1

Ruins of the Everfree Forest

Truth? The silence here was almost painful to listen to. That was the thought that ran through a mare’s mind as she stared skyward, attention focusing on the world that rests beyond the walls of this ruined castle. She let her gaze drift from one place to the next before letting it return to the clear night sky that had painted itself across the heavens, as well as the full moon and those uncounted stars that were blinking in and out of creation. She were staring down at her, staring down at everything this world had to offer. She wondered just how much they had seen in their long lives; and shamefully, that was a question that went unanswered. All she knew was that they had seen more than she could possibly comprehend, and they would continue to see much more even after she left this mortal world.

“It’s a nice night isn’t it?” Her counterpart asks as they step forward, walking through the rubble as she follows behind like she was their shadow; though, the words she would prefer to be used would be bodyguard; after all that was more or less what she was hired for after all. Running a hoof through her mane the mercenary smiles as she feels a breeze run through an opening in the wall to hit her like a shield to the face.

“Nothing like a cold summer night to stimulate the senses.” She responds before looking at her client. “And I must admit it is quite beautiful.” She states, her gaze resting upon the pale moon.

She’d never understood why the sun was seen as the greater light. Its reach, while grand, did nothing but blind and burn those who gazed upon it. The moon though, that is where true beauty resides; its light bathes the world in an otherworldly glow, granting even the most plain strips of land an unnatural - almost mystical feel.

Truth be told, any other night, this sight would bring the purests of smiles to her face, but tonight she found little joy to be had staring at the moon.

With a sigh, the mare turns away, lets her gaze drift to her surroundings, before she sets a hoof upon her head and begins to mutter. The words are faint, spoken in a dead language that she doubts her counterpart understands. Still, there is a chance - however faint it may be - that they do. She pops a joint in her neck, and the noise echoes into the world around her.

“You really shouldn’t do that.” Her cloaked counterpart states as he rests his hooves on the throne before her, seeming to search for something as she makes a noise.

“I shouldn’t do a lot of things.” The mare remarks as she leans against the brickwork, a flask floating to her lips as she takes a drink. “Yet I do them anyway.” She focuses her attention on the stallion before her, watching him sit and mutter something incoherent under his breath. She looks beyond him, to the place they have come to today. This pace is hidden in the woods of the Everfree, out of sight, and out of mind. It is old, untouched by the modern world. This place is a sanctuary, stone is caressed by vines and by time. She knows of this place - more or less. It is part of a story her grandma used to tell her a filly. Stories more than half the world seems to have forgotten, unwillingly or intentionally. She remembers these stories, but never put much stock in their importance, but these old tales made a great bedtime story. The story of the Castle of Everfree. “So~” She begins. “How long will this take?”

“As long as needed.” Her counterpart mutters as he continues gliding his hooves over the throne in search of… something.

“And what exactly are we doing here?”

“Searching.” The stallion states simply.

“Search for~” She trails off for a moment. “What exactly?”

“An old switch.”

“A switch?” The mare repeats as she stares at the stallion fondling the Daybringer’s old throne. “Why would there be a switch there?”

“The castle of two sisters carries a few thousand hidden doors and passages my dear.” Her counterpart states. “These switches open and close those locked and unseen doors.”

“And there's one in the chair?” The mare questions as she looks at her counterpart.

“Oh yes, it’s a very useful switch in fact.” Her counterpart admits. “Ah here we are.” He pulls something under the throne, and what sounds like the heartbeat of a giant pulses through the ruins of the castle. It shakes brickwork and makes the loose debris fall from the ceiling. The entire castle moved, and it felt like the place was going to come apart. The fact that it didn’t amazed the mare, and it was even more remarkable that it still stood as the floor started to open up.

“The switch opens the floor?”

“Yes.” The stallion stated as he watched the floor begin to open like the maw of a giant.

“What’s beneath this place, a bunker?”

“Something the princess would have the world forget.” Was the response she was given as she just stared at the new path being laid out before her.

When the building stopped moving her guide stepped down, and she could do nothing but follow. She raised her head, ready to light the path with magelight but that act was beaten by her counterpart who simply but raised a glowing stone and from it, came a light that could be mistaken for a brightly burning lantern. Her guide led her below, through a passage of old but sturdy stone that refused to bend or break despite all the centuries they had been forced to endure.

The silence is near deafening, broken only by the souls of steps being made.across forgotten stone.

“So~” The mare, a bodyguard - a mercenary begins as she continues following her charge through the depths of the old castle passage. “You said that… the hid something down here that she would rather have the world forget.” The mare stated. “What exactly is that?”

“A remnant of the past.” Her counterpart states. “Something she usurped power from…”

The road leads to an end, and what rests before them is less of a door and more a slap of pure silvery metal. “Something pure.” The stallion rests a hoof against the silver slab and seems to search for something, anything that can act as a switch or lever to unveil the contents hidden within.

“I’m afraid… you won’t find such a thing to open this door.”

A voice, a mare's voice called out from the other side.

“It speaks.” The mare states, gazing upon the wall.

“This wall can only be shattered by the power of an Alicorn.”

The voice continues.

“Still, I must commend you for what you have done; discovering this place must not have been an easy task.”

“It was not.” The stallion confesses. “Reaching this castle was nothing short of easy, but the journey...” He chuckles. “The journey was indeed long.” He admitted. “The Princess has done quite a bit of work in hiding this place, changing the history of this land, erasing the memories of those that would seek you out.”

The voice seemed to chuckle lightly.

“I see; dear Celie was always good at covering her tracks.”

The voice paused.

“Tell me, how long has it been?”

“One thousand, one hundred and seventeen years.” Was the stallion’s response.

“Dear oh dear, that is quite a while.”

She mused.

“How much the times must have changed.”

She wondered..

“Still you found me, and yet, I am afraid without the power of an Alicorn at your side, your journey may very well have been for nothing.”

“That.” The stallion began. “Is something soon to be rectified.” He continued. “I will journey to Canterlot City, and acquire what we need.”

“Canterlot?”

There was a question there.

“I’m afraid I know nothing of that city, is it new?”

“Not exactly.” The stallion states. “But it has been the capital of Equestria for a thousand years now.”

“Ooh? So this castle I was sealed beneath no more?”

“It stands but it is in ruin.”

“Shame.”

The voice states.

“But, it explains why I can not sense dear Celie nearby; she abandoned this castle, abandoned her post…”

She paused.

“She swore to remain vigilant over my cell till the end of days, but it seems that was just one of her many lies.”

The voice paused.

“Oh well.”

They said simply.

“Find what you must if you wish to free me. Or not, I can not force you to do such in my current state.”

“My Queen.” The stallion begins. “If you asked, I would burn several thousand cities across several thousand worlds for you.” Was his response.

He earned a giggle of sorts.

“I will hold you to that.”

They paused again.

“But for now?”

“Your freedom is my top priority.” The stallion whispered. “I can free you, and I can do it soon, but… I regret saying that, it will take a few days.” He tells whomever rests behind the walls. IIt will take but a day or so to reach Canterlot City from here. We will go there and acquire the power of an alicorn, so you may be freed from this… dreadful place.

“I must wait a few more days?”

They paused.

“I can wait that long. As they say; patience is a virtue.”

Three days later

Canterlot City

Castle

She hadn’t expected it to rain today. That thought ran through the mind of one Princess Celestia as she stared outside her balcony, watching it was cloaked under a veil of heavy rainfall. Glancing above she saw the dark clouds that hung over her, saw the streaks of lightning that raced across the sky and listened to the thunder that sounded so much like divine drums. Had she turned her gaze lower, the Equestrian Princess would see her subjects running around town under a sea of umbrellas.

In all her thousands of years being alive, out of all the countless rainstorms and sunshowers she had experienced, none had ever been like this.

No, that was a lie.

She had seen such storms before, but that was long ago. This breed of storm was rare, the last time she had seen such was just over a thousand years ago, back when…

Celestia didn’t finish that thought, instead biting her lip in an unprincess-like way as she left her personal chamber. Passing the royal guards positioned outside her doors she made her way down the halls as she uttered a single word and at the same time a name.

“Luna..”

The last time Equestria was met with a storm like this one, it had been brought by her sister; and it had been brought by accident. For reasons neither sister could understand, Luna’s feelings were intimately tied to the weather. It was something that made her special, unique even. A brief moment of sadness could bring rain, bouts of anger could bring both thunder and lightning, and her grief could call upon the winds. If Equestria was to be met with such a storm, it meant Luna was at its heart.

It meant she was suffering.

Wandering through another hall, Celestia came across one of the castle maids and approached her. As she did, she slipped on her mask, hiding concern and fear - hiding who she was behind pristine elegance and compassion that befit the benevolent ruler that was the Sun Princess. “Your Highness, is there anything I can do for you?”

“Feather Duster.” She remembered her name. “Have you seen my sister Luna?” For her part, Feather Duster simply shook her head and apologized.

“I’m sorry, your Highness, I haven’t.” Inwardly Celestia cursed. Feather Duster was one of the many maids responsible for attending to the castle's Lunar Wing. On more than one occasion the mare had crossed paths with her sister since her return. “Is something the matter? Shall I search for her?”

Calmly, Celestia shook her head, giving the mare a light smile. “No, that won’t be necessary, my little pony.” She tells her. “I just need to speak with her for a moment.” Starting back on her way the princess walked past the mare with an almost unnoticeable kick in her step. “Thank you for your time.”

“If I see her I promise to inform her that you're looking for her!”

“Thank you.” As soon as she rounded an empty corner Celestia dropped her mask as she picked up her pace a bit. ‘Maybe I should start by checking her room.’ Celestia thought to herself as she started thinking back. When Luna had first returned to Equestria she had spent a considerable amount of time locked away in her room. It was her haven, her sanctuary where nopony could judge her especially considering her past… accidents. If there was any place that she could release her feelings away from prying eyes, it would likely be in her room. “What's bothering you Luna?”

Canterlot City

Graveyard

It’s quiet here.

Course it is; no one really comes here. Even when they did its mostly quiet as the ones that come here talk only to the dead and the Alicorn princess, Luna came here to do just that.

“It’s really been a long time.” The mare whispered under her cloak as she stared forward. Rain pelted her, but it went ignored as did the building storm that pelted her with rain like it was made from hail. She didn’t mind, nor did she really care. She just looked ahead, reading the names etched on tombstones.

Pistachio.

Berry Bonette.

Joking Jackal.

Fruit Pie.

Turning her attention to the fourth grave marker, Luna released this hollowed out laugh as she read it.

Red Sock.

“I see Sweat finally got his name changed.” She whispered with a light smile. “Always said he would.” Raising a hoof Luna wipes a bit of mold and grime off the markers. Her smile slipped as she stared at the four. “I… always knew you’d go before me.” The mare admitted. “As an Alicorn my lifespan eclipses all of yours.” She admitted. “But… I didn’t think it would be like this.” She whispered. “We… I am still having trouble wrapping my head about it all.” She whispered. “Has it really been a thousand years?” She didn’t get an answer. “It feels like only yesterday that I last saw your faces.”

In truth, it may very well have been yesterday that she last saw them. Saw her friends - the mares and stallions going on adventures and trying to make names for themselves.

Being sealed away… it was like… sleeping. Like she had fallen asleep and awakened to face a new day. Something she had done countless times in the past; only this time, in those fleeting hours in which she slept the world had changed drastically.

In her mind, it felt as though Equestria had changed overnight, transforming itself into this foreign nation that shared its name.

There were new ponies… new cities, new innovations… so much was different, even her sister was different. Celestia had changed with the coming of the times, Luna thought, Luna was stuck in the past, and she had no one to blame but herself.

“Do you remember how Pistachio used to tease Sock about his name?” A voice called out and Luna wasn’t entirely sure if what followed was reality or her mind playing tricks on her. She saw her shadow sit next to her - she saw her sins made manifest - she saw Nightmare Moon. Still there was no hostility in her presence, there was no malice either coming or directed at her. The two halves of the moon simply sat in the rain and stared at the graves ahead of them.

“I do.” Luna confessed. “He’d already get so angry about it his coat turned red.” Luna was met with silence as shrwiped her eyes, blaming the rain for the water that was running down her cheeks. “Berry, what about the time you accidentally turned Puddinghead into a foal?” She chuckled, as did the Nightmare. “We had to pretend we were foal-sitting his nephew until we found a way to reverse the aging spell!” A series of laughs left the princess and her shadow as one of them ended up fussing with their mane. “We were horrible foal-sitters; any chance we had of starting a foal-sitting service disappeared in an instant.” Luna took a trip into her memories, reminding herself and the dead about what they had done in the past. As she did she saw the markers disappear, replaced by the plantoms of ponies she once knew. “Those were good times.”

“Some of the best.” The Nightmare agreed.

It really was a strange sensation; to essentially go to sleep and awaken in a new era. To wake and discover that your closest friends and longtime companions had passed away.

It didn’t seem real.

Luna’s memories were frozen - trapped with the images of young vibrant stallions and mares aiming to take an equally young Equestria by the reins. Each of them talking about their dreams and ambitions, and challenging one another to childish competitions. She remembers ponies so full of life. She couldn’t imagine them aged by time and lying on their deathbeds. She couldn’t imagine them resting in a casket as someone gave them a sending so they might cross over to the Far Plains.She couldn’t imagine it, because she hadn’t been there to experience those days with them.

This was the price she had paid for her actions. It was more than her reputation; it was time. Experiences that she could have shared with her loved ones. All she had now were the questions and the what ifs.

Who did her friends grow into?

Did they ever reach their dreams?

Did they marry?

There were hundreds of things she wished to know about her closest friends, things she’d wish to ask them, but wouldn’t be able to. She missed so much, all because she let herself be consumed by her jealousy and rage. “I'm so sorry… I - I miss you.” Nightmare Moon simply stayed silent as she watched her counterpart break down, figuratively returning to the small mare that she always was inside. Without a word she unfurled a pitch black wing as she enveloped the mare by her side and rested her chin on her head.

“I know, I miss them too.”

Canterlot City

Elsewhere

“Well shit.” Those are the first words that leave a mare as she adjusts her hood, trying her hardest to keep the rain from pelting her face. “This weather’s getting pretty bad ya know, wanna wait till it lightens up a bit?” She asks, looking over at her client as he does the same, trying his hardest to keep his form hidden.

“No.” He tells her. “This is perhaps the best time to get what we need.”

“You wanna risk our lives on a ‘perhaps’?” She asks, a hint of annoyance on her face as they hide behind the shadow of an alley. “This storm’s just gonna keep getting worse, we stay out here too long we’ll get blown away.”

“I know.” The stallion grumbled. “However, if we can siphon off the power of the storm we can force it to calm, before it levels the city.”

“Siphon the storm? I thought we were here for alicorn magic.” The mare remarks, remembering the conversation she had listened to days ago. “Why do we need to draw magic from the storm?”

“Because it’s a manifestation of alicorn magic.” The stallion muttered as he drew his counterparts attention. “The Nightbringer’s magic leaks out when her emotions are agitated, and they affect the weather on a scale that’s near unheard of.” His bodyguard just looked at him, a bit of disbelief on her face as listened to the words.

“Are you for real?” The mare whispered as she looked ahead, her eyes glowing as she peered across the city before her attention honed in on a lone figure. “I didn’t know she had that kind of power…”

“It’s a gift reserved for very few.” Her client admits. “You will need to send one of your beasts, one that can weather the storm and absorb her magic.”

“Understood.” The mare whispers as she watches her counterpart start walking away. “Hey, where are you going?”

“I’m afraid I have some shopping to attend to.” The mare raises an eyebrow, as the stallion chuckles. “You’ll see when I get back.”

“You say so.” The mare mutters as she uses her magic to pull out a crystal from under her cloak. “Well I guess we better get started then.” Without much of a thought she tossed the crystal into the air as it shattered.

Canterlot City

Graveyard

It was a bit strange; despite drowning in her feelings and cutting herself off from the rest of the world, for a brief moment Luna found her senses sharpening to an almost unnatural degree. The hairs on her neck stood up, her pulse quickened and it felt the world had slowed down, her instincts flared. All it was telling her that something was coming.

Luna hadn’t even realized she had created a shield of magic until it was already up. At the same time she didn’t realize she had braced herself until something slammed into her shield and attempted to knock her off balance. Still she jumped back, her hooves nicking one of her friends gravemarkers as she flew over it. From her blindspot something rammed into her, knocking her to the side and into another marker. The impact wasn’t enough to break it, but it was more than enough to send a familiar pain running through her side. “What?” Rolling to her feet Luna blinked several times in an attempt to clear her eyes of the tears muddying her vision. Something moved towards her and her shield protected her despite how she was forced to stumble back a few feet. Using her hoof she wiped her eyes so she might focus. “Who’s there?” The alicorn hissed as she looked around, noticing something shift in the rain before charging her once more. Ducking low she watched the figure pass over her before it landed, and she pointed her constructed shield forward so that she might protect herself and took a moment to get a better look at her assailant. “What in Mother’s name?”

Whatever had charged her was unlike any beast she had seen in her long life. In her mind it was like a giant worm, not a wyrm - a limbless dragon - but a worm. It had two long boney arms, ended in claws, it had two fin-like appendages where she could only assume its face might have been. Rows upon rows of sharp teeth appeared and disappeared within the creatures tunnel-like mouth. Two snake like tendrils grew out of its back and seemed to only slightly sway from either the rain or the vessel’s own movements.

‘What is this thing?’

Even in the old age she had never seen such a… ‘creature’ before.

“I’m not certain.” Her Shadow, the Nightmare muttered as Luna steadied herself. “But you will have to find out later.” Agreeing with her shadow, Luna raised her arcane shield to protect her from another charge, and grit her teeth as she was pushed back. The stench that left its mouth was enough to make her cringe.

“Oh, Goddess I’m going to puke…” Luna muttered as she turned, letting the creature go charging into a tree. “I really don’t need this today.” Here she was trying to pay her respects to those that had left this world, and now here was being attacked by this worm… thing. She didn’t want this fight. She didn’t want to disrespect the dead by fighting before their graves.

And yet…

Her anger spiked and with it a clap of thunder echoed throughout Canterlot City. Again the monster charged, and this time she rushed it herself. Dropping low she moved her shield overhead as she pushed the creature off balance, the bulk of its body rising into the air before a volley of magic rays slammed into it’s exposed underside. She teleported to its side, and followed it with a shield bash that toppled it over on its side. She jumped over the claw that was haphazardly swung at her and retaliated by yet another ray of magic. One of those snake-like appendages shot out and slammed into her, tossing her into yet another tombstone as the creature righted itself. She hissed in pain, disappearing in a sudden burst of magic as a claw slammed into where she had been, tearing through the grave as she landed on the creature's back.

She saw the rubble and winched.

If dancing on graves was disrespectful, no doubt destroying one had to be considered far worse.

“Take this fight elsewhere.”

Luna agreed, wrapping both herself and the creature in a veil of arcane magic as she clung to its back, and in a sudden flash of magic they vanished.

Canterlot City

Park

It happened in an instant.

One second Canterlot park had been empty, the next there was light. From it, emerged Princess Luna who flew through the air, righted herself before she slammed into the dirt. Before her rested that thing, that worm-like monster that seemed to look around before seeming to turn to her. It lunged, and Luna raised a hoof. “This place will do.” She brought the hoof down, and the lightning followed.

Canterlot City

Elsewhere

“Well shit.” A mare thought aloud, her attention focused on the sight elsewhere, her attention turned to see a spear of lighting falling from the sky. It didn’t race across the sky, rather it simply ‘fell’ much like one would expect a stone falling from a high place. There was no possible way such a thing was natural. “Princess Luna.” The mare muttered. “To think you don’t just have the power to summon a storm with just your feelings, but you have enough conscious control to direct the lighting itself…” She stated as the lightning spear disappeared just as fast as it had appeared. The mare chuckled, shaking her head as she did so before looking forward, her attention turning to the park a good few paces away from her. “Damn, I am so glad I’m not your opponent.” She admitted to herself. “Still, keep it up.” She stated. “The more magic you put out, the more that little one will be able to collect for my client.”

Canterlot City

Park

Smoke and the scent of charred soil left the crater that Luna had created. The rain would probably fill it at some part, turn it into a makeshift lake or even a small pool inexplicably added to the park. For now though, Luna took a moment, letting the pause in combat linger as she waited for the spots clouding her vision to fade. It didn’t take that long, but when it did, Luna stepped up to the crater, staring into it and looked at the downed monstrosity that was resting inside it. “Dead already?” The creature didn’t answer, just lying in the ground as the scent of wet and cooked meat filtered through the air. Luna stopped her walk at the edge of the crater, staring down the worm-like apparition as her horn flared to life. “Best be certain.”

Before she could a claw burst from the ground beneath her, wrapping around her neck as she found herself lifted into the air. Then just as fast her flight changed, and she found herself half buried into the ground.

Gasping in pain the mare forced one of her eyes open as she saw the burned beast coming down on her, tunne-likel mouth spread open as to devour her. She teleported, letting the monster slam its head into the ground before it raised its head, a chunk of stone and dirt trapped in its mouth before it was crushed into dust. A volley of rays slammed into the creature’s hide before it fully turned, lunging at the mare, one of its tendrils lashing out as it slammed into the ground next to her hard enough to punch a hole through it. Luna enveloped herself in magic for a moment before charging. Shwe slammed a hoof into what she could only assume was the monster’s jaw, knocking it up before stepping in, her next strike landing on it’s torso before launching it back. A tendril wrapped around her torso and pulled her along, swinging her around till she slammed into a tree.

“What a peculiar feeling…”

Luna ignored the Nightmare, instead slamming ahoof into the tree behind her and ripped it in half. That done she used her magic to catch it and swing it around to knock the creature aside. When it got to its feet it ‘glanced’ up attention turning to see a jagged tree being slammed down on it. Luna lifted her makeshift weapon before bringing it back down over and over again again before going at it a final time and effectively buried the monster before jumping back. She called the lightning and it obeyed, coming down as a single grand bolt that tore open the land.

“Move.”

Luna dodged to the side, her attention quickly turning to see the scorched and charred monster swinging one of its claws at her as she raised a shield, and went sliding back in the rain. The second claw that came at her pushed her back further. The third swing hit air as she vanished into thin air, appearing under the beast before launching it into the air and calling down the lightning once more.

“This time?” The beast slammed into the ground, and simply picked itself up. “By my Mother, what are you made of?” She asked looking the creature over to see that most of its body was reduced to blackened chunks. It staggered for just a moment before turning in her direction. “You don’t know when to quit, do you.” She muttered as she cracked a joint in her neck. “Fine, let us continue.”

“Actually.”The Nightmare spoke up. “Mind if I tag in?”

“I do mind actually.” Luna grumbled as the creature howled at her and charged. “This is my battle, not yours.” She returned the charge.

“My dear Little Moon, any battle you face is mine as well.” The laughter Luna heard seemed to echo throughout the entire park.

2

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Storm’s finally parting. Ain’t gotta be a genius or anything to know that. Just gotta look and listen to what's going on outside. Pay attention and one could hear the thunder and rain starting to part, even glimpse the lightning starting to fade out in the distance. Looks like things are gonna get back to normal for a bit. Well… as normal as things can get around here in Canterlot Castle.

The Castle is routinely quiet; so much so you could practically hear the steps that echo throughout the halls, not to mention the sounds of maids cleaning the decor. The most noise one would routinely find came from the throne room as Princess Celestia and Princess Luna dealt with the court meetings amongst nobles. Beyond that, Canterlot Castle was routinely silent; today was no exception. In fact, things seemed particularly quiet today. Majestic halls filled with guards and cleaning staff stood frozen, as if they were replaced by statues. The only movement they had about them came from the faint turning of their heads as they stared in disbelief. Princess Luna simply ignored the looks being sent her way as she walked past them, letting her hooves echo out as they hit tile and left her world drenched in silence.

Alicorns had a certain appeal to them. Ponies realized that a long time ago; Celestia and her niece Cadence always had this appeal about them. Princess Luna was no different, and yet, there had always been… something about her, something that set her apart from her sister and niece. Whatever ethereal allure that the alicorn princesses naturally held, it was more noticeable with the night princess. It was both captivating and intimidating at the same time; like she radiated a power more akin to someone that had learnt the secrets of Tartarus itself. Today that allure hadn’t faded - rather it was more noticeable as if she had loosened the reins on her powers, and one could only guess why. Her cloak was gone, revealing her traditionally well maintained andfine coat riddled with cuts and scrapes along with bits of mud and grime. Her ethereal mane clung to her neck, snaking around her form like a shimmering starlit mess. Her right wing had traces of burns across it, as did her matching ear. One of her regalia were missing, while another was cracked. Her tail was much like her main, that starlit mess dragged behind her like a makeshift cape as it soaked the floor in rainwater. She carried her cloak in a bundle letting it float behind her as she walked on. To them - to her ponies she looked like some fabled warrior returning from some quest with her eyes shining with a calculated gaze they could only describe as a huntress on the prowl.

She looked breathtaking.

“Y-your highness.” A mare squeaked as Luna turned her attention to face her. “Are - are you alright?” She asked “What happened?”

“We are quite fine.” Luna spoke in that commanding yet alluring tone of hers as she gave the mare a slight smile, causing her cheeks to flourish in red. “And we do apologize for the mess.” She watched as wings stoot outward - standing at attention as she walked away. She took a calming breath as she tried composing herself. It wasn’t that she was thrilled about the attention sent her way, rather it was because of how ecstatic she felt inside. It felt as if the storm that had been threatening to consume Canterlot City was now seeping into her bones.

She missed this feeling; she really did. The rush of adrenaline, the sound of her heart beating in her ears. By her mother’s grace she missed it. She missed almost getting drunk on the overstimulation of her senses brought about by combat; she missed feeling the strain of her muscles overworking and the wind rushing by her as she danced over the knife’s edge. To use her magic for something more than holding papers and raising a cup of tea. She missed being more than just a pretty princess - she missed being a warrior.

Feeling her breathing grow erratic, the dark blue alicorn couldn’t help licking her lips as she tasted her own blood and smiled, unconsciously causing a few more ponies to flourish as wings stood at attention. Not that she could bring herself to care at the moment. Instead she let her thoughts continue to return to what occurred mere minutes ago. Replaying the events that had happened as her heart started to race.

She knew why she felt this way; a thousand moons ago she wasn’t just a ‘pretty princess’ that sat on a throne, rather she was a warrior born in an untamed Equestria, one still rich with battles and conflicts. When she and her sister fought for the Crystal Empire, she'd led the charge against King Sombra, fighting as though the fabled Spirit of War; Ares, blood was coursing through her veins. When Discord had tried taking control of Equestria she had held him off while her sister tried finding a solution, and it appeared that the tooth she knocked out hadn't grown back yet; but to be fair they had turned him to stone shortly after. During the dark hours of an old Equestria when her dear friend Princess Platinum had been kidnapped by a cyclops, she had been her knight, breaking into the cyclops' fortress and saving her friend.

Truthfully, in every book of Equestria's old history, more than half the records of glory had been brought by her hooves, not her sister. She was one of the firsts on the battlefields and the last to leave them.

Growing up in those times had forged her like tempered steel, but it helped that she had an apparent talent for it. She chalked it up to her naturally adventurous nature like the fictional Daring Do. The desire to go out and explore; it was what she always did back then when her sister and Starswirl were busy reading as they traditionally did. It was how she first met Melvin the Manticore and discovered that beyond the Everfree Forest lies the land of Zebras. And while she would never tell anypony -let alone her sister, less she planned to give the mare a heart attack - it was also why she at a time took to exploring old tombs and locked dungeons. So yes, she knew exactly why A.K. Yearlings books were so popular. Dodging the traps and searching for treasure left by lost civilizations. It lit a fire in her soul and reading that mare’s grand tales reminded her so much of her earlier years.

Still…

Turning down a hall Luna felt her mind begin to wander, turning to thoughts that originally sent her out to Canterlot City. As much as she missed the thrill of battle, it wasn’t what had brought her ther out today.

She let her thoughts return to graves, she let her thoughts return to her friends.

The dying storm responded to those fading thoughts.

“It is unfortunate.” The Nightmare appeared beside her, walking with her through the hallways that led towards her personal chamber. “Our time with our loved ones interrupted as they were.” She admitted. “But it was either to cut our time short or risk trampling upon their graves.”

“You’re right.” Luna whispered. “Trampling graves - disturbing the dead is a sin I don’t want to carry.” She admitted.

“I’m well aware, little moon.” The Nightmare stated. “Alicorn or not, there are lines that must never be crossed.”

“I am… glad that you understand.” Luna muttered as she pressed on.

Silence danced around the pair, whether it was invited or not though, that was a question that would go unanswered. Still With the presence of her shadow felt beside her, the Moonbearer couldn’t help but let her thoughts turn to her. Turn to what had brought the two together once more.

Flashback

She let the silence dance around her. Let it play on without much complaint, and only broke it for those brief moments when the sound of her regala hit fine marble floors and the silk carpets. Princess Luna of Equestria, let her attention drift from the hanging drapes to windows and toward the moonlit labyrinth that rested beyond. Everything her eyes rested on, she studied for a few moments, before her attention drifted to something else.

Memories, memories preserved in stained glass kept her attention longer than one might expect. She stared at those preserved images, each one reminding her of a day - an event and trial she and her sister had been forced to experience during Equestria’s early days. Their coronation under their mother’s watchful eyes. Their first meeting and trials alongside Star Swirl the Bearded. The treaty that had been forged after the last Pony-Gryphon war. The sealing of Discord, as well as many others who wished to blanket Equestria in darkness.

So many memories, some good, some bad, some favorable, some distasteful. Seeing them laid before her the nocturnal princess couldn’t help but think of those days long past. Every image she looked at seemed to come alive as she remembered what occurred those days. The same could be said for even the darkest of her memories; the birth of Nightmare Moon, and her final day in an old Equestria.

Seeing the visage of her darker self, Luna couldn’t help but feel those old emotions resurface. Envy, anger, loneliness, despair… old feelings that birthed the Nightmare stirred from their slumber. Again, they whispered words of owed retribution should she embrace them. Again, they promised her power. Again, they -

“Silence.” With that single word she forced them away, back into the darkest recesses of her mind as she stared at her reflection. “It’s been over a year…” She stated. “We are free from you.” She spoke in a tone of authority as she narrowed her eyes. She half expected her doppelganger to laugh at her, step from it’s glass-like casing but only found it staring in her direction. “We are free from you, Nightmare.” Luna repeated the words but a sense of emptiness greeted her in return.

“You will never be free of me Luna.” Freezing, Luna turned her head as she stepped back in surprise. Standing across from the mare was her Nightmare self. A dark yet seductive smile crossed the shadow’s face as she looked at the light of her soul. “But you know, If you want to talk to me, you needn’t speak to glass of all things.”

“You…” Luna paused, disbelief on her face as she stared at her manifested darkness. “N-no this is impossible.” Nightmare Moon raised a delicate eyebrow as she looked at her smaller self. “You are gone. We felt it! Twilight Sparkle and her friends rid us of you! You can’t be here!” Laughter filled the darker alicorn’s lungs as it echoed for a moment.

“Those foals? Get rid of me?” The dark alicorn smiled as she stepped to the side before approaching her counterpart, causing Luna to step back further. From fear or something else she didn’t exactly know. “My dear Luna, I am part of you, just as you are part of me.”

“You’re lying… you are not part of us! You are a concentration of the Nightmare Force.”

“Why would I lie?” The mare questioned. “Though you are partly correct. I *was* an aspect of that parasite, but no more.” The Nightmare declared as she stepped forward. “Remember Luna everypony has darkness in their souls, and I am yours." Stopping Nightmare Moon turned her attention to the stained glass. A hint of curiosity in her eyes as she looked at the image it presented. “So this is to be our niece I take it; Princess Mi Amore Cadenza?” Luna slowly nodded as she looked at the image of the pink alicorn. “Princess of Love, if I am correct.”

“That’s right.”

“She’s beautiful.” Luna blinked in surprise as she turned to her darker self. An approving look across her face that reminded her of how she would gaze at the world at times; like one would judge a cut diamond as they searched for any imperfections. Brushing her mane back, Nightmare Moon settled her gaze on the image and nodded after a moment. “The sun princess must be proud.” It was odd Luna realized. Seeing her alter ego, appraising her niece as calmly as she was. Let alone so… calm as she was at this moment.

‘No… I won’t be tricked like this.’ Luna thought as she narrowed her eyes. Nightmare Moon was a skilled manipulator. Not on par with Discord, but she was skilled. She wanted something. “What are you doing here, Nightmare Moon? Here to cause trouble once more?”

“I am here to talk.” Turning her gaze to Luna the dark alicorn gave her a playful gaze. “And to offer you my powers, just as I did all those moons ago.”

“Haven’t learned your lesson I see.” Luna muttered. “Still plotting to overthrow my sister? Did failing twice teach you nothing?”

“Oh I learned dear Luna; that Equestria’s greatest weapon can be negated, that by breaking the harmony of those that carry them they will be useless. ” Luna froze at that, the realization of the Elements being powerless. Nightmare Moon shared her memories, so of course she would know about the Element’s weakness. Luna had always theorized it - that the Element’s Chosen needed to be united, and for the young mares of Lady Twilight and her friends… their bond could be temporarily broken. Discord had proven that theory true. The Nightmare needed only a moment of broken trust to sink her fangs into the youths. Nightmare Moon simply smiled at her. “That weapon can be removed - whether directly or indirectly - and with it gone I can finish what we started so long ago of course…” Luna shook her head as she found Nightmare Moon behind her, hunched over a bit to whisper in her ear. “That is, if you’ll let me.”

“No.” Luna stepped away from her counterpart and looked away. “I won’t let you. Even if the Elements of Harmony were unusable, I’ll never let you take over me again.”

“So you say.” Nightmare Moon held a knowing smile as she returned her gaze to the image of their niece. “You haven’t spent much time with her have you? Mi Amore may not be of blood but she is family. Do you not like her?” Before Luna could speak up the mare shook her head. “No I doubt that, I would *know* if you disliked the mare.”

“I have been busy, Nightmare. Shamefully so.”

“Ah yes, your nightly activities. They certainly do take up a lot of time.” The shadow mused before shrugging. “But not all. For example you are not out tonight.” She wasn’t wrong.

“We are not needed tonight.” Luna admitted as she looked to the side and found her counterpart lounging around a chaotic looking cloud. “We have “the night off” as they say.”

“Ah I see.” The Nightmare patted the cloud for a moment as she made some room. “Care to join me? It’s quite comfy.” All she received was a glare before Luna looked elsewhere. “Calm yourself my other half, I have not done anything to warrant such distrust.”

“Haven’t you?”

“No my dear, I haven’t. I am thou and thou art I. All I do is what we agree upon. But for now we are at an impasse so I’ll ask again; will you accept my power?” The Nightmare asked again as she looked at her counterpart.

“You have my answer, Nightmare.”

“For now, anyway.” The mare stated as Luna blinked only to find her counterpart directly in front of her and staring her down. “You’ll need it soon enough and once that day comes I shall offer it again.”

“And what pray tell makes you believe that we shall accept it then?” All Nightmare Moon did was smile, leaning down as she looked her counterpart in the eyes. Feline-like pupils shrunk for a moment as she spoke.

“Because you’ll need it.”

Present

Since that day the Nightmare - her shadow had stayed with her. Keeping her company whispering the promise of power in her ears. Strangely though the latter only occurred on one occasion or the next. She did not bring up the promise of power often, rather she focused mainly on other things, letting her thoughts drift to subjects that Luna wouldn’t have thought possible for the darkness in her soul. “I wonder who was responsible for that monster attack.” The dark half of her soul muttered as she floated atop a cloud.

“You believe that beast wasn’t acting on its own accord?”

“I believe it was smuggled in, how else would something like that be able to reside within our walls, and for who knows how long?” The Nightmare asked as Luna made a noise.

“A fair point, and one we will no doubt have to look into.”

“Privately?” Nightmare received a nod.

“Of course, if word gets out that that thing was in our walls we’d have a massive panic on our hooves.”

“A fair point, but you must still be cautious, nothing like that could simply sneak within our walls without somepony very high up pulling at strings.” Nightmare Moon stated as she looked at her other half. “We may have a traitor in our household.”

“Perhaps, perhaps not; regardless we will act with caution.” The Nightmare smiled

“*We* my other self? Does that mean you accept my power?” At that Luna turned her head and frowned. Her attention focused on her counterpart as she stopped walking for a moment.

“No. I mean *we* as in the guard, my sister and myself. We shall stop whatever is coming.” Luna went silent for a moment as she continued walking. “I will not need your aid.”

“That is what you believe, isn’t it?” Nightmare Moon shrugged as she resumed walking with her lighter half. “But if you want to go down the other route, you will certainly have your work cut out for you. The Equestrian Guard has not had the best track record with enemies as of late - Chrysalis has revealed that much. Peace has caused them to lose their edge.”

“That much I can agree with. They will need to be retrained.” Luna paused for a moment as she started thinking back for a moment. Her branch of the guard, the Night Guard was a bit ahead in that department. Since her return she had fallen into the old habit of sparring with them in order to gauge their skills and her own. At first she hadn’t been impressed in the slightest but in time she had shaped them into a relatively decent defense force. Nothing in comparison to their past glory but something that could hold their own in a fight for a while. Granted as a side-effect she had to deal with some uncalled for rumors that claimed she still hadn’t changed and was still plotting to take over Equestria, only this time with her night guard supporting her. “Perhaps I should have my sister’s guard join us. It would be easier to train them if they are all together.”

“Some mock battles won’t hurt. Give them a taste of what to expect.”

“I do not see why not.” Luna whispered before looking at her counterpart. “Wait… are you… assisting us in this endeavor?”

“Though it is not a land of eternal night, your Equestria is still my own.” The shadow stated as she stared down at her counterpart with her slitted eyes. “And I will protect what is mine.” Luna just stared at the dark alicorn for a moment as she narrowed her eyes. Aiming to say something, the mare was cut off as something reached her ears.

"Luna!" Hearing something behind her Luna pulled to a sudden stop as she galloped. Looking behind her the Nightmare frowned as she looked at the mare trotting up to them.

“Celestia…”

"Sister?" Turning the little alicorn came face to face with her elder sister as Celestia's eyes widened. "Good evening, how are you fairing?"

It was at a time like this that the princess of day discarded all prestige and titles as she kicked her holy ruler image out the window and across the Equestrian borders. There wasn't any need for decorum and all it entitles, her sister was a mess. Covered in mud and scrapes, her regala chipped and missing. She was a shadow of her former well maintained self - and all she had to say was good evening? Like she'd just woken up? Letting the worried sister out for the world to see, Celestia looked over her younger sister in a panic.

"WHAT HAPPENED TO YOU!?" Luna flinched slightly as she felt her ears ring for a moment. Luna grew up with the mare and yet it still amazed her how loud her typically soft spoken elder sister could actually get even without resorting to the Royal Canterlot Voice. "I go to your room earlier to see you but you weren't there and *this* is that how I find you?" The panicked sister continued to circle her younger sister as she started applying medical spells on her to see how badly her sister was hurt. "By Faust Luna, you broke a rib! And a hoof!"

"I did?" Luna questioned as she applied her own spell and blinked. "Huh, I did." The Nightmare raised an eyebrow as she looked at her counterpart.

“You truly didn’t notice that until now?” Her dark counterpart asked. “You truly must still be high on adrenaline or something.”

"I did?" Celestia repeated as she pressed her muzzle in her sister's face. "That's it? What in Equestria were you doing!? Were you attacked? Was it Queen Chrysalis?" Listing off several more old enemies that were lost to history, Luna raised her hoof, her broken one and actually waved it due to some magic that she applied to realign the bones.

"No-no sister, it's nothing like that." 'Kind of.' Luna secretly added as she smiled at her sister. Memories of life or death combat returned to her as she felt her heart skip a couple beats again as she tried to calm herself. There was no way she'd let her sister know she was attacked earlier by a worm… thing. She really needed to give that thing a name. That and see if anypony could dissect it to figure out what it was, maybe even add it into the regional bestiary that had been started when she was just a filly. 'Thou there is considerable doubt that the last one will actually be done… doesn't seem like the bestiary is used as often as it used to.' Luna suppressed a frown as she thought back to the corpse she had left in the plains.

"Then what were you doing?" Celestia asked as she started healing her sister. "Jumping off Canterlot?" Celestia stopped as she saw her sister's expression change ever so slightly. "By Faust you were!"

"Not exact~ly." 'I jumped off a building if that counts.’ Luna stumbled as she felt her body suddenly hurt.

“There goes your adrenaline high…” The Nightmare muttered as she shook her head.

Feeling her sister suddenly grab onto her Luna raised her hoof as if to push her away. "I - I'm alright, suddenly extremely tired that's all." Luna muttered as her sister held her regardless.

"I bet you are..." Celestia murmured as she held on to her sister. Why in Equestria would her sister be jumping off Canterlot? Unless... "Luna...are you alright?"

"I already told you I'm fine, dear sister." Luna rolled her eyes as she tried pushing her sister away only to find her holding her tighter.

"That's not what I meant." The white alicorn whispered as Luna felt her shake a bit. It sounded like her voice was cracking. "Did you...did you...I saw the storm Luna." Celestia muttered as she shook a bit harder. "I saw it; your feelings and how they were turning. Did you...did you jump Luna?" The Nightmare blinked as he looked at the pale alicorn.

“Oh my~ Does she think that…”

Eyes widening Luna felt her a bit of her strength return as she pushed her sister away. Catching the older alicorn by surprise she gripped the sides of her face and brought them down. "NO!" It was a good thing that everypony had cleared out when they heard the older alicorn suddenly yell, Luna didn't want anypony to know this was what her sister was thinking; that she hit rock bottom - that she tried killing herself…again. "I didn't *jump* sister." Not in that sense anyway. "I slipped..." She lied but quickly continued afterwards. "I - I went to see them sister...I went to the cemetery." Feeling Celestia flinch, Luna inhaled as she heard one of the clouds rumble. Lying to her sister had never been easy, especially if the lie was why she'd become upset since the skies decided to express her true feelings but, decades by her counterpart’s side had taught her how to pull it off; sprinkle a bit of truth in it. "I had been trying to work up the nerve to see them for a while now and… I believed I was ready but it appears I wasn't. Seeing the stones, knowing they were really gone was harder than I thought." Pausing to collect herself a bit the younger alicorn felt her ears drop unintentionally as she kept her thoughts on her old friends. "I... went around Canterlot to try clearing my head, to calm down, but when I took to one of the buildings I lost my footing. I slipped and hurt myself."

“And then you wrecked the park fighting a giant worm creature.” Nightmare Moon added with an eye roll while Luna stared at her sister’s eyes.

"But I swear on the moon I carry on my back, sister, I didn't jump! I've no intention of going to the Far Fields and abandoning you."

"I'm sorry." Celestia wiped her eyes as she repeated the words over and over again. She didn't mean to jump to conclusions, she really didn't but her sister wasn't upset. Then again she understood why; in the first few weeks of her return she would have considered it. Traumatized by what she had done as her Nightmare counterpart as well as hearing the whispers that danced around Equestria of her being a monster- not to mention a certain mental parasite she would never openly speak about residing in her dreams. She hadn't jumped then but her sister had been forced to rip a knife out of her grip and lodge it four-fifths of a way through the nearest wall. It took months of therapy for her to come back from that dark place in her mind. She'd recovered since then, but Celestia, behind her various masks and her age, the mare who was forced to see that hadn't. She'd almost lost her again, this time permanently.

"No, I'm sorry." Luna muttered as she held her sister as the larger alicorn's wings enveloped around her. Squeezing her a bit tighter than she would have liked but she would bear it. "I never meant to make you worry. It is all my doing, not yours." She whispered before peaking out the corner of her eye to notice one of the castle's maids turning down the hall only to stop at the sight of the two. "I'm a horrible sister, all I do is make you worry." Giving the maid a glare that clearly spelled 'leave and never speak of this again' Luna watched her disappear faster than one of her teleportation spells.

"You're not a horrible sister. I am." Celestia countered as she finally released her younger sibling."I was blind for decades, I made terrible decisions and you were hurt because of them."

"We've both made mistakes sister." Luna admitted as she lifted a hoof and wiped a tear off her sister's face. "And we both bear scars because of it. Only those of the flesh have faded faster than the ones we carry in our hearts." An almost sage like voice left the smaller alicorn as she smiled. "I think we both just need some more time to heal." Slowly Celestia nodded as she took a moment to recompose herself at least attempt to. It was funny Luna thought that at the moment she was acting as though she was the elder of the two, consolidating her sibling because they were hurting inside. "I think you should get some rest, sister, you look exhausted."

"Me? What about you?" Celestia quietly commented as Luna looked herself over. Right, she looked like she needed a doctor, and maybe a bath too. "I should make sure you get to a doctor."

"I'll be fine, my chambers are right there after all." Luna admitted as she looked behind her. "I keep medical gauze in my room and alongside a few healing spells I should be fine after a rest." Nodding Luna started applying a healing spell to her broken limb as she winced slightly from the pain.

"Are you sure?" Dismissing the worried look on her face Luna smiled at her sister as she made a habit of waving her hoof.

"Of course. Mere scratches won't be enough to end me. I am not some dangly mare that is so easily bested." An almost cocky look left the typically calm and calculated mare as she waved her sister off. "Now go on, we both need our rest." Watching her sister yawn Luna repressed the urge to follow suit. What was it about being around somepony that was tired that was so infectious? Or maybe that was just her since all the extra energy she had finally burning out. She didn't care, it beat the alternative.

"I guess you're right. But I'll need to wake up in a few hours. I still have a few more meetings to get to."

"Just cancel them." Luna muttered a bit harsher than she intended to. "They are not newborns, we mustn't hold their hooves the entire time. Equestria can manage itself for a few hours without falling apart." She shook her head as she turned back to her room and grabbed her bundled cloak. "Sister, you cuddle them too much." Despite her words Celestia smiled as she covered her mouth for another yawn. "Pleasant dreams sister."

"Pleasant dreams Luna." Remaining where she stood, Nightmare Moon rolled her eyes as she looked at the pale alicorn slowly walking away.

“You’re too kind to her.”

“You shut up.”

Canterlot City Park

“Well, this place is a wreck.” The cloaked mare thought as she stepped into the park and looked at the damage done. “Nice work though, I haven’t seen a place this wrecked since my last barfight.” The mare muttered as she smiled lightly. “I wonder how Titan’s bar is still recovering.” She stated as she walked up to the beast she had called forward and ran a hoof over its face. It’s parts were scattered, it’s bones were broken, and it had lost what remained of its life long ago. “Huh, Luna stole your heart.” The mare stated as she frowned. “And to think you gave your heart to me.” Turning her direction towards Canterlot Castle she continued to pat her beast's head before breathing. ‘Still that said… you did quite well today; Princess.' She thought as she looked back to her fallen beast and started humming to it. ‘But I still got what I needed.’

“How did it go?” From behind her, her cloaked counterpart just tilted his head as she glanced back at him.

“I got it.” She muttered as pressed her hoof deeper into the creature's skin as it started to deteriorate. Breaking into a number of vapors she watched as it started to condense into a small jewel. “One sphere of condensed Alicorn magic.”

“Good.” Her counterpart states as his counterpart looks at him.

“Do you think this will be enough?”

“If not, I have a bit of extra magic to offer up.” The stallion stated as he reached under his cloak and pulled out an amulet of sorts.

“The Alicorn Amulet?” The mare blinked in surprise. “How the bloody hell did you get your hooves on that? Did you break into the Princesses Treasure trove or something?”

“Actually it was sitting in a shop, not too far from here.” The stallion shook his head in humor. “A disgrace really, a powerful magic artifact, just sitting in a shop. What has this world come to?”

“Hard to say really.” The mare admits. “Still will that be enough? To break the seal, I mean.”

“The seal was forged by the power of two alicorns of old.” The stallion stated. “And the power of two alicorns can break it.” He ran his fingers over the amulet.

“Ah~ so they didn’t just call it the Alicorn Amulet on a whim?”

“Oh course not.” The stallion started with a smile. “But the story of the Amulet is for another day. “We have what we desired.” And now we should return to Celestia’s Seal.”

“That’s a long trip.” The mare stated as she tossed the sphere of condensed magic in the air. “We better get moving.” She whistled and the sky seemed to darken above them. Her counterpart just looked up and chuckled as a new beast landed before them.

“Well well, this beast will certainly make the trip much shorter.” He states as he looks to his counterpart. “Why didn’t you call him when we were coming to Canterlot?”

The mare just smiled. “I have my reasons.” She made a gesture in the rain, a mock bow of sorts as she gestured to her winged beast. “Now… shall we return?”

“But of course.” Her counterpart admitted. “We have a seal to break.”

3

View Online

Everfree Forest

Ruins of Castle of Two Sisters

Honestly it felt like cobwebs were taking up space in her head and just smothering her brain. She couldn’t really describe it any other way; cobwebs were in her head and cotton was clogging her throat. Guess it was to be expected, after all, she had been sealed away for over a few thousand years now. Still, now she was awake, free to once again be part of the waking world. Taking a breath, she moved, and as she moved the brickwork that made up her seal started to bend and whisper amongst themselves - as if sensing that she had been awakened from that long slumber of hers. “Oh~” The entity hummed to herself, stepping forward as she broke the chains that bound her. The act was so casual - so natural - it was like she had stepped on blades of grass. “That is so~ much better.” She smiled. Looking ahead to see her counterparts just waiting for her. One kneeling as the other seemed to stare and whistle. “A pleasure to finally meet you both.”

“The pleasure is all ours.” The stallion stated as she looked at him.

“I’ll say.” The mare stated before looking at her employer. “You didn’t tell me she was freaking hot.” She chuckled. “Seriously, I’d come out of the closet for this bombshell.”

“I thank you.” The sealed one stated as she continued to smile before looking skyward, or at least attempting to as she stared at the stone roof that was above her. “Hm~” She returned her attention to the two before. “Bit cramped down here don’t you think?”

“A bit.”

“What do you say we step out for a bit.” The sealed one asked as she walked forward, stepping by the two as she left them to follow after her. “Tell me, how exactly did you succeed in releasing me?”

“We had some help.” The stallion admits as he shows her the hollowed out amulet and a see-through crystal.

“Oh, the Alicorn Amulet.” The sealed one thought as she levitated the amulet into her grasp. “I have not seen this in so long… but the condensed mana within it is no more.” She whispers. “You must have used all of it to free me.”

“I’m afraid so.” The stallion admits. “But it served its purpose nonetheless.”

“As did the mana I took from Luna.” The mare stated as she tossed the see-through crystal into the air for a moment as her counterpart just made a noise.

“Luna… I see.” She fell silent for a moment as she stared skyward as they left the prison and found the moon peeking through a window. “That name… that is a name I hadn’t heard in a long time.” She states. “I wonder how much she’s grown from the filly engraved in my memories.”

“She’s become a looker.” The mare stated. “Gotta say she rocks the whole starlight mane thing.” She snickered as she gestured to her hair. “Sexy.”

“Is that so?” The sealed one chuckled before seeming to think. “I feel…” She paused. “Weak.” She admitted. “Celestia’s seal certainly did it’s job, most of my strength is gone.”

“You’ll need to recover what you lost.” She just releases a chuckle as she hears the stallion's words.

“And I shall.” The figure mutters as she spreads her wings and hums. “Words cannot express my gratitude for freeing me, but I must go, I need to regain what I lost during my slumber.”

“Oh course, that is what we are here for.” The stallion admits with a bow as he walks up and kneels before her. “I offer my services to you; Equestria’s Allmother.”

“I see.” The Allmother mutters as she looks at the mare. “And you as well; do you serve me?”

“I go where the money goes.” The mare admits and gestures to her current contractor. “And he’s paying good coin to keep me around.”

“I see, a mercenary then.” Her counterpart admits as she smiles. “Through him, you shall serve me, and my cause.” She says with that same honey-like tone.

“Then what do you need me to do first?”

“As of now… nothing.” The Allmother admits. “But I do need to do some~” She paused. “Stretches. You don’t mind, do you? I haven’t been moving in one thousand years it seems.” The stallion bowed.

“Please do whatever you desire.”

Canterlot Castle

Celestia woke up with a start, the nightmare getting the best of her tonight. The sound that left her traveled at a volume that surpassed the Royal Canterlot Voice, shaking everything her chambers currently held. Bed, desk, mementos from this century shook from the force of the noise that left her, and continued for the next three minutes before finally coming to a stop. Gasping for breath Celestia pulled her blanket over her as she tried to calm the heart that threatened to jump out of her chest. It wasn't a nightmare, it wasn't a vision either that came to her tonight, it was a memory. One of her greatest mistakes was deciding to resurface and remind her of what she’d done. Not that it needed to, she couldn't ever forget her mistakes, they were always there, lingering in the back of her mind like some parasite and whispering in her ears like the voice of conspirators. "I need something to drink..." Trying to push the thoughts away Celestia pulled herself from her bed as she stepped to the floor, immediately she was met with what could best be described as a ripple running through it.

A precautionary spell; one of several she always set up before she went to bed. Any sound that originated from her chambers was silenced to the outside world. Otherwise every guard in the palace - perhaps Canterlot altogether - would have heard her screaming and broke her double doors down. Each of her steps was rewarded with another ripple as she deactivated the spells and glanced around, seeing which of her things had been broken before heading out. A few vases, the glass on a picture, small things that she could fix later once she had completely calmed her nerves.

Walking down the castle halls she felt the silence that her world presented and found the displeasure of her hooves echoing into the halls. Her sister's moon was hanging overhead, shining with a magic many wouldn't notice and yet one she couldn't replicate no matter how many centuries she had spent taking over her sister's position. A small, tired smile crossed her lips at that thought. No matter what many believed; that she was the better and more talented sister, there were actually a number of things dear Luna could do that she'd couldn't begin to master.

Turning her attention elsewhere she returned her gaze to the empty halls as her smile faded. It was just so… barren. The halls usually filled with guards and staff were etched in silence, not all of them mind you but nearly every hall she crossed into the night patrols had finished going through, leaving her alone. She didn't like it, she didn't like the silence that told her no pony was around to catch her attention. Not to sound spoiled, but she needed the attention right now, because right now without the distraction, however small it was, she found herself thinking. Thoughts that she kept pushed back in the presence of others were crawling forward and surfaced before her. Whispering into her head like something was trying to corrupt her mind. Only these thoughts were her own and not anypony else's.

Unable to distract herself she started letting them play out, thoughts and memories of ten centuries past returning again. She remembered the days she and her sister had started drifting apart, her own flesh and blood - the one who she loved more than herself being lost in the long shadow she had unknowingly created. She could remember the pride she felt when ponies long past called her perfection, and turned her into an idol that many adored and many more wanted to be with. She remembered the parties, celebrations and events that she was invited to and how her sister struggled to gain recognition for her craft. Lowering her head Celestia found those thoughts warping into an image she longed to forget but never would, as rainbow colored light took her over and she lost her best friend.

Generations after generations viewed her as perfect, a benevolent goddess that could never do wrong. But she wasn't a goddess - not in the literal sense anyway. She lived longer than they did but she was still mortal. If she lost her balance she tripped, if she scraped her knee it hurt. She could cry from a broken heart and lose her way. She could make mistakes, and by Faust she had made mistakes. Mistakes that were lost to the abyss of time in everyponies eyes except her own. Her sister’s falland banishment was her greatest mistake but it wasn't her only one. Pausing mid-step Celestia found herself walking by the throne room as she stared at it. Focusing her magic just enough to see through the large double doors she found her bandaged sister herself seated in her own throne.

A throne that was - regrettably - a bit smaller than her own.

She wanted it exchanged, but Luna didn't care. She was home, and they had been reunited, that was all that mattered to her. Looking at her younger sister Celestia found her in a serene state, her eyes closed and her horn radiating the faintest pulses of mystic light that was near identical to what radiated off the moon itself, all despite her obvious injuries. Her sister was dream-walking, her consciousness floating through a world Celestia could never enter and looking out for any nightmares that bothered her subjects. Walking past the closed doors, Celestia returned to the silence so as to not interrupt her sister's concentration. Luna had been unaware of her own, but that was her doing.

One of the spells that Celestia had put in her chambers was meant to keep any outer forces from entering her thoughts. A wonderful spell to counter mind control and it seemed to also help keep her sister unaware of what was going on with her at night… Well it was that or one of the five other precautionary spells she had put up as mental barricades. There were things in her head that she didn't want her sister to know about, let alone remember. One such thing was tonight's thousand year phantom.

Shaking her head Celestia quickened her pace to the kitchen before pausing. '...idiot.' Closing her eyes she felt a sense of weightlessness as she felt the world become enveloped in light before returning. So far in her thoughts, the princess forgot she could just teleport to save time. Opening one of the cabinets she pulled out a glass cup before reaching into the fridge, pulling out an extravagant pitcher of ice cold water and giving it a dead stare. "This is a waste of taxpayers money..." Putting the container back she turned her attention to the liquid in her cup and proceeded to drink. She hadn't realized how parched she was until the liquid met her throat and emptied the cup in record time. Not to leave the staff with anything extra for tomorrow she washed the item, taking slight comfort in the act as she felt the sink water and soap coat her hoove. “It's been a long time since we've washed anything by hoof, hasn’t it?” She asked nopony in particular as she set the cup aside and proceeded to dry her hooves. "When was the last time we've actually done dishes?"

'When the Castle of Two Sisters still stood.' An old memory called out to her as Celestia met it with mixed responses. Both happiness and sadness ran through her as she remembered their old home. She remembered the two - looking much like they did now - leaned over the sink as they alternated between washing and drying the dishes. Manes pulled back as they talked about whatever they felt like while the cleaning staff had yet another miniature panic. 'Princesses shouldn't touch dirty dishes, they said.' The memory faded, replaced with a wall being destroyed by corrupted magic as Celestia froze. A moment later she moved again, tossing her paper towel into the trash and fired up her magic. 'No...' The magic dying down Celestia took a breath as she decided to walk. Rather she needed to walk - she needed to fly.

Stepping into the halls once more the princess spread her wings and took off. While she may have been the tallest pony ever recorded, half expected in her long life, Canterlot Castle was still naturally much larger than she was, and offered her plenty of room to fly around in. Half flying - half gliding over the empty halls Celestia maneuvered just enough to not bump into anything as she turned. Crossing halls far faster than she could do by walking she glided over the tile and past an assortment of windows. Crossing into a better lit portion of her caste she tilted her wings slightly as she went higher and did a mid-air flip, fingers gliding across the ceiling as she did before continuing on her normal path.

This portion of the castle didn't really have a name, but she thought of it as her 'Hall of Memories'. Stained Glass covered every window, each one depicting an event that had happened in her lifetime. The coronation of the two sisters, the original reign they shared. Sombra's evil and the loss of the Crystal Empire. Tirek's imprisonment and so on. There was even an old if embarrassing moment preserved of her yelling at a great dragon holding a crystal heart. Since that day she had attempted to keep her temper in check, but that dragon had just been so incredibly rude! There were even some she couldn't accurately remember, because she only knew the smallest details about them to begin with. One such depicted Starswirl the Bearded and three half-pony half-fish creatures called the sirens being sent into a void of sorts. Passing the memories Celestia couldn't help smiling as she saw the ones that brightened her day before flying towards a window. She didn't greet the memory preserved before her, instead simply flying through it as she used a quick spell to make her intangible. The cold air hitting her Celestia sighed in relief as she flew over Canterlot, her shadow unnoticed by all as she flew over the streets and atop houses.

"I needed this." The alicorn thought aloud as she dived off the edge of Canterlot and descended down the mountainside. Flying always made her feel better no matter how dark her thoughts became as she confronted her mistakes. It was one of the only ways she kept her sanity after her sister had been imprisoned. Otherwise she wouldn't have made it past her first half century alone. Letting a murky memory cross her Celestia spread her wings as she took flight again and let the memory play out. A battle, not the greatest of battles, came to her as she remembered the queen of the Changelings. When they had lost Troy, she reacted quicker than any would have expected. Practically bolting out her castle as she assaulted Chrysalis faster than the Changeling horde could realize what was happening and sealed her pseudo-alicorn kin into a volcano. That was some five-six centuries ago, and Chrysalis had returned the favor on her niece's wedding day. Hindsight she may have deserved it, and getting hung upside down like some trophy. After all, imprisonment in a volcano and reducing her to that 'hole-y' state deserved some form of retribution. Or revenge. Even after all this time sometimes it was hard to tell which side of revenge and retribution somepony was on.

"I wonder if there's any way of making amends..." Celestia thought as she closed her eyes and turned, forming an upward spiral as she found herself bathed in her sister's light. Making amends with the changelings… was it possible? Old as their species was, with what records that they had managed to create, they were still a very alien species. Their origins were unknown to even her and driven by something she wasn't certain on. Was it possible to reach out to them and apologize for the bad blood they had created? 'Equestria is a place of second chances so...maybe.' That was still a big maybe, and added with the fact they would need to meet caused another problem; she had no idea where they were. You can't propose a meeting with somepony when you can't find them.

Twisting into a barrel roll Celestia found a distant cloud and messed with it as she flew by. Decades of skill enabled her to quickly rearrange it to appear as the face of a unicorn as she did and flew around to admire her work and with it another memory chose to surface.

An old… student, one of the best she had ever taken under her wing. Much like her recent student she was intelligent, brave, and remarkably talented, perhaps even more so than her successor. Social whereas the other needed a nudge to start accepting others. A student that had fallen, her talents warping her into a shadow of her former self filled with pride and a thirst for power. Her ability to socialize being turned into a weapon she used against others and magical skill that was used to intimidate. Something she should have noticed early on with how close they once were. She should have tempered her more, humbled her so neither would have gone down the path they had created. No word or whisper of her last student had reached her ears in these past couple years and part of her feared the worst; that she had passed away. If that was the case then she would never be able to say she was sorry, she would never get to say how much she missed her.

Looking at the image of her old student Celestia felt her heart ache as she made the image disappear with a single beat of her wings. Her mistake was letting her go, letting her fall and being left alone after the death of her own sister.

Sighing Celestia thought of the positive. If she was not dead, then perhaps she simply didn’t wish to return. Perhaps she had found something that caused her to stay in that world. Acceptance, love, it could have been anything really. 'Still I wonder what she looks like now…’ An off thought crossed her as Celestia messed with her hooves for a moment. While she had never been to whichever dimension her little Sunset had gone to, her youth with Starswirl had sent her to a few which had some... interesting effects on her anatomy. Like having claws, or her teeth growing into fangs - why one time he even became a rather attractive stallion. 'I don’t think I ever ran from mares that often in my life...' Celestia thought as she closed her eyes. A sigh left her as she turned a bit and flew higher. Regardless of those memories, her thoughts returned to setting sun that was a world away, literally and she might never see her again. 'If Sunset even wants to see me again...'

Celestia pushed the thought aside as she poked a hole through the clouds and flew toward her sister's moon. Flying higher than any natural pegasus dared, she watched the clear sky grow darker as the stars began to shine with greater Radiance. Sunset wasn't the only one worlds away, there was also him, her lover bearing the face of her enemy; King Sombra.

Stopping her climb the princess she broke into a freefall. She remembered in an older era when they first met, she was young and traveling realities with Starswirl. She'd been in love, sneaking to his reality to be with him. She remembered having to leave their affair a secret, returning to her realm and silently dreading to see him again when the portal was ready. As an alicorn she had a lifespan much longer than any regular equine, and her connection to the sun would extend her life even more so. As such every time she returned to him she dreaded he had passed during her absence, and every time he didn't. He stayed no matter how long the clock kept ticking. No matter how many moons passed for him. Very few were like him, the magic inside him strong enough to extend his natural life span past regular limits. Celestia took another breath as she looked at a cloud before leveling out and flying straight. He was one of the best things that happened to her and also one of the worst.

Because she met him they had lost the Crystal Empire. She remembered their battle with the other Sombra - their Sombra. Ready to end the tyrant's reign, her will tempered like iron and her heart turned to stone. She remembered staring at his weakened form and charging her spell. The psychological trigger ready to be pulled and… she froze. She hesitated. They had the same face, they had the same voice, she just couldn't do it and he took advantage of it. That was how they lost the Crystal Empire and to this day she never told anypony, not even her sister.

Thinking of her sister, Celestia’s thoughts suddenly shifted to her “twin”. Not the Nightmare, but another her, another ‘Celestia’, one she had met on more than one occasion after ‘The Crossing’ . Her twin; the one that showed such a hideous side of herself that would do seemingly anything to win. "And she's still there, isn't she?” Celestia whispered as she turned, realizing she was flying over Ponyville and headed toward the Everfree Forest. That side of her, that witch wasn’t just over there - across the veil, she was also inside her. That had to be the one good thing about meeting her alternate reality counterpart; it showed her what she could be, and what parts of her were kept buried so far inside her own heart she wasn't aware of them, and that meant somewhere in this incarnation of her that witch was still alive- likely nurturing on the pain and sorrow that she repressed so far down that no pony could see - and yet that was something she could live with.

Passing over the ruins of her old castle Celestia took to flying through the wreckage as she looked it over. "Every time I've made a mistake...somepony else has paid the price for it." Her pride and ignorance had blinded her and sent sister into Nightmare Moon's clutches. Because she froze up, the Tyrant Sombra banished the entire Crystal Empire. Her ignorance had led Sunset into whatever she'd been beyond the mirror.

She left the ruins as she kept on flying.

Letting more of her mistakes return to her. If she had tried listing every mistake she had created she would probably need half the stars in her sister's sky. "Hm, a star for each of my mistakes...that sounds rather poetic." Celestia whispered as she paused for a moment, one of her senses going off without her command. It was an odd one, like something was tugging at her hair. Each tug acted to bring some form of “mental static” with it that lasted for but a moment before disappearing. Fighting it, fighting it was strange, acting like a game of tug-o-war. And each time she fought it… something crept into her mind. An anger not her own - an energy foreign to her. “What in E-”

“Oh~ that is so *much* better.”

It felt like someone ripped her face off. Celestia could do nothing but scream, her voice carrying over the Everfree forest and waking the residents of the nearby town of Ponyville within seconds. Dropping out the sky Celestia clutched her head in pain, sanguine creeping out the grooves of her horn as she screamed, crashing through the few clouds that remained in the night sky and through the trees of the Everfree. They smashed into her, broke under her weight, cut into her fur, stopping only when she crashed into the Everfree soil.

She screamed for maybe minutes - maybe hours, clutching her skull as pain wrecked through her body. Vapors of mana poured out her horn as she tossed and turned. When she stopped she wasn’t sure, when she did though her coat was matted with mud and grime and stained by her own blood. ‘W… what is happening?’ She was hurt from her injuries, but beyond that she felt weak. Still she rose to her feet, staggering - struggling as she looked around trying to make sense of what was happening. Something was taking her power. Her mana - the vast reserves she carried after all these centuries - was leaving her. Head felt like someone was stabbing knives into it. And her ears were filled with the sound of growling.

When her vision returned however she found the reasons for that last part. Glowing yellow eyes and wooden structures. Timberwolves, she must have fallen into their den. She struggled to focus, try and prepare herself but failed. When they moved they attacked with a heightened sense of coordination that she wasn’t accustomed to. Even if she wasn’t dazed, even if she wasn’t losing her magic their level of coordination was frightening to say the least. She knew they acted as a pack, she knew they were aggressive, but this - this was different, it was as if they shared a single mind, a single entity, one that wanted her dead.

Regaining strength in her wings she took flight, soaring out of the den as she punched through the trees and cut herself up a bit more. What she saw when she returned to the air, though, horrified her. “What in Equestria?” She could hear the ponies of Ponyville screaming, as the ground beneath their town shook. It wasn’t just Ponyville though, it was the entire plains, the Everfree, the mountains. All of them trembled under some unknown force as a storm greater than what her sister had brought gathered in the skies, lightning crackling and setting the plains and buildings on fire while the winds threatened to strip the feathers from her wings. “What in Equestria is going on?”

4

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Ponyville

“Everypony run!” Somepony screamed as Ponyville came alive. Hundreds of different ponies taking to the streets as their homes trembled, most of them breaking apart as lightning smashed into the ground. An act that seemed more like spears than an act of nature.

“Twilight!” The purple unicorn turned her head as she lifted Spike onto her back, the drowsy dragon clutching her back so hard that it seemed that he was trying to pry it off her bones. Beside her Rarity and an equally clingy Opalescence sticking to her. “Darling what’s going on?”

“I don’t know.” Above Rainbow Dash and the rest of the Weather Patrol were trying to clear the skies, pushing the wild storm clouds away. One was rewarded for their efforts by a crack of lightning smashing into them.

“Bottle?” The scorched pony smashed into the ground, if the direct hit from lightning didn’t kill them the fall did. Fur had been burned away leaving all that remained but a smoking husk. Several ponies looked in surprise at the pony, though it quickly changed into horror as realization kicked in. “Bottle!” The screaming returned around the same time as the call went out. From the skies another pony dropped to the ground as they shook the charred pony. “Bottle, come on bro get up! Get up! We get hit by lightning all the time and we brush it off. Come on man get up! Get up!” Somepony screamed as the skies came alike, more spears of lightning smashing into the soil and targeting airborne ponies with almost archer-like precision. If the lightning didn’t hit the soil then it was the scorched bodies of pegasi falling like pony-sized meteors.

“Everypony out of the sky!” The pegasi obeyed, willingly dropping out the sky and took to the land. They ran and hovered close to the soil, helping whomever they could as this… disaster took over.

“Twilight!” Applejack struggled to get to her friends as she fought against the winds trying to lift her into the air. “Good you girls are safe.”

“Somehow, what about you? Where’s Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie?”

“Ah saw Pinkie helping the Cakes with the youngins on my way over, as for Fluttershy I was hoping you knew where she was.”

“Fluttershy’s probably still at her cottage.” Rainbow Dash screamed as she dropped by her friends. “I’ll go check on her!”

“We’ll come with you!”

“Nuh uh, no way! Not in this weather.” Dash told them as she covered her face for a moment from the winds kicking up. “Besides you guys got to get Spike and the others to safety.”

“But -”

“Go I’ll be fine, this weather’s nothing!” Rainbow Dash muttered as she took to the air and started to fly. “I’ll be back before you know it!”

“Don’t fly too high! This lightning isn’t normal!” Twilight called out as she watched her friend disappear. “Please be safe.”

“What do we do, Twilight?” Spike tightened his grip on his foster sister as he started to slip off her back.

“We get to somewhere safe! Somewhere that this weather won’t be able to reach us.”

“No offense Twilight darling but I don’t think there’s going to be any place like that left at this rate.”

“What about a cellar?” Applejack asked as she held onto her hat. “My family cellar ain’t all that, but It’s big enough to hold at least a couple ponies. It’s where my family is hiding right now.”

“Sounds like an idea.” Twilight muttered as she looked around. “It’s underground too so it should be able to -”

“Incoming!” Hearing Spike scream, Twilight looked up as a spear of lightning raced towards her and her friends. Arching across the sky and aiming directly for them like some jagged spear.

Canterlot Castle

“Get up princess.” Nightmare Moon called out as Luna stood, wobbling as she returned to her feet. Vapors leaving her horn as she was left in some degree of stress and pain. Although she wasn’t certain if that was from the pain brought by her horn bleeding or her injuries acting up. She guessed it was some combination of both considering her old wounds had opened up again. “Good, are you ok?”

“Do I look ok?” Luna retaliated as she shook her head, fighting the haze that had blacked her out for a moment. “You are me, yes? Then you should know how I’m feeling.”

“Just checking, little moon.” Her darkness muttered as she turned her attention inward. “You half of our magic is being stolen.”

“Yes but who - what in Equestria has that sort of power?” Her dark half didn’t respond, instead staying silent as she turned her attention elsewhere.

“I’m afraid that doesn’t matter, it appears you’re needed.” Luna simply nodded her head as she took off, carrying her body across the throne room as she forced herself into a run.

Ponyville

It didn’t hurt like she expected it to. In fact there was no pain, there was no burning in her lungs, just blinding light. Blinding light and the sound of lightning smashing into something. Slowly however, as her eyes adjusted to the light she found a shadow over her and her friends.

“Oh my goddess…”

“What?”

Holding the strike of lightning back Celestia stood tall, a barrier of light shining around the edge of her body as it flickered in and out of vision. Still that didn’t stop the Alicorn of days, she grit her teeth, forcing her magic to hold back the lightning spear as she reflected its power in a number of directions; left, right, up, down they were all sending a portion of the lightning in a different direction.

“Princess Celestia?”

“Twilight! Rarity! Form your own barriers now!” The solar diarch order and they complied, expanding their magic to reinforce their diarch. The extra strength behind their protective shell lasted, surviving the lightning assault before a second struck their location.

“Are you kidding me?!” A third followed the words, as the trio of spellweavers were pushed back for a moment. The fourth broke the layered shield as the two unicorn’s eyes widened in surprise. The fifth? That one was just barely avoided, punching through the air by Celestia’s skull before smashing into the ground someplace behind her. “P - princess?”

“I’m fine Twilight.” Celestia whispered to her student as she looked back at her. She didn’t look fine; the Princess of Equestria was covered in blood and dirt and grime, and vapors of magic were rising out of her horn. She looked like she had just come out of a battle of some sorts. “Are all of you alright?”

“Yes, your highness.”

“Mighty grateful, your majesty.”

“Good.” Celestia whispered as she looked around her attention, taking in the destruction that was befalling one of her cities and it’s ponies.

“Princess Celestia?” Twilight's voice pulled her out of whatever thoughts she was currently having as she looked at her student. Seeing the uncertainty, the fear on her face tore at her heart, but it couldn’t be helped. “Princess, what’s going on, what’s happening to Ponyville?”

“I’m not certain Twilight.”The sun diarch muttered as she returned her attention to the city. She really didn’t know what was going on, but to affect the world on such a scale - to cause this much blatant destruction; This was the work of incredibly powerful magic.

“Do you think it’s that ruffian Discord again?”

“No.” She knew that much. Spirit of Chaos and Disharmony or not, Discord was more of a glorified trickster than anything. He delighted in causing mischief and twisting reality to make it more “interesting”. Wanton destruction like this; no he’d never do this. “This is the work of something else.”

“Who?” Before another word could be said a new tremor ripped through Ponyville, splitting the ground open and as a fissure was born, only to be quickly filled as trees grew wild and across the gaps. Winding, twisting branches were born, knocking into one another to fuse together before separating once more.

“Run.” Celestia ordered as the fissure started to reach them. The group however didn’t need to be told twice, they moved, running with the fissure following after them.

Canterlot

The City was in an uproar. Hundreds upon hundreds of homes that once touched the sky were now burning; and with them ponies were forced to evacuate their places of residence. Some were reckless; running back into their homes as they made a vain attempt to save some of their prized valuables. Others were trying to avoid the falling debris from crumbling homes. The others still? They were trying to evacuate to the caves of Canterlot Mountain, using the dug up catacombs to try and wait out the freak weather. “Faust…” Luna muttered as she looked at the world from around her. “This is horrible.”

“I agree.” Nightmare Moon muttered as she narrowed her eyes. “Go to our ponies, they need us.” Luna simply looked at her counterpart in surprise for a moment before running off.

Canterlot City Street

“What kind of freak weather was this?” Velvet questioned as he felt the wind running against his body as he ran. His pale blue coat felt like it was about to go flying off, and his jacket provided very little protection. His hooves kicked up parts of broken debris as he ran into the city; or at least what remained of it anyway. The buildings either have holes punched through them or toppled over in a haphazard mess. Glass windows were breaking and littering the grounds like one would expect grass. Everything was a mess. Hearing what sounded as a cry the unicorn pulled to a sudden stop as he looked around before running off to one of the buildings. "Anypony here?!" Coming to a stop the colt found a foal turning to him as they tried to pull their parent out from under a bit of rubble that had trapped them.

"My mom, she's stuck!"

"Back up a sec little guy." Jogging up to the mare he looked her over as he sighed in relief. Bit of blood, but she'd be alright. Igniting his horn in an aura of green magic he took hold of the debris as he struggled for a moment. He wasn't the best caster, but he wasn't a slouch either, still this much was a bit out of his league. Forcing his weight under the mess of soaked wood and brick Velvet backed up his spell with pure physical strength as the debris started to rise up. He couldn't get it that high, but he didn't need to. Lifting it up just enough for the mare to crawl out the colt promptly followed after her and dropped the mess like it was spoiled food. "Fuuu~ I need to work out more." Velvet half-joked/ half admitted as he saw the foal hugging his mother with a light smile. A smile he quickly dismissed. "Alright, you two gotta get out of here. Go to the south gate, you'll catch up with everypony else, heading to the caves ok?"

"Y-yes."

"What about you? You're coming with us right?"

Velvet simply rested a hoof on the foal’s head as he smiled slightly. "Sorry kid, I gotta help make sure everypony's out ." Glancing at the mare he crouched down to be more level with the foal in front of him. "Now can you do me a favor though? Make sure your mom gets out of here safe?"

"Yes sir."

"Thata boy." Another nudge to the foal and Velvet returned to is full height. "You only get one of her, so don't lose her now." Running past the pair Velvet took off as he kept scanning the city. Magic augmented his hearing as he tried picking up the sound of any others still in the city. He may not have been a member of the guard, but he was still working civilian control today. Making certain nopony (alive) was left behind. Him and about twelve others that he'd found himself working beside. Not the biggest workforce, but they'd have to do, this was all that could be spared at the moment, or at the very least they were the ones that managed to make it in time. Not soldiers but they definitely weren't gonna sit on their asses as the storm raged either. They gathered some time when all this originally started - whatever this was anyway. The colt didn't know; he'd just been one of the few that picked up an age old torch when the minotaur’s shit started hitting the fan. “Damn it this sucks…” Velvet muttered as he glanced back, seeing another series of lightning strikes cutting through the city. Freezing though the stallion opened his mouth in pure disbelief as he watched a charred pony drop in front of him. “Shit.”

Everfree Forest

“Well shit.” From the back of her great beast the mercenary blinked in surprise as she took in the degree of destruction going on. Beside her, her client and the Allmother just watched, one in curiosity and the other with a simple light smile. “This is what happens when you stretch?”

“Oh yes, I do apologize.” The other states with that same smile. “I haven’t done so in a while, it appears that by doing so my control slipped a bit.”

“This is a bit?” The mercenary asked as she looked at the Allmother. “What would happen if you completely lost control?”

“Every life that exists on this planet would die before the dawn comes.”

“I see…” The stallion stated as he looked at his Queen. Outside the Castle of the Everfree he could see her better. A beautiful cocoa colored alicorn with wings and a mane and tail of gold. Her mark was.. Well to be honest she bore no mark, not that she needed one. It was simply that, there was nothing in this world that could represent what she was good at a shield and blade surrounded by six wings all the color of burning gold. “You are more beautiful and powerful than the old scriptures said you would be.”

“I thank you.” The alicorn mare stated as she offered him a kind smile. “But will you say the same when I return to my full power?”

Canterlot

The pony screamed as she saw the spear of lightning coming in her direction, only to have it vaporized a moment later as an arc of magic rammed into it from the side. “Are thou alright?” Princess Luna asked as she looked at the pony, her eyes looking the mare over as she got a weak nod. “Can you stand?”

“Y - yes princess.”

“Then rise, this is not the place for you to fall.” She commanded as she offered her a hoof and helped her up. “Good, now head to the mountain. It will protect you from the storm.”

“Y - yes princess!” The mare bowed quickly before running off, leaving Luna alone in the street.

“How are you holding up?” Her darkness asked as she made her reappearance. Looking her light half over before getting a deep sigh as her answer.

“We are holding it together. Though we are not certain for how long.”

“With all this running around your wounds must be killing you, not only that your magic is still leaving you.” The dark alicorn muttered as she watched her counterpart cover herself from a wave of angry winds. “All this… the timing is too close to be coincidence.”

“I agree.” The light half muttered as she broke into a pained run, trying to seek out any others that were in danger. “But who - what is the cause of this? And where is our sister?”

“Expand your senses, little moon, feel her through your connection.” The dark mare muttered as Luna willingly obeyed.

“Ponyville? Why is she there?”

“No doubt trying to protect her student.” Nightmare Moon muttered as she frowned for a moment. “Strange though; does her signal seem… weaker than usual?”

“She is losing power just as we are. Damn just what is going on tonight?”

“I’m admittingly curious about myself.” The dark half of Luna’s soul stated as the pair continued to move, one dodging lightning as they threatened to impale her. “But I do believe that doesn’t matter right, we need to protect the ponies of our land.”

“To hear you say such words… I admit it feels strange.”

“Why might that be, little moon? Thou art I and I am thou, your desires are my own, your wishes are mine. You wish to protect the tribes - so do I.”

“And yet you wish to rule alone.”

“I wish for us to rule, to have our night loved as equally as the day star. We carry not the lesser light, but one of equal beauty and radiance.” The Nightmare stated as Luna dodged another lightning bolt. “Regardless, that matters little right now.”

“Yes we have more important matters to attend to."

Elsewhere

In her sleep she had a premonition of sorts; one that came not from her dreaming mind, but her waking body. It came from a scar, one that ached for attention. The Oracle turned in her bed and took a breath. Her attempts at a restful sleep were dashed by the persistent throbbing that came from her old wound. It was a shame, this would have been the first time she would be allowed to truly slumber in over three months. Wordlessly, and opening her eyes in more resignation than annoyance, she reached for the old scars, trying to identify exactly which one was bothering her. And when she found it, she said only one word.

“Fuck~.”

5

View Online

Haven

Princess Celestia sighed to herself as she listened to her gathered council. Each one giving their field reports on the condition of the other towns and cities, or rather what remained of them anyway. Fourteen days; two entire weeks. That was how long the freak weather phenomenon continued and in it’s time Equestria all but ripped itself apart. Fissures opened up and closed back together, Trees sprang up with unnatural speeds, wrapping around one another in thick and winding branches. New mountains were born and others were all but pulverized into dust. Towns were either splintered or lost as a whole. In the span of two weeks Equestria had become almost unrecognizable from the way it had once been, but Equestria was still Equestria. It was the home to the pony tribes, it was a land they had worked for centuries to build up, and would for more centuries to pass. Regardless; the land they once called their own, the land they had become the masters of - had changed almost beyond recognition.

No longer could they call Equestria a shining nation. How could they when half the nation was either cloaked in woods or halfway ground into dust? Ponies were wondering what this meant, questioning what the destruction of their nation meant for Equestria as a whole. Was this the end of Equestria? Could they rebuild from this kind of devastation? What was the cause of all this? For all three questions, Celestia couldn’t find an answer. She wasn’t sure what this meant, or what had caused this destruction. But she knew one thing, her ponies would make it through this, they would try to rebuild, though she wasn’t sure how long it would take.

Realizing her thoughts were taking her attention away from her council she focused herself, looking at the gathered as they spoke for a few more minutes. Hearing enough she dismissed them, letting them take a much needed rest from their individual journeys. In the meantime, she decided to take a walk, looking around what had all but become her place of residence since the end of the freak weather. It wasn’t much, just a makeshift village of grass and moss hidden in the now winding trees that had taken hold of Ponyville. It wasn’t Ponyville itself, no; Ponyville had all but been overrun by the trees and vines and broken by the quakes. It was not safe for anypony to return to the city; not yet anyway.

As for Canterlot; the capital? It still stood, if barely. A parade of lightning had all but atomized the great city, reducing two-thirds of it to rubble and the last of it to ruins. Worse still, the two week long bombardment had drastically destabilized the hanging capital. One wrong move felt like it would send it tumbling off the mountainside and crashing into the plains below. Evacuation had been all but mandatory after they had found out. Naturally, the nobles hadn’t been happy but they followed the command that went out. She was surprised that Canterlot’s entire civilization hadn’t split after that; half coming to this new haven, the other remaining in the mountain with all the crystal in the catacombs. Guess they hadn’t gone that deep into the mines and discovered the bounty of gems within them.

As for Luna?

Stepping into what was essentially an oversized hut Celestia turned her gaze toward her younger sister. The mare was resting on a cot of sorts, new bandages wrapping around her body as she stared off into the distance for a moment, seemingly lost in thought before frowning to herself. Moving Luna to their temporary haven, that had been a bit of an ordeal. Most of her magic had been expended and her old injuries had opened up - though part of her couldn't help but believe that some of these wounds were fresh from the storm. “Luna I’m back.”

Hearing her elder sister Luna perked up as she lost her frown and smiled. “Ah sister! Is the council meeting over already?”

“Yes, we’re done for the day.”

“Ah good.” Luna said simply

“How are you feeling? Better I hope.”

“Much dear sister. Some actual rest does wonders.” The mare stated as Celestia sighed in relief.

“That’s good to hear.”

“But…” Luna paused for a moment as she looked at her bandaged hooves and her frown returned. “Something… something has changed dear sister, I am certain you have felt it as well.” Celestia didn’t say anything, simply waiting for her sister to continue as she nodded her head. “Whatever happened all those days ago has left us weak… I can feel only a fraction of the magic I once possessed.”

“You are not the only one Luna.” Celestia muttered as she reached for her magic. “Most of our magic feels as though it was ripped from us.”

“Do you believe it is his doing?” Celestia shook her head as she thought to the mad centaur.

“No it can’t be him; he is still sealed within Tartarus, remember?”

“Yes… yes you're right.” Luna muttered to herself as she slowly nodded her head. “He is gone, locked behind a cage of obsidian and watched by Cerberus.”

“Tirek.” The pale alicorn whispered the name before shaking her head. He was gone, never to hurt her ponies again, he wouldn’t cause them any trouble and he certainly wouldn’t have been able to cause what had happened all those days ago.

“There’s more dear sister.” Luna spoke up as she chased away her sisters’ thoughts about the centaur locked away. “I - I am not healing sister.” Luna whispered to her sister’s shock. “No it is not that I am not healing; rather I am not healing as fast as usual.” Correcting herself the dark alicorn looked at her hooves again before frowning. “Injuries we both have sustained in the past fully healed within hours to mere days.But these wounds I carry…”

“It might be a side effect from our lost magic.” Celestia muttered. ”Our magic was so vast it permeated our bodies; speeding up our natural ability to heal. With most of it gone, so must it’s benefits.”

“Ah yes… that makes sense.” Luna muttered. “But who could be strong enough to rip our magic from us and be so far away?”

“I don’t know Luna, but if such a pony is out there, we have to be careful. We don’t know what else they might be capable of now that they have the power of two alicorn mares.” Luna made a noise as she nodded her head.

“But somepony like that; I doubt we can combat somepony with that kind of power in their hooves.” Luna admitted before crossing her hooves. “Still we have to do it; our ponies' safety depends on it. The question is how?” Both sisters fell silent, something they seemed to settle into for a while as they searched for their answers. Twilight and her friends? No, she doubted they would be able to help them in this endeavor. With the Elements of Harmony or not, there was no telling if they would be able to face such an enemy that could warp the world to such an extent. Not only that Twilight and her friends were not battle ready. Yes they had the potential to fight - all their ponies did - but Celestia would rather not risk the lives of her subjects. They were still… children in a way. Then again to her; they really were just children.

Celestia shook her head as she pushed the thought away. Trying to focus on something else, another way to solve their problems and make it through their ordeals. ‘I wish Starswirl was here. He’d have some ideas.’ She wasn’t that lucky though was she? Starswirl was gone, all she had to remember him were his notes and everything else he had left behind. His spells, the mirror, and many things she would rather not touch upon. ‘Still, I wonder if that mirror is still safe.’ Celestia thought as she drifted off. The mirrors to other worlds - to other realities. Starswirl hadn’t just made one, he’d revealed to her long ago that he had to create a number of prototypes before he found one safe enough to operate. The most finalized one; that should still be in the archive; the one that her last student had walked into.

Another thought came to Celestia as she frowned for a moment. Despite their many adventures across the veil of reality, she never did come to understand Starswirl’s apparent fixation with the other dimensions. After her old master had introduced her to the art she found his interest in them nearly bordered on obsession. The spells he created; the kind that connected two separate realities, the kind that could only be cast across their dimensional borders. Why did he make so many spells pertaining to it when they had been the only two that would travel through them? ‘Perhaps we weren’t the only one’s he meant to have crossed the boundary?’ If so then what was his real reason for sealing most of the portals? Was it just because Celestia had stepped through the portal one too many times? Or was there some other reason? ‘Perhaps he realized it was an endeavor that wouldn’t benefit us in the long run.’ The mare rationalized before thinking further on the subject. Her thoughts trailing off to the spells he had built for such an endeavor. Listing off his successes and theories by heart, before stopping at one in particular. “I wonder…”

“Hm what was that sister?”

“Oh nothing… I was just thinking back to a spell Starswirl made.” The elder alicorn muttered as she returned her attention to Luna. “It’s a summoning spell he developed after a while.”

“Summoning? You mean to bring forth a familiar and bind it to your will?” Luna tilted her head and drifted off for a moment. “I remember those brand of spells were common during a young Equestria. I hadn’t been aware he had been working on a new variation.”

“Yes well, Starswirl had been dabbling in quite a few subjects when he was still with us. This spell in particular wasn’t meant to summon stronger familiars, but rather summon another being from across the dimensions.”

“… what?”

“Right, you weren’t aware back then; Starswirl had been diving into rather interesting possibilities with magic; crossing the unseen veil of reality was one of them. I've seen his work on the subject and I admit it’s rather impressive.” Celestia admitted.

“He found a way… to cross the veil?”

“Yes and the spell I’m thinking about. It was one of Starswirl’s more adventurous spells though it still held many roots in Summoning Familiar magic; only it involved not summoning familiars or imps but actual ponies from beyond. Though I admit he never perfected it. He designed it so instead of going across the veil to find and speak with an individual, it was supposed to bring them to us.”

“Why would he design such a spell?” Luna questioned. “Bringing a familiar into our plane of existence is difficult enough for all but the strongest of unicorn wizards - not to mention potentially dangerous if the binding isn’t done properly, to bring another more alien existence to our own reality… that sounds incredibly dangerous.”

“I believe he began development of the spell before he found out the dangers.” Celestia admitted before frowning. “Regardless he never perfected it, and personally I’m not certain why I’m thinking about it.”

“Perhaps you believe the summoning can help us. Bring in an outside force to face the trials that need to be faced. Fight the enemy that needs to be defeated.”

“Maybe, but as I said he never perfected it, it can’t be used.”

“So you believe.” Luna muttered as she started to think. “It may have become one of his more private projects, the kind that he completed before leaving us.”

“It wouldn’t be the first time.” Celestia admitted as she released an uncharacteristic shrug.

“If that is the case, shall we risk it? Or at least try using it?” Luna stated simply as she looked at her sister. “If we can scrounge up the mana necessary, if we can perfect the spell, perhaps we can bring outside help to our side.”

“I’m not certain that’s a safe idea.” Celestia muttered as she started thinking back to one of her last conversations with Starswirl, she remembered him sealing up the portal, him mentioning the dangers of continuous travel connecting two worlds. How the longer they stayed in one world that wasn’t their own the deeper they began to connect together. Starswirll called it the Paradox Factor, something that kicked in because only one of everything was meant to exist in their respective dimensions. When two were brought together things tended to get… odd. Sometimes; Discord-like odd.

“Sister, what is it you aren’t telling me?” Luna asked with a bit of skepticism that caused her sister to sigh in defeat, but she answered anyway. Told her sister about her and Starswirl’s adventures across reality. Told her about the Paradox Factor, told her about him. When she got to her old love she saw realization cross her sister’s face - like she just solved some ancient puzzle. In a way she did; she finally understood the loss of the Crystal Empire. She understood why she hesitated that day. Still pausing as she did; Celestia waited for something, anything from her sister as she spoke her truth. The same rage and anger that Starswirl had displayed, some form of indifference or taunting. What she received was a look of pity, and a hug from the bed-bound mare.

“You poor thing, sister. I am so sorry.”

“You aren’t mad?”

“Mad no, but I do understand now. I understand your desire to be loved as a mare and not as an icon, I understand your heart yearned for Sombra and likely still does. Had I met a stallion that loved me the way he loved you I would have done the same as you had.” Luna whispered as she pulled back for a moment. “But I also understand Starswirl’s reason, the potential of endangering two kingdoms instead of just one...and why he could not allow you to stay with your love.” She paused for a moment. “But at the same time I believe he could have found another way.” She stated, much to her sister’s confusion. “Starswirl was a genius caster sister, he created a way to visit foreign worlds just as you said. So surely he could have found a way to deal with the “Paradox Factor” you speak of. He could have found a way for you to be happy and protect the two worlds instead of keeping them apart.” The night princess stayed silent for a moment before frowning. “I believe we should use the spell.”

“Luna.”

“We will deal with this Paradox Factor as it comes, we will take responsibility for whatever happens to our world… we will not run from it.” Luna declared as she took a breath. “Besides… with our loss of power, I believe we will need the extra help.”

“You have a point, but Twilight and her friends -”

“Are not ready to face a being that can cause such wanton destruction. Whomever we are dealing with, they are outside the girl’s jurisdiction. We need a real warrior to help us.” She crossed her hooves again. “I would recommend the guard but~”

“Yes they are still shadows of the warriors we once had.” Celestia muttered before sighing. “We need someone that would be ready to fight whatever is coming.” The pale alicorn stayed silent for a moment before shaking her head. “We’re really going to do this aren’t we?”

“It appears so sister.”

“I’ll go through Starswirl’s notes, and start preparing the spell.” Celesta sighed. “You should continue to rest until your injuries fully heal.”

“Yes yes we know sister, now off with you.” The Night Princess commanded as she waved her hoof. “Speak with your student, she is likely worried about you.”

“You don’t want me to stay a bit longer?”

“We believe some more rest will do us good.” Luna stated as she stretched slightly. “We will join you after a quick nap.”

“Alright.” Celestia stated as she stood again, this time planting a kiss on her younger sister’s cheek before she started off. “Have a good rest Luna, I’ll see you later.” Luna just waved her elder sister off, waiting for her elder sister to wander off before sighing to herself.

“Well isn’t this curious?” Nightmare Moon made her appearance as she sat at the edge of the bed, a light in her eyes that Luna wasn’t all that sure she was comfortable with. “A warrior from another world. That’s not something we get everyday.”

“Yes well; I believe this will require such a being.”

“I as well.” Nightmare Moon made a show of looking at her hooves before frowning. “Still, are we certain this is a good idea?”

“We never said that.” Luna sighed as she leaned back in the bed. “If this Paradox Factor does start to surface I have no idea how to deal with it as of yet.”

“Ah we are “grasping at straws” are we?”

“I believe so.” Luna muttered as she frowned for a moment. “But to do something like this, we will need quite a bit of magic, possibly more than me and my sister can offer at the moment.”

“Then do not do this alone.” Her darkness shrugged. “There are no longer two alicorns, are there? There are three and then we have the Element Bearers. Perhaps together enough power will be needed to pull a champion from across the veil.”

“You are not offering your power for this ordeal?”

“At the moment… no. Drawing upon my power for this ordeal would reveal me to our sister. I’d rather stay hidden from her eyes for now.”

“Really, then what makes you believe I will not simply reveal you to our sister myself?”

“Because you haven’t - or rather you can’t. You have kept my existence a secret from Celestia because you don’t want her to look at you differently. You don’t want her to question if “Luna” is still in control or if “Nightmare Moon” is returning. You don’t want to lose her faith and trust again.” Nightmare Moon smiled. “You can’t tell her without putting your sister at a tail’s length and you know this.” Luna didn’t say anything as she leered at her dark half, though Nightmare Moon ignored it. “Regardless, be ready. You will need all the strength you have in order to use this upcoming spell. Be ready, little moon.”

6

View Online

Earth

Canterlot City

It felt like he’d been walking for hours; but to be fair, he technically had been. He’d been walking since daylight broke and now, now the sun was trying to set on him. He’d have to find shelter soon. Still, stepping through the city he had come across on the road, the young man just took a minute to breathe before rubbing his sore neck and taking a drink from his water bottle. Gentle Ember sighed to himself as he pocketed the water bottle and pressed on, searching for a place where he could get some rest before the sun went down. He honestly didn’t want to sleep in a car again, but hey if he had to he would. Still glancing back at the sun for a moment, Gentle took in the city before frowning.

Canterlot City. It was this moderately sized town practically cut off from the rest of the world. Then again that was to be expected, considering that it was surrounded by nothing but hills and mountains, and the only real exit was a road that cut straight through the city. It wasn’t anything special. And to be honest Gentle was fine with that.

That said Canterlot City was a mess. There was no better way of saying it. A glorified gravesite of tall buildings with broken windows, and cars either smashed into the walls or each other. Street lights were on the ground and objects were scattered about.
The city was more or less standing, but it was a ghost town.

Believe it or not, that was a good thing at the moment.

Getting on top of a bus gave him a good view of his city, but it was still a sight of a barren city. ‘There isn’t a goddamn city that doesn’t look like this now.’ He thought before jumping off the bus and moved on.

The world had ended.

The world had fucking ended.

Not by nuclear war.

Not by global warming.

Not by heaven and hell opening their gates.

Not by some clusterfuck of “this”, “that” and a bit of “those” thrown into a blender and set to puree.

The world ended because of some kind of “Rage virus” like in 28 Days Later.

He wished he was making that kind of shit up, but he wasn’t.

He didn’t remotely know the details on how it came to be but he understood this much; everything started seven months ago.

That was when that green mist rolled in. That was when the people of the world started fighting, and it turned into pure anarchy. The world governments collapsed in mere days, and he was pretty sure everything didn’t go nuclear because the people next to the button likely got put down.

After a month of pure chaos, it got worse, and without a doubt weirder. People started changing; deforming and turning into monsters of some kind.

He had no idea a virus could do that kind of stuff to people. Less it belonged to some of those video games he’s played in his free time Resident Evil.

On a side note, the mist started around the time a three-woman band went live on tv. A shame too, he would have been interested in hearing what they had. Plus that poofy hair chick was kind of hot.

Disregarding all that, Gentle just scratched his head and kept his eyes open, trying to make sure he couldn’t see any people still locked in a feral madness.

He was good, for now anyway.

“I still gotta get somewhere for the night.” He whispered, placing his metal bat over his shoulder. ‘Where to go though?’ He chose the mall. It was relatively close, it was big with boarded up walls and things stacked up inside to form a makeshift barricade. Without much prompting he pushed the doors open and stepped inside, stopping the moment he found something pointed at his skull from the side. He half expected it to go like this.

“Who are you?” The teen turned slightly as he looked at an unshaven older man, one caught between hysteria and fear as he looked at the boy. “You, what do you want?” Gentle didn’t reply simply dropping his bat as he slowly raised his hands.

“God damn it don’t move yeah hear me! Don’t you fucking move!” Gentle winched slightly at the man’s raised voice. For an old guy he could get loud. Still he had no interest in picking a fight with some old man so he just stood there, doing as the old man said. Besides, his trigger finger looked super twitchy.

“Harvey!” A voice called out as Gentle turned and the man froze for a moment. A woman, real pretty one too. Also those curves couldn’t be legal. She frowned at the man. “Harvey cool it, he’s just a kid.”

“So?” Harvey grumbled. “You know the virus doesn’t discriminate just because he’s a fucking kid. He could be feral!”

“Harvey, if he was feral we’d be hearing shots by now!” The woman stated. “Let him though, and god's sake put that thing away. You’re gonna hurt someone at this rate.” She ordered and Harvey froze, slowly lowering his rifle as he muttered a weak apology. “As for you.” The woman turned her attention to the teen. “Who are you?” Gentle raised an eyebrow before he started to sign, grateful that Alex had gotten around to making him better at that before he went off with Dus. “You can’t talk.” Gentle pressed his index and thumb together - universal for “a little bit” before raising his free hand to his neck and showing his trademark scar.

“God that looks terrible.”

He could practically read her thoughts before shaking her head. “Either case come in, sorry we ain’t got a signer in her that can do translations for you.”She stated and Gentle followed, kicking his bat to his hands and sheathed it.

Looked like half the city was in here, burning fires for warmth and keeping themselves occupied. None really paid attention to him, but that was fine. Didn’t feel like being the center of attention anyway. “My name is Luna by the way, I guess you could say I’m in charge here - east until my sister returns..” Gentle simply nodded his head as he stepped further into the mall and followed the woman to some seats. “So what’s your name anyway?” Again Gentle didn’t answer as she scratched her head for a moment. “Right, sorry, forgot for a moment.” Gentle simply shrugged as he pointed at her hand before getting an eye raise. She gave it to him though and held out her palm. In turn Gentle took his index finger and glided it over her palm, spelling his name for her. Shame he had broken his phone, texting was much faster than this.

“G...e...n...t...e… your name’s Gentle?” The teen nodded as he gave the woman her hand back. “I see, well it’s nice to meet you Gentle, welcome to the Canterlot Mall. What can we do for you?” Gentle patted his belly before raising his hand to his head and leaned on it. “You’re looking for food and a bed huh. Well we don’t have much for beds at the moment, but we do have plenty of food to go around. Head to the on the second floor and you’ll find a market.” She told him as he nodded and got to his feet. “Hold on, I’m not done yet.” Gentle raised an eyebrow. “Sorry but I need to set some ground rules first.” Gentle made a face, his mouth opening in an ‘oh’ as he nodded his head.

This situation. He was used to it by now. Same in the past few settlements he had gone to. So as she laid down the ground rules, he listened, though most of them were exactly as he expected. The main lesson was don’t cause trouble and they were good. “And otherwise you’re free to stay as long as you like ok?” Gentle nodded his head as made a gesture, heading for the elevator as he waved her off.

It really wasn’t hard finding the food mart in this place. It was more or less as he remembered it. Though it had been cleared out a bit. Time to see what he could grab for his next travels. After that maybe some new sneakers, these pairs were more or less worn now.

God he wished he had some wheels, made moving from city to city all that easier. A motorcycle would be nice, or maybe a car. Definitely a car or one of those RVs. Not only did it get him places but it also provided shelter more or less. Maybe the cars outside had their keys and some gas still in them. Thoughts for later. Right now though…

Lifting a can of beans Gentle made a noise as he looked it over for a moment. Pinto beans. Not his favorite but they’d do in a pinch. Hell anything tastes good with the right amount of seasoning. And if there was anything that this past year had taught him it was how to cook.

And fix tech…

And drive…

And how to patch people up…

…

Your desire to learn spikes up when it’s either sink or swim. Pulling out another can he looked it over for a moment before shaking his head. One can of Baked beans left it seemed. He reached for it, stopping when he felt eyes on him. He glanced behind him, instincts telling him to prepare for a fight but went ignored. It was some girl. Roughly his age with dual colored hair. She looked between him and the can he had gone for, and Gentle caught on in an instant. He reached for the can and walked over, holding out the can of beans as her eyes lit up for a moment. Obviously she wasn’t expecting it. The apocalypse had a tendency to bring out a person’s true nature. But that didn’t mean it had to bring out the worst in them. He just smiled at her as she took it.

“Th-thank you.” She colored for a moment as she took the beans. Gentle just kept his smile and returned to scavenging for his supplies. Behind him the girl shifted awkwardly as if she wasn’t too sure about what to do at the moment. “Uh…” She began as Gentle looked back at her. “Do you… wanna split these with me?” Gentle blinked a hint of surprise crossing his eyes before he nodded his head. Looked like he’d get to try baked beans after all.

Sunset Shimmer actually sighed in relief as the boy accepted the offer. It had been a while since she had shared her food with anyone, not since… those days. She looked at the can as they walked. An awkward/comfortable silence passed between them as they made to grab a few more things for their makeshift meal. Some meat would do good. Best used before they went bad or straight up disappeared. There were a lot of grabby hands here in Canterlot. That aside she was happy to have some company as she ate for once.

These past months had not been kind to her. One day she was preparing for yet another boring year in the school she had all but controlled and the next the world may as well have been ending. Green mist that drove people mad with anger, and attacking each other. She remembered seeing Celestia yell, trying to get those she could safety with “this” being her success. Didn’t matter which world she was in, Celestia remained the same; always putting others before herself… goddess she missed her old teacher.

Regardless when those she could help were safe, she went to plan B; damage control - salvaging whatever hope and light her students once had. She, the other teachers and any other adults hadn’t turned rabidly banded together somewhat, forming the group that was responsible for trying to establish some semblance of order. It was just a shame the ‘tribes’ had divided as of late…

Most of them being outside...

As for Sunset herself with the fall of the school she had lost just about all the power she had once held over the student body. Yes they still feared her somewhat, but as one had said, “there are scarier things to worry about than her”. And as much as it had pained her to admit it, they were right. Queen of Canterlot high or not, she had standards, rules she followed, rules she made everyone follow. But whatever had come over the people of Canterlot, this rage… it turned them into monsters that made even her tremble. And since they had all changed, she had been left alone after the fall of the school, no friends, with no one to support her and no one to talk to…

It's amazing how time can change a person. Forces you to see the error of your ways.

“So what’s your name anyway?” The boy didn’t say anything, simply making gestures with his hand. ‘Sign language.’ She knew the language, studied it for a moment after she came to Canterlot. Helped her gain control of the mutes and the deaf.

“Gentle.”

He weaved for her, and she offered him a handshake. “I’m Sunset Shimmer. It’s good to meet you.” He gave her that smile again as he took her hand. A refined, light yet honest smile that he had given her earlier. Wasn’t the best smile but it looked good on him.

Later

“Oh goddess that smells amazing.” Gentle watched Sunset drool for a moment as he continued to cook their makeshift meals. Some meat, some beans… the basics and some seasoning. The works. Nothing to fancy, when he first got this portable stove he had made the same thing for Felicia and the others.

Man did that feel like a long time ago...

He pushed the negative thoughts away as he grabbed the pair of plastic plates he had grabbed earlier and served his guest. Or was it host? After all she was the one that offered to split the beans.

Sunset squealed as she ate and he chuckled quietly. “Oh goddess this tastes even better than it looks!”

Glad to hear it, he’d been trying to make this dish a bit better. Thought about making it his go to meal when he actually had stuff to work with. ‘Problem is that meat won’t stay around forever.’ He reminded himself as he made a noise. Unlike the rest of the ingredients; meat wouldn’t be around forever, lest people start breeding animals specifically for food.

Wait technically they already did that… whatever.

He knew what he meant, that was all that mattered. ‘Gonna need to grab rations soon now that I think about it. Hear they don’t taste great but they can last a long time.’ He told himself as he continued to eat.

“So… how’d you get that scar anyway?” Trying to make smalltalk Sunset gestured to her neck as Gentle had a brief flashback. Thank god the pain didn’t flash back to him when he remembered the day it all started. Stabbing his food with a plastic fork Gentle did a one-handed sign before he returned to his food.

“Wrong place, wrong time.”

He told her.

“When the mist settled in my hometown, I was in the wrong place at the wrong time.”

“I’m sorry to hear that.” Sunset muttered as they both returned to food for a moment.

“So, Sunset, you from around here?”

“No, I’m…” Sunset had brief flashbacks to her youth. Remembering a life she had left behind brought a depressed frown to her lips as she continued eating. “I’m from someplace far from here.” Was all she said as Gentle dropped the subject. Regardless of the awkwardness of their attempts to make conversation, it was nice. To Gentle it was a nice reminder of times he had almost forgotten. Times before all this happened. To Sunset… It was just nice to speak with someone after so long.

“So how long have you been here in the city?”

“For about three years now.” Sunset admitted.

“That so?”

Gentle made a noise as he glanced at the girl next to him. Pretty thing, something off about though.

“Did you have a good life?”

“I guess.” Sunset shrugged. “I wouldn’t mind leaving, but I have nowhere to go.”

“What about Arcadia?” Sunset stopped eating as she turned to the youth.

“Arcadia?”

“I heard of it on the radio once. It’s some kind of haven where the virus hasn’t spread.”

“A place where the virus hasn’t reached?” Sunset just stared at the young man as she watched him toss a few beans into his mouth. “I don’t believe you.”

“Then don’t.”

Gentle reached into his pocket and pulled out a map and notebook.

“But I found these with the radio broadcast.”

Sunset just stared at the young man and then the items he set on the floor.

Later

“Are you sure about this?” Former Vice Principal Luna questioned as she looked at the former school queen and the outsider. “There's a place without infection?”

“That’s what Gentle told me.” Sunset admitted as she looked to the other teen for a moment as Gentle started signing. “The Broadcast is a couple weeks old, but I still hear it when I listen to the right frequency” She hadn’t been aware Sunset knew Sign Language.

“It that so?” Luna leaned forward on her makeshift desk and interlocked her fingers for a moment in thought. “What broadcast channel is the message on?” Gentle just turned the notebook to a page and gave her it to her.

“If they’re still broadcasting, then they’re still virus free.” Sunset went along translating. “And if so… then I’d recommend trying to head there.”

“If it’s not there?” Luna asked.

“We make an Arcadia.” Both ladies blinked as Gentle, despite taking a moment to rub his sore throat, smiled. Talking obviously caused him pain, but he felt the words needed to be said personally instead of translated. There was a power in those simple words, the kind that inspired a feeling of belief and hope. And the pair picked up on that. Not sure why but they believed in the chance of him building a place where they would be safe. Maybe it was his eyes, maybe it was that smile, maybe it was that air he had. One that said that despite the hardships, they could find something - make something better in this crazy world.

Luna chuckled. “You make it sound so easy.”

“Nothing worth trying to do is ever really easy.” Luna nodded as she looked at Sunset Shimmer for a moment who just looked at Gentle with a weak smile.

“I’ll speak with my sister on this matter, then we’ll make a decision on whether to go searching for Arcadia or not.” She told the pair. “Sunset Shimmer.” Luna called out the young woman. “Can you find Gentle a place to rest for the night?”

“Sure.” Sunset muttered as she looked to Gentle and led him off.

Gentle sighed to himself as he settled into a nice corner to take a rest at. Despite half the city - really a school -being in the mall there was still plenty of room to find a spot. Trick was finding a good one. “Well I guess it’s settled then.” Sunset began as she looked at the other teen. “Once Ms. Luna talks to Celestia she’ll figure out the best time for us all to leave.” She seemed to disappear into her thoughts for a moment. “We’re going to need to do a lot of packing before though.” Gentle simply nodded his head as he settled himself down for a moment. Something seemed to be on the girls mind, especially with the way she kept turning her head to look off into the distance.

“You ok?”

Sunset blinked as she gave the teen one of her awkward smiles. “Yeah I’m fine… just thinking that’s all.”

“Want to talk about it?”

“Not really it’s just…” She paused. “I’m thinking about home that’s all.” She settled down across from him, that same far off look crossing her face as she sighed. “The thought of moving… reminds me of when I first came here almost three years ago.” She admitted. “Home… it’s probably the safest place I could think of to ride this out.” Gentle tilted his head, interest crossing his face as he leaned forward. Another potential haven… a place where they could do more that just struggle to get by daily. “The thing is though… we can’t reach it. Not now anyway.”

“What do you mean?”

Sunset opened her mouth to talk before letting it fade. How could she tell him? Tell him about Equestria - tell him about the portal? Tell him she was from another effing world? He’d think she was crazy. “Nothing… just… forget I said anything.”She stood, giving him a more honest smile as she started walking off for a moment. “See you later.”

Gentle wouldn’t have that. Standing, the teen picked himself up as he stepped after the girl,grabbing her by the back of her rest as she froze in confusion. Trying to look back at him the transformed teen found his arms snaking around her shoulders as he held her in place. What the hell was he doing?

Why was he hugging her?

“You look like you need one.”

She shivered as that young, rough voice whispered in her ears. He didn’t have the most hypnotic voice, but still it had a warmth she wasn’t all that used to anymore. Regardless she didn’t do anything, simply standing there frozen as the boy held her in his arms.

“When you’re ready… Tell me ok?”

“You wouldn’t understand.” She forced out as she lowered her head. How could he understand? Understand what she had gone through before all this happened, understand what she had done in order to get this far? Understand who - what she really was?

“I’m willing to try Sunset.”

Another whisper and she broke his hold turning to look at the strange boy as he looked down at her. Those burnt orange eyes had a hint of blue in them. She noted before she leaned forward and rested her head on his chest. This time she started a more proper hug as she wrapped her arms around his waist and he did the same. At one point he patted her head, an act that reminded her of someone else and forced a sigh to leave her. He was right, she did need this.

Canterlot High Courtyard

She was taking a gamble. Sunset realized as she stared off into space, her attention focused on the dark statue that rested before her. She took a breath as she traced her hands over the base. Felt like forever since she had last been here. In truth it had only been a few months. A few long months when she had come to check on the gateway to her home dimension. Not that Gentle knew that, not yet anyway.

“Well we’re here.” She began as she looked at the teen while rubbing her arm. “This is how I got to Canterlot City.” Gentle simply gave her a confused look as she circled around the gateway and tapped it a few times. Still offline - just like the last time she visited. Wouldn’t be activated for another year now. The last date she had missed, forcing her to remain in this world after everything had gone to shit. “This might - will sound crazy but… this statue actually acts as a portal to another world. The one that I’m from.” Gentle blinked his confusion visible as Sunset scratched her head. “You see, I’m not - well I’m not an alien but I’m not human either - I’m actually a pony, a unicorn really who came to this world after…” She fell silent as she remembered her past, sighing as she did before scratching her head again.

Well her feet were already in the water, backing out wasn’t exactly an option. So she told him. Everything. Her apprenticeship, her mentor being the almost literal goddess-princess. Her… departure. “I know how this sounds, but I’m being honest, I’m not crazy or anything I’m just… trying to be honest with you. I don’t know why but I am and.”

“You certainly sound crazy.”

Gentle sighed as he looked at the statue for a moment before looking back at Sunset.

“But I believe you.”

“You do?”

Yes he believed her. Yes she sounded crazy, but he believed her. There was enough crazy shit going around this past year so what was one more thing added on top of it? Least that was how he saw it. Still; magical talking pony from another dimension/world. That was a bit of a curve ball.

“But… isn’t it… kinda weird?”

“Definitely weird.” Gentle admitted. “But… there is a green mist that drives people mad and turns them into monsters.” He told her. “At this point you could tell me that aliens were behind the end of the world and I’d probably believe you.” He chuckled before winching, touching his neck in pain. “Still, it's a lot to take in all at once but yeah…” He trailed off. “I believe you.” Gentle stated as he reached over and patted Sunset’s head.

Sunset brightened as she looked at the boy. He believed her, he actually believed her. Did he not know how much that actually affected her? How it took this invisible load off her shoulders?

“Thank you.” She whispered as Gentle continued to pat her head. “Thank you.”

“Awe isn’t this cute.” Both froze as they looked to hear the new voice reach them. “Hey Sunset, good to see you.” Pure venom was leaving the new figure's lips as Sunset just turned to look at him.

“Flash.”

7

View Online

Sunset took a step back, her attention turned to the young blue haired teen that was holding a pipe in one of his hands.

“You know this guy?” Gentle whispered, his voice starting to go.

“He’s my ex.” She confessed. “He broke up with me before the virus hit.” Flash just looked at Sunset, the look on his face like a man halfway there.

“How have you been?”

“I’ve been better.” Flash looked nothing like the boy in her memories. His hair was a mess, his clothes were haphazardly patched together and that pipe had dried bloodstains on it. “You look…” Dangerous was what she wanted to say. “What are you doing here, Flash?”

“Guy can’t visit his old school?” Flash asked before gesturing to Canterlot High next to them. “I’m not surprised you’re here though.” He looked at Gentle. “Who the hell is this?”

“This is Gentle.” Sunset stated. “He’s a… friend.” Flash actually laughed at the word she chose.

“Friend?” Flash repeated. “I doubt that, you don’t have friends, just minions to do your dirty work.” Sunset winched as she heard the words. Sadly he wasn’t that wrong. She didn’t have friends. Snips and Snails were the closest she had to them, but even she knew they were more servants than anything. They worked for her, and she didn’t bully them in any way or form.

Gentle just put a hand on Sunset’s shoulder, giving her that reassuring smile of his as she returned it meekly.

Apparently that was the wrong course of action to perform.

“WHAT THE FUCK ARE YOU SMILING ABOUT!?” Both teens flinched as Flash shouted at them, gripping his pipe so hard that his knuckles started to turn pale. “I bet you got it in your head that that bitch there is all goody little two shoes don’t you? Well guess what she’s not! That bitch will just use you up and throw you away when she’s done with you!” Flash shouted as he glared at Sunset. “Just like she did with me.”

“Flash…” Sunset muttered as she stepped back as Gentle stood in front of her in case things went wrong. “Remember you broke up with me. Not the other way around.”

“And you were probably just waiting to get back at me like everyone else you fucked over.” Flash growled as he glared through Gentle to look at Sunset. “If this was what you were coming up with though to get back at me.” He refocused his gaze at Gentle. “Gotta say you downgraded quite a bit.”

Gentle simply flipped Flash off.

“He’s not part of some plot to get back at you Flash. We were just…” Sunset froze up, looking at the statue behind her and then back to Flash. “Talking.” She whispered.”

“Oh yeah, bout what?”

“That's between me and her.” Gentle spoke up as stared down Flash. “So… Do you need something, or… can you leave us be?”

“Why; you two gonna smooch or something behind the statue?” Flash muttered. “Well, that’s all you’re gonna get out of her, she doesn’t put out.” Sunset twitched as she felt her temper starting to boil over.

“Is that why you broke up with me?” She hissed. “Cause I wouldn’t let you “get some”?”

“The fact that you were a bitch to didn’t help.” Flash scoffed.

“Well maybe if you had some balls I wouldn’t be such a bitch to you.” Sunset countered as Gentle sucked in breath, failing to notice that Sunset was starting to breathe green vapors.

“Hey, I got your balls right here princess.”

“Really? So they finally dropped huh? Good for you.” Sunset bit out. “Just need that deformed little dick to grow in and maybe you’ll have an actual chance to get some.” Flash growled, breathing green before his eyes turned red, before he stepped forward, pipe swinging.

“Fuck.” Gentle raised his bat to protect himself and Sunset, taking the minute to glance back at her with disappointment in his eyes as her red eyes started to return to normal as she realized what she had done.

“Flash wait I’m-”

“Go to fucking hell you bitch!” Flash shouted, bringing down his pipe again as Gentle pushed Sunset away with his shoulder. “I’m gonna split your head in two!”

“No you won’t.” Gentle blocked another swing with his bat as he started to stumble a bit. “Calm down…” He told his counterpart. “The virus amps up your anger, you need to calm down!” He strained his voice as Flash continued to hammer away at him with his pipe and Gentle started stepping back to avoid getting hit.

“Who… the hell… are you… to tell me to calm down!?” Flash growled out as he slammed into Gentle with enough force it lifted him off the ground and shoved him towards the statue. “You don’t know anything about me or her! So shut the fuck up!”

Flash was strong.

Where the hell in that body of his did he find this kind of strength?

Gentle kicked Flash off of him, forcing the boy to stumble as was forced back and tackled him to the ground. “Flash…please~” He took a breath. “You need to calm down.” Flash kicked in below the belt and rolled on top of him before raising his fists. And started bringing them down on Gentle’s arms.

Sunset grabbed Flash from behind as she stopped him from swinging and left him thrashing about. “Stop!”

“Get off of me!” Flash shouted as he threw Sunset off of him and turned to her before trying to go after her. Gentle responded by grabbing Flash’s legs and pulling them from under the teen and sent him back down. He mounted the teen again as he put his hands behind his back and locked them in place. “I said get off of me!”

“Not till you… calm down.” Gentle felt his voice starting to fade again. All this talking was doing a number on his damaged vocal cords.

“Don’t tell me to calm down.”

“Flash…” Sunset got to her feet and looked at her ex. “I’m sorry, I really am.” She muttered. “But he’s right, this anger isn’t you.”

“What do you know about me?” Flash hissed out as he tried looking at his ex. “Oh right, you know everything don’t you, cause you’re a manipulative lying… doublecrossing…” Was Flash getting bigger? “Bitch!” Gentle found Flash lifting himself up and roared, swinging around as he knocked Gentle off his back. Hitting the ground Gentle heard Sunset scream as he saw an enlarged, practically swelling Flash lifting Sunset up by the neck as he brought a hand back to smash her face in.

Gentle rushed in, slowing down just long enough to grab his discarded bat and made a low swing. He hit Flash’s knee and made him buckle, then slammed the but of his weapon into Flash’s hand as he let go of Sunset. “Go!” He ordered as Sunset watched him stand between her and Flash. “Get to safety.” He told her.

“But-” Sunset shook her head.

“I’ll be fine, just -”

“No!” Sunset countered as she saw flash pick up his discarded pipe and glare at her.

“We don’t have time to -” Flash swung his pipe so hard he dented Gentle’s bat and sent him stumbling.

“Yeah we don’t.” Sunset muttered as she looked around for something to wield before biting her lips. “I’m not leaving you here.” She declared as she put up her fists. “I got him like this, not you, so I’m not leaving.” Gentle shook his head but got ready nonetheless as Flash roared, charging and swung the pipe he was carrying. Gentle chose to dodge, moving to the side as the pipe dug into the ground. He hit Flash on the arm with his bat, then drove it up to hit him in the face. That seemed to stagger the teen and piss him off at the same time. The pipe was swung in wide arcs as Gentle stepped back to avoid them as Sunset jumped onto Flash’s back and put him in a chokehold. Flash reached behind him as he grabbed the girl and pulled her off of him before throwing her onto the ground and raised his pipe.

Sunset kicked him in the dick and rolled as he went down to clutch his pride before reaching for her. His reward was Gentle kicking him in the face and breaking his nose. Flash roared and the green mist returned, causing him to bulk up a bit before grabbing ontoGentle’s leg and raising him up, before slamming him into the ground repeatedly before throwing him towards the statue and cracking it.

“Gentle!” Sunset looked back to Flash as she took a step back.

“Just… you and me…” Flash growled. “Like old times.”

“It’s nothing like old times.” Sunset muttered as Flash charged her and raised his pipe again.

Equestria

Canterlot City

Looking through a one-sided mirror a mare just crossed her hooves as she watched the scene play out. “Ex vs ex, now that’s something out of a show I’d love to watch.” She muttered before turning her attention to the young man that was getting himself back up and joining in the fight. “Still.” She muttered. “I’m not here for a show.” She confessed. “And neither are you.” The mare stated as she looked to the figure chained and bleeding out on the floor before the mirror.

Looking at a shadow of a time past, broken and beaten by her hooves as she glanced back at them, the mare simply stepped forward and sighed. “So what do you say we get started?”

“W-wait…” Tirek groaned as he looked at the mare. Her eyes impassive as she stared at the weakened centaur. He truly was a shadow of his former glory. So weak, so...harmless. But give him time and he would grow to be a great threat to Equestria and herself. But at the moment they were both shadows. Weaker than their past selves - their true selves. Still, this “her” was still stronger than the present “him”. “Perhaps we can… come to some sort of agreement?”

“No.” She muttered and activated her spell. Scarlet light flashed beneath his feet. Occult light flared into existence as she watched. The pentagon was burning and Tirek screamed. She didn’t care. “I spent half a year tracking you down after we escaped Tartarus. I’ve no intention of delaying my plans a moment longer.” Enough time had passed after all and while she was patient, she had her limits. Besides, this spell had a very limited timeframe. She couldn’t afford to let this pass her by. So she chanted, casting old spells as her sacrifice struggled against their bindings. It was no use, those chains though pure metal were more than the aged centaur could handle at the moment.

“Why… are… you… doing… this?”

Why indeed. She held no grudge against the centaur in particular. She was not his enemy. But to do this she needed a live sacrifice. What better than the sacrifice being one of the nations greatest and potentially deadliest enemies. In a way she was doing Equestria a favor, removing Tirek, and yet it was all to further her own particular set of goals. The last incantation left her as she watched Tireks body disappear and with it the occult light grew stronger,having taken the remaining energy carried by his soul and stabilizing within the mirror

It was ready.

“Bring them here.”

Earth

Canterlot City

Sunset weaved to the side, stepped on her ex’s enlarged arm and grabbed his face before kneeing him basically flipping over the teen. She kicked off his back as he rubbed his face and made towards the downed boy as Flash started to radiate mist.

“Ow~” Gentle groaned as he opened his eyes and looked around, attention turning to the girl that was still fighting. Flash had likely broken one or two of the teen’s ribs with his last hit, but it was gonna take a lot more than that to keep him down for long.

“Gentle!” Sunset knelt next to him as he got his bat ready as they both stood before the statue failing to notice it starting to ripple. “Come on, we need to hide somewhere..” Sunset ordered as Gentle made a noise.

“Where would we go?” It hurt to talk. “We go back to the others, he’ll just follow us.”

“I know but the school, maybe we can hide in there.” Sunset muttered as she glanced beyond Flash to see Canterlot High. “If we can get by him, maybe we can-” Sunset didn’t finish that though, a strange - familiar feeling coming over her as she looked back, the statue forming some kind of molten array as her eyes widened. “No way…” The array burst, tendrils of scarlet energy ripping from it as they latched onto the pair of teens. “W-what in Equestria?!” Sunset struggled as did Gentle, Flash however simply looked on in confusion at the sight before him before his rage started to spike and he charged forward, pipe raised as he made to strike either Sunset.

Gentle moved, blacking out as the pipe smashed into his head.

??? Time Later

“Gentle… Gentle?” He knew that voice. The dazed teen thought as he felt someone shaking him. “Come on Gentle wake up, please?”

‘Sunset?’

“Is he going to be alright?” He wasn’t sure, felt like he just got blitzed by maybe ten Footballers.

“Yes, he took a pretty hard hit, but I stopped most of the damage that was done done.” Did he know that voice? No he was pretty sure he didn’t.

“Right… Thank you for that.” Sunset’s voice sounded a bit relaxed. “But who are you?”

“I think it’s best if I answer that, when your companion wakes up.” She was told as Gentle groaned. “Oh, speak of the devil.”

“Gentle!” Sunset called out as Gentle opened his eyes and stared at the ceiling. “Easy.” Someone grabbed him, he paid them little attention as he just stared upward, attention still in a haze. “You’re finally up.” Sunset muttered as his blurred vision focused on her. The pained haze wasn’t gone but it was fading, and with that he was able to think and better yet see a bit more clearly. “You’re gonna be ok.” Gentle nodded his head before staring ahead, more out of confusion than anything. What he saw was the oddest - and possibly the cutest thing he had seen since all this started. Two… horses, two pastel colored - cartoon like horses with horns of varying length. Unicorns? He blinked, confusion still across his face as he looked between the two before he opened his mouth.

“The… fuck?”

One chuckled, the other gave a weak smile, seeming to expect that kind of response. “Gentle.” Sunset’s voice left one of the pastel colored ponies. “Gentle, it's me Sunset.” She told him as Gentle just stared in disbelief. “Can you remember what I told you about my past?”

Gentle just stared at the pony for a moment before thinking back. The pain filled haze still got to him, but he did remember.

“Pony.” He muttered.

“Yeah.” Sunset chuckled.

“Magical pony.”

“Yeah.” She repeated as Gentle took a breath and sat up. Bad idea. “This is…” Sunset began as she gestured to herself. “This is the real me.” Gentle didn’t say anything, instead just looking at the duel haired girl - mare(?) and tilting his head in confusion. “What do you think?”

“… cute.” Gentle muttered. “You look… cute.”

Sunset smiled, flourishing slightly at the compliment and nodded. “Thanks, you don’t look that bad yourself.” Again Gentle tilted his head in confusion as he heard the words before raising a hand to his head to scratch it. Felt like there was something wrong with his hand so he looked at it and…

His response was probably accurate.

He screamed, quite loudly at that.

“WHAT THE FUCK!!!?” It hurt to scream, that didn't mean he was stopping though. He got to his feet, stumbled for a moment and dropped back to the floor he caught himself though, stopping himself from kissing the floor. He tried again… failed, again… failed. Eventually he gave up, simply sitting on the floor as he started to sign. Or at least tried to; his fingers were gone apparently. So he went with the next best thing; waving his arms in obvious panic. What the hell happened to him? Why was he a pony?

“Gentle, Gentle it's ok!” Sunset stated as she tried to get Gentle to calm down as he looked himself over. “You’re supposed to look like this.”

“All my things are pony things!” His voice cracked in pain. “And where are my pants?!”

“Yeah those don’t stay with us on this side of the portal.” Sunset stated as she used her magic to bring over a small mirror. Goddess, she missed being able to do magic. Staring at it Gentle just looked at his reflection, somewhat in shock.

Again he saw a horn though it seemed a bit different from Sunset’s and again he saw two very big ember eyes. The skin - coat color was the same fair shade he had grown used to throughout his life, and the mess of black hair wasn’t exactly foreign either. Nor was the scar on both his neck and cheek. He was a pony…

And yet…

“I’m…” His voice died as his vocal cords reached their limit. ‘Adorable.’ Shaking his head he turned to Sunset, his attention turning once more to confusion as he calmed down. He tried signing with his hooves but that failed, still Sunset caught on to the attempted question and nodded.

“The portal opened and brought us to Equestria. We’re in my home world…” Sunset explained as she looked over to the silent mare who’d simply been watching the exchange. “You can thank her for bringing us here.” She paused. “As for who she is…”

“My name is Pale Arts.” The mare stated as she stepped forward. Pale Arts was tall, very tall at that, but she wasn’t as lithe as Celestia, Sunset noticed. She had a long pale gray mane that was braided and a matching tail. Her coat was a pale brown, but it looked more from a lack of light than anything, and her eyes were a golden orange. What was curious though was that she had markings on her face. Two like tears and one like a third eye beneath her horn. “It’s a pleasure to meet you two.”

“Right.” Sunset admitted as she helped Gentle up. “My name is Sunset Shimmer.” Sunset stated. “And this is Gentle.” Gentle awkwardly waved. “Thank you for helping us out back there but why did you-”

“I have my reasons.” The mare stated as she stepped forward. “I just wish our meeting was under better circumstances.”

“What do you mean?” Sunset asked as Gentle just looked on.

“Equestria is not as you remember my dear Sunset.” Sunset flinched as she heard an old nickname. “Times have changed it, and I’m afraid not for the better.” Pale Arts admitted as she started walking towards the window. “Though you don’t have to take my word for it.” She stated as she pulled the blinds from the window and let them see the city beyond it. “See what has become of Canterlot City yourselves.”

8

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It had been a day since Sunset Shimmer found herself pulled into the mirror. It had been a day since she stayed beside an unconscious young man who would probably have a freak out the moment he woke up. A whole day since she’d been hiding in her old room with no sign of her former mentor Celestia or her Canterlot City.

Now she got to see the latter.

“Oh my god…” Canterlot was ruined, not in the way that Earth was ruined, this was more the effects of some natural disaster than anarchy. “What happened here?”

“Something old has returned.” Pale Arts stated as Gentle stumbled to get over to the pair to take a look.

“Who, Discord?” Sunset paused. “Nightmare Moon?”

“Well, you aren’t wrong.” Pale Arts admitted. “Both have returned; yet one was sealed, and one was redeemed.” She made a noise. “But this… this is from something else.” The mare admitted before making a noise. “One sealed for just as long, and perhaps more of a nightmare than anything.”

“What happened to Princess Celestia?” Pale Arts narrowed her eyes.

“She is… well.” She admitted. “But weak.” The mare admits. “Not that I care.” She stated as she looked elsewhere. “Celestia is not my concern.”

“Then what is?” Sunset narrowed her eyes as she looked at the taller mare. “Why did you bring us to Equestria?”

“Did you not want to return home?” Sunset didn’t say anything as she just stared upward. “Although I’m certain you didn’t want to see it like this young Sunset Shimmer.” She turned to Gentle. “As for you…” She searched for her words. “… I wanted to see you.” She admitted. Gentle raised an eyebrow as Sunset stood before him protectively. “Calm yourself, I’m not your enemy.” She muttered as she smiled. “But I am not Celestia’s ally.”

“Then who are you?” Sunset asked.

“Once I was a queen.” The mare’s horn lit up as she pulled something off of and stared at it. “Once I was a wife.” She muttered as she stared at the ring. “And once I was a mother.” She continued as she stared at the ring before returning it to her horn. “Now I am just a ghost.” The mare stated as she watched Gentle shake his head before rubbing it. “And that is all I shall remain.” The mare smiled. “You two should rest. Seeing Equestria like this.” She made a noise. “It must be a lot to take it.”

“Kind of.” Sunset admitted, looking towards the window. “This isn’t the Equestria I remember, but it's not that different from the one you pulled us from.”

“Is that so?” Gentle’s nod made the mare frown slightly. “I am sorry.” She muttered before falling silent. A silence broken with the sound of a belly growling. Sunset grabbed her stomach as Gentle did the same, though he immediately started to stumble as he stood on three legs for a second. Pale Arts chuckled at the sight. “Hungry are you?” She turned towards the door. “What do you say we fill your bellies.”

“But the guards, and Celestia-”

“Neither are here now.” Pale Arts revealed as she glanced back. “Both are “elsewhere”. She chose to elaborate. “What struck Canterlot City forced them to relocate for safety reasons.”

“I see.” Sunset muttered as she stared out at Canterlot before biting her lips as Gentle put a hoof on her back to get her attention. He nodded as Sunset cracked a weak smile. “Right. I’ll show you both to the kitchen.” She moved from under Gentle's hoof as they started walking off…

And Gentle promptly fell.

“… let’s take a second to teach you how to walk.”

A few minutes later

‘How on Earth do they walk like this?’ The transformed teen questioned as he stumbled down the halls of Canterlot Castle. Gentle wouldn’t lie; it felt awkward walking on four limbs, and he almost rage quit on more than one occasion. Still as he told Ms. Luna; “Nothing worth trying to do is ever really easy.” So, grunting and some whining; he straightened himself out and walked forward, looking across the halls and the decor as he followed Sunset and Pale Arts.

“It’s hard to believe that Canterlot is so deserted.” Sunset muttered. “When I used to live here, I always saw ponies wandering about.”

“You used to live here?” Pale Arts asked. “Were you staff?”

“I was Princess Celestia’s student.” Sunset confessed as her ears dropped to the sides of her head. “But that was… before I… I ran away.”

“You ran?” Pale Arts turned to young mare. “Why? To be trained by the princess herself, that is a high honor.”

“It was.” The mare stated. “But it got to my head.” She confessed as she looked elsewhere. “I wanted more.”

“You got greedy.” Pale Arts muttered. “I see. You ran because she denied you what you wanted, is that it?”

“Yes.”

“And what, praytell, was it that you wanted so badly.”

“Power…” Sunset muttered. “Respect. Admiration.” The mare continued. ”I wanted to be worthy… to be an alicorn.” Pale Arts chuckled weakly and shook her head.

“I see.” Pale Arts murmured “Power, respect, admiration… such simple things.” She made a noise. “But they must be earned.” She looked to Sunset Shimmer as the mare looked down. “But after earning them, one must be careful. Power corrupts, and respect and admiration may breed fear.” The mare continued. “Understand, you are not wrong in wanting such things. But your methods may say otherwise.”

“I know.” Sunset muttered as Gentle tried resting a hoof on her back only to stumble and lower it. Not sure what to do then, he chose to just tilt his head and nuzzle the mare affectionately, causing her to flinch and flourish slightly. “W-what are you doing?”

Pale Arts just chuckled at the sight, choosing to watch Sunset turn into a stuttering mess as the sign of blatant affection.

Affection often reserved for one's Special Somepony.

“We’re here.” She stated as she looked at the kitchen and Sunset scurried off to get as far away from Gentle, much to his confusion. Pale Arts stepped up to the pantry seeing what remained. “Looks like they didn’t have much time to clear anything out.” She muttered. “So, what would you two like?” Sunset didn’t respond, spending too much time browsing what was available as Gentle started looking around at a more leisurely pace. Though he noticed something curious after a minute or two.

“There a meat locker?” He whispered to not strain his voice too much.

“I’m afraid not.” Sunset muttered as she came to the realization. “Fuck, I’m a vegetarian again.” Gentle gave her a confused look.

“Equestria is a land for ponies.” Pale Arts stated. “And ponies consider eating meat a taboo.” Gentle looked like he died inside. “If it makes you feel better I do take in a bit of meat on the occasion.” Sunset turned to Pale Arts faster than the mare could blink as she nodded.

“You eat meat?” Pale Arts nodded.

“And if you like I can spare a bit of jerky I’ve saved with you.”

“Please.” Sunset’s plea earned a chuckle as Pale Arts reached into a bag and pulled out three three strips of jerky for them to split amongst themselves. Sunset held it with her magic as Gentle set down and tried grabbing it with his hooves, failed and just stared at them like they had betrayed him in some way or form. “Oh right.” Sunset muttered. “You don’t know how to use magic.”

Pale Arts looked on in surprise. “Truly?”

“Gentle is a human, he can’t normally use magic.” Sunset explained as Gentle glared at his hooves before turning to the jerky and got an idea. It was a childish idea, but it worked. Leaning his head forward to take the jerky into his mouth and started chomping down. “He may be a unicorn here, but back ho- back on Earth he wouldn’t be able to use magic.”

“Hm… that sounds similar to…” Pale Arts grumbled before looking at Gentle and then Sunset. “What about you, were you able to use magic?”

“No, there’s no magic in the other world.” Sunset explained. Pale Arts just raised an eyebrow.

“Then why was there equestrian magic in your world?” Sunset stopped eating.

“What?”

“Yes, it’s quite strange you didn’t notice it. After all, you were standing across from one radiating it.” Sunset looked at Gentle for a moment in confusion before a flash of clarity crossed her face.

“Flash?” She muttered. “My ex had Equestrian Magic?” Sunset couldn’t believe it. How could Flash… it didn’t make sense, Equestrian magic was on this side of the portal, not on Earth. So how could it… She thought to the physical changes Flash had gone through the growth spurt, the red eyes, the green mist he started to radiate… “The mist…” Sunset muttered as Gentle’s ears perked up. “The mist was Equestrian magic?!” Pale Arts nodded her head. “How could it have been - ”

“Emotion Magic.” Pale Arts stated. “Particularly hatred and rage.” The older mare stated. “Someone on your side was spreading it like a plague and it is no doubt the cause of whatever happened on your side of the portal.”

“But - it shouldn’t have been able to do that! Turn Flash into the hulking… thing!”

“Hatred and rage are closely associated with the Dark Arts.” Pale Arts stated. “And the Dark Arts tend to corrupt.” Sunset made to say something but stopped as she tried finding the words.

“Yes but how? How could that much Equestrian magic slip through to Earth?” Sunset paused before staring into space. “Did I…”

“Sunset…”

g into space. “Did I…”

“Sunset…”

“Did I do it?” The mare asked. “When I first went to Earth, did I bring that with me?”

“Sunset.” The mare started to hyperventilate as she shook.

“Did I cause a worldwide pandemic!?”

“Sunset!” The mare in question froze as Gentle grabbed her, holding her as he felt her start sobbing into his chest. “Breath.” He ordered and Sunset started doing just that.

Breathe in.

Breathe out.

Breathe in.

Breathe out.

“Sunset.” Pale Arts stated as she joined in the hug. “Did you travel across the world?” Sunset continued to breathe as she shook her head. “Then you did not do that.” The mare stated as she patted the mare's head. “What happened to your world wasn’t your doing.” She stated as Gentle nodded. “It was another's… for what reasons I do not know, but do not blame yourself for what has happened by their actions.” Sunset continued to breathe as she slowly nodded and Pale Arts backed away. “I’m going to prepare you two some food now, Gentle, stay with her.” Gentle nodded as he continued holding Sunset as Pale Arts stepped away. Found some food and returned to the kitchen to start cooking.

“Gentle…” Sunset spoke up after a while. “You can… you can let me go now, I’m ok.” She told him as he did so. Her eyes were a bit red, but she’d be ok. “Thanks.”

“You're welcome.” Gentle rubbed his neck as Sunset looked at the wound.

“You shouldn’t talk so much, it hurts you right?” Gentle nodded his head. “There has to be some other way for you to talk to me.” She muttered as she looked at the stallion next to her before glancing at his horn. “Maybe…” She began. “Maybe I can teach you magic.” Sunset asked as Gentle tilted his head in confusion. “Yeah, that sounds like an idea if you're up for it.” Sunset stated. “If I teach you magic, you can use it to form words, like how you did sign language.” The stallion made an oh with his mouth as Sunset just smiled. “It’ll be a way for us to talk and I could teach you basic spells too.” Gentle nodded enthusiastically as he stood across from Sunset and settled down. “You want to start now?” Another nod. “Why not, the sooner the better, right?”

Pale Arts hummed to herself as she continued letting her magic dance across the kitchen as it cut up vegetables and fruits without much discrimination. “This should fill up two growing ponies.” The mare admits with a light smile before taking a pause as she seemed to think. “Still…” She muttered. “It’s a shame that I brought them here at this time.” With a frown her magic started to fluctuate. “She’s come back.” The mare muttered as she glanced elsewhere. She shook her head. “I’m honestly not upset Celestia, it was only a matter of time before she was unsealed.” She paused. “But, if she has returned… we both know she will be but the first.”

It didn’t bother her that Gentle sucked at magic. After all, the former teen had (consciously) been a pony for less than a day. Honestly, the simple fact he could even scourge up some magic to use was impressive enough. Sure his ember aura was clunky and constantly fading in and out of view, but it was better than nothing. What was curious was that his “bubble” the aura he created, looked like a hand for some reason.

‘Normally our magic just takes the form of a “bubble” but that looks like an actual hand. Wonder why.” She started to review a few old lessons in her head as Gentle lost focus and it disappeared. ‘Well, we don’t have appendages like humans so a “bubble” it’s - it’s like a subconscious thing… maybe… maybe it's the same for him to imagine it as a hand.’ Gentle focused as she watched the hand flicker back into existence as he turned it over and started twiddling the fingers.Sunset chuckled as he snapped out of whatever thoughts he was having, and blushed in embarrassment. He must look like a kid doing that.

“You kind of look like how I did when I first discovered my fingers.” Sunset muttered good naturedly as she tried creating a magic hand as well. It came rather simple for her. “Still, do you think you can sign with that?”

Gentle took a minute to think and the hand disappeared to his annoyance.

“I guess you need to keep your focus on making the hand to keep it formed.” Sunset muttered as she crossed her hooves, using the floating hand to scratch her head. “Well, you can make something to grip an object, that's a good start at least. We’ll just need you to think about creating a more stable hand without you having to keep all your focus on it.” Gentle nodded his head as Sunset looked at him and tried to think. “Let's see, how to go about this?”

“How bout you start with food?” Pale Arts cut in as she carried three trays of plates behind her. “You can’t do much on an empty stomach.”

“Good call.” Sunset spoke up as they all settled on the floor and started chowing down.

“Did I miss anything?”

Pale Arts asked as Sunset nodded. “I’ve been trying to help Gentle with learning to use magic.” Gentle created a magic hand and waved with it. “I say so myself, he did rather well.” Sunset paused. “Though since this is the first time he’s “accessed” magic, I wonder if he’ll get and surges.” Gentle tilted his head in confusion as he stopped eating. “Oh right. See, shortly after your born, unicorns experience random surges of magic for a while. So sometimes their magic will spike and drop out of nowhere.” Sunset explained. “You’ve never had to go through that because you were a human your entire life, but since you’re a pony now…”

“You might experience what fillies and foals do for a while.” Pale Arts added. “It might happen, it might not, we’ll have to see to find out.” Gentle made a noise as Sunset gave the mare a skeptical look.

“We?”

“Yes.” Pale Arts smirked as she bit into some food. “You didn’t think I’d summon you here to just abandon you, did you?” Sunset opened her mouth, paused and then went cautious.

“Why… did you bring us to Equestria? How did you even do that anyway, the portal was supposed to be closed until the Fall.”

“I have my reasons for bringing you here. Partly due to a whim, and partly due to blood.”

“Blood?” Sunset got a nod. “What do you mean by that?”

“Blood is sacred, blood is binding.” The mare stated as she shrugged. “We are born of the blood, made mares and stallions by the blood.” She paused. “And of course, undone by the blood.” Gentle paused as he heard the line and looked at the mare.

“Did you just quote Bloodborne?” He asked as the mare tilted her head.

“I don’t think I’ve heard of that book.”

“It’s not a book.” Gentle muttered before turning back to his food. “It’s… forget it.” He muttered before shaking his head.

“So… you’re going to be sticking with us so long as we’re here?” Sunset returned to the topic on hoof as Pale Arts looked at her.

“Of course. That is my duty.” She paused. “Besides, I can’t just leave two adolescent youths alone to do as they please, can I?”

“No I guess not…” Sunset seemed skeptical at the mare as she looked over to Gentle who was deep in thought.

“Whatever happened to Flash?” The stallion asked as Sunset blinked and rubbed the bridge of her muzzle.

“Right, Flash is still on the other side of the mirror, on Earth.”

“Can we go back there?” Gentle asked. “The others might need our help.” Sunset looked to Pale Arts who shook her head.

“The spell I used was a one way trip, you’ll have to wait until it opens again when the anointed time is present.” Gentle made a noise but said no more as he returned to eating.

“So that means it’ll open again in the Fall.” Sunset muttered as she crossed her hooves in “That’s still pretty far away.”

“Must you return?”

“It’s home.” Was all Gentle said, as Pale Arts looked at him and slowly nodded. “It’s hell but it’s home.”

“I’d sooner trade a hell I’m familiar with than one I’m not.” Sunset muttered.

“I see. Then when the fall comes, I won’t stop you from returning.” Pale said in disappointment. “But till then, why not see what Equestria has to offer.” She stated as she gestured to the halls of Canterlot. “The nation may be in shambles, but it is still a nation of wonders in its own right.”

“I can vouch for that.” Sunset admitted as she seemed to think. “Besides, I’d like to continue teaching Gentle how to use his Magic.” The teen nodded in agreement.

“I’m glad to hear that.” Pale Arts stated as she seemed to think for a bit. “But that said you cannot stay here in Canterlot.”

“Why not?”

“The grounds are very unstable now.” Pale Arts seemed to pause. “How that’s a problem now is beyond me, who in their right mind builds a whole city all but glued to the side of a mountain?” She didn’t get an answer. “Anyway, many were evacuated, to the plains below, though there are naturally those that chose to stay up here.” She watched Sunset’s expression. “Why they choose to stay is due to simple stupidity and greed.”

“Sounds about right.” Grumbling, Sunset shook her head. “What about the mirror? We can’t just leave it here if the city’s foundation is weakened.”

“I can shrink it down to fit in my bag.” Judging by Pale Art’s expression it was no big deal, judging by Sunset's it seemed that it wasn’t. “After that we can leave.”

“And go where?” Sunset asked.

“Wherever you two desire.”

9

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The trio waited a day before moving on. The mares more or less did it to give Gentle the time he needed to adjust to his new limbs; and given the small, bemused smiles and snickers they were letting out they enjoyed the sight of him tripping over his own hooves like a foal.

His response was to stick his tongue out at them. Still when the new dawn came the trio headed out. Leaving the castle to step into Canterlot City.

For Sunset, she had this look of resigned nostalgia on her face. Looking at the city she had grown up in as a filly only to find it reduced to “this”. Ruins. Streets she had once walked down, shops she had once visited, they were all ruins. Broken and haphazardly bandaged together like a toilet paper mummy costume. She sighed, taking a minute to adjust her cloak and hide face under her hood.

“Sunset.” Pale Arts looked at her, her attention turning away from fresh ruins as she caught a glimpse of her grief before her hood covered her eyes.

“I’m alright.” She told the older mare.

“No you're not.” Was her response. “It hurts to see your city like this.” Pale Arts muttered. “To see the city you grew up in, reduced to such a state.” Gentle took a minute to rest his hoof on Sunset’s back, seeming to agree.

“How would you know?” Sunset muttered, looking at the elder mare and seemed to frown.

“I too lost the city I grew up in. The city I ruled, where I sought to raise my child.” Sunset’s frown disappeared as it became one of surprise and regret.

“I’m sorry.” She muttered. “I didn’t mean to…”

“It’s quite fine.” Pale admitted. “It was a long time ago, and though the wound has left a scar, it has faded in time.” She stated with a sigh. “That is what scars do. They will fade but they will never go away.” She shook her head. “But enough about that.” She turned back to Sunset. “This city is in shambles, but there is still life in it.” She stated. “Is there anyone you wish to check in on before we depart?”

Sunset went silent, seeming to think for a while as her counterparts stared at her. Eventually she shook her head. She didn’t have anyone in Canterlot City, there was no one here that she loved, no one here that she could check up on to see if they were alright after whatever happened here. “The only family I had… is long dead.” Sunset whispered as Pale Arts gave her an apologetic look and nodded.

“I see.” She muttered. “Shall we visit the cemetery then?” Pale Arts asked. “So you may have a moment with them?” Sunset actually looked grateful at the words; though was a bit surprised that the elder mare was willing to take a moment to let her have that. “We’re in no rush.” Was all Pale Arts said as if that would explain everything.

And it did; they weren’t in a rush to get somewhere. They didn’t even have a real destination to be honest. So wherever they wanted to go, they would reach it when they did.

“Thank you.”

???

“Ah~” The Queen sighed in relief as she settled down in a lake, taking a moment to let the water dance around her as she started to hum. “It feels so good to have a bath after so long. She muttered as she began to wash herself. “I can just feel the dirt and grime washing away.” She mused as she dipped into the water for a moment and seemed to take in her surroundings.

Nothing but nature surrounded her. Trees and shrubs, grass and birds. Nature was as beautiful as she remembered it. “But still, there is something wrong about it.” The Queen grumbled as she started washing her mane.

There was something wrong with the world, and looking at the clear sky she saw exactly what it was.

Control.

The world was controlled. Clouds and rain came when they were told to, and everything, from the plants to the fruit they bore, and the changing of the season was all set on a schedule. Nothing was spontaneous, nothing was left to chance. Nothing was as it should be.

“The arrogance of equus is thinking nature must be in their control... and not the other way around."

Said a great stallion once knew, and it was something she agreed with them on.

The illusion of control as he called it.

It was something the Tribes developed after they learned that they could move the clouds and even rearrange the stars. They began to change the world to suit their desires, but nature isn’t meant to bend to the wills of mortal beings.

Nature isn’t some toy to be played with and abused. You may cut its trees down and build cities across its soil, but in the end it will crush everything one has built; homes, cities, lives…

And it can do so without mercy or a second thought.

“And Celestia dear, with what you’ve done.” The Queen began as she closed her eyes and took the time to finish her wash. “I’m going to tear your illusion down.” The forest grew still and the wildlife started to scurry away, fearful of what had suddenly overtaken the area. The Queen took a breath as she calmed herself and stepped out of the water letting the water fall from her coat before it suddenly disappeared. “And I will not do so alone.” The figure muttered as she saw one of those who now served her walk up to her. “Mercenary.”

“Enjoy your bath?” The merc asked as she stepped up to the entity.

“Yes actually.” The Allmother admitted as she braided her mane. “I miss bathing, I haven’t done so in quite a while.”

“I bet.” The mare admitted as she smiled. “So~ are you really; You know her?”

The Queen took a minute to raise an eyebrow, humor on her face as she did so. “Who exactly do you think I am?”

“You know… her.” The mare tapped a hoof on the ground.

“You mean the spirit of the world itself, true mother of all who reside upon her soil? You ask if I am Gaea?” The Allmother giggled slightly.

“Yeah.”

“I am.” The Allmother - Gaea confessed. “And I am not.”

“What does that mean?”

“I am Gaea, but I am… ‘here’ as you put it.” She tapped a hoof on the soi. “What you see, what you speak with is my Avatar. A manifestation I created so that I may interact with my children.”

“Really?” The mare asked curiously. “So~ is that how it works? You spirits make avatars to walk amongst us?”

“It is.” Gaea stated with a nod.

“So~ if you're an avatar… if your ‘body’ is destroyed~” The mare leaned to the side looking the entity over. “What happens to you; like, you, you?”

“Nothing.” Gaea shrugged. “My true self is here.” She tapped the soil again. “And I can make a new Avatar body anyday.” She confessed.

“What about your mind?” The mercenary asked as Gaea seemed to smirk.

“My mind still exists of course, it simply returns to my true body if my Avatar is destroyed.” Her smirk twisted into a frown. “But… if I am sealed… away.” She seemed to narrow her eyes. “My mind will be sealed in the Avatar I reside in.”

“That’s how Celestia defeated you last time.” It wasn’t a question and Gaea simply nodded her head, having no shame in admitting her loss. “She can’t permanently kill you but she can seal your consciousness away.”

“Yes.” Gaea muttered. “It is how she created this world.” She took a breath as she looked at the sky. “She sealed my kin away, and everything was thrown off balance…” She shook her head. “Earth and sky, sun and moon, they are not meant to be controlled by mortals.”

“Why not?”

“Would you drink poison?” She asked with such indifference that it seemed like a normal question. “Drinking it is possible, but it kills you from within.” She looked at the mare. “That is what it means to take a Spirit’s power, it is possible, but in the end it will kill you.”

“Oh…” The merc muttered as she seemed to think. “That makes sense actually, I remember old stories about how five unicorns were pretty much offered to raise the sun and moon a day. They all lost their magic and of course their lives… well all except for Starswirl for some reason…” The mare muttered. “But what about Celestia, she’s been raising both sun and moon for centuries now. How can she…”

“A good question.” Gaea muttered. “And one I can not answer.” She shook her head. “Not at the moment anyway.” The two fell silent as the entity seemed to think, before the mercenary attention turned to Gaea.

“Hey, I got one more question.”

“Ask away.” The entity stated.

“Why are you so willing to answer my questions?”

“How do you expect to learn otherwise?”

Canterlot Cemetery

“So yeah, I was a bit of a bitch in the otherworld.” The Sunset stated as she stared at the tombstone and released a weak chuckle. “But… then the world ended, and I saw I just ended up pushing everyone away from me.” She muttered. “So I wound up alone, and it was by my own hands… hooves. Ugh it's gonna be hard getting used to pony-centered words again sis.” The mare released a humored smile as she stared at her hooves. “I’m gonna miss hands.” She muttered. “But I still miss you more.”

Looking on Pale Arts and Gentle simply stayed silent, staying back so Sunset could have her moment with someone she had lost.

Gentle looked at Pale and gave her this grateful smile.

“You don’t need to thank me for this.” The mare stated. “I simply do as I believe to be right.”

“Still.” Gentle croaked out. “Thank you.” The stallion got a hoof to rest on his head as Pale patted it.

“Save your words for one who deserves them.” Gentle just tilted his head curiously as Pale seemed to drift away for a moment. “I know I don’t.” Gentle returned the head pat as best he could, though given the height difference he could only pat the mare’s limb as she gave him a sad smile.

Sunset walked back to them, oddly relieved by the fact she could speak with her lost family even if it was for a moment. She looked at the pair and took a breath.

“So, where are we going?” Pale Arts simply pulled a map out of her bag.

“Where do you want to go?”

10

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It took a bit of time, but the trio managed to get down Canterlot Mountain. Granted that was to be expected since they took the long route; that being the route through the old catacombs that traveled from Canterlot city to the foot of the mountain. Still reaching the plains beneath the mountain Gentle couldn’t help looking around as he whistled. He hadn’t seen this much grass since summer camp.

“Did you have to grab so many crystals?” Sunset asked as she looked at Pale who seemed to shrug.

“To be fair I could have grabbed more.” Pale admitted as her smaller counterpart gave her a look. “They work as an excellent substitute for Bit coins.”

“Are you saying you don’t have bits on you?” Sunset asked as Pale glanced in her direction.

“Do you?” Sunset made to respond before falling silent. “Didn‘t think so.” She released a humored noise as she turned her attention forward as they walked on. “As they say; money makes the world go round. And we’ll need money to get around.” She released a noise. “And they will need money as well.”

“They?”

“Those that wish to rebuild not only Canterlot, but Equestria.” Pale Arts clarified. “No doubt other cities have entered a state of disrepair, and they will need to be fixed, but no one likes to work for free.”

“I…” Sunset sighed. “I can’t deny that.” She muttered. “You work, you expect to be paid. That’s how it's always been.” She paused. “Even in the other world that was true, at least, before everything went to hell.” Sunset admitted. “The school just banded together because we wanted to survive. There was safety in numbers, and we had shelter and food.” She paused. “I didn’t think something like that was possible… people just helping each other with no strings attached.

“I’m not surprised.” Pale stared off into the distance. “A crisis brings out one’s true nature.” She mused. “You see them as they truly are, be that for the better or the worse.” She glanced at the younger mare. “Magic doesn’t need to be the cause of such change, but it will give them the ‘nudge’ they need in showing their true colors.”

Sunset didn’t respond for a while, her thoughts retreating to the changes that Flash Sentry - her ex had gone through thanks to the “Green Mist” as the other world called it. That anger though, his apparent hatred for her, how much he changed when the mist spread. “Just how much of that was him and not the mist.”

“Sunset?” Gentle spoke up as he caught the mare’s attention. She just shook her head though, gave him this weak and obviously forced smile.

“It’s nothing for you to worry about.”

“But it's something you're worrying about.” He replied as Sunset paused before releasing a weak chuckle.

“I guess you're right.” She gave him a stronger smile as he nudged her, trying to tell her he was here to listen if she wanted to talk. “Not right now.” Sunset told him. “I’ll tell you later.” Gentle just nodded as they pressed on. “So… if the map’s right.” The mare spoke up, changing topics. “Ponyville should be this way.” She told the two. “It’s the nearest town to Canterlot, should take us about a day's walk to get there.”

“Have you been to Ponyville before?” Sunset shook her head.

“No, I spent my entire pony life in Canterlot.” She told the older mare. “I didn’t have a reason to come down here.” Sunset couldn’t help sighing again. “I didn’t go anywhere outside of Canterlot growing up.”

“I see.” Pale muttered. “Why is that? Your own desires, your teacher’s instructions or~” Sunset didn’t respond for a moment as she seemed to frown. “Apologies, you needn’t answer that question.”

“Thanks…” Sunset whispered as Gentle just rubbed their cheeks together affectionately. “Ok, Gentle.” Sunset ignored Pale Arts snicker. “I know you’re not used to being a pony yet, but you really need to stop doing that.” She admitted with a blush. “What you’re doing is… it’s something reserved for somepony special.” She began but found Gentle giving her this clueless look. “Somepony very special.” She could practically see his brain buffering as he tried making sense of her words. When his eyes widened she just nodded her head. “Yeah.”

“Oh~”Gentle muttered as he started to blush as well, leaving the two to fall silent and look down at the grass. ‘Ok, so… that’s… don’t do that anymore.’ He thought as he glanced at Sunset for a moment. ‘I mean yes she looks cute this way, almost as cute as her human form but I’m not… I’m not into animals that way…’ He thought before seeming to pause. ‘Wait - does that still count if I’m an animal too?’ He shook his head. “You know, I don’t think I want that answer…”

Haven

Celestia knocked, and in turn she heard this small muffled “coming” from the otherside of the door. When it opened a familiar purple dragon - one who’d she’d and many others would often mistaken for a young hatchling - despite the fact he was actually a few years younger than her pupil, and adoptive sister. “Princess Celestia?”

“Good afternoon, Spike.” Like always the young dragon bowed and Celestia needed to take a few seconds that there was no need for that. She’d known him ever since he was a baby after all. “Is twilight in?” A silly question really. “Of course Twilight was in, if she had things her way, she’d stay indoors reading, until her final days.

“Yeah, she's still trying to figure out how to create that spell you wanted her help in understanding.” Spike sighed and it was obviously one in annoyance, though there was a sense of exhaustion in it.

Celestia frowned.

“Has she slept?”

“Nope.” Was Spike’s simple response as he invited Equestria’s oldest ruler inside. “She’s been working nonstop since you told her what to do.” Spike admitted as Celestia looked into the building, her attention focused on the hundreds of notes that were scattered across its interior. And at its center was a purple mare hard at work. Her eyes drooping and her mane a haphazard mess. “You know she hasn’t even touched coffee yet.” Spike muttered as he coughed into his little claw. “Hey Twilight, you got a visitor.”

“Not now Spike.” Came Twilight’s automatic response. “Tell them I’ll be with them in a minute. I think I might be close to a breakthrough.”

“Twilight, It’s Princess Celestia.” Twilight groaned.

“As I said Spike, tell them that…” Twilight paused, and both the Princess and the dragon could see her brain processing what had been said. “Princess Celestia?” She turned to Spike and her guest.

“Hello Twilight.”

“PRINCESS CELESTIA!!” Twilight jumped, surprise on her face as she staggered to her feet before starting to run forward, trample over a few of her scattered notes before bowing to her mentor. “I’m sorry! I’m so sorry! I didn’t mean to ignore you-” Twilight continued on before Celestia raised a hoof, resting it on Twilight’s lowered head and rubbed it.

“It’s alright Twilight, calm down.” She smiled. “And please, stop being so formal.”

“O- of course.” Sunset raised her head and squirmed slightly as she looked around at the mess her work had caused. “I’m sorry, just - just give me a second to clean up.” She started levitating her scattered notes as she tried to put them somewhere. Failed and then tried to better organize them so they might be out of the way at least. “Spike, can you start some tea please? Moonflower preferably?”

“We don’t have any tea.” Spike stated in annoyance. “We left all our tea in the Golden Oak Library.”

“Oh - right then uh… um.”

“Twilight calm down.” Celestia chuckled as she looked at her student before using her magic to help her clean up. “I’m sorry for dropping in unexpectedly, but I wanted to check in on you.” Celestia stated. “How are you?”

“I’m fine.” Twilight took a few breaths to calm down. “Just hard at work. You know, trying to understand this spell you asked me to help you understand.” She stated for a moment as she took another breath. “I haven’t made much progress I’m afraid.”

“Is that so?” Celestia asked as she took a moment to glance at one of the mare’s notes.

“I’m sorry.” Twilight muttered. “There’s just… this spell is surprisingly complex.” She admitted. “There’s so much to try understanding.” Twilight paused. “Is this spell really going to be able to help us?” She finally asked as she looked at her teacher. “I mean, this spell, it’s some kind of ‘summoning’, right. I’ve never seen a spell like this before.”

“It’s a variation of a very old type of spell.” Celestia admitted. “One almost as old as Equestria.” Celestia stated as she settled down on the ground and looked at her student. “As well as one that hasn’t been touched upon in just as long.”

“Why?”

“The spell it’s based on is dangerous.” Celestia stated with a light frown. “A spell for summoning a familiar.

“A familiar?” Spike asked as he looked at the princess. “What’s that?”

“A type of spirit magically bound to a Unicorn or other spellweaving species. They help their summoner be it in mundane ways or in times of crisis.”

“Like Spike?” The little dragon puffed up as Twilight looked at him.

“In a way. But at the same time it's not that simple. Familiars are… more complex. They’re bound by a magical contract, one with a master/servant dynamic. So long as that contract is play, they’ll live for you, fight to protect you and eleven act as your guide if need be.” Celestia paused. “Not only that, they can even amplify your magic if need be.”

“They sound really helpful.”

“They are… when the contract goes correctly.” She muttered. “You see…” Celestia paused as she seemed to think for a moment. Not certain if she should continue with this topic for a moment before pressing on. “Not all familiars are good, in fact many summoned to act as familiars are actually low demons from the underworld.” That got both unicorn and dragon to perk up disbelief on their face as they stared at the mare.

“D-did you say demon?” Spike squeaked. “Like a demon, demon? The kind in stories?” He asked. “Those are real?”

“Yes.” Celestia admitted with a sigh. “Demons do exist, but they don’t call this world home.” She stated. “They exist in another world - another plain of existence that Starswell believed to run parallel to our own and kept there thanks to the Fade - the boundary that separates our world from their own.” Celestia took a breath. “When they’re summoned as a familiar they have a tendency to ‘switch the roles of the master/servant contract; instead of being bound to your will, you are bound to theirs. You become their tool - their slave until the contract is broken…”

“How…” Twilight paused. “How do you break the contract?”

“As some would say… you must read between the fine print, find a loophole to exploit and free yourself with.” Celestia admitted. “But… more often than not, only death breaks it.” Both mare and dragon paled at the word. “Thankfully, the spell you are working on isn’t going to summon a demon.” She hoped. ‘But if it does… I will step in to bind it to myself.’ Celestia thought. “So there’s no need to worry, Twilight. We’re not going to bring such a being into Equestria.”

“I see.” Twilight breathed in relief as she looked at her notes. “Then… I should get back to work. The sooner I figure this out -”

“Twilight.” Celestia spoke up. “Take a break.” She smiled as she raised a hoof and tried fixing Twilight’s mane. “The spell can wait, in the meantime get some rest, you look like you haven’t slept in days.”

“She hasn’t.” Spike grumbled, crossing his arms.

“Spike~” Twilight’s ears flattened as Celestia giggled.

“Get some rest, Twilight; eat something, and do go out to get some sunlight.” Celestia glanced Twilight up and down. “Your coat’s going to lose its color at this rate.”

“Y-yes princess.” Twilight muttered in embarrassment, something that only grew as her belly decided to speak up. “Mhm~”

“Let’s move getting something to eat at the top of your list.”

11

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Without a doubt, Ponyville had seen better days. That was the thought that ran through the trios mind as they looked around, attention drifting from one destroyed building to the next. Gentle adopted a regretful look on his face as he took everything in. The town was all but leveled, split open by fissures and overtaken by winding trees, scorch marks covered the ground left and right.

“What happened here?” Sunset asked. “I know you said that something old had returned to Equestria… but what could do all of this?” She asked. “Such destruction… what has this kind of power?”

“The Allmother.” Pale Arts stated.

“The Almother?” Pale Arts nodded her head.

“You may refer to her as a Spirit like Discord, or perhaps something far older.” The older Mare stated. “She is something no alicorn can compete with - nor is she something the Spirits want to test their mettle against.

“Is she that dangerous?” Sunset whispered.

“Yes and no.” Pale Arts stated. “If my memory serves me correctly, in an age past she was actually very calm and was well loved by all that tread across the world. But her temper…” Pale Arts made a noise. “When she lost her temper it was horrifying. Whole nations disappeared into the night, continents were split into fragments… the world would burn…” She paused at some kind of memory. “Again though, she’s typically very mild. No interest in destroying or ruling anything that comes in her path. She loves all unconditionally, but when you force her to hate well… let's just say there’s casualties.”

“Then… what did Equestria ever do to her?” Sunset asked as Pale Arts looked at her before turning elsewhere.

“They spit in her face…” Pale Arts said sadly as she saw Gentle staring at an old damaged horse plushie and raised it with a magical hand. “Do you know what it's like, to love someone with all their heart, to give them everything they could ever need without asking for anything in return? You nurture them, you help raise them up… and in the end they spit in your face. They cast you out, erase your name from their memory, tarnish and destroy everything you once stood for…” Pale Arts heard Gentle press a button on the plushie.

“I love you.”

“That is what they did to her…” Pale Arts muttered. “She who gave them everything, she who fed them, she who sheltered them from the storms…And for all she did for them, they spit in her face.” Pale Arts shook her head. “Shameful really, I wouldn’t be surprised if she clung to some resentment. Would you?”

Sunset seemed to think for a moment as Gentle put the stuffed doll down. “No… I guess I wouldn’t.” She whispered. “I… I basically did the same thing to Princess Celestia.”

“Did you now?” Pale Arts muttered as they continued walking on. “Hindsight is a curse sometimes.”

“It really is…” The two fell silent as they returned to looking around, their attention turned to see everything that the city had to offer. “Where is everyone?”

“Under the guidance of Celestia and Luna, they relocated to the Everfree forest.” Pale Arts admitted. “They built a safe haven around the Castle of Everfree.”

“Is that so…” Sunset muttered as she looked down. “Princess Celestia…”

“You wish to see her don’t you?” Pale Arts muttered. “It’s fine if you wish to go see her, but know I will not follow you, nor will I allow Gentle to go with you.” Both Gentle and Sunset looked at the older mare. “Celestia can not know that Gentle is here, at the same time, she can’t know that I am here.”

“Why?”

“In my case… there is bad blood between Celestia and I fear putting us in the same room right now would simply spell disaster for everyone.” Pale Arts muttered. “As for Gentle… let's just say… Celestia is best left in the dark about this otherworlder.” Gentle tilted his head in confusion. “For now, I mean.”

“Why?”

“Truth?” Pale Arts mused. “I fear she may finish what she started so long ago.” Both Gentle and Sunset paused as they looked at the older mare.

“What do you mean?”

“I’m afraid that is something I can not tell you, at least, not yet.” Pale Arts whispered. “In time I will tell you, but for now.” Pale Arts went silent. “Lets just say… the wound is still fresh…” Sunset looked at Gentle, and he looked at her, before slowly nodding his head.

“Sure.” Sunset muttered.

“When you're ready.” Gentle whispered.

“Thank you.”

“So… where are we going anyway?” Pale Arts just chuckled at the question they’d basically asked a few times already.

“You two still haven’t decided, have you?” The two younger ponies just looked down in embarrassment. “It’s fine we’ll find somewhere to go soon.” Pale Arts stated. For now, what do you say we just look around town, there might not be much left at the moment, but it is still standing. We may find someone, something that we can use.”

Elsewhere

She was singing.

Or at least they thought she was singing.

Her voice wasn’t like anything that her companions had grown used to in their lives. Rather it was like a chorus that could make the angels fall from grace and the demons rise in redemption. No mortal had that kind of voice… then again the Allmother - Gaea was no mortal. When she sung, the world itself moved with some form of resonance. Life was breathed into the tallest of trees and the smallest of plants, polluted waters were purified and the soil grew rich as the wind took part in this inviting dance.

“Beautiful…” The hooded stallion muttered as he listened to his Goddess’s song. Her singing, what she was doing to the world itself, it really was beautiful.

The Allmother gave him an appreciative smile as she continued singing, letting her melody play on as she and her company walked on. If they thought this was beautiful, they should hear her when she wasn’t singing off key… actually that might be a terrible idea. She could all but hypnotize them when she sang properly. It had happened before after all. Turning her attention to a flock of birds she nodded in their direction as she continued her solo performance and unintentionally got them to sing along. And somehow that just made her performance more beautiful.

The mercenary rocked her head from side to side as she swayed with the music. Her companion tried humming along as well. It was kind of strange, they’d never heard this song before, but they knew how it went.

And yet the moment she stopped singing that memory faded away.

“Allmother?” Gaea said nothing as she looked ahead, her attention focusing on something neither of her companions could see and adopted a look of neutrality. “What’s wrong?”

“I feel something has just appeared on my soil.” The Allmother stated as she closed her eyes for a moment and made a face. “Ah~ so that’s what it is.” She opened her eyes again. “The CCrystal Empire has returned.”

“The Crystal Empire?” The Mercenary raised an eyebrow. “Never heard of it.”

“I’m not surprised. It did vanish long before your time after all.” Gaea stated.

The Crystal empire used to be a neighboring kingdom of Equestria.” The hooded stallion muttered. “Located in the Frozen North, it is the realm of the Crystal Ponies, but one thousand years ago, the Crystal Empire disappeared after being cursed by the Umbrum Prince Sombra.” He muttered. “He did so out of spite for Celestia and Luna sealing him away.

“That so?” The mercenary muttered before turning to the All Mother. “And you can tell this city just… reappeared?”

“Yes.” The Allmother stated as she walked on.

“How can you tell?”

“I know where everything is when it rests upon my world.” She stated with a chuckle. “It’s very easy when you’re literally a part of the world.”

“Fair point.” The mercenary stated. “So, what do we do, if the Crystal Empire is back, that means… Sombra is back too, right?”

“Exactly.” The stallion muttered. “My lady, what shhall you have us do?”

“Who said we had to do anything?” The Allmother asked. “Spirits don’t normally involve themselves in mortal problems, less we have a reason to…” She stated. “We mostly find champions to do such things on our behalf.”

“Why?”

“Well, if I became involved in facing this Umbrum, I would win, even in this weakened state of mine… but it would be disastrous.” The Allmother stated. “Not for me - but for everything in a 50 mile radius, at least.”

“The Power of a Spirit is something no Alicorn can compete against.” The stallion spoke up. “If they are forced to use violence it would be like… how to put this?” He paused. “Using a mountain to squash an ant.”

“Ah~” The mercenary made a noise. “So you’re just overpowered.”

“Essentially.” The Allmother stated. “Strength is both a gift and a curse.” She admitted. “To avoid breaking everything, I’ll need someone to fight on my behalf.” She stated as she looked elsewhere for a moment. “In fact… I know just who to choose…” She stated as she started to melt into the ground. “I’ll be right back.”

Ponyville

Pale Arts stared at the destroyed home as she rested her attention on a photo. One housing a family of three, two mares and a little filly. “Same sex marriages are thing now…” She mused. “Now that’s progress if I’d ever seen it.” The mare muttered as she settled the picture down with a smile. “Celestia did some good after all…” She mused as she walked further into the building and looked around, honestly she wasn’t really sure what she was looking for, for now she just seemed to be looking around aimlessly.

“Oh dear.” Pale Arts froze as she heard the voice behind her. “I knew stretching so early was a bad idea, but I really couldn’t help myself…” Behind her stood a six winged Alicorn who seemed to just take in the building interior as she looked about. “I regret that this has happened on my behalf…” She muttered in a sad tone.

“I know…” Pale Arts muttered as she turned around and lowered her head in respect. “It’s been quite some time, Allmother.”

“A thousand years to be exact.” The Allmother stated. “It’s good to see you, my child.” She stated. Despite her wording there were no blood ties that connected these two. It was more… how to put it? As the Allmother, everything began with her. Every rock, every blade of grass, every shard of life… they all traced their roots back to her. “You look well.”

“And you're still rocking the six-winged alicorn look.” Gaea seemed to pause for a moment as she noticed her six wings.

“Ah, I guess you're right.” She stated as her six wings melted into her body and disappeared, as did her horn. “Though, I prefer the Earth Pony look to be honest.” She stated.

“Of course you do.” Pale Arts stated. “So what brings you here to see little old me?”

“I am in need of a champion.” The Allmother stated. “The Crystal Empire has returned, and I’m certain you know what has returned with it.”

“The Usurper.”

“Indeed.” The Earth Pony stated. “You know what will happen if he is left alone. He will bring war to this land, just as he did a thousand years ago.” She stared at the unicorn. “I ask you to lay his soul to rest.”

“Why me?” Pale Arts asked. “I’m certain you already know of the young Mi Amore Cadenza, last living descendent of the Mi Amore line, and rightful heir to the Crystal Throne.”

“Ah yes, I am aware.” The Allmother stated. “But you know how it is, regimes rise and they fall… just like yours did.” The entity muttered as the unicorn turned away. “Just like all those before yours.” She continued. “Still, do you wish to… reclaim your throne?”

“My time upon such a thing has ended.” The mare stated. “I have no desire for a throne anymore.”

“Then what do you desire?” Pale Arts said nothing as she used her magic to pull the ring off her horn and stare at it for a moment.

“Something not even you can give me…”

“Love lost…” The Allmother whispered. “I can mold another version of him for you and yet…”

“It would be a fake.” Pale Arts whispered. “It wouldn’t be him… it could have his face, it could have his memories… but it wouldn’t really be him… it wouldn’t be the kirin I fell in love with so many moons ago…”

“I know…” The Allmother stated as she looked skyward. “I know too well…” She muttered. “In my younger years I fell in love with a mortal myself, and because of that I was taught the pain of losing him. When he passed I grieved, and I…” She paused. “I brought him back, I brought him back so many times - I made so many vessels crafted in his image and gave them his memories…” The Allmother drifted away. “By all means he was back… but slowly I realized I couldn’t love those copies of him… my love for them paled in comparison to how he made me feel…” The entity whispered. “I had to let him go, I had to move on…It hurt. It hurt so much… but I learned something I never would have realized otherwise; grief taught me just how much I loved him, it showed me how much I cherished our time together…”

“Allmother…” Pale Arts fell silent as the entity was pulled out of thoughts and shook her head.

“My apologies…” The Allmother muttered as she returned to the topic on hoof. “To repeat, I seek a champion, will you be that soul?”

“Who am I to deny the Allmother?” Pale Arts asked. “I will do this for you, but I have a request in turn.”

“Name it.”

“I carry two wards under my watch. Less they provoke you, you will not harm them.”

“I have no desire to harm your wards.” The Allmother stated as she looked elsewhere and smiled. “Seems they’re looking for you as we speak.” She admitted. “I will leave things in your hooves, but know that you must act quickly, for little Celestia will no doubt learn of the Crystal Empire’s return herself.”

“And in turn she will send Cadenza…” Pale Arts stated. “I still don’t know why you are against her taking the throne.”

“I have no issue with that.” The Allmother stated. “Truthfully, I’m certain she would be a truly benevolent ruler.” The mare stated. “But so would you.”

“Again, I have no interest in a throne.” Pale Arts stated good naturedly.

“Ah yes… if that’s the case, if you don’t desire it, give it to its rightful Empress or give it to someone else… in the end the choice is yours after all.” The Allmother stated as she started to sink into the ground. “Best of luck, my champion.”

Pale Arts didn’t say anything as she watched the last bits of the entity disappear before her. Closing her eyes she made a face before leaving the home and made a noise. “The Crystal Empire huh…” The mare muttered. “Well, we do need a destination less we choose to wander aimlessly, and I always liked the snow…” She admitted. She walked on for a moment as she started looking for her two companions. “Gentle, Sunset, where are you two?”

It took her a few minutes to find the pair, but when she did, she took notice that both had done a bit of pilfering during their alone time. They’d taken some blankets from some buildings, grabbed some fresh water canteens and a few other necessities for travel.

“I see this isn’t your first time preparing for a trip.” The mare mused as she looked at the two. “Still a little underdressed for where I’m going.”

Sunset raised an eyebrow. “Where are you headed?”

“North, something has come up and I need to head to the Crystal Empire.”

“The Crystal Empire?” Sunset repeated. “I never heard of that place.”

“It’s a place before your time I’m afraid.” Pale Arts stated. “I will be gone for a while, and while leaving you two here is always an option, I’d prefer it if you came with me.”

“Ok.” Gentle whispered before rubbing his throat and called upon his magic to form a hand.

“You said you couldn’t leave us alone right? So I’ll go where you go.”

Gentle looked at Sunset for a moment. “Likewise… Still, that’s going to be quite a walk.”

“Who said I planned on walking the entire way?” Pale Arts asked as she looked at the two. “Find some winter coats, you're going to need them.” They did just that, heading off to find something for much colder weather before coming back a few minutes later. “Now then, if you’ll excuse me this will just take a second.” The mare stated as she stepped away for a moment as she closed her eyes and her horn started to glow.

Gentle’s jaw dropped while Sunset looked in disbelief, both of them watching as Pale Arts shadow started to come alive, wrapped around its owner as a giant sphere that started to reshape itself like it was made of clay. Limbs were sprouted, a tail and a head were molded into existence, wings grew out of the apparitions back.

“A… dragon of shadows.” Sunset whispered in amazement.

“That is so cool!” Gentle immediately regretted his outpurst as he put a hoof on his throat and winched.

“How did she?”

“Shadow Magic.”

Pale Arts voice came from the dragon as she lowered one of her wings as she molded it to take an appearance similar to stairs.

“Now climb aboard, we have a lot of ground to cover.”

12

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When he was younger, Gentle used to dream about flying. He used to dream about flying across the sky of a giant griffon or an armorclad wyvern. Too many movies and fantasy stories had gotten to him when he was little. He wasn’t going to lie though, it looked incredibly fun.

He knew - rather he felt he’d never get a chance to actually get a chance to actually ride one though.

Well, till today anyway.

While it was without a doubt fun, it was also terrifying.

Gentle ended up getting into an impromptu screaming match with Sunset as they rode Pale Arts’ Shadow Dragon across the sky.

Half way screaming and halfway laughing, the two couldn’t help themselves as they raced across the sky. Even with their hind legs all but fused into the shadows, the pair were holding on for dear life, trying to make certain they weren’t going to fall off for whatever reason.

In the end, Sunset won the screaming match, Gentle’s voice shutting down as he overworked them and was stuck silently screaming and laughing at what was going on.

Honestly, it was kind of a shame that their flight actually came to an end. The Shadow Dragon dropping out of the sky and landing in the snow that made up the Frozen North before disappearing.

“Alright.” Pale Arts muttered as she adjusted her coat and pulled up her hood. “This is as far as my shadow can take us, I’m afraid we’ll have to walk the rest of the way.” She told her wards as she looked back to them and saw they were still on the ground and laughing their heads.

“That…” Sunset choked out. “That was awesome!” She cheered. “And terrifying, I almost peed myself!” Gentle nodded his head vigorously as Pale Arts just released a light smile and helped the pair up. “You have to take us flying again!”

“Later, right now we have to finish our travels on foot.” Pale Arts stated. As she looked skyward, she focused on the storm that was brewing in the distance. “That storm will be too much for me to fly through.” She muttered as she looked back at her two companions. “Stay close, alright?”

“Right.” Both younger ponies nodded their heads as they adjusted their coats and followed the older mare into the snow.

Elsewhere

Thinking was hard, it hadn’t always been this way, but being sealed away for so long had its consequences. Consequences made even harder when your corporal form had been shattered along with most of one's consciousness. It would take some time before he could fully regather himself, restore his essence. Physically that would be rather easy; his mind though, that was another story. His dark powers were deeply tied to his mind. That was what he needed to piece back together first. He needed to stitch his mind back together - needed to regain control over the power that raged inside him. That would take some time; his body - his flesh and bone could wait.

…

Well, well, wasn’t this curious? The shattered thoughts of a dark soul resonated to create that single thought. In their broken state they ‘saw’ something wandering the blizzard, something just as old as he was - maybe even a bit older. Something that had wrapped itself in a beautiful darkness and heading for his Empire.

It appeared, someone else sought his land.

This was ridiculous.

That was the thought that ran through Gentle’s mind as he took a moment to wipe his snow goggles clean in an attempt to get a better view of what was going on in front of him. He’d seen storms before, but none of them were like this. It wasn’t just cold, it felt like the ice and snow was trying to suck his soul out.

Seriously, how was it this cold?

Shivering despite the jacket he was wearing, Gentle looked to Sunset as she used her magic to adjust her scarf.

“I thought Canterlot City was cold during the winter…” She muttered as she tried keeping most of her face covered. “And I don’t just mean the Canterlot City in the Human world.”

“Ah yes, it’s been quite a while since I experienced this level of cold myself.” Pale Arts stated. “This blizzard could freeze the soul of the weak-willed, don’t you think?” Neither Sunset nor Gentle responded, instead just letting the weather wash over them. “It reminds me of the winter back in the old lands.” Pale Arts sounded amused as some memory that flashed before her eyes.

“How much further do we have to go?”

“It shouldn’t be much farther.” Pale Arts muttered as she took a breath. “Honestly this would be much easier if I could sense the Heart…”

“The what?”

“The Crystal Heart.” Pale Arts stated. “It’s a relic from a past age, one that keeps the Crystal Empire safe from both the blizzards and the cruel hearted.”

“Is that so?” Sunset shivered as she looked back to make sure Gentle was keeping up with them. He was. “What can you tell us about this Crystal Empire?”

“As I said before, it’s a place before your time.” Pale Arts repeated. “It is a place older than Equestria, one once ruled by the Mi Amore family line.” Sunset seemed to flinch for a moment, but only Gentle seemed to notice. “Of course that was a thousand years ago, before the Umbrum King rose to power.”

“Who?” Gentle croaked out.

“You would know him as…” Pale Arts paused for a moment. “Well I guess you wouldn’t know him.” She corrected herself. “The Umbrum King would go by the name Sombra. He is a unicorn with a curved red horn and a blackened heart.” She stated. “A thousand moons ago, he overthrew the Mi Amore line and sought to expand his new dominion across the southern lands to Equestria, but he failed, as the Sisters - Celestia and Luna shattered his form and sealed away his soul.” Pale Arts stated. “Of course, he did not fall without consequence. With a powerful curse he sealed the Crystal Empire away - where is somewhere even I don’t know, but the Crystal Empire has apparently returned, and so has Sombra.”

“So~ you’re trying to save the Crystal Empire from this Sombra?” Sunset asked. “Why?”

“It was a request, nothing more, nothing less.” Pale Arts admitted. “A request that, if I declined, would be asked to another, and fall upon the shoulders of one I fear may not be ready.” She stated. “And while I have nothing against entrusting another with such a task, I feel that they should not be forced to inherit the debts and sins written by the old generation.” Pale Arts was met with silence as the pair walked on for a bit longer. The storm continued to rage around them before eventually falling silent. “And here we are, the eye of the storm.” Pale Arts stated as she stopped and looked back at her two wards. “And may I introduce to you, the Crystal Empire.”

Haven

Despite being her student, Twilight didn’t really have the most refined table manners. Her manners weren’t… terrible, at least not when she wasn’t eating her favorite food and scarfing it down like a mare that had been fasting for days. That said, even though Twilight’s favorite food wasn’t on the menu, she still ate like a mare possessed. Like she’d been lost in the desert without food or water up until yesterday.

Honestly, Celestia didn’t mind though.

It was good to know that Twilight hadn’t lost her appetite upon starting her work in trying to figure out and refine Star Swirl’s spell. The mare gave up enough when she started studying up on something.

‘So many days studying, so many days just locked away in her Observatory…’ Celestia released a light smile as she looked at the mare that she’d taken under her wing so long ago. So many years had past already, and she couldn’t help but wonder just how many more would be needed before Twilight no longer needed her guidance, before she-

She didn’t want to finish that thought… at least, not right now.

There was still time after all, time before things reached that moment.

…

Luna just glanced in her sister’s direction, her attention going unnoticed both her elder sister and her prized pupil. She noticed that Celestia’s thoughts had turned somewhere, where though, that was a question that she couldn’t answer. For whatever reason, that sent a child down her spine. ‘What are you thinking sister?’

“Thinking? No… She’s planning something.” The Nightmare whispered into her ears as Luna returned to her own food. “Like always, the gears and cogs in her head are turning, trying to find a way to bring something she desires into reality.” The Nightmare told her. “And any deviations to the plan she creates is going to be seen as an obstacle that needs to be struck down.”

‘That’s not what’s going on…’

“Are you sure? You know that look in her eyes, it’s the same look that ‘she’ had so long ago.”

‘Don’t you dare compare them…’ Luna thought as her eyes narrowed as she took another bite from her food. ‘They are nothing alike.’

“You can’t lie to me.” The Nightmare remarked. “I am you, and you are me.” The Nightmare stated. “Be careful of where you tread near her.”

Before Luna could remark the doors to their little place of respite were pushed open, as she and the three mares turned to see one of the guardponies running through.

“News from northern Equestria!” The pony ended up shouting before lowering their head and removing their helmet in respect.

“What is it?” Celestia asked as she lowered her tea and turned to the guard.

“I am simply to tell you… ‘it’ has returned.” Celestia gasped as if in surprise while Luna just stared at her in confusion.

“It?” Twilight’s one-worded question went ignored as Luna tried to think for a moment.

‘It… what is it?’ She paused. ‘Northern Equestria… what could be up there that…’ A memory flashed before Luna’s eyes as she straightened up, realization crossing her face as Celestia gave an order. ' It can't be...

“Find Princess Cadence and Shining Armor.” Luna jtared at her sister for a moment as she took a breath. Things were going to get complicated soon... weren't they?

13

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“Wow…” The kids took the words right out of her mouth. Pale Arts just stared ahead as she took in the sights. Here, resting at the eye of a winter storm stood the Crystal Empire; a relic from an age a long past stood around her. And it lived up to its name; the streets - the buildings themselves were made from the purest shade of crystal that one could ever come across.

It was beautiful… but there was something missing.

Turning her gaze to the ponies that seemed to be wandering around in a daze, the mare gave them a pitying look. Solid gray hues painted over their forms, staining what should be shining near reflective fur. Their coats were one thing though, what hurt her most had to be what rested in their eyes.

Confusion could be seen in those eyes and with it came a tint of hopelessness in light of something. But whatever it was, left a cloud hanging over their thoughts. They probably didn’t remember what had happened, let alone understand what was going on at the moment.

“What’s wrong with them?” Gentle croaked out as the amazement of his surroundings disappeared and was replaced with worry for the ponies that rested around them.

“An injustice has befallen these ponies.” Pale Arts muttered. “And I fear it has left them lost and they are wounded.”

“Is there anything we can do?” Gentle choked out again.

“We can try and ensure that such a thing never happens to them again.” The mare muttered as she adopted a look of determination across her face. “To do that, two things must be done. We must find the Crystal Heart and Sombra’s soul must be laid to rest.” She whispered.

“So, we’re going to fight him.” Sunset muttered.

“If it come to that there will be no ‘we’.” Pale Arts muttered as she looked back at her two companions. “I will fight him alone. Sombra is a ghost from a dead age, and being one myself, it is only right I deal with him myself.” She stated before pausing. “Besides.” She looked backwards, toward the horizon as she made a face. “He will come for me. Not as a false king in search of a queen, but as a rival seeking to sit upon an empty throne.” She stated before turning away, her attention quickly turning to the Crystal Palace as she headed towards it. “Not that I desire such a thing.”

“Is that so?” Sunset went silent as she looked at her makeshift guardian as she continued walking on. “Than… what is it that you want?” Pale Arts turned skyward.

“I… don’t really know.” She muttered. “As a ghost, I am bound to this world by my unfinished business.” She stated. “But as it stands, I don’t know what binds me to this world.” She made a noise. “No… that’s a lie, I do know what binds me… it’s something I failed to do in my age… someone I failed to protect, and a vow I failed to keep…”

Sunset fell silent as she looked at the older mare. ‘She’s smiling… but…’

There was so much pain in that smile…

“When I either make amends for my failure, or when I accept what I lost, maybe then I will move on from this world…” Pale Arts whispered as she looked back at the two. “I hope you two are ready when that day comes.” The two fell silent as Pale Arts turned away, her attention refocusing on the sky as she raised her head and gathered her magic as she fired a single bolt of magic into the sky.

On impulse the pair watched it rise into the sky like a lightning bolt in reverse, then once it reached its apex it spread out, forming a shimmering gold and orange dome that enveloped the city and the grasslands beyond.

“That should buy us some time.” Pale Arts admitted. “That barrier won’t last forever, but it will keep Sombra out of the Empire when he starts to move towards it.”

“How do you know he’s not already here?” Sunset asked as they moved on again.

“The Crystal Empire is empathetic in nature; it’s form will change depending on what feelings and magics run through its veins. If he were here, it would show us without resignation.”

“It would show us?” Sunset muttered as she looked at the empire. “Ok~ so, given how it looks, and what you're saying I’m guessing he’s not here yet, if that’s the case, what should we do?”

“For now let’s search for the Crystal Heart. Whether it will be needed in the coming battle or not, it is very important for ensuring the empire’s survival.”

“Why’s that?”

“The Crystal Heart is a relic from the old days, it has the power to convert the light, love and hope of the Crystal Ponies into a radiant shield that protects the Empire not just from the blizzards of the North, but also ensures that no malevolent forces may enter the land. This relic has kept the Crystal Empire safe for countless centuries before Sombra took over and hid it.” Ple Arts shook her head as she sighed to herself. “It is a treasure given to the royal family long ago back when the Crystal Empire was but a village during the Age of Frost and entrusted to the Royal Family who has a particularly strong tie to it.”

“How do you know so much about it?” Sunset asked

“Well, besides being over a thousand years old myself and having lived during the time of the Empire’s founding and hay days, I was the one that made the Crystal Heart for them.”

“Oh…” Both young ponies paused. “What?” Sunset’s eyes widened.

“Y - you made it?” She asked. “You helped found the Crystal Empire?”

“No no no.” Pale Arts chuckled. “I created the Crystal Heart, and gifted it to the village that became the Crystal Empire, but that is all I did for the village that would become this empire.” Pale Arts admitted as she looked around. “Still I admit, I do find pleasure in finding that little village I protected from the cold became such a grand place…” She smiled for a moment. “At the same time, it wounds me to know what has become of this land.”

“Pale Arts… who in Tartarus are you?” Sunset asked as Pale looked back at the mare and gave her this coy smile.

“I told you, didn't I?” The mare began. “Once I was a queen.” She turned to the horizon. “Once I was a wife, and once I was a mother.” She continued as she looked up at the pedestal used to house the Crystal Heart. “Now I am just a ghost.”

“Ms. Pale…” Gentle made a face, rubbing his throat as he felt the pain return to it. Using his magic he started to make letters in the air.

“Wait, if you created the Crystal Heart, can’t you make another one?”

“That would save us time so we wouldn’t have to search for the original.” Sunset admitted.

“Yes it would, but I’m afraid I can’t at this moment.” Pale Arts admitted. “It took about a week to create that artifact using Emotional Magic and Weather Abjuration.” She stated. “Not only that, but knowing Sombra, we only hours to days before he sets his sights on the Empire.”

“So… we’re on a time limit.”

Pale Arts nodded. “Finding the Crystal Heart is going to be our priority, and I don’t know where it rests at this moment. “But I have an idea.” The mare stated as she started walking again before turning towards the castle in the distance. “I believe the Heart rests within the Empire’s reflection.”

“Reflection?” Sunset got a nod as Gentle tilted his head. “What do you mean?”

“Follow and I will show you.”

The Crystal Palace

Stepping into the Crystal Palace the three ponies looked around for a moment as they entered the throne room.

‘It’s so shining…’ Gentle thought as he looked back at Pale Arts as she turned to face him and Sunset.

“Everyone’s outside, that should give us some room to speak more freely.” Pale Arts stated. “Now allow me to explain what I meant earlier by the Empire’s reflection.” She settled down on the floor as she had the two ponies do the same. “How to explain this in a way you may understand…” She paused before making a noise and nodded her head. Using her magic to cut a piece of crystal out of the ground she lifted it up for the young ones to see. “Do you remember what I said earlier? About how the empire is empathetic in nature?” The two nodded their heads. “I said it’s form responds to the feelings that course through its veins.” The mare spun the crystal in her magical grasp. “As feelings of hope and love and light are spread throughout the empire, it will shine as bright as a star.” She stated as she focused, her feelings and thoughts to make the crystal shine in a way as it released a rainbow halo.

“Wow~”

“However, as fear and hatred spread throughout the empire…” Both younger ponies froze, the hairs on the back of their coats sticking up on ends as they saw Pale Arts change.

No; Pale Arts didn’t change, but something did happen to her. From her now green eyes these strands of purple miasma thrashed about as her horn was enveloped in this sickly glow as the crystal she held turned pitch black.

“Holy shit…” Gentle felt sick just looking at the crystal.

“Yeah…” Sunset couldn’t agree more with his statement.

“When Sombra ruled the Crystal Empire this is what made up his empire. Nothing but crystalised malevolence went as far as the eye could see.” The clow in her eyes disappeared as did the miasma as the glow from her horn returned to a shining orange and the crystal was purified. “I’m sorry if that troubled you, but you needed to see that away from the Crystal ponies. I'm afraid of how they’ll respond to us if they see that.” The mare stated as she took a breath.

“Ok, but why did you need to show us that? And what’s that got to do with the Crystal Empire’s ‘reflection’?” Sunset asked as she shook herself to get rid of the unease that had washed over just a moment ago.

“Because when Sombra ruled the Empire, it was changed to suit his darkness, in contrast to the Empire that ruled by the Mi Amore line which was bathed in light.”

You…” Sunset paused. “You mean we have to change the Crystal Empire into one of ‘darkness’ in order to find this Crystal Heart.” She stated. “Won’t that freak everyone - everypony out?”

“It will, that’s exactly why we’ll be limiting it to the Crystal Palace.” Pale Arts stated as she looked around. “This palace changes shape depending on whether benevolence or malice run through it, and because of it, doors will open and close depending on which is dominant.”

“I can’t use my darkness.” Sunset muttered. “Princess Celestia said that touching that pulling at that part of yourself leads down a path that’s hard to turn away from. Using the darkness in your heart pulls you along, and though it seems wrong, it feels right…” Sunset muttered. “She said you lose everything… including your soul.” She muttered. “I… walked down that path, I saw what I was doing, I don’t want to go back down there.”

“I understand.” Pale Arts admitted. “You fear losing yourself.” The mare stated. “I respect that, and I can not deny that such a risk would be taken to do so.” The mare stated as she raised a hoof to Sunset’s chin, raised it up and gave her a nod. “But you must understand that suppressing and denying that part of you does more harm than good.”

“What do you mean?”

“Light can not exist without darkness.” Pale Arts stated. “Good cannot exist without evil and you can’t begin to understand love can not be comprehended without having once experienced hate. They are two sides of a single coin, you can not have one without the other, and to deny one you must deny the other.” She stated. “And if you deny what makes you who you are, what are you in the end?” She asked as Sunset looked away. “You must understand to be true to yourself you must accept both the good and the bad that exist within you.” She lowered her hoof. “That will be a lesson you have to learn on your own.”

Pale returned her attention towards the crystal she had pulled from the ground and split it in two, stood and reached into her saddlebag. Pulling out some thread she drilled it into each crystal so that they might be formed into crystals. “Here.” The mare rested the necklace on both pony’s necks. “Gentle, Sunset, this will be your first lesson under my guidance.”

“Hm?” Gentle tilted his head in confusion. Lesson? weren’t they about to go through the castle and search for this Crystal Heart thing?

“In order to help with our search you two will need to learn to use Emotion Magic to open the hidden doors within the palace. In order to do so, you will be channeling your darker feelings into magic power and directing it outward.” Pale Arts stated. “But before you can do such a thing, you must learn how to do so.” Pale Arts stated as she pointed at the crystal on both pony’s neck. “For this lesson you will need to shroud that crystal in malice, and purify it with your benevolence.”

“Oh~ Gentle muttered. “How do we do that?”

“To begin you must simply ‘feel’. Pale Arts stated. “As you feel you must understand this; there is a power in feelings, a force that can change you and the world itself for better or worse. Grab hold of that force, nourish it - let it grow and merge it with your mana, letting your magic give it form.” Pale Arts stated. “Doing so will amplify your magic to a degree you may find that may only exist in a dream. But You must be careful. Power drawn by amplified feelings is as wonderful as it is dangerous. Love can become perverted, sadness can grow to consume you, fear can grow to be overwhelming, and hate can devour you whole.” She stated. “You will learn to harness these emotions, you will learn to focus the power they bring you.” She stressed the last part. “You must focus that power to ensure it does not run wild, you must control it and not be controlled by it. You are it’s guide, and not the one guided. Do you understand?” Gentle looked at Sunset, who seemed a bit unsure at the moment. Looking back at Pale he gave her this so-so gesture with his hoof. “It will make more sense when you begin to try it.” The mare stated as she looked out a window for a moment, seeming to check something before nodding her head. “Now let us begin your first lesson.”

14

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“That’s enough.”

Gentle was more than happy to stop the exercise.

Opening his eyes the young stallion took a much needed breath as he looked at his crystal. It was clear, not shining, but it wasn’t blackened either. After about 3 hours of practice, he could blacken the crystal and wash away the tarish, but that was it. He couldn’t turn it into a shining beacon like Pale Arts yet.

Still…

“Good god…” He muttered

“Yeah…” Sunset agreed as she took a breath and seemed to hold herself. She was shaking. For the love of the Goddess, she was shaking. Learning this Emotion Magic was… kind of rough - After nearly three hours both of them had barely started to get the hang of this form of magic. It wasn’t that it was difficult to learn, it was more…

How to put this?

“How did it feel?” Pale Arts waited for their answer.

“I felt…” Gentle muttered as he shiver. “I… I felt…”

“I never ‘felt’ so strongly before in my life…” Sunset muttered. “Were those really feeling?”

“Yes.” Pale Art nodded her head. Those were your feelings, amplified by your will and drawn out to the surface.” She looked at the two. “Overwhelming, isn’t it?”

“Yeah.” Gentle muttered before falling silent. “We’re supposed to control that?”

“Yes” Pale Arts watched both of her student’s look at her. “It will not be easy, but you will learn, in time.” The mare stated. “Nevertheless it seems you’ve both passed your test.”

“But we couldn’t get it like yours.” Sunset pointed out. “How could we have passed?”

“Your lesson was to taint the crystal and purify it. Though you can not do it to the same degree as me, you both did succeed in doing just that.” Pale Arts admitted with a smile.”I’m proud of both of you.”

“I’m proud of you, my little Sunset.”

Sunset paused for a moment as she looked at the mare, imagining another figure in her place for a moment as she did. The mare patted her head and Sunset watched her vanish into thin air as Pale Arts returned.

“Thank you…” She muttered as she looked down while Pale Arts patted Gentle’s head. “So… what do we do now?”

“You will rest for a moment, and then you will join me in your search for the Crystal Heart.” Pale Arts began. “You two will travel down one hall, I will travel down another. I don’t want your feelings to consume you, so as you travel and uncover rooms you two will alternate between who calls upon their craft, and who rests. Is that understood?”

“Yes mam.” Sunset said as Gentle nodded.

“This will also give you more time to adjust to using this form of magic.” The mare looked at the two for a moment. “And if one of you is overwhelmed by your feelings you have someone there to help you regulate them and bring you back.”

“What do you mean?”

“Just as you can use Emotion Magic to focus your feelings, you can use them on another to bring certain emotions to the surface.” Pale Arts began as Gentle’s eyes widened.

“What?” He croaked out. “We can… we can control how people feel?”

“Yes.” Pale Arts sighed. “Directed on another you can make one feel unending love for you, fathomless hate or even seemingly irrational fear and they wouldn’t understand why.”

“That… that’s messed up!” Sunset declared as she stomped a hoof on the ground. “I’ve manipulated people back on Earth, but using magic to make people feel what you want them to feel - that is several kinds of fucked up!”

“I agree.” Pale Art stared down the pair, her gaze making them seem to shrink in size.”That’s why you two will do no. Such. Thing.” She declared. “You will not twist what I am teaching you to manipulate each other or others.” She sighed as she relaxed her gaze. “And yet… if - and only if - one of you is consumed by your malice the other will bring the other back to a clear mindset.” She stated. “That is as far as you two will go with such an act. Do you understand?”

“Y-yeah…” Sunset muttered. “I can get behind that reasoning.” Gentle nodded quickly as he gulped.

“Good, know this if you do such a thing I will find out.” Pale Arts paused as she narrowed her eyes at the two. “And when I do… I will kill you myself.” Both youths gulped, the look in Pale Arts eyes telling them that she wasn’t joking in the slightest.

She really would kill them if they perverted the technique to use and hurt someone that way.

Pale Arts blinked and the steel in her eyes disappeared. Taking a breath the mare turned elsewhere before looking back at two. “Now, I believe we’ve rested enough, shall we begin our search or do you have questions first?” The two ponies looked at each other for a moment before shaking their heads. “I see., well, then, let’s get started.” With that the three headed back into the main hall and broke off. Pale Arts heading towards the left while Gentle and Sunset headed towards the right path.

“Fuck that was scary…” Gentle nodded at Sunset’s words. “I honestly thought she was going to kill us right then and there.” She admitted. He nodded again and looked at Sunset.

She looked at him.

She snickered.

So did he.

They laughed

“You know I haven't been that scared since everything happened seven months ago.” Sunset stated as Gentle nodded.

“Me too.”

Gentle wrote with his magic as he used a hoof to rub his throat.

“Sorry.” Sunset’s smile dropped. “Laughing must have hurt your throat.” She muttered. “I don’t know any healing magic so I can’t fix that for you. It kind of sucks cause I finally got my magic back and I can’t use it to help you out a bit.” Gentle shrugged as he adjusted his bag.

“Don’t worry about it.”

Gentle wrote as the two approached their first room as Sunset took a breath and flared her magic, that familiar miasma coming into existence as Gentle shivered.

That magic still made him feel sick for some reason.

Looking at the recolored door Gentle pushed the door open as he looked back at Sunset.

“You ok?”

“Y-yeah just…” Sunset paused. “It feels you know.” She muttered as Gentle nodded. “Feeling something so strongly it’s… it’s overwhelming.” Sunset paused. “It feels good.”

“But you don’t like the feeling.”

“I shouldn’t feel good drawing upon that part of me.” Sunset muttered as she and Gentle started searching the room. “But I do… even when we were just practicing under Pale Art’s gaze, I liked how good this part of me made me feel.” She stopped searching and looked at Gentle. “You experienced it, you know what I’m talking about.”

He did, he’d be a liar to think otherwise.

Calling upon the darker aspects of yourself; calling upon your hate and anger, your fear and sadness… It felt surprisingly good. It didn’t just feel good though, it was easy. Too easy. Honestly Gentle couldn’t think of anything as easy as that was less he counted something instinctual like breathing or blinking.

Why was it that way?

Why did something so… dark feel so easy to call upon?

Why did it feel good to do so?

Gentle shook his head, trying to get back on track as he looked at Sunset to notice that the mare was already back to searching the room. Not to be left out, he joined her.

Elsewhere

“Not here either.” Pale muttered as she exit another room, her magic flashing as the door that lead to it returned to normal and the room it led to changed. “Well I wasn’t expecting to find the heart so easily.” She muttered. “If I could feel it, then this would be much easier.” Pale Arts sighed. “When I created the Crystal Heart I chose not to add in a Locator Spell because I felt I wouldn’t need since I was going to give it away, but now I’m actually regretting that decision.” She muttered. “I have but days before the last heir of the Mi Amore line comes and when she does, there’s no doubt that she will inform Celestia of my time here.” Pale Arts entered another transformed room. “And disregard her and Celestia, I still have Sombra to attend to, don’t I?” The mare questioned.”I swear I’m going to need a beer after this…” She muttered as she checked the room before moving on.

Searching room after room Pale Arts seemed to grow lost in thought.

The Crystal Heart; the prototype of what eventually became her greatest work. An artifact that converted the light of love and hope into limitless power. The more the ponies felt, more power it drew upon. It was something she created to protect, and at the time she never expected that little village in the snow to grow into something so grand. So many souls gathered around her creation… but for all the good her prototype had done it had a weakness. The Crystal Heart needed light and love to be powered. And as it stood there were no such feelings in the hearts of the crystal ponies; she needed to raise their spirits in order to power it. And while her emotion Magic could be used to to force such feelings into the hearts of ponies - doing such left a bad taste in her mouth. And just as she forbade her students from manipulating the hearts of others, so did she forbid herself.

It was only right she obeyed the same rule she enforced upon her students after all.

“Still, how to go about this?” She muttered as she opened another door and stared ahead , her attention turning to see a mound of crystal that was resting in the back of an empty room. “That looks almost like a minotaurus…” She noted as the crystal’s eyesockets started to glow before its head raised.

A crystal golem.

“Hm, haven’t seen that in a while.” The golem grabbed its weapon, a large axe, as it started stomping forward, dark magic radiating off its form and -

Pale immediately basked it in light as benevolence overwhelmed it. Both the dark room and the armor turned to shining crystal as the room was purified and the mare just looked around for a moment, checking the room as the golem slumped over before falling apart. “Let’s see…” Pale ignored the armor for a moment as she continued to look around before walking off. “Nothing in there… well, there's always the next room.” Pale muttered as she continued her search through the castle, shining rooms being replaced by their dark reflection as she brought her malice to the surface. “I wonder if the kids are running into any Golems or something Sombra left behind.”

“Run!” Gentle did just that as Sunset followed behind, turning just long enough to fire a volley of magic rays from her horn before taking off while a horde of crystal spiders.

Now Gentle had never been afraid of spiders… he’d squished more than a few back when he was a human.

But to be fair he’d never had to deal with a horde made of crystal and about the size of his freaking head!”

“What the fuck are these things!” He screamed as he continued to run.

“Inanimate matter brought to life my Animation! It's a really advanced magic spell, really old too! Princess Celestia used to tell me that the golems that get created used to be used as guardians and sentries to protect certain unicorns and settlements. That said they have incredibly limited -”

“Stop talking and run!”

“I’m sorry I babble when I’m scared!”

Elsewhere

“I’m sure they’re fine.” Pale Arts muttered as she walked on. “What’s the worst that could happen to them?”

Frozen North

This was taking too damn long.

That was the thought that ran through the Shade’s mind as it focused its magic, this deep black miasma gathering into a blackened crystal that seemed to have something rest within it.

From the outside it looked like it was housing some kind of… dark embryo.

Rebuilding a body from scratch certainly wasn’t easy… The Shade had to remind itself. It was going to take time, time it wasn’t certain that it had.

There was ‘another’ within the empire, another that was seeking to rule the lands that rightfully belonged to the Shade and one one else.

Y̶̮̫̙̩͔̫̲̪̓ͅǫ̴̝͕͙̠̳̋̀ȗ̷͉̖̝̳̰̜͙̪͊̉̀̀̾̕͜͝ ̶̢̼̂́̾́́̃̕w̵̱͚̪͇͐ị̵̗̇̎̿͝l̵̯̬͇̗͚͒̆l̷̡̜̪̼̈́̍̒͐͜ͅ ̶̼̄̀n̸̛̥͎͉̲̤͈̍̏̅͜͜ͅǫ̶̛̥̹̯̞͐̒͑̈̑̈́̀͝t̷̡͚̫̼̙̰̪̲̿͒̏̌͜͝.̵̨͉̮̮̣̼͓̰̀̈́̈̊͛̽̀̃͠.̸̣̺͐͌͌̈́͑̉͝.̵̺͎̾͆̄́̇͝͠ ̶̩́̇̕͠t̷̛͓͚̬̦̠̙̖̍̿̾̀̄̿ͅa̶̭͗̏̾̕ḳ̵̘̼͚͙̣̆́͜ê̸̦̳̪̰̘̜̭͑̓̏̈́̿̏͌̀ ̸̗͎̲̩͖͂͒̎͛̏̕w̸̪͗̋ḥ̴̹̲̣͔͈͌̓å̷͍̙͎̫̓͊ṱ̸̥͙̅̍̒̄̊͘.̶̥̘͑.̴̨̹͖͗͂̄̈́̔̿́̕͠.̵̛̙̎̀̆̀̓́̅͝ ̵̭̲͈̠̗̯̠͊̄̄̆̾̔̀͠͝i̴̘̮̋̈́̀̄̇͒̄s̴̖̹̬̠̀͛̕͝ ̴̻̓͂̆̑͆̆m̶͉̱͙̻̅̾ͅi̵̧̢̥̱̮̹̼͂̂̀̒̐n̶̠̜̗͔̝̎̎̿̏̾̑͝è̸̥̮̋̀̿͌̒͝.̵̡̪͆̽̈̀͛.̸̨̘̜̣̗̻̭͇̱̉͋͒̑̀̕͝.̷̧̤͇̜̮̤̩̬̟͊̈́͌̃͝

15

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Sunset slammed the door shut behind her as Gentle took the time to catch his breath. “Goddess, there’s no end to them!” She panted as Gentle headed over to a cabinet and started trying to push it in front of the door. Seeing what was being attempted Sunset called upon her magic, lifting the cabinet before pulling it over. “There, that should hold em off.” She muttered as she heard the door start to rattle. “For a minute anyway.” She turned her head and started looking around. “Ok no windows, and no other doors… great.” She cursed as Gentle fumbling with his hooves to try grabbing his baseball bat. Giving up, though he decided to try his magic and although it was also kind of clumsy to use, he was able to grab his bat and hold it at the ready. “Yeah, from the looks of it we’re going to have to fight our way out of here…” She muttered as she started looking for something she could also use as a weapon. “Still, I’ve never seen so many constructs in my life…” She muttered as Gentle gave her a look. “Why does this guy have so many?”

“No idea…” Gentle muttered as he looked at the barricaded door and took a breath. “But we can’t just let those things run throughout the castle.” He whispered. “If they get loose in town…”

“Yeah…” Sunset grumbled as she took a few steps away from the failing barricade. “Ready?” Gentle took another breath as he looked at Sunset and nodded his head as he grabbed his bat. “Then here we… go…”

As soon as the words left her, the barricade vanished, being chewed through by the crystal horde as they made themselves known. Sunset went first slamming an arcane wall into them that pushed them back outside as they were given some room to make a break for it. An magic ray was fired and Gentle swung his bat.

Of the two attacks, one destroyed, and the other simply knocked them back so they could get back up. Regardless they kept going fighting off as many as they could before Sunset set up a barrier and let the horde crawl over it. Without warning her shield grew spikes that made all those on it grow still before it expanded, and disappeared. Gentle charged right afterwards, swinging like a madman - er pony and tried smashing the horde into pieces. All he ended up doing was dent his bat before Sunset fired a ray at the weapon as it started to glow with foreign magic.

He didn’t question it, he didn’t look back, instead just went back to swinging, this time his weapon managed to chip and break everything it started colliding with.

‘’Ok, this I can work with.’ He told himself as he hit another construct and flattened it into the ground. On impulse he threw a back kick at another and knocked them away, lost his balance and fell to the floor.

Sunset turned, firing a blast of magic from her horn before swinging her head to fire off a sweeping laser at the horde to push them back. When one managed to latch onto her back she popped out of reality leaving them to fall as she picked them up and threw them elsewhere. She charged her magic, focusing it into her hooves and started knocking the crystal spiders away. ‘It’s a little hard to do it in this body, but thank god I practiced martial arts back on Earth.’ She thought to herself as she turned and punched another construct and broke it into shards. One landed on her back and suddenly disappeared as she saw Gentle holding onto it with his magic hand. He tossed it into the air and switched to his bat, knocking it away as he sent it back into the horde.

Sunset turned rising up and slammed her hooves on the ground to create a shockwave that knocked everyone off their feet and followed it up by firing magic from her horn. Gentle got to his feet, using his enchanted bat to start smashing everything he could reach. Before he got to far into it, something tugged at his tail and he found himself lifted into the air and pulled along.

“Come on!” Sunset shouted as she took off running.

“Still nothing…” Pale Arts muttered as she crossed into another room and made a face. “I should have used a bit of my magic to be able to track the heart back when I made it.” The mare stated as she sighed to herself and pressed on. “To be fair though, I never intended to have to seek it out, but hindsight as they say.” The mare muttered as she stopped walking, her attention staring at the walls for a moment as she seemed to think.

“Still, I wonder.” She thought aloud, pulling herself to a stop as she started focusing her magic and tapped the ground with her hooves.

Something left her, something that traveled across the walls and through the flooring as it raced across the palace, searching for locked doors and hidden crevices in search of something.

In her minds eye she found far too many locked doors, and she found far too many hidden passages that dug beneath the palace - beneath the empire itself. She found secret chambers and locked storage rooms. She found crystal guards waiting to be pulled from and she found a prison hidden beneath the castle.

“The Umbrum…” She realized. “Have to deal with that later…” She muttered as she kept looking. That was going to have to be something she took care of later.

She kept looking, and she found the castle library. She looked further and she found the resting place for the royal bloodline. She looked elsewhere and she found her wards in the middle of combat. “Good for them, help them get the experience they need in fighting.” She muttered. “Best send a shade to protect them though.” She continued her search and she found a storage room full of things that would perhaps never see the light of day. She saw pictures locked away and she saw an armory. “Come on… come on… where are you?” She thought as she pulled herself to a stop and focused her attention on something else. “Damn… I thought we had more time…”

Elsewhere

Maybe it was a pegasi thing, but the cold always bothered her for some reason. Everytime the cold seasons came she had to bundle up more than the rest of the Canterlot populis. Maybe it really was a pegasi thing; after all she had been one before her ascension. Regardless Cadence released a breath, shivering slightly as she took a moment while the weather started to get to her. She could tell they were starting to get close and if her auntie was right the airship wouldn’t be able to carry them that much farther.

Regardless she felt somepony wrap around her as she smiled slightly, feeling somepony else’s body heat starting to transfer over to her. “Cold?”

“Not anymore.” Cadence looked back at her husband and gave him a peck on the cheek. “Thanks.”

“You don’t need to thank me, you know.”

“I know.” Leaning back she rested her head on the nook of Shining Armor’s neck and sighed lightly.

“Bit for your thoughts?”

“I’m just… thinking you know. Equestria gets attacked by some unknown force and our nation is in shambles. We’re going north to try and protect the Crystal Empire - which just so happens to pop up again out of nowhere…” Cadence released a small noise. “This wasn’t really how I expected to spend my first year of being married.”

“Me neither.” Shining Armor admitted.

“It’s actually a bit better.”

“… what?” Shining actually pulled back from his wife for a moment as she giggled.

“Shining, you know I’ve always been a bit of a thrill seeker, and how many couples can say that they got to save a resurrected kingdom together?”

“Good point.” The stallion muttered as he leaned back into his wife. “We get to be the couple with the most awesome story to tell.” Smiling, the two fell into relative silence before one of the ships staff approached them, pushing a trolley that had a pair of covered plates resting on a tray.

“Princess Mi Amore, Captain Armor, your meals.”

“Thank you.”

“Thanks, and please Shining Armor will do.” The stallion stated as he scratched the back of his head. “I’m not really Captain of Celestia’s Guard anymore.”

“You’re right it’s ‘Prince’ now isn’t it.” Cadence received a look from her husband as she giggled and the plates were set down before them.

“Ugh~ it thought being called Captain took a while to get used to… Prince?”

“You’ll get used to it my love.” Cadence nuzzled her spouse as she smiled.

Watching the staff disappear the mare was quick to frown as she stared down at her plate. “Still…” She muttered. “I hate to say it, but this doesn’t feel right.”

“What do you mean?”

“Here we are being served like nothing is going on in the world, like what happened a while ago doesn’t really mean much.” She stated. “It’s a bit…” She found the word she was looking for, but failed to use it. “There are people starving and hurting back in Equestria, and yet…”

“I know.” Shining Armor muttered. “You’re right it does feel pretty messed up, but there’s nothing we can really do right now.” Shining stated as he looked out the window. “We’ve all got a part to place: Princess Celestia and Princess Luna are trying to keep the peace while sending out search and rescue parties, Twilly cis helping the Princess with some spell that might bring help, and we’re…” He gestured to what was around them. “We’re here, heading north to find the crystal empire and seal away Sombra.” He stated. “We’ve all got our part to play in this, so…”

“I know…” Cadence muttered. “It still just feels weird, you know.” She stated. “Being allowed to eat like this while everythings going on…” She muttered. “That said, I’m still not really sure why we’re going to the Crystal Empire like this.” She muttered. “Wouldn’t it be better to have reinforcements or something.”

“Yeah.” Shining Armor agreed. He wasn’t one to question Princess Celestia’s decisions, she’d never done anything to warrant such thoughts, but this was one of those rare exceptions. His wife was being sent into the unknown, yes he would be beside her, but it was still something that caused him to grow worried. Maybe it was just the fact he’d always been protective of his family, maybe it was because of his training with the guard, but this was something that bothered him. “I’m sure she has a reason though…” He muttered to himself as he took a breath. Both fell silent for a moment as they seemed to think. After a moment though, Cadence turned to the food and made a noise.

“We should probably eat, food’s getting cold.”

“Uh~ right.”

Crystal Empire

Pale Arts stood at the edge of the Crystal Empire staring at the crack that was staining her barrier, as something pitch black rested on the other end. If she was going to be honest, it felt like the shadow was staring at her.

To be fair though, it was.

“̵̡̞̥̻͋̃̅͝Ỳ̷̛̖̥̻̞o̸̔̈ͅu̷͎͗̋̌̾~̶̟̫͍̝͋̿̍͘”̵̡͍͈̟̚

The shadow on the other side of the barrier hissed.

“̵̰͓̰̽͝I̵̻͋ ̴̖̼̥̺̎́͒̈́k̵͕̖̾̔̚͜ṅ̴̺̗̽̽o̴̢͔͂ẁ̶̧̨̳̖̊ ̵̼̯͔̓y̸̻̌͐́͊o̴̳͕̟͠͝ų̴͓̣̔…̷̧̢̧͌̂͐̀”̴̲̜̲̩͛́̋̈

“And I know you… Sombra.” Pale Arts whispered as she stared at the entity. “The Usurper, the Dark King, the Crystal Tyrant… and unofficial student of Grogar.” She stated nodding her head in greeting. “I confess, I thought you were dead till ‘she’ told me otherwise.”

“̶̦̈̋Ẅ̵̡͖́̓͝ĥ̵̩͇̦̾a̸̢͔̳̺̾̈̄̉ẗ̶̺͍̼̠́͋ ̴̟͆͐͌̚ä̸͉̰͇́͝͝͝r̸̩̰̦͍͑̄e̷̥͓̊͠…̸͕̰̻̓ ̵̻̜̦͝y̷̰̜̝̬̌̋̆̍ȍ̸̩͖̰̮u̵̬̻͉̭̓̃͐…̸̘̀͐ ̷̳̘̟̱̊͐d̷̬̙̋̈́͗͝ö̷́̀͜i̵̝̜͉͒͐͘͠n̷̺͚̹͆̂͜͝g̵̩̈́̆̇̕ ̵̛͇͍͑h̷̤̻͊̃̚͜e̴̼͕͔̳̎͘r̸̺͒ẹ̶̤̗̓̀̉?̷̠͈̠̀̌”̸̟͔͎͐̚

“I am fulfilling a request.” She saw a pair of green eyes staring at her. “You are here for the Empire yes?” It was a rhetorical question. “By all means then… try and take it.”

16

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“Neither of us are near our full power.” Pale Arts mused as she stepped towards her barrier. “Still if we clash, I fear the empire will fall in the crossfire.” The mare stated, the moment she found herself stepping up to her barrier, and it seemed to ripple as she moved through it. “And considering we both desire to have it standing when the day is over, let us fight out here where nothing but snow and frost exist.” From the frozen soil two paths of ice - rather crystals - started to form beside her and every time she moved the crystals pulled themselves from the snow.” Pale Arts took a minute to crack her neck. “May the victor leave this frozen wasteland, and may the defeated be buried under the frost.” She stated, staring up at the shadow. “Let us begin.”

Sombra moved first, diving down as his shadow bore fangs. Pale Arts simply dodged, teleporting to the side as the shadow turned to face her and fired a ray of dark magic that was deflected elsewhere; one ray breaking into several as they bombarded the snow covered landscape. Pale Arts glanced at one of her crystals as she nodded her head while the dark magic continued to spread out around her. The moment Sombra’s ray fizzled out he lunged and Pale retaliated by thrusting one of her two crystals at him. The Shade dodged, avoiding the improvised weapon as he continued his charge. The former queen fired a bolt of magic as she Sombra circled around and pounced on her. A blast slammed it into the side as he hit the ground before half a dozen more rained down on him. Looking up he noticed the crystal that was floating in the air, getting hit by a bolt before it was angled back towards him as another volley.

He moved, trying to dodge a few dozen rays that were falling upon him. A pause between the volley acted as his opening to gather his magic and launch it at the mare standing across from him. All she did was stand her ground, her remaining crystal moving before her as she channeled her magic into it. When Sombra’s blast hit it the crystal blackened for a moment as the energy went into it and started being purified. Pale Arts just started focusing the energy into a ball and fired it back at the tyrant. Sombra’s shade fired his dark magic again as he caused the sphere to detonate.

Crystal Palace

They could have been at this for just a few minutes or a couple of hours now. Honestly, Gentle didn’t really care anymore. All he knew was that this was getting exhausting. It felt like every door they opened led to more crystal monsters they had to fight off.

Gentle reared back and smashed the last crystal spider with his bat. Panting, he turned to Sunset as she dismissed her magic, taking the time to blow upward at her horn and get rid of some of the smoke it was radiating.

“You ok?” She asked and he tried giving her a thumbs up, realized once again that he was missing fingers and just nodded his head. “Good.” She muttered as she dropped onto the ground and took a minute to breathe. “Ah~ this is exhausting…” She muttered as Gentle took a minute to settle down next to her. “I feel like I just got my magic back and I’m already pushing it to its limits.” She stated as she turned to Gentle. “What about you? You haven’t had magic for even a week, is it starting to bother you?” Gentle shook his head, taking a minute to tap his horn with his hoof to show that it was still it’s normal color and not smoking. “That’s really good to hear.” Sunset muttered as she leaned back. “It might help that your magic hasn’t randomly surged yet.” She noted looking at Gentle’s horn. “Still…” Gentle tilted his head as he looked at Sunset. “Sorry, just wondering about something.” She muttered and Gentle made a gesture for her to continue. “I’m just… trying to figure out what kind of pony you are.” Gentle tilted his head again. “I mean your horn’s different than mine, and your tail is…” Gentle looked at the appendage, causing it to shift from side to side as he made a noise. It was still weird having this thing, but he kinda got what she was getting at. His tail was not like hers, rather his tailbone was much longer than her’s. “What kind of pony did you turn into?”

Gentle shrugged, not really sure how to answer that before raising his tail and dropping it on the floor. They both fell silent as they just stayed on the floor, taking a break from their exploration of the castle and fighting crystal monsters. Gentle created a magic hand to scratch his back as his foot kicked, something Sunset found strangely adorable and couldn’t help smiling.

“You’re improving fast.” Gentle looked at her. “You could barely conjure up your magic a day ago, and here you are using it it scratch your back like it’s nothing.” She noted. “I wonder if you have an innate aptitude for magic.” She stated as Gentle rubbed his head.

“Don’t know.” He muttered. “But I do… learn fast when… I’m under pressure.” He admitted taking a moment to rub his scars. “Helps me survive.” Sunset didn’t say anything, just looking at the boy-turned-pony before looking away.

“I get that…” She muttered. The two fell silent as they continued to rest, Gentle taking the time to look at his bat as he made a face.

“Do you think…” He started up again. “We might have… leveled up by now?”

“Huh?” Sunset raised an eyebrow. “What do you mean ‘level up’?”

Gentle said something she couldn’t hear and pouted, realizing that he’d overworked his vocal cords again and started to sign with a hand made of magic.

“Sorry, I’m thinking video games.”

Gentle signed.

“If this were a video game, do you think we would have leveled up yet?”

He chuckled weakly.

“I mean we’ve been getting a lot of fighting experience since we got here.”

That got Sunset to snicker.

“Maybe.” She stated. “But what game would we be playing if that were the case?” Gentle gave her a grin.

“Castlevania?”

He replied and Sunset laughed.

“What; we’re exploring a giant castle and fighting monsters.”

“Yeah but where’s Dracula?” She retorted as Gentle smiled. “And who are you supposed to be if that were the case, a Belmont?”

“Well I am more melee orientated than you are… Belnades.”

He smiled as Sunset chuckled.

“Then does that make Pale Arts our Alucard?” Gentle just continued to smile as he shrugged.

“Maybe, but if that were the case she’d be related to the bad guy.”

“Well, that’s true.” Sunset sounded amused as she got to her feet and made a noise. “Anyway, you ready to get back to looking? We got a lot more ground to cover if we want to find this Crystal Heart thing.”

“Right… about that.”

Gentle paused.

“This might sound stupid, but why not backtrack to the throne room?”

Sunset just stared at the young stallion as she blinked in confusion.

“Why?”

“Well, again this might be a stupid thought but… this is the bad guys castle right?”

He asked.

“Well when it’s turned ‘dark’ it’s his castle, so wouldn’t he want it somewhere closeby to keep an eye on it?”

“What better place than near his throne…” Sunset caught on as she tried rubbing her eyes. “Why didn’t I think about that?” Sunset muttered as she got to her feet and nodded her head. “Let’s go, I think you’re onto something.”

Pale Arts found herself moving, dodging to the side as she avoided a wave of dark magic that had torn through the snow, leaving a trench behind that was quickly filled with black crystals. She made a noise as she did, glancing back to see Sombra circling around to chase after her. She jumped and started to fly, her shadow forming into two pitch black wings that helped her stay airborne.With a flap of her wings she went higher, dodging an assortment of magic rays as Sombra continued chasing after her. She launched both her crystals and fired at one, the blast bouncing between the two crystals as they performed a line that tore an uncounted number of holes into Sombra’s shadow-like form. His shadow just patched itself back together, the darkness reforming and spreading out as the former queen just started down at him. With a flap of her wings she started flying, dancing across the sky as Sombra fired a number of dark rays in her direction.

Out of nowhere he switched to a volley of dark crystals that flew like darts that the former queen continued to dodge before wrapping herself in her black wings, turning them into a sphere of black that started to fall from the sky. Sombra lunged, his darkness biting into the sphere as he slammed it into the ground before backing away to fire a blast at it that caused the snow to blacken as black crystals darted everywhere.

“Behind you.”

The shadow turned like lightning and found nopony there, and the moment he turned back around he found dozens of blacked crystals slamming into his shade. Pale Arts pulled herself from her dark shell as she looked at her work. Her eyes flashed for a moment as the rune she had engraved on the crystals burned and exploded into a flash of light.

Sombra retreated, hissing as his shadow started to mend itself and as his eyes glared at the mare.

T̵̤̜͓̟͚̒̿r̷̭̋i̶͕͖͓̟͐̑̔̚͠͝ͅͅc̴̨̦̭̲̈́͗ḱ̶̡͋͗s̵̟̞͖̪͖͓̑̓t̸̫͈̺͉̖̼́ḙ̴̜̪̩̫̎̉͂͠r̶̬̖̲̳̼̓͒̚.̸̛͈̟̈́͑.̶͎͕̯̺̼̌́.̷͔͇͇̦̑

“I don’t recall declaring the rules of our engagement.” Pale Arts stated as she stepped forward, the crystals she was stepping on started to glow as they were purified and started lifting themselves into the air. “And I see little need to do so now.” She launched the crystals at her counterpart, throwing them like javelins that Sombra started to mold himself around, as he retreated. He inhaled and his horn glowed. He roared and the crystal javelins vanished, burning out of reality as they were consumed by a giant wave of magic that tore through part of the landscape.

Elsewhere

“Hey… Shining?” Cadence muttered, her attention focused on the snow that was stiff falling outside her window.

“Yeah?”

“You ever get the feeling we’re missing out on something important?” Cadence asked as Shining Armor made a humored noise.

“All the time.” He admitted with a smile. “Why do you ask?”

Forcing herself to her feet, Pale Arts staggered for a moment as she pulls herself from the hole she’d been blasted into and shakes her head. Noticing something forming above her, she dodged to the side as a blast of dark magic impacted the area she once was, raising spikes of dark crystals in its wake while she rolled to her feet and counters with her own burst of magic. All she could make out is that she misses and something land before slamming into her with enough force it may very well have been a train. Grunting the mare disappeared into light as she appeared behind Sombra’s shade and fired another burst of her own magic as she knocked her opponent back.

Switching to defense, she created a crystal barrier to block another ray of twisted magic and she followed it with a beam of light that made a beeline for the black mass. Her opponent dodged, their shape changing to let the magic miss and rushed her. Passing over her, her barrier was bathed in darkness as she looked upward at it.

Her shield would hold.

Focusing her magic again her barrier started to glow as she expanded it, making it double and then triple in size as it became this mass of sharpened crystal blades that pointed in every direction imaginable.

The howl that followed wasn’t something an equus could make, and it was something that would probably be heard for the next several miles.

It was Sombra that made that noise, his shade having been impaled in more than a few dozen places, but it still moved. Like living smoke it moved, it swayed and snaked its way through what it could before retreating, and in doing so, it revealed just how disastrous the damage was.

And yet, what damage that had been inflicted wasn’t long lasting. The Shade stitched itself back together. Crawling away from the artificial fortress of crystal that had now stood in the frozen wasteland.

From one of these spires Pale Arts stood, walking out to stare down her adversary as they glared back at her. Sombra growled, his fangs being barred even in his shadow as he grew, while vapors of green started to rise off of him and melt with the black.

‘Emotion Magic.’ Pale Arts noted. The arcane skill she was now teaching her two students was being used by an enemy before her. ‘There must be some irony in this situation.’ She thought to herself as Sombra lunged. In turn she just pointed a hoof forward as a spike of crystal was pulled from her fortress and fired like it had been shot from a cannon. Sombra recoiled, the crystal hit him.

No, the crystal didn’t hit him, it went right through him. Digging into the snow not too far away as it radiated magic. That was what hit him, the arcane energy that Pale Arts had loaded into it.

He looked back at the mare, standing so high up on her crystal fortress as she made more spires grow from her stronghold.

She gave the unheard command, and her stronghold fired.

Crystal Palace

“Alright we’re here.” Sunset muttered as she and Gales stepped back into the throne room and closed the door behind them. “So, if your guess is right then, the Crystal Heart should be somewhere in here.” Gentle tried giving her a thumbs up, failed and just nodded his head.

“Still where do we start looking?”

“The throne is the only real thing in here.” Sunset muttered as she looked at the crystal throne and walked towards it. “But at the same time that just feels a bit obvious right. I mean, theres a bunch of hidden doors and rooms everywhere in this castle, so who’s to say that theres not one in here?” She took a moment to look around before turning to Gentle. “Easiest way to find out would be to blast the entire room.”

“Is that a smart thing to do?”

“Probably not.” Sunset admitted. “We’d need a lot of dark power to draw upon to turn the entire chamber.” The mare looked back towards the throne. “And having to let out that much dark power will probably not be good for us.”

“So we do a corner at a time?”

“No.” Sunset muttered. “This throne room is huge, there's no way that we’ll be able to do the entire place if we just go one corner at a time.” Sunset wasn’t wrong. “Only way to get through this is if I hit the entire room in one go.”

“You don’t have to.”

Gentle wrote.

“I’ll help, we’ll both do half the room and -”

“No way.” Sunset cut him off. “Youbarely have the fundamentals for your magic down, if you accidentally screw up or Goddess forbid, suffer a random surge, you could really hurt yourself.” She told him. “I have more experience with magic in general, so it’ll be safer if I do this.” Gentle gave her a look. “No buts, I got this.” Sunset told him. “You just hang bang and keep an eye on me, if I go a little crazy pull me out of it ok.” Gentle didn’t say anything, he didn’t sign anything either, he just stared at Sunset for a moment before frowning as he nodded his head.

“Be… careful.” He whispered as Sunset nodded, closing her eyes and started to focus.

“Alright.” She muttered. “Here we go in, three two… one…” That vile mana started to dance across her horn as vapors left her eyes. Without a word she fired her magic, not a ray but as a sort of growing dome, one that started at her feet and slowly made its way outward. The ground started to darken as Gentle stepped back, more out of reflex than anything.

“Sun…set?” Gentle muttered as he started noticing Sunset’s coat starting to pale.

‘Need…more…’ Sunset thought to herself. ‘I need to draw upon more power.’ She told herself. ‘But to find it I need to dig deeper…’ She thought as she started searching through her memories.

“Sunset?”

She remembered her life before Celestia took her in, and how she hated it.

Sunset.”

She remembered who she was and was disgusted by it.

“Sunset you need to stop.”

She remembered Flash breaking up with her and felt both the pain and the anger she felt from it.

“Sunset!”

She remembered…

“You have a lot to think about…”

Gentle wasn’t exactly sure what happened, one moment he was shaking Sunset and the next he was being blown back by something. Looking up he saw that Sunset had wrapped herself in a pillar of light that was actually burning the ceiling. From the outside he could see cracks of light starting to form on the mare’s skin as she started to float into the air.

“Sunset!”As soon as the pillar came though it disappeared, and Gentle found himself looking skyward at a curious pair of tattered wings unfurling to reveal someone new “Oh… this can’t be good.”

???

Wandering the old roads a trio composed of a Goddess unsealed, a mercenary, and her client, of of the three froze as they turned their head elsewhere. “Is something wrong?” Her client asked as they looked back and stared at the mercenary who was just staring off into the distance. The mare just shook her head.

“No…” The mare muttered. “It’s nothing for you to worry about.” Her client just looked at her before nodding their head.

“Very well.” The figure stated as he continued walking to catch up with his Goddess. Meanwhile the mare couldn’t help looking back elsewhere as she bit her lips.

“That feeling… Sunset?”

17

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Gentle couldn’t help stepping back as he stared ahead. Whatever he was looking at, it wasn’t the Sunset that he had grown accustomed to seeing. She’d grown taller, not so tall that she’d rival Pale Arts, but she’s certainly gotten taller than him. That amber coat of hers had shifted to become this brilliant crimson. Her hair had raised itself upward to mimic a sort of flame. Her eyes… they were still cyan but they were surrounded by blackness.

“Sunset?” The winged mare huffed, her eyes snapping in his direction before the rest of her head turned as well. “Sunset.” Gentle muttered, gathering his courage as he stepped forward. “Sunset, it’s me.” He called out to her. “You… you recognize me, right?” He didn’t know enough about this magic stuff, but he’d seen enough tv to know “dark magic” could fuck with your head. “Are you… are you in there?”

The scream that followed wasn’t something that could be called human - or pony. It wasn’t something that could be created by a monster either. If anything, it sounded more like it belonged to fabled banshee.

Gentle didn’t have time to raise his bat in defense, honestly, he didn’t really have time to react at all. All he knew was that one second Sunset, or whatever she had become was staring at him, and the next she had pinned him to the wall with enough force to knock the wind out of him. Weakly he opened his eyes, and looked up at the mad mare and noticed something, he hadn’t expected; she was crying. “Sunset?” A light gathered around the mare’s horn as Gentle found his attention shifting. He practically threw his head to the side as the ray that came down tore a hole through the floor beneath him. “Calm down! Sunset! Calm down!” He saw another ray starting to charge as he gulped, his hooves raising up in order to grab Sunset’s face before he pointed it elsewhere.

The ray that followed ripped though the chamber, causing a part of it to boil as it trailed across the walls. Sunse’s eyes simply turned to him and Gentle noticed that her ray was “following” her gaze slowly gliding across the floor as it made its way back to them. Gentle’s eyes widened and he did the only thing he could really think of. He moved. He didn’t push her off and run, instead his horn started to flicker as a floating hand came into reality and grabbed his tail before pulling hard; dragging him under the mare and behind her. Sunset looked around, her ray disappearing as Gentle rolled to his feet. Hearing him, Sunset turned and released another one of those banshee-like screams before firing another ray. Gentle ran leaving the blast to follow behind him as he circled around the mare.

“Sunset, stop!” He called out as he avoided another ray. Before he could blink though, Sunset had moved, spreading her wings as she lunged at him. That phantom hand formed infront of him and Sunset slammed right into it, pushing it and it’s creator back as the fingers wrapped around her.

‘She’s gonna kill me if I don’t do something!’ Gentle thought as he continued sliding along the floor. ‘Think! Think! Gotta try finding a way to -’ The rest of that thought disappeared as he found himself losing his balance and tumbling down a flight of stairs. ‘Ow!Ow! OW Where did these stairs come - oh right Sunset transformed the entire chamber - Ow!’

Gentle formed a hand under him to stop himself from falling any further and floated off the staircase as he looked around to see the spiral staircase that was digging deep into the pits of the palace. ‘That is a long way down…’

Unfortunately, he was about to take a shortcut.

Feeling someone staring at him, Gentle turned just in time to see that Sunset was tackling him through the hand he was using to float and down the stairway lined pit.

Pale Arts felt the hairs on the back of her neck stand on end as she glanced back towards the Crystal Empire. ‘Somethings happened…’ The Mare thought before remembering where she was. Her distraction had caused her stronghold to stop firing and Sombra took that as the opening he needed, slamming into the structure and starting to corrupt it, his darkness spreading like a poison introduced into a well as weins of darkness started to spread. Pale Arts chose to abandon her location; jumping - growing wings and taking to the skies as what was once hers started to turn blacker than obsidian.

The color didn’t just change though, the entire structure did as well, crystals breaking apart and grinding together, moving so that they might take a new shape. A shape that was very equine in structure.

It howled the sound that left it seeming like it was going to echo across the frozen north.

“A bit primitive but not bad.” Pale Arts watched the construct’s massive horn start to glow as she dropped out of the sky, choosing to dodge by falling instead of using some fancy aerobatics. The blast that followed could be seem for miles at a time. It was less a ray and less of a blast - it was practically a torrent of dark magic that punched through the clouds and started to dig into the snow as it was swung down to chase after Pale Arts who stayed close to the snow for a moment before rising into the sky. The crystal construct stopped firing its torrent of magic, chosing to instead open its mouth as it released a volley of smaller rays that produced a scattershot.

Too many rays fired; barely any room to dodge…

Pale Arts was enveloped in magic, magic that clung to her coat as the word seemed to slow down. No, the world hadn’t slowed down, she’d gotten faster. With a tilt of her head a ray flew past her as she charged forward, racing towards the massive construct and started moving weaving through the volley that was flying around her.

Weave to the left.

Dodge to the right.

Climb into the sky.

Fall towards the earth.

The construct started gathering magic between its teeth, dozens of smaller rays slamming into each other as they grew into one massive sphere that was released in Pale’s path.

She was going too fast, she couldn’t fly out of the way.

She didn’t have to.

The magic that consumed her obliterated a mountain off in the distance, trailing across the northern sky as it continued on towards an unknown horizon.

From within the construct, Sombra smiled, his fangs showing themself as he looked through his new weapon.

She was gone. That old and forgotten relic of the past, was gone. He started to chuckle, and right after it broke into a manic laugh as his construct turned to the sky and howled alongside him.

“Don’t celebrate too soon now.”

Sombra found a hoof slamming into his jaw as his head was knocked into a collection of crystal. Pale Arts was already on him, another hoof slamming into his form as tried getting his senses back together.

She wasn’t letting him.

Hit.

She knocked his jaw upward.

Hit.

She slammed it to the side.

Hit.

She forced the air out of his lungs.

Her last strike missed only because he managed to meld into his construct’s form, and left her hoove to punch a hole through the crystal she cracked it open.

H̵̪̖̹̓͊̈́o̵̬͔̦͔̤͍̠̽͆͜ẃ̵̘̯͍͎̰̩̜̍̑̓̐͒̒̽

Have you studied a teleportation spell?” Pale Arts asked as she pulled her hoof out the crystal and started looking around. “That’s very disappointing.” Sombra, wherever he was, growled as small crystalline hornes gathered around the interior of the Construct as they fired upon the mare. Pale Arts response was to simply tap her hoof on the ground, and destroy the construct all together.

Gentle cursed as he continued falling down the pit with Sunset clinging to him. A feral but broken look on her face as she did so. ‘If we hit the floor we’re dead!’ Gentle realized as he glanced behind him, seeing that the ground was approaching frighteningly fast. ‘Gotta stop us somehow…’ He bit his lips as he flared his magic and formed another hand beneath him… only to punch right through it and causing it to disappear. ‘Going too fast… come on, think of something!’ Problem was Gentle couldn’t think of anything.

It wasn’t that he was panicking, it was that he just couldn’t think of anything. He still sucked at magic so he wasn’t able to do much with that. He couldn’t grab onto anything cause there was nothing he could grab onto - and he didn’t have hands anymore.

‘Come on Gentle, think! Think! If you don’t stop this you're both dead.’ He reminded himself before realizing something as he looked back at Sunset, who was still lost in her berserk/sorrow. ‘Sunset’s… gonna die.’ He thought. ‘She’s gonna die, and you can’t do a damn thing… just like-’

An image passed before his eyes, the memory of a face that still caused him pain. Without warning he wrapped his hooves around the mare as she seemed taken back by the act.

“You…” The transformed mare growled out as Gentle’s horn, body and crystal started to glow. “What are you doing?”

“I’m not losing another one!”

All across the land of Equestria, ponies felt it, they saw it.

An eruption of magic that could wasn’t normal in this day and age.

Brilliant ember in color and piercing the sky like a pillar and ripping a hole through it.

“Sister?” Luna muttered as she looked at the sky. “Is that?”

“Yes.” Celestia muttered as she noticed the aurora that was spreading from the pillar of mana. “That’s the crystal heart but…” She paused. “I can’t recognize this magic signature.” She admitted.

“Now that’s some dense magic.” Gaea muttered as she looked to the horizon.

“What in the world could create that much mana?” Her follower muttered as she just looked at it.

“An adolescent kirin.” Gaea muttered with a smile. “One undergoing a magic surge while drawing upon a rough understanding of Emotional Magic, and using the entire crystal Empire as an amplifier.” She paused. “It’s causing a resonance with the Crystal Heart and amplifying the output even further.”

“That seems like a really well thought out guess.” The mercenary bodyguard muttered as she glanced at the mare.”

“Who said it was a guess?” Gaea asked. “I see everything that goes on upon my soil.” She told them. “It’s so warm.” She muttered. “The desire to protect somepony, the desire to help them…” She whispered. “It’s so warm, like a fire warming your house…” She whispered. “But be cautious young one, for such a fire may burn it to the ground.”

“Shining?” Cadence muttered as she stared up at the pillar of light, ignorant to the fact that her cutie mark was starting to pulse. “I think we need to hurry.

“Gentle…” From the wreckage of a destroyed construct, something reduced now to a clump of crystalline chunks and shards. “He shouldn’t be able to release that much magic.” The mare muttered as she started to step towards the empire.

Behind her Sombra lunged, pulling himself out the crystal carpet and swung what seemed to be a shaped blade of crystal. Pale Arts didn’t do anything, but her shadow did. Springing to life the darkness at her feet wrapped around the blade as they held it still before making their way towards Sombra, who backed off.

“T̸̪̜̺̏́̃h̸̢͓͉̩̪͔̆̄͗̅̾̐ĩ̷̢̛͕̩͖̝͐̇͒͒͝s̷͙͙̿̄͛̉̀ isn’t over…” Sombra’s body condensed, black vapors turning into skin and bone as they revealed the stallion's true form. Pale Arts kept her gaze focused on the pillar of light as it started to die down. Her barrier had been broken by the pure output of the power brought forth, and the clouds had been pushed back, the near-eternal blizzard that was dancing across the empire had scattered with it. “Turn around… and let us finish this.” Pale Arts still said nothing as Sombra collected crystals to form what seemed to be a scythe. “I said…”

“I heard you.” Pale Arts muttered as she continued facing the empire. “Just know that the moment I do, this battle is over.”

“What?” Pale Arts just glanced back at Sombra and her horn pulsed and she started walking off. “Get back here!” He moved and found his vision tilting. ‘W-what?’ He started falling, slamming into the ground and saw something fall across to him.

His body… well half of it anyway.

‘S-she …’ he didn’t get to finish that though, but he still realized what had happened.

Pale Arts had weaponized a Teleportation spell. In the split second her horn pulse she grabbed him only half of his body, and warped that half elsewhere.

“If you revive, I'll put more effort into kill you next time.” Pale Arts muttered as she started running towards the Empire. Snow quickly gave way to grass, and grass was quick to give way to the crystal floor. Something that seemed to shine with far greater radiance than before food for some reason.

“What’s going on?”

“I don’t know? But I feel…” “Light?” “Yes.”

“Like someponys watching over me.”

“I feel so warm…” “This… this isn’t Love though.” “This feeling…”

“Kindness…” “Loyalty…”

“It feels like how things were before… before He came…”

Pale Arts ignored the words of the Crystal Ponies as she continued running, heading towards the palace as she periodically started teleporting, closing as much distance as she could before pushing the doors open and started searching. “Gentle!” She called out. “Sunset!” She called out again. “Where are you?” The Mare all but pleaded as she continued racing across the ground. “Speak if you hear me!” She called out, running across shards of Crystal Constructs and those that were still standing, but seemingly confused as to what to do. Some watched her, and started to skitter away, while others made attempts to follow her.

She was the biggest after all.

Regardless Pale Arts just continued running through the palace grounds, calling out for her two wards as she continued down different paths.

“Pale~!” Stopping the mare turned to one of the palace towers as she looked out a nearby window. From the top of one she saw Sunset with Gentle leaning on her for support. He smiled weakly as Sunset called out, waving to get her older counterparts attention. “Hey!” She called out as the mare jumped out the window and started to fly, growing shadow like wings as she flew up to them.

“Thank the Goddess…” The mare whispered, landing before them. “Are you two alright, what happened?”

“I… I’m not really sure.” Sunset admitted. “I remembered using the magic you taught me and the next I knew Gentle and I were at the bottom of a stairwell.” She told her as Gentle seemed ready to fall asleep. Both of them looked terrible. Sunset had what seemed to be burn and scuff marks, while Gentle was covered in these black veins. “We found a door and started going up another flight of stairs and…”

“Found this.” Gentle muttered as he gestured to the Crystal Heart that was on the floor next to them. “Pretty sure… this is important.” He muttered.

“It is.” Pale Arts muttered as she started levitating the Crystal Heart. “Still, you two look terrible.”

“Feel terrible.” Both ponies muttered as Pale Arts started levitating them as well.

“Let’s get you two downstairs…” Themare whispered. “You two did good.”

“Thank you…” Sunset muttered as Gentle passed out right on the spot. Pale just smiled and started flying down the side of the palace and returned to the world below.

“This is going to take a moment to explain to the crystal ponies.” The mare muttered. “It can wait though.”

18

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Despite how he looked, Gentle slept rather peacefully. Pale was happy about that, the same could be said for Sunset.

Still…

“Will he be alright?” The younger mare asked as she looked at the black veins that were racing across Gentle’s form. “I’ve never seen anything like this before.”

“He’ll be fine.” Pale stated, rubbing the young stallion’s head with her hoof. “He just needs rest.”

“You say that but…” Sunset muttered. “Look at him, what exactly happened?”
“Mana Overexertion.” Pale stated as Sunset looked at him.

“Mana Overexertion?” Sunset took a minute as Pale nodded her head. She started to think. Back when she was Celestia’s pupil, she had mentioned something about that during a lesson. If her memory was correct, then her words went something like this; all creatures have a certain amount of mana running through them, and in focusing that mana they could perform spells. That said, there was still a limit to how much mana they could pull from, and if one tried pulling out more mana than they had in reserve they could, but it came at a cost. The extra mana was said to come from their life force.

You burned out minutes, hours, days, even years fir more magical power to wield.

Sunset bit her lips. “How much…” She began. “How much did he burn out?”

“From the looks of it.” Pale muttered. “About a week’s worth.” She stated with a sigh of relief.

“Just a week?” Sunset muttered as she stared at the bedridden youth. “He released so much mana- enough to calm the entire Frozen North - and he only took a week from his lifeforce?” Sunset gulped. “How is that-”

“There were a number of triggers responsible for why that magic eruption happened as it did.” Pale Arts stated as she tapped a hoof on the floor. “Where we are, his rough understanding of emotionally-powered magic, and most likely a few other triggers I’m currently unaware of.” The mare stated. “Regardless, all of these triggers aligned at just the right time and place to allow him to pull forth so much magic.” Pale admitted. “He’s lucky, normally pulling that much magic would have put him at death’s door.” Sunset’s hair snapped in Pale’s direction, and the older mare just gave her this smile. “Rest assured, he’ll come back to us. As I said, things aligned just right for him. He’ll be fine after some rest.” The mare’s smile disappeared. “Speaking of which, you should get some rest.” The mare stated. “You could use it.”

“I will.” Sunset admitted as she looked back at Gentle. “In a minute.” Pale just nodded her head as she turned and started walking away, leaving the room that she had been set Gentle in and closed the door behind her.

Leaving, the mare made a face as she glanced around.

The Crystal Empire was empathic in nature, the more ‘light’ that echoed throughout the land the ‘brighter it came. In reverse, the more vile it became in accordance with the ‘darker’ feelings that ran through it. That was what she’d told her students earlier.

“Still, for his eruption to cause such ‘light’...” The mare thought as she looked at the walls. They were practically humming with energy. “Even if things aligned just right for him to purify the Empire… he shouldn’t have been able to cause the empire to resonate so well.” The mare muttered as she seemed to think, closing her eyes as she did and continued her walk. “What could have caused such a strong resonance?” She questioned, opening her eyes as she moved forward. “I might have to monitor him more, see if I can spot something that caused it.” She muttered as she stepped through the castle before moving outside. “Later though, right now… right now I should probably speak with the locals.”

If he was going to be totally honest; Shining Armor had an idea on what to expect when he and his wife were entrusted to handle whatever was going on with the Crystal Empire. The name itself gave him an idea on what it might look like; the Crystal Empire, so obviously it would have an appearance that was sort of aligned with crystals. Because of that, he expected it to be very shiny.

That being said…

“I was not ready for this…” Shining Armor mumbled as he looked around, attention shifting from one building to the next. This place was… beautiful. Crystal had been cultivated in such a way that it created everything, the buildings, the streets, the benches - all crystal. Beyond that though, everything seemed to ‘hum’, creating a tune he couldn’t quite make out. “Wow…”

“Yeah…” Cadence muttered in agreement as she walked through the streets and took everything in.

“So this is the Crystal Empire…”

“Yeah…”

“But… where is everyone?” Shining asked as Cadence seemed to pause.

“I don’t know… wait.” The mare muttered as she squinted. “It looks like there’s a crowd over there.”

Crowd might not have been the right word. A crowd might have been too small. It was like the entire Empire had gathered where they were heading. In the back of group, Shining Armor and Cadence looked over everypony and just stared ahead, stared at this mare that seemed to be at the center of it all.

“You must have a lot of questions.”

Her voice echoed across the grounds.

“And I’m afraid that many of those questions are something I cannot answer, at least not yet.”

She told them.

“What I can tell you is this.”

“My name is Pale Arts., and I came here to defeat the one known as Sombra.”

The mare stated as her magic started to pull something from her bag as she continued.

“Is that a horn?” Shining Armor whispered, a bit of concern in his voice as he stared at the severed appendage.

“It is… but.” Cadence muttered. ‘The air around it… I eel so much malice.’

“You all may recognize this as Sombra’s horn.”

The mare stated.

“Let it be proof that the dark one is no more. And may his shadow never creep from beyond the horizon again.”

The mare stated as he horn pulsed, the magic that was encasing the horn turning into a flame that quickly made work of the appendage and caused it to disappear. As soon as it was gone her magic again pulled something from her bag as the ponies gasped in surprise.

“And this…”

“That’s…”

“The Crystal Heart.”

“She found it.”

“But I thought it was lost forever.”

“The Crystal Heart?” Cadence muttered. “What’s that?”

“This belongs to you.”

Pale’s resulting speech wasn’t that one might find from a hero, it wasn’t one belonging to someone who sought the crown either. In her own words she was simply fulfilling a request to an old friend,and as it stood she had no reason or desire to stay in the Empire. She was here on business, nothing more, and nothing less; and now that her business was concluded, she’d be on her way. Or rather she would be as soon as one of her students was feeling better. After that she simply retreated back into the castle, leaving the Crystal Heart in their capable hooves.

Her words had caused the crystal ponies to try figuring things out themselves, wondering what might happen to them now.

That though, left Cadence and Shining Armor unsure of what to do with themselves at the moment.

They had come to the Empire to protect it from Sombra, but it appears someone had beaten them to it.

Their objective had been fulfilled, but it didn’t feel right to them.

They’d come all this way and in the end it was for nothing.

Following after the mare and entering the Crystal Palace. The two ponies found her just staring at the one of the stained glass images that hadn’t changed since Sombra’s reign.

It showed the old Princess, as well as what looked like her heir - her child - likely a newborn following their birth and what seemed to be the Crystal Heart as well.

“Ah~” The mare whispered as she glanced to the side for a moment. “You made it inside.” The mare, Pale Arts greeted the two. “I was wondering if you’d follow me or not.”

“Sorry.” Shining Armor apologized as he stared at the mare. She was tall, no doubt taller than his wife, and likely as tall as Princess Celestia, but she wasn’t as lithe. “We weren’t really sure if we should come in.” The mare just chuckled lightly.

“Did you believe you’d be rejected at the door?” She asked. “Rest assured, so I have no intention of turning you away, at least not yet.” She stated as she made a humored face.“I must admit though, I’d hoped I’d be gone before you arrived but I guess this is fine as well.” The mare swung a hoof to the side and started walking off. “Please, follow. We have… things to discuss, Princess Mi Amore Cadenza, and Prince Shining Armor.”

She knew who they were.

For whatever reasons that set off a few alarms in their heads. The mare knew who they were. Looking at each other, the married couple couldn’t help hold a silent conversation before following after the mare.

“You know who we are.” Cadence muttered. “I’m afraid I can’t say the same.” She admitted. “Who are you?”

“As I said outside, I am Pale Arts, and as of right now, I am no one but a wanderer.”

“And yet your wandering led you to the Crystal Empire.” Shining muttered, noticing the next stained glass window as it showed the coronation of a previous princess. “It led you here shortly after it returned?” He made a noise. “That’s quite a coincidence.”

“I assure you, it was no coincidence.” The mare stated looking at another stained glass, this one depicting Celestia herself doing battle with a great drake. “A request from an old friend sent me here, and I chose to not ignore it.”

“And that request was to defeat Sombra and return the Crystal Heart.” Cadence muttered. “Who… gave you that request, if you don’t mind me asking.”

“Someone you may meet one day.” Was all the mare said as she glanced at another stained glass and saw the founding of the great Empire under the first. “Hopefully you won’t anger her. I’d hate for the last of this bloodline to fade away.” The mare stated.

“Last of this bloodline?” Cadence muttered. “What are you talking about?”

“Ah~ So you don’t know.” The mare whispered. “Mi Amore Cadenza.” The mare said the name not as if she was addressing the alicorn in question, but getting a feel for the word. “You were not given that name without reason.” She looked back at the alicorn. “Mi Amore, that is the name given to this Empire’s royal Bloodline.” both Shining Armor and Cadence fell silent as the mare simply nodded her head.

“What…” Cadence muttered. “I’m…”

“An Heiress to the house of Mi Amore, the line who ruled over this empire for roughly a thousand years before Sombra took the reins.”

“That’s impossible.” Cadence muttered. “I can’t be an heiress to the Crystal Empire.” The mare stated. They’re line ended a thousand years ago, Princess Celestia said as such.”

“And you believed her?” Pale Arts asked as she returned her attention to the glass. “When Sombra took over the Empire, there is no doubt that he attempted to purge your bloodline - ensure that no descendents would rise to unite the ponies of the Crystal Empire and end his reign.” She sighed. “I’m afraid that’s just how things go.” She muttered as she started walking towards the pair, Shining taking the time to stand infront of his wife protectively as Pale Arts just nodded her head. “But it appears, during his purge, Sombra missed you.” She glanced ove Shining Armor and stared at Cadence for a moment before nodding. “And I see how.”

“What do you mean?” Cadence muttered, unsure of what the mare was getting at. “What do you mean he ‘missed me’? If I am a descendent of the Mi Amore line than wouldn’t that mean that my predecessor was the one he missed?”

“Normally, yes.” Pale Arts nodded. “Normally your ancestor would be one to escape the purge and likely live out the rest of their life in hiding, waiting to return to the Empire. But with the Empire vanishing all those centuries ago, they would likely just live out as a normal pony, they would marry, they would have children and they grow old watching their children grow and have children of their own.” Pale Arts admitted. “That’s how things would normally be. But this isn’t the ‘normal’ situation.” The mare stated.

“What do you mean?”

Cadence, you are the Crystal Princess, you are the rightful heir… from a thousand years ago.”

The married couple stayed silent as they stared at the mare.

“That…” Cadence fell silent a moment longer before shaking her head. “That’s a lie if I ever heard one.” The mare stated. “I’m not a thousand years old, buck I’m barely 30.” The mare stated. “I can’t be from a thousand years ago.”

“That’s what your echoes say.” That got Cadence to fall silent again.

“Her… echoes?” Shining Armor asked.

“Her echoes in time.” The mare stated. “It happens when one moves through time. Think of them like~” She paused, trying to find the right words. “Well, if you call out into a cave, you hear an echo yes, one that is always a few seconds behind you. A Time echo is very similar to that, your echo is bouncing through time, and it has been for a thousand years.” Pale Arts stated as Shining looked at his wife who seemed as confused as he was, but slightly worried as well. “One thousand years ago, when Sombra began his Purge, you were sent through time in order to survive it.” The mare stated as she turned away and started walking away. “If I had to guess, you were found by a random couple and lived out your life till you ascended, After words you were taken in my Celestia and raised as her own.”

“That’s a guess?” Cadence was more than just a little troubled by this apparent guess. A guess that summed up her life frightening well. “There’s no way that was just a guess.”

“You’re right, it wasn’t.” The mare stated as winked at the younger mare. “Time Echoes are… very useful when you understand time magic.” Her smirk disappeared. “Regardless. I’m curious as to why Celestia didn’t tell you. But to be fair, that mare does love her secrets.” She stated. “She should be careful though, they will no doubt be her downfall one day.” The mare muttered as Cadence seemed to follow her more on instinct than anything, with Shining Armor following behind the two.

“Just who are you?” Cadence asked after a while. “No regular mare would know this kind of stuff.”

“I am Pale Arts.” The older mare stated. “And I am a ghost.” She declared. “As for who I was…” The mare stopped in front of another stained glass as she smiled, shaking her head. “That’s a different story altogether. Cadence looked at the stained glass, as it told a story. The story of a village lost in the snow till a stranger came, giving them what seemed to be the Crystal Heart.

“That’s…” Shining Armor looked at the stained glass and the mare a few times before his mouth dropped. “That’s you…”

The mare just smiled at the pair and gave this light nod. “You two should get some rest.” Pale Arts stated. “Take a bath, warm up, and turn in for a while.” She recommended. “We can talk more later. Hopefully when that time comes I won’t start subject you to the rambling of an old mare.”

19

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She was singing again. It wasn’t a bad thing to be honest. It was becoming apparent that the Allmother, Gaea, liked singing, something about it filled the world with life, and something about it caused it to seem so much brighter.

It was a pleasant feeling.

Still Gaea’s song went mostly ignored by one; the bodyguard that seemed to frown at nothing in particular and repeatedly glanced off in another direction.

“That feeling…” The mare whispered as she again looked off in a random direction and started lagging behind her little group. ‘I want to write it off as my imagination, but that definitely felt like Sunset’s magic…’ The mare thought. “Or at the very least her dark magic.” The mare grumbled as she felt her frown deepen. “But that can’t be the case… Sunset… she’s” The mare thought to herself before closing her eyes and started to rejoin the group. “Sunset is dead.”

“At least, that’s what you were told.”

A voice echoed into the mares mind, and she honestly nwasn’t to sure if it was her own, or somepony else's’. Regardless of who it belonged to though, she couldn’t really find herself denying that thought.

What she had been told all those years ago, it didn’t necessarily mean it was the truth.

Everyone could lie; ponies, griffons, dragons… everyone had the power to lie. Just because Equestria was built up on the magic of friendship; the ideas attributed to kindness, laughter, generosity, loyalty and honesty didn’t change that fact.

Everyone had the power to lie, not just her and others, but to themselves as well.

“Sunset…” The mare muttered as she took a breath. “Are you alive?” She asked, keeping her head low as she seemed to frown. “If that’s the case…”

“Do you want to head out?” Gaea asked looking back at the mare, her servant doing the same as well.

“Hm?” The mercenary turned bodyguard made a noise as she addressed the two. “Sorry, what was that?”

“Do you want to head out?” The Mother Goddess repeated. “Would you like to leave to pursue your own ideals?”

“My ideals align with his.” The bodyguard gestured to the stallion who remained silent, but the Mother Goddess just made a noise and seemed to think.

“Perhaps I am using the wrong words.” She muttered. “Would you like to go out on your own… to see if ‘Sunset’ is indeed alive.” The bodyguard frowned slightly.

“You heard me?”

“I am, quite literally, all around you.” Gaea stated. “There isn’t a voice on my soil I can not hear.” The entity admitted as the bodyguard seemed to think for a moment.

“Right~ forgot for a moment.”

“That’s quite fine.” Gaea whispered. “Still, you haven’t answered my question. Do you wish to be relieved of duty for a bit so that you might see if this ‘Sunset’ indeed lives?” The mare simply goes silent for a bit before making a face.

“Is she alive?” The mare asks. “If she is… surely you would be aware of her existence.”

“Indeed.” Gaea admitted as she seemed to look north. “And she indeed lives." The entity stated. "Do you want to go see her?"

"Maybe later." The mare mumbled to herself.

"OH?." Her client finally spoke up. "Why is that?"

"As I said, my ideals align with yours." The mare stated. "And if I step away, my ideals might never be made real." She told them. "Besides…" She paused. "I go where the money goes."

"I see."

Crystal Empire

Shining Armor couldn't help sighing in relief as he stepped into the bath. It was, for all intents and purposes, just what he needed after a long day. A chance to just lay back in the tub and relax.

Only thing was, this wasn't his bathroom. This place was much too fancy, and shined a little too much for his personal tastes. Still he'd let it go, after all, he'd been allowed to use the bath, and after a long trek through the snow, he felt like he needed it, and he didn't just mean that because it warmed him up.

Sitting in the royal crystal bathhouse, Shining Armor found his body relaxing. "This is nice." He muttered, more to himself than anypony else. Still he did kinda expect a response, especially since his wife was sharing it with him.

That said, the response he was expecting never came, and glancing to the side, he found out why.

Cadence seemed lost in thought, her attention not really focusing on anything even though she was staring in a single direction. It wasn't that often when he found Cadence so deep in thought. Sure he'd seen her with her 'thinking face' on before, but she never had it so… intense. Like she was thinking particularly hard about something.

"Cadence?" The stallion's voice pulled the mare out of her thoughts as she blinked a few times before looking at him.

"Huh? Oh Shining Armor." Cadence muttered. "Is something wrong?"

"I should be asking you that." Her husband muttered. "You're still thinking about what Pale Arts said." It wasn't a question.

"Yeah…" The mare admitted as she tried disappearing under the bath. “I just… was she telling the truth?” Cadence muttered. “That I’m the heiress of the Crystal Empire?” She paused. “That I’m from the past?”

“Cadence…”

“Shining, you remember what i told you about my past right? About how I grew up in a village of Earth Ponies? About how I never knew my real parents?” The mare muttered. “I was happy with my adoptive parents, but I always wondered who my real ones were. So, I… looked, I wanted to know why they abandoned me, but I couldn’t find anything related to them. And…” Cadence paused. “Sometimes… Sometimes when I would ask Auntie, she got this ‘look’. Like she knew something but couldn’t tell me.” The mare admitted. “If I’m really from the past and Auntie knew, does that mean…” Cadence paused again. “She was hiding it from me?”

“Cadence…”

“And if so… why did she hide it?” Shining Armor didn’t say anything, instead, just moving across the path and leaned against his wife.

“I don’t know.” He admitted. “I don't know if that mare was telling the truth, but I also don’t know if she was lying.” He told her. All I can say is… there's a lot about this situation that we don’t know. I’m not sure what’s going to happen. But… we’re going to figure this out together.” He told her. “I promise.”

“I know…”

Pale Arts found herself returning to the hall of stained glass as she looked at the old memories that were plastered on the walls. Memories that weren’t her’s reflected themselves back at her, but that was to be expected as they were presented for all the world to see. “So many events… , so many moments in time, just memories we may soon forget.” The mare whispered as she started walking down the halls, getting a better view of the Crystal Empire’s history. “At least, that is how it would be, had it not chosen to return. But now…” The mare muttered. “What will happen?” She asked. “One thousand years, that’s how long it has been since the Empire vanished. The world, Gaea has changed so much.” She admitted. “So much has changed since the old days, and…” The mare paused. “Things are going to change once again.” Whether that is for the better or for the worst that is uncertain.” The mare grumbled as she heard something walking up to her. Turning her head she saw that a small crystal spider, a golem was following her. It seemed to look to the left, than to the right before looking back at her and started skittering up to her.

She wasn’t worried about it attacking her. Since Gentle’s ‘episode’ not that long ago he had cleared out Sombra’s influence over them. They weren’t under his control now, but they weren’t hostile anymore. Anything they were as docile and curious as one could get.

“What shall we do with you?” Pale Arts muttered as she saw the spider-golem get closer to her before letting it follow after her. “I’m honestly not that sure yet.” She made a noise. “Well we have time to figure that out.”

20

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Haven

Still no word from Cadence and Shining Armor.

Though she didn’t say it, that was the thought that ran through Princess Celestia’s mind, and Luna knew it. Glancing at her sister, who seemed curiously interested in the window, Luna found herself blessed - or perhaps cursed - with the ability to practically read her sister's thoughts at the moment.

Something had happened in the Crystal Empire, what though, that was a good question.

All they knew was that, based on that light from a day ago, the Crystal Heart had been found and reactivated; and with that being the case, it was very likely that Sombra was gone. Then again there was no other possibility for him given that whatever filled the heart as it had, all but supercharged it.

That just led to the question of ‘what’ or ‘who’ supercharged it.

Who in the wide wide world of Equestria could fill the Heart with that much light and love.

‘No…’ Luna thought, correcting herself. “Not love…’ She thought. ‘I felt it then, whatever had caused that eruption wasn’t out of love… but a desire to protect.’ She thought.

The desire to protect, that was something everyone understood, if to a certain degree.

The power manifests in various ways; as a soldier trying to protect their nation, a parent trying to protect their child, a friend trying to protect the one closest.

It was ‘love’ in its own way, but it was more than that.

‘Still…’ Luna thought as she continued glancing at her sister for a moment. ‘You know as well as I do that whoever brought forth that desire wasn’t Cadence or Shining Armor.’ Luna made a noise. ‘Their arcane signature was completely different.’ Luna closed her eyes as she seemed to think a bit further. ‘Still, who was that then, who protected the Crystal Empire?’

Crystal Empire

He was still sleeping.

That was the first thought that ran through Sunset’s mind as she stared at the curious-looking stallion that was Gentle. Even though it had been more or less a whole day, the transformed teen was still out of it.

‘At least he looks better than before.’ She wasn't wrong, Gentle was looking better, in the ‘dark lines starting to fade’ kind of way. Still, he didn’t seem like he’d be waking up any time soon. Raising a hoof Sunset couldn’t help poking the young stallion’s cheek, and asa response she found him turning his head towards her in bed. He made this noise of sorts, but he still refused to awaken for her.

Still…

“He looks so small…” The mare thought to herself as she ran a hoof across his mane. “Nothing like the stallion that I’ve been seeing these past few days.” She admitted, as she crossed her hooves as she leaned against the bed. “Least he’s sleeping peacefully.” The mare fell silent as she took the time to just stare at Gentle, a noise leaving her as she did and started to think. ‘What happened yesterday?’ The mare asked. “What happened to cause him to overexert himself the way he did?’

She wasn’t sure.

Honestly she wasn’t to sure what happened yesterday after they went back to the throne room.

She remembered saying something to Gentle, then…darkness.

“Did I black out for some reason?” She asked as she poked Gentle’s cheek again as he squirmed slightly. “Gentle, what happened yesterday?”

He didn’t respond, simply staying oblivious to the world around him as he continued to sleep.

“Still sleeping I see.” Sunset turned, her attention locking on to Pale Arts as she walked into the room.

“Yeah.” Sunset muttered as the mare walked over to her. “He’s looking better though.”

“That he is.” Pale Arts admitted. “That being said, you look like you’re getting worse.”

“What do you mean?”

“You look tired dear, when was the last time you slept?” Pale asked as she gestured to her eyes, implying that Sunset had a few bags growing under them. “You’ve been by his side sense we brought him in yesterday.” The mare stated.

“Yeah.”

“Well, what do you say to stepping out? Get some rest.” She made an exaggerated sniffing of the air. “And maybe a bath.”

“But what about Gentle?”

“He’ll be fine.” The older mare stated as she used her magic to push Sunset along. “Now get some rest, and when you wake up again, get washed up.” The mare stated as Sunset looked back at her, slowly nodding her head as she gave a weak smile.

“Right, thank you.”

“Don’t mention it child, now, off with you.” Sunset just walked out the room, as Pale Arts turned her attention to the sleeping stallion. “Not to rush you Gentle, but do wake up soon. You have a friend waiting for you.”

“AAAAGGGGHHHH!!!”

With a casual turn of her head Pale Arts looked towards the door as the scream continued to echo out. “Hm… I wonder what that’s all about.” The mare muttered before looking back at Gentle and then turned her attention towards the door.

“AAAAGGGGHHHH!!!”

“Yeah, I should probably look into that.” The mare muttered, heading towards the door and took a look outside.

There stood Sunset, as well as the young Shining Armor and his wife. Well young Cadenza wasn’t exactly standing at the moment… she was on her husband, clinging to him like he was keeping her above some unseen ocean waves.

“Hm… i haven’t seen a mare this terrified in a long time.”

“C-cadence I-” Sunset started.

“AAAAGGGGHHHH!!!”

“Cadence, please stop I-

“AAAAGGGGHHHH!!!”

“I’m trying to-”

“AAAAGGGGHHHH!!!”

“BITCH STOP SCREAMING!” Sunset shouted only to recoil at the fact that she had left Cadence a quivering mess. Putting a hoof on her head the mare took a breath as she tried calming herself. “I’m sorry… I’m sorry.” She took another breath and fell silent for a moment. “I’m sorry.” She repeated for the third time as she started turning away. “I didn’t mean to yell, just…” The mare took another breath as she started to turn away. “Know what forget it… I’ll just… leave you alone.” She started walking away only to be stopped by Pale Arts, the mare looking down at her curiously before glancing at Cadence.

“I take it you two know each other.” It wasn’t a question.

“Yeah~” Sunset muttered. “We knew each other from back when I was Princess Celestia’s apprentice.” She admitted. “I~ wasn’t the nicest pony to her.” She admitted as Pale Arts watched the mare start walking away. She looked back at Cadence and Shining Armor for a moment before returning her attention to Sunset. “Huh? Hey!”

Without a word Pale Arts used her magic to lift Sunset up and start carrying her back to the crystal princess and her groom.

Water.

That was the first thing his mind started to piece together when his eyes began to open. He was under water, slowly drifting further and further away from the surface.

Why was he under water?

He couldn’t remember, in fact, he had trouble remembering anything at this point. Why didn’t that bother him? Why… why wasn’t he drowning for that matter, struggling to hold his breath?

“Oh I see.” His thoughts echoed outward. “This is a dream, isn’t it?”

He was having a dream.

That explained things, right? Why he wasn’t scared, wasn’t panicking like he should. “It’s ok then.” He told himself. “Nothing bad can hurt you in a dream.” He told himself as he watched the world start to darken around him, the light drifting further and further away. As the last spark faded away, he found his “descent into darkness” finally came to a much needed end. Something was resting against his back, but when he tried glancing to see it, all he found was darkness to greet him.

This world stayed that way, at least it did until he chose to sit up, getting to his feet and his world began to shatter.

No shatter isn’t the right word, peeling away didn’t do it justice either. The shadows flew away, flying, seemingly turning into a flock of birds that disappeared into a foggy black horizon. What rested beneath him was now, was some form of blank pillar

“Where?” The figure began. “Where am I?” He asked himself. Stopping and then staring downward, staring at the empty pillar beneath him. “I feel I’ve seen this place before.” He thought aloud. “Wait…” The youth muttered as he seemed to think. “Am I having a Kingdom Hearts dream?”

“Not exactly.” Jumping slightly the young man turned around, his attention turning to see a figure in a hoodie standing behind him. “Yes, I took the idea from there, but I as you can see, I left a few things out. It saves energy.” The man told him as he looked at the young man in front of him. “Regardless, I must say, it’s quite good to see you, Gentle.”

“Uh… right…” Gentle muttered as he ran a hand on the back of his head before looking at it. “Oh hey, my fingers are back…” He looked down. “I’m human again. How am I?”

“The image we project of ourselves is often reflects the form we take in our subconscious.” The figure stated. “Mentally, you still see yourself as a human, not an Equestrian.”

“Oh…” Gentle muttered. “I guess that makes sense…” He scratched his head. “So we’re in my head.”

“Somewhat.” The figure stated. “Rather I’ve bridged our minds for the moment. Where we stand now is a… meeting point between your mind and mine.” The figure stated. “And I have to say your head is surprisingly hard to get into when you’re conscious.” The figure stated before chuckling. “Must be something with the ‘wiring’.” Gentle just stared at the man and opened his mouth before closing it. He wasn’t really sure what to say at this point, so he didn’t say anything at the moment.

When he finally found a couple of words he felt could work for him let them go.

“Who are you, exactly?” The man simply smirked at him as he snapped his fingers, and a pedestal rose behind him. When it reached a certain height he just settled his rear on it, using it as a makeshift chair.

“As it stands, let’s just say that I am just a man invading your subconscious.”

“Ok~” Gentle muttered. Gentle just let this go. Still, seeing that the man had settled down, Gentle figured he’d do the same. Snapping his fingers as he tried conjuring up a seat. He failed. Once, twice, three times. “God damn it.” He grumbled to himself. “Even in my head I can’t snap my fingers.” He grumbled as his counterpart once again snapped his fingers and brought another pedestal into existence. “Thanks.” Gentle grumbled as he settled down. “So~” He began after a while and looked around, hands behind him as he looked around. “For a place in my head, this place is pretty bland.”

“I apologize, but I wanted something simple for our first meeting.” The man in his dream stated as he glanced around. “I confess though, this is incredibly bland - even by my standards.”

“Right?” Gentle agreed as he and the man fell silent for a moment. “So anyway-”

“You’ve grown.” The man interrupted. “But you’re not as old as I expected… how old are you, exactly?”

“I’m 19.” Gentle stated.

“Ah~ 19 years…” The man muttered to himself. “”The time dilation must be very off.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“A flaw in the portal that Starswirl created is known as time dilation.” While days can pass in this side, it can be months, years even on your own.”

“You mean like DBZ’s Hyperbolic Time ChGentle.”

“I don’t know what that is, but I will say yes, simply because you seem to have made a connection of sorts.” The figure stated. “Regardless, the time dilation is an issue with Starswirl’s portal, hopefully your mentor will be able to fix that issue by the time you are to return.”

“Here’s hoping…” Gentle muttered as stared at the figure.

“So.” The man began again. “Do you have a lover yet?” Gentle flinched.

“Had.” Gentle muttered. “She’s… not around anymore.”

“Ah~ I’m sorry to hear that.” The man grumbled. “As many say, there are plenty of fish in the sea, but you may never forget your first love.”

He wasn’t wrong, at 19, Gentle had plenty of good years still left in him. He could get another girlfriend later on in life. Well, he could if he managed to get back home; or at the very least he could just try. Well if he got home anyway, no way he was gonna start looking around here; talking pony or not, he was pretty damn sure looking for girl or pony here counted as taboo. “So anyway, you’ve asked me questions, mind if I ask you one?”

“Go right ahead.”

“Who exactly are you supposed to be?”

“____” Gentle blinked, confusion crossing his face as he dug a finger in his ear.

“Sorry… what? I didn’t catch that?”

“I’m not surprised.” The man stated. “You can not hear my name, for there is no longer a name left to be heard?”

“What?”

“I’m certain you know about how people can be forgotten.” The man stated. “Be it by accident or intended, many names throughout history go unremembered.” He grumbled, interlocking his fingers. “Those forgotten have been scribbled out of history, and will never be remembered, save by those who erased them to begin with.” He stated. “Kings and emperors, dictators and revolutionaries alike have done such throughout history; be it in your world or mine.”

“Yeah… that sounds about right.” Gentle muttered as he seemed to think. “So… your name, you… don’t have one anymore.”

“At least not one that can be heard.” The figure admitted as they turned they attention skyward. “Regardless, is there anything else you wish to ask me.”

“Yeah, why did you bridge our minds.” The figure chuckled at the youths question.

“It was the easiest way to contact you.” He made a noise. “After all I can’t just go walking up to you at the moment.”

“Why not?”

“As of now, you lie in the north, where as I lie in the south.”

“So… distance problem, you literally can’t just walk up to me at the moment.” The figure nodded his head. “Ok… so… why did you want to talk to me.”

“It’s rare to find someone from another realm. Consider my curiosity peaked.”

“That’s it?” Gentle raised an eyebrow. “You want to talk just because you’re curious about me?”

“Is that something you are unfamiliar with.”

“No, it’s just…” Gentle made a face. “It’s been a while, that’s all. Last one who really wanted to just learn about me was my ex.” Gentle muttered as he looked elsewhere. “And she’s…” Gentle raised a hand to his throat. “It’s been hard since I got my scars.”

“Ah…” The man muttered as he seemed to stare at the youth for a moment. “I apologize.” He said after a while. “I don’t know what you’ve gone through, but it must have been rough.”

“There’s no need to apologize.” Gentle muttered. “We all go through hard times, the trick is getting through them.”

“How true…?” The figure glanced elsewhere and made a face under his hood. “Great…”

“What is it?”

“An intruder; someone is trying to enter this realm.” The figure stated as he raised a hand. “And here I went through all the trouble of setting this up so we could talk in private.” he snapped his fingers as light started to gather in front of Gentle. “I guess I’ll simply need to postpone our talks for another day. The figure muttered as he watched the light take form and fall into Gentle’s lap. “Consider this a parting gift, may it aid you in what’s to come.”

“Hey, wait!”

Haven

The last thing Luna heard before she was pulled from the immaterial realm could only be described as the sound of a minotaur’s finger snap. Sitting up in bed the mare took a moment to rub her head with a hoof as she took a breath. Getting forced out of the mentalscape always hurt, thing was it was still pretty rare. Even before her banishment she’d only known a handful that could actually force her out of that realm.

“Interesting…”

Her shadow muttered with this humored tone.

“I think we should keep an eye out for that door…”

“Agreed.” Luna muttered. “It might be connected to what happened earlier.”

21

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Pale Arts took a drink from her tea as she stared ahead, looking at the three ponies that were sitting at the table with her. One of them looking remorseful, while another was somewhere between fear and unease, and the third was just trying to comfort one of them. “So… to summarize.” Pale Arts muttered. “You.” She turned to Sunset. “Used to bully her.”

“Yeah…” Sunset muttered as she stared down at her tea, not even bothering to drink from it. “I’m sorry.”

“Who are you apologizing to? Pale Arts asked. “Me or Cadence?”

“Both of you.” Pale Arts shook her head.

“You have no need to apologize to me.” Pale Arts stated as she returned to drinking. “I was neither a spectator nor a victim of your actions. So you do not need to apologize to me.”

“But aren’t you disappointed in me?” Pale Arts seemed to think.

“Should I be?” She asked herself. “Hm… well. Yes I am, you hurt someone who had done nothing to you, and you had done it simply because they had what you wanted.” The mare stated. “Had I been your teacher I would have knocked you upside your head a few times for doing such.” She paused. “That being said, I am surprised that Celestia chose to turn a blind eye to your actions.” Again the male fell silent. “And to her niece of all ponies.”

“It’s not that auntie turned a blind eye.” Cadence muttered. “She just… didn’t know.” The mare stated. “Sunset was… really good at covering her tracks.” She stated. “It was never anything physical either, so there was never anything to cover up.

“I see.” Pale arts fell silent as she took a drink. “Sunset apologize, properly this time.”

“Cadence I’m…” Sunset saw the mare flinch as she said her name and seemed to recoil. “I’m sorry, I really am, I was jealous because I let that get the better of me.” Sunset muttered. “I’m sorry I hurt you.”

“Sunset I…” Cadence was cut off by the sound of Pale Arts clapping.

“There we go, she apologized now Cadence you have to forgive her so you two can move on as friends.” The elder mare seemed to pause. “That is how it works yes? Celestia’s teachings on forgiveness? She apologized so you must forgive her for her past transgressions.” The mare stated as the two fell silent. “Well, what are waiting for?”

“I…” Cadence glanced at Sunset for a moment. “I…”

“You can’t, can you?” Pale Arts asked as she stopped smiling and returned to her drink. “I expected as much.”

“I’m sorry. I really am but I can’t.”

“That is a flaw in Celestia’s teachings.” Pale Arts admitted. “Forgiveness because an apology is given feels so… hollow. At least to me.” The mare stated. “I personally have always preferred the idea of forgiveness being earned; that you must prove that you regret your actions. I believe that is the only way to truly make amends.” Pale Arts stated. “That being said, will you let Sunset try to earn your forgiveness, Cadence?”

Cadence didn’t say anything, at least not at first.

“I’d… like that.”

Gentle snapped awake. His eyes opened as he started to look around and rubbed his head. “Ow~” His throat hurt. Not only that but looking at his hand he noticed that it was once again a hoof. ‘Guess I’m out of my head…’ The pony thought as he sighed and rested his hoof on his barrel as he stared skyward. ‘Where am I?’ He wondered as he started looking around, trying to make sense of things. Looks like he was in one of the rooms located in the Crystal Palace. Someone must have put him to bed. But why was he…

The last thing he remembered was falling.

Falling and…

“Sunset!” He didn’t mean to scream, but his throat was already getting back at him for his stupidity. Raising a hoof to his throat he bit his lips before looking around, trying to find the door and pulled himself from bed. “Gotta find… Sunset.” He muttered to himself. “Gotta make sure she’s… ok…” He muttered as he started walking towards the door and headed down the halls.

Pale Arts ignored the silence that consumed the room and in exchange chose to just focus on her tea. She’d give the Crystal Empire one thing, they had a great selection to choose from. ‘I might have to take a few of these when we leave the Empire.’ She thought to herself before her attention suddenly snapped elsewhere. “Hm?”

“Is something wrong?” Shining Armor asked as he looked at the mare.

“He woke up.” The mare muttered. “Already?” She asked. “With that overload he should be out for another week or two.” She admitted as she got to her feet.

“Who’s awake?”

“Gentle.” Sunset’s eyes widened as she got to her feet, hooves slamming on the table as Cadence jumped.

“What?!” Sunset shouted. “He’s awake?”

“Yes, and much earlier than I expected.” The elder mare stated as she looked at Sunset. “Shall we go see him?” Sunset bolted, not even waiting for Pale Arts to catch up with her. For her part Pale Arts just giggled lightly as she watched Sunset vanish. “Ah, to be young.” The mare stated as she took one more drink from her tea before setting it down and started walking after the younger mare. “Feel free to accompany us, less you rather have some alone time.” Without a word Cadence and Shining Armor just looked at each other before getting to their feet and started following the taller mare.

“You didn’t say you were here with somepony else.” Shining Armor muttered.

“You never asked.” Was Pale Art’s response as she followed Sunset. “But yes, I do travel with another, A young stallion by the name of Gentle.” She paused.

“I see…” Shining Armor muttered. “Do you know a Gentle?” He asked, looking at his wife who shook her head.

“I don’t think so.”

“I’d be a bit surprised if you did.” Pale Arts admitted. “He’s not from around here after all.” The mare stated as she continued walking for a bit till she saw a familiar figure ahead of her. “There you are.”

“Gentle…” Sunset saw the stallion look at her before smiling. “You’re awake.”

“And your ok…” The stallion muttered as he walked up the mare and hugged her. “I thought… I thought I lost you.”

“You did.” Sunset muttered as she nuzzled her counterpart. “But you brought me back.” Shining Armor didn’t say anything as he looked at the scene before looking at Pale Arts.

“Are they…”

“Not yet.” The mare stated walking forward. “Maybe someday, but not yet.” She repeated as she flared her magic and pulled Gentle off Sunset and hoisted her into the air. He flailed around aimlessly for a moment before realizing that Pale Arts was staring at him with a critical eye and even had him spin around with her magic. “Ah~ so that’s why you’re awake.” The mare stated with a smile. “He really can’t help himself.” The mare chuckled as she put him back on the ground. “Still, I am glad that you’re awake now Gentle.” She stated. “We can't have you sleeping all day.”

“Sorry.”

“Don’t apologize, I’m quite happy that your awake.” Gentle nodded before looking behind Pale Arts so that he could see the two new faces.

“Ah yes.

“Cadence, Shining Armor, this is Gentle, the one I mentioned earlier.” Pale Arts. “He, alongside Sunset are currently under my protection. Gentle, this is Princess Cadence, and her husband Prince Shining Armor.”

“Nice to meet you.” Shining Armor held out a hoof in greeting as Gentle took it. Noticing something the smaller stallion reached out and touched Shining Armor’s horn causing the pony to jump, before touching his own. “Uh~ what is it?”

“My horn’s… different.” The stallion muttered as he looked at both Cadence and Sunset’s and noticed that there's were very similar to Shining Armor’s and Pale Arts. “Why is mine curved?”

“Well, you aren’t a pure blooded pony.” Pale Arts stated. “From the looks of it your part Kirin.

“Kirin?” Shining Armor asked. “What’s a kirin?”

“I guess you could say it’s a subspecies of equestrian.” The mare stated as she rubbed Gentle’s main. “Think unicorn, give or take a few differences.”

“Like?” Cadence asked as Pale Arts used her magic to raise Gentle’s tail and the extended tailbone. Then she tapped his curved horn. “Right…”

“Most of them also have scale patterns as well.” Gentle looked at Pale Arts in surprise as she nodded her head. “You don’t have those, but given your hybrid status, it doesn’t seem you inherited that trait.”

‘Ok~’ Gentle stared at his tail before making a face. ‘I get that the mirror portal transformed me into a pony, but why a hybrid?’ He didn’t ask the question but Sunset seemed to pick up on it, and shrugged. Gentle looked back at Cadence before raising a hand to his head and seemed to check how tall he was compared to the mare. He frowned - or rather pouted at the realization that he was one of the shortest people here. A moment later he looked back at the mare and seemed to notice something before starting to call upon his magic and started forming letters.

“You have wings.”

“That’s right.” Cadence spread her wings out for a moment as Gentle stared at them.

“Why do you have wings?”

“I’ve always had wings.” Cadence chuckled. “Though I admit the horn took some getting used to.” Gentle just gave her a confused look.

“Cadence used to be a pegasi.” Pale Arts stated. “However she ascended to be Alicornhood.” Cadence’s eyes darted towards the older mare.

I never told you I used to be a pegasus.”

“You didn’t have to.” The mare stated before turning back to Gentle. “Alicorns are described as the pinnacle of equus bloodlines. They embody all the traits of the three pony tribes; an earth pony's strength, a unicorn’s magic, and a pegasus flight.” The mare stated. “As they embody all these traits they are seen and revered as the rightful rulers of Equestria.” Pale Arts stated. “That being the case, no true blood has been born in quite a long time.” Gentle glanced at Cadence before pointing at her. “Cadence is a special case, she obtained hers through ascension. In a way she ‘evolved’, turning from a pegasi into what you see now.

“You seem to know a lot about me.”

“When it comes to things that pique my interest, I tend to learn quite a bit concerning it.” Pale Arts stated as Gentle just looked between the two mares before slowly backing away. “Do not worry though, I will not use my knowledge against you.” The mare paused. “Less of course, you force my hooves.” Cadence narrowed her eyes. “And trust me princess.” The mare continued. “That would be a horrible idea.”

22

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Gaea found herself coming to a pause. Her steps had been brought to an end as she looked off towards the horizon. A feeling had come over her, it wasn’t a pleasant feeling mind you, but it wasn’t… unpleasant either. She couldn’t accurately describe the feeling, so she didn’t bother trying, but she knew one thing was for certain about it; it was familiar. “Good.” The entity muttered as she resumed walking. “It’s started.”

“What has?” One of her companions asked as she glanced back at them, a smirk of sorts on her face as she did.

“Change.” Was all she said for a while.

“Change?”

“Is that not what you sought in freeing me?” Gaea asked her male counterpart. “To change the world?” She made a noise. “If so, you’ll be happy to know that things have already been set in motion.” She stated. “For better or worse though… who’s to say.”

Sunset seemed to be in higher spirits ever since Gentle woke up. Cadence wasn’t the only one to realize it. Everyone except the two in question noticed that Sunset’s mood improved almost immediately after Gentle came back into the picture. Honestly, it brought a smile to everypony’s face.

‘No…’ Pale Arts thought as she watched the two, seeing that Sunset was taking the time to act as Gentle’s ‘limbs’, using her magic to bring food to his lips to not overexert his own magic, and given that he was still recovering from that ‘eruption’ he had earlier that was probably a good idea. ‘It’s not Sunset’s happiness that’s improving everyone's mood…’ Pale Arts muttered. ‘It’s Gentle’s presence.’ She muttered. ‘Is it because of that eruption from yesterday? Ever since it happened I’ve been feeling like someone was watching over us… trying to protect and comfort us…’ The mare though. ‘The same feeling has been present all throughout the Empire. It’s like a field was created and it’s originating from him.’ She noted. “Curious…”

“What is?” Shining Armor asked Pale Arts, as she looked in his direction before shaking her head.

“Nothing… at least…” She paused as a scream was heard and Shining Armor turned, his attention turning to see that a crystal spider had closed in on Gentle and Sunset and the two responded by lifting chairs and preparing to smash the thing. “Easy! Easy!” Pale Arts shouted as she grabbed the chairs with her magic and trotted over to the pair. “Don’t worry, it’s not going to harm you.”

“Bullshit!” The two ponies shouted as they backed away from the construct and hid behind Cadence.

“That thing and the horde it came with were trying to kill us!” Sunset shouted as Pale Arts walked up to the construct and set the chairs down with it.

“Ah yes, but that was when they were under Sombra’s control.” She stated as she leaned down and got a better look at the crystal construct. “As of now however, they have no master, and the orders they were given have been erased.” She patted the construct with her hoof. “They’re harmless now.” Sunset and Gentle looked at each other before giving Pale Arts a skeptical look.

“You sure?” The mare nodded her head, letting the construct climb onto her limb and then her back. She walked up to the pair, rather the trio as she gestured to the spider.

“Yes, without Sombra’s influence these creatures are as docile as a fly.” The mare stated as she noticed Gentle lean forward and lightly tap the artificial creature. It didn’t respond, but it did seem to ‘turn’ a bit to get a better look at the pony. Sunset was still a bit skeptical as Gentle crept forward, holding a limb out to the creature as he let it crawl onto him. “See, harmless.”

“Why is it so… passive now?” Sunset asked slowly walking up to Gentle and the creature, still giving it a cautious look. “These things were, What happened?” Pale Arts tilted her head, making a gesture towards Gentle.

“He happened.” That got everyone curious.

What?”

“What do you mean?”

“As I told Sunset before, a number of factors were present when Gentle’s magic erupted days ago and flowed throughout the Crystal Empire. Those factors resonated and cleansed everything in the vicinity of Sombra’s corruption.” She told them before looking at the crystal golem. “Everything.” Gentle looked at the spider on his back as he stared in confusion and disbelief, something that was shared between everypony.

“I/he did that?”

“Yes, but again, it wasn’t on his own. There were a number of factors at play that helped bring this outcome into reality.” Pale Arts stated as she retrieved the spider. “I must say, you are very lucky Gentle, had things misaligned, it would have turned out very bad for you.” She stated as everyone looked at Gentle who simply adopted a thinking face.

Whatever he was thinking about though, they had no idea, and when he stopped thinking he had this awkward, nervous nod. Pale Arts just rested a hoof on his hair and ruffled it.

“Don’t worry, that moment has passed, and you’re alright.” She told him. “Just… be careful, next time you might not be so lucky.”

“Next time?” Sunset perked up at the words. “You mean this might happen again?”

“What happens once, may happen twice. And what happens twice may happen a third time.” Pale Arts stated. “Gentle is still new to all this.” She stated removing her hoof. “His magic still surges at random, the next time he suffers one while the stakes are high, and things don’t align right…” She paused trying to find her words. “At the very least, you will be in bed for a lot longer than you were earlier.” Sunset gave Gentle a concerned look, as did Cadence and Shining Armor.

Made sense that they were worried. Still. Gentle didn’t seem all that fazed. Instead he just raised a hoof and touched the scars on his throat before growing lost in thought again. He nodded slowly, understanding exactly what could have happened to him.

But he wasn’t scared.

He’d ran into Death more than a few times in his world. He’d caused death and he’d almost embraced it as well.

The thought of himself dying didn’t really faze him anymore.

Honestly, he was a bit concerned if that was a good thing or not.

Just a bit anyway.

23

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Patience was a virtue.

Celestia learned that lesson a long time ago.

After all, one does not rule over a ponydom for thousands of years and not learn to be patient.

She first learned patience under Star Swirl’s guidance, to learn the spells he meant to teach her.

She’d practiced patience over a thousand years in dealing with nobility and their attempts to fall into decadence.

She’d mastered patience when she waited a thousand moons for her sister to return, so she might make amends.

Patience had always been with her, and yet, it seemed that her patience was starting to run out.

For what felt like the hundredth time in but an hour, Celestia turned her gaze to the skies, her eyes seeming to look for something that wasn’t showing itself.

It had been a few days since the northern lights revealed themselves. They’d stayed since their arrival, painting the sky in hues of blue and yellow and purple.

Such a thing however concerned her, why?

The lights should have faded after the first night, in her oldest memories she could not recall a day when they shined as long as they did. Like an arcane fire burning in a winter storm, a powerful, warm magic was keeping them alight. The lights were fading, yes, but she couldn’t recall a spell, let alone a being that could keep something as old and powerful as the Crystal Heart ablaze for so long.

In her more archaic memories; old and hazy as they might be, she knew that the Crystal Heart needed love to stay lit. But even with a whole empire of Crystal Ponies, their light only shined so bright. At it’s weakest, their light, their love would shield them from the storms that frequented the North. At most, at most the provided a strong but brief light that would pierced through the darkness, ike a lighthouse for a boat at sea.

A light that burned painfully fast mind you.

As mentioned before, the light should only last a few hours to a day, not half of a week.

“What could provide such a powerful light?” She asked and got no response. “Who could create such a thing.”

Cadence and Shining Armor? No, it couldn’t be them.

Yes they loved each other deeply, but this wasn’t their light. It didn’t feel like their light either.

This was somepony else’s light. She just didn’t know who, and to be honest that little fact bothered her more than it should. Why though?

“You’re losing control.”

A familiar, poisonous voice whispered into her ears and she shook her head to try blocking it out.

“The world you worked so hard to build, your perfect world is slowly falling apart.”

“Silence.” She whispered.

“And you can do nothing to stop it.”

The voice whispered.

“Not alone.”

Celestia shivered.

“Join with me; use me and let me use you. Together we can preserve your perfect world.”

“No…” Celestia whispered. “I will not let you use me.” She paused. “Not again.”

“Why not?”

The voice asked.

“Together we built this world.”

It told her.

“Together we can preserve it.”

“The voice stated.

“We can heal it.”

“You do not heal.” Celestia muttered. “You only bring harm to this world.”

“I harm only what you want harmed.”

It countered.

“Like your enemies, like the heretic and the unclean.”

Celestia didn’t say anything.

“Use me, and I will use you.”

“I will not.” Celestia muttered to herself. “Not again.”

“Sister?” Jumping slightly, Celestis turned her attention to see that her sister Luna was walking up to her with a look of concern.

“Luna.” She muttered before shaking her head. “Luna, what are you doing here?”

“I came looking for you.” Luna muttered as she seemed to frown. “Are you alright sister, you seemed… conflicted.”

“Sister…”

“I’m fine Luna.” Celestia turned to face her kin.

“Kin… she is not your kin, not anymore.”

A poisonous voice stated.

“I’m just… thinking is all.”

“Traitorous mule.”

“What were you thinking about?” Luna pressed as Celestia turned towards the lights in the sky. “Ah yes, they’ve been shining for a while now.” Luna muttered.

“Shall we dispose of the traitor?”

“No…” Luna looked at her sister in confusion, and realizing her mistake Celestia looked back at her and gave this apologetic look. “I mean yes, they have been in the sky a while now.” Luna just stared at her before taking a minute to circle her sister for a moment as Celestia gave her a confused look. “Luna, what are you?”

“Where are you?” Luna asked as she finished her circling and just looked at her sister.

“Excuse me?” The older of the two asked. “I’m right here Luna.”

“No, you’re not.” Luna stated. “You’re body it here, yes.” She raised a hoof to her head and tapped it. “But your mind is elsewhere.” She explained. “So tell me sister, where are you?”

“Where am I not?” Celestia asked after a while. “My thoughts are on the lights, and at the same time they are turned to the past.” She admits. “At the same time they are on the destruction brought to Equestria, as well as the safely of our ponies and the progress made by Twilight’s studies.” She took a breath. “And my thoughts are with Shining Armor and Cadence.”

“I see.” Luna muttered as she settled down next to her kin. “Your thoughts truly are everywhere.” She admitted before going silent. “We still don’t know exactly what happened weeks ago.” She said after a while. “But since then our ponies have done well to adjust to the changes, not only that but Twilight is doing her best to create that spell you desired.” She admitted. “And I’m certain Shining Armor and Cadence are well.” She stated looking at her sister. “The light proves that Sombra hasn’t reclaimed the Empire. But at the same time…”

“What can make the light burn so bright?” Celestia asked. “Who has such a bright light.”

“I do not know, sister.” Luna admitted. “But I am certain they are a friend.”

“I hope so, Luna. I truly hope so.”

"27…"

He swore to pony God this reminded him too much about his first time hitting the gym.

Gentle thought as he kept his focus locked on the crystal ball that was resting in front of him. Magic flickered around it, steadying itself before lifting back up.

“28…”

He dropped it and took a much needed breath before trying to lift it again.

This was exhausting. He thought as he felt a straining in his magic.

"Easy Gentle." Sunset muttered as she watched from the sidelines. "You're starting to pull out too much mana." She told him.

"Do not pull at your reserves." Pale Arts spoke up. "Forcing them to exert more than they are ready to is a sure fire way to hurt yourself." She stated. "Instead guide them, direct them with your thoughts and intentions." She whispered. “Magic is part of you, like any other limb you possess.” She continues. “Merely instruct it where to go, and it will.” Gentle took a breath as he lifted the crystal.

“29…” Sunset whispered.

“Good… but do not push yourself too hard.” Pale Arts stated. “Do what you feel you can, not what you feel you must.” She stated, walking around Gentle. “If you feel you can do no more than -” As if on cue, Gentle dropped the crystal as he started to lose his balance only for Sunset to catch him.

“I got you.” She told him as he shook his head and rubbed his red horn.

It hurt. Guess he pushed it too hard.

“Call it?” Sunset looked to Pale Arts as she nodded her head.

“Yes, you did very well Gentle.” The Older mare smiled. “Two sets of 30 and one of 29.” She hummed. “For one just beginning, you have done very well.” Her smile turned humorous. “Just don’t push yourself too much. Your magic is like a muscle. You must train it to become stronger, yes, but if you push it too far it becomes nothing but torturing oneself.” She admitted as she looked to Shining Armor and saw him nod his head in agreement.

Not sure why he was here, and not with Cadence, but guess it didn’t matter in the end.

“Celestia teaches us the same thing.” He noted. “Magic is more than a force of will, it’s part of us. If you push it too far you end up hurting yourself." He admitted.

"Well it is the truth." Pale Arts muttered. "And that applies to physical training as well. Train your body, but do not torture it. Know your limits, meet them and gradually move on past them. Do not force yourself to do more than what you are capable of." She states as Sunset helped Gentle straighten up.

"So~" Sunset began as she looked at the stallion. "Why are you here exactly?" She asked. "Shouldn't you… I don't know, be with Princess, Cadence."

"Cadence… wants some space to try and figure some things out." Gentle gave Shining Armor a confused look as Sunset gave him one of regret before looking away. Pale Arts however.

"No doubt it concerns what we spoke about." She mutters nodding her head. This time Gentle found himself looking at Pale who gave him a look. "Such a topic is one I rather have both her permission and presence." Gentle seemed to think before making a nod.

He understood what she was getting at. Sharing people's business was kind of a problem back home. He didn't like it but that was just how some people were.

Still if he wanted to know what was going on… best thing to do would be to ask the person - er pony in question. So that in mind he looked at Pale Arts and gave her this look of sorts.

"You wish to see how young Cadence is doing." The mare made a face. "Well, I see no harm being done in that, but know she will only speak when she is ready." She tells him. "You can not- must not force her to speak." She looks down at the stallion. "Do you understand?" Gentle simply nodded his head.

Cadence made a face she wasn't quite used to making. To be honest she wasn't even sure what kind of face she was making in the rest place.

Either way, the mare couldn't help making it as she stared up at the crystal portrait that was hanging ahead of her. In it she saw who she believed to either be an ancestor with their child under the light of the Crystal Heart.holding an infant it was It wasn’t the first she had seen like that, going down the hall there were many murals depicting that same scene. A mother and father with child, Sometimes with wings, sometimes with a horn, sometimes with neither.

These murals showed the Crystal Empire’s royal bloodline; from the first Emperor and Empress to the last known descendent. A little pink pony with wings.

“Is that… is that really me?” Cadence asked, looking at the mural. “And those ponies… they’re my parents.” She muttered. “But if that’s the case. “Why can’t I recognize them?” She muttered, turning to look elsewhere. “I don’t remember… anything about you or this place.” The mare continued as she looked up. “And yet…”

“Cadence.” Turning the mare looked to see that Gentle was walking towards her, a look of concern on his face as he approached.

“You’re Gentle, right?” Even she would admit that her voice was unusually quiet in speaking to Gentle. Regardless he nodded his head as he walked up to her and turned his attention towards the murals. “What are you doing here?”

“Looking for you.” Gentle stated before making a face as his hoof went to his throat. He closed his eyes and started to focus his magic as he started to write in the air.

“Shining Armor said you were… trying to figure some stuff out.”

Cadence released this smile that was more whimsical than happy.

“Honestly, such a worrywart.” She muttered. “But that’s one of the things I love about him.” She admitted. “But he’s not wrong.”

“Wanna talk about it?”

“It’s nothing really, just having my world turned upside-down.” Cadence admitted as she looked at the mural. “Do you… do you know that’s like?”

“Yes actually.”

Gentle wrote.

“Twice in seven months if we’re keeping score.”

Cadence just looked at him in confusion before her eyes rested on the scars on his neck.

“You must have gone through a lot.” She muttered as Gentle shrugged.

“Bout as much as anyone else I know.”

Gentle shaked his head and looked at Cadence.

“But I’m more concerned about you right now,”

“Why?” Cadence asked. “Forgive me but… we don’t know each other, why are you worried about me?” Gentle shrugged.

“Don’t gotta reason.”

“No reason huh?” Cadence muttered as she made a humored noise. “Well, it beats having somepony being concerned because your royalty.” Cadence stated before making face and going silent. “Apparently I'm the heiress to Crystal Empire." She admitted. "Heiress to an empire that vanished over a thousand years ago." Gentle tilted his head as Cadence looked at the mural next to them. "Pale Arts says I was sent through time to survive Sombra's purge of the Royal family…" She turned to Gentle who blinked before raising an eyebrow. "Sounds crazy, doesn't it?"

"Yeah."

Gentle wrote.

"But we live in a pretty crazy world."

"That we do." Cadence agreed. "The things Pale Arts told me… about who I really am, about what I really am… I don't want to believe it." She admitted. "But… in my heart of hearts, I do believe her." She muttered looking around. "Something about this place… just feels… familiar. I don't know why, I don't know how but it does. Walking down these halls, seeing these murals…. I." Cadence fell silent for a moment. "I feel as though I've seen them before."

"That bothers you."

"Yes." Cadence muttered. "I thought I knew who I was, no that's a lie. I never really knew who I was since I was a filly." She muttered. "The village I grew up in…” Cadence whispered as she started changing the subject. “It was an Earth Pony village, there wasn’t a single unicorn or pegasi for miles at a time.” She admitted. “Being… ‘different’ I was bullied a lot, sometimes even seen as a freak. I thought something was wrong with me, I didn’t know how to be a pegasus and I couldn’t make friends. I felt… I felt so alone.” She admitted before going silent. “I’ve always felt alone.” She fell silent as Gentle sat next to her. “Do you know what it’s like?” She asked after a moment. “To have what feels like the world turn its back on you just for being ‘different’, and then suddenly try to get close to you because of what you’ve become?” She asked. “No one - not even Celestia - looked at me before I became an Alicorn. No one wanted me.”

“That’s not true.” Gentle spoke up as he looked at Cadence. “Your parent’s they wanted you.”

“Did they?” Cadence whispered. “If so, why did they just let me go when Celestia came for me?” She asked. “Why did they let her take me?” She fell silent. “I never wanted to be a princess. I just… I… just wanted someone to love me.” She paused slightly before chuckling. “You know, that's kind of pathetic isn’t it. I’m the Princess of Love, I can give to anypony I come across, but I can’t have it.” She chuckled again. “I don’t… I don’t even really know what love is.” Gentle stayed quiet for a moment as he seemed to think. “Do you think… do you think ‘they’ ever loved me?” She asked looking at the mural showing her and her parents. For a moment neither said anything. Cadence shook her head. “I’m sorry, I don’t know why I’m telling you all this. I just… I don’t know.”

“Where I’m from…” Gentle spoke up. “Love is complicated.” He admitted. “It’s not something you can just… explain and describe. It’s not butterflies in your stomach and it’s not something that makes you start a song and dance.” He continued. “It’s beautiful and it’s painful, it’s full of highs and lows… love is… something I can’t explain.” He admitted. “But I can say this; your parents, your birth parents and your adoptive parents both loved you.” Gentle muttered. “Maybe they weren’t good at showing it, but I’m certain they loved you.” He stated as his voice started to fade. “And I’m certain… they’ll never stop loving you.” He smiled. “Cause your their little girl, they’d move the stars themselves if it meant making you smile.” Cadence just looked at him as he gave her a smile. “And Shining Armor’s the same. I’m sure of… Cadence?” He paused as he realized tears were starting to fall down the mares cheeks. “Are - are you ok? I’m sorry I said something stupid didn’t-” Without warning Cadence leaned down and hugged the young stallion as she started to cry. Realizing what was going on Gentle raised a hoof and wrapped it around the mares back as he patted it. “There there… “ He whispered. “I got you.”

24

View Online

Gentle wasn’t too sure how long he stood there rocking Cadence from side to side as he patted her back. He could have been there for a few short minutes, or he could have been there for an hour, it honestly didn’t matter in the end.

Cadence… Cadence needed this. Least that was what he told himself.

Only she knows how long these thoughts and feelings were eating away at her; and finally letting them out? That must have felt so good.

When Cadence finally pulled away, she used a hoof to wipe a few stray tears away and took a needed breath.

“Sorry about that.” She got out as Gentle just smiled at her, and reached up to pat her head like she was a little kid.

If only he could reach…

Cadence giggled, leaning over as she helped him out. It’s been a long time since she had someone ruffle her mane. It felt just as nice as she remembered.

Pulling his hoof back Gentle, Cadence straightened up as she looked at the young pony. “We should probably get back to the others.” She told him as he made a gesture with his hoof, as Cadence led him off, and stopped only when she noticed a trio of figures peeking out from the corner of the hall. “Shining?”

“No one here goes by that name.” The words were immediately followed by a hitting noise. “Ow!” A moment later, a familiar white stallion was pushed out into the hall as he looked back for a second before looking back ahead, awkwardly rubbing a hoof on the ground. “Hey.”

“Hey yourself.” Cadence smiled as she walked up to her husband. “How’d you know where I was.”

“I didn’t.” Shining Armor muttered. “But my Husband-Senses were tingling so~”

“Husband-Senses?” Cadence giggled slightly. “What are Husband-Senses?”

“They’re like Spiderpony’s Spider-Sense, but they only tell me when you're either mad at me, or in danger.”

“Ah~ so that thing must be misfiring.” Cadence joked as she heard Sunset snicker. “After all I’m neither in danger nor upset with you.”

“Thank the Goddess for that.” Shining Armor remarked as his smile started to fade. “Still, are you ok? You look like you’ve been crying.”

“I was.” Cadence admitted. “I just needed to get something out.” She stated, looking at Gentle as he just smiled and shrugged.

“Well, if everyone is alright.” Pale Arts began. “What do you say we move to a more open space?” The mare asked. “It would be nice to get some air, no?”

“Yeah.” Cadence agreed. “I think we could all use some.”

She was singing again. The mercenary realized as she stared at Gaea as the mare continued walking down the paved forest roads.

She was singing and the world around her seemed to respond in kind.

No matter how often it seemed to happen, the mercenary still found it a little strange; seeing such a resonance from one singing. She’d seen Pegasi move the clouds and she’d seen Earth Ponies tend the soil, but she’d never seen the world respond to them as much as Gaea’s singing did.

‘Guess it makes sense.’ The mercenary thought, looking around, seeing that small flowers were starting to bud on the nearby bushes. ‘The world - it’s all a part of her. Makes sense that it would respond to her.’ The mercenary thought. “Still…” She muttered.

“Something troubles you.” Looking at her client the mare shrugged as she looked back ahead at the singing pony. “What is it?”

“Hard to say.” The mercenary mare muttered. “It’s just… getting a little confused is all.” She admitted after a while. “What is our purpose here?”

“Hm?”

“What exactly are we supposed to be doing?” The mare asked. “I’m all for going on a walk, but… what are we doing?” The mercenary asked. “What is it that she wants us to do?”

“I can answer that.” Gaea stated, her singing stopping. “Truth be told, I don't want you to do much right now, simply acting as my escort is enough, for now.”

“For now.” The mercenary parroted. “So what about later?”

“Later, well… I would like you to live your lives as you see fit, and I want you to prepare.” The Goddess Incarnate stated.

“Prepare for what?” The mercenary asked.

“The coming storm.” Gaea stated. “Just know, I will not be the storm.” She admitted. “After all, I am not the villain of this story.”

“Then who is?” Gaea looked heavenward, seemingly gazing at something the others could not see as she started to speak.

“Sorry, but no spoilers just yet.”

The crystal empire looked more beautiful than it did before the Crystal Heart was found and returned to it’s rightful place. Still, something seemed off about the empire right now. It felt like there was still… something missing, what made the empire ‘alive’ was missing.

“What’s missing?” Cadence asked as she looked around, a few ponies noticing her and seemed in some sort of daze for a moment.

“It’s the heart and soul of the Crystal Ponies.” Pale Arts stated. “Looks at their coats. They were brighter earlier, yes?”

“Yeah.” Sunset muttered. “Why are they so dull now?” She asked. “It’s like when we first got here.”

“Indeed.” Pale Arts nodded her head. “They’ve lost the spark that makes them who they were.” The mare stated.

“What do you mean.”

“The Crystal Empire is empathetic in nature.” The older mare stated. “It shines when the land is filled with light and love.” The mare stated. “And should that light be lost it will fade.” The mare continued. “The Crystal Ponies are the same in that regard, only they have lost their light.”

“But everything’s fine now, right?” Cadence muttered. “Sombra, he’s gone, you presented his horn to all of them to prove it.”

“Yes, but his shadow still lingers over them.” The older mare admitted.”It will take time before they can realize that their nightmare is over.”

“Is there anything we can do?” Shining Armor asked.

“We can help them, remind them of better days, but they must do the rest of the work.” Pale Arts muttered. “Only they can break free of the chains that bind them.”

“I wanna help them.” Cadence muttered. “These are my ponies, right? I want to help them move past this.” She admitted before looking to Pale Arts and the others. "Would you be willing to help me?"

"Of course." Shining Armor stated, smiling at his wife. "No way I'm letting you do this alone."

"I see no reason to turn you away." Pale Arts admitted, before looking at Gentle and Sunset. "Of course, if you two wish to move on however…"

"I'll help." Sunset muttered looking at Cadence before turning away. "It's the least I can do."

Gentle just nodded his head with a happy smile.

"Everyone… thank you."

Fallen Queendom

by Zeroraid

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