> For a United Equestria
>  by lulii999
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Chapter 1 : Stirrings in the Darkness
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

It’s been a year since Twilight Sparkle’s coronation, and with each passing day the lavender mare would impress the Princesses a little more with her surprising, improving princess etiquette. Despite still living in Ponyville to be around those closest to her, the times she spent in Canterlot Castle on royal duties like recently at the Equestria Royal Summit made the princesses’ hearts (and even eyes) swim with pride. 
Twilight was not the newest edition to the royal “family”, for mere months before her discovery of new magic, Discord had returned on Princess Celestia’s commands - claiming he had changed his ways. Yet Luna, Princess of the Night, still hadn’t trusted him and thus kept a close eye on him in suspicion.  She hadn’t forgotten how Equestria was under his rule, with ponies everywhere struggling with simple acts of living, scrounging for food, and dying of thirst while he lounged in his palace, living lavishly. She hadn’t forgotten how he broke her elder sister’s heart when he chose tyranny over her love – and that’s what started the decline between the two siblings’ relationship – only to be completely broken by King Sombra who had come about 6 months afterwards.
And thus, she was afraid that history would repeat itself, that her sister would be so crushed again.
She had found Celestia in the throne room of Canterlot Castle, she looked tired, but instantly perked up upon Luna’s arrival. They had been dealing with some incidences that involved the disappearance of several guard patrols they sent to the East. Some of their best guards hadn’t returned to Canterlot, and in secrecy, the sisters were getting worried. 
Discord, who had been living in the castle ever since he reformed (much to Luna’s disapproval), had suggested the idea that there must be some force lurking in the shadows of the East. “Nothing’s there but the ruins of the Changeling Swarm, which Princess Cadence and Shining Armor took care of a couple of years ago” Celestia answered him. Despite that, it was a shadow of a thought in the sisters’ minds that those ruins might have been re-established…for all the wrong reasons.
Celestia walked over her papers, maps, and quills and embraced her sister. “Anything yet?” Luna asked her elder sister. Celestia shook her head, exhaustion evident in her bloodshot eyes: “No, but no matter what clue I find, it always seems to slip halfway through further investigation”
Luna asked: “Have you consulted Twilight Sparkle about this?”
“No!” Celestia said firmly.
“But ‘Tia, you never know,” Luna put a wing around her sister, “she may have had some sightings of trouble down there where she is”.
“No, Luna. If anything had happened in Ponyville, I would’ve seen it. We would’ve seen it.” She gestured to the telescope they used to watch over their land and their subjects: “I do not want Twilight to worry, you know her. She’s got a bit of an OCD when it comes to tasks I assign her”
“You’re mothering her too much” Luna said.
Celestia was silent, she did indeed love Twilight very much; the love a mother would give her daughter. She didn’t want to get Twilight into much trouble.
“Have you at least told Cadence and Shining Armor?” Luna asked.
“I have. And they told me that they’ve scoured the area. They said it can’t be King Sombra” (Luna stiffened) “as there was no sign of him. And even then, they could find traces of anything else looking suspicious…but they said they’ll keep looking”
“And I’ve searched high and low, myself, but not a sign of any mischief” Discord popped up out of nowhere, lounging on Celestia’s throne, drinking a glass of wine.
“Get off there and at least behave in a mood worthy of the seriousness of the situation!” Luna growled.
Celestia put her wing in front of her, “It’s ok, Luna” she looked up at Discord “And Discord, would you please pour me some wine too? I feel like I need a bit”
“But of course, Princess” he said, getting off the throne and bowing dramatically. He snapped his fingers and a golden goblet of white wine materialized in his free hand, which he handed to Celestia “White and sweet, just the way you like it” he added with a wink.
Celestia nodded and thanked him as she took a sip. 
Just then, one of the royal guards galloped into the throne room: “Your highnesses, news on the missing patrols. One of the latest patrol’s members has returned.”
The three rulers perked up, “where is he?” Celestia asked
“The infirmary” the guard said. He bowed, and took his leave. Luna, Celestia and Discord looked at each other, and ran to the infirmary.
Celestia immediately recognized the guard, Brego, one of her finest. He was badly wounded, seemed to barely breathe. Celestia used her powers and filled him with the warmth of her Sun, and he immediately jerked awake. “Your highnesses!” he exclaimed, trying to get up to bow. Celestia stopped him, “No need for such formalities here in this state, my dear Brego. What happened? Who did this to you?”
“My lady, it happened so fast. Flashes of darkness. They appeared out of nowhere. They flew like bullets. We had no time to draw swords, let alone turn our heads. Before we knew it, they were upon us. So crude was their sound. The stench of death and of blood upon them. I heard screams and collisions. I heard the sounds of bones being broken, of flesh being torn. I – ” Celestia put her wingtip to his mouth, and he silenced immediately. She couldn’t, she just wouldn’t hear anymore.
“It’s ok, Brego”.
Luna then asked: “Where were you when your patrol was attacked?”
“Towards the East of Equestria, just past the Dragon’s nest” 
Luna glanced towards her sister with concern. “Very well, young soldier. Let us leave you now to rest. Thank you very much for your information” said Luna compassionately. Brego nodded his head in respect, and went back to sleep.
The three left the room, “Could it really be the dragons behind all these disappearances?” asked Discord. “But why would they, though? We’ve had peace with the dragons for over a thousand years, why would they attack now?” Celestia pondered. “Unless somepony stirred them up” said Luna, eyeing Discord
Celestia retorted before Discord could respond, “Luna, that’s enough. I trust Discord, he’s on our side now”. 
“Besides, the dragons pretty much hate me (“I can’t see how anyone could not” Luna muttered), they wouldn’t cause a rebellion on my behalf even if I did want to usurp the throne” said Discord. 
“Well whoever’s behind this, we now know their approximate location” said Celestia.
“So what are we going to do, send our armies? I can have my warriors ready by sunrise” Luna said. 
“No Luna, we do not know who or what we’re up against. I will not risk the lives of our soldiers and leave our people defenseless.” Celestia said, walking towards the nearest balcony.
“Then what do you suggest, Celestia?” Discord asked, approaching her with Luna.
Celestia looked up at her sister’s beautiful moon, inhaling, “We go alone, the three of us” she turned to face them, her wings open at full span “and we go in secret, tell no one of this”
“’Tia” Discord said, putting his lion’s paw on her shoulder, “Like you said, we don’t know what’s out there, it’s dangerous, we can’t –”
Celestia looked up at him: “Luna and I swore an oath at our coronation, you swore an oath when you reformed; to perform in the benefit of our subjects and to protect them at all cost”
Luna gave one of her famous majestic looks: “And so I shall, for our people, I will know no fear. I will know no darkness”
Discord sighed, and continued: “And henceforth serve them until whatever end”


Celestia whispered, smiling slightly,
“We leave at midnight”

> Chapter 2: The Task At Hoof
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Twilight reached Canterlot Castle and headed for the throne room, her friends close behind her. She had received a letter from her mentor at dawn (much to Spike’s annoyance); an urgent request for her and her friends to report to the throne room at noon. Rainbow Dash was also annoyed (although she tried to hide it as best she could), for she had her final tryout for the Wonderbolts later that day and in her opinion, this time would be better spent practicing her routine – but her loyal heart told her to come with her friends to the Princess in person.
They reached the throne room, where they found Princess Celestia awaiting them, with Princess Luna and Discord on either side of her. 
“Princess! You sent for us?” Twilight ran forwards and embraced her mentor. 
“Indeed I did Twilight,” said Celestia, “There is a matter of great importance to be discussed today. I am sorry Rainbow about interrupting your training, but I’m sure you’ll do fine at the tryouts” she added. Rainbow Dash felt her cheeks flush with warmth “Aw, Princess it’s fine. Don’t worry about it” 
Twilight stepped forward, her head tilted, like her friends listening intently for incoming instruction. Celestia glanced at Luna, who gave a slight nod: “Twilight, I hope you’ll forgive me. Initially I did not wish to burden you with such information, but there have been disappearances towards the Eastern parts of Equestria. Patrols of guards have gone to inspect and none have returned…that is however, until we found a sole survivor last night; Brego. He was badly wounded and he spoke with fear, and when he described his attack, it only confirmed our suspicions that something evil is spawning in the darkness that lies in the East. Brego also told us the rough location of where his patrol was attacked, which was just past the Dragon nest –”
“So what are we going to do? Send an army?” Twilight asked, her mind racing, “I can lead, I’ve read books on battle strategy and –”
“I’m getting to that Twilight, and I’ve notified Princess Cadence and Shining Armor of this as well. We; that is to say Luna, Discord, and myself will go –”
“But I –” started Twilight.
“Luna, Discord, and myself will depart for the East at midnight. I cannot let you come because we don’t know what we’re up against. Instead, we will need someone to watch over the happenings here. We need you here, Twilight. And we need your friends here, because if things go sour and this evil just so happens to attack Equestria, the Elements of Harmony are your best bets for the protection of our subjects, and as a Princess of Equestria, it is up to you to fulfill such a task.”
“And we’ll help her in any way we can” said Rarity gently, putting a hoof on Twilight’s shoulder. The rest of the group gave a firm “mhmm” at her comment.
“You want me to take charge over the rule of Equestria?” Twilight whispered in bewilderment.
“I know that this may seem as a daunting task Twilight Sparkle, but it must be done, for we cannot leave Equestria unprotected,” said Luna.
“And we have complete faith in you” said Celestia.
“Just make sure you know what to do if Equestria is under attack” said Discord.
“But I – um – uh – wow – but where do we evacuate to if Equestria were to be attacked?” asked Twilight
“The Crystal Empire: The power of the Crystal Heart will be magnified as more ponies enter its vicinity, as long as their hearts are filled with love of course. And the power of the Heart combined with that of the Elements of Harmony should be sufficient” said Celestia.
“Should events go sour, Princess Cadence and Shining Armor will expect your arrival” said Luna
“Just remember to keep your friendships strong, and never lose hope” said Discord. At this, everyone just gave him astonished looks, as he wasn’t the type of character to give such deep advice. 
“What?” he asked, “Weren’t you the one (he gestured towards Luna) who told me to adjust my mood and tone to the situation? Well, here you have it; serious situation, serious tone.” He crossed his arms.
Luna simply rolled her eyes.
“So Twilight? Are you and your friends up to the task?” asked Celestia.
Twilight looked back at her friends to find an array of comforting smiles, determined looks, and the occasional nod of agreement at the task ahead. She turned back towards her superiors: “We are”


---------------


As Celestia, Luna, and Discord prepared for their midnight migration, the hour of Rainbow’s tryout had come. As her friends, it was Twilight and the rest’s obligation to attend. As they took their seats in the VIP box of the stadium, Twilight kept all her senses wide open for any sign of suspicious behaviours or events, and she remained like so throughout the trials, even when they announced Rainbow’s turn and her friends cheered. Twilight supported her multicoloured-maned friend alongside them, but she still had eyes and ears on her surroundings for any sign of trouble.
Rainbow entered the stadium looking confident. She glided ever so smoothly towards the judges’ table, who were themselves three members of the Wonderbolts themselves: Spitfire, Fleetfoot, and Soarin’. Twilight thought she could see Spitfire’s mouth say: “Whenever you’re ready!”
And then Rainbow shot into the air, she did a backflip over a large cloud, and the rest of her movements were represented by a multicolored blur zooming in, around, over and under the cloud. In no time it was formed to read “RAINBOW DASH”. She did a couple of flips as she finished her cloud carving, then smoothly transitioned onto the next step of her routine. She gathered several grey clouds, condensed them into a whole, dove into it, and seemed to have spun around inside until it took on the shape of an upside down funnel. As she shot out from the uppermost tip, a Sonic Rainboom occurred, as if a volcano had erupted a beautiful spectrum of colours instead of terrifying lava. As the colours shone through her name carved from cloud, she zoomed down back to the judges, who just sat there with their mouths gaping wide open.
Soarin’ was the first to rise and start a standing ovation, in which the rest of the judges and the Mane 6 gladly participated. But who would’ve known, that after such beauty could soon follow complete and utter desctruction?

> Chapter 3: The Calm Before The Storm
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Celestia, Luna, and Discord’s departure from Canterlot went unnoticed, save for a select few like Twilight and her friends. They left, cloaked in darkness conjured by Luna, for the territory of an unknown enemy. By the time they reached the Eastern border of Equestria, the sounds of late night chatter and merrymaking dissolved into quiet. The further they moved away from their homeland, the stronger the silence grew. Even the twinkling of Luna’s stars so far above them faded away. Yet they marched on, wary of any danger they might come to sense. 
A few more hours of walking, Discord grew impatient, and he grew bored. He glanced towards Luna, walking by Celestia’s side, and a mischevious smile widened across his face. In secrecy, he conjured a ball of snow into his palm, levitated it away from the two alicorns beside him, and WHAM! 
He used his magic to throw it at full throttle towards Luna’s side.
Luna shrieked and her elder sister jumped, Luna had aimed an attack in the direction from which the snowball came from – but nothing was there. She looked around everywhere for her attacker, her face manical. Her eyes then rested on Discord, who cracked up laughing on the spot: “You should’ve seen your FACE!! Priceless!” 
Luna’s features contorted in anger: “IS THIS ALL A JOKE TO YOU? THE FATE OF THOUSANDS OF PONIES RESTS SQUARELY ON OUR SHOULDERS, AND YOU THINK TH –”
Discord crossed his arms and held his nose high: “Well excuse me for trying to liven things up a bit”
Luna just looked at him in exasperation, astounded by his lack of sense “Why, you insolent, ungrateful, f–” 
“Will you two just stop bickering?! I’ve had enough!” Celestia came between the pair, who had just come round as the two took to charging magical auras for attack.
“She started it” Discord started, pointing a finger at Luna.
“But ‘Tia–” Luna started
“No buts, Luna. I don’t care what that act of misconduct from both of you was or how it started. The both of you should know better! We could be in the middle of enemy territory, and you could be drawing attention to us all.”
“But nothing sees past my cloaks” whispered Luna under her elder sister’s stern gaze.
“But maybe this enemy can. We wouldn’t know. Therefore we must act with caution. I expect such behavior from both you and Discord, okay?” said Celestia, lifting her sister’s head with her wingtip. She turned towards Discord, “Okay, Discord? Discord?” she repeated when he didn’t reply.
Discord’s gaze seemed to be fixed upon a certain spot in mid air, yet nothing but dry, barren wasteland covered all that the eye could see. “Do you see that?”, he was looking in the direction which Luna’s spell had taken after the snowball hit her. 
“Whelp, there’s nothing to be seen” said Luna, rolling her eyes. Celestia however, narrowed her eyes as she approached Discord, and squinted in the direction which his finger was pointing to. It looked like radiating heat, but how? It was the middle of winter, and the environment was near freezing in temperature. “Something’s not right” Celestia said as Luna neared her. She knelt down, picked a miniscule pebble up off the dry ground, and gently threw it in that direction. It disappeared.
“An invisibility spell. Odd” said Luna
“I think we’ve found it,” Celestia whispered, looking around “this is the point past the dragon’s nest; where Brego’s patrol was attacked”
“If we’re going in, better strengthen the power of these magic cloaks of yours, Lulu” remarked Discord.
Luna scowled, but saw the necessity of his suggestion. With a deep breath she strengthened her cloaks of darkness. 
“Brace yourselves, you two, we don’t know what we might face in there. Keep on guard, and try not to make much sound” Celestia murmured. Her companions nodded. With deep breaths, sweating brows, and racing hearts, they stepped forward.
But no matter what precautions they took, nothing could have prepared them for what they encountered.


***********


There was a foul rotting stench in the air as they stepped onto what looked like a completely different world. The sky was littered with greenish black clouds accompanied by a yellowish haze being spat out from the cracks in the ground; which itself was as black as the coat of Nightmare Moon. It was mostly flat save for a few hills and craters here and there, but gradually as the trio inched forward, they saw that they were anything but hills. 
Corpses of griffons, buffalos, zebras, and ponies were stacked on top of each other, dried blood weaving patterns on their skins, intertwining with that of a neighboring corpse. 
CRACK 
Discord, being ahead of the princesses, stepped on something fragile. When he looked down to his foot, he made a muffled noise and immediately yanked his goat’s leg back in revulsion. The sisters’ eyes widened. It was a stallion, a royal guard from one of the earlier patrols to be exact. His skin, coat, and some muscle fascia had eroded away. Upon his face lay frozen an expression of uttermost agony. His ribcage had been broken open, and his decomposing lungs still hung there, but his heart was missing. At this, Celestia’s knees gave way, and she fell to the bloodsoaked ground in disbelief, gaping at the guard’s body with silent tears cascading down her pearly white cheeks. Deeply saddened, Luna nuzzled her sister’s shivering shoulder. Celestia considered her subjects to be her children, especially her guards and the rest of the castle staff. 
Luna, of course, felt a similar feeling towards her subjects. She was new to the feeling after being gone for so many years, but nevertheless, the motherly instinct was there and it screamed in pain and sorrow inside her. She looked towards her sister’s tortured face as she looked around to find more lifeless, rotting faces of those she once knew. 
“Erm, ladies? I think you should come over here,” said Discord, beckoning them to come over to where he stood.
“Give us a moment to mourn, will you?” snapped Luna.
“I-It’s ok, Luna” whispered Celestia, getting up and walking towards Discord with a wing around Luna, “What is it, Discord?”.
Discord pointed at a body piled among others in the large heap behind which they took refuge in. It was another stallion of Celestia’s royal guard who, like all the rest around it, had an agonized look on his face, a broken ribcage, and no heart. This one must have been among the more recent patrols, as his skin and features were not yet decomposed. He was a pony that Celestia recognized almost immediately, but it couldn’t be…
“Brego?” breathed Celestia, astonished, turning to Discord.
“That’s what I thought, but isn’t this guy supposed to be in Canterlot?” he said, a confused look on his face.
“Isn’t he supposed to be alive?” asked Luna.
“We left him in the infirmary just mere hours ago” said Celestia. How could there be two of them? What sort of evil is responsible behind all this? And assuming the pony corpse in front of them was Brego in truth, then who was that back in Canterlot?
As questions raced through Celestia’s mind, Luna peered over the hill of carcasses onto the rest of their environment, and her eyes immediately rested on a reddish pile of what appeared to be…
…ponies’ hearts…
Her eyes widening in horror, her sister and Discord, both of whose features freshly distorted with revulsion, joined her. As their eyes examined the area, they could see black creatures roaming around. They each had a glowing pair of eyes, some of which were yellow, and others that were red.
“Changelings?” gasped Celestia, glancing to her companions.


“Indeed, Princess. Oh, it’s been far too long...”

> Chapter 4: The Unexpected
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The trio’s faces whipped around. 
“Chrysalis”, growled Celestia, glaring up at the Changeling queen’s insectoid physique. 
“What have you done to our subjects, y-you monster!” shrieked Luna. “What did they do to deserve the cruelty you have shown them?” said Celestia, rage building up in her by the second.
“As you may recall, Princess,” Chrysalis said, “That it was the love and hope within their hearts that defeated us in the first place”
“But how did you pests even survive? You should’ve been wiped out” said Discord.
“But that’s just it, most of us didn’t. The majority of my Changelings couldn’t handle so much love. Our numbers were dwindling, we were running low on food, then we were struck by an illness. We could no longer feed off emotions. We were starving, until we found a stray pony walking by…and well, I could just say, while he was a handsome lad, his heart was absolutely...delicious.” said Chrysalis, licking her lips, relishing the look on Celestia's face.
“Yes, Princess," she continued, "while we could no longer feast on love like we used to, we developed a taste for its source instead - the heart. We grew stronger, we evolved, and we waited…waited for the right moment to unleash our wrath upon those who dared to challenge us. But now, we shall wait no longer, for that moment has come…Equestria as you know it will fall, and its neighbours will soon follow.” 
Changelings were closing in on them. 
“And once I devour your heart, Celestia, no one will be able to stop me. The Changelings will rule once and for all.” This was it; Queen Chrysalis had her prize right in front of her, within her grasp.
And for that moment, time seemed to freeze. 
Her army braced for her command...


“ATTACK!” shrieked the Queen.
“FOR EQUESTRIA!” yelled Celestia, and with her horn glowing bright with the rays of the Sun, she galloped towards Chrysalis. Shooting everything that got in her way.
Luna and Discord gave loud, echoing battle cries of their own as the swarm surrounded them. 
Night was when Luna was most powerful, the moon gave her strength, and with it she galloped towards the Changelings advancing towards her elder sister. Awful were the rattling noises they made with their transparent wings. Nauseating was their breath, which reeked of rotting flesh and blood. 
They attacked from everywhere. 
Luna shot into the air and solidified her moon’s light into glass-like spears. At breakneck speed her weapons flew. And they shattered as they pierced several Changelings’ necks. Then...
WHAM!
She was attacked from behind in mid-air. The energy from the Changelings’ spells gashed and burned her flesh. She fell to the ground, and saw even more Changelings advancing. She struggled to get up, but the pain reverberating from her shoulder was great. She couldn’t make it in time. She, the Princess of the Night, was going to have her heart ripped out like the others. She was going to lay rotting here with the others.
Then a flash of purple light whizzed by and blasted the nearest Changeling apart. Discord zoomed into Luna’s line of vision, twisting and turning as he blasted spells in every direction, and everywhere, upon collision, Changelings were exploding into bits. Discord landed next to her, "Come on Lulu, no sleeping on the job", stretching out his lion's paw.
With Discord's help Luna got up, looked towards her Celestia and Chrysalis’ epic battle, then rushed forward to help. She was thrown back by a hoard of Changeling soldiers. Sounding a battle cry of her own, she blasted all the soldiers that got in her way, but still there were many more in between her and her sister.
The same could have been said with Discord. With his flexible body he dodged spells coming from the right, left, above, and even below. They were no match for the Spirit of Chaos, who thrived in wreaking havoc once again upon the evil soldiers. 


***


Back in Canterlot Castle, Twilight paced through the vast throne room. She couldn’t sit upon Celestia’s throne. It just didn’t feel right. Worried thoughts about her mentor raced through her mind. Where were they? She looked towards the sky, it was nearing 6 o’ clock in the morning. The Sun should have risen by now. Oh, how she wished that they could have taken her with them. One more horn couldn’t hurt. Calm down Twilight, she thought, this was Princess Celestia she was talking about, here, a pony with the full power of the Sun at her command, she couldn’t fall so easily. But what if she did?
Just then, there was a knock at the door. Twilight looked up expectantly, but no colourful flowing mane entered, no beautiful shiny white coat, no magenta eyes to reassure her heart – to tell her everything was going to be okay. No, it was Fluttershy who entered. Twilight’s face fell. Fluttershy stopped dead in her tracks: “Oh, I’m sorry Twilight, this is a bad time, I’ll come back later”
Twilight shook her head vigorously: “Nonono, it’s ok Fluttershy. To be honest...I could use some company. Are you ok?” Fluttershy walked towards Twilight: “Well, I don’t know. I woke up about an hour ago, and I couldn’t really get myself to sleep. And when I saw that you weren’t in your bed, I thought that you’d be in here. So I came to check up on you.” 
Twilight smiled, and ran to hug the kind yellow Pegasus. And when she did, tears automatically ran down her cheeks like waterfalls. “Uhh, Twilight?” asked Fluttershy kindly, stroking her friends mane, who kept on weeping, “Wow, you do need company”
Twilight regained her composure and stood up, wiping her tears: “I’m so sorry Fluttershy, I just – I – I’m just s-so worried”. 
“About the Princess?”
“Yeah, but not just that, for Equestria, for those who I love, you and the girls, and Spike, and…” Twilight broke off, she couldn’t bear to think of what happened if Shining Armor was hurt.
“...Your brother.” Fluttershy continued. Twilight nodded.  
“I’m scared too. But I suppose, if we look at it, our greatest assets are our friends and family. Jewels and castles don’t mean anything without them. Because in the end, that’s all what we’re left with, which is why I’m always thankful to have you, and Rarity, and AppleJack, and Rainbow, and Pinkie”
“And so am I” said Twilight putting her own hoof on Fluttershy’s, “but the Princess…”
“Has her sister and Discord with her,” Fluttershy said, “Luna herself is very powerful, and on top of that Discord’s the Spirit of Chaos, and he needed both the Princesses’ powers in addition to the elements of Harmony to stop him when he was bad. Princess Celestia is well protected.”
“But what if that enemy is stronger? What if they attacked by surprise? What if the Princesses never reached their goal because Discord attacked them halfway?!”
“Twilight! Discord’s changed! Just as how Princess Luna changed back to good from her Nightmare Moon days!”
“But –”
“Princess Celestia trusts Discord. I trust Discord. Honestly, Twilight, he’s caused no trouble for over a year now. And, to tell you the truth, I think it’s because he likes Princess Celestia”
“Huh?”
“It’s what I think,” Fluttershy shrugged
Twilight sighed, and paused for a long time. 
“I suppose I should trust him, for now at least”, she said eventually
Fluttershy grinned: “I tell you what Twilight, let’s take our minds off this subject. Why don’t we go visit that soldier in the infirmary?”
“Brego?”
“Yeah, you never know, he might enjoy a bit of company” said Fluttershy, beckoning towards the door.
“Yeah, I suppose” said Twilight

They headed off towards the infirmary; Fluttershy holding some freshly cut daisies from the garden for Brego. But when they got to their destination, in horror, their bodies stiffened, their jaws dropped, and their eyes widened...
It looked like a tornado whizzed past the room. Papers were torn and still flying through the air. Shelves and cupboards either partially or completely thrown off their hinges. Their contents, including needles and bandages, were strewn across the floor. Shards of glass from broken bottles of various medicines lay sparkling like razor sharp diamonds. But what really attracted the two ponies’ gazes, was the castle doctor, who’s corpse lay lifeless on the ground. His bright blue coat, like the walls, were stained with his crimson blood, for his chest was broken and lay open for all to see. And his heart was gone. His eyes gazed blankly in their direction, the horror of his last moments clearly reflected in them. Fluttershy dropped the daisies, who's white petals soon became stained with red as a muffled, whimpering noise escaped her.
They looked at each other. Twilight was lost for words. This was bad. This was very, very bad.


***


Chrysalis dodged Celestia’s attack. She retaliated, sending sharp objects towards the Sun Princess. Celestia’s eyes glowed white as she turned them to ash, which then reformed into tiny razor sharp bullets. Chrysalis engulfed herself in green flame and appeared at Celestia’s rear as the bullets hit several soldiers.
Chrysalis aimed for her back, but Celestia shot up into the air, whirled around, and dove at high speeds towards the Queen. Chrysalis aimed, her crooked horn glowing green. But Celestia’s horn shot a beam of sunlight into her eyes, blinding her. Chrysalis missed. And with an explosion they collided. Celestia skidding to a well-controlled stop, watching Chrysalis make a groove in the bloodstained earth as she hit the ground. 
Chrysalis shook her head vigorously, and looked up. Princess Celestia was standing above her, wings outstretched. Her many wounds greatly contrasting against her pearly white coat. Around her, Princess Luna and Discord were still fending off advancing soldiers.
“You have brought all this upon yourself.” said Celestia, straining to keep her composure, “You, and your subjects are guilty of enacting deeds of unimaginable cruelty and despair upon not only the ponies of Equestria, but many other races too. Your acts should be punished by death. I however, will not stoop to such a level” The soldiers stopped to watch Celestia confront their Queen. Luna and Discord watched too.
“You will be stripped of your magic powers,” Celestia’s horn shone bright and Chrysalis’ horn snapped as she cried in agony, “And you are to take your subjects away to the lands of Tartarus, where you are to burn for eternity under the guard of Cerberus, away from many innocent lives that you will never harm again. Do I make myself clear?”
“I – yes...” said Chrysalis, then she looked up at Celestia evilly, “...your majesty.” And then she started laughing...

“CELESTIA!” shrieked Luna, galloping as fast as she could. She was too late.
Before Celestia could turn around, there was a flash of green light that collided with her back. Her magenta eyes widened. Her breath was knocked out. She fell to the ground, gasping. 
Luna leant over her elder sister. She glared towards Chrysalis, who joined up with Celestia’s attacker. He was a Changeling, as tall as Chrysalis herself. His eyes shone bright red. His mane wild and transparent. And he looked fierce and burly, with sharp spikes protruding on his black, shiny exoskeleton.
“Haven’t you met my husband?” Chrysalis was saying, “King Sanctus? He was one of the first Changelings to have evolved into what we are today.”
“How did you expect our subjects to have increased in number as quickly as they have?” Sanctus was saying with a sly look at his Queen.
“Never mind telling us what you do in your spare time. What did you do to her, monster?” said Discord, stepping in front of the royal pony sisters, his stance wide and his hands glowing with magic, prepared to attack as the Changeling soldiers slowly crept towards them.
“Discord? Why, it’s been too long, friend” said Sanctus
“I’m not your friend, and answer the question, now” said Discord
“Don’t tell me you’ve grown to care for her. My my, spending time with them really has turned you soft.” taunted Sanctus
Discord stiffened and Luna just glared at the Changeling King and Queen
Sanctus scoffed, “Hmph, well, since you asked. I’ve hit her with a dose of Changeling poison. With time she grows weaker, and I, who poisoned her, grow stronger. Within moments, will come the end of the Sun princess as we know it. And the power of the Sun, will belong to me”
“To us?” Chrysalis emphasized
“Well, you’ve got the best part, her heart containing all the love she has for Equestria and her loved ones. And you can have her sister too, once I'm finished with her” said Sanctus, smiling at his queen.
The King and Queen looked towards the trio, grinning evilly. The aura around Discord’s hands grew brighter. 
“ATTACK” the King commanded his army
“LUNA!” yelled Discord
Behind Discord's back, Luna’s horn instantly grew bright. With a flash of blinding moonlight, the three of them disappeared, just as the Changeling soldiers swarmed in.


***


“FLUTTERSHY, BEHIND YOU!” Twilight shrieked. Fluttershy flew forward at top speed her screams reverberating off the walls, but the Changeling wasn’t after Fluttershy, it was after Twilight. The mission its Queen entrusted into it, with the promise of the heart of a princess. 
It pushed Fluttershy aside, her head hit the wall and she lay limp on the marble floor, a patch of her pink hair growing redder by the second. “FLUTTERSHY!” Twilight screamed. The Changeling looked towards Twilight, whos blood boiled with rage, and chased after her. Twilight shot up into the air, but the Changeling was quick. Instead of crashing into the pillar behind Twilight, it followed her. Spells shot behind her. She dodged them. She was flying so fast, faster than she had ever flown before, twisting and turning to dodge the spells the Changeling shot at her. Taking a deep breath, she turned around and hit the Changeling squarely in the face. And it fell to the floor, dead. It never knew what was coming.
Panting, she ran towards Fluttershy. “Fluttershy? Fluttershy! Wake up!” Twilight was scared.

Then Fluttershy stirred. “Ugh, my head” she said, as Rarity, Rainbow Dash, Applejack, and Pinkie galloped into the hall. 
“What in the hay is goin’ on?” panted Applejack, frightened. Rainbow flew over to the dead Changeling, “what is a Changeling doing here?”
“I – I don’t know,” Fluttershy was saying, holding a hoof to her head. 
“I don’t know how he got in” Twilight said, nudging the Changeling’s body, “Something’s not right”
“That’s what I was going to say,” said Pinkie, “At least that’s what my Pinkie sense i–“
Just then, a blinding light filled the hallway. “TWILIGHT! TWILIGHT! QUICKLY!” a loud voice was calling.
“Princess Luna!” said Twilight, and without a moment’s hesitation, she galloped hurriedly towards the throne room, her friends closely following suit.

> Chapter 5: Shattered
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The six ponies reached the throne room, and saw a sight that shocked Twilight most of all.
“Princess Celestia!!” said Twilight, rushing towards her mentor, who lay on the floor in her sister’s arms. She turned towards her friends: “Quick! Get the doctor!!” 
“Twilight, the doctor’s dead...” said Fluttershy
“I-It’s ok, I’ll summon the one from Ponyville then!” She concentrated all her powers on her teleportation spell. Then she felt a hoof on her foreleg.
“T-Twilight,” Celestia gasped, “l-listen t-to me”
“You’re growing cold, sister” Luna said, panic in her voice
“I-It’s ok, Luna” Celestia turned towards her most faithful student, “T-Twilight”
“Y-yes, Princess?” said Twilight shakily
“I-I have a new a-assignment f-for you” said Celestia weakly, “My fate is s-sealed. I am b-beyond any healer’s s-skill. Equestria will s-soon be overrun. T-the C-changelings w-will be here within moments. You m-must protect as many ponies a-as y-you can. G-get them to t-the C-crystal E-empire, y-you’ll be safe there.”
“B-b-but P-princess, I-“ sobbed Twilight.
Princess Celestia put her hoof on Twilight’s cheek and smiled weakly, “I’m so proud of you”
Discord moved closer to Celestia, his eyes getting foggy, “Celestia” he said gently, putting his soft lion’s paw on her wounded face.
“D-discord, I want y-you to take c-care of L-Luna and Twilight, and a-as m-many s-subjects as you can…for me”
Discord kissed her forehead, “Anything for you, my ray of sunlight. I promise.” he whispered in her ear.
Celestia turned towards Luna, whose beautiful face was drenched with tears, “Don’t leave me, ‘Tia” she sobbed under her breath.
“I’ll always be with you, d-dear one, r-right here” Celestia whispered, pointing her shaking hoof to the centre of Luna’s chest, “I-I do not need to remind y-you of what you have t-to d-do” 
Luna's tears continued to fall.
“B-but there is o-one last g-gift I-I m-must give to you, my Luna. I-I’m sorry t-to add t-to your responsibilities, b-but”
“’Tia, you can’t” said Luna, knowing where her sister was going with this
“W-what’s going on?” said Twilight confusedly. 
“She’s giving Luna the power of the Sun,” whispered Discord
“If I don’t p-pass it on, Sanctus w-will have it” said Celestia determinedly, “There is n-no one e-else I trust with such power. You must take it, Luna”
Twilight and Discord looked at Luna, whose stunned expression seemed to last for hours. She was speechless.
Celestia smiled, and she concentrated on her spell. A blinding light filled the room, and receded back into her horn. Her flowing mane and tail grew bright. And from their ends they lost their colour and grew limp. Then Celestia’s pearly white coat became a dull grey. A golden light accumulated in her chest, and then entwined Luna’s body like a thick ribbon. Luna looked around, scared and confused amidst the bright light surrounding her. 
“I love you, LuLu” she heard her sister’s voice say as the light rushed into her own chest.
She then saw Celestia, whose now grey eyes looked without seeing. Life seemed to freeze at that moment. Then Celestia’s body shattered into little diamonds, which scattered all over the marble floors of the throne room.
Every occupant of the room seemed to have stopped breathing. Princess Celestia, the ruler of Equestria, the one who possessed the power of the Sun…dead?
Luna gave a loud cry. For she had now lost the only family she had. 


***


A drop of Luna’s tears splashed onto the floor. And at that second, the earth shook. The magnificent crystal chandelier above them rattled. And then the great mahogany doors swung open.
“Princess, sightings of changelings approaching from the east have been reported” a guard said, “Princess?” he said, looking towards Luna, confused. For she looked slightly different. She was slightly taller than she was a few moments ago, and she now donned golden armor on her legs instead of her usual silver. Her crown was also golden, and had both the Sun and Moon engraved upon it. 
“Where is Princess Celestia?” the guard asked. The rest just glanced to the diamond shards strewn across the ground. And by looking at Luna’s tearful, bloodshot eyes, the reality of the situation dawned upon his face. He took off his helm and bowed his head. 
With a deep breath, Luna regained her composure and addressed the guard, “Shadowfax,” she said, and he saluted, “this army is great in number. My sister, Discord, and myself have discovered their intentions. They mean to exterminate our race. We must make evacuating the citizens a priority.”
“Where to, my lady?” asked Shadowfax
Luna looked towards Twilight, who inhaled deeply and said: “The Crystal Empire.”
Luna continued, “Dispatch squadrons of troops to every state of Equestria.” Shadowfax nodded. “The mission is to evacuate as many ponies as you can, minimal casualties. You are to follow Discord’s instruction in Canterlot, for I shall rally my own troops and send them down for aid. I shall return shortly.” She turned to Twilight, “Twilight, I must ask you and your friends to retrieve the Elements of Harmony once again. I’m afraid, it’s one of those times”
“I-I understand” said Twilight, a broken expression upon her face. Luna held her head up to look her in the eye, “There will be a time to grieve later, my friend, but for now, we have the lives of millions of ponies at stake”
Twilight straightened and took a deep breath, “What else must I do?”
“Get to Ponyville, take a squadron of guards with you, and initiate evacuation”
Twilight nodded determinedly. Then there was a flash of bright light as Luna teleported to rally her army.
Twilight turned to her friends, who gave encouraging looks, and that settled Twilight’s heart. “For the princess” she said, before turning to Discord. 
“Look Twilight, don’t think of these changelings being similar to those you faced during your last encounter, because they’ve taken a turn for the worse. They’re far more deadly now,” he said.
“I know, I've seen what one of them did to the castle doctor, I've seen what they did to Princess Celestia. I know what they’re capable of, and I’m not going to let them hurt anyone else…not on my watch”.
And with that she galloped towards the location of the Elements of Harmony. 
“Be careful, Twilight” said Discord, watching them exit the castle.
He then turned to his armed squadron as he cracked his knuckles: “Let’s create some chaos…” 


***


Twilight and her friends reached the door that lead to the hall containing the elements of harmony when they heard it: a blood curdling scream soon drowned out by the rattling of the incoming Changeling swarm.
“CHAAAARRRRGGGEEEE!!!” cried Discord’s booming voice, leading a silver sea of Pegasus guards that came crashing down upon the black sheet of Changelings. Rainbow Dash turned her head just in time to see a familiar face of a light blue Pegasus stallion looking at her from afar, reflected in the moonlight. Soarin’ nodded at her as he gave her a slight smile, he twisted in mid air, and was lost amongst the squad of attacking guards, sounding a battle cry.
Rainbow hovered in the same spot, staring at the point which Soarin’ disappeared. She felt the desire to fly in after him, join in the fight. However, she restrained herself. She shook her head and zoomed into the hall to join her friends. She had higher priorities. 
Twilight levitated each Element of Harmony onto their respective bearer’s necks. She threw down her crown and placed the Element of Magic on her head in its place.
“Ok girls, I don’t know what we’re in for, but just be careful. I - I don’t want to lose another member of my family tonight”
“You be careful too Twilight” said Rarity gently, putting a hoof on her shoulder, “they’ll be targeting you more than us. And we don’t want to be losing you either.”
“Oh girls” said Twilight, and the six ponies embraced each other, never wanting to let go. But when they did, Twilight took a deep breath and looked at her friends, a fire blazing in her heart: “Let’s do this”. 

And the six bearers of the Elements of Harmony galloped off into the moonlight. They had a squadron of their own to rally.

> Chapter 6: The Invasion of the Swarm
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ponyville. Its image met the 6 ponies’ eyes. Only, it wasn’t the friendly familiar sight they were used to. The Changelings had already reached their beloved town, their presence towering above it like a massive black cloud. 
“Oh no, we’re too late!” squeaked Fluttershy. 
“No, we’re not, there’s still hope!” said Twilight, she turned to the legion of troops behind her, “We need to evacuate as many ponies as we can. Lead them to the Fields of Sunlight for now, from there, Princess Cel – Luna, will provide enough protection for them to escape to the Crystal Empire. Come on, troops, for Equestria!”
“FOR EQUESTRIA!” answered Twilight’s battle call.
Twilight looked to her friends, who gave slight smiles of comfort (Fluttershy with an added whimper), and yelled: “CHARGE!”
With the bearers of the Elements of Harmony at the head, the grey and white soldiers galloped at full throttle. As the distance between them and Ponyville shortened, beams of green light shot down like lightning from the distant black haze, and those that were struck instantly fell.
The unicorn soldiers retaliated with attacks of yellow light, and the Changelings that were hit fell from the sky like black drops of rain. 
And then they reached the outskirts of Ponyville. 
They were met with a hoard of Changelings attacking from the sky, flying down at top speed. Twilight dodged an attack from an incoming changeling and shot a beam at another. Horn glowing bright with fury, she turned and galloped towards the library – the central point of Ponyville, around which a number of Changelings had already surrounded.

Rarity ran towards Carousel boutique, she saw a Changeling zoom past her heading straight for the window. “Oh no you don’t!” she shouted. A pale blue aura surrounded the Changeling’s tail, stopping it mid-flight. She whirled it over her head, and sent it soaring over the fields, crashing into the ground with a barely audible crunch. 
A high-pitched scream resonated from the inside of the boutique. The white unicorn regained her composure, tucked a loose strand of hair back into her well-styled ‘quaffure, and smashed open the door to her shop with a powerful kick from her hind legs.
Sure enough, her sister, Sweetie Belle was backed up against the wall, surrounded by Changelings. “Get away from my sister!” screamed Rarity, “GET AWAY!”. 
The Changelings turned on Rarity. “Oh Sweetie Belle? Would you be a dear and find a hiding place and close your eyes, please?” she called from across the room over the advancing Changelings.
Sweetie Belle rushed into the nearby cupboard. And with a dignified stance, Rarity’s horn glowed blue. A wall of needles formed behind her, and thrust themselves into the Changelings’ flesh, while several fabric scissors pierced the Changelings furthest from Rarity. And soon enough, the Changelings lay dead, their green blood staining the lavender mink rug.
She rushed over to the cupboard where her sister hid. The unicorn filly was curled up into a shaking white ball with her hooves covering her ears. Rarity nuzzled her sister’s cheek, “it’s ok, Sweetie Belle, you’re safe now”, and Sweetie Belle hugged her sister about the neck.
However, the serenity of their embrace was broken as a crash was heard from the outside.
“We have to get out of here, come on, let’s find mother and father” whispered Rarity. Sweetie Belle nodded, and followed her out the door.

Once outside, they found Applebloom, Applejack’s younger sister. “Oh Sweetie Belle, Ah’m so glad you’re alraght!” and Sweetie Belle galloped forward to hug her. 
“Applebloom, where’s the rest of your family? Where’s Applejack?” asked Rarity
“Ah don’t know, Rarity. I was just on mah way home from the markets when the Changelings attaAAAAAAA –“ 
“APPLEBLOOM!” yelled Sweetie Belle and Rarity together as the young Earth pony was snatched up by a swooping Changeling.
“We have to help her!” cried Sweetie Belle
“But I –” said Rarity
“OI RARITY!” yelled Applejack as she galloped up to them, “Give me a hoof, why doncha? Ah need to get to that Changeling over yonder! And Ah think Ahm’a gonna need me some unicorn magic to do so”
Rarity donned one of her stunning smiles, “Why of course!”.  A blue aura surrounded Applejack, who braced for effect. And soon enough, she was launched through the air, in hot pursuit of the Changeling clutching a writhing Applebloom. Applejack somersaulted in mid air, and her back hoof collided with the Changeling’s rear, causing it to drop Applebloom and to zoom straight into the bell atop the clock tower. The Apple sisters landed on the bloodstained grass as the bell was struck. “Thanks, sis! For a moment there Ah thought Ah was done for!” said Applebloom. “Ah’d never let that happen, little sis” said Applejack, hoisting Applebloom onto her back as she galloped towards Sweet Apple Acres.... 
“NOT SO FAST YOU LITTLE –”, hollered Rainbow Dash as she zoomed past the Apple sisters. In mid air she tackled a Changeling just about to crash through the front door of her house in the clouds. She knocked it out cold, “my stuff’s in there!” Then she heard a little yell from within. It did not sound like a Changeling. 
“As well as a little Pegasus filly that can’t fly…” she sighed. Dash leaped into the air and smashed through her front door herself. And she saw little Scootaloo, her young admirer trying to fight back a horde of advancing Changelings. Rainbow also saw the deep gash on her foreleg she was nursing. 
Rainbow Dash galloped forward, leaped in front of Scootaloo, and bucked the nearest Changeling in the jaw as it snarled. She blew a portion of her multi-coloured mane out of her face, “Okay, who wants to see Dashie bring the pain?”. The Changelings hissed, but one shook its head in frightened response. Rainbow looked at it unimpressed as her tail transferred Scootaloo under a nearby table, “it was rhetoric”. And with that she relieved her hard-pumping adrenaline rush by letting loose her fury. 
She dodged a spell off one Changeling and countered with a hard-hitting roundhouse kick. She then started throwing well-aimed bits of furniture at their heads. With the Changelings momentarily distracted and a faint idea forming in her head, she grabbed Scootaloo and shot out through the roof. Sure enough the Changelings followed her as she sped through to the Everfree Forest. 
“Rainbow Dash, what are you doing?!” asked a nervous Scootaloo. 
“Testing out their flying skills, what else?” replied Rainbow Dash confidently, and with that her form went twisting and turning through the trees. Some Changelings bumped into several trees, and were either knocked out or had their crooked horns embedded deep into their trunks. For those that could still keep up however, Rainbow had a more devious plan set.
“Rainbow Dash, I don’t think this is the safest direction you’re heading!” yelled Scootaloo
“No it isn’t Scoots, but it’s exactly where I want to go,” said Rainbow as she narrowly missed some more oncoming spells. 
“Are you CRAZY? We can’t go there! This will lead us straight to the…” and with a sudden onset of realization, “…Timberwolves...”
“Hold on tight, kiddo” grinned Rainbow as she zoomed through the tunnel leading to the Timberwolves’ den. Scootaloo braced and held tightly to Rainbow’s mane.
“WAKEY WAKEY, SLEEPY HEADS. DINNER IS SERVED!!” said Rainbow as Changelings entered the den, and she easily made an unnoticed U-turn and zoomed back out of the tunnel unnoticed. 
She and Scootaloo looked back at the tunnel from above, and saw crows shoot out of the surrounding trees as the cries of the Changelings pierced the momentary silence.
“Come on Scoots, we need to get back to the others” she breathed as Scootaloo gave a sigh of relief and nodded.

Back in Ponyville, more and more Changelings flew in as more fell. And from far away, the brightly colored mass of ponies could be seen evacuating their invaded home, making their way to the Fields of Sunlight as the battle persevered. Screams could be heard from miles away, black smoke rose up from the burning homes mixed with the Changelings’ dark exoskeletons, and right in the center of everything was Princess Twilight Sparkle. 
At her side were Fluttershy and Spike the dragon, as well as several guards. 
“Come on, Fluttershy!” said Twilight, “I know how kind you are, I know how you won’t even hurt a fly, believe me I do, but we are literally in the middle of the raging war hanging in the balance between life and death themselves! You’ve got to do something! You can’t keep dodging attacks forever!”
“B-but I’m scared” said Fluttershy as she ducked and covered her head, missing a spell from one Changeling and accidentally tripping another.
“Remember what Iron Will taught you, Fluttershy? When somepony tries to block, show them that you rock!” said Spike, breathing emerald green flames on some of the closer Changelings.
“But you told me not to listen to him!” said Fluttershy
“Fluttershy, sweetie… NOW WOULD BE A GOOD TIME TO FORGET I’VE EVER SAID SUCH A THING!” yelled Twilight as she sent an energy blast clearing most of the Changelings in front of her.
“I’m so s-sorry, Twilight, I j-just c-can’t!” sobbed Fluttershy
“Fluttershy, is that your house burning?” asked Spike
Fluttershy’s head shot up, and took one look at her flaming house, faintly seeing her animal friends rushing to evacuate, she screamed: “MY BABIES!” and zoomed off towards her hut almost as fast as Rainbow Dash on one of her Sonic Rainboom training days....


***


And so the battle trudged on, the death toll rose, and eventually came the moment where Princess Luna came down to Ponyville and teleported the surviving residents of Ponyville, including Twilight, her friends, and the rest of the troops towards the outskirts of The Crystal Empire.

> Chapter 7: The Sparkling Asylum
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Twilight took a great gasp of air as her hooves touched ground and the cold, wet snow crunched under her weight. The sharp cool winds stung her face as she looked around at her fellow survivors. Their brightly colored fur tinted with varying numbers of red and blue stains, their faces bore expressions of grief and anguish as their faces dripped with renewed tears of shock. But none of their pained hearts even came close to that of their beloved Princess Luna.
As surviving ponies from Manehattan, Baltimare, Canterlot, Appleloosa, and the rest of Equestria rose to their feet, she gathered her strength and spoke:
“Citizens of Equestria, in light of current events I cannot hide the loss and wounds we have dealt. It is true, we do indeed tread upon glass shards now as our enemy walks upon the very ground we call home, violating our property, and even more so, our family” her voice broke, then she cleared her throat and continued, “This enemy may be strong, and have armies beyond our count. They may have taken our food, homes, lives, land, and even leader” (at this countless quiet muttering and even slight gasps erupted amongst the crowd) “but there is still light, because the one thing this enemy cannot take from us, is our hope. And hope will lead to miracles. My sister departed this world still believing in that hope. A hope that whatever state we be in, our love, friendship”, (she glanced at Twilight and her friends), “and our faith will always keep us strong. As long as we have hope, we will be the winners.' 
'At this moment in time, I understand you all still bear great emotional and physical wounds as well as the weight of grief upon your backs, but there will be a time to rest soon. Despite being far from the masses of Changelings back home, we are still not safe out here. And so, allow me to ask you to walk with me towards the Crystal Empire. There, the power of the Crystal Heart shall protect us all from any enemies that dare draw near. Onward, my dear ponies!”
And so, Luna landed on the ground, and preceded to lead the way towards the Crystal Empire, Discord followed, then Twilight and her friends, then the rest of the surviving population of Equestria. 


***


Along the journey, Twilight’s mind raced – the blood-spattered infirmary – the Changeling hurling Fluttershy headfirst into a wall – Princess Celestia’s body dissolving into tiny diamonds – the black cloud above Ponyville – the gruesome deaths – the screaming – the cries – the explosions – and the bright light that brought them here. 
In terms of what was happening around her, her ears heard but she did not listen – something about the Apple’s home being burnt down to the ground and Big Macintosh helping a nearly dead Granny Smith out of the rubble. Then there was Rarity’s voice saying how she saw Fluttershy emerge from her own burning house and take out ten or so Changelings with a stick with a bunch of her animal friends atop her back. And then there was Pinkie Pie, who managed to save the Cake family from a gruesome fate with a rolling pin, some flour and a lollipop. And there was someone calling her name…
"Twilight…Twi…TWILY!"
She shook her head back to reality and squinted her eyes as the light reflecting off the Crystal buildings temporarily blinded her. She regained her vision just enough to see a white, blue haired unicorn stallion race over to nearly strangle her as he gave her a massive hug. 
“Oh Twily, IheardwhathappenedIwassoworriedAndyouwereinthethickofitAndIwasworriedAndCadencewassweatingbucketsofnervousnessAndtheCrystalHeartturnedredAndCelestiaAndthenIwasworriedWesawalightAndmassesofponiesAndwoundsAndIcouldn’tseeyouDidImentionIwasworried?!”
“I’m -” (she was going to say “fine”), “better off than a lot of the others right now, Shining Armor. Are you and Cadence alright? What about Mom and Dad? Have you seen them?” 
“They’re fine, Twi, worried, but fine. They were staying over the castle to visit me and Cadence to congratulate us. I’d expect them to be on the castle balcony looking out for you like a pair of vultures looking for a mouse.”
“Thank Celestia. Where is Cadence?” 
“She’s over there talking to Princess Luna and Discord, I expect she’ll be coming over to fret over you pretty soon though”
“But still, thank goodness Mom and Dad were here. It was really good timing they chose to leave Canterlot to uhh…congratulate you?”
“Heheh, yeah. I’m guessing you didn’t get my letter?”
“I haven’t had the time to check my mail lately, Shining Armor. In case you hadn’t noticed we had a little crisis on our hooves?”
“Yeah, I know…inappropriate question”
“So, what’s the big news that made Mom sit through an entire 6 hour train ride?”
“I’m glad you asked, well, here it goes…Cadence and I are...ahem...expecting!”
“Expecting what?”
Shining Armor just beamed. It was as if no matter what just happened, that smile would still be sitting there on his face. 
“Expecting? As in expecting expecting? As in Foal Express expecting?”
Shining Armor looked as if he was the happiest being in the world as he nodded vigorously. Twilight almost forgot about everything that just happened as her mind became dazed with euphoria and she pounced on her brother.
“I’m guessing Shining Armor told you our big news?”
Twilight looked up to see Cadence walk over to her, smiling sweetly. In Twilight’s eyes she looked more or less the same, her appearance still tall and beautiful, and her eyes still kind and warm as ever, but there was something pleasantly different about her. She appeared to glow from within, and happiness seemed to radiate from her, despite the current situation.
“Cadence!” And she leaned in to hug her sister-in-law. 
“I’ve missed you too, Twilight. As much as I could blab on about how I’m feeling right now, I don’t think it’s an entirely appropriate time, what with masses of ponies taking refuge needing urgent medical supplies and sleeping spaces, I’m gonna need to work quickly.”
“What can we do to help?” asked Twilight. And her friends nodded determinedly at this. 
Cadence smiled: “I’ll appreciate whatever you can do. Since Princess Luna let us know she was bringing the entire population of Equestria over here, Shining Armor and I have been galloping around the Empire in preparation.”
“We’ve told the Crystal Ponies to make room in their houses to accommodate as many others as they could – which they’ve gladly agreed. And then we’re turning the area beneath the castle into something like an outdoor hospital where we’ve got doctors and nurses ready to treat the wounded. What else? Umm…we’ve got grocers collecting and rationing the food from within and around the Empire. We’ve also readied the castle to supply some sleeping space for more ponies as well.”
“I’m going to be near the Crystal Heart in the middle of the treatment area for now, I’ll help the Crystal Heart in hopes to increase the ponies’ healing rate with my magic. Luna’s going to be at the top of the castle tower to try and increase the boundaries of the protection spell surrounding the Empire. Discord’s going to patrol the boundaries and fend off enemies that come too near. Shining Armor’s going to supervise accommodation outside the castle. So it’s really up to you to choose what duties you want to take on for now.”
“So where, as in which stations, do you guys need ponies?” asked Twilight
“Everywhere” said Cadence.
“I suppose Fluttershy and I could help out with the treatment area?” piped up Rarity, Fluttershy nodded.
“Are you sure, Rarity?” asked Twilight
“But of course, Twilight. I have tried my hoof at a few healing spells in my time and more times than not, they have been successful. I'll give it everything I've got!” Rarity explained.
“And I nurse animals back to health all the time, so how different can ponies be?” smiled Fluttershy from behind her mane.
“And Pinkie and Ah could lend a hoof to the ponies in charge of the food” suggested Applejack, winking.
“Food can make anypony smile, too! So count me in!” said Pinkie Pie
“But Applejack, what about your family?” asked Twilight. And at this, it wasn’t Applejack who answered; it was Granny Smith:
“Now lis’n here little misseh, we all know Applejack’ll be raght bah our sahd if anythin’ were to happ’n. She’s got bigger responsibilities now, almos’ as much as yers! Don’ worry ‘bout us sugarcube, we’ll be fahn. And besahds, Big Macintosh’ll be here to watch over our little bushel. You go raght on ahead Applejack, y'r Granny Smith is as fit as a fiddle.”
“Eeyup, and we got Sweetie Bell and Scootaloo covered,” nodded Big Mac, smiling. 
“And besahds, Applejack’s super fast on her hooves! She’ll be back with us in no tahm!” piped up Applebloom.
“Yeah, maybe, but not as fast as me!” said Rainbow, puffing out her chest, Applejack rolled her eyes, “Which is why I’ll help Shining Armor out with making some room for ponies by clearing out stuff”.
“Girls, I – I don’t even know what to say!” said Twilight, bewildered yet immensely happy to see them take the load off her shoulders like that.
“Well I do,” said Cadence, “You’re all welcome to stay in the castle, including your families.” 
As everyone issued their thanks and praise towards Cadence, Twilight looked up at her brother: “What should I do?”
“Well”, Shining Armor tapped his chin, “You could always help the guards make some sleeping space in the castle.”
“I should make a list” Twilight thought aloud.
“That’s the spirit, you’re sounding more like you again”
“Thanks, I guess”, she looked round at everyone else, “ok everypony, let’s get started!”
And everyone went their separate ways, as Twilight spread her wings and headed straight for the castle, she saw Fluttershy lead Granny Smith by hoof over to the treatment area: “Come on now, Granny Smith, we’ll get you over to the Crystal Heart and fix you right up.”
“Crystal Heart, eh? I h’rd it shur is purty. Just like you, sugarcube.”
“Eeyup!” blurted Big Mac, whose face went redder than his actual coat. 
Fluttershy hid her face behind her long pink mane, suppressing a giggle.

> Chapter 8: The Plan
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Princess Luna stood atop the roof of the Crystal Castle taking in her surroundings. It sure was a breathtaking sight: the faded silhouettes of the hills in the distance tinting a sunset sky as the sharp winter breezes pricked her skin. 
“Goodnight, sister” she whispered as her horn glowed bright and she, for the first time, lowered the sun. In her mind’s eye, everything that just come to pass played over and over like a reel of film. And the emotion she had suppressed deep within her behind her mask of bravery pooled out of her eyes. She screamed. And her agony resonated between the crystalline buildings beneath her. 
The fury that burned deep within her heart made her blood boil. Chrysalis was still alive, after all these years. Had she not learned her lesson that the ponies of Equestria were not a force to be trifled with? 
And the Changeling male that accompanied her, the one responsible for her sister’s demise, Sanctus she said his name was, the Changeling king? The name was awfully familiar to Luna, but the face associated to it was merely just a hazy blur in her thoughts. As more tears gushed out of her, the easier, she found, it was to breathe, and in turn, to think. Throughout her history as princess, she was always the one who everyone turned to for battle strategy, but in the end she would always look to her sister to approve or sometimes even proofread of her plans, and thus share the responsibility. But this time round, Luna was all alone, and she hadn’t the faintest idea on what to do.


***


“Here you go, sweetie,” said Twilight, handing a white filly a ragged looking pony doll, “her name’s Smarty Pants. She was mine when I was just about your age. I know she isn’t in top condition, but she’s still as soft and cuddly as eve-oh” she gasped in surprise as the filly nuzzled her foreleg. 
“It’s perfect, Princess Twilight!” the filly said, “You’re officially my favorite princess ever!”
Twilight blushed, but before she could utter thanks, the filly dashed off to her mother, “Mommy, look! Look! The Princess gave this to me!”

Twilight smiled serenely.
“I see you’re starting to get the hang of things when it comes to princess-subject relations” said a voice behind her. Twilight turned around on the spot, and her eyes met those of an orange Pegasus stallion in golden armor.
“I try, Flash,” said Twilight, blushing, “Shouldn’t you be off guarding some entrance or border or something?” 
“Actually I’m assigned by Princess Cadence herself to guard you.”
Twilight cocked an eyebrow, “But I don’t need –”, she started defensively.
“And I might just add that Princess Cadence also told me you’d be objective about this, so she had Princess Luna sign this…”, he handed Twilight a tightly wrapped scroll, which she unraveled with her magic. Under her breath she rapidly mumbled the thin cursive words: 



“I, Princess Luna of Equestria, hereby assign Flash Sentry to the position of Princess Twilight’s PERMANENT BODYGUARD!?” 



She finished the sentence with such a high pitch, the sound was barely audible, and Flash, who was surveying her with a cocky expression said: “But wait, there’s more…”



“…until stated otherwise. In addition, following the death of Granite Hoofstead, Captain of Princess Twilight Sparkle’s royal guard, Sentry is to take his position. And henceforth, will be promoted to Captain Flash Sentry.         
Signed, 
Princess Luna
Princess Luna, Ruler of Equestria

Princess Mi Amore Cadenza
Princess Cadence, Ruler of The Crystal Empire”



She looked up at Flash, whose expression turned solemn. “Hoofstead is…dead?” she whispered.
Flash closed his eyes, took off his helmet and nodded. Twilight’s eyes were wide with shock, “b-b-but, he, I mean, what? How? When?”
“From what I heard from the guards that actually survived the Ponyville battle, it was about halfway through the fighting. He was striking loads of Changelings down, then he was overrun by them, before they knew it he was on the ground with his insides spilling out of him” said Flash. 
“I-I just – I” she inhaled, “I can’t believe he’s gone! He was so tough!” said Twilight, fresh tears stinging her eyes. She bowed her head.
“I was in shock too when I heard” said Flash, gingerly placing a hoof on her back and stroking it comfortingly, “I didn’t think anything could take that guy down”
Twilight straightened up, “I’m not going to let those Changelings hurt anyone else if I can help it. They’ve taken down far too many of us.”
“Princess, I know it’s hard to accept that so many of us are gone, but it’s inevitable that more ponies will get hurt if we do gallop into battle, which I expect will be soon. You can’t protect everypony. That’s one of the first lessons I learnt during my years as part of the castle guard.”
Twilight sighed, “I’ll think of something, anything” she added in a whisper, looking up at Flash she said: “Thanks for the talk, Flash, I needed it” 
Flash winked: “Anytime, Princess”
And the more Twilight looked him in the eye, the more she became lost in them. Those are some pretty nice eyes, a voice inside her head said; he obviously reads a lot. 
Then she noticed how close their muzzles were to each other. She felt the color rush into her. They then heard a giggle, and when looking at the source they found it was that same white filly, looking at them with her face of absolute adorable-ness, hugging Smarty Pants close.
Twilight and Flash looked at each other with blushed cheeks. “I - uhm – I’m gonna go this way, see if anyone else needs a hoof” said Twilight
“Oh and by the way, Princess,” said Flash, “Princess Cadence wanted me to let you know that there will be an impromptu royal meeting in the throne room”
“Oh thanks, Flash” said Twilight, “When?”
“Uhm…in 5 minutes?” replied Flash hesitantly.
“WHAT?! YOU COULDN’T TELL ME THIS SOONER?!” yelped Twilight, and when noticing how the now startled bystanders were looking at her, “Oh ahem, hehe. Royal Canterlot Voice? I - err - MUST GO!” she said, badly imitating the Princess Luna she met that Nightmare Night all those years ago before hastily dashing off for the throne room.
Flash snickered.


***


“It’s ok, Twilight, you didn’t have to imitate a champion runner to get here. We couldn’t start without you, so you wouldn’t be missing anything really” said Cadence.
“But *breath* I *breath* had *breath* to *breath* imitate *breath* Underlight *breath* Bolt *breath* I was *breath* going to *breath* be *GASP* tardy!!” Twilight panted
“Cadence is right, Twilight, you didn’t have to rush, it’s Flash Sentry’s fault for not telling you sooner. However, while you catch your breath, let us begin” said Luna, “Discord, have there been any sightings around the border of the Empire?”
“Not at all. It’s been quiet, as far as I’m concerned” replied Discord, “I’ve set up watchponies around the border to be on the – I can’t believe I’m saying this but – the...safer side”
Luna nodded in approval, “Cadence, what can you tell me about the state of the injured?”
“Most of the ponies that got here survived and are stable. The Crystal Heart worked its magic. Unfortunately the wounds of some were too great and they, well, moved on.” Cadence bowed her head.

Silence...

“Ahem, Shining Armor”, said Luna, Shining looked up, “How are we doing on supplies?”
“With the supplies, we managed to gather as much as we could and store them underneath the castle. It’s a strong amount, but it won’t last, and it’ll quickly run out, considering we’re harboring most of the population of Equestria in the Empire. In terms of spacing, some ponies will just have to brave the outside conditions for the time being. We’ve crammed as many ponies as we could into the residents’ homes as well as the public buildings like the library and even the castle. We’ve got almost all the floors occupied by now.”
“Ok, make sure everyone’s got blankets and the essentials. Use duplication spells if you have to,” said Luna, Shining nodded. “Twilight, how are we doing inside the castle?”
“I’ve got guards handing out survival kits, surveying patrols, and ushering ponies to sleeping quarters or treatment areas. I’ve assigned unicorns, pegasi, and Earth ponies doing each respectively. I figured that would be the best option, considering Unicorns can use duplication spells if need be, and Pegasi will be able to have a wider field of vision when on patrols. As for the Earth ponies, they have a good sense of spacing and organization, so I thought ushering and overall supervision would suit them best.”
“Good thinking, Twilight” praised Luna. She sighed and continued: “That concludes the follow up of the present situation, but now to decide what are we going to do about the looming threat we're facing. It’s safe to say that Celestia and I, or even Discord had and still have no clue about what we’re up against. Only that these are Changelings that have somehow mutated so adapt to, shall we say “different” tastes. The feed off the hearts of others, not just ponies, but gryphons and zebras and buffalos even”
“Luna” started Twilight, “I’m assuming it’s safe to say we have a fair idea what they’re capable of. Have you seen who was leading them to do these things? Could it be Chrysalis again?”
Luna nodded, “I’m afraid so, Twilight.”
“Wait, Chrysalis? I thought she was long gone! Is she back?” said Cadence
“I’m afraid so, Cadence. She is, but she’s not alone. There was someone ruling beside her. Sanctus was his name. He was the one that brought Celestia down.”
“Sanctus, huh? His name sure sounds familiar”, said Discord, crossing his mismatching arms and leaning on one of the crystal pillars.
“Which brings me to ask, Discord;” said Luna, rounding on the draconequus, her tone harsh and cold, “I couldn’t help but notice he called you an old “friend”. Care to elaborate?”
Discord straightened up, “Luna, to be completely honest with you, I can’t really remember him. I didn’t know any Changelings before our little field trip. The only thing the name Sanctus brings to mind is the vague figure of a dark unicorn. I can’t remember the face or the fine details, but I do remember a Sanctus, but I can’t put my finger on it.”
“How do I know I can trust you? After all the toil and trouble you caused…” 
“Toil and trouble that I have been exercising my willpower to the maximum to contain ever since I reformed. Do you know how tempting it is to see a terrible comedian on stage without making a pie zoom towards his face? Or a child holding a balloon by a string that can be cut so unnoticeably? I haven’t done anything bad since reforming and I don’t plan to. I cared about Celestia, and I care about you” argued Discord, “Now can we please focus on the enemy we already have instead of trying to make new ones?” 
“He does have a point, Luna,” said Cadence, stepping forward, “I know you’re upset about Celestia, we all are, but we can’t start making enemies within ourselves. If we do that, we’re doomed”
Luna sighed, “You’re right, I was…foolish. It was just a moment’s weakness, nothing more. My apologies, Discord”
“Don’t worry about it, Lulu. It’s probably that time of the Lunar Cycle.” he said, putting an arm and grinning broadly, Twilight and Cadence shared a quick glance while Luna merely glared at Discord, “Too soon?” he asked.
“Too soon…” said Twilight, Cadence, and Shining Armor in unison.
Luna inhaled deeply and used her magic to levitate his arm off the back of her neck, “Anyway, back to the little problem we’re having, shall we? It is true that we don’t have any idea about this enemy, and it is true that we need answers to all our questions. Thing is, I think I may know a place where we can find them.”
“Where?” asked Twilight
Luna used her magic as a visual aid, showing a pool in the middle of a forest, surrounded by white stones with intricate markings, “To the north, beyond the Forest of the FreeFeather Trees, lies the remains of an old temple. Back when we were battling this one,” she jerked her beautiful head in Discord’s direction, “Celestia and I were still new to taking on the role of Princess. Whenever we were lost, we would always go there for answers or advice. It has not been touched in over a thousand years, but now I believe is as good a time as any to disturb the silent peace it has built up over that time.”
“But Luna, ponies have ventured into that forest and have never come back!” said Shining Armor.
“Yes, which is why I will be going, and you will stay with Cadence and Twilight” said Luna
“But Princess, if what you say is true. About Sanctus and Chrysalis trying to harvest the power of both the Sun and Moon, and them sending out patrols of Changelings to hunt you down. Don’t you think it’s too much of a risk? Considering this plan to get answers may or may not work?” implored Twilight.
“I do agree that this is a high risk venture, but it’s one of those things that needs to be done. I do feel that place can help us. And I do understand the price upon my head, which is why I will be bringing Discord with me” said Luna. 
“I thought you didn’t trust me, Lulu. You did say that just a few minutes ago” said Discord cockily.
“I know, but I figured if you are truly one of us, it’d be good to have an ally out there. However, if you are a traitor and do try anything funny I’m pretty sure I can take you down in a cinch if need be” said Luna.
“At least get one of us to come with you” said Cadence
“No, Cadence,” said Luna firmly, “It’s too dangerous. And you can’t just think about yourself now, you’ve got somepony else in your belly that will be affected by your judgments in addition to your husband. You have responsibilities as well as the Crystal Ponies’ trust in addition to the connection you have with the Crystal Heart, which powers the protection the Empire has. You need to stay, do you understand?”
Cadence paused as if to object, but then nodded.
“But then what about me?” piped up Twilight, “can’t I come with you? Wouldn’t the Elements of Harmony be able to help with protecting you?”
“Yes, but I still can’t let you come Twilight. I know you mean well, but the fact remains that if we were to bring the Elements, then we will need their bearers too. And more ponies means more danger of being spotted. And besides, if we do get caught, we can’t let them get hold of the Elements, they’ll need to be with the ponies here,” said Luna
“But then what do you expect us to do?” demanded Twilight, “just sit round and wait like sitting ducks never knowing what’s happing with you? Whether you’re dead or not, or captured even”
“It’s a day’s trip and back, Twilight. And as a matter of fact, there is something that you and Cadence and Shining can do. Take care of the ponies. Make sure the guard is ready for battle by three days. I’m not saying we will fight by then, but I just want the guard to be ready in case the Changeling army attacks and the Crystal Heart’s defenses fail somehow.”
“Don’t worry, Luna” said Shining Armor.
“But there were hoards of Changelings attacking us, we’re well outnumbered! We don’t have nearly enough ponies to fight in case of a defective Crystal Heart. We need more soldiers just to act as a good enough deterrent, maybe if we sent letters to all the other kingdoms. If what you say is true, that the gryphons and zebras are affected, then they’ll want to stop the Changelings too. We can join forces!” said Twilight.
“Yeah but Twilight, the post is down. It’s too risky for a mere mailmare to go outside the kingdom,” said Shining.
“Ok then what about me. I’ll go. I’ll find each of the kingdoms. The Elements’ power should boost my teleportation spell. All I need is a map and I’m good to –”
“No. Twilight” said Luna firmly, “I’m not going to risk it. You’re still new to all this. Too inexperienced. Just stay put until Discord and I get back. We’ll sort everything out then,” she turned to Cadence and Shining Armor, “If we’re not back in 2 days, assume the role of Ruler of Equestria. I’ve cast a spell. Should the unfortunate happen and something happens to Discord and myself, the powers of both Sun and Moon are yours before Sanctus could get his Swiss-cheese hooves on them. Understood?”
Cadence and Shining nodded.
“Let’s go Discord. Fare thee well, all of you. See you in two days’ time maximum” said Luna, and she left through one of the tall windows of the throne room, closely followed by Discord.
Shining Armor turned to address Twilight: “It’s ok Twily, give her some –”, he heard the slam of the great door of the throne room entrance, “ – time?”, Twilight was gone.
Cadence put a comforting hoof on her husband’s strong shoulder and gestured to leave for their own chambers for the night with a comforting smile. It was getting late, worry could always wait till tomorrow...

> Chapter 9: Trust Issues (Part 1)
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The dirt quietly crunched beneath the weight of Luna's booted hoof.
At this time of night, the atmosphere about the borders of Equestria was crisp and chilly in spite of the heavy bushland that surrounded it.

Seeking help and answers, Luna and Discord had departed from the Crystal Empire just mere hours ago, but it already felt like a century.

"Are we there yeeet??" whined Discord, his mismatching feet stomping audibly on the bushland debris below them. "You know that faint sensation of pins and needles bothering me before? Yeah, it's anything but faint now."

"Oh stop complaining, will you?" Luna snapped, rolling her eyes, "For Faust's sake, Discord, you're the Spirit of Chaos! Now suck it up, or you might just make me do a little something that'll probably send you into a world of pain, okay?"

"Well, well, well, lookie here, everyone!" said Discord, snaking his serpentine body around Luna, who stopped dead in her tracks, eyeing her companion, "It would seem that a certain somepony's getting cranky"

"I don't have time for this" sighed Luna as her horn grew bright. Discord immediately retracted in pain, "Ouch! What ever did you do that for?!" he said, nursing the several burnt patches of fur that had just appeared on his body. Luna, however, just kept on walking, not giving him a second glance.

"I'd like to assume that you would too if your travel escort's continuous complaints could still be heard for several hours despite the use of magical earbuds", said Luna smugly, her eyes examining the base of the mountain they had now reached. "Now quiet down and let me concentrate, will you? I'm sure it's around here somewhere"

"Now, what pray tell, is 'it'?" said Discord, pausing the process of rubbing aloe-vera on his singed skin. 

"The reason why we've come out all this way. 'it' refers to the place where we'll be able to find the answers to everything we needed to know about these awful creatures that threaten us so menacingly. This place would just so happen to be," Luna's eyes sparkled in admiration, "the Temple of Erudraitheon."

"Bless you" said Discord unimpressed, now holding a bag of ice to his side.

"This is no illness I speak of!!" said Luna, taken aback, "Do you even know who he is?!"

"Oh please, do enlighten me." 

Luna cleared her throat, "Well, Erudraitheon happens to be the name of the mighty Keeper of Wisdom of this land! He is the dragon who speaks the words of Faust herself! Like the light of the Sun, his scales and the treasure he sits upon shine a pure gold!"

Discord cut her off, "Wait wait wait, treasure? You've captivated my interests, now"

Luna glared at Discord, "Treasure to symbolise the knowledge he possesses. The knowledge of all, past, present, an-" 

"Oh poo, of course, 'knowledge'" said Discord.

"Don't be so quick to dismiss it! Or him for that matter!" said Luna, irritated.

"Aww Lulu, look at you!" said Discord, patting Luna on the head, "it I didn't already deem it impossible, I'd say you were practically in love with the guy"

Luna jerked her head away, "Excuse me, I wouldn't say it's impossible" she mumbled, shaking away the vague image of that dark stallion in the back of her mind, "What an absolutely ridiculous thing to say. He only has my utmost respect and admiration."

"Yeah, yeah, 'love and admiration', sure. Have you even met him?"

"Of course!" said Luna indignantly, "Although, it was a long time ago - before Celestia and I assumed the throne." 

"You mean, before your's truly pretty much ran things around here?" mocked Discord, "Do you mean that my power was so great it drove both you and Celestia into the deepest form of desperation that you had to seek the help of some prehistoric fossil to defeat me? Haha, priceless!!"

"Excuse me, you pathetic half-wit, but that 'prehistoric fossil' helped Celestia and I find the courage to defeat you. Don't you remember? Or did turning you to stone only just further thicken your skull?"

"So he gave an inspiring lecture or two and you two turned me into stone while my back was turned, fine. But tell me, Luna, did that 'courage' you say he gave you also make you that power hungry that you turned against your own sister?"

"YOU GO TOO FAR!" Luna screamed, "I DO NOT HAVE TO EXPLAIN MYSELF TO THE LIKES OF YOU. A MERCILESS TYRANT WHO ALLOWED THE PEOPLE HE RULED STARVE LIKE RATS IN FILTH AND DESPAIR. LOOK AROUND YOU, DISCORD! EVERYTHING THAT YOU SEE, CELESTIA AND I BROUGHT BACK, BEFORE I WAS BANISHED! EVEN AFTER I CAME BACK, I FELT TRUE REMORSE AND I KNEW MY PLACE. DO YOU KNOW YOURS?"

"WHAT'S THAT SUPPOSED TO MEAN?"

"IT MEANS, THAT I KNOW WHAT SIDE IM ON. AND THAT I THINK YOU SHOULDN'T BE TRUSTED. THAT I THINK YOU STILL HAVE SOMETHING TO DO WITH ALL THIS JUST TO REGAIN THE THRONE.  NO MATTER WHAT CELESTIA DID TO TRY AND CONVINCE ME OF YOUR INNOCENCE, I WILL NEVER EVEN THINK OF PUTTING MY TRUST IN YOU."

Discord stiffened. Luna's eyes glistened in the moonlight as fresh tears welled up in her eyes, despite the expression of utmost rage and loathing on her face.

Silence.

"Fine", said Discord, breaking the long pause, "I'm just hurt is all. However, one thing still surpasses me. IF your faith in me was lacking this much, why did you not get rid of me in the first place? You had all the Elements of Harmony at your disposal. Even after Celestia died. Why not just turn me back into stone?"

Luna held back the words aching to escape her throat. "It does not matter. What matters is that we find Erudraitheon and fast, before either of us does something they'll regret, maybe in addition to telling us about Chrysalis and Sanctus, I'll be able to find out where your true loyalties lie.", she continued searching for any sign of the Temple's presence, "also, it's best we keep to minimal conversation."

Discord sighed. However, out of the corner of his eye, something had caught his gaze, something slithering across the Luna's back hoof, "Uhh, question, what's t-"

"What did I just say, Discord? Honestly, your disregard for the rules really is somethIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIINNNNNNG!!!!!!!" she yelled as dark vines dragged her across the forest floor. Her horn grew bright. She shot an array of spells at them. Nothing. They kept pulling her through the forest floor, debris slashing through her coat. The more she struggled, the more vines appeared to subdue her.

"LUNA!" yelled Discord, leaping after her to aid. Just as he began pursuit, fresh vines appeared out of nowhere and latched onto his mismatching feet. Before he could even react, the vines jerked his feet in Luna's direction and he lost balance. His head made heavy contact with a lonely rock and everything went black.
> Chapter 9: Trust Issues (Part 2)
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

After a long night of frustrating royal meetings and assigning sleeping spaces, Twilight stormed into her room, slamming the door behind her. As she paced back and forth, she felt a little bit of frustration radiate from her form with every 'stomp' her hooves made upon the crystalline floor. But seriously though, after today's meeting before Princess Luna and Discord set off, who could blame her?

'I need to do something', she thought.

"Twilight?" said a familiar voice. Twilight poked up to see her beloved companion, Spike, at the door.

"Oh Spike!", she cried, embracing him in a tight hug, "It's so good to see you!"

"Same here, Twilight. Sorry I took so long. I was helping out near the Crystal Heart, and you know how precise Rarity is about everything. And then after it took a bit of time convincing the guards at your door that I, in fact, am the real Spike and not just some Changeling"

Twilight cocked an eyebrow in confusion, "But Dragon magic is too powerful, Changeling's simply can't take - wait...guards?! What do you mean "guards"?"

Spike gestured towards the door, "See for yourself"

Twilight opened the door to find Flash Sentry and one of Cadence's guards standing at both sides of her doorframe.

"YOUR HIGHNESS!!" cried both guards collectively, saluting her.

Taken aback slightly, Twilight shook her head. "Flash!" she said irritably, "What is the meaning of this?!"

"Ma'am!" said Flash in a tone more suited to addressing a drill commander, "First brought into effect in the year 1845 A.E., this salute has been used ever since the establishment of the Cosmic Dynasty, replacing the ancient -"

"Not the salute, Flash" said Twilight, rolling her eyes, annoyed. "You. Here. Just what in Celestia's name are you two doing here?!"

"Ma'am!", answered the other guard - a purple Crystal Pony, "as members of the Royal Guard, we devote our lives to protecting the Royal Family! Captain Sentry and I were hoof-picked by your brother, Prince Shining Armour, to aid by standing guard at your door!"

"Shining Armour sent you?!" asked Twilight, shocked. "Is that so? Well, here's an order. Just. Just. Take the night off. Help the other ponies, or something."

"NEGATORY, MA'AM!" said Flash

Twilight glared at him, "Excuse me?"

"Lieutenant Stronghoof," Flash gestured to the guard next to him, "is a member of Princess Cadence's Guard. And as a member of that guard, he only takes his orders from her and Prince Shining Armour!"

"What about you?" said Twilight, glaring at Flash, "you're the Captain of my guard, aren't you?"

"Yes, ma'am!" said Flash, "but as you have witnessed in the declaration shown to you at 0113 hours today, I am to escort you at all times, by order of Princess Luna herself!"

Twilight gave both of their serious faces an unimpressed look: "There's nothing I can do to get you two to leave, is there?"

"NEGATIVE!" they chorused.

"Fine!" said Twilight, slamming the door magically.

"Wow. Harsh, much?" commented Spike.

"I had to, Spike"

"But why? They're just doing their job!"

"Because, haven't you noticed?!"

"Noticed what?"

"That they're all treating me as if I'm a little filly!" she yelled, "Oh, just stay in your room, Twilight. Let the adults sort everything out. Sure, we know you saved Equestria a couple of times and there were those times where your ideas have come in, like really handy and all. Oh, and let's not forget that one time at, i dunno, your coronation, I think it was. You know, where you kinda swore the same oath we did once upon a time, thus vowing to share our responsibilities when it comes to something as important as the welfare of our citizens."

Spike crossed his arms, "Anything else?" 

"Yes! Once upon a time, during one of my first days of learning...The Way of The Princess. Rule number 4: Princess Celestia told me that my instincts were there to be trusted - and that that was one of the most important rules to follow."

"And, what are your instincts telling you now?"

"That the power of love and friendship has always helped us out of a jam. Considering we're got a whole assortment of jams on our plate and Cadence and Shining Armour have pretty much got everything under control around here, I propose that I volunteer to go around to each of the different sub countries around Equestria and get them to join us!"

"And you think they'll help us? Just like that?"

"Well judging from what Princess Luna and Discord told us about their excursion into Changeling territory before the invasion, it would seem that they're not just targeting ponies, but Gryphons and Zebras too! So I'm sure their situations are pretty much similar to ours now. They'll definitely want to avenge their dead, and protect their remaining citizens too - just like us!"

"Okay, let's say you're sure you want to go through with this. Are you planning on going by yourself?"

"Of course, Spike! I'm not gonna let you or my friends put yourselves in danger just like that!"

"I don't know Twilight, don't you think it'll be safer if you had us tag along? I mean, you'll have the Elements of Harmony with you, right?"

Twilight started scribbling away at a scroll, "No, Spike. This is something that I'll need to do on my own. I just need to grab everything I need from here. After that, I'll get to the rooftop and teleport right outta here!"

"The rooftop, huh?" said Spike, "Question: how're you gonna leave your room, let alone get to the rooftop, unnoticed?"

"Easy" said Twilight, neatly placing a note on her pillow before heading towards her door, "To get to the rooftop, I'll need your scouting skills, but to leave my room all I need is a little...magic."

And with that, Twilight opened her door.

"Your highn-" began Stronghoof, before getting cut off by a beam of light hitting him squarely in the forehead, causing him to drop limply like a marionette detaching from its strings.

"Twilight! What're yo-?" was all Flash could say before meeting the same fate.

"TWILIGHT?!?!!" cried Spike

"Shhhhh!!" said Twilight, "It's okay, Spike. They're not dead. It's just a simple Snoozing Spell. They'll be up in a couple of hours. Now come on. We need to get to the castle archives, and fast!"

"For a map, I'm guessing?" asked Spike, hopping onto Twilight's back.

"Exactly!" said Twilight, "now hold on, Spike!". And in a flash of Twilight's Teleportation Spell, they were gone. So fast that Twilight didn't notice the 5 rolls of parchment disappear amidst Spike's emerald green flames. 


***


"OW!!" yelped Rainbow Dash, nursing her pained hoof. "Whadja do that for, Applejack?"

"Stop yer complainin' and maybe ah'll stop kickin' ya!" whispered Applejack angrily.

"But it's 3 AM! Whaddya expect?!"

"I do understand, darling" said Rarity, brushing the tangled off her well styled mane, "While I do agree that a decent night's beauty sleep is very much a necessity, sometimes one does need to sacrifice it in certain situations. Now, Twilight sounded pretty distressed in those letters she sent us. She most certainly needs our help! She wouldn't have called us to the rooftop for no reason, you know."

"Speaking of whom, where is that pony? We're been waiting up here for HOURS!"

"Actually!!" chirped Pinkie Pie, "Twilight's letter was received by all of us about 17 minutes ago, and we arrived here precisely 8 minutes ago...except for you because you were the one who volunteered to go grab the Elements of Harmony, so you've been here for about 7 minutes and 15 seconds."

"How did y-?" started Rainbow Dash, awestruck.

"It's just a rough estimate," shrugged Pinkie.

"Ugh, nevermind. She'd just better hurry up is all." said Rainbow, crossing her forelegs.

"Oh don't worry, Rainbow Dash, she'll be here soon" assured Fluttershy.

"Sooner than y'all think" said Applejack, gesturing towards the rooftop's entrance, where Twilight stood bearing an expression of pure and utter shock.

"OH TWILIGHT!" gasped Rarity, leaping over to embrace Twilight, "We were ever so worried! Are you okay? You sounded ever so desperate in that letter. I feel so bad, we haven't had a chance to talk about eve-"

Twilight shook her head. "Wait, letter? What letter?"

"You know, he letter you send all of us? The one that said you had a plan to help is solve all this and that we had to meet up at the rooftop with the Elements of Harmony ASAP?" summarised Rainbow.

"I didn't send any let-" Twilight began, before slowly glaring at Spike. "Spike, you wouldn't have anything to do with this, would you?"

Spike hid behind Rarity, "ALRIGHT, I SENT IT!" confessed Spike, "It was only because of your plan had any chance of succeeding, you needed each other. Just at least tell them where you're off to!" 

"Nevermind that, Twi." said Applejack, "Might as well tell us since we're all here and ready to leave at a moment's notice."

"Bu-but, no! I can't let you guys risk your lives like that on my behalf!" pleaded Twilight.

"And we can't let you just run off into harm's way, darling. Contrary to what you currently believe. You don't have to do everything on your own and you can put your trust in us! Now, go on, tell us the plan." said Rarity.

Mumbling intangible words of protest, Twilight gazed at their attentive, eager faces. Spike just gave her a 'just do it' look.

Twilight sighed, "How do I start?"


***


"Is that it?" said Rainbow.

"Twilight, do you really think this is going to work?" asked Fluttershy anxiously

"Yes, absolutely," replied Twilight.

"So, say we go on this little road trip and head to each of them nations out there. How do we know that they won't kill us on sight thinking we're Changelings disguised as ponies?" asked Applejack.

"The Elements of Harmony" replied Twilight, "Changelings are like bees so to speak. All that they are and all that they do depend on and are done for their Queen, and King in this case. They don't possess any of the qualities of the Elements of Harmony like Honesty, or Kindness for example. If a changeling were to wear one of these necklaces or this crown, they'd be rejected. And by being rejected, they'd pretty much just die more or less. So as long as we have the Elements on us at all times, we're fine."

"What about me?" said Spike indignantly.

"Like I said before; dragon magic is very powerful, Spike. Changelings just can't disguise themselves as dragons."

"Okay, so even if they believe we're genuine ponies - I know for a fact that many of their relations with ponies haven't been great, despite Princesses' efforts. For example, you said you wanted to head to Zebrica to visit the tribes. I'm pretty sure they'll join our cause in addition to those in Saddle Arabia. Then there was the Gryphon Kingdom, who will probably be more hesitant due to past tensions. And then there's the Dragon's Nest, which I do not even want to touch upon because I think it's that insane. How do you expect to convince them to join our cause by the end of the week?" said Rarity, concerned.

"I don't know a lot of things, Rarity, but I do know this" said Twilight, "The Changeling Army far outnumbers our own. And from what I've heard from the surviving scouts is that they've established Canterlot Castle as well as most of central Equestria as home base, and are still expanding!! We won't be able to survive another attack, despite the Crystal Heart's power. Whilst I do believe that there's more we need to learn about the Changelings and Sanctus, and that there might be a way to defeat these guys without going to war, it doesn't hurt to have better numbers - in the case of both defence and offence should the need arise. And besides, I'd think the fact that they're losing population numbers by the day themselves would make them desperate enough to put differences aside and join our cause. If not, well, I guess we'll just have to wing it?"

"Spoken like a true politician" said Applejack.

"I'm sure the key to getting us out of this mess and defeating Sanctus and Chrysalis is by Uniting Equestria, so to speak. It's what Princess Celestia would've wanted" continued Twilight.

All of a sudden, their whispering was interrupted by the shrill laughter of none other than Pinkie Pie.

"Shhhhhhhhhhhhh!!" they all chorused.

Pinkie wiped away a tear as she regained her breath, "I'm sorry, hehe. I couldn't help myself. But don't you see? You're a princess speaking like a "true politician" and you're saying we might need to wing it? Get it? Because the wings you have make you a princess?"

"And that's not the only thing that makes her a princess" said Applejack, putting a hoof around Twilight, "it's also her outstanding leadership qualities"

"...and her limitless devotion to her country..." said Fluttershy.

"...and her bravery..." added Rainbow Dash

"...her smile?..." said Pinkie Pie

"...not to mention her absolutely gorgeous poise..." said Rarity, batting her eyelashes

"...and most importantly, her love for her people and sense of responsibility" finished Spike.

Twilight blushed: "There's no way to convince you guys to stay, is there?"

"No siree!!" chirped Pinkie Pie

"How'd you guess?" asked Applejack, chortling.

"Excessive use of flattery" answered Twilight

"Ughhhh. Come on, guys!! If we're going to try and sneak outta here, we'd better do it fast! Before we know it, daytime'll come!" said Rainbow Dash.

"Where to, Twilight?" asked Fluttershy.

"First off, Zebrica!" said Twilight. But her friends just continued giving her expectant looks. 

"Oh, heheh, it's that way" she added, pointing her hoof to the West.