This is a sequel to "A Fragile Nightmare". Luna-Moon, now redeemed by the Elements of Harmony, has a steep learning curve ahead of her. With her sister and the Elemental Bearers at her side nothing could possibly go wrong... Right?
Luna-Moon has been reformed by the Elements of Harmony, with both Luna and Nightmare Moon now sharing the same physical form but their individual mindsets. Now, they have to adjust to life as ruling with Celestia, can they adapt or will they remain in the shadows?
It had been several weeks since that fateful night, and Luna-Moon was in a chipper mood. Since she was ordered, by both doctors and Celestia, to stay in bed she took up reading on how the modern Equish language was. Luna-Moon was shocked at how drastically the language had changed, but coaching from Twilight had her “within the norm”, although Moon still struggled a bit.
“How much longer do we have to stay in bed?” Luna-Moon asked after Twilight's latest lesson, which surprisingly ended over some hot tea. “Next week will mark a full month since you and your friends rid us of our darkness.”
“That is up to Princess Celestia,” Twilight said after taking a long sip of her jasmine-honey blend, a favorite Celestia had passed on to her. “she has been busting her tail to ensure that there is as little backlash as possible.”
Luna-Moon blinked, her eyes becoming slitted, showing the former evil being was now in control. “Preparing for what exactly young one? She has said nothing to us about any potential plans, we just know that she has been busy with her duties.”
“Oh… I guess she has been so busy she forgot to tell you.” Twilight said with a sigh, a bit disappointed at her teacher for forgetting to say such an important detail. “Anyway, once she finally gets the stubborn nobles to come around, she plans to fully restore the Equestrian Diarchy, with you having a full pardon Princess Luna-Moon.”
Inside the shared confines of the body’s brain, both beings were stunned silent. Both Luna and Moon had chosen to keep their respective distance from each other for the time being, with the visible pupils showing which was in control at any moment. A large door separated the two, tightly bound by ancient magics, and it was at this door where Luna’s conscience now stood.
“Do you hear that Moon?” Luna asked with pure glee in her tone. “Our sister wishes to forgive us both for our past actions, this is practically a dream come true.”
“We know,” Moon said from the otherside of the door, a twisted emotional cocktail pounding in her own thought processes. “Although we still don't trust her, not yet anyway, and it will take more than this to make us change our mind. It is funny actually, because it was the same Elements that banished us that saved our lives. Yours we can understand, but not ours, we are -or should we say were- thou anger personified. It was us feasting on the very dreams that thy job was to get rid of that allowed us to keep us alive, so we don't know why we still exist.”
“The forces of Harmony are complex and vastly not understood,” Luna said while looking at the lock that separated the two consciences. “perhaps they saw your attempts to keep us alive as a flash of goodness in you, and saw that you were your own pony with your own feelings. There is still a lot we have to learn Moon, and we can learn them together, but we have to be together in order for us to fully succeed.”
“Are thee really suggesting what we think thou are?” Moon asked confused, a hint of fear in her voice. “We are seen as a monster, a cannibalistic demon that feasts on the mortal subjects of Equestria. Celestia made her subjects forget about thee for Faust's sake! Thus, we believe it will be best if we remain locked away, unable to break free so thy subjects can once again come to trust thee.”
“Harmony freed both of us, and that is something you know to be true if your searched your feelings.” Luna said in a firm tone, refusing to let her other half remain convinced of her own nonsense. “That makes you scared, I can feel it, if Equestria is going to give me a chance then they have to give you one. We share the same body now, so we are a package that cannot be taken at half value.”
“Fair enough,” Moon said pressing her head against the door. “but if thou go through with what thee desire, we must warn thee that some of our physical traits may manifest themselves.”
“We have equal sharing over the same form, it is only fair that it shows both halves. As with right now, our eyes and voice will show who is command, since they are different. Now prepare yourself, I'm about to unlock this door.”
Luna’s horn flared to life as she started to work her way through the ancient magical pathways that allowed the lock to remain in place. She could feel Moon’s resistance, and that manifested as a dark beam that shot out and enveloped Luna’s horn, smothering the glow. That minor inconvenience only increased Luna's will, and after a short period of time the beam started to ripple and morph.
Black faded, turning to a soft gray as Luna took control of the moonbeam, wrapping it around her as if it was a living organism. She could feel her magic pulsing through it, awaiting her command to remove itself from its embrace, and when the moment came it exploded into a vibrant white light that shone like the full moon. When the light faded, the lock was removed and the door open, allowing the two alicorn presences to stand face to face.
“So, thou wishes to go through it then…” Moon said as the doorway evaporated into the aether, leaving them in a featureless white void. “Why?”
“You are scared Moon,” Luna said in a soft tone, the tension in the air turning into a feeling of shock from the midnight mare. “all that you were made for has been resolved, now you don't know what your own future holds. Nopony, not even my sister or myself, knows their destiny beforehoof so you don't know what to do or where to turn. I suggest we start with something simple, make this area a place we can both feel comfort in.”
“How?” Moon asked confused. “Tis just a void we are in, thy dost thy thoughts encompass another space?”
“No, just this one.” Luna said taking a step forward, and to Moon’s shock a patch grass formed wherever Luna stood. “Here we can form our own sanctuary, away from everypony else, and be free from any outside troubles. It is here that you have a chance to reinvent yourself by no longer being seen as an angel of darkness, but as a defender of light. I know it will take some time, but I am confident that you will be able to succeed in that regard.”
“We don't know Luna, we still have a lot of doubt about this.” Moon said looking at the effect Luna was creating, a lovely beachside meadow now stretched as far as the eye could see, with blossoming lavender plants dancing in the light breeze under a beautiful blue sky. “Thy request is pure, but we don't know if we are ready to partake “
“Just let go Moon,” Luna said with a hum, closing her eyes and enjoying the breeze. “as I have already asked just let go of your past, how you used to be. If you could change anything about this place, what would it be? Focus on that and project it.”
Moon did as she was told. Glancing up at the sky her horn came to life, the sun moving until it was halfway below the horizon over the mental ocean. She didn't stop there, from the other horizon a full moon rose up, the sky transitioning from a sunset to a peaceful twilight with a few bright stars dotting the astral plane. Satisfied with what she had accomplished, Moon smiled and powered down her magic, enjoying the realm of their shared imagination.
“Well done Moon, what you just did really made this place all the more special, and it feels more relaxing.” Luna said while nodding in approval at the transformed space. “Now that is place has been established, now it is time that our two destinies…”
“Become one…” Moon finished, crossing her horn with Luna's, both their horns igniting to lock the realm in place. “Now, whomever is not in control can relax here, that is until they want a turn speaking or the need arises to fight.”
“So who shall get first turn with our new shared form?” Luna asked laying down amongst the lavender, its calming scent relaxing all her worries away. “I'm sure that both of us want to see what our form looks like now.”
“Thou art correct Luna,” Moon said basking in the light of the full moon. “but we feel it is meet that we have first turn of dominion over our shared fleshly form. It is our desire to tell our sister and the Elemental Bearers what took place here.”
“Sounds good to me Moon, enjoy your newfound freedom that has been given to you, because I am sure that you have a lot to prove to yourself.” With that, Luna drifted off into a blissful sleep, leaving Moon alone to her thoughts.
“Is Luna correct? Have we truly been redeemed?” Moon thought to herself while looking at the sleeping mare before her. “Nonetheless, we have company to attend to.”
With that last thought, Moon teleported out of the Realm of Tranquility, bringing her conscience back to the forefront of their shared mind. Once again able to see the surrounding world, she saw a very concerned Twilight standing by several doctors and Celestia, each of them sharing a look of complete shock.
“Are you alright Luna-Moon?” Celestia asked approaching the bed, leaning down to give the navy blue mare a nuzzle on the cheek. “Twilight came running for the doctors and myself when you fell unresponsive while she was talking to you.”
“We are fine Celestia,” Luna-Moon said with a sigh, both her eyes and voice showing that it was Moon who was once again speaking. “Luna and I were just having a conversation in our mental realm, and came to a mutual understanding. We apologize for any scare on our behalf, but it was a matter that needed to be addressed, and wish to fully explain once the other Bearers are here.”
“I can go get them,” Twilight said making a jumpstart for the door, but she paused in the doorway before facing the princesses once more. “we were finalizing our plans to return to Ponyville the day after tomorrow, but I am sure that can wait so you can talk to us Princess Luna-Moon.”
“Moonie will be fine for us,” Luna-Moon said with a smile, the small fangs in her mouth glinting in the light and making everypony nervous. “It will help distinguish between us and Luna that way, and give us the chance to reinvent ourselves.”
“Wise choice,” Celestia said as Twilight bolted from the room to get her new friends, the doctors leaving so it was just her and the hybridized mare in front of her. “seems that Luna got through to you to make that decision, and I am glad you listened to her.”
“Thy sister did convince us,” Moon said with a nod before her eyes narrowed. “However, we still have our doubts Celestia. Thy were foolish in making the subjects forget us, and we feel as if this is just another attempt for you to get all the praise. We believe that the saying about history repeating will apply after some time, and once again we will find ourselves back on the moon to be lost to the sands of time.”
“I was afraid you would say that, but what I have planned is the first step in order to show that I truly am sorry for what I did.” Celestia said with a sigh as she turned her gaze downward, sitting on the floor as Twilight returned with the others. “For 1000 years I had to live with the pain of the banishment, a 1000 years I had to be away from my sister, and it hurt me. Every night I looked up at the Mare in the Moon with sadness, despair, and guilt weighing me down, slowly eroding on my brain. Harmony fell silent on that day Moonie, and I had nopony to blame but myself for the punishment you had to endure. I know that it will take a great deal of time, time that I am willing to freely give, but I hope you will eventually forgive me.”
“Maybe we will in due time Celestia,” Moon said in a level tone, an unreadable expression on her face. “However, in the short term we will keep to ourselves, just to ensure we don't have a repeat of history. Luna was shunned by everypony, but mostly by you, and your rays of sunlight shined brightly on your subjects while trapping her in darkness. We know her memories, and we were the equivalent of a foal as hate filled Luna's heart, and quickly grew as her unhappiness did. Thy deed greatly hurt Luna, more than thou could ever imagine, and it carried on as the stars counted our days.”
“I was a fool Moonie…” Celestia's depressed tone made even Moon stare at the Princess of the Sun in mild shock, nopony in the room believing that the pony who kept Equestria safe for so long could look so low. “I could have stopped this, I could have gave her the attention and affection she deserved, I-”
“But thy did nothing to stop it.” Moon said interrupting, her tone cold as frozen still, her glare the force of a full army throwing their daggers. “Thou eyes were blinded, thy couldn't see a lie if it slapped you across the muzzle… thou art nothing but a foolish pony Celestia.”
“I know…” Celestia knew she was beaten, and she didn't even try to hide it from her audience as she got up and headed for the door. “and I know that I can never make it up to her in my lifetime. That being said, I want you to promise me one thing Moonie, and it is the only word that I will hold you to until your return to the throne tomorrow but I want you to swear to follow it on your life.”
Moon frowned, confused. What was the very cause of her existence acting so vulnerable for? She just didn't get it, but despite suspecting trickery, she decided to play along with the Solar Diarch’s game. "What is it thoust wishes us to promise? Let us guess, not to overthrow thyself? Or perhaps to not try and banish thyself to thou own sun?"
“i do not blame you for guessing those kind of things, and although I hope you don't do them, but that is not what I want you to promise. I want you to promise me that you will protect her with your very life, something that I failed to do.” Celestia said as tears streamed down her cheeks, trotting over and kissing the bedridden alicorn on the forehead. “I will break away in my dreams Lulu, and I will see you there dear sister. Now, rest in your moonlight’s embrace… I love you.”
Celestia didn't say another word before teleporting out of the room, everypony falling into an eerie midnight silence. None of them dared to speak, any attempts died in their throats, and it was mutually agreed to give the older alicorn her space for the time being. Inside Luna-Moon's mindscape, however, things were vastly different. Dark and threatening storm clouds now covered the sky, a light rain falling and soaking a now-awake Luna.
She had heard every word that Celestia had said, and it had crushed her to think that all her hate had been pointless. Celestia loved her, and deeply regretted her actions and ensuing solo rule. The ocean reflected her mood, waves crashing along the shore with a thunderous roar, whitecaps on the surface showing her inner turmoil as an overwhelming sensation of grief filled her heart. For the first time in nearly a millennia, Luna wept for her sister, the tears only making her sore eyes sting shut.
“Luna!” Moon shounted above the wind, the fact is howled like a Timberwolf made her shout difficult to hear, but a swivel of Luna’s ears showed that it was heard. “Calm thyself before this storm destroys everything around ourselves!”
“I'm sorry Moonie,” Luna said in a tone that was more like a ghastly moan than normal Equish. “but I can't bear the thought that I hurt my sister so. I see now that I was the fool, the one who overreacted, and I fully deserved ny banishment.”
“Thy did not,” Moon said in a stern tone that made Luna pause, quelling the storm a bit to the point even the waves had died down. In the distance, across the ocean but above it, a very familiar dream wave was felt. “but as thou hast mentioned, that was in the past. Now calm thyself, it seems that somepony is having a nightmare, come for we have to do our duty.”
“Alright…” Luna said as she got up, the rain and wind subsiding as she did. “Let's go and see what we can do to help the poor pony in duress, hopefully it gets my mind out of it's current mood.”
Moon nodded, and the two spread their wings, taking off in unison. They flew in an upward arc over the ocean, starting close to the surface before quickly gaining altitude as they nearly flew straight vertical. Once they passed the cloud layer, the light of the mental sun and moon diminished, instead replaced by the thousands upon thousands of dream orbs when they reached the “space” of the dreamscape.
“It has been a long time since I was here as a free mare Moon,” Luna said with a small smile as a wave of nostalgia washed over her like a warm, fluffy blanket. “and I can honestly say that it has never felt so good to return.”
“We can tell,” Moon said as the pair shifted directions, altering their path so they headed towards the source of the nightmare waves. “Thou were always trapped when we were in control, when we were causing nightmares to feed us, so we understand how you feel right now. Thee hast the freedom that has long eluded you, and even with as good as it feels, we need thee to focus.”
Luna nodded and the two narrowed in on the dream bubble, soon entering it and were stopped in their tracks by what they had found. The dream was Celestia's, and she was replaying the events that had transpired a thousand years prior.
“You don't have to do this sister,” Celestia said as she blocked another bolt of magic from her corrupted sibling. “please stop this nonsense and listen to me!”
“Thee already had thy chance Celestia,” The dream version of Nightmare said with a crackle. “but that chance has come and gone. Thou overlooked us, turned our subjects against us, and they only dream about and praise thyself. It is time our subjects see who the true princess is, and we will start with thou defeat.”
The scene continued just as it had a thousand years prior, bringing up some very painful memories for Luna in the process. Soon, the moment came that was known all to well, with Celestia summoning the Elements of Harmony to overwhelm Nightmare’s magic and send her to the moon. However, she realized something was very wrong since the Mare in the Moon did not appear, instead her body was lying unconscious on the floor.
“Lulu?” Celestia asked in a panicked tone ask she quickly closed in on the fallen alicorn, finding no pulse. “Oh no… what have I done?!”
Both Moon and the real Luna were stunned, their bodies not wanting to move, their voice not wanting to react as they watched Celestia weep over the dead body before them.
“Celly…” Luna finally managed to croak as she and Moon flew down to be by Celestia before putting a hoof on the alabaster mare’s wither. Her throat was raw from keeping down the stomach acid that threatened to violently escape from her muzzle, and she could feel her sister's grief. “Please stop this, I’m right here.”
Celestia acted like she didn't hear Luna, instead snapping her head up and looking up at the heavens. “Oh, Mother Faust, please hear my plea. Please bring me my dear sister back, for I was wrong to turn my back and ignore her for so long. She was my sister, the only family I had left, and I foolishly turned a blind eye as she descended into darkness. Please Mother Faust, have mercy upon my soul and bring Lulu back to me… I would gladly give up everything that I have just to have her again. My kingdom, my crown, my wings, my very agelessness are all things I would surrender. I am incomplete without her, so please… PLEASE bring my sister back to life.”
“ENOUGH!” Moon’s voice tore through the very fabric of the dream, ripping it apart at the seams as her horn brightly glowed, pulling the negativity into it. Luna, who was an emotional wreck and crying from Celestia's begging prayer, changed the dreamscape to a peaceful mountain cabin as Moon put her wing around the Princess of the Sun to. “We are not dead Celestia, why does thou dream of such things?”
“I couldn't help it Moonie,” Celestia said with a sigh, a bit of shame in her tone. “I realized that everything you said was right, and on that night I lost my sister, the one pony closest to my heart. I don't deserve any of this, and I am not a fit ruler since I couldn't see my biggest mistake was betraying my own family.”
“I am right here Tia.” Luna said in a soft tone, nuzzling under Celestia's muzzle. “I am alive and well, you were just having a guilt fueled nightmare. It happens to everypony, even me on occasion, and nopony is perfect. We all need this, Equestria needs this… we need to show our subjects that the three of us are their protectors, and that Moonie here is reformed.”
“How do you plan on that?” Celestia asked as she sipped on some cocoa that Moon had prepared and served, the warm liquid calming her as it went down her throat. “You and Moonie share a body, how can we show all three of us at the same time during the ceremony tomorrow?*
“Leave that to me dear sister,” Luna said as she leaned back against the wall. “ I know exactly how to make that happen. All I ask is that you trust me enough to allow it.”
“I completely trust you Lulu,” Celestia said wrapping one wing around her younger sibling, the other wing going around Moonie. “so what is the plan that you have in mind?”
“I want it to be a surprise to everypony, even you Tia,” Luna said with a fake pout, but soon giggled and booped her sister on the nose. “or can I not have fun? I hope that you have not forgotten the prank wars me and you had as fillies.”
Celestia shuddered, some very unpleasant memories coming to mind at the mention of their so-called 'wars’, each ending badly for her with Luna winning more times than not. She still didn't forget the time Luna replaced her coat cleaner with bleach, and never will forget since her coat never did revert back to its original sunrise orange.
“I never will forget them,” Celestia said in as calm of a voice as she could manage. “so do as you wish, as long as you promise that my guards won't have to arrest anyone.”
Luna’s face turned sheepish, lowering her gaze since she suddenly found the floor more interesting. “That I can't promise, and they might have to arrest a few, but rest assured it will be better for the long term.”
“I hope you are right Lulu… I hope you are right…” Celestia said in a soft whisper before fully relaxing, thankful to once again have her sister’s love and embrace.
It was late evening, and all of Canterlot's residents were gathered in the courtyard of the castle. It had been a widely announced event, with guards not only running a constant patrol but also getting the courtyard ready to welcome the crowd. Every citizen, from the beggars to the heads of the noble houses, were waiting for the arrival of their ruling princess. However, even with the air buzzing with a mix of excitement and nervousness, not everypony was in a good mood.
“Celestia is making a big mistake,” Penny Wise, the head of the House of Cents, said as he and the other heads awaited from their reserved balcony. “I know she is thrilled that her sister has returned, but making Equestria a Triarchy? That is just pure nonsense, the commoners will never approve of such a thing!”
“Don't be so sure,” Twilight Velvet said, looking towards the copper coated stallion. “After all, they have approved of much more… ‘questionable’ measures, such as National Prank War Day and the annual Battle of the DJs.”
“Mrs. Velvet, with all due respect, I believe your opinion to be a bit biased.” Blueblood said, sipping on some tea. “Your daughter was chosen by the Element of Magic to be its wielder, and that is a high honor in itself. Considering the Element of Magic is the most important of the six, it showed that it knew who had the most class out the lot. As for the other five, random peasants that make up the others, only Harmony knows why it did so.”
“Only you could turn such a historical moment into a manurefest about Equestrian society.” Guilded Sight, the head of the House of Haysay, said as she rounded on the pampered unicorn. “In fact, you alone give the rest of the nobility a bad name all because you are Celestia's great-great-grandniece four times removed. Well, you are the worse example anyway. Not all of us have direct ties to the Princess, and we had to earn the right to stake claim to our respective positions.”
“Which makes me the most important member of the Noble Council.” Blueblood said, earning glares from the other seated ponies. “I am the only one with royal blood, it is Auntie Celestia's fault that she doesn't recognize it.”
“Yet you wonder the reason,” Upper Crust sneered, her husband Jet Set having to keep her from jumping out her seat. “Your ‘royal blood’ has been so diluted and tainted that you have to trace your lineage just to prove you are a noble!”
“Says the pony whose family bought their way into power two generations ago.” Blueblood said, smirking at Upper Crust's shocked reaction. “You don't think I read the historical archives? If I had my way, there would be no Council, for my opinion is the only one that truly matters.”
“Cry me a river Blue,” Sharp Quill, head of the House of Leypoin, said as she threw her voice into the discussion. “You blow through bits like water going over Rainbow Falls. It takes a majority 3-2 vote, since Celestia insisted on some form of democracy to keep her subjects happy, and we are not above the laws we helped pass.”
“Rules are simply guidelines that the less intelligent blindly follow.” Blueblood scoffed, getting in Sharp’s face. “You know how I feel about you all overruling my own personal changes, so I take great pleasure in ruining your own.”
“Yet you follow them,” Penny Wise said, smirking as Blueblood froze in place. “So, I guess that makes the almighty Blueblood the Fifth just as intelligent as the rest of us.”
“Just to avoid trouble with my Auntie,” Blueblood said, trying to regain his composure. “Besides, only reason you are the head of your House is because your parents refused to pay for you going to clown school. Oh, by the way, your act is so boring that I'd rather watch Dry Paint walk her pet snail.”
“It was for fillies and colts!” Penny Wise protested, only to blink when Blueblood's words fully set in. “Wait, why in Tartarus were you even at that show? I never saw you while I was doing my routine.”
“That is because I was in the back corner, away from the crowd.” Blueblood said, once again standing in a defensive posture. “As for why, it was because I was curious if you were going to teach them proper etiquette on looking down to their inferiors.”
“You seriously thought that something meant to make them laugh was going to give a history lesson?” Guilded said, rubbing her forehead with a hoof to ease the headache being caused by Blueblood's foolishness. “That is low, even by your standards. Penny Wise does his best, and my niece wants him to perform at her birthday party in a few weeks, it isn't our fault that you hold yourself to such a high regard and refuse to accept common means of entertainment.”
“I agree,” Velvet said, nodding in approval. “Faust knows my little Twilight gets herself wrapped up in her studies, especially now that she is Celestia's student. Hopefully, she can become friends with those other mares, antisocial behavior is not healthy for anypony, although that might be why Blueblood is such a grinch.”
“No need to be so rude,” Blueblood said, ignoring the snickering from the others in the balcony. “For the record, I do have friends, just none that live around here.”
“Of course you do,” Sharp said, rolling her eyes. “If that is the case then name one.”
“Archduke Birdnaid of Purrsia,” Blueblood said, causing the other nobles to go quiet in shock. “Me and him do weekly correspondence and have tea time in Manehattan every Saturday. The only time I’m here is if something comes up that requires my immediate attention.”
“Such as the long-awaited return of Princess Luna?” Velvet said, the edge in her voice easy to see by the tiny traces of flames in her eyes. “Or is the only reason you're here to try and make a good first impression for the Triarchy?”
“You mean Diarchy,” Blueblood said, his personal butler refilling his teacup. “That being shall not be a nuisance for long, for my best scholars are already working on a complex spell matrix to end its existence.”
“You are willing to commit heartless murder?” Sharp said, the color drained from her and the other nobles’ coats. “Have you lost your mind?!”
“No, I have not,” Blueblood said, clearing his throat and straightening his posture. “Now, if we may put this off until another time, I believe the ceremony is about to begin.”
True to the call, a thunderous sound of fanfare poured over the courtyard, all eyes drifting up to the royal balcony above. After a moment, Princess Celestia herself appeared, dressed in full regalia and flanked on her sides by Fluttershy and Rarity as cheers erupted from the crowd.
“My dear subjects,” Celestia said, her voice bringing the crowd to silence. “It is with great honor and pride that I announce that my dear sister, Princess Luna, has returned!”
Once again the crowd erupted in cheers, only for Celestia to hold up a wing.
“Now, before Luna comes out to address you all, I have a few things I want to get cleared up. For 1000 years the tale of Nightmare Moon has been passed down from generation to generation, and as with all events in the distant past, the truth has been muddled and erased. For Nightmare was not a spirit that possessed my sister, nor is she the Boogymare that steals away little foals at night, she was born because of me…
I created the Nightmare.”
“What…” Blueblood said, spitting out his tea as the crowd erupted into a frenzy. “Surely she must be possessed to make such a claim!”
“How would you know?” Night Light said, bapping Blueblood on the muzzle. “She was there, so she would know.”
“Quite disturbing, this is.” Penny Wise said, gulping to keep the contents of his stomach from being spewed all over the floor. “That was mentioned nowhere in the historical archives, so why would she admit this now?’
“You seem to be forgetting something Penny,” Velvet said, keeping a calm face and even tone as the guards began to settle the crowd. “She is here, and this is her way of publicly apologizing. Twilight told me that Celestia broke down in tears when she was talking to Moon, she poured her heart out then, and is doing it now.”
No further comment was made, for the populace had been calmed, and Celestia cleared her throat once more.
“Please, allow me to explain.” Celestia said, mentally begging and pleading to the stars for this to end as fast as possible, yet she knew she had to press on. “Back then, everypony regarded me as the true Princess of Equestria, and they all bowed to me in service. Yet, for all the praise I received, Luna received none. I foolishly let it get to my head, and ignored all of Luna's pleas and begging to help her. Instead, the darkness, hate, and animosity that was born out of that grew and she let it take over. That, my little ponies, is how Nightmare Moon came to be.”
Numerous angry shouts erupted from the crowd, only for the guards to take some of the more rowdy ponies away. Things seemed to be settled, that is until one little filly pushed her way through the crowd and kept jumping in place while frantically waving her hoof.
“Well now, what do we have here?” Celestia said, gently picking the filly up with her magic and placing her on the balcony. “What is your name little one?”
“S-sunrise Melody, Your Highness,” The filly said, lowering into a bow. Her nervousness was evident by how much she was shaking, barely able to remain standing. “I-I was wondering if you could answer a question.”
“You may ask,” Celestia said, moving a wing to tilt Sunrise's face up to look at her. “What is it that you want to know?”
“You said that you created Nightmare Moon, right?” Sunrise asked, and after Celestia nodded she continued. “I was just wondering if you had any evil in you as your sister did?”
Celestia froze, her pupils shrinking to pinpricks as she remained locked in place. An all-too-familiar chill rushed through her body, chilling her to the core as a wicked laugher resounded in her head. However, the ramifications of the amplifier spell that had been placed on the balcony drew her out of her mind and back to the crowd below, who were anxiously waiting for the answer.
Princess Celestia, the Princess of the Sun, and protector of Equestria, was now exposed.
“Out of the mouths of foals,” Celestia said, giving Sunrise a small nuzzle. “In short, yes, I could become evil, but I choose not to.”
“Why?” Sunrise said, her innocent eyes piercing Celestia's own and calming the flaming sun inside them. “What made you decide to be good?”
“Because I know that I will be a better pony by being good.” Celestia said, picking up Sunrise and giving her a hug. “Daybreaker, my evil self, wishes for eternal day. She wants everypony to bow to her, a tyrant who wants nothing more than to watch the world burn, and all who oppose her be turned to ash. It is my love of everypony, from beggars to above, that keep her at bay.
We all have good and evil in us. It is up to each individual to decide on what road they choose. There are cases of ponies who were evil that redeemed themselves, just as there as those who were born good but descended into darkness. That being said, it is my personal belief that everypony deserves a second chance. The crown I wear is a symbol, the symbol that I do love and care for every citizen of Equestria. Canterlot, Ponyville, Manehattan, Fillydelphia, and everywhere else within the border is my responsibility. However, now it is also the duty of the Elements of Harmony as well as both Luna and Moonie. Does that answer your question Sunrise?”
“Yes, Your Highness,” Sunrise said looking back over her shoulder to the crowd below. “Um, can you please put me back down there so I can return to my parents? I didn't think you would bring me up here when I convinced them to let me ask my question.”
“Gladly, but before I do, please give my thanks to your parents for raising such a well-mannered foal, I have no doubts that you will go far if you continue on the path you trod.” Celestia said, gently setting Sunrise back down in the courtyard. “Now, enough about me, it is time for the mare of the hour herself. Please welcome your Princess of the Night, Princess Luna!”
As both royal sisters expected, the applause Luna got was nowhere near the reception that Celestia had received when she had stepped out on the balcony. Nonetheless, being flanked by Twilight and Pinkie Pie helped to not only calm her nerves, but also showed that she was, in fact, an authority figure that needed to be respected.
“Thank you, Celestia, for that wonderful speech and introduction,” Luna said, stepping up to take her preassigned spot beside her sister as she looked over the crowd. “Considering that my sister covered most of the basics, there is not much I would like to add. In the time since my return, I've noticed so much has changed since I was imprisoned in the moon. From the dialect, to the literature, to the very way everypony lives is all still strange to me. However, I want it known that Celestia’s student Twilight Sparkle has been an excellent coach in helping me in adjusting. Please give her a round of applause.”
“Way to go Twily!” Velvet said, her shout causing everypony to look at her in bewilderment. The other nobles were baffled that she acted the way she did in public, whereas the citizens were surprised that a noble could have feelings. “That's my little filly!”
Twilight, who was not used to being put on the spot, tried her best to not let her nervousness show as everypony clapped their hooves. Politely giving the crowd a small wave and bow, she returned to Luna's side as the alicorn motioned for silence.
“That millennia in the moon was a time of great despair.” Luna said, once again taking control of the event. “Imagine being stuck in your head with no way out, while being confined in a box that you built yourself. That is the best way I can describe what it felt like when I was imprisoned. I had no method to remove myself from the moon, for Harmony's terms are absolute in nature and can't be changed. Moonie gave me comfort when I had none, a voice that fulfilled everything that I wanted.
I am in charge of the dream realm, and will once again resume that mantle starting tonight. However, where it is my job to banish nightmares away, it is what gave Moonie substance during my banishment. She feasted on them, in the process keeping both of us alive. A few centuries into my banishment, I tried to reflect on that fateful night, but every time I tried my hatred grew stronger. Soon after, Moonie was not only able to feed off of nightmares, but also to my horror manipulate them. It was then I tried to rebel, but due to the Elements of Harmony I was nothing but a bird in a gilded cage, unable to do anything but watch the stars recount my days.”
“Better do something quick,” Celestia said, noticing the crowd growing increasingly restless as Luna continued her speech. “If you don't say something encouraging soon, we are going to have a full-blown panic induced riot on our hooves.”
“I was just about to get there sister,” Luna said, a slight annoyance creeping in her tone as she tried to calm down the crowd. “Please, dear subjects, calm thyselves. Harmony decided that my fate is still to be written, just as it is for each and every one of you. Look to your left, then right. If the pony next to you did you wrong, then asked for another chance, would you give it? As my sister said earlier, everypony deserves at least a chance at redemption, are you going to exclude me and Moonie just because of ancient myths and what took place? Ask yourselves this, how would you want to be treated if you were in my hooves for this situation?”
A very uncomfortable silence overtook everypony, and even Blueblood dared not say a word. A few shuffled their hooves, a few coughed, and a few glanced down at the ground in shame.
“That's the reaction I hope you would have,” Luna said, a smile forming on her face. “I forgave my sister for what she did, just as I hope in time you will forgive Moonie for her actions. Change is something we all fear, but once that fear is overcome great things can take place. I wish to not be a stranger to any of you, but to also be a friend just as much as I am your princess. Today will go down in history as the start of a brand new era, an era where the realm of shadows will no longer be feared, and all nightmares will be vanquished!”
The crowd instantly turned, murmurs of doubt being replaced with a grand applause at Luna’s closing speech. The atmosphere also felt lighter, the previous tension disappearing under the embrace of soft moonlight. For the first time since her fall, Luna felt relaxed, basking in the cheers as the crowd started to chant her name.
“Do you hear that Lulu?” Celestia said, whispering in such a low tone the amplifier spell didn't register it. “Your ponies adore you.”
“No Tia,” Luna said, whispering back. “Our ponies are chanting my name… but now the fun is about to be doubled.”
“Lulu what are you-” Celestia’s question was cut off as an eerie mist began to form, slithering through the crowd like a silent serpent before collecting on the balcony. The shadows in the nearby vicinity, from the buildings to every pony, began to gather and collect around Luna's horn as she channeled them through her and causing an impenetrable black mass to build around her in a sphere.
Two batponies, each sounding a trumpet chorus of jubilee, circled like vultures as they landed on the balcony in front of the sphere. Raw archaic magic pulsed from the sphere, shattering it into thousands of pieces as a simultaneous scream developed from the crowd at the sight of Nightmare Moon standing beside Luna.
“It's Nightmare Moon!” A unicorn said, begin. quickly subdued by two guards as he tried to break himself free. “She is here to make us all her slaves!”
“Slaves?” Nightmare said, a small smile pursing her lips as she chuckled. “We have not such desire. Have ye not been listening to Celestia and Luna? We are here to help lead thyselves at Celestia's side.
We knoweth thy concerns are justified. We knoweth that thy do not trust us. We knoweth thy wishes for us to simply vanish like shadows at sunrise. However, thy wishes are not possible, for we are bound to Luna, just as Luna is bound to us. We are grateful Harmony gave us another chance, we hopeth thy will too.”
“It's a trap!” Berry Punch said, getting into a striking pose before being tackled to the ground. “She is trying to use the same mind control technique she has on Princess Celestia to bend us to her whelm. I say we show you just how much we think of this takeover, who's with me?!”
Much to each alicorns’ dismay, but to Blueblood's delight, nearly everypony agreed and started to look for things to throw. Suddenly outnumbered against the enraged mob, the guards tried their best to keep the peace, but after Corporal Spear Point was hit by a fence post digger, they lost control of the situation.
Suddenly everything not embedded in the cobblestone streets became a weapon. Pitchforks that were groundspony property, arrows set on fire by lanterns, and even fruits and vegetables lifted from the celebratory buffet table all became projectiles. A few unicorns, using their magic to their advantage, started using their magical grip to increase the velocity of their weapons, one to the point a corn cob got embedded in the castle wall.
Unicorns were not the only ones to start using their species traits, with a few pegasi being bold enough to start doing air raids. That plan of attack was cut short, with the two batponies doing defensive maneuvers and knocking the airborne attackers clear out the sky. Both made their presence known, returning fire by raining down rotten mangos that had been placed out of sight as an absolute last resort.
“Enough of this,” Celestia said, her horn blazing to life and bathing the area in its golden glow, but there was a slight heat behind it that caused everypony to instantly ceasefire where they stood. “I am greatly disappointed in you all. All the three of us asked was for you to keep an open mind, and welcome my sister back with open hooves. Although you did it, I am old enough to know when it is just to play face. In addition, this little disturbance cannot go unpunished, and I will leave Moonie to decide the means that it will be handled.”
Cold, hard fear raced through the crowd like a raging tsunami, locking them in place as they gazed up at the Empress of Nightmares. Moonie, keeping her gaze unreadable and stoic, looked over the crowd before closing her eyes. For those few tense moments, imaginations ran wild, with everything from banishment to mind wipe being thought of by at least one citizen.
“Thy sentence is as follows,” Moonie said, shattering the silence like a sledgehammer to a wall. “A week of community service, starting with cleaning the mess here and repair the damage to the castle.”
The simultaneous jaw-dropping would have caused a quake if they were all Earth Ponies, but luckily those were the minority of the group.
“We knoweth thy reaction was out of fear, nothing else.” Moonie said, knowing full and well everypony was paying attention. “Tis but the first example that we can be fair. We have our faults, thy do as well, but instead of focusing on the negative look at the positives. Celestia has her sister back, and that in itself should be celebrated, for now Equestrian leadership is as it should be. Are we perfect? No, but neither is anypony else. Thou art imperfect, the Keeper of the Flame is imperfect, and the Keeper of the Stars is imperfect. However, we will still lead, protect, and guide you, for that is our job.
Our weaknesses should be used to make us and thyself stronger, not as a means to scorn and cast judgment. From ponies, to the distant dragons and yaks, to everything in between; we all trod the same ground, we all sail on the same ocean, and we all look up to the same sun and moon. We may be different species, and that includes different pony species, but we are all made of the same cells, tissues, and organs. Who knows what we could achieve if we worked to overcome our obstacles and focused on the greater good. So come now our children, and let us welcome the change that Harmony itself has bestowed upon us. I dream of the future, a future where we all are not cast away for what we are, but are welcomed with open hooves and recognized for the accomplishments that we have done.”
“Woah,” Penny Wise said, himself just as moved as the crowd below. “That is a future that I think we can all agree that will be great indeed.”
“Great,” Blueblood scoffed, moving towards where the exit was from the balcony. “The things she just said were indeed grand, but coming from her, it is like finding a cure for hoof in mouth disease. It will never come to fruition, no matter how hard she tries or what she does, it is just impossible.”
“I hate to bust your bubble, but there is a cure for that.” Night Light said, much to Blueblood's embarrassment. “Little Twily had it when she was a foal, all it took was a prescription and it cleared right up a few days later. So, by your own example, her plan will work in time.”
“I'm still not going to help the filth clean their mess.” Blueblood said, his butler starting the curtains for him to move through. “You can all help if you want to get your hooves dirty, but my business here is finished.”
Beating a hasty retreat, he was at his carriage in record time. A plate of warm pastries awaited him, the plush interior having been fluffed to his liking as the Earth Pony servant pulling the carriage started to pull off, but was instantly stopped by the two batponies.
“What is the meaning of this?!” Blueblood said, his face turning red as he shook his hoof. “Do you two have any idea who I am? I could have you demoted to the point you'll be lucky to find work cleaning sewers. Step aside peasants, and I'll let you off easy by telling Auntie Celestia to give you both a stern talking to about knowing your place.”
“Thou hast no authority over us,” The batpony with a dull dirty blond mane said, taking a few steps forward. “We serve Her Highness Luna-Moon, and her commands art our only commands.”
“We know who thou art Blueblood,” The other batpony, who's grey mane and tail glistened like a smoky prism, said as she joined her partner's side. “For Princess Celestia warned us thou might giveth us trouble. Her Highness said that everypony was to help clean up, and that includes thyself. Also, our ears are better than most ponies, so we heard all the hateful remarks thou hast made towards Her Highness, so we suggest thou help.”
“Her speech should be just about finished anyway,” The first batpony said, looking up towards the royal balcony. “Would it trouble thyself to stay for the grand finale?”
“I-I suppose not…” Blueblood said, turning his attention back to the speaking alicorn. “Although I hope it ends soon, it is getting late.”
“It is just beginning for Her Highness,” The blond-maned batpony said, “Firing off a salute with a wing as Celestia, Luna, and Moonie raised theirs, the whole crowd and every noble bowing in response. “Now watch.”
Once again the shadows started to circle Luna and Moonie, the air crackling with energy as they were engulfed in darkness. In one quick pulse, the sphere evaporated, and nopony could believe their eyes. Where two alicorns had stood, only one remained. Her fur had changed, starting with Luna's navy blue on her head and gradually transitioning to midnight black halfway down her fetlocks. Her mane and tail had remained mostly the same, but the stars in both were more numerous and vibrant, multiple constellations being visible.
“This is us, our combined form,” Moonie said, her slotted eyes glistening in the moonlight. “Our eyes and speech will be the key to tell us apart. If we speak with this style and have our eyes, it is us who is over this body, and during all other times it is Luna who will be in charge. We addressed Celestia and the staff last night about this, and now we are telling thyselves for when thy visit Night Court. The night is still young for us, our subjects, but we bid thee farewell so we can start hunting nightmare and our sister can get her rest. Good night.”
Making their way back inside, Celestia, Luna-Moon, and the other element bearers were joined by the two batponies. Taking off their enchanted helmets, Rainbow and Applejack's heads returned to normal shortly after.
“Your plan actually worked Luna-Moon,” Rainbow said, flexing her still-bat like wings. “And I got to say, these wings feel good once I got the hang of them. I mean, I still prefer my pegasus wings, but wouldn't mind switching it up from time to time.”
“Yea’” Applejack said, nodding in agreement. “Ah wouldn't mind it neither, and like this I could do some night time apple bucking durin’ harvest season. That is if you let us keep this armor anyway.”
“Thou may,” Luna-Moon said, smiling at the pair. “All we ask is for thy to not pull any pranks with it, and for it to be used in a responsible manner. Thee Armor of Elune is a mantle few have trotted, but thou proved to be more than capable. Besides, even under our wings during the night, thy will still be under Celestia during the day. Rest well, for we will guard thy dreams with our moonlight's embrace.”
“Thank you, Your Highness, but I'm in the mood for a midnight snack.” Applejack said, bowing as she put her helmet back on. Looking to Rainbow, she trotted over and booped her friend on the nose, flashing a fanged grin in the process. “Last one to the mango fields is a bad bat.”
“I am not a bad bat!” Cheeks flushed and puffing her chest fluff, Rainbow slammed her helmet back on her head and bolted after Applejack, taking off into the night as everypony started laughing.
“You have some interesting friends Twilight,” Celestia said, recovering from her giggle fit. “I have no doubt that the bond between you and your friends will only grow stronger with time. Harmony made the right choice to have you girls carry the Elements, and you have already done more that I could imagine. Well done my student, you have passed another test.”
“Thank you Princess,” Twilight said, looking up at her teacher and ruler with a bright smile on her face. “Can I give you my Friendship report now?”
“You may Twilight,” Celestia said, chuckling as she put a wing over Twilight's mouth, muffling the unicorn's yawn. “Do it whenever you're ready so you can go get some sleep, I need to turn in myself.”
“Alright,” Sitting as straight as her tired body would allow her, Twilight cleared her throat.
In the days following the ceremony, the word spread like wildfire. All throughout Equestria, ponies looked up to the portraitless moon, finally accepting that the princess that had fallen from grace had returned once more and had been redeemed by using the Elements of Harmony. Thousands flocked to the capital, soon overwhelming the capacity of the castle, and forcing the sisters to arrange public meet and greets. However, despite the frenzy, one group of ponies was rejoicing.
To the general populace, it was still a relative unknown as to what took place when Celestia and Luna-Moon swapped domains. For the most part, the lowering of the sun signaled when it was time to turn in and sleep, allowing Luna-Moon to do her secondary job and patrol over the dream realm. Yet, the opposite was true for bat ponies, and anypony who stayed far from the city could tell numerous tales of hearing bat ponies communicate in their little-known tongue. The ‘eee's and ‘keke's sounded like random noise to normal ponies, but bat ponies understood every syllable, every tone, and were able to interpret them as normal words. Considering that their sounds could project for up to ten miles in the right conditions, it also served as a highly effect messaging system.
Unknown to most of Canterlot's society, with the sole exception of the Nightguard, there was a small group of bat ponies living in the outskirts of the city, living in the cave located a little higher up on Mount Canter. To keep themselves hidden, and to prevent alerting their presence, they choose to use simple Ponish unless they were far enough from town to use their echo system.
Having witnessed the Princess of the Night themselves, they were the ones to alert the other Enclaves, the few that remained. Much enjoyment and merriment were had, but not every bat pony was celebrating. A lone figure glided beneath the treetops, following a ragged and run down trail as she neared her destination, the town of Peachhill.
Peachhill was an old village that had its origins back in the Discordian Era, being secluded by a dense forest and far enough north that even during the summer the nights remained cool with the crispness of fall. It did have one distinction, one that was the only way modern day Equestria knew of its existence, and that was the fact it had a grove of the sweetest mangoes in the land. The trade was good, and by wearing cloaks when making deals, nopony suspected a thing.
However, a deal was not was what was on the mare's mind as she cleared the trees and entered the clearing where the village rested. The tall, ancient peach tree that was the hallmark of the town towered into the sky, the light from the moon cascading through its leaves like silver ballerinas. The houses, remnants from a time long lost, were neatly arranged in a semi-circle around the tree, each identical to one another. In the center of the town, a larger building resided that held the bar.
It was the bar, or rather, somepony in the bar, that was her reason for visiting.
“Who goes there?” The bouncer said, making his way through the swiveling double doors and greeting the mare outside. “Drop your hood and reveal yourself and purpose.”
“My name is not important, and I am here to visit Madame Nightengale.” The mare said, pulling back her hood to reveal a white coat, two-toned grey mane, and beady red eyes that could be easily mistaken for brimstone with slitted pupils. “I have an appointment with her, and I don't think she would take kindly to being told you held her guest up.”
“Y-your,” The bouncer stuttered, the color draining from his face as he looked at the albino bat pony in front of him. Albinos were extremely rare in the bat pony race, and one living to full adulthood was even rarer, so seeing the mare in front of him chilled him to the core as he stepped aside. “Madame Nightengale is in the back, in her private room, and I do apologize for the delay.”
“Since you were apologetic, I will let it slide,” The mare said, moving past the guard and entering the bar, everypony staring as she did. Ignoring the looks, she made her way to the curtained room, where Nightengale herself resided. “Thank you for meeting me on such short notice Madame, I hope it wasn't a bother.”
“None at all, I do tend to get bored quite easily.” Madame Nightengale said, flashing her fangs as she smiled. The rugged soot-grey coat and unkept purple mane and tail did wonders to make her seem intimidating, especially when you added her eyes were a deep scarlet color. “However, before we begin business, I have two questions for you. First question: what gets wetter as it dries?”
“A towel,” The mare said, fully pulling back her hood but keeping the royal purple scarf around her neck in place. “That really wasn't hard to figure out since my Enclave is in the Amarezon and we constantly have to use them to keep fruits from getting moldy.”
“I figured that would naturally come to you,” Nightengale chuckled, but soon leveled her face once more. “The second question: What is soft, but firm, welcoming, yet intimidating, and can both build you up and tear you down at the same time?”
“A mother's love,” The mare said, pulling out a scroll from under her cloak. “As per the scroll your messenger gave me.”
“Very well Ghost Fire, you are who you say you are.” Nightengale said, taking a sip of her drink as she peeked her head through the curtain and motioned over a waiter “May I interest you in a mangorita while you are here? You must be thirsty after such a long flight.”
“No alcohol, but a virgin one is fine.” Ghost Fire said, the waiter retreating to fill the order. “I’d rather not fly drunk, not after somehow ending up in the Amarezonian Jungle Pony village the last time I did…”
“You escaped one of their villages?” Nightengale said, a look of pure surprise and shock becoming evident even in the low light. “How in Tartarus did you manage to pull that off?”
“Wasn't easy, trust me,” Ghost Fire said, nodding in thanks at the waiter for bringing her beverage before he retreated once more. “Especially with my wings bound, hooves shackled, and mouth bitted and bridled. Luckily, a young filly saw I wasn't happy, or a demon from their lore, and snuck me out. She was a very eager convert, and is currently trying to broker peace between her old tribe and our Enclave.”
“That must be rough on her,” Nightengale said, sipping her beverage with a look of concern. “To be put in such a position at such a young age, and in an incredibly dangerous circumstance at that.”
“No kidding,” Ghost Fire said, a sigh escaping her lips as she swirled her drink. “At first, her tribe thought we had taken her by force, brainwashed her, and converted her as a way of payback for my imprisonment. That little debacle nearly caused a full out war between the two sides, until the filly put them in their place by reminding them who she was… the village chief's daughter.”
“No wonder they reacted the way they did…” Nightengale said, her tone even and her eyes unreadable. “Was the conversion painful for her?”
“Considering she was a unicorn beforehoof, there was a lot of pain involved.” Ghost Fire said, a shudder running through her at the memory. “We did our best to suppress it with the herbs we had, but she is without a doubt the bravest filly I ever met. She really took it like a champ, the heart of a true warrior.”
“That's good,” Nightengale said, her posture relaxing as she stretched in her seat. “I hope all turns out for the best. Now, let's get down to business, shall we? Surely you didn't fly all this way just to give little ol’ me a status report on your Enclave's happenings.”
“Had to get to it eventually,” Ghost Fire said, abandoning her drink. “I know that our most glorious Night Mother has finally returned and once against walks amongst us, but I am greatly concerned that the demon is still within her.”
“Ah, the Nightmare,” Nightengale said, nodding her head as she figured the purpose of the meeting. “You want this old sage to make her be gone no doubt.”
“Yes, I do,” Ghost Fire said, leaning up and crossing her forehooves as she rested them on the table. “There must be some way that you can perform some sort of ritual that expels that menace from her, you are the greatest bat pony sage to ever live!”
“I appreciate the compliment, but that is far from the truth little one,” Nightengale said, looking directly into Ghost's eyes. “The reports that I've heard indicate that the Elements of Harmony spared the Nightmare, so therefore there is nothing I can do.”
“Nothing?”
“Not a thing Ghost Fire,” Nightengale continued. “I’m a mare of many talents, having learned under the old Zebrican king before his son took over and kicked all the sages out, but going against Harmony itself? That's a line I will not cross. You are not the first of our kind to visit me this week over this matter, and I doubt you will be the last, so I will give you the same advice and say that you need to accept the situation as it stands. Besides, we are her Children of the Night, so she will guide us and keep us safe no matter what.”
“I just have a bad feeling about this,” Ghost said, adjusting her scarf. “It's just something that is nagging at me I guess, like a feeling that everything is going to backfire and our Night Mother will be forced into another exile.”
“Worry not night sister, I see a grand future ahead of us for our kind,” Nightengale said, drinking her beverage. “However, I can't say the same for one of the nobles, a unicorn who goes by Prince Blueblood.”
“There is a Prince in Equestria?” Ghost Fire said, mentally shuddering at Nightengale's warning. “Why isn't that well known? None in my Enclave have heard of such a thing.”
“That is because it is more of an honorary title more than anything, he holds no pull compared to the sisters,” Nightengale explained, drawing back the curtain. “He will let his own goals be his own doom and corruption, this I have foreseen in more than one vision.”
“That's not good for him then,” Ghost Fire said, shrugging off what Nightengale just said. “What about our Enclaves?”
“That is one thing I can't tell you Ghost Fire, no vision will show me,” Nightengale said, watching and listening to a villager play on the bar's piano. “However, I also know what you plan on doing. I am wise enough to know a transformative scarf when I see it, and this why I gave you the warning for your own future… Blueblood.”
“How did you know?” Blueblood whispered, loosening the scarf just enough so he could use his normal voice. “It could have been anypony, yet you knew from the beginning didn't you?”
“I did,” Nightengale said, drawing back the curtain once more when she knew nopony had heard the admission. “I was just waiting to see how long you could keep your ruse with my baiting lines, and I must admit you did handsomely. Your only flaw was using an albino disguise, for they are quite rare and draw attention. You think burning down this village will draw us to anger? No, it won't, we will rebuild and I will testify against you, for I could end your plan before it fully begins. There are many spells that allow a pony to gaze into another's past, so that would be the only evidence needed.”
“So, you'll turn me in, just like that?” Blueblood scoffed, and despite his outward demeanor, he was mentally nervous. He knew those spells existed, but he had not planned on Nightengale figuring him out so soon and was willing to do whatever it took to keep her quiet. “Surely there must be some way I could ‘persuade’ you to keep this to yourself.”
“Oh, Blueblood,” Nightengale chuckled, a mirthful grin forming on her face. “Everypony has a price, some more than others, but the question is what are you willing to give me?”
“Look,” Blueblood said, leaning in close to the bat pony's ear. “As long as it is within reasonable bounds, I will give you whatever you ask.”
“Hmmm…” Nightengale hummed, closing her eyes in thought. “I want you to make things hard for the Zebricans, really make them look bad as it were.”
“You want me to commit specism on your behalf?” Blueblood was shocked, not expecting such a demand to be given. “Isn't that a bit outside reasonable bounds?”
“Says the pony who wants to commit murder of half of the Night Mother's soul,” Nightengale said, baring the full length of her fangs. “Don't make me use force Blueblood, just one bite will have you doing what I say, regardless if you want to or not. I'm sure during your research of me you found out my special talent no doubt?”
“I did,” Blueblood was scared. He knew how rare Nightengale's gene was, being rarer than even the albino chromosomal strain, and that her cutie mark of a pink rose with blood-red tips had more than one meaning. “But my point is that is a little too forward for my tastes. It has to be something covert, something that will be easy to pull off behind the curtains without anypony being one the wiser. Also, you have lost your advantage, because if you have that memory spell used against me, you would be incriminating yourself as well.”
“Political move then?” Nightingale said, rubbing her chin. “There are several potions I know that involve poison joke as an ingredient. I could easily whip up a few, pull the old bait-and-switch during the next trade, and make it seem like they gave the nobility a bad batch of ‘horn hardener’.”
“And when the potions are going to be analyzed, I secretly swap them back, so the real brews are the ones inspected,” Blueblood said, earning a nod from Nightengale. “I think that plan will work, but you do realize that by cooperating, you will be aiding the downfall of your precious Night Mother.”
“I-” Nightengale said, shuffling her hoof. “Umm…”
“Figured that you would hesitate,” Blueblood said, tightening the scarf once more and bringing it over his disguise's nostrils. “It really is a pity, because I was hoping to have somepony as skilled as you as an ally, but I see that isn’t going to happen. Now, sweet dreams.”
Walking back into the main bar area and flicking his right ear twice, Blueblood smirked as several potions started flying through the windows. A purple haze soon filled the air, affecting everypony besides the disguised unicorn, and soon every bat pony was asleep. Upon reaching the front door, several ponies in full Solar Zealot armor approached.
“I assume that talks went south?” Satchel Quill, the Captain of the Guard, said as he approached the still-disguised prince. Once the most dissipated, the captain made a motion with his wing, and his small group of soldiers stormed into the bar while being careful not to hurt anypony as they trashed the place. “You gave the signal quicker than I thought you would.”
“She knew it was me from the beginning,” Blueblood said, placing a piece of fabric on a broken table, bearing the insignia of the Solar Guard. “Luckily the potion has a twenty-four-hour memory blocker, and is weak enough that it just knocked them unconscious, so they are not dreaming nor can alert Auntie Luna.”
“I do have a question,” Satchel said, moving aside so Blueblood could pass by him. “You know I am going to probably be intensely interrogated, along with my troops, so why not place blame on the Lunar Guard to make it seem like their own kind betrayed them?”
“It wouldn't work,” Blueblood said, pulling out a cloth tipped arrow and lighting the end. A unicorn private, using his magic, brought over a crossbow. “They would see it as they somehow brought their Night Mother’s wrath upon them and would go to Canterlot to know why. By using the Solar Guard, it would cause friction between the princesses. Now, Captain, I want you to take this arrow and set the first house on fire. We are going to leave only the bar and peach tree untouched.”
“Say what now?” Satchel said, blinking in surprise. “I was not told that was going to be a part of the deal when you requested my services.”
“Actually, it was,” Blueblood said, aiming the crossbow at the nearest house while offering it to Satchel. “I specifically told you ‘do not ask what will be required, force may need to be used.’ By burning down the village, it buys me time, time to set my next phase into action. If you do as I ask, I will triple the agreed upon price.”
“T-triple?!” Satchel said, stuttering in surprise. “Is that just for me, or my troops as well?”
“Each of you,” Blueblood said, grinning as the pegasus took the crossbow and lined up his shot with his wing. “You may fire when ready.”
Taking a calming breath, Satchel pulled the trigger and fired his shot at the nearest house, silently praying to Celestia that nopony was home as Blueblood presented him with a bag of thirty silver bits.
Unfortunately, his worst fear was reality.
Sunshine Glade was one of the few non-bat ponies that lived in Peachhill. As a young mare, she had gotten lost in the woods, and had stumbled on the town by pure accident. Lost, afraid, and on the brink of dehydration and exhaustion, she had been taken in by Shadow Slight, a local mango farmer. The bat pony was more than eager to help, and soon after the two had fallen in love. With their oldest filly off studying farming in Appleloosa, Sunshine had given up her modeling career in Manehattan to help raise the youngest foal.
“Hey honey,” Sunshine said, shaking Shadow awake as she bolted upright, senses on full alert at the sound of shattered glass. “Did you hear that?”
“Dear, I stayed up half the morning making sure our fields were properly prospering,” Shadow said, a heavy yawn escaping his mouth as he shifted in bed. “I'm exhausted, so can I sleep in for once? Also, if you have something cooking, I can smell it burning.”
“That's the thing Shadow,” Sunshine said, leaping out of bed as the smell of smoke started to burn her nostrils. “The sound of breaking glass woke me up, I haven't been able to start cooking anything.”
That caused all traces of the Land of Nod to release their grip on Shadow. Joining his wife, the two raced down the hallway to where the foal was asleep. Seeing that the little bundle of joy was still asleep, Sunshine scooped the filly up in her magic as flames started to leap from under the doorframe of an joining room.
“That's Sky Streak's old room,” Shadow said, gathering what few belongings he could hold. “ We need to evacuate while we still can, how far can you teleport the three of us?”
“Er, two, maybe three miles tops?” Sunshine said, calling upon her dormant mana pool as her horn flared to life with a bright orange glow. “What direction do you want me to teleport us in?”
“Southwest,” Shadow said, nudging Sunshine down to the end of the hall as the door finally gave way and flames started to spread. “I know some old logging trails that will get us close to Mares Hill, then from there we can take the train down to Fillydelphia, then eventually Canterlot. I grabbed enough bits so cover the fare, plus whatever else we will need along the way.”
Shedding one last tear, Sunshine activated the spell, plunging them into the darkest depths of the forest.
Far away in the South Tower of Canterlot Castle, Pinkie Pie stirred from her restless slumber. She had not been having any nightmares, so Luna-Moon had no reason to visit her; however, something kept swirling in the back of her mind and finally brought her back to the waking world.
“Something is not right…” Pinkie said, whispering into the silent room. Her Pinkie Sense was warning her, warning her of evil ahoof, and she had to know what it was. Moving across the floor with the swiftness of a mamba, she pressed a tile by the door that activated a privacy rune, keeping any sound from escaping into the hall.
A little known fact, one that Pinkie had kept from her friends, was that when she was a filly Moohemians had took her on a tour of Equestria. The year that followed was one of the best of young Pinkamena's life, and along the way they had taught her how to use a scrying pot. It was something that she rarely had to use, but this felt like an exception considering the heavy sense of dread that she was feeling. Reaching into her mane and pulling out the pot and ingredients, she began the scrying chant.
”Fifths the hodgepodge that has since long cooled Fifths and thrice the years Tia has ruled For as rotten melons shed their rind, The time has come, with nowhere to hide
Over and under Eques I stir, Searching for the source like an enchanted lure Teeth of the old and hair of the young, It is now this chant's begun! Like a dragon looking at his treasured lot, Show me the things in my scrying pot!
Round the world, and back again It isn't over til evil ends
Skin of a rattler, To help strengthen the matter Eye of fae and fang of spider, And a piece of Jacolt's ladder A silver fork and a golden ring, By this chant, my heart does sing Show me the one with wicked desire, As this brew steams like Tartarus fire!
Round the world, and back again It isn't over til evil ends
Tail of rabbit and scale of fish, Help me Goddess to grant my wish Four-leaf clover and strong aged leather, Mix with the bond of a pegasus feather Claw of bear and hoof of ox, I will find these things like a wise, sly fox With a writer's quill and a noble's wine, Cast the net and connect the line Salamander slime and antler of game, Help me discover what is no longer the same Pinch of despair from when all hope was lost, And ground dust from the Statue of Chaos The ethereal haze is now lifted!
Round the world, and back again It isn't over until evil ends
With the power of my Element of Laughter, Let me see what I'm after!”
The brew stopped simmering, the surface turning into a pseudo looking glass, revealing a scene that made Pinkie's mane and tail fall flat. She saw a burning village, the flames outlining the silhouette of a bat pony and pegasus, a bag of bits being exchanged as the two shook hooves. The scene then shifted, showing a unicorn and bat pony galloping through the woods with several bundles on their backs, including what looked like to be an infant. Before Pinkie could even blink, the view clouded once more, returning to the bubbling cocktail.
“This isn't good,” Pinkie said, doing each step in reverse so she could safely put the pot back in her mane. “By the tingling in my hooves, somepony dark has found their groove. I swear to the curls of my mane, we won't stop til the being is slain!”
The tranquil time when everypony finally was able to rest their weary heads from a hard day of productivity. Routines varied depending on age and preference, from the adults dreaming of providing for their families to the innocent foals dreaming of dancing sugar plums, but all had a single pony to thank for giving them rest.
Luna-Moon stood on her balcony, overlooking the tranquil city where her subjects were all currently asleep, each tucked away into their own little corner of her Land of Nod. The full moon, her moon, the very place where she had to endure 1000 years of imprisonment, spread its glow across the landscape; the snow at the top of Mount Canter reflecting like a silvery blanket across a perfect portrait. Yet, behind the serenity, Luna-Moon could tell that something was not right.
Nothing seemed out of the ordinary, with the silhouettes of barn owls circling the fields around the edge of town, looking and lurking in the shadows the night provided as they searched for their next meal. The tapestry of wildflowers, alive with color during the day, had long since tucked themselves in for the night, storing energy until Celestia's sun arose to feed them once more. If the average observer looked up at the balcony, they would assume that Luna-Moon was simply basking in the night she brought after the closing of every day.
That assumption was very wrong.
"Oh Nebula, Queen of Space," Luna-Moon began, both mares chanting in unison the ancient prayer of the Lunar alicorns. "Keep our subjects safe in place. Protect them all as they go their ways, through our nights and the Invicta's days. All who oppose us shall face our might, and have judgment cast right on sight. We trust in Harmony to guide our path, as we hope not to fall to wrath…"
"I have not heard that prayer in a long time sister," Celestia said, causing Luna-Moon to be startled by the company, not hearing Sol Invicta join her on the balcony as she approached. "What made you decide to say it all of a sudden? It isn't a Lunar holiday or anything…"
"Oh hello Celestia," Luna-Moon said, giving her sister an acknowledged nod. "Does it need to be such to say it?"
"No, no it doesn't," Celestia said, raising her wings in a defensive stance. "I was just curious is all. Considering that the two of you share a mind, and can delve into each other's memories, I'm sure you have seen what I was referring to."
"Zenith, the Isle of the Alicorns," Luna-Moon said, taking a deep breath before slowly releasing it. "We have seen much about it, from the gold streets to the diamond light bulbs, and how it seemed to float on its own accord without the aid of magic. It seemed to be a treasured time from Luna's youth, so I convinced her it was necessary to say the prayer; considering the gathering darkness making itself known in the breeze."
"So you feel it too then? I was afraid of that," Celestia said, sitting down and gazing up at the stars. "It feels different then when you surfaced the first time Moonie, it feels closer and more tactful."
"Likewise," Luna-Moon said, closing her eyes and feeling the breeze, doing her best to try and find the source of the darkness, to no avail. "Thou hast a good read, but thy sense is being muddled like our own. Interestingly enough, Luna reported to us that roughly twenty of thy Zealots be not asleep at this hour, for thy presences are not in the dream realm. Dost thou have an explanation?"
"None," Celestia said, humming in thought as she searched for a reason why so many would-be awake. She could understand one or two, due to having trouble sleeping, but twenty was enough to be a small escort if force was required. "There are no nighttime training regimens currently on the docket, so your guess is as good as mine. Are they all from one unit, or spread out over different ones?"
"They all are part of Satchel Quill's squad," Luna said, Luna-Moon's eyes and speech changing to the younger sister before, in a flash, both night time alicorns were separate entities once again. "By my estimate, they awoke around three hours ago, and it was abrupt. One second they were peacefully dreaming, the next they weren't."
"Satchel? My Captain of the Guard?" Celestia said, a growing feeling of dread starting to creep up her spine as her sister nodded. "This is troublesome. First, we each feel the darkness in the air. Second, my Captain of the Guard rouses a group of his troops up with no warning. Third, not only are they gone, it was an unauthorized maneuver without sending me a report as to why he needed to mobilize."
"Art thou suggesting what we think thou art?" Moonie said, raising an eyebrow at the Solar Princess. "If thy suspicious be correct, we deal with treason most foul this night, an offense subject to death in the dungeons."
"I know," Celestia sighed, finally letting the shudder that had been building loose. "But I don't get it, Satchel is a very loyal guard, one I would trust my own life with. When he was a recruit, he was constantly badgered by others for being an undersized pegasus. and most were ready to throw him out to the curb. However, he didn't let it bring him down, instead using it to push himself harder, soon going from dead last to the top of his class. When the day came that I presented him with the ultimate rank, the very one that he currently holds, I was honored to do so because of how he was able to overcome adversity to achieve it."
"T'would seem he is not as loyal as was thought," Moonie said, making Celestia flinch at the remark. "To fully commit treason, it must be premeditated in nature."
"You don't think I know that?!" Celestia snarled, making Moonie gulp at the wisks of solar flame that briefly manifested at the corners of the Solar Princess' eyes. "Perhaps, we are all overthinking, there must be a more logical conclusion than immediately jumping to treason."
"Very true Tia," Luna said, draping a wing over her sister's back. "But unfortunately, that list of possibilities is very short. At the least, he needs to be reprimanded for doing a maneuver without permission, that much is fact. As such, I suggest that you talk to him in private after the morning sparing exercises are finished, catch him when his guard is lowered the most."
"No, I will ask him when he returns," Celestia said, turning to gaze at the horizon. "He would expect me not to be up at this hour, but this overwhelming feeling is going to make returning to slumber troublesome. It is not quite time for the Empire to return, so it isn't Sombra, but at the same time the darkness feels the same…"
"Corruption? Greed?" Luna said, doing her best to try and ease her sister's troubles. "Power struggle?"
"Possibly," Celestia said, but forced her eyes shut as a powerful feeling pushed itself into her mind. Even with her eyes shut, the landscape opened up before her, and she was horrified by what she saw.
Canterlot, and the mountain it was placed on, were both lit with an auburn flame, with most of the city being reduced to a charred, smoldering rubble that burned Celestia's nostrils. Up ahead, one of the taller buildings hilted onto its side, terrified screams piercing the air as the residents became trapped in the apocalyptic inferno.
"What could be the source of such a vision…" Celestia thought, watching the semi-transparent scene play out in front of her. Most ponies were simply running for their lives, desperate to escape to safety; however, a small fraction of them was fighting each other, and she could only shriek as a head tumbled in front of her, thrown at her from a ghastly shadow from beneath a broken, blood-red moon as a sinister, crackling laughter pounded her ears.
The head of Luna-Moon.
"Sister!" Celestia's senses rebounded at Luna's voice, and when the vision was fully shaken off she saw that Luna had her trapped in a hug. "Tia, are you alright? You spaced out on us and your face morphed into horror."
"I had a vision Lulu," Celestia said, almost on her verge of tears as she graciously returned Luna's embrace. "A very terrible one about your future. If it comes to pass, it will end in your death."
"A vision of our death?" Moonie said, closing her eyes and humming in thought. "Did thy see who smitthed us?"
"No, I didn't," Celestia said, shaking her head to try and keep that image from resurfacing. "All I saw was a pony of shadow with a menacing grin throw a severed head at me beneath a cracked moon during a Lunar Eclipse, and when I saw the head it was yours."
"Interesting," Moonie's tone was thoughtful, pursing her lips as she listened to the details that were given. "Did thy note any other things?"
"It was all semi-transparent, like I was looking through a veil," Celestia said, her demeanor hardening as she looked at Moonie. "I was a fool ignoring Luna the first time. I was a fool again passing off your return until Twilight constantly brought it to my attention. I will not be made a fool a third time. Those first two, however, were solid projections."
"To us, that shows thy vision is not set in stone," Moonie said, opening her eyes. "Still much can change, if we plot our course well."
"I have to agree with her Tia," Luna said, nodding at her other half before looking at her sister. "There is still time for all three of us to prepare, but we all have to be quick like a thief in the night."
"Or like a batpony flying under your stars," Celestia said, noticing an approaching batpony closing in on the balcony. As the figure got closer, she noticed it was Rainbow, and it seemed like she was in a panic as she landed and removed her helmet to shake the knots out her mane. "Hello there Rainbow Dash, is everything alright? You seem like you are in a hurry."
"No, Your Highness, everything is not alright," Rainbow said, dropping her head into a bow. "Me and AJ were out taking a flight and ended up in a competition race from Fillydelphia to back here. Well, that got abandoned because we found a couple who had come from a village on the Northern Boundary. It had been attacked."
"Attacked?" Celestia said, ignoring the looks that Moonie and Luna were giving her. "Were they able to tell by what?"
"Unfortunately no," Rainbow said, pulling out a notepad from the pocket in her uniform. "Sunshine Glade, unicorn, and Shadow Slight, batpony, were asleep in their home until Sunshine woke to the sound of breaking glass. Soon, it was discovered that a bedroom belonging to their oldest foal, who no longer lives with the couple. Gathering what they could, and their baby filly, they bolted. They caught our attention by Shadow flying up and intercepting us before we could turn around for the return leg. Seeing us in uniform gave him the idea we were part of your guard Princess Luna-Moon, and after he and Sunshine told us what had happened, I raced here as fast as my leather could carry me."
"Hmmm, we suppose that misconception needs to be addressed," Luna-Moon said, eyeing Rainbow from mane to hoof, liking what she saw in the athletic mare. "Would thou be interested in joining the New Lunar Republic? We need to restart our ranks, and both thee and Applejack seem like fine candidates. It would not interrupt thy cloudbucking, nor thy dreams of being a Wonderbolt, and it would give an excuse to sleep in after shift change."
"So, let me get this straight," Rainbow said, tapping a hoof under her chin. "You're giving me and Applejack the option to be bonafide, actual guards under your command, and I get to sleep in late since my schedule will not interfere with my current job? I'm in, but AJ will be tougher to come around to, after all, she has her farm duties to tend to."
"Which," Luna-Moon said, pursing her lips with a smirk. "Would include time off for harvest season, and her stipend can help fund whatever her farm needs."
"I'll ask, but I think we have gotten off track," Rainbow said, slightly coughing to clear her throat. "So what do you want me to do Princess? AJ is currently flying back above the train to ensure there are no further accidents, they insisted it to ease their nerves."
"Listen close Lieutenant," Luna-Moon said, Rainbow instantly snapping a salute. "Go back to the train, inform Dame Applejack of our offer and give her back up. When the train arrives in Canterlot, bring them straight here, and should anypony give thee slack tell them thou are following our orders. Got it?"
"Yes, Your Highness!" Spreading her wings, refastening her helmet, and taking back off into the night, Rainbow was out of the princess' sight in less than two minutes as she headed back towards Fillydelphia.
"This just changed things…" Celestia said, looking off in the direction of the prismatic batpony's flight path. "Seems our enemy is already on the move."
"Quite so sister," Luna-Moon said, following Celestia's gaze into the night sky. "We agree with thy assessment. Question is, how should we plan?"
"First and foremost, interview my Captain," Celestia said, lowering her head with a sigh. "Then get the report from that couple. After that, we go based off what we learn. I'm just defeated in that you have returned just a short while ago, and already there are things out to get you."
"Circumstances are less than ideal, but consider it a test for us," Luna-Moon said, causing Celestia to look at her in confusion. "This is the test Harmony laid for us, why Harmony chose to spare us, so we will take the path she has put before us. We will stay true to our agreement sister, and will do what is necessary to protect our subjects."
"That… that's actually a logical way to see it," Celestia said, nodding in approval. "But I do not want to lose you so soon, especially since we do not know what we are up against."
"Does it matter sister?" Luna-Moon said, all the weight of the world being lifted off Celestia's shoulders with that one question. "We art in this together, and we will win together."
"I hope so Luna-Moon," Celestia said, finally showing the crack of a smile. "But do you think the Goddess of the Heavens will be as merciful as Harmony?"
"She normally is," Luna-Moon said, Luna being the one in charge of the vocal cords for the moment. "I mean, she did have Harmony ensure that we had the means to be able to live long enough to return, even if it was unconventional. She gave us comfort when our parents sacrificed themselves to defeat Entropy when we were young, so I see no reason why she wouldn't help us now. Harmony is slowly weakening against the rising tide of darkness sister, we have to take the course of action that might be our greatest ally, even if it is on nothing more than on the wing of a prayer song."
"Look at us," Celestia said, softly chuckling as she used a wing to wipe a tear from her eyes. "The leadership of Equestria, talking about resorting to things our subjects often do to us. What would they ever think of us not being goddesses like they believe?"
"Relatability, we think," Luna-Moon said, Moonie now in control. "Shows we are not above our subjects, for we have shown that we are not perfect. Our subjects will feel more at ease around us, should they find out that is. Dost thou remember the way our parents told us she loves to be pleased?"
"Oh goodness," Celestia said, closing her eyes in concentration. "It has been a long time since I thought about it. Umm… If I remember correctly, wasn't it by a heart song?"
"Thou are correct," Luna-Moon said, nodding at Celestia's answer. "Thou hast always had the better singing voice than us, so thou lead and we will follow."
"Oh come on, don't sell yourself short," Celestia said, nuzzling her sister. "You have a lovely voice, but if you insist, I will start."
"Go ahead sister," Luna-Moon said, gesturing with a wing. "It is alright."
"Hmmm…" Celestia mused, idly rubbing a hoof against the floor. "How about…"
"I know of your mythical spirit, That graces the heavens above… So please take heart these lyrics, And bless us all like a dove…"
"No no no!" Luna-Moon said, her exclamation making Celestia slightly flinch. "We apologize, but that sounds like a badly worded parody of the villain song from that blockbuster Bridleway play."
"Um, maybe because that is the tune?" Celestia's sheepish look did nothing to crack Luna-Moon's deadpan, making her sigh. "Sorry sister, perhaps my second verse will be better than the first."
"Yeah, under da stars (under the stars!) Under da star-
*SLAP*
"I deserved that…" Celestia grumbled, rubbing the check that Luna-Moon had hit. "That I really did…"
"Dost thou think Goddess will be appeased with poorly ripped off Bucknee tunes?!" Luna-Moon said, getting muzzle to muzzle with Celestia as she glared into the Solar Princess' eyes. "Thou. Art. A. PRINCESS! We know thy can come up with something better than that!"
For the next several minutes, not a sound came from the balcony as Celestia searched and searched for the proper tune and wording. The ghastly cone of silence grew and grew, even crickets bending to the muten hammer blow.
Then they felt it.
The wave of Harmony reached out to the two alicorns, crashing into them like a thunderous tsunami and filling their entire being with a sense of peace. Celestia had felt it only one time before, during the first days of Luna's banishment as she poured heart out to the winds of the earth as it lifted it through cloud, sky, and space. For Luna-Moon, however, it was the first time that she had willingly let Harmony fuel her as Celestia began to sing.
*Tia* "Oh Goddess of, space so high… Send your blessings down, from the sky… And should my loved ones, perish and die… Give me strength as, I mourn and cry…
*Luna-Moon* We'll stick together with our bond so strong, Facing all doers, of evil and wrong… Peace will be gone for, far too long… At the toll of, the final gong…
*Tia* We'll stick together with our bond so strong, Facing all doers, of evil and wrong… But should my patience, come undone… I'll bring the fire of my glowing sun…
*both* As shadows approach from all sides…
*both* For we'll be standing… Against all odds We'll be standing… no matter the cost We'll be standing… upon our thrones We'll be standing… until we've lost
*both* For it is our destiny…
*Luna-Moon* We've been freed from the chains of strife… Now we're in a fight for our very life… And should we have to go to war so soon… We'll bring the power of our graceful moon…
*Both* As shadows approach from all sides…
*both* For we'll be standing… Against all odds We'll be standing… no matter the cost We'll be standing… upon our thrones We'll be standing… until we've lost
*both* For it is our destiny…
*Tia* The Prophecy has come to pass, If we're not careful then the evil will last *both* Now darkness gathers upon the wind, The time is close to begin Oh Goddess hear our voice And help guide us with our choice…
*both* For we'll be standing… Against all odds We'll be standing… no matter the cost We'll be standing… upon our thrones We'll be standing… until we've lost
*both* We'll be standing… *Tia* (To stop the raging fire…) *both* Standing…
*both* Oh we'll be standing… *Tia* (To cease the dark desire…) *both* Standing…
*both* We'll be standing… standing…
*both* For it is our destiny…"
And for the first time in 1000 years, the sisters fully embraced in peace, hoping the song was carried upon the winds of Harmony.
A light flashed in the master bedroom of the largest mansion in the Noble Corner. Prince Blueblood, feeling invigorated with new energy, teleported into his lavishly furnished bedroom and tossed his disguise onto the bed.
"Phase One… complete," Blueblood said, trotting over to the Roaman mirror that occupied one corner of the room as he looked back at his reflection. To his eyes, whether it was due to exhaustion or the flickering candlelight, his mane appeared longer but he thought nothing of it. "Soon, dear Auntie, you'll be free of the darkness…"
Due to the hour and being exhausted from chain teleporting all the way to his room, Blueblood retired for the night by sliding under his imported silk sheets and fell into a peaceful slumber. However, a small, ever-growing part of him did not.
With Peachhill's close proximity to the Frozen North, there was an extra layer of danger by being a resident that the rest of Equestria did not have to deal with. Despite not having to deal with changeling invasions, crazed fillies, or a certain pony who freaked out over the tiniest of incorrect details, every winter the village had to deal with Windegos. Madame Nightengale helped, giving every family a special potion to spread above their doorways to keep the evil spirits at bay; however, there was another, far darker and more powerful threat that was always lurking in the shadows.
The Umbrum.
Everypony only knew of the ancient, corrupted spirits from the tales of King Sombra. How the Queen of Dark Magic had corrupted the love-struck unicorn, eventually leading to his betrayal of Queen Amore and his soul succumbing to darkness. Yet, rumors often swirled that it was not her that corrupted the former Emperial Consort, but instead one of her more powerful followers that had turned Sombra into a puppet for the Umbrum Queen's plans.
Little did anypony know, that rumor was actually the truth.
The Queen herself had remained hidden, escaping from the rest of her kind when they all were banished, but as a result she had to reduce herself to nothing more to a presence without a host body. For over 1000 years she waited, so when she felt Blueblood's dark desires, she was drawn in like iron in a magnetic field.
Seeping in was easy. Disguising herself as smoke, she entered through his nose as he watched the first house ignite in an auburn blaze of glory. Filtering through his respiratory system and his bloodstream, she took root in a part of him that would go unnoticed, where she could grow and extend her influence.
Alas, her new host was not perfect, since he was male, and his thaumic pathways were so weak and underdeveloped from nonuse that giving him the energy to chain teleport over such a vast distance nearly erased her essence. Already, the first minor and -mostly- noticeable changes had already begun, but after 1000 years of dormancy she knew she could wait just a little longer for her plan to be realized.
"Soon," Umbra said, knowing that nopony would hear her as she swirled around her pocket of control. "The sisters will pay dearly for helping Amore banish my kind. As soon as I reconstruct and strengthen this body to suit my needs, there will be nothing standing between me and my objective. This host already hates the Night One, so is by that hate I will be born anew!"
Crackling to herself, Umbra spread herself over the entirety of her space, and the horrified screams of millions went unheard as they began to lose their tails.
For as long as Equestria had been in existence, there had always been a guard.
Originally composed of entirely unicorns, whose sole purpose was to protect the newly-coronated young princesses, the ranks had changed drastically over the years. Where there originally had been one squadron, the guard over time was split into five squadrons for the Solaris Imperii and five for the Lunae Imperii.
The Solaris guard, whose squadrons ranked from the elite Zealots to the lowest class "Trail Burners", also had been touched by the flow of time. The Trial Burners, in wartime, were the ones to go out and scout enemy lines and to report back weaknesses to the Zealots, who in turn modified the battle plans before reporting to the princesses to lead the offensive. The group, vastly made up of Earth Ponies, were a force to be dealt with, and had earned a reputation of even bringing down dragons from using their natural Earth Pony magic to use rocks, weeds, and the ground Itself to their advantage.
This was a very effective strategy, and minimized losses while maximizing gains all while being good caretakers to enemy troops wounded or captured in combat. However, as the threat of war dwindled, the Trail Burners' objectives changed to being explorers to try and survey the surrounding kingdoms and lands, an assignment that was often the substituted choice for troops who broke conduct instead of being sent into the dungeon.
The Equestrian Sky Defence was entirely made of pegasi and bat ponies, the brainchild of Commanders Hurricane and Star Struck and were the second unit engaged behind the Trail Burners. Their primary objective was to slip behind enemy lines using cloud cover and the cover of darkness to launch attacks from above that would cut off the enemy lines from being resupplied. After the war, the group stayed together on a tour of the land, performing at various shows as reenactments of the ferocious battles they had taken part in. Adults respected them, foals admired them, and with no threat of war they soon turned to performing stunts as a way to cater to crowds of all ages as the prototype of what became the Wonderbolts.
Not to mention, multiple complaints from yaks about the reenactments being "culturally insensitive" and "gloating the Yakyakistianian conquest" had made Celestia, Luna, and Hurricane make the switch to stunts.
The fourth and fifth squadrons, the Fire Lancers and Aurora Aces, were unicorn troops normally selected for their remarkable aim and precision with projectile spells. They were the one class that had not changed, and even in modern times they stood tall around the palace walls ready to strike down any enemy they had to face.
As for the Lunar forces, their duties were mostly to provide backup to their daytime counterparts. The Tranquillum provided recovery aid to the Trail Burners, the Constellatio guided the Sky Defense due to their natural night vision, the Pulsars and Nebule backed up the Fire Lancers and Aurora Aces, and the Quasi supported the Zealots. For a long time, the system was stable, and kept Equestria safe.
Then Nightmare Moon happened.
Then, shortly after, the Exodus of the Ruby Moon, in which every last batpony was driven out of Canterlot out of fear that they were puppets of The Nightmare.
With Luna's forces gone, Celestia knew that the guard was now an area of weakness, one that worried her to the core. Gathering a committee of the noble houses, squadron leaders, and three commoner representatives of each pony type living in the city to try and formulate a solution. Multiple plans were presented to the princess, each being shot down due to either the favoritism in the plannings or just being flat out impractical.
That is until Baked Bean, a muscular Earth Pony cobbler with a mustard yellow coat and mahogany-colored mane, presented a rather different approach. Instead of forcing citizens into mandatory guard duties, let it be an open application to a new squadron consisting solely of commoners and those who didn't make the cut into the normal guard. The new squad would host once-a-week training days organized by one of the normal squadron leaders, but otherwise would continue with their normal lives.
The princess, along with each head of the houses, loved the idea and soon a public announcement was made presenting the newest squadron: The Equestrian Unified Platoon.
The E.U.P.
With Baked in control, the makeshift division of civilians soon became the most lethal force Celestia had in her arsenal besides her solar capacities. They conquered Griffinstone, made Stalliongrad surrender, locked Umbra the Umbrum Queen in an enchanted crystal, and repelled four invasion forces from the changeling ruler Queen Themis the Terrible. For his bravery and leadership, Celestia promoted Bean to a special role, one that she foresaw would be the goal of every future member of the ranks: The Captain of the Guard; and, after taking the position, Bean set down the code that every Captain would be held to as part of the rank.
In Duty, there is Pride, but Pride will not control me. In Pride, there is Servitude, and it is that Servitude that will drive me. In Servitude, there is Loyalty, and it Is that Loyalty by which I will protect the princess and the subjects. In Loyalty, there is Honor, by which I would gladly take an attack to ensure my princess and my fellow guards can continue on in battle.
My life is no longer my own, but the life of my princess, the life of my guard, the life of the nobility. It is the life of the peasant, from shopkeeper to farmer, from the old to the young, and it is by these degrees that I serve with no ill intent. Darkness and Evil shall not pierce my shield, just as Betrayal and Treason shall be crushed asunder beneath my hooves. I will hold the Light in my aim, the Flame in my heart, and Harmony will guide my way.
This is the way of the Captain of the Guard.
"This is the way of the Captain of the Guard…" Quill, repeated having run the oath that he had taken countless times since they had left Peachhill trying to find some sort of justification to the actions he and the rest If the Zealots had taken part in, but that goal was fleeting and non-existent. "What have we done?! Those ponies didn't deserve to lose their homes, they were innocent! We are supposed to protect the citizens, not destroy their very way of life. Now look at us, a bunch of traitors who will probably be snuffed out one by one until it all falls back on me. I sold us out for thirty bits, bits that now will curse me for the rest of my days just as I am now a curse to ponykind. Everypony will avoid me, for my horn will be severed and my cutie mark torched by the sun…
The symbol of my treason and betrayal…"
Taking a moment from his internal thoughts, he glanced back at the rest of his division. Unlike the Zealots of old, twenty-three out of the thirty were not of royal birth, but instead had risen through the ranks with hard work and filled with determination to serve dutifully to the best of their abilities. Many came from different walks of life, and wanted to join the guard for various reasons, which only amplified the heavy guilt that was slowly suffocating his mind like an anaconda.
He thought of Cloud Dasher, the pegasus mare who joined the guard for the insurance costs provided in order to become a mare; a change that only increased her stamina, agility, and had a reputation for making battle sims pure hell for the enemy due to her cutie mark being a snow tornado. With Cloud having a wife and three fillies at home, Satchel couldn't imagine the agony that they would have to endure. Agony that was unjust.
He thought of Prism Lance, the unicorn archer who started out as a bounty hunter for weretimberwolves before becoming a Zealot archer. As good as he was, able to kill a flying squirrel midglide at 350 yards, he still lamented about not being able to capture the alpha, who he lost track of in the depths of the Everfree. It was that anger that drove him to be a better archer, so that the next time they faced he would capture his prize.
Then there was Spear Mint, the gumshoe who did the Zealot interviews. Aqua Eclair, the moisture farmer who provided goods. Aurora Dewleaf the botanist, whose knowledge of plants proved valuable in the field. Many names, many pasts, but all futures soiled by his lapse of judgment.
"Sir?" Cloud's voice pulled Quill to the guard in front of him, her sky blue hoof pointing at a saddlebag attached to his barrel. "You alright? I have been trying to get your attention but you seemed to have been in a daze."
"I'm fine," Quill's tone, and quickness to answer, made Cloud flinch but the mare made no effort to call her leader out as he sighed. "Sorry for the tone, just a lot on my mind is all, but I appreciate you worrying about me."
"Is it because you are a traitor?" The pegasus' question made the whole squad involuntarily shudder, the elephant in the room wearing a polka dot tutu having been spoken. "What do you think they will do to you, Sir? What about us?"
"You act like your hooves are clean in this matter," Prism said, scoffing a bit as he moved in front of Cloud. "You are just as guilty as the rest of us for participating, what makes you think you will get off free and clear?"
"I can think of multiple violations Prism," Cloud said, standing her ground as she looked at the larger, built stallion. "Failure to notify squad of mission details, failure to alert the princesses, and accepting a bribe of treason. Considering he is the only one who has his payment, his fate is sealed, but the rest of us can easily take a plea deal for a dishonorable discharge by testifying against him while also bringing down Blueblood."
"Now you see," Crimson Eclipse, one of the scouts, said as she joined the conversation. "That last one is exactly why I am taking the payment and keeping my muzzle shut. Blueblood is a high ranking noble due to his thin but verified connection to Princess Celestia, he could make all evidence disappear and have you put in a far worse predicament than if you took the fall like the rest of us. Hay, he could have it so you are turned back into a stallion, is that really what you want?"
"I'd rather die a stallion of honor with a clear conscious than a mare with a guilty one," Cloud said, her resolve not wavering. "So, when the payment arrives, I will not be accepting it."
"So, you rather betray us, all in the name of your conscious?" Marshy Skies said, his chilling tone making even Quill shudder against the autumn air. Marshy had always kept to himself, having a shrouded past he didn't speak of but had an unnatural ability with his Earth Pony magic to detect underground tunnels and quicksand, a talent that saved the Zealots on more than one occasion. "Sadly, I can't allow that to happen."
"What do-" Cloud's question was cut off as she felt a queasy sensation washed over her briefly before dying down. However, as she tried shaking off the feeling, she realized something disturbing, a plume of her feathers had come loose, dissolving before hitting the ground. "What the hay…"
Startled as she was, she didn't realize that more changes had started to occur. Her tail and mane both started to thin and absorb back into her body, a fin taking their place as her fur began to fall out in clumps.
"What's happening to me?!" Cloud said, panic in her tone as her body went rigid, her bones feeling like they were being ground into dust and her skin was being coated in stone. "Guys? Help me!"
"I'm afraid they can't," Marshy said, Cloud's jaw-dropping at his eyes being emerald green instead of their normal brown, the rest of the Zealots also frozen in place with a blank look and a light green aura around their heads. "You see, they are under my spell, and won't be removed til I am done with you. You would make a fine addition to my hive Dasher, but I am going to let you run free with no hive and hive mind to call your own. However, I do suppose I can answer your question or what is happening to you. The spell I am using on you is turning you into a changeling drone."
"Changeling?" Cloud asked, her eyes becoming fully blue as her cutie mark disappeared. With a yelp, she brought her black, hole-ridden hooves to her muzzle as her teeth cracked and changed to those of an omnivore, her upper canines extending into fangs as a jagged horn pierced her skull. On her back, the membrane of her former pegasus wings thinned and became like those of a dragonfly, completing the transformation as a deep hunger started to build. "What is that, and why did you do this to me?"
"A changeling is a magical relative of ponies who literally eat emotions instead of normal food." Marshy said, and in Cloud's mind she saw a pony mare just shorter than Princess Luna-Moon that looked similar to what she had been turned into but taller and with a bottom set of fangs and a crimson mane and tail. "As such, we need to blend in to collect our food, either passively or by force, but force makes the emotion not as nutritious and leaves the victim drained. As for me, I am a princess drone, and I made you a changeling and are sending you on your way so I can keep collecting for my mother's hive without my cover being blown."
"Was this really necessary?!" Cloud's tone didn't go unnoticed by the disguised princess, the larger drone briefly flinching as she looked at Cloud in sympathy. "You could have escaped while we weren't looking and pass it off as a dishonorable discharge due to guilt like me."
"I could have, but unlike myself that rather collect love freely, my mother views ponies as nothing but food." Marshy said, briefly glancing over her shoulder to make sure nopony had come down the trail before removing Cloud's armor and laying it on the ground. "Now I got to keep this short, but to collect emotion you have to imagine yourself as dining on a feast but focus on the feelings around you while doing it. Too much bad emotion, or going over a week without collecting, will kill you. To shapeshift, picture the image that you want to turn into and tap into your mana. It is easy as that, and consider yourself lucky I didn't add you to the hive to spare you a fate worse than Celestia is going to give us. Now go, I can't hold the stasis spell much longer."
"Bu-"
"I said go!" Marshy's shout making Cloud jump back and, after a few quick tries getting a feel for her new wings, the former pegasus took off into a low glide and buzzed off out of sight as the disguised princess sighed. "I hate I had to give her that appendage back, but seeing as she now has both gender's worth, I hope she can be the one who saves the changelings… She is a good mare with a good head on her shoulders, if her wife accepts her as she now is, there is still a faint glimmer of hope on the horizon for our species."
Unlike all worker drones, the princess had a private section of her mind that was spared from the hive mind, and it was in that bubble that she kept hope that her mother, the ruthless Queen Chrysalis, would fall. She knew her mother would ask questions as to why her love stores were depleted, but since she had a week until the next assigned guard break, it would buy her the time she needed to cover up what she did. With her hidden horn throbbing to the point it started getting painful, she finally let the stasis spell go.
"Ugh, my head," Quill said, rubbing his temple from the sudden headache that struck him and the others before looking around at his surroundings. "Say, where did Cloud go? I swore she was right here with us."
"Have you forgotten so soon Sir?" Marshy said, gesturing to the former pegasus' armor as she silently went to work on a memory spell, one that would be untraceable by even Celestia and Luna due to the changeling princess' fineness of her craft, and improved on from studying the brain for years on end. However, as good as her spells were, it came with the sharp drawback of requiring more of her love stores, and she felt herself briefly go weak in her fetlocks as she casted her web. "We ran into that Ursa Major breeding grounds by accident and she volunteered to try and hold them off. When returning from Peachhill we saw her armor laying in the bushes, but she presumably lost from the number of feathers we saw laying around."
"Oh yeah…" Satchel frowned, each Zealot lowering their head in silence. "There will be a time for mourning, but for now let us continue our journey to the castle."
Should any of the others had paid attention, they would have noticed the normally calm Marshy shed a tear.
Celestia was growing impatient.
It was one thing to be awake in the middle of the night when she had the sun to rise in a few hours, much like when she was younger and wanted to sneak red velvet cake from her mother's pantry. It was one thing to raise suspension of treason against her highest ranking guards, those chosen to protect her and her sister. However, being late to return to the castle when she knew how long the journey took, that made her mane start to burn.
"I swear, if you were any angrier, I would assume you were trying to roast marshmallows for smores." Luna said, the quip causing her older sister to grind her teeth as she glared at the Princess of the Moon. "Hey! Don't give me that look, every pony knows what happened when I let Moonie take control, do you really want your subjects to ensure the suffering Daybreaker would bring? Last time she got out, it took mom, an army of sorcerers, and a red velvet cookie to contain her."
"I remember…" Celestia said, taking a deep breath and a slow exhale to quell the Empress of the Solar Wind that resided in the depths of her being. "And ever since red velvet replaced mint chip ice cream as my go-to sweet. Thank you Luna-Moon for calming me, because I was close to snapping."
"We could tell," Moonie said, taking her turn to speak to the alabaster alicorn as she looked out the window overlooking the winding road that led into Canterlot, her enhanced vision waiting like an owl stalking a field mouse as she saw movement the of a group of ponies entering the city limits. "Luna was wise to remind thee of what consequence thou would have been responsible for. We know thy temperament is unbalanced, but fret not, we see movement at the edge of town moving towards us."
"That must be them, make ready dear sister." Celestia muttered, burying her aggravation to form a neural face for what she was about to do. Seconds flowed into minutes, as the minutes seemed to stretch into hours in her mind, awaiting their arrival. As soon as the Zealots did enter, she noticed two things: they all wore a look of shock and fear, and there was one missing from the group due to the armor Marshy Skies was carrying on his back and from the markings she knew who's it was. "Captain Quill, before I get into the whys about where you have been, where is Cloud Dasher?"
"Your Highness, I'm afraid she was killed in action," Quill's answer rocked Celestia to the core, but greatly raised Moonie's mental suspicions. "On the way to Peachhill, we accidentally stumbled onto the territory of a mating pair of Ursa Majors. It is their breeding season, and they went on the attack. Cloud volunteered to stay behind to act as a distraction so the rest of us could continue onto our objective. When we returned down the path, all that remained was her armor thrown in a bush, blood and feathers in the road, and claw marks in the trees. It was a very ugly scene ma'm."
"I imagine so," Celestia frowned, a mix of sympathy and disappointment in her tone. "She paid a noble sacrifice, and her wife and foals shall be rewarded randomly for doing so; however, I do question why you let her fight them alone? You are, no… were, her Captain, you could have ordered her to move with you all as the unicorns in your squadron fired spells to slow down the beasts. The way I see it, you failed her and her family, do you have any defense?"
"Flight or flight response ma'm," Quill said, and even as the words left his mouth he knew it was the wrong answer by the look Celestia was giving him. "We are only well equipped in practice drills and battle sims, but nothing against an Ursa Major."
"So? If you let one of your own pay a sacrifice with her life against two Ursa Major, how am I to trust Equestria into your hooves against a coup? A rebellion? An army of insects?"
"I-" Quill started, but paused to gather himself before he said something he would regret as Marshy mentally flinched at the last remark Celestia had made. "I guess you can't, Your Highness."
"That's right, you can't, so to fully punish you, you will be personally training Cloud's replacement Shining Armor." Celestia's official, courtroom tone made Satchel gulp, making him nervous to the point he took a step back from the princess. "Now, you all have two weeks off for mourning and the scheduled family visitation, I suggest you all go get some sleep so you can be fresh for your departures."
One by one the Zealots left, each heading to their bunks to turn in for the night. However, as soon as they were out of earshot, Luna-Moon turned to stare at her sister in disbelief, only to be met with a calm, calculated look on Celestia's face.
"We knowth thy look," Moonie said, her and Luna both looking at each other on their shared mental plane with the same expression of perplexion. "T'is the same look thou hast when playing chess, when thy move seems to help the opponent, but t'is but a trap."
"That is because it is," Celestia said, her neutral look not wavering in the slightest. "I seemed to let them off easy, but I have the upper hoof as it were, I want you to spy on their dreams and report what you see."
"Thou wishes for us to do what?!" Both Luna and Moonie could not believe the request that they had just heard, one that went against Luna's personal unspoken rules of the Dreamscape. "Sister, We beg thee to reconsider. For 1000 years We feasted on nightmares to sustain us, what point is there to violate their privacy on suspicion alone?"
"In normal circumstances, I would agree, but the scales are tipped Moonie," Celestia said, a small sigh escaping her lips as she privately hated the request herself, but with Equestria at stake she knew she had to take drastic action. "With a rising tide of darkness, my Zealots acting weird, and Cloud supposedly killed in action, I need concrete proof if we are going to pursue charges against them so I want to see what lurks in the depths of their minds. The subconscious reveals things everypony tries to keep buried, so if they have a guilt-induced nightmare we will have them red hoofed. Why do you think I didn't go through interrogating them? I wanted their mental defenses lowered so as not to raise suspicion on our end."
"We disagree," Luna, not Moonie, said as she gave her sister a stern frown. "Me and Moonie both are firmly against your plan, and both of us are refusing to take part in it. Yes, the charges are heavy in nature, but we will not violate the sacred privacy that is one's dreams. Our job is to intervene only if we feel a nightmare, but otherwise we just wait around all night. It is incredibly boring at times, which you know since that was your job while I was in the moon, but to directly spy? No! Not to mention, it is evidence that I would personally dismiss from the court case due to how it was collected. I'm sure one of them will slip up in due time, but until then our hooves are tied."
"Fair enough sister," Celestia sighed, a yawn escaping her lips as her eyelids grew heavy from exhaustion. However, just as she turned to head towards her bedroom, a pink blur rocketing down the hall and skidding to a stop in front her made the tired alicorn snort in annoyance. "Yes, Pinkie Pie? What is so urgent for you to be galloping through my halls at such a fast pace? Can it wait until after I raise the sun?"
"I guess it can?" Pinkie said, feeling briefly sheepish until her Pinkie Sense slapped the reasoning back into her. "On second thought, I don't think it can since it deals with the encroaching darkness and what happened in Peachhill."
"What happened in-" Celestia stammered, unsure how the party mare knew since she was nowhere near her and Luna-Moon the whole time they were discussing the matter. "Look, Pinkie, I didn't know how you know about that, but follow me to my bedroom so we can talk in private."
"Okie Dokie Loki, Pinkie Pie Private Eye is on the case!" Pinkie said, bouncing along beside the ruler of the day. Luna swore she heard her sister mutter about 'that title being true' to the Element of Laughter, but a rustling of bat wings and the opening of the door distracted her before she could continue down that assumption.
"Ah, Lieutenant Dash, Dame Applejack, I thank you for bringing the couple safely." Luna said, waiting for the group to enter fully and the door reshut before she spoke and turned her attention to the awestruck villagers. "Now, can one of you tell me what you saw before fleeing?"
"Oh glorious Night Mother," Sunshine said, her and Shadow bowing before the Princess of the Night, the little foal remaining asleep. "I am terribly sorry, but me and my husband both were unable to see what had attacked us. I woke up to the sound of breaking glass, then the smell of smoke, and then the fire. We barely managed to escape with our foal, Your Highness, but it wouldn't surprise me if there is no home left for us to go back to."
"That is unfortunate, but even in loss there is hope," Luna said, making the couple look at her confused as she gestured for them to rise. "Bricks, stone, and wood can easily be replaced, but while you can never have the memories you made there, you can rebuild and look to the future making new ones with your foal. You both, not her, are replaceable, so look at your graces as being fortunate still."
"You raise a compelling point," Shadow said, looking at his wife then down to their foal, holding them both with his wings. "I mean, we can rebuild, but we really don't have the funds In order to do that right now. Is there a way for us to stay here in the meantime, doing jobs around town or the castle to make due?"
"Perish the thought," Luna said, ruffling her wings slightly as she dismissed the suggestion. "Peachhill, an Equestrian township, was attacked by an unknown group. Way I see it, that qualifies every townspony for assistance from the crown to replace and rebuild what was lost, so there is no need to resort to asking of positions that are not required in your standing."
"Oh, such a gift it is!" Sunshine said, moving fast like a pegasus in a jet stream to give the Princess of the Night a hug, only pulling away when she realized what she had done. "Oh, sorry, Your Highness, I just got caught up in the moment."
"It is fine, after all, you are one of our little ponies," Luna said, using a wing to return Sunshine's hug. "It is my duty to do whatever I can for my subjects, so I will bring the proposition forward to Tia in the morning. Now, you both must be tired, follow me and I will escort you both to a guest room for the night."
"With all due respect, Your Highness, we are just commoners," Shadow said, looking at the princess in shock. "We do not have the social standing to be in the guest wing where the foreign nobility often reside."
"And if any of the zebras give you two trouble, just send them to me," Luna's tone had a stern undercut, one that made even Applejack flinch as the princess looked to the two mares in armor. "Now, Dame Applejack and Lieutenant Rainbow, I want you two to fly over the trail into Peachhill to look for any signs of a fight involving an Ursa Major. The quickest way there involves flying over uncharted woodlands, but it will get the fastest results."
"Consider it done, Your Highness," Rainbow said, bowing to the alicorn as Applejack raised an eyebrow at her, but said nothing. "Come on AJ, lets go for a flight."
"A'right," Applejack said, her and Rainbow walking back outside before the two took off into the night skies. "Ah don't appreciate what yah did there sugar cube, and ah didn't agree to be hogtied into this. What gives?"
"This way, the two of us can talk and I can carry out Night Mother's orders," Rainbow said, using her pegasus knowledge to get the two of them up to a gliding height as they banked northeast. "You may not have said anything, but since I told you I accepted Luna-Moon's offer and told you yours, you have been off-putting."
"Rainbow, listen, it ain't personal or nothing, but it wasn't the way I was raised," Applejack said, a small sigh escaping her lips as she looked to the ground below them. "Ah am an Earth Pony, so this ain't natural for me to be up here ya know? My place is down there, buckin' apples and lending a hoof around da farm. Don't get me wrong, her offer is mighty temptin', but it would feel wrong for me to accept it. What will Granny, mah brother, and mah sis think if I told them I was going to stay a batpony at night to stand by ya while leading Luna-Moon's forces?"
"Oh, you are having an existential crisis," Rainbow said, slowing and landing on the nearest cloud as she looked at her friend. "Tell me AJ, do you like flying with me?"
"Ah do," Applejack's tone was softer than normal, looking away from Rainbow for a moment in thought. "But it's different fer me. You were born to fly, sucks, yer cutie mark is enough proof of that, but like ah said, ah was born to tend to the trees on da farm. This isn't the Earth Pony way, but ah've started to enjoy these flights, and that's scaring me something fierce. If ah took Luna-Moon's offer, wouldn't that mean ah'm turning tail on everythin' ah believe in?"
"I don't see how," Rainbow said, causing Applejack to look at her puzzled. "Look, I am laying on this cloud, but if you tried you would fall right through. This armor makes us look like batponies and gives us the abilities of such, but that hasn't changed what we are. I still got my pegasus abilities, just as you still have your Earth Pony stamina and strength. Do you think your family would not love you if you were a batpony? A unicorn? Pegasus? Zebra or Dragon? Heck, even if you were a stallion bigger than your brother that got all the mares in spring they would still love you.
"Our species doesn't make the mare, that we have to do on our own. Take Derpy for example, when we were fillies she was a faster flier than me. However, when she got her cutie mark that changed and not in a good way. Those bubbles of hers that make up her cutie mark are actually concussive blasts, and the last time she went supersonic was her seventh and last. It permanently damaged her vision, but do you see that get to her when she is delivering mail?"
"Well, no, ah don't actually," Applejack said, nodding at the reasoning Rainbow had used. "She may bump into things, but she still gets the job done, darn good at it too."
"Precisely AJ," Rainbow said, giving her friend a pat on the back. "We are still us, and even if Pinkie Pie was an alicorn she will still be the best party mare around. Rarity as an Earth Pony would still be a seamstress, and Flutters would be the cuddliest dragon you ever met. Even if our bodies are different, our essence and ties to Harmony remain the same. Did this help to ease those fears and doubts? Like Pinkie says, got to giggle at the ghosties."
"Yeah, that she does," Applejack said, and for the first time since before finding Sunshine and Shadow, managed to let out a small chuckle. "Ah'll talk to 'em when we get back to Ponyville, have a nice long chat o'er Granny's apple pie and some cider to ease the mode. Although, ah'm mighty curious as to how yer so philosophical, cause yer always callin' Twi an egghead fer havin' her muzzle in a book first chance she gets."
"Truth be told, I like reading, but I hide it." Rainbow's confession made Applejack's eyes widen in shock, but the speedy bat held up a hoof before the farmer could reply. "Think about it, I want to be a Wonderbolt. Between the team maneuvers and weather control, I do need some knowledge of how to fine tune the atmosphere for the day and know how to do formations and stunts. Over time, it grew from that, and I will read literally anything that isn't a trashy, cheesy romance novel; but I can't let Twi know. She is nobility AJ, so I can't hurt her social standing in any way."
"That's mighty considerate," Applejack said, smiling at Rainbow displaying her Loyalty. "Although, now she wouldn't be hangin' out with a common mare, fer we're guards now aren't we? The novels can stuff a pear where Celestia's sun don't shine if they think about critiquing ya fer reading with Twi."
"I guess you got-," Rainbiw stopped midsentence as she caught Applejack's wording, a bit of excitement coming across as she let out a soft eee. "Wait, you are going to take the offer?! That's great! Together, I am sure that we can whip our recruits into shape and bring great pride to serving the Night Mother. The future looks as bright as the full moon above us, now, lets carry on our mission."
However, as the two friends shared an embrace, they were unaware they had been wanted the whole time. The predator was smart, staying perfectly still to not alert the two batponies' sensitive ears, and minimizing the decibels on her breathing. Just as the two prey went to fly off, the predator struck, and before Rainbow and Applejack could react they were frozen in a snowball, knocked unconscious from the sudden cold that encased their bodies. The predator made sure the two were unharmed, for it had answers to retrieve.
Applejack awoke from her blackout feeling numbness and cold. Bones ached, her wings twitched, and her whole body felt as if she had sat too long in an ice bath after a long day clearing out the largest apple field by herself. The last thing she remembered, she had just had a heart to heart with Rainbow and was heading off to do a survey for Luna-Moon, and then the next moment she had blacked out from sheer cold.
"What tha hay?" Applejack muttered, rolling so her barrel was under her as she tried to gain her bearings. The first thing she noticed was ice was everywhere, and even the very bars that were in front of her seemed to be made out of the frozen liquid. "Well, if ah can buck a tree, ah can buck mah way out of this."
"I wouldn't try that if I were you," Rainbow's voice made Applejack pause, her friend apparently having been up before her and was sitting in a cell that was just big enough to sit up and lay down in. "Don't have the room for you to get a full strength buck, not to mention, I already tried testing the tensile strength, the ice seems to be pattern layered and compressed from pressure."
"Tha' buck?" Applejack normally didn't like to use such rotten language, normally only hissing it under her breath when alone and stubbing a hoof on a rock that was covered while plowing, or hitting a tree in the wrong spot. However, she took exception considering the situation she found herself in, and using her Earth Pony magic by running the frog of her hoof down one of the bars. "Fiddlesticks, yer right Rainbow, this ice is compacted like one them there glaciers in tha' North Luna Sea. Even if I had tha' room, ah'm not sure that ah could break it. Wha'ever got us, they got us right good."
"Of course I do, ice is my specially you two," A voice neither of them recognized announced the presence of another, clearly a mare, in the room but as hard as they tried they couldn't place where it came from. The room was large and free of obstacles, and with the full moon shining in they could perfectly see in all directions. It baffled them, that is until snowflakes started to gather in front of them, twirling like miniature ballarinas to an unheard orchestra before condensing into a solid form.
What stood before them was a mare that defied all logical explanation, and aside from her very light baby-blue coat, everything else seemed off. The lack of a horn showed she was clearly a pegasus, but was roughly the size of Big Mac with enough lean muscle to really ruin anypony's day that dared to mistake her petite form for being weak. Ice ran up her legs before stopping at the bottom of her scapula, coating her hooves and forming a natural defense mechanism that were filled with miniature cracks like a spider web but coursed and pulsed with raw arcane magic. Her cold-white mane and tail, trimmed with an icey, electric blue and cut at a diagonal edge, looked intimidating since it covered half her face and her left eye, making the right one's glare even fiercer.
Her wings were larger than any pegasus either of the Element Bearers had ever seen that wasn't attached to a princess, with the tips having a silver clip on the end feather and sticking a solid eight inches above her back. Her cutie mark, a rose with icicles instead of thorns, adorned her flanks, while a collar with runic symbols and a large spider web centerpiece was placed around her neck.
"Who do yah think-"
"Silence," The mare said, the temperature of the room seeming to dip only around Applejack's muzzle as an ice gag formed. It was small enough to unimpede her nostrils, which were flaring in anger, but kept the earth-colored batpony from talking. "I will be the one asking the questions here, after all, you were trespassing on my domain. First question, what happened to all the snow and ice that encompasses my kingdom?
"Aren't you a few feathers short of a down pillow," Rainbow snorted, but the look the mysterious mare gave her was akin to Fluttershy's pet bear Harry eying a raw piece of meat and made her change her tune. "I mean, I know Princess Luna-Moon said that these were uncharted woods, but-"
"Wait, Princess Luna?" The mare said, a look of pure confusion crossing her features as she inclined her head. "I think you are the one that is a few feathers short, she has been dead for millennia! I must admit, Umbra is getting pretty sloppy crafting you constructs to invoke ghosts of the past whose souls are being tortured in a distant corner of Tartarus. Then again, considering the fact I woke up in a wooded landscape like my ancestors passed down by tales of oral tradition, perhaps your crafter finally got her dark, poisonous magic into my veins when I encountered her before passing out.
"However, it doesn't matter! I am the last of the Windriders, the Crafter of the Storm, and as long as I am in this poison-induced fever dream she can't use me! That doesn't mean that I am not going to do anything to you two, oh no, those cheap figments of ancient armor will shatter under the force of my ice blows, and your essences along with it."
"Wait wait wait!" Rainbow pleaded, causing the mare to raise an eyebrow at the groveling for mercy. "We don't know who this Umbra pony is, but they sound like bad news that the Princesses should be warned about. Let us go, and return with us to Canterlot so we can all handle this like adults instead of madmares!"
"You think I am dumb enough to fall for that trick again?" The mare snorted, making Applejack and Rainbow cast a wary glance at each other. "I was still learning when that bait-and-switch operation Umbra pulled off happened, but you know what happened? I learned! Even if this is a dream, I have busted up enough of you sleezeballs to know that even if I destroy you in a dream, the spell matrix that brought you to life unravels. This is your last chance, tell me what Umbra is planning or I will send you back to the void from wence you came!"
"I already told you, we don't know who that is you crazy mare!" Rainbow said, her fight or flight response failing her knowing she was trapped in between an insane mare and ice bars that offered no chance of escape. However, an equally crazy and genius plan burst through the mental dam that made her grin. "You know what? Go ahead, kill us, but you would be solely responsible for the fall of Harmony by killing the Bearers of Loyalty and Honesty!"
"Bearers of Loyalty and Honesty you say?" The mare paused, knowing only Umbra and Eris personally saw those legendary artifacts that were lost enos ago, and herself only knowing about them at all thanks to the Chaos Noodle. "Tell you what, that is enough to humor me. I will let you out those cages, but you will have to escort me to see them myself. Is that a deal?"
"Works for me, what about you AJ?" Rainbow had to avoid the heat seeking glare her friend was giving her, but at last the silenced mare nodded in defeat. "See? We'll comply, now you got to hold up your end of the bargain."
"It isn't that simple I'm afraid," The mare grinned, making Rainbow groan in frustration. "You will escort me, but in addition you will be collared by a chain to an ice golem to ensure there is no trickery. Nothing personal, just watching out for myself."
"If that is the only way that you don't kill us, so be it," Rainbow hated herself for having to answer for Applejack, and made a mental note to make up for it later, but she also knew it would buy her time to formulate a plan to convince their captor everything she was experiencing was real. A loud thudding down the hall caught her attention, thudding that kept coming closer and closer until the double doors opened and revealed the source. "Oh boy…"
Standing before them were two identical creatures that Rainbow had only seen in occasional glances at Spike's Adventures of the Power Ponies! comics. Standing on their hind legs like a minotaur, they towered above the two batponies like goliaths to the point even Rainbow's head was at the level with their midsection. Their legs were thick as tree trunks, and their arms had enough solid muscle to make AJ's brother look like a foal as their sturdy backs supported the weight and provided enough range of motion to seriously injure anypony they deemed a threat.
As for Applejack, she wished she never got out of bed.
"These here golems I made myself," The mare said, opening both cages as the golems put an ice collar around the two soldiers' necks and attached them to a leach that was connected to their sides. "They follow my every command, so don't think about running because I would have them snap your necks. Got it?"
"We already agreed to behave, jesh!" Rainbow said, letting out an annoyed huff that she could see from the temperature of the air. "Although, I am curious as to how all this ice isn't melting, it is way above freezing outside so this shouldn't be possible."
"As I said, ice is my special skill," The mare smirked, heading for the hallway with the group in tow. "Once we get outside, use your knowledge of the stars to guide us back, but I got to say that they look nothing like how they did last night…"
"You are not well," Rainbow instantly had her leash yanked, just hard enough to send a message that she needed to watch herself. "Night Mother has painted the stars the same way every night since her return, when we get to Canterlot, you need to have her and Celestia check you over to make sure you aren't under a spell yourself. You went through all this trouble with me and AJ for your reassurance, now it is time to return the favor."
"I suppose," The mare mused, finally exiting the castle as it started to melt the further away they got from it. The woods, however, had the opposite effect as frost gathered on the trees and leaves and the ground turned icey. "Tell you what, I come face-to-face with the Ancient Ones that you claim to know and I will apologize. Until then, I am not letting you out of my sight and am treating this as another attempt by Umbra to wipe my lineage away."
"Tell me more about this Umbra pony, what are they like?" Rainbow's question was met with a bemused look from the mystery mare, but a harsh tail swat from Applejack made her rearrange her priorities. "Also, maybe free my friend's muzzle from that ice binding, please?"
A single facehoof echoed through the forest as dawn approached...
Sunrise and sunset always held a special place in Luna's heart. With her and Celestia having opposing sleep schedules ever since they took up the mantle of their celestial bodies, the exchanges of sunrise and sunset were the only chance she had to spend time with her older sibling.
At first, all was well, with both of them exchanging how their shifts went and the court proceedings that had occurred. Sure, they both had secretaries for such matters so they stayed on the same page and no law was enacted without both alicorn's genuine signatures, but it felt extra special to Luna to be able to talk to her sister face to face. However, as the distance between them grew, those talks diminished to nothing more than exchanging the duties and Celestia leaving. It deeply burned, but in the time since she, Celestia, and Moonie made up since her return that closeness had started to rebuild.
However, when she heard the doors to Celestia's chambers open, it surprised her and Moonie both that it wasn't their sister that joined them. Instead, Pinkie Pie was the one who came out, with Celestia's peytral, crown, and hoof covers on her and all three scaled down to fit her smaller frame. Under most circumstances, wearing such was a crime punishable by death on a torture rack, but the way Pinkie's mane and tail moved like waves under the surface of a bubblegum ocean made Luna's and Moonie's eyes widen in pure shock at the implications as the two alicorns looked at her.
"Good morning Luna, you too Moonie!" Pinkie giggled, seemingly having no ill effects from how late of a night she had been up for. "I know you must be super-duper tired from all the baddie excitement last night, so how about we make this quick so you can go drift off into a much deserved extra comfy dreamy slumber?"
"That sounds inviting," Luna said, giving the party mare a tired smile as her energy levels continued to slowly drift towards her own spot in her realm. "But alas, I am curious as to why you are wearing our sister's regalia, it is punishable by law unless certain circumstances apply, and that list is quite short."
"Oh! Well, after we talked about what I saw in my scrying pool, things got… heated, in a very adulty-fun bed party way," Pinkie said, making both Luna and Moonie's jaws drop and cheeks color as their wings unfurled. "At first, I suggested a good massage to help her relax, and she took me up on the offer. As I did, she went on about how all her subjects see her as a princess and not Celly, and that led to my patented Pinkie Pie Snuggles! She loved them, and after I nibbled an ear trying to make her relax but not knowing how sensitive she was there, lets just say we mixed sunshine and lollipops!"
"Oh my…" Luna was beet red, she knew how sensitive her sister's ear was, not to mention all the scandalous things the two of them did behind both their parents' and the noble's backs, so she knew exactly what happened next and a deep part of her wished to see that in a dream. "That's certainly something Dame Pie, but that still doesn't explain why you are wearing her regalia."
"She is currently preoccupied freshening up for the day and using spells to clean the room and air in it," Pinkie said, waving the question off with a cover-clad hoof. "So, since she didn't want to freak everypony out with a late sunrise, she sent me in her stead."
"Our sister is wise," Moonie said, turning her gaze towards the horizon as she and Luna started to lower the moon to rest. "Dost thou know how to raise thy sun? Surely, Celestia would not giveth thee her blessing without instruction."
"Yepperoni pepperoni!" Pinkie giggled, closing her eyes and scrunching her muzzle in concentration. For several tense seconds, nothing happened besides the sounds of the Earth Pony grunting, the sun refusing to accept the strange magic that was being used. Luna nearly added her magic, but just as she went to charge the spell, she felt the sun begin to move into place. The colors of the sky began to change to those of the sunrise that she had known all too well, but at the same time, something felt vastly different.
Ever since Celestia's first sunrise, Luna had paid careful attention to how each sunrise was the same. The sky always went from her tranquil night to her sister's bustling day, and the crystal blue sky that came with it as ponies started their daily routine by cooking breakfast and getting shops ready for business. With Pinkie's smaller body, the process was slower, and both Luna and Moonie's eyes widened as the magic deepened.
First came Violet, the deepest color on the prism and the one rarely seen. It crept across the sky like a fine, thin filament, blotting out all of the faintest stars in the sky while acting as a primer for its successor.
Next came Indigo, the color that showed wealth and royalty. Luna and Celestia both had received many indigo and purple trinkets over the years, but none of them compared to when the color was present at the boundary between the Heavens and the ground they trod. The mix of purple and blue lightened the sky further, leaving only the brightest of stars visible as the next guest arrived at the celestial dance.
Yellow arrived on the scene, bringing with it the earliest warmth of the sun, the warmth that served as the alarm clock to all the birds and flowers all over Eques. Luna and Moonie both, however, noted that not a single note was heard from even the smallest robin. It was as if the entire universe itself was captured in the beauty of the moment, and nothing was going to break it.
Vibrant Orange woke up from its nightly slumber and took off to follow its more energetic sister, never able to catch her from the head start that Yellow always had, but carried more heat that spread across the land. Flowers and leaves turned themselves skyward, eager to drink in their fuel source so they could do their part in helping keep everypony alive.
Lastly, Radiant Red made her appearance as the sun climbed higher, but much to Luna's shock she had company. A beautiful pink was with her, carrying the youthfulness and joy of a freshly bloomed rose that had opened its petals to the world for the first time. The red and pink seemed to dance, twirling and twisting with each other as they spread across the sky and announced the arrival of Sol Invicta herself.
The entire sky seemed to be a prismatic fire, shades and hues of each solar pillar made themselves visible for the first time. It showed that the sun had many guards hidden in plain sight, but revealed themselves for the Element of Laughter to put them on full display in all of their elegant glory. A few early risers, like Prism Nova, the headmare of the Royal Canterlot Astronomical Society, gaped at the display and took a picture that would soon be spread across every newspaper on the planet.
It was, without a doubt, the most beautiful sunrise Luna had ever seen.
Even the blue of the day seemed different as it replaced the forepillars and took its seat as Sol Invicta took her throne. It had a clearness to it that had not been seen in eons, and everycreature that woke up, even in the Everfree, arose feeling more at peace and with a bigger sense of joy and purpose. Whereas everypony would say that they simply had a good night's rest and felt safe in Luna's realm, the Princesses of the Night and Dreams knew it was Pinkie's Element having an influence.
"See? Told you I could do it!" Pinkie said, snapping the alicorns' attention back to herself as she looked at them slightly panting. "How did I do?"
"Majestic," Moonie said, earning a nod from Luna in agreement. "Dare We say, We have to doubt even our sister could have put forth such a magnificent display."
"No offense there," All eyes turned to the doorway, where Celestia stood with a bright smile on her face. Her mane and tail both seemed to have a little extra wave to it and the colors more enhanced, subtle enough that a passerby would not notice but a pony with Luna's keen eye would. "For over 1100 years I have raised the sun in the same fashion, bringing it up and putting it in its place so I could start my duties. You, my dear, put actual effort into it and the result was something that even I could not accomplish. I may be the Princess of the Day, but it is clear that you have an affinity for the Dawn."
"Yeah, well, a good morning is a start to a good day!" Pinkie giggled, wiggling a bit as Celestia took the regalia off her, returning to its normal size as its normal host put it back on. "I just did what I felt was right, because the sun is super heavy but I managed to do it all by myself!"
"I'm proud of you for doing so," Celestia said, draping a wing over the smaller mare. "Now come, I need to start my duties, you need to go be with your friends, and Luna and Moonie both need to turn in. Although, I do give you my word, every time you come here to Canterlot and visit me it will be you who raises the sun."
"Okie Doki Loki!" Pinkie smiled, nuzzling into Celestia's barrel as they headed for their doorway. "Come on Celly, lets go! Bye Moonie! Bye Luna! See you in my dreams!"
"Quite right," Luna said, letting out a tired yawn as Celestia and Pinkie departed. "You know Moonie, I think one last round through the castle is warranted, especially after last night, just to make sure things are in order and to make our daily appearance to the subjects."
"Was going to suggest the same," Moonie said, silently thankful that Twilight had been able to rework the spell allowing her a solid body, resulting in a reduced strain on her's and Luna's mana pools and allowed her to be out of the mental space for a longer period without being tired. However, after such a trying night Moonie knew she had to return to it soon. "We are drained, but tis a matter of necessity for once."
"Agreed," Luna said, a flash enveloping them both and they re-merged into their hybrid form and headed through their room and into the castle interior. The halls were filled with Solar Guards, executing their shift change, but all gave a polite nod to the navy-blue alicorn as she passed.
{All seems well so far…} Moonie said, using their landscape like a viewing window to see what Luna saw. {No trouble seems to be present, nay even a single bad vibe!}
"Both of us can thank Pinkie Pie later, she did a good job, " Luna replied, also noting that the general feel of the castle was much lighter than normal. Businessponies came and went, talking out deals and making final preparations to present in Day Court, and even opposing parties seemed to be getting along without a fuss. Overall, it seemed like today would indeed be one where she could have a resting slumber and Celestia would have a relatively easy schedule. "You know, how about we surprise Celly tonight? We get up a few hours early and make our breakfast and her dinner, not the cooks."
{Perfect idea Luna,} Moonie said, thinking about how she could always nap during Night Court since nopony hardly showed up to make up for the occasion. She had just started to plan the courses when something painfully lurched in her stomach, and a single angry wave crashed on the shore of their mindscape. {Did thee feel that?{/i]}
"I did…" Luna replied, stopping her walk as the source of the pain grew closer. She mentally gathered her wards, preparing for any that dared to enter the castle and threaten her subjects, but much to her annoyance it grew to a gut punch as Blueblood came around the corner. "Ah, dearest nephew, how are you doing this fine morning?"
"A fine morning it is," Blueblood said, dipping into a bow before looking Luna-Moon in the eyes. "I was just on my way to thank her for such a magnificent sunrise, something really got her in a good mood, and I would like to see that more often."
"As would we," Luna said, deliberately using the plural to remind the unicorn he was technically talking to two different ponies at the same time. "Alas, tensions are running high behind closed doors, so don't be surprised if you don't see another one like it for a while."
"I heard the whispers in the noble district," Blueblood said, keeping his expression and voice level, and making sure nopony was overhearing their conversion by occasionally glancing around. "If the whispers are true, then you are about to have a fight on your hooves."
"Pray tell, how about informing us on thou rumors?" Moonie said, making Blueblood shrink back at the sudden frontal swap. "All information tis good information at this point, since there be no counter-evidence to dismiss claims."
"W-well," As much as Blueblood hated the half of Luna he was currently talking to, a hate that was continuing to slowly grow and change him, being in such close range to those teal-slitted pupils made him want to run and dive under the nearest piece of furniture. However, he knew that would have been a sign of weakness, and managed to keep his ground. "High Rise saw two bat pony soldiers taking off in a hurry a little while ago while testing out an experimental binocular lens that would allow normal ponies to see crystal clear at night. In addition, a few of my night patrol left a note saying a group of Zealots took off and came back into town in the dead of night. There are rumors we might be gearing towards war."
"Interesting…" Moonie mused, making a mental note to speak to High Rise at a later date. "If we were heading for war, there would have been an emergency summons for the noble house leaders to meet in the chamber to plan rations. Verily, as Luna said, there be increased tensions to address, yet not to worry, we have it under control dear nephew. As such, while thou art here, there is a matter we need to address with thee.
"There be magic most foul in you," Moonie said, making Blueblood gulp as a deep part of him revolted at the claim. "We felt it before seeing thyself, and thou art the source. Tis no small secret thou hast a grudge against us, Madame Velvet warned us of such, so we have a question. Thy goal will bring pain to Luna, so is it worth the cost of ridding me, if it hurts her? A princess of tis land? Thou won't be the hero, thou would be the villain."
"I would simply be doing my part to keep Equestria safe, and looking out for a distant relative of the family," Blueblood sneered, his own eyes narrowing at Moonie's. "I don't care what Auntie Tia said, or what actions you do to put yourself in a better position. You might have been able to pull the fur of their coats to your liking, but I will not suffer the same fate."
"Seems to us, thou already has gone the way of Luna all those moons ago," Moonie countered, letting out a tired sigh as Blueblood shot up an eyebrow. "We have nopony to fool, and Harmony doesn't make mistakes, it spared us for a reason. Celestia turned her back on Luna, and it was that anger and jealousy that caused me to exist in the first place, she explained all of it on the balcony when she announced us as her equal.
"Yet, we already see the beginning stages of your own fall. Thou don't want to listen to us, Luna, or Celestia when it comes to our redemption, choosing thee foolish thoughts that we are evil. There is a battle on the horizon, yes, but we rather fight alongside thee than against thee, there is still time before it consumes thee nephew, so take heart our advice. Give us a chance, for when the darkness in thee fully matures it will be far too late. If thou insists on being the enemy and losing everything thou hast, so be it, but we will stand with Celestia with casting judgment, bloodline be damned and thou will be held accountable for thy actions. Now, we bid thee good night, and have a pleasant day as we wait for our turn to address Celestia in Day Court."
"Oh, I can't wait for the day I end that pathetic creature's existence," Blueblood muttered, watching the Princess of the Night continue on her walk as he turned his attention back to waiting for his turn to enter Day Court. "Soon she will-"
"Blueblood? A word?" Before the noble had a chance to even blink he had an angry Captain Quill in his face, a bubble of silence spell around them both. "Your little stunt cost me a damn fine soldier, and now I have to deal with training Private Armor."
"If you need to train it for longer than four hours, then you aren't using it right," Blueblood smirked, only to have it wiped off his face by the intense scowl that Satchel was giving him. "Jokes aside, what happened? I know that your group got to Peachhill in a rather flustered state, but I thought your entire platoon was accounted for?"
"Mostly," Quill said, glancing down at the floor as he drew a deep, slow breath. "On the way to Peachhill, we ran into the territory of a mating pair of bugbears, Cloud stayed behind to be a distraction."
"Oh dear," Blueblood frowned, the full scope of his actions running through his mind. Being responsible for the death of a Zealot was punishable by public execution, but a tiny and slowly growing part of his mind accepted it was a small price to pay to achieve his goals. "That is rather unfortunate, surely if there is any compensation I can provide, I will gladly give it."
"Compensation?" Quill chuckled, using his magic to levitate the bag of thirty silver bits and tossing it at Blueblood's hooves. "Is that all Cloud is to you? A price for a life? She has a wife and three kids at home, how do you think they will take knowing that she is nothing but a bag of bits to you?! Do you want to know your compensation? Fine, I'll tell you, all three of those girls have a fully paid scholarship to Cloudsdale Flying Academy, and her wife have enough bits in her personal fund that she will never have to work another day for the rest of her life. Granted, the Grievance Fund will give her a pretty sum, but you have to own Cloud's life on your soul."
"I think you are a bit out of line Captain," Blueblood said, his octave slightly pitching higher as he narrowed his eyes into a leer. "I technically outrank you considering my status in the noble ranks and the fact I am directly related to Celestia. Now, that being said, and given the… situation on our hooves about not letting things slip, I will honor the terms listed. However, from here on out you are on eggshells, is that understood?"
"Crystal," Captain Quill nodded, turning to face away before suddenly stopping. "In case you were wondering, I returned the bribe for one simple reason: I would rather die a stallion with a clear conscience, than a million who is wrapped in greed. Cloud's death is on my hooves, just as much as her blood is on yours, now farewell."
"Farewell…" Blueblood said, teleporting the bag of bits back to his personal treasury just as Quill dropped the opaque shield. "Seems to us, he is another loose end that has to be addressed within time…"
Shaking that thought away, Blueblood took his seat in the hallway queue, waiting his turn to see his older aunt. As he did, he looked at the others that were ahead of him, business ponies from various cities, a couple of lower nobles, several Zebrican diplomats, and a single donkey. However, he noticed that the majority was tipped in favor of the poorer class, specifically farmers.
"Look at them," Blueblood thought, shaking his head slightly in silent disgust as pony after pony stated their cases and left either ecstatic, angry, or just plain sad. "These presents are coming to auntie, begging for funds, total nonsense! You would think the buts they get for shipping would cover everything, but no! The worst part is, the loans aren't even taxed! If I were in charge, oh how things would be differ-"
"Blueblood? Prince Blueblood?" The addressed pony was about to snap at his thoughts being interrupted for the second time already with morning, that is until he saw Raven Inkwell was the one who addressed him. Behind her, the doors to Day Court flung open, and a couple of Zebrican diplomats stormed out and left in a hurry. "Princess Celestia will see you now, and I hope you can make whatever it is short, those diplomats and you are cutting into her midday cake time, and you know how she can get when that is shortened."
"Yes, yes I do…" Blueblood had to repress a shudder, recalling one occasion from his youth where he has Celestia have flames come out her mouth with every word and exhale from a group of difficult yaks making her lose out on her midday cake. It had terrified him to witness it, and despite a small part of him wanting to challenge that authority he knew to stay in line. "Thank you Raven, and I hope that your day isn't too bad just because of court."
"Are you going to stand there talking to Raven, or do you have some business with me?!" Celestia shouted, making both ponies jump as she glared at them from her perch and a few faint ambers rose from her mane. "If you are just here to complain and whine about something, come back in two hours you little silver spoon-fed weekly thorn in my side!"
"Harsh auntie," Blueblood said, actually feeling a little stung as the growing darkness in him decided to hide its existence, choosing instead to continue silently tinkering with its host's body to suit its needs. "Surely, you only mean that in jest."
"Actually, I do, cake or not," Celestia huffed, narrowing her eyes and Blueblood swore they briefly became cat-like and the temperature of the room rose a few degrees. "You come in here, every week, complaining about one thing or another with the commoners, things that they do daily as part of their lives. Things that you would have no clue about since you have butlers, maids, and staff catering to your every need and handling all your business while you are sitting your rump in the lap of luxury!"
"Auntie, please," Blueblood backpedaled, only to be stopped by the doors slamming shut from Celestia's magic. "Call up a maid and have them bring you your cake, or, maybe, teleport it straight to you?"
"Mmm," Celestia closed her eyes, deep in thought, as her horn pulsed once a three-layered black velvet cake with strawberries and green buttercream frosting appeared in front of her. Ignoring her audience, she unhinged her jaw like a snake and attacked the poor, innocent culinary creation with ruthless abandon.
The sight of black crumbs, green frosting, and strawberry juice against her white fur made her look like something out of a horror novel, and even made the ancient umbral in Blueblood shudder.
"Much better, and thank you for the suggestion, nephew," Celestia said, a small burp escaping her lips as she used a cleaning spell to make her fur look pristine once more. "However, my points still stand, you do give me a headache with all the whining that you do."
"My sincerest apologies," Blueblood bowed, a sigh of relief escaping his lips at being able to dodge the wrath of the sun. "It is just that I believe the commoners don't give you enough respect, considering how lenient you are."
"They give me plenty of respect Blue," Summoning a cup of her favorite tea, she hummed as the warm liquid soothed her throat and nerves. "They pay their taxes, obey the laws, and thank me and Luna-Moon for all the hard work the three of us do. Whereas I prefer everypony to have control of how they live their lives, you, on the other hoof, have a mindset that borders on absolute control."
"W-well," Blueblood gulped, caught off guard at Celestia's assessment. "Is it so bad that I think that they don't pay their share? Or, at least, pay back a percentage on the bits that you give? How are we going to be able to further Equestria's advancement, infrastructure, and upgrade/renovation costs if there is nothing in the treasury to cover the costs? That is not even including a monster attack from the Everfree, Pearou Bog, or Catilia Cove; or Harmony forbid a natural disaster."
"The matters of economics are not that clear cut," Celestia knew the game Blueblood was playing, trying to make her feel guilty for being such a soft-hoofed ruler. It was a tactic that was vanquished every time it was called to action, and she was not about to let her nephew be the first to succeed. "We have trade agreements with other nations, exchanging materials and bits that can be traded and stockpiled in return. In fact, the Zebrician diplomats were here to discuss extending the duration of our mutual agreement, but I had to push that back to tomorrow due to… circumstances."
"They did seem quite displeased when they passed by me in the hall, that's for certain." Despite keeping a puzzled look of concern, Blueblood mentally rejoiced as a plan quickly formed in his mind to cut Nightengale out of the equation while still doing what she had asked without having to do anything in return. "Tell me auntie, what troubled them so that they would storm out of here like a couple of gluttonous ponies being turned away from an all-you-can-eat buffet?"
"Oh nothing much, just typical complaints about being woken by creatures of the night," Celestia said, rolling her eyes as Blueblood slightly tilted his head. "Late last night, I was having trouble sleeping, and while I was discussing the reason why with Luna-Moon her top two guards came in. A couple of residents from Peachhill were behind them and, by the residents' account, the village had been attacked and they had to flee as It burned to the ground."
"Oh goodness, that is quite disturbing," Blueblood said, using the lessons he had been taught as a colt at Celestia's Academy for Fantastic and Artistic Foals to keep his fake shocked poker face up. "Did they have any clue as to who would dare attack Equestrian soil?"
"Sadly no," Celestia sighed, closing her eyes as she sighed and took another sip of her tea. "It was pitch black, save the flames, and the only reason they were able to flee was the wife of the couple heard a crashing sound and smelled something burning. Once they realized what was happening, they grabbed their foal and bolted."
"At least they are safe," Blueblood said, sitting on his haunches as he tapped his chin with a hoof. "Although, what does that have to do with those diplomats being mad?"
"Everything," Celestia leaned forward in her seat, multiple guards quivering in their armor at the demeanor she was putting off as her aggravation showed once more. "Luna-Moon took that family to the only spare rooms we have at the castle, the diplomat wing, and apparently the foal had a crying fit shortly before sunrise and woke them up far earlier than they wished to be. So, instead of venting to my sister for putting them there, they came to my court demanding that I reprimand my sister and kick that family out on the street.
"Now that is just plain rude," Blueblood said, shaking his head slightly as he tsked. "Yet, I bet they would want Equestria to accept refugees from their villages if it happened to them. It's a shame really, I thought they were better allies than that, surely you aren't going to tolerate such behavior?"
"Careful nephew," Celestia, raising a hoof before the unicorn could vent in protest, calmly stated as she adjusted her seating position to ease her back. "I am a bit sour at them, but Zebrican pewter powder is a fundamental part of the alchemy classes at my school so I do need to try and keep them in good graces."
"You gotta be kidding me," Blueblood was floored. He knew 1000 years of ruling alone certainly made Celestia have a side that she never showed in public, but to make moves for her gain was something that he never imagined to be possible. "You are willing to have representatives of our allies walk and talk all over you and Luna just to be able to secure things for your school? No offense, but that seems a bit… underhoofed."
"Such is the price of the crown that I wear," Celestia sighed, levitating her crown into her forehooves and looking at it with heavy eyes, as if all the weight of her past hit her at once. "Being a ruler isn't just about issuing edicts and orders, or holding court, every action I make carries a price Blue. That is part of the reason why I let mine and my sisters' subjects have so much freedom, making their own choices and living with the consequences is something that they have to learn on their own, and gives everypony valuable life experience. Tell me, when you hear my name in passing, what is the first thing you think of?"
"The protector of Equestria, for starters," Blueblood suddenly felt very uncomfortable with the direction the conversation was going, the pony he looked up to in his youth as the head of the noble bloodline starting to crack the edges of his visage of her. "The Princess of the Sun, the Leader of the Guards, and the judge, jury, and executioner to any who dare break your laws or try to cross you."
"So, a figure of perfection then?" Celestia smirked, and she could see Blueblood's muscles tense at the sudden shift in her facial expression. "Your silence speaks volumes nephew, but let me tell you an inside secret… I'm far from perfect, I never have been, and I never will be. Do you recall when I stood upon that balcony and said that I created Moonie? That was the truth, the cold and bitter truth. Do you remember me telling everyone about Daybreaker, and the speech I gave about good and evil?"
"Yes, I do," Blueblood said, putting aside the minuscule influence the umbral had on his mind as he cleared his throat. "At the time of that ceremony, I thought you were just saying that to help ease her into rulership; however, since I can tell that you meant those things, why did you expose yourself in that manner? Forgive me auntie, I am still having trouble understanding the thought process behind that decision."
"To show I am no more of a pony, than anypony else is," Celestia knew her answer had an immediate effect, going by how fast she saw Blueblood's eyes dilate. "Me, Luna, Moonie, and your cousin Cadance may be alicorns, but we are still ponies. Why do you think there are no public religious groups worshiping the four of us? I outlawed those decades ago. Sure, there may be some who do it in private, but I am not going to ruffle their manes over it because that is their business. Worshiping us will grant no additional favors, for we are not some supreme, omnipresent being who can answer prayers or gift boons."
"What about the batponies?" Blueblood said, tilting his head slightly as he stored everything his aunt was telling him to break down later just in case she was overthrown or had a coup against her, not that he would be the one leading it. To him, it was a precaution, but to the umbral she saw an opportunity and quietly listened while making her own notes. "I have done some reading on them since Auntie Moon returned, and they call her 'Night Mother', isn't that breaking the law since they are worshiping her?"
"No, not at all, although I can see why you would ask that," Celestia said, getting off her throne and slowly approaching her nephew with gentle steps and a smile on her face. "One good thing about being as old as I am, is that you know the original meaning behind things that could be taken out of context. Them calling her 'Night Mother' is not in a worshiping sense, but the literal sense. A few decades before her banishment, a group of her pegasi troops went to her asking to be infused with the power of the moon so they could become nocturnal and serve her better. At first, she refused due to the danger involved with such a complex ritual, but after reassurance from me that I would keep the mana field stable, she converted them and that is how batponies came to be. She is literally the mother of the race, so it is an honorific.
"Granted, that took place when we were still young in our rulership and were dealing with skirmishes, so since it happened before whole Emprili-Lunar Republic division happened it looks as if there have always been batponies in the ranks and as a whole. Even Rainbow Dash has taken up calling her by that title, because the rank my sisters gave her as the Commander matched perfectly with her Element of Loyalty."
"That's just, wow.." Blueblood fumbled over his words, the makeshift history lesson being completely unlike what he had been taught in his tutoring lessons as a colt, but provided valuable insight to a time in Equestria's past that had very little written down. "Well that explains that, but what about the different types of bat ponies?"
"Genetic diversity through the eons, a result of the original bloodline branching out and adapting to the environment." Celestial said, wrapping a wing around her nephew as he leaned into the soft, downy embrace. "No different than how pears from different places have different tastes and textures, or how even unicorns in two different cities have different vocal accents."
"That explains a lot, even how my ancestors have a different body type than I do," Blueblood said, enjoying the feeling of his aunt's feathers being wrapped around his barrel, but a tiny treasonous part started looking for pressure points and weak spots to take advantage of. "Don't get me started on the looks of the last half-generation, talk about a nightmare! Although, that does lead to one very big question I always wondered, how exactly am I related to you when you and Luna both have not had a single foal?"
"Now that, my dear nephew, is a story for another time," Luna said, smirking at Celestia, Blueblood, and the guards all jumping with a start, none of them paying attention to her having teleported into the throne room. "You must be getting a bit slow in your reflexes sister, I expected Bluey not to hear me, but I thought for sure you would."
"Lulu-Moon!" Celestial stammered, making all in her audience giggle at the flustered look that showed itself as she played her wings. "I am only eighty years older than you, so by alicorn standards that is not much older at all!"
"By birth yes," Luna said, exposing a fang as she smirked at her older sibling. "However, you forgot to take one very important detail into consideration…"
"When thou cast the spell that locked us away," Moonie said, appearing beside Luna and sharing the same smirky expression. "It stopped aging our body, even we recall our heights being almost identical during that fight, now thou art over a head taller than us."
"Oh…" Celestia's expression fell, realizing the implications involved with what her nighttime siblings had just said. "So by locking you two away…"
"You effectively made it so that you would pass many centuries before me and Moonie," Luna said, the air suddenly feeling heavier until Blueblood's soft giggles started to build in volume. "You ok nephew? Please, entertain us as to how anything we discussed is humorous."
"Oh, no, quite the contrary," Blueblood said, trying, and failing, to contain his giggling as he pointed a hoof at Moonie. "Everything you all said is serious in nature, but it is what she is wearing that has me in fits!"
"Pardon?" Moonie said, a questionable look forming as she looked down at her bedtime outfit. Whereas Luna had resorted to simple silver-colored fuzzy slippers, a nightcap with a crescent moon, and a sleep mask, Moonie's outfit was vastly different. A silken black veil, thick enough to block out light, was flipped up over her horn so she could see, but was soft enough not to irritate her eyes as she slept. Further down, her tail was done up, positioned in a way that would allow her to hold it like a plush against her barrel when curled up. However, the biggest shocker was the bright pink stockings that covered her legs, decorated with mini black licorice candies and interwoven with bright blue ribbon. "Doest thou hast tissue with our bed garments? We saw in a magazine this was proper attire for mares of the night, which fits us as Princess of the Night, Keeper of Dreams, and Vanquisher of Nightmares."
"Irony on the last title…" Blueblood muttered, earning a frown from all three alicorns as part of his mind cheered at the minor rebellion to his aunts' authority. "Regardless, what magazine was it you saw that outfit in? Many publications cater to that particular clientele, as that term probably means something vastly different than what it did before your banishment. By chance, do you still have the magazine?"
A flash of teal magic lit up in front of his eyes, and when it died down, he could see every stallion and even a few of the guardmares cross their hind legs. The slick, black cover with a crimson full moon in the corner displayed a yellow bat pony in a rather intimate looking pose and looking over her back to the camera while giving bedroom eyes. Fine purple and teal lace stockings covered her legs, the rear ones drawing attention to her pink bat cutie mark and a silver bell hanging from her dock in a way that covered her most sacred area.
Her strong leathery wings were bound by an intricate, jewel-embedded framework of leather straps connected to a silver and ivory saddle nestled perfectly on the small of her back. Even with how risque the mare was, the magazine's signature Saddle and Bedcrop namesakes was also a hint towards bedroom activities, with a miniature saddle above the 'S', saddle itself fonted to look like a lasso rope, and a riding crop under Bedrop acting as an underline.
"Ah, that one," Blueblood said, clearing his throat to get some rather disturbing mental images out of his mind. "I happen to know the publisher, Fleur De Lis, and she would be delighted to know her creations are 'Princess Tested and Approved'. That being said… I mean no disrespect here, bear that in mind, but the term has changed to mean mares who pleasure clientele in the Bridle District after your moon rises into the sky. Pleasuring both mares and stallions as their source of income."
"We see," Moonie said, an eerie calmness in her tone that made even Celestia's blood want to freeze like ice. "A visit to the mare may be needed to clarify some… 'misconceptions'."
"Don't be too hard on her," Celestia said, making Moonie give a slight scowl at her solar sibling. "If anything, blame me for not keeping a careful watch on how that term got shifted from your guardmares. You have my apologies there, but I am curious as to why the two of you showed up to begin with, normally you are both asleep by now."
"As much that happened last night, plus an energy spell, gave us a little more adrenaline than we are used to in the mornings," Luna said, Celestia giving a silent, sagely nod at the description. It was the truth, a half-truth, but not a full lie like Celestia's 'honeybunny cake' she loved to mess with guests with on occasion. "Nonetheless, I gave that bat pony couple my word that I would present the motion to have Peachhill be given emergency funding during Day Court. Per the Chedderston Law, since you and your court guards have not departed from the throne room, the court is still in session and therefore I kept my word."
"Did… did you just use one of the most, by today's standards, random laws on record as justification?" Celestial said, her jaw hanging slightly before scooping Luna into a hug, making the younger alicorn squeak in embarrassment. "Of course they can have emergency funds, as soon as Rainbow and Applejack return I will send them to survey the town itself."
"Giving orders to my troops? That's hearsay dear sister," Luna giggled, but let out an involuntary shudder as the air temperature suddenly plummeted. "Say, does it feel colder to anypony, or is it just me?"
"I feel it too," Celestia said, her horn igniting Into a golden hue as she started using multiple scanning spells on the air in and around the castle. "Temperature is indeed dropping, the front entrance by the castle gate is where the greatest drop is. It is down close to freezing there, and the strange part is there is no trace of magic, not even pegasus weather magic, causing it."
"That should be impossible," Blueblood instantly regretted opening his mouth from the look his aunts gave him, a silent look that told him to either leave or be seen and not heard as frost started to creep up the walls and the guards had to shed their armor to keep from freezing in it. "I mean, I know the Windego can because of how the Frozen North is, but here in Equestria? I thought the powers of Harmony kept this land free from them."
"Under normal cases yes," Celestia said, opening the doors as her, Luna, Moonie, and Blueblood followed with the guards close behind. The closer they got to the door, the slicker the polished floors became, making Celestia use her connection to the sun to heat the area around them to ensure no falling occurred as a piano played a few soft notes in the distance. "However, Chaos and Wickedness both in great concentration can disrupt the natural flow of Harmony. Considering you are of our bloodline Blue, I want you to barricade yourself in the North Tower just in case things get… ugly."
Nodding and beating a hasty retreat, Blueblood left the three alicorns, who saw a pale blue mare in a flowing dress playing the grand piano in the grand foyer connected to the front door. The music was soft, but told the tale of a princess in a far away land who had suffered immense pain, grief, and trust issues, and was learning to grow and heal as the princesses headed outside.
Opening the doors that allowed their citizens to visit them in their sacred home revealed a sight that both thought they would never see. A thick frost covered the ground, the air so frigid that every exhale made the sisters look like dragons angrily snorting smoke to ward off any would-be thief for their precious stone; however, the towering pillars of ice carefully sculpted into ponies neither sister recognized caught the sunlight in a way that made the air itself have a fine shimmer.
The normally well-kept grass and flowers, due to the sudden shock of early unreasonable cold rushing through their systems, laid flat and dull while increasing the eeriness the siblings felt. All three sisters could see a massive gathering behind the stone walls and spilling down the streets, all with a look of interest and fear cast upon the massive goliaths of glacial ice that looked strong enough to present a challenge from all comers. In front of the creatures, stood a very sheepish-looking Rainbow and Applejack, and a mysterious mare in the middle that neither had seen before.
"Well now, what do we have here?" The mare said, taking a few steps toward the alicorns as their guards pointed their spears at her. Even still, the mare had the air of a battle-proven warrior, as the spear tips froze solid and the shafts splintered from the sudden thermal shift. Yet, despite the cockiness she was brazenly displaying, Celestia could see the mare was in pain, but hiding it for appearances. "Celestia and Luna I presume? Your guards told me a lot about the two of you on the way here, trying to convince me that you are the ones of old. Seeing you before me does incline to give them merit, however, I have seen some rather life-like constructs in my time. Prove yourself true, and they will be let go, otherwise I, Princess Wynter Rose, will finish you off with my power."
"Thou art a princess?" Moonie said, raising an eyebrow as her and Celestia both placed a wing in front of Luna to keep her from doing something drastic. "Thou hast much gall to make thy claims, on what grounds art they just?"
"I have fought against many legions," Wynter said, taking a few more steps forward and having to subtly hide a slight stumble as she grit her teeth. "Many dark forces have fallen by the might of my hooves, and torn into ribbons by the sharpness of my ice. I am the last line of defense against the Darkness, the final burning flame in the eternal blizzard. If I fall, I will fall with honor defending the ways of old and protecting the Light of Resistance. You ask on what grounds I stake my claims?
"I stake them based on my lineage as a Windrider, just like my mother and grandmother before me, protecting the last hope of freedom. Like I told your guards, show me your power, and I will let them go and apologize to you both for detaining them. Rest assured, other than being a little chilly, they are perfectly fine and well but I had to make sure that Umbra didn't have me in her dastardly hooves."
"U-umbra…" A cold chill, that had nothing to do with the air temperature, raced down the alicorns' spines with the touch of a master teaser. Moving on pure reflex, Celestia teleported the mare, the golems, Rainbow, Applejack, and her lunar sisters to the throne room and sealed the doors with noise canceling wards as a tea tray and table appeared with enough chairs for the gathered group. "I have many questions, little pony, starting with how do you know about that vile mare? She has been locked away in the Frozen North for a very long time, and I made sure her name and account was scrubbed from the public records to ensure that it stayed that way. Only two options I can think of are either you broke into my private study, which I know you haven't because my wards were not tripled, or you are the victim of a time travel mishap."
"That explains why I woke up in the woods instead of my ice castle, and I didn't feel a trace of her magic in that teleport, only warmth." The mare mused, rubbing her chin as she closed her eyes and softly hummed before looking at her golems and giving a nod. The great creations, acknowledging their master, gave a deep grunt before undoing Rainbow and Applejack's collars before shimmering and turning into water vapor. "Again, sorry you two for that ordeal, just covering my flank."
"If that pony is bad enough that the Sun Bringer had to teleport us into privacy, already forgiven." Rainbow said, getting the kinks out of her neck as Applejack did the same. "So, Your Highnesses, do me and AJ need to leave?"
"Nay Lieutenant," Moonie said, making even Luna look at her as if she had suddenly turned into a stallion for no reason. "Go get them. Thou art the Bearers of Harmony, so this is thou matter as well."
"Ah'll get 'em," Applejack flapped her wings once and, once Celestia opened the door, hovered out into the hallway to where the guest rooms were and returned a few minutes later with them in tow. "Good thing ah remembered to make a map in mah head of which room was which, mighty confusin' since every corridor looks alike."
"I grew up here AJ, remember?" Twilight said, giving Applejack an ear rub and making her 'eee'. "So, trust me, I know how it can be for somepony that is not used to the layout. Did you know it actually changes? Fascinating magic there that I don't even comprehend! Anyways, why did you have us brought here Princess?"
"It is a matter of national security," Celestia said, a bit surprised as Pinkie instantly went over and nuzzled under her wing. How the Earth Pony knew she was stressed, she had no idea, but the pink mare's gentle motions was enough to ease some stress. "This mare is the victim of time travel, and has knowledge regarding one of Equestria's greatest threats."
"A shortage of quills and paper?!" Twilight exclaimed, her eyes widening and mane frazzling as the others snickered. "We have to stop that! Quick, make everypony start stockpiling to ensure future generations have paper in every hoof and a quill in their inkwells!"
"No Twilight, nothing like that," Celestia smiled, Twilight's outburst being a nice tension breaker and reminding her of how the unicorn was when she was just a filly. "The threat I refer to is one that I personally made sure would never be put on historical record just in case somepony got in their head that it would be a good idea to host such evil. The threat is the Queen of the Umbrum, Queen Umbra."
"Umbra?" Twilight accompanied her question with a raised hoof, making Celestia giggle. "By chance, is that pony related to King Sombra and the fall of the Crystal Empire that I learned about princess?"
"Oh no Twilight, it goes far beyond that," Celestia said, and she swore she saw little comet pencils writing on star scrolls in her student's eyes. "However, before I tell you the true history of the Umbrum and the Empire, we have a guest that needs to tell her side of history first."
For the first time since she could remember, Wynter gulped and ruffled her feathers as all eyes fell on her.
