After a millennium of imprisonment, Princess Luna has returned, yet not in her entirety. A significant shard of her essence remains lost, shrouded in darkness. Darkness that gains power to corrupt, to twist the very fabric of reality.
After a millennium of imprisonment, Princess Luna has returned, yet not in her entirety. A significant shard of her essence remains lost, shrouded in darkness. The darkness that gains the power to corrupt, to twist the very fabric of reality.
Princess Luna finds herself in an unfamiliar world, her own mind struggling to adapt to the changes around her. Who can she trust and what unseen powers have waited for her to return?
Let the unfolding tale reveal the answers she seeks!
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Hi thanks for checking out my story! This story will focus on different characters along the way, but the main focus will be Luna and her struggles. đ Please let me know if you have any advises/comments on my writing or story plot thx!
The stars above dulled, their once brilliant glow obscured by the thick, roiling storm clouds. Those few stars daring to twinkle through found themselves swiftly swallowed by the chaotic storm, leaving the inhabitants of the land below in a shadowy abyss.
Amidst this profound darkness, the only source of illumination emerged from the full moon, casting an eerie silver glow upon the devastated landscape. The pony villages, once vibrant and alive, now lay charred and desolate, their once vibrant colours transformed into sombre hues of amber, mirroring the destruction that had befallen the land.
In the lofty grip of stormy clouds, an ominous hush settled, punctuated by the distant rumble of thunder and the relentless drumming of rain. The rhythmical sounds of the rain was broken only by the frantic beating of wings tearing through the night. From the heart of one particularly menacing storm cloud, emerging from the southern expanse, a shadowy figure appeared.
"(Heavy breathing)...Damn it all...(Cough)(Cough)(Cough)... not yet"
Panting heavily and muttering curses beneath his breath, the figure pushed himself to the limits, every muscle in his body straining to maintain his flight. Occasionally his wings would give up on its host, causing him to plummet briefly before, with sheer determination, he would pull himself back into his trajectory, his fading strength just enough to defy the inevitable descent for some time.
His glowing blue eyes remained fixed and unyielding, locked onto the looming silhouette of the mountains ahead of him. With each beat of his weary featherless wings, the distance between him and the formidable peaks diminished, and though his body screamed with exhaustion demanding rest, the figure pressed on, driven by a purpose above himself and his pain. Looking back and ignoring the chaos bellow ,only to ensure that his saddlebag is strapped well.
Approaching the winding mountain road that cut through the heart of the formidable peaks, the figure left fields of devastation and imminent death behind him. With every flap of his wings, the weight of his burden bore him down. His saddlebag seemingly increased its weight since the start of his flight from Everfree castle.
Gliding low enough for his hooves to brush the peaks of the dark trees, he finally reached his destination marked by a few faint blue lanterns below , he prepared for a hard landing. As he descended, his flight became increasingly unsteady, his movements resembling a desperate fall on the edge of control. With a graceless thud, he fell on his side upon the rocky mountain road, the impact sending shudders through his exhausted form. Panting heavily, his breaths came in ragged gasps, each inhalation a struggle against the sharp pain that seared through his chest.
After lying sprawled amidst the cold stones for what seemed an eternity, he mustered the remnants of his strength for an attempt at standing. His limbs, however, betrayed him; as he pushed against the ground, his hooves slid on the slick, rain-soaked rocks beneath him, sending him tumbling forward and ending with his muzzle buried in the cold, wet earth mixed with stones. As he inhaled sharply to fill his lungs with much-needed air, a metallic scent filled his senses, a smell unsettlingly familiar and profoundly unwelcome.
Blood... recoiling at the realization. Fresh blood, not his own, permeated the ground beneath him, mingling with the rain to form a dark puddle.
Panic fluttered in his chest
... Looking ahead with eyes filled with worry, his entire body froze in place, a chill racing through his veins as he beheld the scene that lay before him...
"Nay! This can't be!" he shouted in pain, his voice cracking with the strain of his remaining strength, the words echoing around him.
Ahead of him, a haunting sight unfolded: a convoy of a dozen or more wagons, their once-protective covers torn and shredded, revealing the enveloping darkness within. The remnants of the travellersâ personal belongings lay strewn across the road , their presence seen only by his keen nocturnal sight, a stark contrast against the large shadows from the dark oak trees around him. With his eyes wide and wild, still recovering from his prolonged flight, he scanned the wreckage for any signs of life. The metallic taste and fear hung heavy in the air, seeping into his nostrils as he breathed in the chill night air.
Ensuring that his saddlebag is tightly strapped to his back he made a hesitant step forward, his hooves crunching softly on the rocky road. Every muscle in his body tensed, his senses on high alert, as he moved closer to the abandoned wagons.
bloodâŠ
âŠit was everywhere.
In shock upon recognizing the sheer volume of blood stains surrounding him, he halted. A trail of blood was seen leading towards one of the dark and shredded wagons in front of him.
Listening to his surroundings, he moved with careful, deliberate steps toward the wagon. Each drop on the ground seemed to cause him to feel more weight on his exhausted body. Drawing closer, the silence of the night was shattered by soft, disturbing sounds - whispers that danced on the wind, cries that sliced through the steady drumming of rain. As he neared the wagon even closer, voices from within the shadows became louder in sound... whispers, cries, and distant but distinguish screams that seemed to seep from the very darkness itself surrounding him.
His fur stood on end as he hesitantly approached the loudest source of the sounds coming from the covered wagon, his eyes wide with a mixture of fear and pain. The voices, laden with agony and fear, pulled at the strings of his heart, urging him to run from the horrors hidden within the wagon's depths, but he refused. With a trembling hoof, he reached out, ready to confront the unknown terror lurking behind the wagon's fabric veil.
He moved the fabric covering the entrance, his breath catching in his throat. In the moment that the cloth parted, the voices of pain abruptly fell silent. What had once been formless shadows now materialized into harrowing reality - bodies, sprawled in grotesque and unnatural positions, filling the interior of the wagon. Foals, mares, and stallions, their lifeless eyes stared into the abyss, frozen in expressions of terror and agony. As he peered into their lifeless eyes, his breath quickened, each inhalation sharp and shallow.
"..."
The cruel hoof of fate had spared no one neither the old nor the young. The wagon, once a sanctuary, had become a tomb, a haunting testament to the merciless brutality that had befallen these innocent souls. His heart constricted with a mixture of grief and rage, his mind struggling to comprehend the magnitude of the tragedy before him. The darkness of the night seemed to close in, suffocating him with the weight of the atrocities before him. The cries and screams returned from the shadows, causing sharp pain in his head. Tears welled up, unbidden, and started rolling down his Smokey blue fur. As his breathing became even more ragged, he fell to his knees, overwhelmed by the shock of the devastation that surrounded him. His gaze, initially fixed on the empty stares of the fallen, shifted downward to his own hooves. Why him? Why now?
"Comrade in shadows or adversary in darkness?" a deep voice asked quietly from behind.
As the stormy clouds appeared to pass further south, a mountain clearing emerged from the darkness, illuminated by the flickering light of small campfires. Several navy-blue tents stood proudly, their fabric aglow in the moonlight and the fire's embrace surrounded by darkness.
"What now ⊠Janus?" asked the mare with voice of fear.
Similarly, to the stallion she addressed her question to, she was adorned in silver and blue Armor, encasing her torso and legs in protective metal plates, engraved into her Armor, a moon crest gleamed faintly in the moonlight.
Janus turned his gaze toward her, briefly taking his eyes off the castle in the far distance, consumed by black and green flames. In the depths of her green eyes, he saw the reflection of his own turmoil, a shared burden that weighed heavily upon both their hearts. His attention yet again shifted once more, searching the faces of the five figures standing behind her â his fellow brothers and sisters in arms, each marked by the same feeling of despair.
⊠We have all failed herâŠWe have failed them all...
With a heavy breath, he responded âDecima... we must stay strong⊠for Equestria , for our ponies , for her ââ
Hoof steps echoed ominously from the darkness, growing louder as an unseen force approached. Decima tore her gaze from Janus and fixed her eyes on the looming shadows of the distant tree line, along with the rest of the group. "Positions," she whispered, her voice barely audible above the night's murmurings. In synchrony, all six, encased in Armor knights took flight, their featherless wings cutting through the chilled air with practiced ease.
Meanwhile, several civilians who had sought refuge not far from them had retreated into the safety of tree branches and hid in tents, their eyes wide with fear as they waited in hushed anticipation. High above the ground, the group of six perched like silent sentinels, observing the unfolding events with bated breath, ready to bear witness to whatever grim fate loomed before them.
The hoof steps grew closer, their rhythm steady and ominous, until they faded away behind a dying tree swallowed by darkness. Janus, his senses sharp and instincts honed, landed gracefully on the ground, positioning himself just five meters away from the obscure silhouette of the tree in question. His long fangs glistened in the moonlight as he hissed in the tree's direction, a warning laced with primal threat.
"Comrade in shadows or adversary in darkness?!" he boomed, his voice cutting through the night like a sharp blade.
Janus stood tall and imposing, larger than most stallions by a head, his stature enhanced by his mistress's gift for service he had done in her name in the past. Yet, what emerged from the shadows eclipsed even his formidable size and presence. A monstrous figure, shrouded in darkness, loomed larger and more menacing than Janus himself.
"Comrade in shadows I am to you and all that are loyal to the true pure moon," the monstrous figure's voice rumbled like distant thunder, echoing through the forest. From the depths of the darkness, its eyes glowed with an eerie silver and purple light.
The dark figure stood clad in an all-onyx black Armor, more massive and intimidating than the ones adorned by the six figures that opposed him; its surface was imprinted with cryptic runes that seemed to pulse with magic. A prominent full moon crest graced the centre of his chest plate, shimmering in an ethereal combination of silver and a deep, ominous purple. Unlike the knight before him, this emblem seemed to radiate an aura of dark power. His wings, akin to those of the stallion standing opposite him, were featherless - leathery membrane, but they were larger and more muscular, His larger fangs, were stained a deep crimson, as was his massive sword attached to his back.
"Februus" Janus hissed, the name dripping with distaste and pure hatred.
"You dare arrive on these sacred grounds after your betrayal of the one that we swore our very souls to?" Janus's voice thundered. His eyes blazed with fury. With a swift, practised motion of his wing, he released a thin, long blade that had been discreetly strapped to his wing. The blade gleamed wickedly in the moonlight as it arced through the air, its edge honed to a razor's precision. His eyes narrowed and aiming at the neck of the newly arrived Februus.
"(Cough) (Cough) Lower your blade Janus... there is enough blood around us to fill your thirst (cough) (cough)" said a figure from behind the onyx knight. Stepping into the moonlight from the shadows of the dying tree, this new presence took his place next to Februus, his demeanour calm but resolute. With a voice lower and weaker, he added, "He is with us..."
The atmosphere hung heavy with tension as the words settled into the night air. Janus, his blade still poised, hesitated for a moment, his eyes flickering between the two figures before him.
"Junon? Is that... you?" a quiet voice, soft yet filled with worry, floated from behind Janus. The mare's words hung in the air just like her.
Junon turned slowly, his eyes fixating on one of his sisters in arms. Recognition flickered in his eyes, a mix of disbelief and happiness. The shadows seemed to retreat slightly, as if granting them a moment of respite from the looming darkness.
"Octavia... I thought⊠I would never see you," Junon uttered, his voice catching in his throat. Tears welled in both of their eyes. In an uncontainable surge of emotion, the mare flew past Janus and Februus, her wings carrying her swiftly to Junon's side. With a heartfelt cry, she enveloped him in a warm, nuzzling embrace, their tears mingling in a shared release of joy and relief.
As Octavia closely inspected Junon, her hoof stained with blood, she abruptly stopped their embrace. Her eyes widened with mild shock. "This blood... is it yours? How deep are the cuts?!" After a brief, tense moment of realization, her voice rose in urgency. "Where is your Armor? Where is the crest?!"
Tears still glistening in his eyes, Junon placed a reassuring wing on Octavia's shoulder. His voice, though worn, carried a restored strength as he replied, "I might be hurt but the cuts are not deep dear Octavia. And my Lunar Crest... and my armour, I had to shed them, I will explain everything later... I promise. There are grave matters at hoof now, and I had to move with haste, I will resolve the issue with them later when we return back to the castle"
"What was so important that you didn't follow Princess Luna's direct orders and why did you have to leave the armour and the crest behind?" Octavia inquired.
"I..." Junon began, but his words were abruptly cut off by a deeper and louder voice that emanated from the side of the two embraced ponies. "He captured part of that demons relics , giving that worthless excuse of a princess, Celestia, a chance to free our mistress from that imposter with the Elements of Harmony.â
ââŠâ
âor kill herâŠâ added chillingly Decima, standing to the side of Janus with growing despair in her eyes casting his sight on the ground.
"Princess Celestia would never do that!" Octavia cried out; her voice filled with shock yet again. But before she could say anything else, Janus stepped forward, taking the lead in the conversation. He pointed accusingly, with his blade still in the air, "Why is he here?" The tension in the clearing grew, palpable and suffocating, as accusations and unanswered questions hung in the air like storm clouds on the horizon.
Februus narrowed his eyes at Janus, a silent challenge gleaming in his gaze. Janus continued, his voice dripping with suspicion and accusation, "Did you come to reclaim what is needed for your master to kill our Mistress's Sister and unleash the darkness upon the waking world?".
Februus angrily responded, "My loyalty lies with Princess Luna of Equestria! I came here because just like all of you, she visited me in my dreams and informed me about her downfall to the demon of darkness! The demon her sister failed to acknowledge! My actions earlier tonight were not of my own doing; Neither were my troops⊠I was controlled by that ⊠abomination!â. After a short pause, his gaze shifted to the trees where several civilians were hiding, their eyes wide with fear as they listened closely. With a softer tone, he added âIs she here? is she still with us or if she joined my beloved wife?".
The group became silent
Decima's gaze shifted to Junon, "Where is it?" she asked, her words cutting through the tense silence "And why do you think we can trust him, even if he is telling the truth? He might be baiting us in false scenes of security! That thing might take control of him again and butcher all of usâŠâ Pointing at Februus she asked.
Junon let out a light sigh, placing his saddlebag on the ground before him. He responded with exhaustion, "He had a chance to attack me on the mountain pass, and I would have been defenceless, I'm still now (cough) (cough). Not only was I without the crest or any weapon for that matter, I was utterly exhausted. If he wanted us dead, wouldn't he have attacked me outright on the pass? Why lead me here? Why not bring our corrupted brothers and sisters to end us?â He looked at both Janus and Decima, his gaze holding a flicker between the two. "On other darker matterâŠ," he continued, his voice strained with sorrow, "what happened to the rest? I found bodies... some not even older than five... what could drive any creature to commit such atrocities?" He looked at Octavia, his eyes reflecting the horror of his earlier discovery, the memories ripping at his very soul. The weight of their shared grief and the darkness that surrounded them before, returned in greater force.
Octavia couldn't bring herself to respond, her voice choked with sorrow, as a new wave of tears began to form in her eyes. "We were ambushed by the corrupt ones," her words heavy with grief. "They didn't waste their time in diplomatic conversations with us...theyâŠ(sigh) We defeated them, but at a cost higher than we can acceptâ.
"My daughter, is she here? Is she alive? Where is Star Gaze?!" Februus boomed, his voice echoing over the forest as he closed the distance with Janus and Decima. His eyes, wild with fear and hate.
"She is alive, traumatized over the things she had to see, but she is safe and in good physical health," Octavia responded from Februus's back.
"You will see her only if we deem you to be safe for her and the rest of us... you are covered in that things dark magic," Janus said firmly.
"Do you hear voices or see visions? Do you see dark shadows moving around us?" Decima continued, her sharp eyes scrutinizing Februus. "Before Maius was overtaken, he said he heard things and saw shadows coming back to life from the fallen. Respond with truth, since we can help you and it would be in safety interest of your own daughterâ.
Februus's voice trembled, "I had seen and felt all that you described, but after I came back to myself, the Mistress visited me and... cleansed me? I'm not entirely sure what has happened to me... but... I'm back, and it's really me! I still feel the darkness, but it no longer affects my mind. I don't blame you for fearing me; I would do the same. But trust me when I say, I would never hurt my daughter... she is the only thing that I have left..."
Looking at each other, Janus and Decima exchanged a meaningful glance before making a subtle nod of agreement. Decima closed the distance between her and Februus, her eyes unwavering as she spoke, "You may see her, but you will be escorted and supervised by Marchos and Augustus." On cue, both Marchos and Augustus landed by her side. They gave a weak nod and a weaker smile at Februus. Februus returned the gesturer.
Before the three could leave, Octavia pressed a question at Februus, her eyes filled with a desperate hope. "Did you see the rest? Are they... lost, or is there a chance like with you, Februus?"
Februus couldn't muster the strength to look her in the eyes. He took a deep breath, his voice heavy with sorrow. "I did see Avrel, Julius, and... Novenia," he whispered. "I believe our mistress had enough strength for one of us only. She herself is in no position to escape the chains that were brought by that demon." He took another breath, this time turning to face Octavia and meeting her gaze with a sorrowful intensity. "Unless the elements will release Mistress from her imprisonment within the next cycle... even then, I don't think it's possible... I'm sorryâ.
Octavia looked down at the ground where the saddlebag lay, her gaze heavy with determination. "We must go and help Princess Celestia to save her Highness," she declared, âWe must assemble-â
Februus's voice cut through Octavia's determination "No , we were commanded by the Mistress to get away as far as possible from the castle and assemble to fight that thing IF Celestia and the Elements of Harmony fail. Only then!" .
âBut-â Octavia tried to intervene only for Janus to continue from where Februus started, "Going there is a risk. We don't know if she can cause another wave of mind manipulation. What if we get corrupted? What will we even do once we arrive, even if she does not corrupt us?!â
âWe can help Princess Celestia! We can ââ , âwe cant do a single damm bucking thing Octaviaâ Janus interrupted with speech filled with hate, âwe neither have the strength or the numbers, the Solar Guard almost got wiped out in the first blast, that thing forced the strongest of us to run like foals , only reason we are alive is because all of us were warned by her highnessâ ,
âThe rest who were in the dream realm are now in her serviceâ Junon said softly, placing his wing over Octavia and planting a kiss on her cheek. âIts hard⊠I know, but we must trust both of our rulers to overcome thisâŠâ.
âYou are right⊠Iâm sorryâŠI pray to the Moon and the Sun that this is all a dream and that I will be in the awakening world⊠this canât be happening, all of this should beâŠâ Octavia let a single tear slide across her cheek, glistening in the moonlight â⊠just a nightmareâ.
At Octavia's anguished words, Junon dropped to his knees, his face contorted in pain. He clutched his chest, gasping for breath. "It hurts... can't hold the pain," he managed to say, his voice strained.
Octavia fell to his side, her eyes wide with fear. She placed her hooves on his bloody chest, trying to find the reason for his pain, the cuts were indeed not deep, but bloody and surrounded by a dark substance. "Quick, help him! Bring a physician!" she cried out desperately.
Decima approached the pair swiftly without hesitation, she took Junon by her side. "Quick, help me take him to the tents!". As both of them flew off with Junon in their hooves, Februus fixed his gaze with a threatening stare given by Janus.
Both Marchos and Augustus decided to take a step back, wisely giving Janus room to confront Februus alone. Janus closed the distance between them, his blade drawn and fangs bared, approaching Februus until they were close enough to feel each other's breath in the tense, charged air.
The atmosphere crackled with animosity.
"Your sword, armour and crest on the ground, now," Janus said with a quiet but hateful voice. Februus hissed with two large fangs and sharp teeth on display, barely managing to say âI can'tâ with his teeth clenched.
"What do you mean you can't? If you want to see your daughter, drop this blasphemous armour now!, or do you need some help with that?!â.
Februus glanced to his sides and saw Marchos and Augustus, both armed and ready to attack. Marchos looked at Februus with a mix of concern and desperation, the mace trembling in his teeth. "Just take it off... for the love of the moon".
"I tried... this wicked magic prevents me from taking the armour off," Februus said with frustration, âI cant explain how, but it feels as if it grew into my very bones, I tried to take it off once I broke free from the possession of that thing⊠it doesnât want to set me freeâ.
Janus glanced at the other two of his brothers-in-arms and signalled for them to attempt to take off the armour. Marchos and Augustus exchanged a quick uneasy glance and with a large sigh approached Februus. They tried to take the plates and the straps that held them together, but neither would yield to their attempts. Every time their hooves contacted with the onyx plates, imprinted runes began to illuminate faintly with an ominous dark purple glare. Every time they pulled the plates of their bodies felt to grow weaker. At one point Marchos felt as if the, already dim light from the moon, was getting fainter and darkness began to surround them. No matter how hard they tried, the armour clung to Februus, refusing to give in.
"...enough..." Decima's voice cut through the struggles of the two stallions. She approached from the side of the camp; her eyes resolute. "Take his sword, unless that thing is also embedded in his very flesh, and take him to his daughter⊠we will leave within the next quarter of a cycleâ.
"How is Junon?" Februus questioned the re appeared knight, "He seems to have bled a bit... and without his crest and armour, he might have underestimated his stamina and healing to fly such a distance in his condition⊠â Decima said , moving her gaze at the saddlebag that lay where it was first dropped, âI will wrap it and place it in my wagon, we will sort out later what we will do with itâ. As she lifted it with her teeth her neck muscles gave a spasm, pain running through her entire body, looking in fear and hate she muttered under her breath into the abyss âif thatâs only a fraction of that monstrosity ⊠I canât conjure up how her highnesses physical form holds such ⊠wicked powerâ.
Februus, flanked by Marchos and Augustus, approached a cliff located behind the tents. From this elevated vantage point, the night sky spread out before them, revealing the moon and stars that had been liberated from the stormy clouds. In the distance, the silhouette of the castle of the twin sisters stood, marked by sporadic bursts of fire and explosions emanating from the ongoing battle they had been commanded to avoid.
Seated just ahead of the trio were two ponies. One, covered in a blue and silvery tunic, was a small pony, a young one with a fur coat as white as the moon. Beside her sat a larger, much older and fragile mare, also adorned in a tunic, albeit of lesser quality, with patches placed all over. Her membrane wings covering the younger one in a tight embrace. Their eyes were fixed on the distant castle and the chaos of battle that surrounded it.
As the trio approached even closer, Februus made a quiet cough to announce his presence to the two ponies before him. The older one turned her head around, tears running down her fur. Fixing her gaze on Februus, she leaned over to the young one next to her and whispered something in her ear.
Februus, with his keen hearing from birth that was further enhanced by his mistresses gift, caught the faintest of whispers carried by the wind. " I'll beest backeth, mine own young mistress," the old mare whispered. With these words, she lifted herself up and wiped the tears off her coat. Steadying herself, she began approaching the trio before stopping before Februus.
"Mine lord..." she began, her voice shaky and filled with fear. Her eyes wandered over his Onyx Armor, and confusion clouded her expression. "Is - is't very much thee?" she stammered, her legs wobbling under the weight of old age as she bowed in a gesture of respect, still keeping her gazed fixed to him.
"Forsooth, 'tis," he replied, a faint nervous smile forming around his muzzle, âHow is mine own daught'r, is the young lady well?â.
With a sigh the old mare turned to look at young filly still gazing in the distance, as if in a dream like state, âThe lady is ⊠(sight) not unwell mine own l'rd, but i doth feeleth the needeth to sayeth this nonce hath left a scar on h'r mindâ she said with sadness surrounding her words, âI prayeth, just liketh the rest yond this tragedy shall all but endeth with nay m're teen f'r neith'r the mistress and h'r sist'r 'r usâŠâ
Once more, Februus advanced forward, his escort stopping silently by the old mare, understanding the difficulty for Februus. They gave him space, for now. The small filly, clothed in a blue and silvery tunic, didn't show any acknowledgement of her father's presence, or his changed appearance. Her distant gaze remained fixed on the far-off horizon, seemingly lost in her thoughts.
As he sat down next to her with a soft, fatherly voice, he spoke, âHow are you feeling Stargaze? Are you alright?â Without moving her gaze from the scene ahead, she said in the faintest voice, âI'm well, father. Mine own nanny and the brave lunar nights tooketh most wondrous careth of us. Though t breaks mine own heart what hath happened to our oth'r companionsâŠâ. Februus slowly hovered his wing over his daughter to provide comfort, trembling⊠thinking⊠if he should touch herâŠ
The mistress said that the dark powers are locked within me, within this Armor, if I touch her ⊠will she feel pain, or comfort? Will it corrupt her pure little soul , will it turn her int-
His chain of though was broken as his daughter spoke up once more, âthee shouldst not beest afraid mine own fath'r, h'r moonlight p'rhaps didn't manageth to cleanse thy soul of the darkness of the demons of shadows. But yond doesn't matt'r , as the lady hast subdu'd darkness within theeâ.
Februus face, previously covered by a mask presenting only strength and coldness, was replaced with confusion and feeling of fear. With a trembling voice and wide eyes looking over his daughter he whispered, âH-how do yo..u know all that? How did yo-â.
For the first time his offspring looked directly into his eyes, turning her head to face Februus, revealing faint purple and a milky eye. Her muzzle holding a light smile , with a note of amusement âThe stars ,they speaketh to us, fath'r⊠those gents speaketh to all of us, but not all harks to their voicesâ.
Februus nodded in an attempt to show acknowledgement, his gaze lingering on his daughter for a moment longer. There was both reassurance and uncertainty in his eyes as he gently squeezed her. "Fear not, my little stargazer," he whispered, hoping his words would bring solace to the fragile heart of his beloved child. "Peace will soon find its way back to us."
I beg every deity that ever lived or will live that this is true and not a lie to comfort ⊠he though withing the confine of his mind.
A voice from behind whispered, "Mine own l'rd , mine own apologies f'r the intrusion, but lady Decima wouldst liketh to speaketh with thee, i believeth t is urgent and i shall faileth to holdeth h'r longeth'r "
Februus turned his head slowly, acknowledging the voice. He gave his daughter a reassuring squeeze with his wing before rising. "Thank thee," he said softly to the old mare, acknowledging the urgency. With one last glance at his kin he rose up.
Februus stood before the remaining knights, his eyes meeting the steely gaze of Decima. There was a tension in the air, an unspoken understanding of the gravity of their situation. The absence of Octavia and Junon did not escape his notice, but he chose to focus on the task at hoove.
"We will keep a vigilant eye on you," Decima declared, her tone as cold as the winter winds. "But make no mistake, give us a reason, and we will not hesitate to bind you in chains" Janus added from the shadow.
Decima's voice cut through the tense silence, her words resonating with determination and purpose. "We must decide our next course of action now," she declared, her eyes meeting each knight's gaze in turn. "Our ponies are in motion, making their way north to the ancient caves that our ancestors once called home. Until then, our duty is clear. We must scout the surrounding area, seeking out our fellow troopsâcorrupted or not. We owe them our allegiance, whether it means granting them mercy and peace or guiding them to safety."
Cold ⊠It felt really ColdâŠ
A biting chill settled in the air, seeping into their bones like an icy breath of winter. "Did it get colder all of a sudden, or is it just me?" Decima said trembling slightly, her voice barely audible above what seemed to be creeping darkness.
âThe beginning of a new st'ry hast did start and we wilt prepareth f'r what is aheadâ a soft voice said from the side of the cliff Stargazes sight now fixed on the bright moon.
Octavia's worried voice cut through the biting cold, echoing the concern that gnawed at their hearts. "What is going on? Why did it get so cold?" she questioned in worry as she landed before the group
Februus, his eyes narrowed against the chill, looked into the distance from the cliff. "something isnât right, as if darkness itself is consuming the world," he said with his breath becoming deeper and prolonged. " The shadows themselves are watching, waiting..."
"Be on guard," Februus warned, his voice low and steady despite the rising tension. "We must-â
In the distance, a colossal sphere of light burst into existence, outshining even the sun itself. Every member of the group became silent and found their gazes irresistibly drawn to the spectacle. The sphere, though situated far to the south above the castle of the twin sisters, possessed an undeniable magnitude.
Then, in a heartbeat, the luminous sphere transformed into a beam, a vivid amalgamation of red, orange, green, blue, pink, and purple hues. The beam shot forth with unstoppable force, slicing through the vast expanse of the night sky. Its trajectory was unmistakableâit was headed straight for the moon.
The tranquility of the night shattered as the winds surged with an unimaginable force, sweeping over the land like a tidal wave.
Trees quivered, their leaves rustling in protest. The very ground beneath their hooves trembled. The group stood firm, their eyes wide staring directly at the moon.
The group stood in stunned silence as the large, dark imprint covered the moon, distorting its once serene glow. The outline etched against the lunar canvas was unmistakableâit bore the shape and essence of their mistress⊠Princess Luna herself. Her regal form, now tainted by shadow, loomed ominously over the moon, casting an eerie silhouette.
A collective gasp escaped their lips, a mixture of disbelief and horror filling the air. The very embodiment of the night, their beloved Princess Luna, appeared to be consumed by an otherworldly darkness. Her once-gentle countenance was now twisted into a grimace of anguish, her eyes hollow voids that seemed to peer into the depths of their souls.
We have failed her
"We have failed her," Janus whispered in anguish, his voice cracking under the weight of their collective guilt. With a heavy heart, he sank to his knees, unable to tear his gaze away from the burning sight before them. "We have failed her!" he cried out, his voice echoing the despair that gripped them all.
Augustus's voice quivered with desperation, his eyes darting between his companions as if searching for a glimmer of hope. "This can't be true, can it? There must be an explanation, a reason... She's alive, right?".
Stargaze turned to face the group, her eyes glowing with a brilliant white light, illuminating the darkness that surrounded them.âIn a thousand years from this day f'rth, the stars themselves shall aid in h'r escapeth and shall finally bringeth the dark night et'rnalâ Stargaze said to the astonishment of the entire group, everypony was looking at her. "The years ahead shall beest hard, many shalt falleth , but as longeth as one soul remains to aid h'r in the square 'gainst the goodyear of the void, th're shalt beest desire".
A sinister, demonic voice hissed through the air, sending shivers down the spines of the gathered ponies.
A sight of horror it was... The demonic voice emanated from a four-legged creature, calling him a pony would be a grave mistake. His fur was darker than the deepest shadows he emerged from, absorbing the light around him. His wings, more akin to skeletal structures, were shrouded in darkness, with wisps of smoke evaporating into the surrounding gloom. His teeth were numerous, each sharper than a Hydra's fang, creating an aura of malevolence that sent chills down all the onlookers.
His eyes were pitch black, devoid of any discernible pupils, yet within their depths glowed a sinister purple light, like an ethereal flame flickering in the abyss. Tears welled up in Octavia's eyes fear and pain was an expression shared by all ââŠJunon ⊠noâ.
âTh're shall at each moment beest hope , th're at each moment shall lunar lighteth to guideth us⊠thy mast'r shall faileth, we shall suff'r, our mistress shall suff'r greater, but we shall winnethâ Stargaze proclaimed with her eyes illuminating like the moon the surrounding darkness emitted from within the corrupt soul before her "we shall standeth, as longeth us th're shall beest one yond shall holp in the years aft'r!".
"âźâ±§É âłâ± â± Éâ±€É Ă⣠ⱧĂâ±É àžżâ± ĆâŠÄ⎠ÉĂÉ" the demon sneered, and with speed matched by lighting launching himself forward in a swift motion aimed directly at Stargaze, his sharp fangs bared menacingly.
As an enveloping darkness shrouded the group, two voices pierced through the void. One was a father's voice, trembling with fear and anger, and the other was a sister's voice in the distance, laden with anguish and pain.
âNOOOOO!!!â
âLUNNNAAA!!!â
Fear breeds anger, anger begets pain, and pain ushers us into the boundless abyss of suffering...
The day was perfect, with the sky above a clear, endless blue on the journey from Canterlot. The only clouds in sight hugged the distant Foal Mountain, way beyond where anyone would bother looking on such a gorgeous day. Everything seemed to glow a bit brighter, feel a bit warmer, like the kind of day that could make anyone forget their troubles.
Under a sky so clear it seemed endless, painted in shades of the deepest blue, the sun held court. A fiery monarch, it bathed the world below in its glow. Its light played across vast fields of wheat, turning them into a sea of gold that stretched to the horizon. These golden waves swayed in a graceful dance, choreographed by the gentle whispers of a summer breeze.
Amongst this golden sea, small red and white cottages akin to tiny vessels afloat among the sea of wheat. To the south expanse, on the far-off horizon, verdant woodlands encircled the base of Foal Mountain, their foliage a deep, lush embrace against the earth. Serene rivers snaked through the pastoral expanse, their waters shimmering like liquid crystal under the sun's tender gaze, carving sinuous trails through the verdant and golden quilt that was the countryside.
Carving a path through the golden sea, a train hastened forth, its steely sinews humming a rhythmic tune as it cleaved through the countryside. Its passage stirred the still air, sending ripples across the land around.
The train, grand in stature, bore a mauve purple facade, its hull adorned with broad golden lines that waltzed gracefully upon itself, weaving a captivating pattern. Affixed at its forefront was a grandiose golden Sun.
In the parade of graceful wagons that followed, one giant stood outâa central wagon, majestic and grand, dwarfing its companions. It gleamed with an iridescent purple lustre, its metal infused with magic skin caressed by the sun's rays, casting reflections where gold and violet performed a delicate duet. Its flanks were decorated with elaborate bronze leaf filigree and a golden sun on each side , a bespoke sanctuary for the trio of ponies and the tiny drake ensconced in its royal interior.
"Luna... is everything alright?" a gentle, soothing voice inquired from her side once more.
Luna's ears caught the tender inquiry, tempting her to swivel around and respond, yet a ghostly whisper of a memory, elusive yet nagging, kept her gaze tethered to the spectacle outside. As she scanned the distant mountains across the endless golden sea, her thought was abruptly severed. Instead, her gaze re-fell upon the window before her, the world outside now a blurry dance of colours.
The vibrant, lively blur outside was momentarily disrupted by a sombre blue silhouette, her own reflection. Before she could dive deeper into the void of her own eyes, another voice, tender and young, almost childlike, grazed her ear, whispering with as little breath as possible, "Twilight, I think we should do something, sh- princess hasn't moved or even blinked for a long while now, this isnât good, right?" The whisper would be concealed from an ordinary pony, but the ones ears it meant to reach, but Luna was differentâŠ
âJust a little longer, focus, you've seen this before. What was it? The mountains, the sky, the fields, they all were a part of... of what? Is it this particular place? orâŠâ
Luna heard movement followed by a soft hoof touching her gently on her side. Though the touch was tender, it was unanticipated to happen so quickly. Perhaps a moment later and she would be ready, but oh well. Luna slightly jerked upright in a quick motion, her wings half-unfurled, as she turned to face the intruder encroaching upon her personal space and freedom of thought.
Turning she gazed upon a luxurious cabin with large white couches and a silver table, in this space she met the gaze of another who stood before her. Cadence, grace embodied, with her long, flowing mane of soft pink, purple, and gold, elegantly draping over her light pink coat. Her tiara glinted softly in the daylight streaming through the window, as her purple eyes fixed on Luna's blue teal eyes, harbouring an expression of slight shock at Luna's unexpected movement. Luna folded her wings neatly by her sides.
âMi am're cadenza, our apologies f'r our reaction, we has't been too concentrat'd on⊠reviewing the agricultural state of Ponyvilleâ Luna said softly âYond and the functionality of this machine, âtrainâ we w're toldeth t is named?â
"Yes, it is indeed called a train Luna," she said, her expression still carrying a trace of shock tinged with worry. "And this isn't Ponyvilleâwe passed it three hours ago. Remember? That's when we picked up Twilight, Spike and her friends?"
âElements of harmony, they are here?â
Cadence gestured gracefully with a wave of her wing, directing Luna's gaze to the opposite end of the cabin, where two figures were seated in attention on a plush sofa just like the one Luna was sitting: Twilight, the purple unicorn with her unmistakable indigo mane, and Spike, the small purple and green dragon, Twilight's faithful companion. The duo was engaged in observing the conversation before them without making unnecessary sounds, Twilight even seems attempting to hold her breath in order to reduce her already absent noise pollution.
'five hours? this canât be right? they just boarded with her friends after making that silly dance with Cadenza, or maybe it was so long ago? focus Luna! donât show weakness!'
Cadence's words, soft yet laden with concern, redirected Luna's gaze outward, through the window to the expansive Golden Fields. "We are actually now passing 'Golden Fields'," Cadence murmured, her gaze lingering on the vibrant landscape, "we're near Manehattan, hopefully, we will be there in two hoursâ
"Oh," Luna said, her voice barely above a hush,
Cadence's voice held a thread of light amusement as she regarded Luna with a soft, empathetic gaze. "And, Luna," she began anew, locking her gaze with the confused mare, "I thought we agreed to use our first names, with no titles and without 'the royal weâ? I know it's hard for such a⊠change andâ"
"We... I thank thee, Cadence," Luna interrupted. She attempted to smile, but even without a mirror, she knew it appeared insincere and perhaps pathetic in her opinion. "I shall endeavour to do so".
âWhy is it so hard, just smile, ti- Celestia always does it, why canât I do itâ
"Princess Luna, my apologies," Twilight finally spoke up after a lengthy silence, her nervousness evident. Her gaze couldn't fixate on either Luna or Cadence as she sought encouragement and acceptance to begin her conversation. After a quick smile from Cadance, she continued with a nervous smile herself, "But I also want to say... it might be, but it doesn't necessarily mean it is, and probably, of course, if you should choose to prefer the old Equestrian, that will not be an issue. On the other hoofâŠ" Twilight continued murmuring, her eyes now running more wild in an attempt to grasp her initial thought, but before she could continue ,Spike chimed in, helping to clarify "What Twilight is trying to say, Princess, is that most ponies will have trouble understanding you when you speak."
Luna understood the shifting tides of language and how centuries of cultural evolution and technological progress could transform communications. At the end of it all ⊠âits not like I have a choice to have my old life back after all â.
"I... am... aware," Luna started, her delivery deliberating, each word weighed with careful consideration. She grappled with her diction, striving not to entwine the regal cadences of Royal Everfree manner with the vernacular thriving among the common folk back in her day. 'Peasant Speech,' as certain nobility disdainfully referred to it before, had indeed permeated Equestria during her years of absence.
"I may require⊠additional time to acclimate to the peasâ" Luna caught herself with swift precision, hoping her swift correction went unnoticed, "âvernacular commonly used today. Nevertheless, I am thankful, Twilight Sparkle, and Spike the drake, for your thoughtful insights." She concluded her acknowledgement with a modest bow.
"Oh, no need to worry, Princess! We're here to help," Twilight said hastily, her words a nervous jumble. "We understand it's hard... or actually, we donât since you know (nervous laugh) ... butâ" Her halting attempt at reassurance was interrupted by Cadence, who stepped forward and gently draped her wing over Twilight in a comforting gesture. Turning to face Luna with a warm smile, she said, "We're all here to help you up Luna, and we're ready to help you get back on... track." Cadence's voice lifted playfully on the last word, her chuckle infectious, and Spike couldn't contain a snicker at the pun that flew over Luna's head, unnoticed by her.
-Knock
-Knock
-Knock
Door knocks resounded, drawing the attention of all but Luna to the entrance. Cadence's horn shimmered with a soft pink glow, the door swinging open under its magical influence. âCome in!â, Two new figures entered: a cyan pegasus, her mane boasting a vibrant rainbow streak, and an elegant white unicorn, grace emanating from her very presence. As the room filled with the hum of fresh conversation, Luna's gaze lingered on a decorative, golden sun adorning the wall. A whisper of thought passed through her mind,
âShe promised⊠She said she would always be with meâŠâ
Luna's thoughts were distant, echoes of a solemn vow reverberating in the silence of her mind. The chatter around her faded into a muffled backdrop, snippets of the conversation drifting to her ears without truly registering.
"...Oh, and the design of our compartment is simply marvellous. I must say, I've never seen such an exquisite array of fabrics from Khamelu, Saddle Arabia, and Neighpon used for decor..." the white unicorn was saying, her voice a blend of awe and appreciation.
âPff, forget about that,â scoffed the Pegasus, brimming with a different sort of enthusiasm. âThereâs an onboard gym and a snack wag, can you believe it? It's like a town on tracks!â Her excitement bubbled over as she continued, âThough, there arenât many exits for flying out without the guards lecturing me on security and protocol. Iâve never been on the ground for more than five hours! Those guards just donât understand what itâs like to be a future Wonderbolt. Every second on the ground feels like a second lost!â as she said, her hood landed hard on the polished wooden floor to further show her frustration, although more in a comical-sarcastic remark.
â...Rainbow this is⊠(unrecognizable talk)âŠPrincess Celestia⊠wo-(unrecognizable talk)âŠâ
The voices became a distant echo as Luna delved deeper into her own mind. She tried to weave the scattered tapestry of her life into a single, continuous strand, delving into the recesses of her memory. Each fragment, a challenge to grasp, to align, to understand. It was an introspective battle waged in silence. She needed to get out⊠she needed to rest⊠she needs⊠to be alone with her mindâŠ
Luna wasn't sure how much time had passed when she finally surfaced from her reverie, but the silence that greeted her return to the present felt heavy with awkwardness. She became aware of the cabin's other occupants encircling her, a fact she only fully acknowledged when Rarity, the white unicorn, inadvertently obscured her view of the decorative sun ⊠a symbol of her sister's cutie markâŠon the opposite wall. Luna's solitude had been noticed, and now, concern and curiosity filled the blue eyes that met hers, still in a form of a blur for Luna.
ââŠPrincess?â
Luna's gaze sharpened on Rarity, akin to a telescope aligning with its celestial target. She swiftly surveyed the group of ponies before her, her eyes tracing over each face in the assemblyâŠâwhy are they just staring at me⊠what should I do?â
"Princess Luna... dear, is everything alright?" Rarity's voice was tinged with concern. "If you wish to rest before we fix you up, please know that it's perfectly fine" she offered gently.
"Luna, would you like to lay down for a while?" Cadence inquired with a softness that filled the room. "We can clear the room, or I can assist youâ" She extended her hoof towards Luna in a gentle gesture of support. However, before Cadence's hoof could make contact, Luna rose abruptly. She stood swiftly, perhaps too quickly, as a twinge of pain flickered through her muscles. She dismissed it with a determined thought, 'I can't be weakâŠIt has to changeâŠâ.
"W- I thank thee, Cadenz-ce," Luna stumbled slightly over the name, correcting herself as she spoke. "I shall retire to my quarters now. It seems I have not had sufficient rest in the last cycle," she explained, her words directed to Cadence though her eyes did not meet the other's gaze. As she stood up, now facing the door from the cabin, walking slightly past the group of ponies she tilted her head in the direction of Rarity, similarly not meeting her gaze. "Miss... Rarity," Luna began, her voice tinged with uncertainty. She was well aware of the unicorn's nameâRarity was the bearer of the element of generosity, after allâbut the barrage of new names in recent months had made her prone to confusion. "I gratefully accept your offer. A brief rest is more than welcome, and thereafter, I shall return for my preparations within the next hour" Luna's said firmly.
Luna's pace toward the corridor's door was steady until the train's abrupt lurch caused her to falter slightly. She paused, allowing herself a moment to let the discomfort pass through her. At the doorway, Cadence's voice followed her, caring and concerned, "Do you want me to go with you?" There was another pause, she responded just above a murmur, "No." Her whisper was short and unemotional.
Exiting the cabin, Luna reached out with her magic, a faint delicate blue aura enveloping the door as she attempted to close it behind her. The task proved challenging, the door resisting her weary efforts, until she sensed another magical presence. Cadence's aura, a complementary hue, enveloped the door as well, lending strength to Luna's attempt. While Cadence's intention might have been to offer support, Luna perceived it differently. As the door clicked shut, aided by Cadence's strength, a single, piercing thought cut through Luna's pride: 'Weak.'
As the door clicked shut behind Luna, sealing off her retreating figure, an uneasy silence enveloped the compartment.
Twilight was the first to break the silence, her voice tinged with concern. "Do you think she's really alright? She seemed... so distant and not in this world?" . Her gaze flicked to her friends who had also watched the exit of the Lunar Princess.
Rarity, with a thoughtful expression, adjusted her scarf and responded with a weak smile, "Well, her mane was a bit unkempt and her fur is a bit messy. Thatâs certainly not the royal standard I seen in Princess Celestia , but considering weâre just getting to know her again, perhaps thatâs just how she is now? You should really see how the fashion industry is changing. Maybe she is taking a distinct look?"
There was a pause as Cadence listened quietly, her face a mask of composure but her eyes betraying a deeper turmoil. She remained silent, thoughtful, contributing to the conversation with only slight nods or a faint smile, keeping her own counsel.
Rainbow Dash, ever the pragmatist, chimed in with a shrug. "If sheâs got something on her mind, sheâll tell us when sheâs ready, right? Maybe we're just overthinking things. I say we just relax" With that she made a salto before Landing on the couch and placing her hoofs on the beautifully designed table.
With a look of disapproval, Rarity added facing Rainbow Dash âAlthough I will say being modest does define a Ladyâ
Twilight looked towards Cadence, noticing her unusually reserved demeanor. "Cadence, is everything okay? You seem... preoccupied."
Cadence hesitated, then reached into her bag and pulled out a scroll, handing it to Spike with her magic. "Please send this to Princess Celestia immediately," she instructed quietly. As Spike took the scroll and used Dragon Flame to send it off. Cadenceâs shoulders seemed to slump slightly as her face took gleamed with uncertainty.
Turning back to her friends with a forced smile that didnât quite reach her eyes, Cadence finally spoke, her voice laced with a hint of distress. "Thereâs something I need to discuss with you all. Princess Celestia asked me to bring it up... But before we doâŠâ She paused, her horn glowing with a soft, pulsing light. "Iâll cast a spell of confidence if you wish to learn what I have to tell. It will ensure that we don't speak about this to anyone outside this circle only to each other and Princess Celestia, if absolutely necessary."
Rainbow Dash looked from one to the other, her previously relaxed figure jumped up with excitement of the situation upcoming. "Okay please please please tell us we have to save the world and it in our hooves, THIS will be an amazing look on my application to the wonderbolts!â
Cadence formed a small smile, attempting to mimic the one of her aunt. âRainbow if you are doing this, then let's really commit. No leaks, no slips. And donât worry the world is fine, its nothing dangerous" with a small sigh she continued âits just Aunty thinks as the new Elements of Harmony its important for you to know this, if you although donât want this burden on your backs I would ask you and spike to step out of the roomâ
"Hey, wait a minute!" Spike said, his tone more assertive than usual, catching everyoneâs attention. "I know I'm not a pony and I don't have a fancy title or anything, but I've been with Twilight since the beginning. I've sent countless letters to Princess Celestia and kept secrets before. I can be trusted with this, too."
He looked at Cadence, his green eyes sincere. "I understand this is serious, and I promise, on my honor as a dragon, that I wonât speak of it to anyone else except who youâve already allowed. Please, I want to help, and I want to be here for all of you, just like I always have been."
Cadence looked at him, the uncertainty on her face softening into a gentle, appreciative smile once again. "Spike, I know how trustworthy you are. It's not about trust. It's just that this matter... it's very delicate. You are still a child and I think you shouldnât be obligated to hold this on your soul. Once Aunty will see as the issue being a nuisance it will no longer be a secret and Twilight will tell you everything", Looking up at Twilight, Cadance continued âAssuming you would want to knowâ.
Twilight nodded in agreement, her expression softened by Cadence's considerate words. "Spike, you've always been incredibly brave and loyal, and there's no doubt about your ability to keep a secret. But some things are heavy, even for the broadest of shoulders. When the time is right, you'll know everything, I promise."
Spike's shoulders drooped slightly, a mix of disappointment and understanding in his eyes. He took a deep breath, trying to hide his frustration. "Okay, I get it. It's just hard, you know? Feeling like I'm left out, even if itâs for my own good."
Rarity stepped closer, her voice soothing. "Darling, itâs not about exclusion. We're just trying to protect you. You have plenty of time to deal with the burdens of the world. Enjoy a little less responsibility while you can, hmm?"
Rainbow Dash dropped next to him with a grin, trying to lighten the mood. "Yeah, and let's face it, buddy, being in the loop isn't always all it's cracked up to be. Sometimes, ignorance is bliss! Just enjoy zipping around and doing your dragon thing without any extra worries."
Cadence gave Spike a final reassuring smile. "And youâre never really out of the loop, Spike. You're as much a part of this team as any of us. This is just one of those times where what you donât know canât hurt you."
Spike nodded , "Alright, I trust you guys. Just donât forget, Iâm here when you need me. And I can handle more than you think."
Cadence placed a gentle hoof on his shoulder, her touch light but affirming. "We wonât forget, Spike. And thank you for understanding."
With the matter settled, Spike went to the door, stretching slightly. He managed a small smile, his mood lifting a bit as he made a decision for himself. "Alright, I trust you all," he said, his voice steady. "And since I'm not part of this super-secret stuff right now, I think I'll go grab some ice cream for all of usâ
Cadence gave him a warm, appreciative smile. "Thank you, Spike. Ice cream sounds wonderfulâ
Cadence enveloped the door in her magic, opening it for Spike. As he exited with a bounce in his step, she turned to the others, catching their eyes. "Are we all ready to proceed?" she asked quietly. One by one, Twilight, Rarity, and Rainbow Dash nodded, their expressions serious.
Satisfied, Cadence used her magic to gently close the door. Her horn glowed a soft, pulsing light as she cast a spell, sealing the room with a soundproof barrier. "Now, we can speak freely without worrying about any eavesdropping, magical or otherwise," Cadence announced softly.
As the magical glow settled around them, Cadence intoned softly, "This spell will ensure that none of us speaks of what I am about to share with anyone outside this circle only among ourselves and Princess Celestia â
The light from her horn flickered and then solidified, signifying the seal of their confidentiality. With the room secured and the magical vow in place, Cadence took a deep breath, her gaze sweeping over her friends' anxious faces.
She paused, the weight of her next words hanging heavily in the air. "This is about Luna... and her memory."
Under the clear sky of an early afternoon, sunlight streamed through the flaps of the royal tent stationed on the contentious border between Equestria and the Holy Griffin Empire. Inside, the atmosphere was charged with the formality of high-stakes diplomacy. Princess Celestia sat poised at a long table. Her majestic figure is crowned by a flowing mane that shifts in ethereal hues of pink, blue, and green, mirroring the sky at dawn. Her coat, a luminous white, gleams with a soft light, enhancing her divine presence. On the long table maps and various state documents spread before her , as well as an old griffin whose once-golden feathers are now streaked with gray, marking his many years, and his proud beak shows signs of battle scars from his younger days.
As Celestia and her counterpart, Ambassador Gaius Talon, exchanged preliminary courtesies, a soft, shimmering glow suddenly materialized in the air beside Celestia. With a gentle flicker of golden magic, a scroll sealed with a sapphire heart emblem appeared, floating down gracefully to rest in front of the Princess among the numerous documents.
The sudden appearance of the scroll caught Ambassador Talonâs attention, his sharp eyes narrowing slightly in curiosity. "An urgent message, Princess?" he inquired, his tone carefully neutral yet tinged with the wariness of a seasoned diplomat.
"Just a simple update from Equestria " Celestia responded smoothly, her magic gently breaking the seal as she maintained her composure. She scanned the contents quickly, her expression betraying nothing of the concern that flickered in her eyes as she read. Levitating the scroll beside her it was picked up by light purple magic "Important, yet it will not hinder our discussions today, Ambassador Talon."
Standing beside her was newly appointed Captain of the royal guard , Shining Armor and Commander Brightwing, the esteemed leader of the Solar Guard. Clad in armor that gleamed like white gold and infused with a palpable concentration of magic, his formidable presence was underscored by his large statue, being taller even then Shining Armor. Brightwing's keen eyes surveyed every movement around him, while Shining Armor was focused on watching the conversation before him.
Ambassador Talon nodded, accepting Celestia's reassurance, though his gaze lingered on the scroll for a beat longer. "Very well, Princess. As we were discussing, the Griffin Empire firmly believes the recent findings support our claim to the mineral-rich lands in question."
Princess Celestia only looked lovingly with a mother like smile at the old griffin. "Ambassador Talon, while I appreciate the efforts of your cartographers, we must consider the historical context provided by the Treaty of 694. This treaty clearly demarcates the borders in question, and it has been upheld by both our nations for centuries without dispute."
The mention of the Treaty of 694 caused the ambassador's feathers to bristle slightly, a sign of his growing unease. He adjusted his position, his talons gripping the edge of the table as he prepared to contest her point.
Celestia, noticing his reaction, continued, "This treaty not only defined borders but also established a framework for peaceful resolution and mutual respect. It is crucial, Ambassador, that we adhere to these long-standing agreements to maintain the harmony that has benefited both our kinds for generations."
Ambassador Talon opened his beak to respond, his eyes narrowing as he formulated his counterargument. The tension in the tent rose palpably as he geared up to challenge Celestiaâs invocation of the ancient treaty.
Just as the ambassador was about to speak, Celestia raised a hoof gently, signaling for a brief pause. "Before you respond, Ambassador, I urge you to consider the broader implications of undermining such a foundational agreement. The stability and future prosperity of our nations depend on our fidelity to these principles. During the last earthquake it was equestrian that helped to restore your cities and give you a loan , that if I remember correctly was forgiven 7 years ago"
Ambassador Gaius Talon paused, his beak parting slightly before closing again as he processed Celestia's words. The reminder of Equestria's past aid was a pointed one, and it visibly softened the edges of his initial retort. He adjusted his stance, the feathers on his neck smoothing down as he regained his composure.
"Princess Celestia," he began, his voice tinged with a newfound respect that bridged his earlier defensiveness, "your reminder of past generosities is well taken. Equestria has indeed been a friend to the Griffin Empire in times of need even after our dark past. However, it is precisely the future of our young ones for whom I must advocate today."
The ambassador spread a weathered wing toward the maps on the table, his talon tracing the disputed lines. "Our need for the magic crystals found in this region is not born of greed, but of necessity. They are essential forâŠ"
He was interrupted by a sudden gust of wind as the tent flap lifted momentarily, admitting a brief view of the tense border outside and over a hundred of equestrian solar guards. He waited for the flap to settle before continuing, "âfor powering the future of our cities, which grow ever more dependent on magic, much like your own."
Princess Celestia listened intently, her gaze never wavering from the ambassador. She nodded slowly, acknowledging his concerns. "Then let us find a path that allows us both to walk in light, not in the shadow of conflict. Perhaps a shared management could be established not only for the mining operations but also for the distribution of resources. Heavy discounts in return for your iron would be a topic im ready to discuss. In addition Equestria is willing to assist in developing your infrastructure for magic utilization, under joint oversight."
Shining Armor, observing silently, noted the strategic offering his ruler presented. It was a masterstroke of diplomacy: offering to help build rather than simply share. It would bind their economies, their technologies, even their magics closer together, creating interdependencies that would make future conflicts less likely. Commander Brightwing meanwhile didnât seem to share those views or at least his facial feature , that got more sharper after Griffin demands.
Ambassador Talon considered this, his aged eyes narrowing in thought. After a moment, he nodded slightly. "A compelling proposal, Princess. One that I believe merits serious consideration by my emperor and the imperial court. I will convey this discussion faithfully and advocate for its wisdom."
Princess Celestia's expression brightened subtly, a soft sigh of relief hidden in her regal bearing. "Thank you, Ambassador Talon. I believe our nations stand on the cusp of a new era of cooperation. Let us proceed with hope and mutual respect."
As the meeting concluded, both parties rose. They exchanged a formal, yet now slightly warmer, nod of farewell. Shining Armor felt a quiet pride in his heart for the peaceful resolution that seemed to be within reach, reflecting on the diplomatic prowess of his sovereign.
As the griffin's silhouette disappeared beyond the tent flap, Celestia turned to Shining Armor and Commander Brightwing with a smile. "Remember my little ponies, The feather is mightier than the sword "
Shining Armor turned to Princess Celestia, a question brewing in his mind. The significant presence of the Solar Guard at the border, more than usual for such meetings, had not gone unnoticed by him. "Princess, if I may ask, why did we deploy the entire Solar Guard for this negotiation? It seems more than what's typically required."
Commander Brightwing, who had been silently observing the exchange, couldnât resist a slight smirk comment. "Captain," he interjected with a hint of annoyance "questioning your Monarchs decision that close to a foreign diplomat is considered a show of doubt , even if he is a distance away.
Princess Celestia chuckled softly at Brightwing's comment, her eyes twinkling with amusement. "Commander Brightwing, let's not forget that questions can lead to enlightenment. It is indeed a good question, Shining Armor and considering the age of dear Gaius Talon it is safe to speak that far" Her gaze then swept over both her guards, signaling the seriousness of her ensuing explanation. "In diplomacy, the show of force plays a crucial role. It is not just our words that convey our intentions but our preparedness for all eventualities."
She walked a few steps towards the tent entrance, her silhouette framed against the sunlight streaming in. "Our strong presence here is a message, not just to the Griffin Empire but to all who watch and wonder about Equestria's resolve. It demonstrates our commitment to protect our interests and uphold our values. Yet, it also shows that we are not eager for conflict but prepared for it, which often encourages the other party to consider the peaceful path more seriously."
Princess Celestia turned back to her guards, her expression softening. "In cases like this we must balance the feather and the sword. Too much of the former, and we seem weak; too much of the latter, and we appear aggressive. Today, we needed to ensure that the Griffins saw both."
Shining Armor nodded, absorbing her words. The importance of their visual statement at the negotiation now clear to him, he felt a renewed respect for the delicate dance of diplomacy and military display.
Commander Brightwing gave a brief, approving nod, his earlier sarcasm replaced by a look of respect for Celestia's strategic acumen. "Well explained, Your Majesty."
Princess Celestia smiled, pleased with their understanding. "Thank you friends. Let's continue to stand vigilant as we move forward. Peace is our most cherished aim, and today, I believe we have taken a step closer to ensuring it."
As the train neared its destination, the rhythmic clatter against the tracks seemed to echo the tumult within Princess Luna. The royal compartment, bathed in the golden light of the late afternoon sun, was aflutter with activity as Rarity put the finishing touches on Luna's attire for the significant event in Manehattan.
Luna stood by the window, her posture rigid, trying to steady herself as the landscape blurred past. Rarity, ever attentive, draped an exquisite gown around Lunaâs form. The gown, a cascade of midnight blue silk embedded with twinkling stars, was designed to mirror the night sky. Despite its beauty, Luna seemed barely present, her gaze distant and her mind elsewhere.
"Almost there, Princess," Rarity said, her voice laced with encouragement. "Just a few more adjustments to ensure everything is perfect."
Luna nodded absently, her focus drifting. The fabric felt heavy on her shoulders, each sparkle and shimmer reflecting light she barely felt. "Thank thee, Rarity," she murmured, her voice distant, as if she were speaking from across a great expanse.
At that moment, Twilight Sparkle entered, her enthusiasm momentarily filling the room with a different energy. She carried with her the draft of Luna's speech, hoping to anchor the princess back to the moment. "Princess, Iâve put together some thoughts for your speech today, using the one Princess Celestia was originally planning to give. They should help highlight the importance of in advances in Magical technology and affordable access to electricity."
Placing the papers on the table, Twilight tried to catch Lunaâs eye, to bring her into the conversation. "See here," she pointed at a section, "I emphasized sustainable magic useâhow it blends our traditions with modern needs and importance of the field for all creatures in and outside Equestria "
Luna leaned over the documents, her eyes scanning the lines, but her attention wavered. The words seemed to swim before her, merging into unrecognisable lines. She attempted to focus, to anchor herself to Twilightâs words, but found her mind wandering to the shadows that still clung to her consciousness.
"I... appreciate your efforts, Twilight," Luna finally said, her voice a soft, yet noticeable attempt to add a bit of strength has been present. "This event symbolizes a union of past and present, much like my own path."
Twilight nodded, picking up on Luna's struggle. "Exactly, Princess! Your presence will symbolize a new era in the eyes of Manehattan."
As the train made its final approach, cutting through the outskirts of Manehattan with the city skyline rising in the distance, Luna returned to the window. Her reflection in the glass seemed a ghostly counterpart to the vibrant figure Rarity had dressed. The city awaited her, bustling and alive with expectations she wasnât sure she could meet.
"Let us proceed," Luna said, turning back to Rarity and Twilight with a forced smile. "Not merely as bearers of progress but as harbingers of hope something I was meant to do."
As the train hissed to a stop at the grand station in Manehattan, the anticipation in the air was palpable. An announcer's voice boomed using a magical loudspeaker, cutting through the buzz of the crowd. "Ladies and gentlecolts, please welcomeâŠâ
âOkay you do can this, smile and wave. Look happy⊠you have to be strongâ
â...Their Royal Highnesses, Princess Luna and Princess Mi Amore Cadenza!"
The announcement was met with a roar of hooves stomping on the ground and the incessant clicking of camera shutters. As the doors to the royal cabin opened, Princess Luna and Princess Cadence stepped into the daylight, their figures silhouetted against the bright light streaming into the station. A red carpet unfurled before them, leading the way through the sea of ponies that had gathered to witness this moment. The only thing that stopped that wave of ponies was a thin line of security ponies adorned in black blazers and ties wearing pitch-black sunglasses and small crystals on their coat.
Luna walked out with a large smile on her face, uncertain smile, but a smile non the less. Standing side by side with Cadence. âI swear I will push aunty Celle to legally change my name to only Cadence, I asked to be called that by everyone in Canterlot and guess I have to do the same hereâ Cadence gowned while still maintaining her happy mask. Luna found that slightly funny, Cadence is far from perfecting Tiaâs smile , but she was closer then most. Including her.
Every step Luna took was met with mixed reactions. While cheers filled the air, not all the faces in the crowd reflected joy. As Luna's gaze swept over the gathered ponies, she could see worry and fear etched on some of their faces. With each face of fear she seen her steps became less certain and more weak.
Amidst the complex tapestry of emotions, a small yellow Pegasus foal broke free from his mother's grasp, his laughter slicing through the ambient noise as he dashed toward the princesses with unrestrained glee. "Weeeeeee!" he jumped around flapping his small wings, his voice filled with excitement. He managed to run past security directly onto the red carpet with the speed some might consider impossible for such a small pony. Running at that speed he didn't manage to stop in time as he bumped into Luna. Momentarily shocked by her height he looked at her with wide-open eyes.
Luna paused, her heart warmed by the child's innocent enthusiasm, and she bent down to greet him with a gentle smile. "Hello there⊠little one," she said, her voice a soft whisper amidst the clamour. The foal looked at her with a smile of his own, attempting to say something.
However, the moment of warmth was short-lived. The foal's mother, her face pale with fear, rushed forward and scooped him up with her wings and placed him on her back. Her eyes wide as she looked at Luna. "I'm sorry, Your Highness," she stammered, clutching her child close with her wing. "Im really sorry..."
She quickly retreated into the crowd, her fearful gaze locked on Luna until she disappeared among the sea of bodies. The foal, still on his mother's back turned to wave at Luna, his smile fading into a confused frown as he looked at his mother's distress. Luna could only return the small wave.
The interaction left a chill in Lunaâs heart. She stood up, her smile faltering slightly as she turned to Cadence, who offered a supportive nod. "It's going to take time, Luna," Cadence whispered. "But remember, for every look of fear, there is a smile of hope. Today is just the beginning."
With a deep breath, Luna raised her head, her posture regal yet open. She resumed her walk down the red carpet. As they continued toward their destination, Lunaâs thoughts lingered on the young foal's smile, she managed to smile without forcing herself to do so. It was a small victory , but a victory non the less.
From the distance the Electric-Magic Power Plant Station wasnât different to any ither large building around them. Sure it was significantly smaller then any high-rise around them but it was large in area thatâs for sure. The power plant looked larger than the one in Canterlot that Luna seen on images from newspapers. It probably looked the size of her old castle that now lay abandoned, at least she thought it was as large from the outside. Just like the one in Canterlot it had large metallic structures surrounding it , carrying large wires across. The difference though was noticeable, on top of this power station were several enormous large crystals that were connected by some cables. Looking closely she could see large swarms of Pegasi making last minute preparations for the opening of the power plant.
As the two princesses accompanied by Twilight Sparkle, Rarity, Rainbow Dash, and Spike, approached the gleaming entrance of Manehattanâs new Electric-Magic Power Plant Station they were joined by the remaining members of the Elements of Harmony in a flurry of greetings and excitement.
Applejack, with a friendly grin and a slight shake of her head, greeted the group. "Well, we sure are glad y'all made it! Though I gotta say, keepin' Pinkie here from bumpin' into every pony along the way was a full-time job!" She chuckled as she glanced towards Pinkie Pie, who was practically vibrating with excitement ready to explode an second. One might see it as a miracle that she is even allowed to be near the princesses.
"Oh my gosh, there are just so many ponies!" Pinkie Pie exclaimed, her voice tinged with irrepressible excitement. "And I've been meeting all of them! Each one could be a new friend, or a party guest, or a party planner, or even a party hat designer! Or evenâŠ" Her eyes sparkled as she bounced on the spot, seemingly oblivious to the mild chaos sheâd been causing.
"There are just... just so many ponies," a whisper came from behind Apple Jack, her voice barely audible over the din. Fluttershy, typically reserved and easily overwhelmed, peeking out with wide, anxious eyes behind the earth pony. The bustling crowd, the noise, and the excitement that thrilled Pinkie Pie seemed to have the opposite effect on her.
Her gaze flitted nervously from face to face, her ears pinned back against her mane. Every so often, she would retreat further behind Applejack, as if the earthy-toned mare was a protective barrier against the sea of strangers.
Applejack noticed her friendâs discomfort and gave her a gentle, reassuring pat on the back. "Donât you worry none, Fluttershy. If it gets to be too much, you just let me know. Weâll find a nice quiet corner away from all this ruckus, hay we can go and visit the Manehattan zoon after this is done ," she said, her voice a soothing drawl.
Pinkie Pie, overhearing the conversation, bounced closer, her energy undimmed. "Or, or, or, we could throw a 'Not-So-Many Ponies Party' sometime! Just a few ponies, super quiet, lots of comfy pillows, and maybe...oh, maybe even silent confetti!!!". At that the pink pony managed to produce a small party canon out of thin air, simultaneously receiving funny looks from ponies around her.
Fluttershy managed a small smile at Pinkieâs suggestion, her tension easing a little. "Thank you, Pinkie. That sounds... nice," she said, her voice still a whisper compared to Pinkieâs exuberance.
"Super-duper quiet party it is!" Pinkie declared, momentarily adopting a conspiratorial whisper that was more like a stage whisper, at the same time producing a sticker with âSilent written on itâ and sticking it on the party canon. "It'll be the quietest party in all of Equestria!". At this words , the doors suddenly swung open, revealing two older ponies whose presence seemed as unique as the station itself.
The first, a bright and sparky unicorn with a vibrant mane of wiry silver, stepped forward with a wide grin. His coat was electric blue speckled with tiny, shimmering points of white dots. His name tag gleamed under his shiny silver aura: "Edison Sparkwire."
Beside him, a taller, more reserved figure, a Pegasus with a sleek mane that alternated between dark and light shades of grey, giving off an aura of calm intensity. His deep charcoal coat and serious eyes contrasted with Edison's more flamboyant appearance, having a grey Mustache covering most of his muzzle. His name tag read "Telsa Coil"
"Did somepony say party?" Edison exclaimed with an enthusiastic flare, his eyes twinkling mischievously as he glanced at Pinkie Pie, who immediately nodded vigorously, her smile widening in recognition of a kindred spirit.
Nikolai, though more subdued, offered a polite nod and a small smile, his gaze sweeping over the group before settling on the princesses. "Welcome to the first Electric-Magic Power Plant Station, Princess Luna, Princess Cadence. We are honored to host you today."
âOr E.M.P.P.Sâ for short Edison Sparkwire added.
Edison, not one to let a moment of excitement pass by unamplified, quickly chimed in, his voice eager. "And speaking of honor, will Princess Celestia be arriving too? Weâve prepared some special demonstrations that we think would truly dazzle her!"
Cadence shook her head gently. "Actually, Celestia wonât be able to make it today. She's currently engaged in crucial diplomatic talks at the border with the Holy Griffin Empire regarding the recently mineral rich in our territory among those minerals it is believed a huge quantity of magical crystals . It's a sensitive situation that requires her immediate and personal attention."
At the mention of the mineral-rich territory, Edison Sparkwire's eyes lit up with recognition, and he quickly interjected, enthusiasm bubbling in his voice. "Ah, the Serenite Fields! I actually discovered those lands during one of our exploratory missions. Isnât that right, Telsa?"
Telsa Coil gave a nod, his expression composed yet slightly amused by Edisonâs eagerness to take credit. "Indeed, we did chart the area. Though, if I recall correctly, it was a joint effort, Edison, I was the one that actually crea-"
Edison, not missing a beat, flashed a wide grin. "Of course, of course, a joint effort," he said, his tone playful yet carrying a hint of wanting to ensure he received due recognition. "But, letâs just say I was the one who had the keen eye to spot the initial signs of the magical crystals. Without that, who knows if we would have realized the full potential of the land?"
Telsa rolled his eyes subtly as he spoke under his breath âYou found them using my machineâ, used to Edison's antics but choosing not to contest the point further in the company of royalty. Instead, he added diplomatically, "Itâs fortunate that such resources are being discussed carefully. The potential for those crystals is vast, and in the right hands, they could benefit all of Equestria significantly."
Cadence smiled at the banter between the two, appreciating their contributions. "Itâs impressive what you both have accomplished. And now, Princess Celestia is working to ensure that these resources are secured and used responsibly, promoting peace rather than conflict."
After Cadence finished speaking, Telsa Coil stepped forward with an inviting gesture. "Since we have a bit of time before the opening ceremony, why not take a tour of the on-site museum? We've curated a collection that chronicles the evolution of magical energy use in Equestria, along with some of our latest technological advancements."
Edisons eyes twinkled with pride. "It's truly a sight to behold, showcasing not just history but the potential future of magi-tech. I think you'll find it quite enlightening."
Twilight Sparkleâs reaction was instantaneous and exuberant. "A museum? Here? Thatâs incredible! Thereâs a museum inside the station? We absolutely must see it right now!" Her voice pitched up in excitement as she started towards the museum entrance at a pace just short of a gallop.
âThen Lets goâ Edison offered signalling to the security pony. The security ponies swung the massive doors wide open. The Elements of Harmony, along with Princess Cadence, began to step inside, their expressions filled with anticipation. Princess Luna, however, paused at the threshold, her gaze lingering momentarily on the ornate details of the museum's facade. The weight of her past and the vastness of the crowd inside seemed to hold her back, a brief shadow of hesitation crossing her elegant features.
Noticing Luna's hesitation, Telsa Coil detached himself from a conversation with Edison Sparkwire and approached her with a gentle and understanding smile. "Princess Luna," he said softly, "we are honoured by your presence today. Please, allow me to accompany you inside. The exhibits we've prepared tell a story of progress and unity , I promise you will love it."
Luna looked at Telsa, a flicker of gratitude lighting up her eyes. His words, thoughtful and inviting, eased the tightness in her chest. With a nod, she allowed herself to be guided by Telsa Coil, who gestured grandly towards the first exhibit as they crossed the threshold together.
Infront of them, the rest of the group followed their voices a harmonious blend of excitement and chatter. Edison Sparkwire, ever the showman, promised, "You're all in for a treat! The history of magi-tech isn't just about the past, it's a glimpse into the future we're all building together!!!"
