Civil War: Light vs Dark

by PonyJoel

First published

Do you really know what Dark and Light actually mean? Do you really know what they represent? Only a few ponies know and everypony else is oblivious to it.

This is a war between good and evil but who is actually evil and who is actually good? Which side makes sense? What is real and what is fake? This war separates the reality from illusion. This war holds many secrets about ancient Equestria and Magic but there are two sides in history and the only one can be true.

Whose side are you on? Team Dark or Team Light

Traveling and Findings!

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Twilight Sparkle is at her home in the Castle of Friendship. She just finished reading another book of charms and spells. She grew tired of reading the same books where magic is all the same to her now. Twilight made Spike write a letter to Celestia for her to send more books about magic so she can read and study but to no avail. Out of all the books in her library, Twilight have already read each of her books day in and day out. It came to a point that she would purposely erase her memory so she has a good reason to begin her research once more. After six months of reading the same books, she decided to go on her own quest. The Friendship Map hasn't detected anything problematic in a long time so a nice long week away from home should do the trick. Also to have her own search for Equestrian Magic by searching through the ruins of ancient Equestria wouldn't hurt. Twilight is an all-powerful Alicorn. She'll be able to survive on her own. Twilight decided not to have any of her friends tag along. She felt that spending time apart would do her some good.


Morning has arrived. It is now 7:30 and Twilight got out of bed. She has her things already packed and she left her castle. She trotted towards the train station. Her train will head towards the southern side of Equestria to begin her search. As her train was pulling up, Twilight looked back for a moment. She's truly blessed to have wonderful friends and a loving family. Twilight then turned back around and entered the train. She used her magic to lift a book for her to read during the ride. Her destination would be exactly 13 hours to begin her research. Hoping to find something incredible about magic. Hoping to find something new about ancient Equestrian culture. Twilight couldn't wait to find out exactly what's out there ready to be found. The questions she has on her mind will soon be answering them once she's arrived.

The train left exactly at 7:47. Twilight can now picture all sorts of scenarios running through her mind. Finding hidden treasures, finding secret tunnels that lead to an unexpected library room filled with lost magic. Finding a souvenir to remember her trip for years to come. Twilight could think of endless possibilities as the train continues to move on. For hours, Twilight thought of everything possible. Including finding Discord there for some odd reason. Discord do love making an appearance every now and then. It's no secret to Twilight and that she already has gotten used to Discord's antics. Nothing he can do would surprise Twilight. Not even the slightest.

It is now 8:47 at night. Twilight spend the majority of her day riding on the train. A few hours ago, she fell asleep. She finished reading another book. The book contained Alicorn magic but Twilight has already mastered it. She has mastered a lot of different types of spells, charms, and rituals. Nopony would last 10 minutes against her in a fight now. Twilight's train came to a stop. The conductor of the train went up to Twilight letting her know that she reached her destination. Once Twilight got out of the train, she is now in a desert landscape of Equestria. A perfect place for searching for a ruined temple or something that has hidden messages or meaning. She trotted into the sandy wasteland hoping to find something out of the ordinary.

After 35 minutes of trotting, Twilight saw something sticking out of the sand. She ran towards it and used her magic to clear the sand so she can see it clearly. Twilight just found an entrance. She became excited that she just found probably a hidden tomb or a hidden library. Twilight used her magic to glow her horn, making a light for her as she walked inside. After taking the wrong step in the hallway, Twilight slid down entering a new area. She landed hard on the floor and heard a noise. She got up quickly only to see a stallion in brown robes watching her movements precisely. Twilight was a bit scared at the moment finding somepony here until...

"I see we have a guest here in our domain. I assume you are Twilight Sparkle?" The stallion said smiling.

"How did you know who I am?" Twilight questioned while getting ready to use her magic for combat.

"I have the magic to see who you are as a pony. Your the type of pony who wants to learn about all sorts of magic since it is in your element." He said.

"Alright...you have my attention. What is your name?" Twilight asked.

"My name is Sotnas. I'm a Unicorn with powerful magic unlike any pony has ever seen before." Sotnas stated.

"Tell me Sotnas? What kind of magic do you possess?" Twilight now lowering her guard down a little.

"Dark magic to be precise. I do know about witchcraft and black magic that far exceeds everything towards an Alicorn's magic."

"Dark magic, black magic, and witchcraft are forbidden in all lands of Equestria. Why do you practice such magic like that?"

"Good question. It's how everything started in the beginning when Equestria was originally founded."

"What are you talking about?"

"Equestria was founded by the Pegasi, Unicorn and Earth Ponies with unlimited access to all magic within our world. We created a powerful but peaceful colony. We would normally do anything as we pleased with our unlimited magic. We would be creating new homes for creatures of the unknown seeking help. We would be doing more good than bad until she came into our lives and changed the course of history within her hooves."

"Who's she?" Twilight asked now grabbing a quill and her paper to begin jotting notes. Just to make sure she isn't going crazy after her fall.

"The Sun Goddess herself. Princess Celestia."

Twilight didn't want to believe that her teacher Princess Celestia has anything to do what Sotnas was saying. She now believes everything this colt was saying is all a lie. A way to get her into trouble and cause mischief on all of Equestria but still, she wanted to know more about Sotnas story. It was intriguing to her. She wanted to know more but she's now keeping her guard up.

"Why would Celestia do what you said?"

"Celestia envision herself ruling all things in our land with an iron hoof. With the magic she has during that time, she created something that was not meant for our world to handle but it worked in her favor."

"What did she create?"

"Cutie Marks."

"Sotnas, why would a Cutie Mark be all that bad? It defies you for who you are and defies that special talent you have deep inside," Twilight asked as she wrote everything Sontas was saying.

"Cutie Marks means that you're confined to the limited magic within that specialty. Yours confined to do that one aspect of life. No longer to gain magic from everything else, therefore, that pony who has a Cutie Mark has only one purpose in life. Whatever Cutie Mark that pony has, means he or she will have to do what it represents. Nothing more, nothing less."

"That can't be true. Cutie Marks are essential in our society. Cutie Marks are an important factor in Equestria. Why would Celestia create Cutie Marks for ponies to find out what are they meant to do in life?"

"To contain everypony. Everypony who would have unlimited magic would be an ideal threat to Celestia. To make sure nopony gets any bright ideas, Cutie Marks were created to extinguish other sorts of magic within our world from coming close to the pony."

"Alright, then where does the term blank flanks come from? Also, explain to me why young fillies would get their Cutie Marks sooner than the adults?"

"The term Blank Flank is an ideal way of pushing the young to find their purpose in life quicker so that way, the magic that our world provides won't make them think twice. It's Celestia's way of ensuring her safety in Equestria. To prevent a rebellion from coming or to prevent an outbreak in a magical warfare."

"So what about those who don't have Cutie Marks? What do they feel exactly?"

"For us who don't have Cutie Marks can feel all the magic that our world provides. We can take things beyond an Alicorn's magic. If you want to learn more, I suggest you come into the Darkness with us and we'll discuss more from there."

"Ok, I now know you're crazy. Darkness is bad news. Why would I come with you into the Dark? There will be nothing there but demons ready to attack me!" Twilight said now packing her things up.

"I see Celestia also reworded our definition of Light and Dark."

This caught Twilight off guard. In her list of possibilities, this is certainly not one of them. She's learning something new but it terrifies Twilight to an extent. She didn't want to hear anymore but she wanted more answers and the possibility of learning different magic. She remained where she was and asked Sotnas another question.

"Alright then, if you're saying that Celestia reworded Light and Dark, then tell me. What is the difference between the two?"

"The difference between Light and Dark is one side, there is unity. The other side is to go away forever. The actual term for Dark is to remain strong. To stand together and fight back. The actual term for light is to be blinded. To go where you shouldn't be going to."

"Where would that be?"

"To the other side. When you go towards the Light, it'll take you away. Never to be seen again."

"How does Dark unify ponies?"

"Darkness is not dark at all. Darkness is a special word that brings us together. In the Dark, you're not alone. It's quite beautiful actually. You see the world as clear as day. Darkness is harmony and Light is Disharmony. Celestia would switch the terms meaning that Darkness is evil and Light is good. She used it and then others started to follow her in the wrong direction. Never to be seen again."


"How is that possible when we see each other? When other ponies are able to see one another in a land so beautiful?"

"That's quite easy. Celestia is one powerful pony who can use Illusionment Magic. All you're seeing is a fake paradise within Equestria. In order to rule a colony, you have to make sure everything falls into place."

"What about the Elements of Harmony? Discord? King Sombra? Nightmare Moon? Queen Chrysalis? Are those figments of imagination?"

"Yes. In order for Celestia to make sure that everypony follows with her, she needed to create something that'll go against her and at the same time to conquer. Celestia used her magic to create villainous foes that want to take over Equestria. The elements of Harmony are actually emotions of Celestia. The magic inside though its fake. There some creature she made that are not real. Looks real, feels real but everything is an illusion. It's quite easy to detect an illusion when you don't have a Cutie Mark and allowed the magic our world provides to flow through you. If you don't believe then I'll show you this."

Sotnas disrobed himself showing Twilight that he doesn't have a Cutie Mark at all. Twilight observed Sotnas body. She used her magic to detect a hidden Cutie Mark but there was nothing there. Just a blank flank. Twilight became confused. With the info, she just got from Sotnas. She questioned everything about Equestrian history but she kept her guard up in case he was lying.

"I see you have the motives and the indication that I'm lying to you..."

Twilight was caught off guard a second time. Fear struck her heart.

"How can you tell that I was lying?"

"Easy. Us powerful Unicorns who don't have Cutie Marks can detect somepony from lying by reading their minds. It's a way for us to fix that problem once it started. Celestia hated when somepony reads her mind so she banned that type of magic in her archives. Let me ask you this, can you read my mind?"

Twilight shook her head. She does not know how to read minds the way Sotnas have.

"That is what I thought. There is magic she allows for those to study but the magic that is far advanced, she forbade them to the public. Only those who deemed worthy enough can obtain the magic she hides away. It's quite funny how she seems to be wise but acts cowardly in disguise. Come. There is something I should really show you but, there is something you would have to do."

"What is it Sotnas?"

"You're Cutie Mark will have to be removed temporarily."

Twilight did not like the sound of that one bit. Her Cutie Mark is precious to her but knowledge is an understatement. She couldn't pass up seeing what Sotnas wanted to show her. She thought about it for a few minutes before coming to conclusion.

"If I allow you to remove my Cutie Mark, will you answer all my questions that I have in mind?"

"Of course I will answer them. I will tell you and show you everything that lies ahead. All I need you to do is to make a solemn promise. If you can do that, then all is well between the two of us."

"Of course. I make a solemn promise to never speak of this to anypony." After Twilight made her promise, she bowed down confirming the solemn promise.

"Good. Now I'll remove your Cutie Mark but you will feel a lot different in a matter of moments."

"Why is that?"

"Without a Cutie Mark, you'll feel all the magic in our world coursing through your body at will. Making you feel more powerful than ever. It's always like that for those who seek out for the truth."

Sotnas used his magic to remove Twilight's, Cutie Mark. He then placed it in a spellbinding protection circle. Nopony will be able to get through the circle to make an attempt to steal it. Twilight can already feel a magical surge going through her body. She is feeling a change as her magic lit up brighter than ever. Her mane started to change into a sparkling purplish aura. Her eyes glowed and within a moment, her body changed. Twilight is now the size of Celestia. The size of Sotnas. He is smiling as Twilight became overjoyed by how she looked and how powerful she is. Everything about Sotnas said is true or is it? Twilight began to question and theorize if everything Sotnas said is true or if Sotnas was using his magic for an illusion of his own. Twilight could feel the energy flowing in more ways than another.

"I see somepony is enjoying herself." Sotnas said.

Twilight blushed a little but she was enlightened by how powerful she is without a Cutie Mark.

"Ready to come into the Darkness?"

"Yes, I am," Twilight said. Now gathering her things.

"Good. Follow me."

They trotted into the darker alleyway together. There, Twilight get will have more of her questions answered.

Truth! Questions & Answers!

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As Sotnas led Twilight deeper into the alleyway, something bright can be seen. Twilight couldn't see what it is until she saw magic all around her in different varieties of colors. Twilight is seeing the paradise that the Darkness is showing. Beautiful, bold, majestic, vibrant. Everything that she remembers when living in Equestria could not compare to what Twilight is seeing. Some earth ponies are floating in the air, playing a game with the pegasi. Unicorns are clearing the way as they created a new waterfall for the plants below. Twilight is seeing how everypony interacts with each other. It's quite similar except everypony she sees doesn't have a Cutie Mark. Sotnas continued to show Twilight around the area before reaching his home.

Twilight went inside of Sotnas home. She saw books that she doesn't recognize at all. Not even at the Castle of the Two Sisters. Twilight wanted to read the new books so badly. Her excitement grew. She looked at the shelves of books. There were a lot of black magic, dark magic witchcraft books. Forbidden spells, charms, rituals and so much more. She used her magic to grab one book but accidentally grabbed all the books at once even those from a different room. When she realized that she just used a simple levitation spell, she quickly stopped and all the books fell on the floor.

"I see somepony exploring a bit too much." Sotnas said, smiling a bit.

Twilight slightly blushed. "Sorry, I'll clean this up."

"No need for that." He touched one book with his hoof. "Chain Possession," All of the books glowed white. "Restore." The books went back into place within moments. The exact way when Twilight used her magic. "There. Now things are back to the way there were. Come Twilight, there is a lot to discuss."

Twilight followed Sotnas to a different room. She was quite amazed at the magic he used. She could have done it but to organize and relocate would have taken her a lot of time. Twilight peeked out the window. She saw paradise once more. Everything about the landscape was unreal to her. It had to be a fantasy and yet, she's an Alicorn Princess who know somepony who breaks the laws of physics. She continued to look at the wonders and came up with a lot of questions to ask. Now she has her mindset. She used her magic to lift the quill and paper so she can write notes as Sotnas would be answering a lot.

"Sontas, are you ready for the number of questions I have in my mind?"

"Yes."

"Alright, let's begin. What do you normally call light and dark when those terms are used for good and evil?"

"Well, there are two sides of light and dark. Light represents Disharmony. Also, we use light to see in a dark area. Dark represents Harmony. Also, the word means for can't see. It is best not to get confused so we normally say lit to see and pitched to see nothing."

"Ok, thanks for clearing that up. Now, why haven't you stopped Celestia from completing her goal?"

"We've been planning for an attack on Celestia for a long time actually but unknown to you or everypony else with a Cutie Mark, invaders have come to colonize our world. We've been fighting off the invaders for millenniums now. They come because we have all the resources they need. We tried asking them nicely about their approach but they wanted to fight rather than to discuss. We've been protecting everypony in Equestria from them. For a while now, we have seen no invaders coming any time soon so we're preparing ourselves to take back what is ours."

Twilight refused to believe that invaders from other planets would come to an attack on her world. Our world. This had to be the most jacked up story she ever heard of but she seen some unbelievable events occur in her life so she's in the middle of what's real and what's fake.

"Have you tried talking to Celestia about splitting up the lands equally?"

"No. She's not that type of pony worth communicating with."

"Then perhaps I should talk things through to her since I'm her most faithful student."

"You can try but that won't help you. You made a solemn promise not to speak of this to anypony."

"Well, maybe I can stretch the truth a little?"

"Still won't do any good. Believe me, she's not worth the trouble."

"There has to be some other way than fighting."

"I wish there was."

"What if you come in your disguise and tell Celestia about a hidden lost art within magic. She'll have to listen to you."

"Nice idea. I doubt it'll work."

"Are you willing to try the least?"

"Yes. I will try out your idea but if all goes wrong, then you'll see the type of pony Celestia really is."

"Then here's my next question for you, how many ponies are here with you that don't have Cutie Marks?"

"10,000 and counting to be precise. Our numbers may be outmatched by Celestia's army but we are more powerful than all those numbers combined. It'll be unimaginable war if it was to take place."

"How old are you?"

"Old enough to see King Alpha and Queen Omega. The first ponies to bring life into our world."

"How many years was that?" Twilight shockingly asked while her body twitched a bit.

"If I had to guess since I lost track of time with everything that I witnessed, I'll say like around 25 hundred thousand years ago. I perfected an immortality spell when I was 23 years old. I remain the image throughout all of the time. Never to age or to look different. Just be the same. I liked it. Not wanting to die. Others here in paradise are immortal as well. It's a choice here. Nopony forcing others to do what they don't want to do."

Twilight dropped her notes. She couldn't believe how old Sotnas really is. Older than Celestia.

"How old was Celestia when she took control of everything?"

"She was 27 years old. When she took everything away, it was 48 thousand years ago. Time moved forward and more followed her. The magic she used, she manipulated our planet's magic in her favor. Her Equestrian lifestyle may look like heaven but in reality, Equestria as we see it is nothing more than a wasteland. Here is the real paradise. The only one in existence until we take everything back."

"Then, if my idea goes wrong then what you think will happen?"

"She would start a war. Us against them. She would fear that her time is up but with the magic, she manipulated in her favor, she'll believe that there is nothing that can stand in her way. She would have everypony by her side and to go to war against the few of us."

"Ok, dropping the subject for a bit. What can Earth Ponies, Unicorns and Pegasi do with unlimited magic?"

"Good question. Earth Ponies are able to fly and float in the air by using our world's magic that flows within us. They can create landscapes of their own. Fill it with life and to nourish the land without having any problems. Pegasi normally use the magic our world provides for defensive. If mother nature said a tornado will come to destroy what we have, the Pegasi will stop it. There basically the protectors of our land. Also, their wings are strong enough to tear fabrics of our world creating interdimensional gates to travel all around the planet. Unicorns are more powerful than the two. We use magic for a lot of things like you unicorns would but also, we use more powerful spells and rituals for battle. We also use the magic to create everything else our world desperately needs. We do things the right way. Never for any greed and value at the end."

"Then what's the difference between our society and yours?"

"Your society thrives on money, purpose, and surviving. The value of money turns to lust, greed, vengeful and regret. Your so-called bits is an economic problem. No bits, no housing, no food, no survival. Then you have the Cutie Marks. The essential in your lifestyle. Doing what must be done according to the Cutie Mark. Then you have the Princesses to worship. To thank them for everything they have done. Finally, you live in a fantasy that houses everything but limited magic. Our society doesn't rely on money. What everypony needs is already provided. No need to worry about taxes, no need to worry about losing anything. Here you have freedom. Here you can have all that is needed in an everyday life. No Cutie Marks here. Therefore you're free to do anything as you pleased. No Princesses or Gods to worship here. We all know who King Alpha and Queen Omega. The ones who granted us life. We never had to worship to them because they told us not to. Just enjoy everything that was given to us. Never to take things for granted. Finally knowing the exact truth to all things within our world. We know that what Celestia has brought nothing but shame into our lands. Our world is dying and we need to fix it."

Twilight stopped and theorize everything that Sotnas was speaking to her. The ways things are between the two societies. Things were uncertain for Twilight. She doesn't know what is real or fake anymore. All things seemed good to be true. She is stuck between the two bridges. Celestia's and Sotnas. Now she regretted coming here and finding this information but at the same time, happy that she discovered something new. She continued to ask her question.

"Is there a way that the unlimited magic can still flow through us with a Cutie Mark? Is there a way that you can create something to alter the magic around it?"

"No. Celestia's creation is meant to block all other magic from flowing. I've tried it recently with a young mare known as Moon Dancer. I used her Cutie Mark and tried to manipulate the spell Celestia used. It didn't work. Moon Dancer couldn't believe what she was witnessing. She wanted to learn more about us after finding our paradise by accident. Just like you Twilight."

"Moon Dancer is here?!" She shouted.

"Yes. Moon Dancer is the newest member of our family. She decided to join us after seeing what Darkness truly is about. She saw things within Equestria that weren't meant to be. She understood our society and wanted to live with us until the time was right to take back what Celestia stole."

Twilight couldn't believe that her friend Moon Dancer was living among them. She couldn't believe that a friend of her's found this place and now living here.

"So, when are you going to go forth with my idea?"

"We can go right now. I just need to get myself ready. Prepare for any outcome that lies ahead. Just know some things Twilight. Celestia will have her mind snapped, she will change a little once she hears me. You will have a choice to choose whose side you really believe. If it's my side of the story or her's. Whatever you choose, it's your will. No manipulations. No illusions. Only facts of reality. Once we leave this place, the spellbinding protection circle will break. Then your Cutie Mark will come back to you and change you back to the way you were when we first met."

Twilight didn't like the sound of changing back. She enjoyed being the pony she is now. It's too good to be true when having all this powerful magic flow through you. She didn't want to change but have to for the better of herself. Also, in her mind, she wants to say no to Sotnas for telling her a huge lie in front of her. Moon Dancer being there made no sense but still, there's plenty of evidence riding into the paradise Sotnas and the others were living in. She hopes what she saw was a fantasy and that she encountered a villain ready to strike once there's an opening.

"You ready?" Sotnas said as he put on his brown robe covering his entire body and face.

"Yes. I'm ready."

"Good. Follow me."

The two trotted out of the house, out of the paradise and back into the dark alleyway. From there, the spellbinding protection circle broke. Allowing Twilight's Cutie Mark to be placed right back to where it was. Twilight felt a cold chill as all but her magic was removed out of her body. She never felt anything so cold drained out of her body. She shrunk is size as well. Going back to her normal self. She felt completely different.

"What's the matter? Don't like being change back to the way you were?"

Twilight didn't want to admit it so she remained silent. She and Sotnas went out through the entrance. As they left, Sotnas used his magic to cover the entrance once more with sand. Twilight then escorted Sotnas to the train station. From there, they will be going to Canterlot to see Princess Celestia.

"Just know that I will be asking more questions on the train ride heading to Canterlot."

"I'm fine with that. Would be a great way to pass up the time."

Train Ride To Canterlot! More Questions & Answers!

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Sotnas and Twilight are now boarding the train. The ride will be 15 hours long. It'll be more than enough time for more of Twilight's questions to be answered. Twilight and Sotnas are sitting in their private car for business only. Nopony else will be entering through the car unless the conductor tells them that they have arrived at their station. Now the train started to pull out of the station.

"So now that it'll be us for the ride, you ready to answer more of my questions?"

"Yes."

"So do you know the mother of Princess Celestia?"

"No. Celestia mother died when giving birth to her. Sometimes in nature, our magic cannot help those who'll end up dying. It's the fate of life at times unless you are immortal."

"How did Celestia became an immortal?"

"I taught her the immortality spell. She asked me when she was 20 years old. During that time, I found her attractive so I thought perhaps we can spend our time together for all of eternity. What a shame. Due to my actions, she basically doomed us while she reigned Equestria in an illusion. I take full responsibility for that mistake."

"So she wasn't born as an immortal. Interesting. Does she really have a sister named Luna?"

"No. Luna is a figment of Celestia's imagination. To fill a void within her story. If Luna was real then I would be talking about her more than Celestia."

"Are you sure that Luna is a fake?"

"Yes. Luna doesn't exist."

Twilight sighed. She knows that Luna exists. She knows that Luna is alive. Breathing and doing her duties by coming into the dreamland and helping ponies with their nightmares.

"Is Princess Cadence a fake."

"No. She's real. Just living in the moment as a Princess but in reality, she's a common Pegasus living in a lie."

"Are my wings a fake since I was born as a Unicorn."

"Yes. Your wings may feel real but when magic is manipulated, it can feel real."

"Is it possible for an Alicorn to exist?"

"Yes. An Alicorn can exist but he or she will have to become a leader than understand the true nature of our world and the magic it provides. Not to change the way our world flows or else things will become unbalanced. When a world becomes unbalanced, then everything starts to fall on one side while the other side gets destroyed. The Alicorn purpose is to make sure our world is balanced. Never a one-sided affair. Celestia did the opposite of that."

"Is Celestia a real Alicorn?"

"Yes. She is doing a bad job as one. If Queen Omega saw what she is doing, Celestia would be obliterated right then and there."

"Discord, the Lord of Chaos, is he real?"

"No. Discord is not real. We never saw his kind before. Even when we were creating homes for species of the unknown searching for a new place to call home. Griffins, Dragons, Yaks, Moles, Gophers, Tigers, Lions, all different sorts of creatures came and we took them to new places in our world. A Draqonacuss is nonexistent. Celestia must have a brilliant idea for naming preposterous creatures."

Twilight took a breather. She allowed her mind to come clear. She couldn't believe that Discord and Luna are not real. Just figments of Celestia's imagination. She didn't want to believe Sotnas for what he was saying but there he is. Calm and answering each question that was thrown at him. There must be a greater explanation for all this. A lie that is stretching to new places just to get closer to Celestia. That is a good possibility but then again. Sotnas can read her mind if she indicates him for lying. For now, she plays it out and continued to make progress.

"Alright then. Sotnas, why don't you come out of your paradise and spread the knowledge to everypony else?"

"Interesting question Twilight. The reason why I don't leave paradise is due to the fact that Celestia is always watching. She has eyes all over Equestria except for places where ponies should not go to or deserted landscapes like deserts or wastelands. Quite funny how I mentioned wastelands when she's living in one right now."

"Eyes all over Equestria? Please explain."

"Certainly. Celestia has her guards all over Equestria. They report to her in case anything suspicious to her were to make an entrance. She already has eyes on me going into Canterlot as we speak."

"How can you tell?"

"One pony everywhere is a spy. The magic they use is faint but you can sense."

"Why would the magic be faint?"

"That is how you know magic is being manipulated."

"So, are any of my friends real?"

"Yes. Most ponies in Equestria are real. They are just living in a lie. That is all."

Twilight sighed in relief. At least her friendship is real despite everything else Sotnas was saying to her. Twilight can understand Sotnas better than she has earlier.

"Have any more questions for me to answer?"

"Just a few more before I take my nap."

"Sure."

"If Celestia is telling the truth and claims that you're a phony. Then how would you respond?"

"First of, I'm not lying. Second I'm telling everything I know because the truth must be set free. Third, if I was lying, then why would I be telling you all of this and fourth, I would have killed you from the minute you dropped in. Not giving you any chance of recovering."

Twilight took it all in and kept thinking to herself that he is lying the whole way back but she acknowledges his statements and his honesty in a way. Can someone corrupted can act this way...?

"Alright last question before I go to sleep. If Celestia decides to accept your request by all means, what would you do?"

"Simple really, take back what she is giving to use and renew the land. Allowing other ponies to join us by their own free will."

With that being said and done, Twilight fell asleep. She was a bit too tired to continue to ask. Sotnas watched his traveling partner fell asleep. He then looks up at the night.

"If only you know the exact truth about this whole situation. Then you'll see everything like we do." He laughed a bit knowing that victory is coming soon. Sotnas couldn't wait to see Celestia and how he's gonna exact his revenge on her for taking everything away from him and his colony.

The train made it to Canterlot. Sotnas and Twilight got off the train. Twilight is now escorting to the castle to meet up Celestia. When the two meet each other, everything will change.

The Walk! Celestia vs Sotnas Beginning of the War!

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Twilight and Sotnas are on their way to Celestia's Castle. The walk there will take 45 minutes to an hour. This gives Twilight a little more time to have Sotnas answer a couple more questions along the way and when the two meet, things will clear up...hopefully.

"So is this your first time in Canterlot?"

"No. I've been here twice."

"Twice?"

"Yes. Long ago when I came here the first time to see how many followers were believing in Celestia's crap. Turns out there was already over a hundred million. The ponies I knew turned sides and went to worship an idol. I was saddened. I decided to head back home and see if I can build up my colony once more. The second time I came, the numbers doubled but I saw ponies who didn't have their Cutie Marks so I decided to take them with me. To save them from Celestia's reign. Then from there, we repopulated the colony. It may not be much but we're building back on top."

"Wow. That answered the other question I have in mind."

"Well, glad to answer it anyway."

"So if Celestia were to flip, what would you do?"

"Don't know. I have to see what will happen cause anything can happen."

"Even with Luna being a figment of Celestia's imagination, would she be able to sense you like she has with us?"

"No. She'll probably think you're nuts for saying there is another pony beside you. Celestia will see. She will be facing reality."

Twilight felt a cold chill slivering down her spine. She also had butterflies in her stomach. She feared that something bad will happen. Twilight and Sotnas are 25 minutes away from the Celestia's Castle.

"Sotnas, if there are some ponies you see without a Cutie Mark, will you take them with you?"

"I would try but Celestia's eyes are all over Canterlot more than the last time I've done it."

"How can you be certain that there is more around us?"

Twilight knew Celestia would have more Royal Guards here in her home and Canterlot but it intrigues Twilight to see how protective Celestia can really be. For the sake of her subject.

"Look around you."

Twilight looked and see multiple guards in the surrounding area but it was nothing new to her really.

"I've seen them all the time when I come to visit."

"Look again but don't allow your feelings to get in the way. Don't allow any expression and you'll be able to see them a bit clearer."

Twilight paused. Then she showed no emotions. She looked at the guards a second time and noticed how they were acting. The guards were staring right at them. Watching them more thoroughly. When Twilight looked away and saw them from the reflection of a window, the guard's stare was on point. Not taking any contact off. It made Twilight feel very uncomfortable that she's being watched like that.

"Wow...I now see why the guards are like that."

"They will report to Celestia that you're with a pony who decided not to reveal him or her self. The guards don't know who I really am but make no mistake, Celestia will know before we arrive."

Twilight and Sotnas continued their walk. There at the castle now. As they entered inside, a guard went up to them.

"Please state your name and purpose for being here."

"My name is Twilight Sparkle but you know that already."

"I'm Dos. I'm good with my calculations and discovered something in the outlands that Celestia would be interested in hearing. A new form of magic that can cure diseases of the highest level."

"Alright, Celestia is in her room. Twilight will take you up there herself."

The guard left his position and trotted down the hall. Twilight and Sotnas headed up the stairs.

"Wow! That was a very convincing lie you made. I would have never thought of it!"

"Thanks. I figured it'll help and be more realistic about the situation that most ponies are dealing with."

"So...are you nervous?"

"Yes and no. Yes in a way that I haven't confronted Celestia in a long time and no because I know what I am expecting from her."

Twilight and Sotnas are on the top floor. There are no patrols for the time being. It is lunch hour so Celestia would be in her room. Twilight escorted Sotnas to Celestia's room. She knocked on it.

"Stay here, for now, I'll talk with Celestia about bring a friend in."

"Will do."

"Come in!" Celestia said.

Twilight opened and walked into Celestia's room. Celestia was quite surprised and happy to see her friend come in.

"Hi Celestia. I have something to talk to you about."

"What would that be?" Celestia smiled.

"I've met somepony who knows a lot about Ancient Equestria. "

"Really, who is this pony Twilight. I'm eager to learn about these findings of Ancient Equestria."

"It'll be me, Celestia." Sotnas walked into the room and removed his robe.

"YOU!" Celestia glared. "What are you doing here demon!" She shouted.

"Celestia? You know this pony?" Twilight said confusingly but she knows who Sotnas is.

"It's been a while hasn't it Celestia?"

Without hesitation, Celestia used her magic and shot a sunbeam at Sotnas sending him back at the door.

"You should have never come here demon!" Celestia now walking towards Sotnas.

"Funny, how you're calling me a demon since you are yourself."

"Get out right now demon." Celestia magic is rising a bit as she is preparing for another attack.

"I'm taking back what you stole from us!" He lunged at Celestia taking her down.

The two are having a magical brawl in the room. Twilight is using her bubble defense shield so she doesn't get hurt. Celestia and Sotnas evenly matched with Twilight in the room. Not wanting to hurt her but soon it has gotten out of control. Celestia lunged herself at Sotnas taking him outside of the castle and hurling him towards the garden. The guards saw and they headed for the gardens. Twilight went as well. Sotnas took heavy damage from the fall.

"Had enough demon?!" Celestia said in a booming echoing voice.

"Never. You have taken things too far. You've blinded everypony here from the truth about our world. I will not allow your regime to continue anymore. I thought maybe just maybe we can call a truce but now since you sought out for violence, you started a war. It's a war that I'll gladly finish. Your world will cease to exist Celestia. Everything you have will be gone. Everything you built will meet its downfall. From all you have created will be erased and the truth will set everypony free."

"This war Sotnas, will be your last. Not even the Elements of Harmony's magic will spare you life. I will be the one that ends it. Immortal or not, your end will come as we have the light by our side while those in darkness will the retreat."

The guards roared with passion. Celestia used her magic to teleport herself away as the guard charged towards Sotnas.

"Fools." The guards were inches away but Sotnas used a spell that quickly terrified the rest that was witnessing the beginning of the war. "Shattering Light!" The guards that were charging at Sotnas were breaking apart as the light inside of them shattered into many pieces then disintegrated. The other guard ran for their lives not wanting to die. As Twilight saw the event unfold, Sotnas teleported himself away leaving Twilight behind as she is now seeing two sides of the story. Not knowing which is true anymore.

Twilight looked up at the Castle and figure she should go back up and see how Celestia is feeling. As she flew up back to Celestia's room, Celestia has already sent letters to the quadrants of the Equestrian Army. Getting ready for the war she has to endure. For the safety of her subjects from the evil Sotnas is delivering.

"Princess Celestia...?"

Celestia sighed and turned to Twilight. "Twilight, there is something you need to know about that colt..."

Sotnas The Demented! Finding Truths!

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"Twilight, there is something that you need to know about that Colt," Celestia said.

"Celestia? What is it you have to tell me?" Twilight asked.

"Sotnas along with the outsiders are demented. They are everything that evil supposed to be. Destructive, cruel, nefarious, liars, deceptive and unholy. Sotnas is far worse than Queen Chrysalis and her Changeling Army. He controlled all life in hell. The demons would play with ponykind. Waging wars or creating corruption by any means necessary. When I was brought into existence, my goal came clear. I needed to find a way to reverse the effects of how all ponies lived but in order to do so, I needed to gain Sotnas trust. Apparently, he mastered immortality and that was my key to finding his weakness. Sotnas actually fell in love with me in my 20's but I used my charm to gain the upper hoof. I seduced him a little into teaching me his immortality spell. Then after he taught me how to use it, I turned to my sister Luna and taught her the same spell. After years of research, I created the one thing that'll hold off Sotnas and his forces. I created the Cutie Marks we all have today. Not only they signify our purpose but they give us more reasons to fight back against the darkness. Our Cutie Marks gave us the opportunity to crush Sotnas and his colony. Everypony started to gain Cutie Marks and decided to live among us. The Cutie Mark's purpose allows the bearer to master that certain art and use it to our advantage. It worked, only a few remained. Sotnas have been planning revenge for a long time now. Since you brought him here Twilight, I should thank you for allowing all of us to finish what he started. To end his reign of terror once and for all."

Twilight thought about what Celestia have spoken. She took it into full consideration. It bugged her. Two sides of the story and they both have compelling reasons and facts but Twilight is having a difficult time figuring out who's lying and who's telling the truth.

"So, since you have sent letters to the Quadrants of the Equestrian Army, what would you like me to do about the situation? "

"Find your friends, get them ready for battle. Things are about to become hectic in the next few days." Celestia stated. She left her room and headed towards Luna's corridors.

Twilight flew back to her castle to alert her friends for the upcoming battle. Starlight Glimmer trotted her way towards Twilight.

"Hey Twilight, how you been?" Starlight asked.

"Not fine Starlight. Also, I need your help."

"What you need help with?"

"The truth."

"Huh?"

"Celestia and this other pony I met have a major conflict between each other for millenniums. Now they're back at it again. I've seen and heard both sides of the story. Is there a magic spell you know that can bring the verdict on both sides?"

"Yea, it's a deliberation ritual. I learned it when I was 17 and the spell allows me to see the answer to anything that comes to mind. What is going on with this pony you met and Princess Celestia?"

"It's probably best if I show you."

Twilight used her magic for a flashback memory spell. It allows both Starlight and Twilight to see what she witnessed 48 hours ago. Starlight is seeing Sotnas for the first time and she felt very uncomfortable at first but she eased up during the conversation the two were having in the flashback. Starlight was able to see Twilight give up her Cutie Mark temporary. It made Starlight feel bad about her past sins when removing Cutie Marks for her friendship ways. Starlight saw the paradise that was presented in the darkness. She couldn't believe what she saw in Twilight's eyes. The land is far more beautiful than Equestria. She thought that it had to be a fake. Starlight kept her cool and listened to every question asked an answered. Then things took a turn heading into Canterlot. Seeing Sotnas and Celestia fight like that. Then Celestia explaining her side of Sotnas. Everything just didn't feel alright once the spell has ended.

"Alright, I now know why you would ask me for the deliberation ritual. Stand back a little and we'll find out exactly who's right in all of this so we can put an end to it."

Twilight stepped back a little. Starlight used her magic and she levitated a little. Her Cutie Mark glowed as a blinding white stream of magic exploded. Twilight and Starlight are in the spiritual guide realm where their questions can be answered.

"In all of the years in Equestria, who is telling the truth about the foundation of the land? Celestia or Sotnas?"

The realm quickly changed gears and projected a widening view of Equestria. Unfortunately, the realm gave exactly both sides of the story to Celestia and Sotnas. It was unable to determine who's side is more realistic. After a few moments, the realm closed and both Starlight and Twilight are back to where they were. Unsure to do what's next.

"This is crazy! Not even the ritual can answer that question! It's unable to decide which is the truth!"

"Sorry Twilight but there is not much I can do from here."

"Starlight, gather the others and let them know about everything you and I discussed and witnessed."

"Will do."

Starlight trotted her way out of the castle. Twilight turned and remember what Sotnas have said.

"Darkness is not dark at all. Darkness is a special word that brings us together. In the Dark, you're not alone. It's quite beautiful actually. You see the world clear as day. Darkness is harmony and Light is Disharmony. Celestia would switch the terms meaning that Darkness is evil and Light is good. She used it and then others started to follow her in the wrong direction. Never to be seen again."

Twilight thought of an idea. If she wasn't able to get the answer to the conflicts then perhaps she can get the answers to what Darkness and Light really is. The true meaning of it. Twilight used the same magic spell she saw Starlight used. It worked. She is now back into the spiritual realm and asked about the real difference between Darkness and Light. Just like before, the realm couldn't pick up the actual right answer. This left Twilight astray. Unsure what to do now. Starlight came back to the Castle with their friends. Now it's time to clear things up about the upcoming war that awaits everypony.

"Girls, there is something serious we need to talk about. It will hinder on Equestria as we know it..."

Meeting Among Friends! Side Already Chosen! Another Trip! Researching For More Answers! Reunions!

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Twilight and all of her friends are in the Friendship Map Throne room. Twilight used her magic and showed everypony what she has witnessed in the past 48 hours. All but Twilight and Starlight were amazed but horrid by the upcoming war between two immortalize ponies and they're great powerful magic that the two have on each side. For a few minutes, everypony have thought and made their decisions.

"So, after witnessing my memories and gathering your thoughts about all that was shown, whose side are you going with?"

"C'mon Twi, it's obvious that Celestia is right in all this...I mean where in her lifetime that she's done something corruptive? Never! Princess Celestia is the symbol of Light and Harmony. EVerything she ever did and continues to do builds up everything we do."

"I have to agree with Dash here Twilight. In my family's history throughout generations, there has never been anything demented from Celestia. Sure she has faced many foes before us but she is not evil."

"Twilight, darling. Celestia is the Princess of the Sun. She is everything that light is supposed to be. She brings it to us every day."

"Technically you are a student of Celestia. IF anypony should know her better out of all of us is you Twilight."

"Yea!" Everyone shouted.

"I know I know but still, everypony here is entitled to their opinion but I just wanted to hear from you girls. All of you have valid points but you're agreeing with one side of the story...of the war that will take place in the next few days."

"Yea so..what about it?"

"Rainbow Dash. I know that you jump to conclusions but you did saw what Sotnas has shown me. Do you even consider that something may not be right here?"

"Uh, let me think about that...No! Twilight, you should know those evil tyrants will create something oblivious to mess up everypony's mind. To corrupt them from the blinding truth. Now if you excuse me, I need to get to Spitfire and see if I can participate with the Wonderbolts on the upcoming attack from Sotnas' forces."

Rainbow Dash flew out of Twilight's castle. Rainbow said something that impacted Twilight. The words are very similar to what Sotnas about blinding truths and a creation to corrupt everypony.

"Twilight...I know how the others feel. I can understand your side...Sotnas side of the story but he still has a hatred towards Celestia. Discord had the same but was changed for the better. Luna did as well. Maybe Sotnas is trying to get something else rather than the land. Perhaps a friend or two..?"

"Fluttershy...he has his colony and friends all around where he's at. I highly doubt about making friends here and friendship being the solution as well. It's more than that."

"Twilight, I know that this Sotnas guy can seem promising but it takes time to build trust and there are some ponies out there that are rather off not dealing with. I know friendship is key but Twi, this is war and it'll come down to the winner of the side. If you excuse me, I need to get back to the farm and arm myself for war."

"Darling, let's be honest here. Sotnas is uncouth. He is everything but harmony in his name. I mean really. Cutie Marks...a bad thing. It defies ponies for who we are and our special talent is meant for a greater purpose. I can't imagine life without one...No offense Starlight."

Starlight sighs "None taken."

"Anyways, I need to pack up and head to Canterlot. I'll meet you in Celestia's castle."

"I'll join you Rarity."

"Me as well!"

Fluttershy, Rarity and Pinkie Pie, left the castle leaving Starlight Glimmer, Spike and Twilight alone. They pounder on the situation at hoof. Neither of them wants to choose Celestia because her side has more followers than Sotnas but they don't want to be wrong because of Sotnas' manipulation techniques. It's easy to jump to conclusions than to give reason to it but still. It bothered everyone in the room. Twilight got up after hours of thinking.

"I'm going to find more answers."

"Count us in as well." Both Spike and Starlight said.

"Thanks but I'd be better off alone in this quest."

"No, you won't. RIght now our friends are choosing Celestia because of her good nature and side of the story. We want to understand exactly how you feel in all this and in case you were to get into some kind of trouble." Starlight said.

After full consideration, Twilight agreed with Starlight and give them the green light to come aboard on their quest. Together they'll find the missing plotholes in this war. They'll find out whose side is Harmony and the other Disharmony.

The next day came. Starlight, Twilight, and Spike are at the train station. Their friends were already on the move heading towards Canterlot to meet up with the Princesses and Shining Armor. The train pulled up and now the will have to wait 13 hours to get to their destination. 13 hours has passed. Everypony and dragon left the train. Twilight trotted the same direction where she found the entrance and there it was. Same place where she found it the first time. She used her magic and she went inside with Starlight and Spike. The three of them slid down the entrance heading to the same place where she met Sotnas. There he was again. Sitting on a circle with candles.

"Hello Twilight, nice to see you again. I see you brought Spike and Starlight Glimmer to our domain."

Starlight and Spike were surprised to hear Sotnas saying their names like he knows them.

"Yes. We're here to talk."

"Very well but not here. Since Spike is not a pony, he'll be just fine heading into paradise. The difference is that he'll be grown but in control of his passion. As for you Twilight, you'll have to come through without your Cutie Mark. Same goes for you Dictator Glimmer since you're used to removing Cutie Marks."

"How did you know about that?" Starlight asked.

"Without a Cutie Mark, us Unicorns are also able to see each other's past so we as a colony can help one another better."

"Wow."

"Now you will feel a change when I extract your Cutie Mark off of you. You will feel the unlimited magic our world provides in a matter of moments."

"Alright then."

Sotnas uses his magic to remove Twilight and Starlight's Cutie Marks. He placed them in a spellbinding protection circle. Twilight can feel the sensation of magic flowing through her body. Allowing herself to change size. Starlight becomes overwhelmed with the magic building up. She had never felt more powerful in magic than ever before. It was truly something worth believing. Her body also changed as well. She is the same size as Twilight but she's as tall as Celestia now. Starlight became enthusiastic.

"I see somepony enjoying the new fond of magic?"

Starlight blushed a bit.

"Twilight was exactly like you when she first transformed and felt the unlimited magic coursing through her body. Anyways, we have to get moving to my home. Everypony in paradise is already getting ready for war. Into the Darkness!"

Sotnas ran deeper in the darkness. Starlight and Spike looked at each other wondering about the Darkness but Twilight ensure her friends that there is nothing to worry about. Twilight escorted her friends deeper into the dark hallway. At the end of it, they see a light. What Spike and Starlight saw in paradise was amazing. Not even Equestrian lands can be this bold and majestic. Spike has grown into a full-size dragon. His wings expanded from his back allowing him flight. He flew around the paradise as he saw earth ponies flying by with books. He got to witness an interdimensional gate opening in the sky. He saw pegasi flew out of the gate. It amazed Spike as he flew next to the pegasi. They waved at him and flew towards the ground. Spike flew back to Twilight as she alerted them to come into Sotnas home. As they entered, Sotnas closed the door and placed a silencing circle around them so they can have a private conversation in peace.

"Alright Sotnas, I have some questions for you if you don't mind answering."

"Not at all, what you have in mind?"

"Starlight used a deliberation ritual but it was having trouble solving the questions I asked. Why would the deliberation spell not have an answer?"

"Celestia's manipulation with magic. To protect herself and keeping the others from finding the exact truth. It would be best that the ritual would have a harder time understanding to cover herself."

Starlight couldn't believe with her own ears that Sotnas gave a really good reason to why her ritual wouldn't work. Spike just watched as Starlight gave a funny response to the answer.

"So if everything you told me was true, how come my friends couldn't see the truth when I showed them my experiences here and told them your side of the story."

"Well, for starters, you've broken the solemn promise but not mad at that. You did what was right. Anyways, answering your question about your other friends, they are quickly blinded to the exact truth. When following Celestia after so many years, it becomes harder to detail everything that co-exists in our world. Also, it becomes harder to withstand Celestia and her manipulative magic thus allowing everypony to fight for her than to fight against her. Later this week, we'll free the ponies from the truth. Already our numbers have doubled."

"What?!"

"Apparently, King Alpha and Queen Omega are on our side. They have sent us new members to add to our family. "

"Who would that be?"

"A pony couple that rules the Crystal Empire along with their subjects. They have seen the Darkness and know that Celestia needs to be stopped before our world collapses."

"Cadence and"

"Shining Armor."

This paralyzed everypony in the room. Twilight and Starlight couldn't believe that Princess Cadence and Shining Armor are teaming up with Sotnas.

"When...how..why?!"

"Before you pass out, they came here on a vacation day. They wind up slipping here by accident. I showed them what I showed them. They didn't want to believe everything I say but I have more valid points that Celestia about our world. I showed them the real Equestrian World ruled by Celestia and they were disgusted by how things were running. I was the one that broke the silence letting Cadence know she isn't a real Princess. It broke her heart as she stood long enough to see her horn evaporate. When she tried to use her magic of love, it didn't work out for her. She finally saw the truth and wanted to help us take back our land. Shining Armor is outside of my home gathering the army together for impending war. "

As soon as Sotnas said that, Twilight quickly left Sotnas home and found Shining Armor along with several generals and Sunburst. Shining Armor turned as he felt magic coming from Twilight.

"Twili?"

"Big brother!"

The two embraced and hugged each other.

"What are you doing here?"

"I'm here searching for answers bro."

"Well, you've come to the right place. After finding out that Celestia is a no good pony that created Disharmony in our world, it's time to take it back for the better."

"So what are you planning here?"

"Since I worked as a guard in Canterlot, I know different places throughout Canterlot for a sneak attack plan. Despite Celestia having all eyes on Sotnas, she would never expect Cadence and I to join him thus giving us an element of surprise."

"Don't forget, Celestia will have a harder time dealing with me and our colony outside of Canterlot. At the battlefield in case, Celestia was to retreat, you will be there to put an end to her regime."

"Sunburst!" Starlight shouted as she saw her friend.

"Starlight!" Sunburst shouted.

The two embraced and hugged each other.

"I've seen you have chosen the right side for war. I now know that my magic has always been with me. It's been hiding away from me due to my Cutie Mark. Now that I'm free from it, my magic spells are more effective than ever."

"Good for you Sunburst. Glad that you're enjoying yourself with the unlimited magic in our world."

"It's truly amazing Starlight. Also, are you going to participate in the war coming up?"

Starlight thought about it but seeing paradise for the first time and seeing how calm Sotnas is, she feels that she needs to be part of the cause.

"Yes. I'm going to fight. To end Celestia's regime and taking back our world. The way it's supposed to be."

"I can't believe that your here Shining. Where's Cadence?"

"Twilight, Cadence is by the waterfall looking at her reflection. She doesn't feel right yet knowing the truth about herself. If you want to talk to her then be my guess but just know, her new form of magic is different but powerful enough to send you flying."

"Thanks for the heads up."

"No problem my friend."

Twilight flew towards the waterfall to have a talk with Cadence. Cadence is no longer an Alicorn. Her talent was a lie written by Celestia. She cried for what seemed like days. As Twilight approached Cadence, she sensed Twilight's magic and turned. Smiling but tears streaming out of her eyes. Anger and confusion are written on Cadence's face. Twilight went towards Cadence and hugged her.

"I'm sorry that you were living in a lie."

"Me too...I wish I could have known sooner rather than later. I can't believe Tia is a heartless cruel monster that shattered everypony from within. Making a hugely controversial towards ponies with unlimited magic. Controlling them with an iron hoof. I can't believe that Tia is a phony. I can't believe that she made me an Alicorn Princess to protect herself from those who'll find out the truth about the real Equestrian lifestyle. It sickens me and now I want payback for the world she is destroying. "

"I can't believe it either. She made me a Princess of Magic. Sotnas said that I'm actually a real Princess but my job is to make sure our world is balanced. That is what Sotnas said about me. Right now, I clearly see why Celestia made our world unbalanced. My question for you is... Are you going to war against Celestia?"

"Twilight, Celestia has done more wrong than any of her figments of imagination put together. I will help put an end to her regime. Only then our world can truly be free from Celestia's tyranny."

"My BBBFF is already working on plans and tactics as we speak. My friend Starlight Glimmer and Spike are here. They will be joining Sotnas for the war."

"What about you Twilight? Are you joining in the war?"

"I don't know. Even though Sotnas has shown me and told me everything, my friends who are the wielders of the Elements of Harmony are teaming up with Celestia. I have to try and make them see why Sotnas is right before they get killed."

"Twilight, I urge you to go to your friends as we begin to march our way to Equestria. War is among us all and it'll be best to see why they must choose Sotnas. Your friends will know better to trust you even in a crisis such as this."

"I wouldn't mind you doing that."

"Gah!" Twilight shouted as she was startled. "How did you even came up here?!"

"I used my magic to fly up here. I wanted to let you know something but seems that you and Cadence were already discussing it. I would like for you to convince your friends about Celestia as daybreak comes. Just know that if things don't turn out the way you want it to be, then they'll see things the hard way."

"Alright then. I'd best be going but to show them that I'm not lying, I don't want my Cutie Mark. I want to show them the way I look right now."

"Of course and good luck."

Twilight flew out of paradise and she flew towards Canterlot where her friends will be at. Sotnas flew back down as Cadence remained in place. Starlight Glimmer, Sunburst, and Shining Armor were discussing the different forms of formation that Celestia likes to use in war. He and Sunburst made some counter formations to drive Celestia's army out. Sotnas came and let them know about different sorts of magic to use in the fight. Spike flew with the other ponies learning about different ways to use flight as an advantage for a dragon-like him. Sotnas also verified the allies that he made. They'll be joining in the war as well. All seems to go as planned in Sotnas' eyes. Everything will soon change for the better.

The day is about to end. Twilight is now at Canterlot and in her friends' room. Seems that they are sharing and asleep. Tomorrow everything will be changing in Equestria.

The Message! The Warning!

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Twilight zoomed out of Paradise. The spellbinding protection circle broke which allowed her Cutie Mark to return. She turned back to her normal self but right now her friends are on her mind. Being the Princess of Friendship is important to her but in her conscious, she knows that she's not a real Princess. Not even an Alicorn at the very least. It bothered Twilight throughout the flight heading to Canterlot. Sotnas and Cadence had a discussion right before Twilight were out of reach.

"Sotnas is Twilight an actual Alicorn?" Cadence asked.

"No. She should be facing the concepts of reality and the love of Celestia screwing her mind. She's nothing more than a Unicorn, to say the least. Twilight will have to make a choice for the matter. Only then she'll see the truth behind Celestia's lie."

"Then why was she shown as an Alicorn here?"

"Celestia's magic has an impact here. Only the truth will set things right."

"If you say so..."

Sotnas and Cadence headed down to Shining Armor along with the rest of the Crystal Ponies. Twilight flew faster than Rainbow Dash. She can tell by her determination and willpower to make it back to Canterlot. On the way there, Twilight saw the millions of ponies getting themselves ready for war. In a few minutes, Twilight is in Canterlot. She headed towards Celestia's Castle. From there, she went up to one of the guest rooms to talk with her friends.

"Girls, we need to talk."

"What is it darling? Can you see that we have to prepare ourselves against the ruffians Celestia told us about."

"There's more to this war and I need to tell you all about it."

"Whatever it is Twilight, I'm sure they can't handle the awesome power of the Wonderbolts and I when creating the Sonic Rainboom against them."

"Girls, let's not jump into conclusions. Twilight is our friend and I think we should hear her out."

The others nodded in agreement.

"Thanks Applejack."

"My pleausre Twilight."

"After taking some notes on the whole situation...I think it may be best that we should back off from this war."

Everyone looked confused after hearing Twilight saying that. Rainbow burst into laughter.

"Good one Twilight. That has to be the best joke I've heard all day."

"Rainbow Dash, I'm serious. I believe there is more to this than anypony can think! Why you think I came all this way for?"

"To tell us that you came up with a plan to take down Celestia's most hated pony in her life..?"

Twilight didn't even bother to notice Pinkie Pie after hearing that. In her mind, she's seeing what Sotnas would have seen if it were him explaining everything. Twilight is having a hard time to cope and decided to try again but not leaving any crucial facts.

"Alright...I'm going to say this and please...all of you be honest here. No laughter, no tricks, none of that. I need all of your honest opinions here. It's all I ask you..."

They nodded in agreement once more. Pinkie Pie zipped her lips preventing any laughter to come out whatsoever. Rainbow Dash put on her serious face. Fluttershy just remained quiet. Not wanting to make a peep. Applejack and Rarity remained silent. Waiting to hear Twilight.

Twilight sighs. "I went today with Starlight and Spike to seek out Sotnas. He basically showed everypony what real magic supposed to be for everypony. Some of my friends...our friends are there with him as we speak. They sought to see the truth and found it. I believe there is a connection between Sotnas and Celestia. It's basically the foundation of Equestria we're talking about here. I think...I"

Twilight is cut off by Princess Celestia. She had a stern look on her face looking down at Twilight. Fluttershy squealed quietly.

"Girls, please leave. I need to speak with Twilight alone."

Just like that, everypony ran out of the room.

"Were you eavesdropping Celestia?"

"I wanted to see what you found about Sotnas but now I'm worried that he may have corrupted your mind with lies and false reality."

"He mentioned that but it was you that created all of this..."

"Twilight, Sotnas is pure evil. Why would I try to ruin all of Equestria and the good of its true nature?"

"Possibly to hide it from the rest of us..."

Celestia sighs. "I know how the truths of reality can leave a heavy scar once finding out the truth but believe me Twilight, Sotnas is not the pony he says he is. I know him better than anypony. Why else would he live in darkness?"

Twilight remembers what Sotnas said about Darkness...

"Darkness is not dark at all. Darkness is a special word that brings us together. In the Dark, you're not alone. It's quite beautiful actually. You see the world clear as day. Darkness is harmony and Light is Disharmony. Celestia would switch the terms meaning that Darkness is evil and Light is good. She used it and then others started to follow her in the wrong direction. Never to be seen again."

Twilight remembers those words pacifically. The quote that remained in her mind for a while now. It's all that replays in her mind. Is she being consumed by darkness or is she reverting to it? Being on the right side or not. Twilight remained silent. She's in a trance. Celestia got up.

"Think before you react Twilight. Chose the right side. Then you'll see why good will always triumph over evil."

Celestia left the guest room heading into her war room. The others came back to check on Twilight.

"Are you ok Twilight?"

"Perfect."

"Do you want to continue with what you were saying?"

"Would it make a difference even if I were to finish what I was saying?"

"Honestly Twi, no. It wouldn't make a difference to me. My family is on the line along with everypony else here in Equestria. I'm with Princess Celestia and we need to take down Sontas."

"I'm with Applejack on that part Twilight. My Pinkie senses don't say anything good or bad about Sotnas. Maybe he's using his magic to repel my senses from judging him."

"My mind was already made up darling. Sorry, but I can't trust somepony who wants Princess Celestia dead."

"Same goes for me."

Rarity, Applejack, Pinkie, and Rainbow left the room. They need to prepare themselves once more for the upcoming battle in a matter of days. They would be meeting up with Princess Celestia in the war room.

"I believe you Twilight."

Twilight's eyes beamed wide open. She never expected Fluttershy to believe about Sotnas.

"If you have good reasons to why you think Sotnas has a legitimate reason then I'm all ears. You were like that when I was with Discord."

Twilight looked down. She had her moments of not trusting Fluttershy with the Lord of Chaos. Now she can redeem that moment. An hour passed by as Twilight explained all she can with Fluttershy. She even told her about Discord which made her cry but furious. How a lot of Sotnas said can be accurate to her.

"So what are you going to do now?"

"Wait until the two sides are here and show everypony who I side with."

"Well, whatever may be your choice Twilight, just know that I'm right there beside you."

"Thanks Fluttershy. If you excuse me, I need to get some shut-eye. I'm pretty sure Princess Celestia would want me in her war room privately."

Fluttershy decided to meet up with her Friends as Twilight went to her room in the castle. She decided to hear all she can and report to Sotnas and at the same time, she wants to tell Celestia about Sotnas and the Crystal Empire. Twilight fell asleep and now starting to have a twisted nightmare...

Twilight's Nightmare! A Message Delivered!

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Twilight is vastly asleep in her room at Celestia's castle. She has a lot to think about the side she chooses for the upcoming war. Sotnas vs Celestia. Paradise vs Equestria. Dark vs Light. It stirred a fire deep down inside of Twilight. Twilight shifts and turns in her sleep just thinking about Equestria as a whole.

Next thing Twilight sees is her friends in the distance. She makes her way towards them but to no avail. When they turned to see Twilight, they turned to dust. The Scenery changed as Twilight saw Canterlot getting destroyed from within. Ponies screaming as one by one, their Cutie Marks getting torn off as flesh and blood drips away. Twilight screamed then flew up towards the castle only to see it on fire. The Royal Guards are dead with their Cutie Marks torn off their bodies as well. Twilight looked up at the sky and saw Sotnas smiling sinisterly. She then tackles him. Rage and fury got the best of Twilight as she threw Sotnas into Celestia's maze garden. Sotnas stood up unfazed by the tackle or the sheer force of being thrown by Twilight. Twilight flew down and confronted Sotnas.

"You lied to me!"

"Have I?"

"This is pure madness and evil. Cutie Marks tore off leaving only flesh and blood dripping! Ponies screaming in fear! The Royal Guards are dead! What have you done with the Princesses?!"

"Nothing."

Twilight slaps Sotnas in the face. It unfazed him. Twilight gritted her teeth as she powering up.

"Celestia was right about you being evil! You are a monster! Only looking to take down the one thing that can stop you. As long as I have my Cutie Mark, you will never win!"

"You're confusing me with somepony else."

Twilight didn't think and attacked Sotnas. She threw him deeper into the maze where she found her friends. Dead in their tracks. Twilight gasped and walks back slowly. Only to see Princess Celestia standing behind her. She had a devilish smile on her face starring at Sotnas. The two interacted with each other. Fighting for survival. Luna and Discord came to Celestia's rescue but to no avail. Sotnas had a little help which causes Twilight to step back even further. Her brother Shining Armor and Sister-in-law Cadence standing beside Sotnas. The Scenery changed once more but now its reversed. Sotnas is viewed more as the hero while Celestia is viewed as the monster. Twilight blinked twice.

"What is happening here?!"

Twilight is confused. She saw her friends rising up like zombies. Ready to fight no matter what the cause. Princess Celestia, Discord, Luna, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, Rarity, and Applejack all rushed towards Sontas, Shining Armor, and Cadence.

"Get ready."

"Right!" Both Shining Armor and Cadence responded.

They closed their eyes and started to chant a spell.

"I call for the stars in the sky to hear my cry!"

In the sky, it turned black and blue. The stars are starting to light up and realigning themselves. Princess Luna is unable to use her magic to manipulate the stars of her night. She looked at the three in horror.

"Grant me the light to win this fight!"

Everypony stopped as they witness Sotnas, Shining Armor, and Cadence powering up. A magic that Princess Celestia has never seen before. Twilight never even heard of the spell that the three were chanting. She saw them as calm as ever. Not distraught by the fight, the numbers or hatred towards them which amazes Twilight.

"Shooting Star Mayhem!"

After the final sequence of the chant, shooting stars poured out of the sky hitting everypony on sight except for Twilight, Sotnas, Shining Armor, and Cadence. Everypony else was getting obliterated on the spot. Princess Luna is unable to stop the shooting stars from raining down from the sky. Twilight saw and remembered what Sotnas told her. Princess Luna along with several villains are figments of Celestia's imagination. Discord used to be evil but turned good for the sake of Equestria. Only one creature of its existence. No history about what happened to his species as a whole. This questioned Twilight within her dream.

The Scenery changed once more but now, Twilight is outside of Canterlot and sees how Equestria is being destroyed but something didn't feel right. Equestria is now starting to become a wasteland. Just like what Sotnas pointed out to her. Twilight saw the horror of ponies still fleeing away as Sotnas' forces came closer and create more problems. Sotnas and Princess Celestia fought once more in the sky. They hated each other. Princess Celestia tries her very best to rally up the remaining armies of Equestria to take down Sotnas' armies once and for all. Twilight saw and tries to make her way down but she couldn't. Her hooves were sealed to the ground. Unable to move, flew or ever use magic.

"Princess Celestia!"

Princess Celestia turned to look at Twilight which scarred her dearly. Princess Celestia wasn't herself. She looked like a demented pony cryptic with a hellish form. Twilight screamed when she saw Princess Celestia. Princess Celestia shoved Sotnas and went after Twilight. Twilight tried her best to move but she couldn't. As Princess Celestia came closer in striking distance, Shining Armor made his way and shielded Twilight from Celestia.

"Big bro!"

"Twily! We need you! Please...choose the right side!"

Princess Celestia bit into Shining Armor's neck and rips his spine out of his body.

"Don't listen to him."

The Scenery change again revealing that Princess Celestia is not a hellish demon but a Goddess of the Sun and Light.

"He's been corrupted by him. Twilight! You have to choose now or never!"

Twilight panicked. Not knowing what to do made her unnerving. Twilight can feel her heart beating out of control. She screamed one last time and woke up from her slumber. She fell out of her bed breathing heavily. She couldn't believe that she went through a nightmare and that Princess Luna couldn't even stop the nightmare from getting worse. It made Twilight questioned some things about Princess Celestia even more. A knock can be heard from her door which startled Twilight.

"Twilight...are you alright? I heard you screaming and can I come in?"

"Please come in Fluttershy."

Fluttershy walked into Twilight's room which made Twilight thanked King Alpha and Queen Omega that it was all a dream. This is the first that Fluttershy heard Twilight thanking them instead of Celestia but it comes to show just how Twilight is really thinking about.

"Is everything alright Twilight. You look like you have seen something terrible."

"I have...I'll tell you what I went through in my dream."

An hour has passed. Twilight told everything she can to Fluttershy based on the memory of the dream. This gave Fluttershy quite a scare but she figured out why Twilight had the dream.

"I think your nightmare is a message Twilight."

"A message?"

"Think about it.. You've just gone through hearing two sides of the story. You witnessed the two sides fighting in a possible war leading up to the week. Your brother saving you while Celestia looked like a hellish Tartarus creature of the underworld. Then the sides changed as Princess Celestia say and is who she is. You have a monumental task in front of you Twilight."

"I know Fluttershy. I'm just afraid of choosing the wrong side."

"Well, if Sotnas was telling you the truth from the very beginning, brought you to his home and reveal about his mistake leading up to this point. Then why not choose his side. Seems that he has nothing to hide from anypony."

"Yea...He makes me want to go to him but Princess Celestia has been and always be my teacher. How can she be evil when all we see is beauty in our lands?"

"Well Twilight. It's like I said. No matter which side you choose, I'll be right there with you."

"Thanks Fluttershy."

The two hugged and embraced each other.

"Fluttershy."

"Yea?"

"Can you stay with me for the rest of the night? I don't want to be left alone after what I've been through."

"Sure Twilight."

The rest of the night bothered Twilight but not by much as Fluttershy stayed keeping her company. Morning has arrived and the two barely got some sleep. All they kept on doing is thinking about the war at hoof and whose side to lean on. Fluttershy got up and left Twilight's room. A Royal Guard stopped by letting Twilight know that she has a meeting with Princess Celestia and Luna about the upcoming war. Twilight followed the guard leading up to the war room. Princess Celestia and Luna are the only ones in the room. They will be talking privately before talking with the commanders and lieutenants.

"You wanted to see me Celestia?"

Princess Celestia sighed a bit. "Yes. We need to talk about Sotnas."

"Alright. let's just get this done and over with."

"You seemed troubled Twilight. What is wrong?"

Twilight looked at Luna with a disgrunt look on her face.

"I had a nightmare last night and you were nowhere to be found oh protector of the dream!"

Luna sighed as she expected this.

"My dear sister required my assistance last night for this meeting coming up. I apologize for not helping you."

"Yea sure whatever. Let's just get on with it."

Princess Celestia and Luna looked at each other not sure what to say but went on with the meeting.

"Alright then Twilight. From what I know about Sotnas is that he's very powerful. Small in numbers but great in strength. We have the wielders of the Elements of Harmony on our side. The magic from the box you've opened should be enough firepower to compete with Sotnas magic power. It'll be tricky. While that's happening, our forces will use everything they have to take down Sotnas' armies. He doesn't have much so we're in the clear. Also, DIscord will be aiding us in battle. Within three days time maybe more, we'll win the war for sure. It won't be pretty but it'll work for sure."

As Celestia continues to talk about the situation, Twilight didn't even bother paying attention. Just agreeing with what Princess Celestia is saying to her. Twilight is hindering on her dream and the decision she has to make. The answer came quite clear but she's unsure about the consequences of choosing the wrong side. It's clear to everypony that Sotnas is evil and Celestia is good. All except for one who believes her right now and its Fluttershy. Spike and Starlight Glimmer are already on board with Sotnas. Everything is circulating in her mind and its the only thing that's driving her nuts the most.

"Twilight are you listening?"

Celestia asked which broke the state of trance that Twilight was in.

"Crystal clear Princess Celestia."

Princess Celestia can tell that Twilight is a little off but she knows that Twilight will not fail her. She has exceeded far than any of her students combined. She has nothing to fear about.

Twilight simply got up and left the meeting. Princess Celestia figured that Twilight needs time alone to figure out another way to bring down Sotnas so she let her be. Princess Luna, however, wasn't feeling quite alright but she shook it off and focused on the next meeting coming up.

Twilight was on her way to Fluttershy's room. When she got there, Fluttershy was speaking with Spike and Starlight Glimmer.

"Twilight!"

Spike ran and hugged Twilight.

"Spike?! What are you and Starlight doing here?"

"To bring you a message from Sotnas." Starlight said.

Eyes widen for Twilight. She was going to hear a message from Sotnas.

"What did he say?"

"He said; "We're coming now. Time is on our side and its about time we take back what was taken from us. Our land. Our home. Our freedom. Celestia reign is coming to an end. We bring the fight to our enemy!". Sotnas has pretty much explained how he along with Cadence, Shining Armor and the rest of the Crystal Ponies are going to take down Princess Celestia and her regime. From the inside out."

Eyes widen once more for Twilight. Time is running short. She still hasn't made up her mind on whose side to join but it was clear that her family along with Fluttershy has decided to go with Sotnas. Twilight stood up. She believed in herself and decided to push through her worries. Today will mark a change in history for all Equestria. Twilight knows what to do. She left the room and made her way back to Celestia.

6 hours later, Princess Celestia and Luna are on the balcony. Waiting to see Sotnas. Within moments, Luna saw flags representing change and future on them. Indicating that Sotnas is arriving. Twilight made her way up and she too got to see Sotnas' army marching. Over 100,000 ponies making their way through. They all have no Cutie Marks on them. Princess Celestia and Luna were disgusted by the fact that Shining Armor and Cadence are teamed up with Sotnas. Princess Celestia sends a message to her army for them to march their way toward Sotnas.

"Ready Luna? Ready Twilight?"

"Yes!" Both of them replied.

They flew together as Fluttershy, Starlight, Spike, Rarity, Pinkie Pie, Applejack, and Rainbow Dash ran towards the action. The armies of Equestria soon joined them heading towards the battlegrounds beneath Canterlot. Millions and millions of ponies coming together and preparing themselves for the war of the century. Sotnas could only smile. He sees all that is happening.

"This is how Equestria will end. In a bang. Soon everypony will see the darkness for what it truly is. It's time to take back what was stolen from us!"

Everypony behind him cheered as they marched together. The war is moments away and the decision has been made. Equestria will soon see its change for the better of all ponykind...

Twilight's Decision! Unexpected Side!

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Twilight along with her friends made their way towards the battlefield. Millions of soldiers from the Equestrian Army lined up as Princess Celestia, Luna, and Twilight stand together side by side in the front of the army. The wielders of the Elements of Harmony stood beside them except for Starlight Glimmer and Spike. They kept their distances from the Equestrian Army. Time was clicking as hooves of hundreds of thousands from Sotnas's army came closer. Coming up the hill is Sotnas himself along with Shining Armor and Cadence. Cadence looks like her Alicorn self but she knows its a lie. The fire within their hearts lit up as they came closer. Approximately 300 yards away from each other. Sotnas and Celestia locked eyes with each other. The hatred is visible. Discord came and stood right beside Fluttershy. Getting ready to aide in battle.

"Hello Celestia."

"Sotnas, your time has come. Your influence among the ponies will soon be deceased. You will never win you vile monster."

"You're the coward that hides the true magic our world provides. You're the monster here. Destroying our world to rule in an iron hoof. We're here to set everypony free from your tyranny."

"Unlike you Sotnas! We reside within the light as Light conquers Darkness!"

"Typical Celestia. You choosing the light is the reason why our world is dying. Light is not the way to live life. Only in Darkness, you can become stronger."

The two shouted as everypony heard. They were unfazed as they know who is telling the truth. Sotnas saw Twilight right next to Celestia. He smiled.

"Twilight, have you made your decision?"

Twilight looked and nodded. Right before she can speak, Celestia silenced Twilight with her hoof.

"Why would she side with you? You are nothing more than a bad influence on ponies in Equestria! You're a demon Sotnas! Demons lie just like how you are lying to those other ponies behind you. Even Mi Amore Cadenza and Shining Armor. Thanks to you, they have fallen victim to your lies! No more of my subjects shall be fallen victim to you!"

Twilight looked at Princess Celestia pretty well. She can see the fire in her eyes but she was disgusted by her actions for shutting her up. Twilight stepped forward along with Fluttershy. Discord looked confused but allowed to see what Fluttershy had in mind for Twilight's approach.

"I made my decision earlier today as to whose side I have chosen." Twilight turned to Princess Celestia which made her smile. Knowing that Sotnas had no chance of having Twilight as an ally. "I've chosen you." Princess Celestia smiled and looked at Sotnas. Her grin grew wide until she was interrupted for a brief second. "Sotnas."

Sotnas smiled. Princess Celestia, Luna, Discord, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, and Rarity were surprised, shocked, and horrified to see Twilight siding with Princess Celestia's most hated enemy. Fluttershy looked back and saw the horrid faces of her friends as they couldn't believe what Twilight had chosen to do.

"I too have chosen to side with Sotnas in this war."

Discord eyes widen as he couldn't believe what his friend is saying. Rage grew as he's ready to fight. He feels that Sotnas must have cursed Fluttershy into thinking like this which is why Discord is unable to use his magic to cure Fluttershy. He snapped his claw, paw, and tail but nothing worked.

A flashback came back to Twilight from the day she first met Sotnas for the first time and had a little question and answer conversation;

"What about the Elements of Harmony? Discord? King Sombra? Nightmare Moon? Queen Chrysalis? Are those figments of imagination?"

"Yes. In order for Celestia to make sure that everypony follows with her, she needed to create something that'll go against her and at the same time to conquer. Celestia used her magic to create villainous foes that want to take over Equestria. The elements of Harmony are actually emotions of Celestia. The magic inside though its fake. There some creature she made that are not real. Looks real, feels real but everything is an illusion. It's quite easy to detect an illusion when you don't have a Cutie Mark and allowed the magic our world provides to flow through you."

Twilight knows that Discord is not real and to prove that he isn't real, Princess Celestia needs to be taken down by any means necessary. Starlight Glimmer teleported everyone over to Sotnas's side. Sotnas touched Twilight and Fluttershy's head to give them the magic needed to win the war.

"Now that the whole army is here, its time to take back what's rightfully ours!"

Twilight saw her friends and teacher. They can see the hate in their eyes as confusion has left their souls. Fluttershy is unable to see Discord's reaction towards her decision. All she can see is a vile creature getting ready to explode. Is this what Twilight meant by Princess Celestia's figment of the imagination. She can't have Discord on her mind now that she has chosen Sotnas' side. The rest of the wielders of the Elements of Harmony remained focused as Rainbow Dash flew upwards with the Wonderbolts.

"Get ready for the fight of the century."

Everypony behind Twilight prepared themselves for the fight of their lives. Shining Armor and Cadence went up to Twilight.

"Twily, just know that I love you. We will end Celestia's reign and everything will be rightfully restored."

"Also, you probably want to keep up," Cadence smirked. "I don't want my sister-in-law to be held back by friends on the other side. Right now we need you to be focused on the task at hoof."

"I will Cadence and BBBFF, I love you too."

"Forgive me my friends!" Fluttershy shouted towards her best friends from the other side but they shunned her.

"They aren't your friends just yet. Right now, there under the influence of Celestia's light. Now is the time to extinguish the light!"

Princess Celestia had tears in her eyes that her prized pupil has chosen sides with a vile creature. Now, Sotnas' life needs to come to an end to save Twilight Sparkle along with the rest of the ponies. Discord couldn't wait any longer. Getting his claw and paw on Sotnas is on his mind. His rage allowed him to lead the charge towards Sotnas's army. Discord roared as he flew towards the army. The rest of the Equestria army along with his remaining friends charge as well. Princess Celestia and Luna flew with the Wonderbolts to release havoc on Sotnas' army.

Sotnas, Shining Armor, Cadence, Fluttershy, Starlight Glimmer, and Spike remained still as Sotnas gave the signal. He raised his hoof in the air and mere moments later, his army charge. Magic auras beamed from Sotnas' side as the Equestrian Army had their spears pointed towards them.

"At the end of the day..." Sunburst led a squad underground heading towards Canterlot. "Darkness will consume the light..." Sunburst found Celestia's Castle from underneath. "Thus allowing the true magic that our world provides..." Sunburst and some of the other ponies used their magic to create a massive hole to infiltrate Celestia's room. "To set everypony free..." Sunburst and the rest of his squad is now fighting off the remainder of the Royal Guards. "From the beautiful landscape Celestia manifested onto our world..." Sunburst used his magic to disintegrate the rest of the Royal Guards to move onto the library of lost magic. "To come back..." Sunburst and his squad found the library of lost magic. "Into Paradise..." Sunburst and the others stole the books and found a hidden library that connects to an inner sanctuary of knowledge. "From there, we fight, conquer and save everypony from a horrid mistake I created..." Sunburst found a diary that belongs to Princess Celestia with her notes on ancient magic and spells. He took it and searched more. He and two other ponies stayed while he commanded the rest to scare off anypony living in Canterlot. Not allowing them to kill but create a huge distraction that'll cause Princess Celestia to think twice about the whole situation she's in. "Soon, this war will be an end of Princess Celestia and our world can be free again..."

As the two armies are 150 yards away from each other, an explosion can be heard all the way from Canterlot which horrified Princess Celestia. She ordered her Sister and some of the Wonderbolts to rush up and save as many ponies as she can. Celestia turned to a smiling devilish look on Sotnas' face. She roared and flew faster than Rainbow Dash. Her target like Discords is Sotnas. He needs to be taken down for the atrocious act he just committed. Sotnas flew and headed towards Celestia.

"Ready Twily?"

"Ready Big Bro."

"Before you can go off to battle Spike, Sotnas taught me this spell just for you." Cadence used her magic and turns Spike into a full-size dragon capable with his own magic and flight. Spike is now more powerful than ever. He feels in control.

"Thanks, Cadence."

"You're welcome, Spike. Now let's fly into battle!"

"Right!"

Spike and Cadence flew into battle along with some of the Crystal Pegasi. They were going to fight off Discord and the Wonderbolts. Fluttershy, Starlight, Twilight looked at their friends as they all have hatred in their hearts. The three of them can see why Sotnas' words are true. In order to save their friends, some sacrifices have to be made. Fluttershy, Starlight, and Twilight joined the rest of Sotnas' army heading into battle.

In a matter of moments, the fight of the century will begin. All of Equestria as we know it will change for the better. Family vs Friends. Friends vs Friends. Reality vs Fiction. Sotnas vs Celestia. The winner of the war will soon be decided as well...

Raging War! Fall of Canterlot! Sotnas vs Discord! Downfall of Luna!

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Twilight Sparkle now resides with Sotnas as the two armies were about to collide with each other. Spike and Cadence took flight leading the aerial assault towards the Wonderbolts and Discord. Sotnas stared down at Celestia and she took flight. Encouraging her fellow ponies that victory is theirs. Luna and several other Wonderbolts came crashing through Canterlot only to get shot down by Sunburst and other ponies using their magic. Sunburst with his new fond of power attacked Luna and brought her down. The others took on the Wonderbolts as they came in. Fighting them to death. The Pegasi from Paradise overwhelm the Wonderbolts. Shining Armor, Twilight, Starlight, and Sotnas went into battle. Discord shoved Spike aside as his target is Sotnas. Sotnas saw Discord but ignored him as he wasn't his target. Discord doesn't like being ignored and tackles Sotnas sending him deeper and away from the battle scene.

"Sotnas!"

"Twily, let him take care of that fake. We have to keep going."

"You're right Shining. We have to take down as much as we can to free them."

Shining Armor nodded and continued his way towards the fight.

The brawl on the open fields lit up. Ponies swatting each other with spears and swords. The Pegasi opened interdimensional gateways which allowed the Earth Ponies uppercutting the Wonderbolts pretty hard and the other Earth Ponies launching their energy arrows to kill the Equestrian Army ponies. Cadence and Spike landed in the middle of the Equestrian Army and took down a lot. With Spike's magic flowing through him, his fire breathes scorched ponies left and right. Applejack used her lasso to try and tie Spike's fingers together but failed miserably. She used her hind hooves to buck Spike but to no avail. Spike's new body made him invincible for puny attacks. Pinkie Pie used her party cannon to take down the other ponies by using a sticky bubblegum wad. As the bubblegum wad mad contact with other ponies, Rainbow Dash used her sonic rainboom to penetrate the trap ponies. They were killed on the spot. As Rainbow Dash made her way, she was grabbed by Spike and slammed hard to the ground.

"Stay down!" Spike roared loudly making his presence known.

Rainbow Dash made eye contact and flew right back up at Spike but only to get knocked down a second time by his tail. Rainbow Dash was knocked straight into Canterlot where she met up with Luna and a few remaining Wonderbolts that came with Luna trying to hold off Sunburst and his team. Rainbow Dash decided to go after Sunburst only to be knocked into an interdimensional gateway back into the battlefield. From there, Rainbow gained control only to get knocked down a third time but it was Cadence that took down Rainbow Dash. Cadence saw Rainbow Dash and punched her hard enough to send her flying with a concussion. She didn't have time for chit-chatter. Cadence took flight as she saw Celestia making her way. The two of them fought in the sky.

Sunburst and Luna fought in a magical warfare in the streets of Canterlot. Ponies everywhere fled away as they didn't want to be killed or hurt. Despite in Sunburst eye's that Luna doesn't exist, the magic is there fighting against him. The ponies that were with Sunburst were scorching the rest of Canterlot. Screams of fear and agony can be heard as Celestia couldn't take it anymore. She went into a phoenix transformation. Cadence knew that she wasn't a real Alicorn now but she conjured enough magic to counterattack Celestia's Phoenix power. Sunburst puts Luna down as she laid there lifeless for the time being. Sunburst then turns his attention and headed straight into another library where Celestia also keeps the forbidden magic. As he entered the library, he senses where the room is located at.
As he got to the room, Nightmare Moon made her presence behind.

"Round Two"

Discord and Sotnas had their brawl far away from the two armies. Discord put up more than a good fight. He used everything that came to his mind but unfortunately, Sotnas came up with a counter for every time Discord attacks. It felt like it was any creature's game but it wasn't. Since Sotnas knows that Discord isn't real, he had the upper advantage. As for Discord, he sees Sotnas as a monster wanting to rid the world for everything it has to offer. Sure it made him feel bad knowing that Discord was like Sotnas but Sotnas is trying to change the world to who knows what and he does have a feeling that Sotnas is not the good guy everyone seems to believe in. Either way, he needs to be taken down. As Discord pulled out his rubber chicken to use in a sword fight,

"You, ignorant fool. Shattering Light!"

Discord laughed but now starts to feel something. His body is disintegrating.

"What did you do?!"

"Destroyed one of Celestia's make-believe creatures. Now you don't exist at all."

In a flash, Discord is no more. Sotnas used his magic to create temporary wings and flies back to the battlefield.

Cadence and Celestia had their fight. Other Wonderbolts interfered in the fight giving Celestia an edge in winning the fight. Cadence shot down the Wonderbolts that dared come between her and Celestia. Spears were thrown but to no avail. The Earth Ponies from Paradise used their arrows against them taking down as much as they can. Celestia used her sun to recharge her magic and shoots a solar beam of heat at Cadence. She was thrown back hard enough to slam into a mountain breaking the surface of it. Celestia screamed thus transforming her body in Daybreaker. Having full control of her transformation without being evil. Enhancing herself with a new fond of magic to give Sotnas' army a real reason to stay in the darkness.

"My fellow ponies. Today we will not go down. We will rise with the sun for the light is with us!"

The Equestrian Armed Ponies roared and fought their best. It is now a back and forth battle as Celestia's Daybreaker transformation is now giving them the edge. Twilight came forth and tried to attack Celestia only to be sent back from her solar heat beam. Shining Armor tries but the same result happened to him. Celestia is pissed off and using that to fuel the hearts of her ponies. She screamed once more.

Meanwhile, Sunburst and Nightmare Moon are having a magical warfare in the library. The pegasi outside are creating as much havoc as they can to draw more Wonderbolts in to wipe them out. Sunburst is giving Nightmare Moon and run for her bits. With the knowledge that Sunburst gained during his time of studying, Nightmare Moon couldn't really stand a chance knowing that Sunburst had a counter for her every move. Nightmare Moon screamed but wind up getting killed by a pegasus. She pierces her wing in Nightmare moon. Also, she saw what kind of creature Nightmare Moon really is. A creature of Celestia's shadow. Sunburst nodded in respect. He got what he needed from the forbidden archives and left the library.

"Alright, now that we got what we came for, it's time to set everyone free. Ashley! Break the support beams of Canterlot!"

"Consider it done, my friend."

Ashely along with her fellow pegasi flew under Canterlot destroying the support beams. Sunburst ran and jumped out of Canterlot. He used his magic to create temporary wings to fly and land safely. The pegasi succeeded in breaking the support beams. Everypony who were trapped died after Canterlot fell.

Sunburst alerted Sotnas about the fall of Canterlot. Sotnas then tells Sunburst to head back to paradise with the books. Then come back to the battlefield. Ashley used her wing to create an interdimensional gateway back to Paradise. She and Sunburst entered. The rest of the pegasi flew back into battle.

Moments before, Spike and Celestia are having a brawl. Spike thrown punches left and right. His punches didn't connect as Celestia flew around. Only his tail was able to slow down Celestia. It came to a point that Spike grabbed her by wind up getting burnt. Celestia shot a solar heat beam at Spike blinding his left eye permanently. Spike roared as he tried to see with both eyes. He would wind up stepping the Equestrian Armer Ponies but they were able to subdue Spike for the time being. Twilight forged a plan as she, Cadence, and Shining Armor are now in a triangle position.

"Shining Armor! Cadence! Repeat the chant and we can take down Celestia!"

"Will do Twilight!" Shining and Cadence said.

"I call for the stars in the sky to hear our cry! Grant us the light to win this fight!

In the sky, it turned black and blue. The stars are starting to light up and realigning themselves. Celestia looked up and questioned. Then she turned to look at Twilight, Cadence, and Shining. She flew towards the three of them but Spike grabbed her and held her in place.

"Not so fast!"

"Shooting Star Mayhem!"

Shooting stars poured out of the sky hitting everypony on sight. Those who are Sotnas' side weren't affected by the spell. A huge portion of Celestia's army took a pounding. When Celestia saw the magic Twilight just used, she had no choice but to retreat. As she turned, it was at that moment, she saw the fall of Canterlot. Falling off the cliffside of the mountain. She then sends a telepathic message to everypony else to meet up at the Castle of the Two Sisters. Celestia flew as fast as she can. The Equestrian Armed Ponies ran away from the fight. Pinkie Pie and Rarity helped Applejack and Rainbow Dash. They ran towards Ponyville.

"They're on the run! Let's finish them!"

Sotnas arrived and told everypony to halt.

"That'll be enough for one day. We need to recover the loss we had and regroup with Sunburst and Ashley. Right now, let them run. We'll finish them the next day. By the way, Twilight? Where did you learn that powerful spell?"

"I saw it in my dream last night and I knew what it does. Seems fitting to use it today."

"Glad you did. Now we have the momentum while Celestia runs away. She'll find out that Discord is no more."

"Discord?"

"I erased Celestia's creation."

Twilight saw Spike who is rubbing his left eye.

"Twilight, I have a problem."

Spike revealed to everyone that his left eye is completely blind. Starlight saw this and she did her best to heal the eye. Her magic is not strong enough just yet to heal the eye.

"When I see Celestia, I will rip her apart!"

"In due time, Spike. You will get that chance."

"Thanks Starlight."

"You're welcome, Spike."

As the day comes to an end, everypony is now preparing to finish Celestia once and for all. She now has nothing left from her creation. Losing seems inevitable for Celestia...

Regroup! Recover! War Rages On! Unexpected Arrival! The End of Days!

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Celestia flew as fast as she can heading towards the Castle of the Two Sisters. The only castle remaining with pivotal spells to go against Sotnas and his army. There's an area in the castle which holds a different library. A library not even Twilight knows about. She began searching for a book that can change the tides to the war. The Equestrian Armed Forces and the remaining wielders of the Elements of Harmony came into the castle and rested. They couldn't believe with their very own eyes that Twilight Sparkle betrayed them all. The same feeling goes towards Fluttershy, Starlight, and Spike. Nopony doesn't want to face the reality of losing to an army that resides in darkness. Celestia came back up from the library with a book. She saw everypony and smiled.

"Listen up everypony. The book I have will help us turn the tides to this war. I need everypony here to focus. No distractions of any kind."

"What will it do, Princess Celestia?"

"Give us the much-needed power to subdue Sotnas once and for all."

Everypony closed their eyes and begin to concentrate hard as Celestia read the book she's holding onto. The magic of the book transformed everypony into temporary behemoths. When everypony felt the change within their bodies, they opened their eyes in pure shock and terror.

"Sweet Celestia! What did you do?!"

"I know that these new forms are not what everypony is or was hoping for but these new bodies are temporary. Also, your magic, speed, and strength are now ten times powerful than before. For years, I held this secret away. Hoping it doesn't fall into the wrong hooves but now, I'm in dire need of using this form of magic to take down Sotnas and his army. It's now the only way now that he has our friends and family part of his allies. He must be stopped by any means necessary."

Pinkie couldn't help but feel joy now she can do things ten times faster. Making parties, moving fast, doing more of the impossible. Rainbow Dash tested her body. She can fly all the way to Yak Yakistan and back in seconds. Applejack went outside and found a nice boulder. She bucked it and the boulder went hurling into the sun. Realizing how much stronger the transformation is, Applejack bucked a mountain and it also went hurling towards the sun. Rarity felt uncomfortable in her behemoth form. She stood inside and waited till she can turn back into her pretty pony self. Some of the remaining Wonderbolts tried their wing power and flew around. They have broken many barriers in the sky. The rest of the Equestrian Armed Forces went out to test their strength and abilities. Celestia went outside and saw everypony practicing.

"Try and stop us now Sotnas."

Miles away from the Castle of the Two Sisters, Sotnas used his magic to revive everypony on his side back to life. He refused to allow his brethren and sistren to fall during the war. Each and every one of his friends is crucial for the war. He knows that Celestia doesn't have any knowledge for resurrection thus Sotnas never lost any numbers from their first battle.

"Now that, that's settled, Celestia must have some different plan to counter back after losing Canterlot and a good portion of her army."

"What do you think she has in mind Sotnas?"

"Something that she would use as a last minute resort."

"Like what?"

"Don't know but it must be something powerful. I can sense a sudden change not far from here."

"I can sense it too Twily."

"Can you sense it Twilight?"

Twilight focused on the sudden change in magic. She sensed it coming from the Castle of the Two Sisters. Something powerful and frightening.

"Something big and terrifying. It's stronger as well."

"Correct. Whatever it is, Celestia won't succeed. We'll be ready. Everypony here! It's time to get moving. Now that we're all here together, we have the momentum. Let's finish this fight once and for all!"

Everypony cheered and roared. Spike roared as well. His left eye vision is blurry but he can see fine with his right eye. As soon as Spike took flight, Rainbow Dash came and punched Spike hard to the ground. Everypony including Sotnas startled a bit as they see Rainbow Dash's new behemoth body. Soon the rest came as Celestia still in her Daybreaker transformation brought the fight to Sotnas.

Spike got back up and Applejack punched Spike in his stomach making him cough a lot. Pinkie came and shot her party cannon hitting Spike on his right eye blinding him completely.

"That's payback from earlier!"

Spike got up. He can no longer see but hears perfectly fine. He uses his tail and slams Applejack, Rainbow Dash, and Pinkie Pie.

"Good thing I can hear you!"

Spike roars and fought the three on his own. The pegasi fought the behemoth Wonderbolts. They evenly match despite the Wonderbolts having the size advantage. The Earth Ponies and Unicorns fought they're very best against the Equestrian Armed Forces. They were no match due to the size advantage of the Equestrian Armed Forces. Twilight, Cadence, and Shining Armor performed their spell but only done significant damage to everypony on Celestia's side. Celestia and Sotnas finally had their battle but the behemoths from the Equestrian Armed Forces came and made it difficult. Sunburst and Starlight decided even the odds with Spike. Starlight does her very best to fight Applejack and Sunburst tries his best against Pinkie Pie leaving the fight between Spike and Rainbow Dash.

The fight continues on as Celestia and her army has the upper advantage. Most of Sotnas army are now dead. As powerful as Sotnas is, he's not strong enough to take down Celestia with the help of her behemoths. Rainbow Dash performed multiple sonic rainbooms to cripple Spike. Spike has two broken legs and a broken wing. Starlight and Sunburst were thrown to the grown hard by both Applejack and Pinkie. Twilight, Cadence, and Shining are trying to hold their own but the numbers game is too much. Celestia used her sunbeam and blasted Sotnas towards the remaining army.

"It's over Sotnas. You've lost. Light is brighter in it's darker days. I may have lost my sister and Discord but it's a sacrifice knowing that your time is up."

Sotnas could only glare at Celestia.

"Twilight, once I take his life, you will be set free from his lies and tyranny. Then everypony here can live in harmony once more!"

Everypony that resides with Celestia cheered as victory is theirs.

"You...haven't won...yet!"

Sotnas coughed out blood.

"Any last words Demon?"

"You are still a coward!"

"Princess Celestia, before you can kill him, I want to squeeze his remaining breathes."

"Go for it Rainbow Dash. He has corrupted more minds in history than any other creature of darkness."

Rainbow Dash grabbed Sotnas. Then two bright light beams came crashing down right in the middle of Rainbow Dash. She let go of Sotnas as he landed hard on the ground. Celestia smiled.

"Hah! Discord and Luna are back to finish where they left off!"

An energy beam knocked Rainbow Dash to the ground hard. Celestia and everyone else was stunned by this. Then two titans came out of the light beams. Sotnas saw with his own two eyes and smiled widely. Celestia on the other hoof, she was quite terrified to see the two entities that emerge.

"In the name of all life in Equestria, Celestia, your time is up." King Alpha said.

"In the name of balance in Equestria, Celestia, you reign of terror, lies, and deception is coming to an end." Queen Omega said.

Celestia stood still. In disbelief that King Alpha and Queen Omega is here. She thought they were dead. This is the first time she's seen them throughout her entire life. Behind them is another army. The Guardians of Life. Celestia shook herself thinking that Sotnas pulled an illusion to scare her which it worked. Celestia rage came back and she ordered her behemoth army to take down King Alpha and Queen Omega.

"Go! Guardians of Life! Take them down!"

The Guardians of Life went after the Equestrian Armed Forces and Wonderbolts. The Guardians overwhelmed the behemoths. They were useless against the Guardians. Celestia flew as fast as she could to end Sotnas but Queen Omega stepped in and slams down Celestia so hard that her entire rib cage broke completely. One thing Celestia would never have tasted in all of her life is fear. The fear of being exposed for the liar she truly is. All these years of deceit and deception are coming to an end. As she remains on the ground, the behemoths are getting killed by the Guardians of Life. Rainbow Dash, Applejack, and Pinkie Pie surrendered. Not wanting to die. Sotnas got up as he's being healed by one of the Guardians. Everypony else is getting healed by the other Guardians. Those who died are now being resurrected.

Everypony is drawing near to Sotnas. Standing beside him as this whole time, he was telling the truth. Never once he told a lie. Twilight even tapped into Sotnas mind with her new fond of magic. She was able to see his full history. The mistake he made, the sacrifices that needed to be done, even seeing King Alpha and Queen Omega. She now knows that Darkness isn't as dark as he said. It's beautiful and unifies everyone together. She can only feel disappointment towards Celestia as the fraud she truly is.

Celestia remained in place as her Equestria is starting to fade away. With the presence of King Alpha and Queen Omega, it's now hard to maintain the Illusionment Spell she cast all those years ago. Everypony that are now surrendering to the Guardians are witnessing the change of reality. Never in their lives, they saw a deserted landscape. Ponies in the Equestrian Armed Forces are now questioning the life they are having. Everypony is now changing back to their normal selves. All eyes widen and stared down at Celestia. Rarity noticed that she has turned back to normal but saw something out of the ordinary. She saw the Elements of Harmony and the Tree of Harmony fading away. She ran towards Ponyville only to find nothing but ruins which made her sick. The housing in the area is not suitable to any creature whatsoever.

"Celestia, the war is over and so are you."

Celestia is in a trance. No matter how bad her body is hurting, she still in shock for what she is witnessing.

"I am disappointed in you. Your mother is very much ashamed for what you caused. I hereby stripped your magic power as an Alicorn"

Queen Omega used her cosmic power to strip away the Alicorn's magic power. Celestia is now an Earth Pony. No horn, no wings. She has nothing.

"I also hereby strip away your immortality."

King Alpha used his cosmic power to eradicate Celestia's immortality.

Sotnas came up to Celestia. Smiling more than ever.

"It's finally over. Now we can take back what's rightfully ours."

Celestia looks down in defeat. Not saying a word.

"Thanks to you, our world was dying. Now, we have our opportunity to recreate and restore the world we nearly lost."

"Wait! Sotnas!"

"Hmm?"

Sotnas turns to Twilight.

"I want to say one more thing to my former teacher."

"Come up and speak your heart out."

Twilight walked towards Celestia. She still had her head down. Not wanting to look at her prized pupil.

"Why? Why did you do all of this? What were your real motives, Celestia? Answer me!"

Celestia didn't bother to look at Twilight but spoke.

"I did it because I can. I would do it all over again. Ruling Equestria the way I had it. Now I can't. Please...spare me...Twilight."

"One thing I do have is a kind heart but for the crimes you committed Celestia, sparing your life won't cut it. Especially when you nearly destroyed our planet. You are a demon sent to destroy us all. Corrupting the very nature of our world from everypony else here that resided with you. You disgust me, Celestia. I wished I never met you."

The Guardians of Life handed Sotnas a death blade. It'll send Celestia not to the afterlife to Tartarus for all eternity. Where all evil and demented spirits go to.

"Goodbye and good riddance Celestia."

Sotnas penetrated the blade deep in Celestia's chest as her essence drifted away to Tartarus. As Celestia is being drifted away, everypony else was losing their Cutie Marks. Most of the ponies were freaking out but with the magic that the world provides, everypony started to change immediately. Changing into their true forms. As everyone becomes overjoyed Sotnas looked up at King Alpha and Queen Omega.

"What should I do now?"

"Rebuild the world back to its former glory. Omega and I will help along with the Guardians of Life."

"Thank you."

"We should be thanking you. You've kept the true nature of life at peak. It's the least we can do while looking for a pony qualified to be the next Alicorn to maintain balance within the world."

Everypony around looked confused and they don't know what to do. They all looked at Sotnas for guidance.

"As of right now, we are going to bring Paradise to the rest of the lands here on our planet. From there, everything else will be explained."

The pegasi from Paradise came with tons of supplies. Getting ready to build and recreate their homes now that they've taken back what was stolen. King Alpha and Queen Omega will be staying for a while. Helping out as much as they can.

The Next Day! Confrontations!

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Sotnas along with his colony is now rebuilding all of Equestria to its former glory. Darkness has covered the light. Harmony is finally restored. Paradise is spreading everywhere as quickly as possible with the help from King Alpha and Queen Omega. The Guardians of Life are helping the Earth Ponies restore the landscapes. No more wastelands. No more deserts. Everything is now as beautiful, bold, and majestic as Paradise is in the Darkness. Everypony is now enjoying the new land they'll be living. The new fond of magic they all have. The term is hard to understand for most. Celestia's words had an impact on them all. Sotnas is now creating the Circle. The Circle represents all in unity to come and hear to important news and updates on the planet's survival. Later today, he'll be speaking about the real history of Equestria.

Twilight and Fluttershy went searching for their friends. They went to Ponyville to see if they were there. They aren't. Twilight thought of the next destination to check out. The Castle of the Two Sisters. As the two traveled there, they saw the new changes in Ponyville. Better homes, brighter lights, more fields than streets. After gazing upon the new Ponyville, the Everfree Forest has altered. It's no longer a forest filled with mysterious plant life or creatures that seek to hunt. The forest is beautiful with newer plant life. Zecora and her hut changed. She has sudden knowledge about the newer planet life, spells, charms, remedies, enchantments, and magic making her wiser than before. She waved at Twilight and Fluttershy. Twilight asked Zecora if she had seen her friends. Zecora nodded and pointed towards the castle. Twilight and Fluttershy walked toward the castle. They looked down and saw Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, and Pinkie Pie. Looking in the area where the Tree of Harmony would have been.

As the two approached their friends, they turned. Silence reigned. Guilt and sorrow are written on Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, and Pinkie Pie's face. The four of them have their heads down. The shame of choosing a demented pony over their best friend that they trusted. Twilight finally broke the ice.

"Girls, I know that things are very complicated. A lot has changed but know that you are still my friends."

"Are we Twilight?"

"We're the ones who hurt Spike."

"And, blinded him."

"I know. You were under the influence of Celestia's deception. Spike will be fine. He won't be blinded for the rest of his life."

"What a relief, darling."

"However, everything will be different from now on."

"What do you mean Twi?"

"Spike, won't be seeing some of you for a long while. He's going to join the pegasi in protecting the world from other life as we speak."

"He is?"

Twilight nodded.

"He wants to do something else now that learning the magic of friendship is obsolete."

"Twilight, the magic of friendship is obsolete? Is our friendship obsolete as well?"

Twilight shook her head no.

"Celestia created something for us to be distracted as she reigned Rainbow Dash. It made her feel safe knowing that all is well as long as everypony else is busy."

"Then the Elements of Harmony are...?"

"Fakes. Sotnas told me that each of the Elements represented an emotion of Celestia."

The girls were silent. Then they remembered seeing Twilight's memories. Sotnas told her straight up that the Elements of Harmony are fake.

"I'm sorry Twilight. I wished I listened better to you."

"I'm sorry as well. For choosing a deceitful Princess over my best friend."

"My apologies Twilight. I should have known that you are the more trustworthy pony."

"I'm so sorry Twilight. Can you forgive me for not being serious enough when you were speaking. When you were explaining everything you were going through?"

"I accpet your apologies girls."

"So, what's going to happen now Twilight?"

"Change. A lot of change is coming. Our lives are going to be different for now on."

"How different Twilight?"

"I think Sotnas will be explaining all of that later today or tonight. Right now, we need to move on with our new lives. Forget about the past and focus on the future."

Twilight and her friends left the area and headed back to Ponyville. Twilight looked at her castle as it started to fall apart. No longer bound to Celestia's illusionment spell as time move forward. Twilight couldn't help but shed a tear knowing that she has many memories in that castle as a Princess. Twilight turned to her friends and smiled. Not even an illusion have any boundaries of creating friendships. Spike flew by and landed next to Twilight.

"Hey, Twilight."

"Hey, Spike."

"Sotnas sent me to come to find you. Everypony is gathering at the Circle as we speak."

"We'll be on our way there Spike. Thanks for letting us know."

Spike took off and flew towards the Circle.

"Uh, Twi. How is Spike able to fly when he's blind?"

"The Guardians of Life cured his eyesight. They have magic far beyond our own planet's."

"Wow."

"Come on, girls. We have to keep moving."

Twilight led her friends to the Circle where everypony is at. They are all seated on the field and clouds. King Alpha and Queen Omega are there with Sotnas in the middle getting ready to explain everything as everypony else is entering.

Explanation! The Truth!

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Everypony is arriving at the Circle. Sotnas is getting ready to speak. Spike sat next to Twilight. Over a hundred million ponies came to the circle preparing themselves to hear what Sotnas has to say.

"Everypony, listen up. For what I'm about to say will change everything that you know society. It's time for the truth to be set free."

Despite they are over a hundred million ponies in the Circle, King Alpha, and Queen Omega used their cosmic power to extend Sotnas voice into everypony's mind so that way, everyone can hear and not have any problems whatsoever.

"For those who don't know who I am, my name is Sotnas. I've been around since King Alpha and Queen Omega gave birth to many ponykind. I've seen many things thousands of years ago. I witnessed a lot of good within our colony. The Titans we see today are our creators. They told us that we don't have to worship them. Just be grateful for what we do have and enjoy life. Nothing more. Nothing less."

Ponies were talking among themselves. For years and years, they worshiped Princesses for the good they did. Now, with King Alpha and Queen Omega, they have no reason to worship at all.

"Now, what I have to say is vital so please, pay close attention."

Sotnas took a deep breath. Everypony gazed upon Sotnas.

"I'm the reason why a lot of you were living in Celestia's fantasy."

Lots of ponies gasped. They didn't know how to feel about it. Sotnas not only the one who went to war against but the one who helped Celestia.

"Years ago when she was in her twenties, I fell in love with her. I perfected an immortality spell and since I'm gonna live throughout time itself."

Everypony then figures that Sotnas taught the immortality spell to Celestia. It made perfect sense for how Celestia lived throughout the years.

"As most of you already guessed, I did teach Celestia that spell. It was my mistake as she changed everything with an iron hoof. Her so-called creation is the reason why most ponies weren't able to be what you are right now. Cutie Marks are the very reason why magic was limited. Our world provides us all with unlimited magic while Cutie Marks blocked the magic. Celestia's influence made everypony turn and left our ways. It lasted for a long time. Now, there's a reason why it has taken us this long to fight Celestia and put an end to her reign."

Everypony wandered the exact reason to Sotnas story. The possibilities are endless. Something must have happened which they needed time away to sort things out.

"The reason why is due to the invaders coming and trying to colonize our world."

Eyes widen for everypony. Invaders? Invaders trying to colonize? Everypony is talking among themselves once more.

"Aliens from different planets have been coming here. Trying to take our resources away from us. We tried sharing but wind up fighting them instead. They refused to talk. Aliens and being on a one-sided affair was the real danger for everypony. Not Celestia's illusion. I know it may feel real, looks real but it isn't. Everyone here went through a reality check. Illusions with love and trust have that kind of effect. Hard at first but easy to overcome when you don't have a Cutie Mark. Celestia fooled you all to protect herself. Protect herself from revealing the truth to all of you. Why else would unicorns have more magic than both pegasi and earth ponies?"

Everypony now is starting to theorize on Sotnas words. About Celestia's lies, illusions, Cutie Marks and now aliens. Nopony can think straight for the time being.

"Sombra, is a creature created by Celestia's shadow. Luna is a void in Celestia's life. Discord is a hatred emotion of Celestia. Chrysalis is a jealousy emotion of Celestia. Last but not least, the Elements of Harmony. Each of the Elements is a good aspect of Celestia's emotions and traits. Honesty, Loyalty, Laughter, Kindness, Generosity, and Magic. Before you question about the Honesty part, she wasn't lying about her motives which were good enough for that Element to exist."

Twilight and her friends got emotional as Sotnas spoke about the Elements. Knowing the exact truth left a scar for the rest of their lives.

"Celestia was born as an Alicorn but failed her duties as one. She was supposed to bring balance. Not rule everything with an iron hoof. If we hadn't stepped in, our world would have imploded from the inside out."

Everypony gasped and were in complete horror. Death was among them if it weren't for Sotnas' victory over Celestia. They are now grateful for the changing tides in war. They are thinking of how it would have been like if all of a sudden, everypony dies without warning. Fear struck their hearts but not for long.

"There is something that everypony does need to know about, Celestia reworded the definitions of Light and Darkness. She changed the terms meaning that Light is Harmony and Darkness is Disharmony.

Twilight already knew the meaning of Light and Darkness. Her friends knew. Everypony now understands the true meaning of Light and Darkness. Sotnas saw some ponies shaking in disbelief while others are trying to cope with the actual terms.

"I know how difficult understanding the actual term of Light and Darkness. Just know that Darkness is Harmony. Why else would any of us be here right now? United. Strong. It's beautiful that all of us are here together. Not against each other. No hatred. No greed. No vengeance. We are loved. We are fighters and protectors. We are brothers and sisters. We are a family. It does not matter by ranks in society. Everypony here is a family member. We do not condemn each other. We help one another. That is the way our colony thrives."

Everypony among themselves are enjoying what Sotnas is saying, however, they are now having some indications of being lied to just like Celestia.

"I see you have the indications that I am lying to you all."

Everypony but Twilight and her friends gasped. Nopony else was expected to have their minds read like that. Sontas couldn't help but chuckle for a brief moment.

"Do not worry everypony. For us Unicorns here in Paradise, we have the natural ability to read the minds of everypony. It's a way for us to fix any problems once it started. Do not worry about anything else that lies deep within your subconscious. We do have respect for anypony's deepest desires or hidden secrets. We only read the minds for serious matters."

Everypony sighed in relief.

"Now, back to I was saying, everypony now knows the difference between Light and Darkness. We need an Alicorn to balance the world we're going to be living in. King Alpha and Queen Omega are looking for the right candidate as we speak. Until then, you are probably wondering what's going to happen next? Well, I'll tell you. Everypony here can choose to be who they want to be. No forcing and no Cutie Mark to make you do something you don't want to do. The choice and freedom are up to you. I will not be telling you what you should be doing. Take all the time you need to figure it out."

Everypony remained silent. Freedom to do what they want is something out of the ordinary. Nopony even once had second thoughts once their Cutie Mark came to them. Now, they are irrelevant, the freedom to choose is endless.

"However,"

Everypony stopped thinking and paid close attention.

"if you choose to abuse your magic for demented purposes, I will hunt you down. I refuse to allow another mistake to be the cause of everypony's downfall."

Some ponies gulps and thinks twice about their actions with the freedom they now have. The idea of having Sotnas hunting them down is terrifying enough. Those who got to witness his attack on some of the Royal Guards a while back brought nothing but nightmares.

"For those who used to work in the military, you can choose to stay. Invaders do come frequently and we do need assistance in taking them down when they do arrive."

Spitfire and several of her brethren and sistren would love to protect the ones they love once more. Others in the military do want to continue with all their heart.

"There is one more thing I have to say."

Everypony looked at Sotnas.

"Enjoy your life and the decisions you make. Never take anything for granted. Everypony dismissed."

Spike decided to fly to Sotnas cause he has questions for him to answer. Everyone else decided to leave. Twilight, however, decided she will stay and hear Spike's questions getting answered.

"Sotnas, I know what you said is for everypony but what about Dragon-kind? Other species? How are they going to cope with all of this?"

"There will be a time for me to explain to every creature about this. For now, I need to focus on recreating my home and restoring order to our planet."

Sotnas took flight as he and a few others joined. Spike took off and headed towards a cave near Ponyville. For him to be closer to Twilight. Twilight finally leaves the Circle. She's curious to know exactly what Sotnas is going to do with the other creatures in Equestria. Only time will tell in that department.

Equestria Restored! Our Next Alicorn!

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After two weeks of expanding Paradise into Equestria, the world is now equally balanced for the first time in a long time. Most ponies in the world decided to continue their calling from their Cutie Marks. The others decided to try something new in their lives. Equestria as a whole is returning back to its formal glory. Earth ponies nourishing the lands, Unicorns creating newer lifestyles, and Pegasi protecting the lands from mother nature herself. King Alpha and Queen Omega are pleased to see everypony enjoying themselves in a world they're meant to live in. The Guardians of Life returned back to their mainlands. Sotnas went up to King Alpha and Queen Omega.

"King Alpha and Queen Omega, have you finally chosen our next Alicorn to ensure the safety of our world and bringing balance?"

"Yes. We have chosen a suitable replacement. Someone more deserving while understanding the true nature of our world. It won't be you Sotnas but a friend you made recently."

"I understand King Alpha."

"Just know that we are more than proud of you. Your father and I are very proud of you for what you achieved and maintaining what's left of Paradise."

"Thank you."

"Sotnas, please call everypony towards the Circle. We have an announcement to make."

"Yes, King Alpha."

Sotnas telepathically sends a message to everypony to meet up at the Circle for an important meeting. Sotnas then used his magic to create temporary wings and flies towards the Circle. King Alpha and Queen Omega followed him.

Two hours later and everypony plus dragon arrived. Everyone chatted until Sotnas appeared in the middle. King Alpha and Queen Omega have already told Sotnas who they have chosen to become the next Alicorn to ensure that the world is balanced. Never ever a one-sided affair again.

"Hello everypony and Spike the Dragon. It's my great honor to announce our next Alicorn to bring and ensure that balance is flourished throughout our world."

Some ponies imagine themselves being the next Alicorn. Doing what is right and never wrong. Sotnas can see everyone anxious. Waiting to hear who he or she will be.

"Our next Alicorn is known as Twilight Sparkle. She will be taken the duties as the Goddess of Balance."

"Goddess of Balance...Me...?"

Twilight couldn't believe what she heard. From Celestia's illusion of being an Alicorn to a real-life Alicorn. No manipulations, no illusions, no fantasies. A legitimate Alicorn whose purposes is to bring balance. Never to dwell all good and nothing bad. Queen Omega used her cosmic power to make Twilight immortal. King Alpha used his cosmic power to grant Twilight wings for her to fly thus making the transformation complete. Everypony clapped in respect for their new Goddess of Balance.

"Now, it's our time to depart but don't forget, we are watching you."

"Make sure you keep things in order. Never ever follow the hoof-steps of Celestia."

"I swear by your and Omega's name that I will never abuse my power like Celestia."

"By swearing our names, you are now confined to an agreement. Make sure that everypony lives happily, make sure nothing becomes one-sided and most importantly, don't rule under an iron hoof. We don't need another mistake from nearly destroying the planet now do we?"

"I won't make that mistake. You can count on it."

"We will. Take care Twilight."

Queen Omega left Equestria.

"Sotnas, continue to take care of our world."

"I will."

King Alpha left Equestria.

Everypony gazed on King Alpha and Queen Omega as they flew out of their world heading into the stars. All eyes were on Twilight and Sotnas.

"What do we do now?"

"Celebrate."

The instant Sotnas said celebrate, Pinkie Pie came with her party cannon and started a massive party for Twilight's new role in Equestria. As the party went underway, Spike flew towards Sotnas.

"Hey Spike, have something on your mind?"

"Yes. I was wondering, what's going to happen with Dragon-kind and other creatures on the planet."

"So far with other creatures on the planet, not much has changed with them. Only the memories of Celestia's illusion plague their minds. Now that they are cleansed, they have resumed their lives. I gave them memories of my past and history of Paradise. So far, they like what they see and now all creatures of the world are at peace. Sure there are those who do pose a threat but that's never going to change. All we can do from that point is to be ready for anything that comes."

"Point taken."

Few hours have past and everyone is having a great time partying. Twilight couldn't believe that she gets to become an Alicorn one more. She flew up and towards Sotnas. The two of them looked at each other smiling. Sotnas couldn't help but feel joy for Twilight. Twilight for whatever reason decided to kiss Sotnas right then and there. Sotnas returned the kiss and everypony gazed upon the two of them. Seeing true love at first sight. As they stopped kissing, Twilight and Sotnas saw the many faces and couldn't help but laugh.

A few days later after the celebration, Twilight took flight and met with her friends at Sweet Apple Acres. Even though it's altered, the apples decided to keep their orchard they way it is. An apple plantation. Twilight sat down with Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, and Applejack. They each talked about their new lives and continuing where they left off.

Rainbow Dash is no longer a weather pony but she is now starting a new pegasi unit called The Air Bolts. Something new and different from Celestia's illusion of the Wonderbolts. She along with Spitfire and Thunderlane have created different flight patterns. They recruited other pegasi from Paradise which taught them how to create interdimensional gateways and using their wings as lethal weapons. The Air Bolts are starting to become the newer army in the sky when invaders come back to colonize the world.

Fluttershy resumed her work as the animal caretaker. A new variety of animals have surfaced which she spends most of her time caring and learning. She along with other Earth ponies have created a sanctuary for the newer animals. She's enjoying her time and smiling more than she normally would. Speaking a bit louder without resorting to quietness.

Pinkie Pie resumed her role as a party planner. Creating smiles for anypony and creature throughout the world. She normally remains in Ponyville but has taken her route to different locations all around the planet.

Rarity continued her art and designing newer clothing for ponies. She moved out of Ponyville and now works at Manehattan. Spreading her great art style for clothing throughout all of Equestria. Every single location in Equestria has a Rarity Boutique department. Bits are not a thing in today's society but being able to spread her work is more joyful than having a bucket filled with bits.

Applejack continues to work at the Apple Farm but spends a lot of her time with the family. Bonding more with her sister while helping the other Earth Ponies create newer landscapes for others to join. Now that bits are in the past, there is no worry about evictions and taxes. Everypony is free to do as they pleased. Applejack is enjoying every second of it. Doing her part as a family and for society.

Twilight is having a blast as her new role as Goddess of Balance. So far, she got to handle a dispute between other creatures and stopped several wars between the Yaks and Griffons. She found a better solution to their situation. Twilight is also able to see the core of the planet. It's warm meaning that balance is in order. If it gets overheated then it means that the planet is on a one-sided affair.

As the day went by, Spike came and visit Twilight at her new castle in Paradise. He wanted to hug his friend. Apparently, Spike been helping out with Dragon-kind getting adjusted to the new Equestria. So far, things are working out for the better. As they hugged and embraced, Twilight asked Spike if he can spend the night with her. Spike accepted and enters Twilight's new castle. It's bigger than any other castle. Sotnas was also in the castle but reading a book. A book that Celestia used a while back during the war.

"Hey Sotnas, what book are you reading?"

"My journal."

"Your journal?"

"Yes. I should have realized that Celestia's behemoth spell came from my journal. Within this book, I created different spells and rituals which has worked. She must have stolen it during the time I was dating her."

"What other spells are in that book?"

Sotnas closed the book.

"Spells that can bring a world to its knees. Now that I reread what I wrote, I'm destroying this book. Making sure that no one dares to recreate a mistake I made years ago."

Sotnas created a fire in the lobby and burns the book. The fire engulfed the book. Incinerating it completely.

"Hey, Twilight? Why is Sotnas doing here in your castle?"

Twilight smiled and blushed a little as Sotnas left the castle.

"He and I are dating"

Spike's eyes widen. He couldn't believe that Twilight would be interested in Sotnas. Spike looks at Twilight.

"Oh, don't give me that look."

As Spike spends the night over, Sotnas is in his home creating a new journal from scratch. Instead of writing spells and rituals, he decided to write his thoughts and memories for generations to come.

10 Years Later!

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It is now the 10-year anniversary of Celestia's defeat. Equestria as a whole is now revolutionized with new technology from the visitors of other worlds. A peaceful alien race has come to Equestria seeking for help. Twilight came up to them. She found out that their world was destroyed. Imploded from the inside out. They had no idea why but Twilight knew exactly why. A world without balance brings nothing but ruins. A life lesson learned from her beloved Sotnas.

During her time as the Goddess of Balance, there was a lot that needed to happen. She allowed war and death to display. No matter how many times she wanted to step in and prevent life from being taken away, Sotnas is there to remind her about keeping balance. Allowing some things to happen no matter the cost. Another thing that has happened between Sotnas and Twilight is that they are married. Six years ago after dating for three years straight, it was time to spend all of eternity together. Twilight still has her duties for being a Goddess of Balance while Sotnas continues to be a leader for everypony in Equestria.

Spike is now commander of the Dragon Force. A unit that is allied with Equestria. As of late, more invaders came to the planet and try to colonize but fail miserably. With the combined power of ponies and dragons appear too much for them to handle.

As for the other creatures on the planet, they remained neutral. Some have heated words against other species but not the dragons nor ponies. They are needed to protect them from invaders that have destroyed their lands.

Equestria as a whole is living in Darkness. United and strong. Everypony is doing what they are free to do. No restrictions whatsoever. Magic is real. Love is real. Trust is unbreakable. Those who try to break those will only fail.

Twilight continues to hang out with her friends from time to time. That hasn't changed but every year when the anniversary comes, they head back to the cave where the Tree of Harmony used to be and reflect on their history together. It's not easy to reflect on the lies they endured from Celestia but the friendship they made is real enough for them. Nothing can ever separate them.

Sotnas is living with Twilight at her castle rather than living in his house. He is a father of two foals. Twinkle Light and Sparkles. He and Twilight cherish every moment together as a family. As Sotnas carried them to the balcony to watch the stars at night. Twilight flew and hugged her husband and two foals. They sat and embraced.

After watching the night sky, Sotnas got up and kissed his wife and foals. He went into his room and wrote his final message in his journal.

"Peace."