed as she watched her sister flee and the garden burning all around her. The magic dome entrapping her cracked and shattered like glass. Daybreaker spread her wings and flew through the flames after her sister. As she neared the castle she screamed after Luna, “I made a mistake simply trying to take your princesshood, I should have destroyed you! This is a mistake that I intend to correct!”

She raced into the castle with her feet setting fire to the carpet and she ran. The flames on her mane and tail burned as fiercely as her anger. Paintings and tapestries that she passed smoldered and began burn. Everywhere she went crackling from both the fires and her own flames could be heard. Hallways and rooms began to fill with chocking smoke. Daybreaker seemed completely unbothered as she stormed through rooms and halls. Suddenly wheezing fit of coughing echoed through the castle. With a twist of her head Daybreaker brought wind surging through the hall blowing smoke out of her way. Huddled in a small closet were two servants who were struggling to stop their coughing as tears streamed from irritated eyes. Despite the stinging from the smoke they looked at Daybreaker with wide, terrified gazes. Daybreaker just sneered and brought a surging pulse of power to the tip of her horn.

“NO!” Luna lunged out of a cloud of smoke and slammed into her sister. The blast fired from Daybraker’s horn and smashed into the castle wall. Stone shattered leaving a gaping hole in the frame. The two servants broke free from their frozen terror and fled in crazed panic down the hall. At the same time Daybreaker kicked Luan in the stomach sending her sister stumbling back wheezing.

“Oh, Luna you are so cruel and selfish,” Celestia said before releasing another blast from her horn. Still gasping Luan dove out of the way just in time and scrambled away. “You know that they are going to die anyway and you took away the gift of a quick death. Now they will have to suffer!” Daybreaker yelled charging after her sister with fangs bared in a grin.

Luna raced into lower levels to escape the smoke. Reaching the basement levels, she lit up her horn sending a magical wave blowing out every candle sconce. She heard the cracking of energy behind her and dove under the blast feeling the heat singe her coat as it passed over. Springing up Luna sent the light on her horn flying down the dark hallways with a spell creating the sound of clattering of hooves on the stone. Luna cringed as the light of Daybreaker's flames passed over her but her sister continued to race down the hall after the light.

The moment it was clear Luan raced down a separate turn using only the subtlest of lights to guide her. She soon reached doorway with a pointed arch and pushed it open. It led into a room what was little more than a large circular stone hole like a giant well with a spiral staircase descending into darkness. Before she could put a hoof on the first step a wave of magic hit her and sent her tumbling down the stairs. Struggling to right herself Luna glimpsed her sister in the doorway illuminated by her flaming mane and tail.

“Do you think that I do not remember that fake out!” Daybreaker laughed. Luna just managed to stop her tumbling decent when the room was filled with blinding light that was made all the worse after so much time in the dark. Unable to see Luna could only hear the stairwell crumbling around her and struggle to fly before all of her senses went completely dark.

It's not fair

“Hey, Lulu! Come ‘mere You have to see this!” A high pithed voice hissed urgently. The tiny dark mare looked up from the flowers that she was plucking to see her sister standing near a thick grove which ran along the castle wall. Luna glanced back at their caretakers. Each pony was turned away as they sat on the grass listening to her mom and dad who were speaking. The regal pair towered over the two unicorns with crowns gleaming as they addressed their servants.

Shuffling her tiny legs Luna hurried over to her sister. The small white mare was crouched near the grove with twigs tangled in her soft pink hair. “What is it ‘Tia?” Luna asked.

“Watch,” Celestia whispered. Her small white horn lit up and flickered as she concentrated. Luna ducked and covered her head in case the spell went wrong. Suddenly a groan sounded from the wall and to Luna’s surprise a small section slid aside leaving a pony sized hole beyond the hedges.

“Hey, what are you two doing?” A stern voice called from across they castle lawn. The sisters looked back to see that their caretakers had risen to their feet. Giggling the pair raced into the entrance. The king waived his wing and the two unicorns raced after the mischievous children. Struggling to contain their laughter the sisters led them down the corridor using their horns for light.

“Your majesties, you cannot be down here! Come back this instant!” One of the ponies demanded.

The sisters kept running. Spotting a gap in the wall where stone had crumbled away Celestia nodded to Luna. They focused their spells together and tossed their lights down the passageways. The two orbs flew onward with the sound of clattering hooves carried with them as the sisters dove into the gap. They huddled onto rough stone stifling giggles as their caretakers ran right past them.

Luna could painfully feel the hard stone under her. With her eyes closed she could almost think that she was there in that time so long ago. Slowly Luna opened her eyes. The rubble of the staircase was all around her. Jagged stone dug into her skin. Her head throbbed and her entire body ached. However, It was nothing like the ache in her heart. She sighed deeply and covered her face with a wing. If Daybreaker remembered when they were tiny children in the distant past then her sister was still very much in there even if she was no longer the pony she had known.

What could she do then? It was still her sister, even if she was possessed. How could she fight and harm her sister, especially when she herself was the one at fault? Perhaps it was better to leave her sister alone until she could find some way to save her? At least Celestia could live even if it was as Daybreaker for awhile.

The dragons! It would take a while but she could find one to undo the wish and remove the darkness from her sister. Good dragons may be wary of granting wishes that would alter fate but once they saw the land dying around them they would surely agree.

Luna had just decided on that plan when the faces of all the foals who she had met earlier that night flashed through her mind. Their smiling innocent faces looked up at her with trust and happiness. They could easily be dead by the time her plan worked. It was not just them either, their parents, their village, the next village… every earth pony, Pegasus and unicorn. Many would die while she was searching and not just from the sun. Her sister was manically insane. If she would attack servants for just being in front of her what wouldn’t she do?

Luna squeezed her eyes shut and swallowed even though her throat was dry. Never had she understood duty so well until this moment. Yes, it was not Celestia’s fault and it was not fair but she had to be stopped. The only other choice was for other ponies to die. Luna opened her eyes and slowly looked around wondering what she could possibly do to stop her sister. Daybreaker must have lit up the sconces because Luna could see the soft light shining down into the shattered stairwell. To her right she could see a large dark shadow in the wall. She knew it was the entrance to the Hall Hooves, which she still found a little creepy but after facing her sister she wouldn't mind running into Tartarus.

At least through the Hall of Hooves she could access secret passageways and hidden trap doors. Too bad she couldn’t get to the organ to the outside which controlled most of them but she didn’t need to get outside. All she needed was to get around inside the castle without being noticed. Teleportation would leave detectable magic and the flashes of light would instantly get her sister's attention if she happened to be anywhere nearby. The secret passages were perfect… but not everything.

“Great! I can get around but I can’t fight my sister. She is too powerful. What plan or surprise can I possibly use!” Luna groaned as she stared into the darkness of the hallway. She knew that it would lead her to the halls lined with armor and eventually past a secret passage that would take her back to the to the throne room. Luna shuttered at the memory of confronting her sister in there. Then she sat bolt upright. All during that confrontation there had been something waiting forgotten under her feet. Under the throne room walkway was where she and her sister had hidden the Elements of Harmony long ago. If they could stop Discord then surely they could stop her sister. If she hadn’t thought of them then maybe her sister hadn’t either. She at least had a shot. Maybe they would even harmonize her sister and destroy the dark magic within her. Of course they might also imprison her like discord. Luna cringed at that thought.

Taking a deep breath Luna stood up and carefully picked her way through the rubble. Last thing she needed was to twist an ankle. Reaching the hallway, she started to light up her horn but suddenly thought better of it. Instead she cast a spell that floated around her a moment and then settled on her eyes. For a couple seconds all was dark around her, then the hallway slowly came into focus. She blinked at the pitch-black hallway that was now almost as clear as day. Glancing around at the hooves protruding from the walls Luna trotted slowly down the hall. It seemed to go on forever as she wondered just what pony in their right mind came up with this design.

The trip seemed to stretch on forever but eventually she found herself past the empty suits of armor who stood silently at their posts staring at her with empty black eyes made of darkness. She soon found the right spot and with a little magic from her horn she opened the secret passageway. Cringing at the noise that it made she stood silently until she was sure that Daybreaker would not come thundering in. After a time that was too long and too short she began creeping forward again. Sweat dripped down her face as she walked down the long tunnel placing each hoof carefully in front of the other. Never had this tunnel seemed so long. She so badly wanted to reach the exit and end all of this while at the same time not ever wanting to reach the throne room. All the while she moves so slowly that the walk became an eternity. She thought that she would have an idea of what eternity was. Now she wasn't sure.

After an alicorn’s lifetime had seemed to have passed by Luna saw sunlight gleaming into the tunnel. Slowing even more Luna inched bit by bit with her eyes constantly moving until she was standing in the throne room. Nopony was in sight and her twitching ears did not detect any sound except her own pounding heart. Looking at the scorched ground Luna spotted the exact spot where she and her sister had hidden The Elements of Harmony so long ago. Closing her eyes she began to recall the spell that would open the hidden panel.

“What are you doing here?” Daybreaker hissed in her ear.

A battle for the throne

Luna’s blood ran cold from her ear tips to her hooves. Daybreaker could not know what she was doing here! She would snatch away the Elements of Harmony and all would be lost.

“I asked you what you were doing here?” Daybreaker cooed in a soft menacing voice as she circled Luna. “Are you too scared to even look at me... Just what are you up too little sister?”

Luna slowly opened her eyes and found herself looking at the single throne standing at the end of the walkway. Daybreaker kept circling. “I guess I didn’t finish you off good enough last time so did you come let me know that I needed to finish the job?”

“I have come to fight for the throne!” Luna declared stomping a hoof and doing her best to scowl arrogantly despite being terrified. “I deserve to be princess…Not you!”

“Oh! Little baby Lulu has come to fight the big bad pony for the throne,” Daybreaker taunted with a mocking sad expression on her face. Then just as suddenly she bared her teeth in a delighted grin. “I would love a fight if I can only find a worthy opponent.” She stopped circling and headed in the direction of the throne. “Just one thing that you need to know Lulu…”

Daybreaker suddenly spun and fired so fast that Luna’s mind barely had time to realize what was happening. She dove aside feeling the blast scrape her side, burning her coat. Rolling across the floor she evaded Daybreaker’s stomping hooves as the insane mare chased her across the room. With one last rapid roll Luna gathered her hind hooves beneath her and kicked off the floor. Leaping over Daybreaker’s head she spread her wings and flew up towards what was left of the ceiling.

With a snarl Dayreaker spun aiming her horn at her sister flying above but her eyes widened as suddenly her sister multiplied into a dozen ponies who darted randomly around the room.

‘Wretch!” Daybreaker roared as she started blasting at the images of her sister. She snarled each time a blast went right through a doppelganger and hit the wall. Up on top the roof above Luna crept to the gap in the ceiling and looked down at her sister destroying the throne room in her rage. Suddenly Daybreaker stopped and rolled her eyes upwards. With the speed of a lightning bolt she lunged and shot upwards aiming her horn right for Luna’s neck. The younger mare leaped back a split second before her sister reached her. Instinctively Luna kicked out with her hind hooves in mid-leap. Daybreaker gasped as they connected with her chest and sent her tumbling across the roof.

As Luna regained her footing she spotted Daybreaker wheezing and struggling to stand. For the first time Luna realized that she may stand a chance after all. Daybreaker may be more powerful but how many times had she and her sister defeated more powerful opponents? She had also spent years training with her sister. She knew many of her sibling’s tactics just as she knew her’s. Not only that, sparring with her sister had trained her to deal with a more powerful opponent on her own.

Then, still wheezing Daybreaker glared daggers at Luna before firing a blast of flame reminding Luna had deadly serious this “sparring” match was. “Are you going to fight or scramble around like a frightened mouse?” Daybreaker snarled. Luna flapped a wing over the one side where her coat was smoldering from the close call. Then she looked at her sister, smirked and then vanished in a flash of light.

Flame danced wildly as Daybreaker roared in rage. She leapt from the building and began circling above the castle. Fire burned from her horn as she reached out to the sun and readied to strike at the first glimpse of her sister. She flew around once, twice, thrice growing more frustrated by the second. Just as she started her fourth lap she was suddenly struck from below by a powerful blast that sent her backflipping through the air. Snarling like a mad beast Daybreaker righted herself and fired with the heat of the sun before even looking. Only in that moment she realized that Luna had covered herself with a gleaming shield with a mirror surface. Daybreaker saw her image in the reflective magic barrier just before it was blotted out by the heat blast as it smashed into shield and shot back faster than before. A split second before it hit Daybreaker lunged horn first and split the wave with the tip.

Luna peeked out from behind her shield just in time to see Daybreaker sending a massive wave of magic at her. She yelped and ducked back behind her protection. She felt the impact sending her and her shield skidding backwards. A sound like shattering glass rang in her ears as her shield broke and Luna looked up to see Daybreaker hurtling at her with a terrifying expression of pure rage. Luna just managed to dodge as a second blast smashed another hole into castle roof. With her wings pounding the air Luna fled across the Everfree with Daybreaker after her like a flaming comment. The mare's entire body was consumed with flame. Fire erupted from her nostrils and even out of her mouth as she pursued her prey like a deranged beast. Luna Hardly had time to think as she both struggled to stay ahead of her sister and dodge each blast that would have incinerated her. Tress, land and the castle suffered the power of Daybreaker's wrath.

Soon Luna’s lungs and muscles burned in the effort to keep up such a pace. She had to stop this soon or the forest would be badly damaged and any hiding ponies would be hurt. Of course, even if she didn’t think of something it would be over soon enough once her muscles began to falter.

If Daybreaker was feeling the strain she didn’t show it. She continued to beat the air with her wings and fire endlessly at her opponent. Luna began teleporting randomly but Daybreaker never lost her teleporting with her and targeting Luna where ever she appeared. Suddenly appearing the statue garden Luna faltered as a blast slammed down into the path. The ground shook, dying bushes caught fire and the stone path shattered into rubble. When the dust cleared Daybreaker found herself looking at nothing but smoldering ash. The flames on her body began to die and she hovered above the garden. Then the flames flickered wildly again as she laughed so hard that she could not stay stable in the air and collapsed into the ashes.

A hope

Despite the invisibility spell Luna still crouched low and crept along the roof of the castle. Her wings stung from the close encounter. Her feathers were well singed but they still worked. Still, it would be a while before she could fly at full strength again.

Nearing the edge, she could already hear her sister’s voice, light and chatty as if nothing had happened. In the garden she lounged in a stone chariot not far from the ashes that she thought were her sister’s.

“Now if only I can find some way to control you,” She said looking up at the statue of Discord. “You could help me create a second sun for the other side of the world. Then I could rule the entire planet. As powerful and as magnificent as I am why should I be confined to only one side. I no longer only own half the day so why should I only on half the planet? It just wouldn’t be fair.” She flew up to Discord and tapped him on the chin. “I would have to find a way to control you too. The spell is too strong now but in years it will weaken and this chaos will let you out. If I can’t, I will fly you way up there in the sky,” She pointed straight up at the sky that was quivering heated air. “And drop you so that you shatter into tiny little pieces. You won’t come back then and take my kingdom from me will you.” Daybreaker suddenly stopped and rolled her eyes around scanning the garden and looking up at the roof.

Luna shuttered as the eyes passed over her. She knew that she was invisible but still, you never knew with Daybreaker. She slowly backed away from the edge and crept towards the gaping hole in the throne room ceiling. As silently as possible she glided down to the floor. Breathing deeply, she headed for the center. She knew that the next moments would count most of all. She had what she needed, Daybreaker distracted away from the throne room. She only needed for her to stay away long enough and then just the right moment to surprise her.

Luna reached out with her magic and finding the Elements of Harmony beneath the floor she quickly began weaving spells. Then after a swift glance behind her, she opened the secret compartment. She flinched at the rumble of moving stone that echoed around the hall. As she reached out a plucked the elements from the stones on by one and shadow suddenly swooped over her.

“I knew it!” Daybreaker roared slamming her hooves down on the floor. She lashed out with her magic and ripped the stones from Luna’s grasp. “Trying invisibility, are you? Didn’t work, and now I will make sure that you will never use these against me!” She glared at the empty space beside the pedestal that once held the Elements. “I know that you’re there. Stop hiding! Little trickster.”

Daybreaker grinned as Luna faded into view. That grin faded when she realized that Luna was staring levelly back at her and there still was the aura of levitation magic around her. Exactly six little bubbles in fact. Before she could react, Luna’s horn flashed and a black ball of magic appeared in it’s tip. In the blink of an eye it swelled and filled the entire room.

Surrounded in pitch blackness Daybreaker yelled in range and lashed out into the room with her magic. Feeling it connect with nothing she spread her wings and flew up for the room. She snarled in rage as she missed the gap and smashed into the roof. With a powerful blast she made another hole and flew out into the sunlight. Blinking against the sudden brightness she saw the spell fade away revealing an empty throne room below. Baring her teeth Daybreaker looked around. To her astonishment she spotted her sister flying some distance away with the Elements of Harmony flickering into view as they began swirling around her. Glancing back at the “elements” that she had, Daybreaker saw that they were already crumbling into sand and starting to blow away in the wind. With an angry snarl she dropped the mess and turned on her sister.

Luna’s heart skipped a beat as her sister's entire body erupted into flame. She just managed to keep focus and aimed at her sister. The Elements rose into position and released a beam of magic at the same moment Daybreaker fired a stream of flame at her sibling. The two streams of magic clashed sending shockwaves through both ponies. Luna flinched and shut her eyes a moment. When she opened them, she found herself no longer flying above the castle. She was standing inside it yet she hardly recognized it. The walls were crumbling and stained with weather exposure and age. Her sister, who was still possessed by Daybreaker was standing at the far end yet she neither saw nor heard Luna. Her attention was directed at the door behind Luna. Through it came six ponies whom Luna never seen before. She watched in astonishment as shattered fragments became whole and formed the Elements of Harmony. Only the elements now matched the cutie marks of each pony. Magic swirled and hurtled at Daybreaker who roared in terror and anger. Luna flinched as the brightly colored magic swirled around Daybreaker and the magic possessing her shattered leaving a weakened but free Celestia laying on the floor.

Then just as suddenly the vision was over and Luna was once again looking down the beam of magic as it overcame that of her sister’s. With a final shriek of rage Daybreaker was engulfed in golden light. The mass of magic hurtled onward colliding with the sun. It flashed bright while for a second and when it faded back to yellow the image of an alicorn shimmered against it’s surface.

Luna stared up at the sun for a moment feeling stunned and numb from both using the Elements of Harmony and taking in all that had happened. A bead of sweat trickled down her brow and she suddenly realized what she had to do. Reaching out to the sun she gently pushed it down towards the horizon. She felt the powerful, unnatural heat fade and almost the feeling of gratitude coming from the gleaming orb. Luna then turned and raised the moon upwards until it stood at the center of the sky.

Suddenly all the adrenaline seemed to fade from her veins. The strain of her wings to keep her aloft was too much and she clumsily descended to the castle floor. Her legs shook so badly that when she tried to stand that she only collapsed to the floor. She lay there numbly staring up at the moon but could only see the image of the sun with her sister’s likeness imprinted on it. Oddly, she felt nothing but numbness and exhaustion. The Elements had banished Celestia to the sun and they had shown Luna how years later other ponies would finally free her from the prison of her own body. Ironically she had defeated her sister with a childhood game of illusion and switch that they had played as children.

The emotional dam finally burst. Luna cried out her sister’s name to the sun on the other side of the earth. Like a flood, tears welled up in her eyes and Luna cried as she had never cried before. She curled up like a foal in the floor, covered her face with her wings and just sobbed. She sobbed for her sister and she sobbed for their people. She sobbed for time to turn back but she knew that it could not be. What was done was now done. Their fates and been set on a path and not even a wish dragon could change that. The pain in her heart was now worse that when she had first been granted that awful wish. The princess of the night now felt a darkness closing on her that was not the soft, peaceful shadows of the evening. She wanted nothing more than for all to fade away and experience this no more.

Luna cried till she had no more tears left and lay still on the cold stone floor wishing that she could be as unfeeling as it was. How long she laid there she never knew. She was lost to everything around her until a voice called out to her.

“Your majesty?” Luna’s ear flicked as the timid voice echoed through the throne room. It suddenly became a terrified cry. “Princess Luna! Are you injured!”

Hooves pounded the floor as a guard ran up to her. “Go find a doctor, a nurse, anypony that might could help!” He called out and hoovesteps from a lighter pony shot down the hall. “Hold on your majesty, we’ll help you. Where are you hurt.”

Luna slowly raised her head. “I’m not badly hurt.” Not on the outside. It was true too. She was battered and bruised, she had a few minor burns and singed feathers but nothing serious. “Don’t worry about me,” She said standing up. “There will be many out there who need help. Anypony who is able body, come with me.”

Struggling not to flinch because of her aching body Luna headed towards the hall. Her crown now felt heavier than it ever had for it had the weight of an entire kingdom resting upon it. There would be no time to stop and nurse her inner wounds. She would not even have anypony to confide in with the sweet release that came from confessing. For they were already badly shaken by her sister turning on them. They now only had her to trust and look up to and she had the ressponblity of rebuilding and maintaining a kingdom on her own. If they knew the truth then fear and doubt would destroy Equsetria. They must be able to believe in her, even if she didn't believe in herself. Luna sighed deeply. There was a long arduous journey ahead of her but at the end of that long dark tunnel there was hope.

Epilogue

Once upon a time, in the magical land of Equestria, there were two regal sisters who ruled together and created harmony for all the land. To do this, the eldest used her unicorn powers to raise the sun. The youngest brought out the moon to begin the night. Thus, the two sisters maintained balance for their kingdom and their subjects, all different types of ponies. As time went on, ponies began to forget the younger sister. They relished and played in the day that her elder sister brought forth but shunned and slept through her beautiful night.

One fateful night however the younger unicorn brought forth the dancing lights and lit up the sky with beauty. Ponies of every kind were awoken and realized their mistake. The night was not real darkness, it was a time of rest and peace, a time when one could see lights that they never would be able to in the day. Their newfound appreciation for the night caused the elder sister to become jealous and resentful.

One fateful day the elder sister refused to lower the sun to make way for nightfall. The younger sister tried to reason with her but the bitterness in the older mare’s heart had transformed her into a wicked mare of evil, Daybreaker! She vowed that she would shrowed the land in eternal day. Reluctantly, the younger harnessed the most powerful magic know to ponies, the Elements of Harmony.

Using the magic of the Elements of Harmony she defeated her elder sister and banished her permanently in the sun. The younger sister took on responsibility for both sun and moon and harmony has been maintained in Equestria for generations since.