Solem Perditumby PropMasterChapters- I -- II -- III -- IV -- V -- VI -- VII -- VIII -- IX -- X -- XI -- XII -- XIII -- XIV -- XV -- XVI -- XVII -- XVIII -- XIX -- XX -- XXI -- XXII -- XXIII -- XXV -- XXVI -- XXVII -- XXVIII -- XXIX -- XXX -- XXXI -- Epilogue -- XXIV -- I -- I - Celestia’s eyes slowly opened, her head swimming slightly as the ache of a failed release of arcane energy throbbed through her horn. She took a few deep breaths as the ache subsided, her vision focusing to reveal her surroundings. The first thing she saw was a rock: a lump of grey material, lopsided and odd. It sat in a fine, light dust that moved and floated slightly in the atmosphere of Celestia’s breathing spell. Celestia gave an experimental snort, sending a little plume of dust floating from before her nostrils. She sniffled, coughing slightly as she sat up on her haunches, and sneezed. She wrinkled her eyes open slowly, taking in more of the landscape. Grey. All around her was grey: just dust and hills and rocks of the same monotone and neutral grey color. Above, the sky was black, dotted with the stars and constellations that belonged to her sister. In the middle of her view lay a sphere of the most beautiful blue and white, with masses of green marring the otherwise immaculate expanse. Equis. Home. Celestia shook out her mane, feeling the solar winds flow through it and bolster her strength, and she stood to her full impressive height. Spreading her wings, she stretched a mighty stretch, her forehooves pushing out as she leaned her weight forward and left her rump high in the air, catlike and mostly undignified. Stretch complete, Celestia tucked her wings to her side, giving them a slight ruffle. She brushed some grey dust from the golden toque around her neck, adjusted her crown, and began to walk. She kept her head high as she trotted, her every bound carrying her gracefully a few extra feet in the low gravity. Her violet eyes, though, were locked on the horizon, focused and intent. Something marred the monotonous landscape of rolling hills and craters. It was square. Square wasn’t a natural shape, and that had given Celestia pause a few minutes ago, when she’d spotted it in the distance. She’d decided to try a teleport spell, but it had gone awry, dumping her in an undignified heap in the dust. Just like all the other times she’d tried to teleport anywhere. Flying, as it turned out, didn’t seem to work either. Every time she tried to use her wings for more than a cautious glide, they’d lock up, hindered by an unseen force. She’d resorted to walking after a few attempts. The walking wasn’t bad. She’d gotten used to it. She missed flying, occasionally, but the low gravity made her graceful trotting easy. It was probably good for her. She’d been eating too much cake at home, an indulgence of hers, and perhaps some enforced exercise would do her slightly plush plot some good. Celestia giggled at the thought, her steps light. Her stomach rumbled at the recollection of cake, and Celestia frowned. She paused in her trotting and faced the sun, low on the horizon from her vantage point. She absorbed some energy from her star, focusing her power, and subsumed it, turning the magic directly into energy to power her body. It wasn’t cake, but it’d keep her alive indefinitely. Celestia sighed to herself, and resumed her walk towards the square object in the distance, trying to forget about food. As she walked, she found her gaze drifting up, towards Equis. She wondered what was happening there. What would they be doing, now? She guessed, by her sharp sense of sight, that one of the continents facing her held Equestria. The side of the planet was dark, currently, so she hoped that the others were resting—excepting Luna, of course. She’d be awake, probably reading or consulting, perhaps holding her night court. Things had to carry on, of course, even in the wake of... Celestia looked away from the blue and white orb. She was closer to the square object now. She set her sights solely on the mysterious construct. It had grown larger as she’d approached, but not by much. She figured that whatever it was was only a little taller than she was in height. After an hour, she halted before the square. It was, indeed, a square—a slab of grey rock, ripped from the ground by force and set upright. It was thin, though, only a foot thick, while standing about twelve feet high. On the slab were runes, carved in an ancient tongue that Celestia had nearly forgotten. It was a little over a thousand years old. Celestia stared at the words written on it, a knot forming in the pit of her stomach. On This Place A Thousand Years I Wait To Claim What Is Mine By Right The Night Will Last Forever Celestia stared quietly at the runes for a while, pondering their significance. She walked in a slow circle around the slab of rock, returning to her original position in a few moments. She read the words again, and a small smile tugged at the corners of her mouth. Her horn began to glow. After a moment, her work done, she turned away from the slab of rock, her eyes searching the dust near the foot of the monolith. Her gaze centered on a set of hoofprints going away from her position. Not her own, but a new set: a trail a thousand years old, preserved by the unmoving dust. Celestia followed the prints away, towards a further horizon. - II -- II - The hoofprints trailed away into the distance, leading Celestia onwards towards a slowly approaching line of utter blackness—the line between day and night. Celestia wasn’t surprised. Of course the trail would go towards a place where the night would literally last forever. The light side of the moon, in any case, was growing tiresome to Celestia’s eyes. The grey dust and rock reflected light extremely well, and the bright and constant light was starting to become aggravating to her senses. At least on the dark side of the moon, she could simply cast a spell of light to push away the shadow. Doing the opposite was more of her sisters’ forte. The thought of Luna made Celestia glance spaceward again, towards the hanging orb of blue—so near, and yet, so far away at that moment from her. She forced a smile, thinking of better days, and continued her walk. Things had been better since Luna had returned. It had taken her months to regain her strength fully, a slow process of recovery even for one as powerful as her. The Elements of Harmony had cleansed her body of all magic, reducing her to nothing. Thousands of years of the slow build of magics in her system, reserves of untapped power, magics ancient and terrible, undone in an instant of incandescent, whirling harmony. Of course, that had also banished the Nightmare from her as well, returning her to her old self, a thousand years out of place and with little memory of her darkest hour. Darkest hour being a turn of phrase. Luna had been Nightmare Moon for a long time. Luck would have it that she couldn’t remember much of her atrocities, nor her exile. Celestia counted it as a blessing. She’d never wish such a thing on Luna. Many claimed that the Elements of Harmony were a dumb tool, a weapon that simply acted on the idea of Harmony: purifying, making clean and whole, or destroying where it could not make orderly. Celestia felt differently. There was no reason for Luna to forget her time as Nightmare Moon after the Elements of Harmony cleansed her, yet she had. There was something merciful about that fact, something that hinted at a greater direction by the Elements than brutally powerful magics. Luna’s memories had surfaced only in her sleep: terrible nightmares of twisted landscapes and shadows. Celestia had comforted her sister as best she could, but there were things that she simply couldn’t understand. Her sister, in some senses, was very alone in her recovery, though she had servants, doctors, wizards, and psychologists overseeing her throughout every step. Celestia, despite all her strength, was still but one pony. She smiled to herself, remembering Luna’s insistence on leaving Canterlot on the eve of Nightmare Night. It was a holiday for her, in a sense, and she wanted desperately to experience life away from the poking and prodding of the court physicians and mages. Her mane had regained it’s astral aspect a few days prior, and she used it as a way to prove her returning strength and her readiness to be away from her suite of chambers where she’d been “exiled for a thousand days!”, as she so dramatically enjoyed shouting. Celestia had relented, and Luna had gone to the Nightmare Night festival. The Lunar Guard had reported that the evening had started off... awkwardly. Luna’s lack of modern social graces had been a sticking point, apparently, and it didn’t help that she felt the need to use the Royal Canterlot Voice at every opportunity. As she had expected, though, Twilight Sparkle and her friends helped Luna overcome her difficulties, and she ended up enjoying her festival. She had returned with a rare smile on her face, filled with joy and stories of screaming fillies, delicious treats, games, pranks, and friendship. Celestia nearly flew down to Ponyville and knighted the whole populace on the spot. She’d restrained herself, but her mood for the rest of the week had been a good one, even during court proceedings. Celestia’s meandering thoughts halted as the hoofprints she was following changed direction abruptly, turning on a more direct course for the darkness. Celestia frowned slightly, wondering what prompted the sudden shift, and continued to follow them. She approached the edge of the twilight zone between night and day, growing nearer to the darkness. She carefully cast a spell of light, summoning a glowing sprite of energy that bobbed over her head, illuminating the area as she moved closer. The shift was a subtle one, the light fading away as she trotted closer to the black, her own magic light seeming to grow stronger. She shivered slightly as the temperature noticeably dropped, and she adjusted the spell she’d woven around herself to maintain her own body’s temperature. Comfortable again, Celestia followed the line of hoofprints into the darkness. - III -- III - The darkness filled the grey landscape, casting it into a sharp contrast of blacks and darker greys. The shadows stretched forward from Celestia’s lantern sprite as it hovered silently above Celestia, staying only a pace ahead of the alicorn. Her own shadow stretched out behind her, into the black, as if reaching for the brighter lunar seas far behind her. Celestia followed the hoofprints as they meandered over a rise in the landscape. Her steps became labored as she climbed the increasing incline, until she had to pause. She assessed the rise before her, and the hoofprints that stoically climbed up it, before squinting her eyes closed. She cast a complex spell, easing the bonds of gravity further from her being, and then resumed the climb while maintaining the spell’s effect. She found the climb easier, but after a few minutes the strain of holding together such a difficult spell began to take its toll. Celestia grit her teeth together and lunged for the top of the hill, her powerful jump carrying her nearly to the top of the sharp incline. She halted at the top, dismissing the spell, and stood stock-still. The hill wasn’t a hill. It was the lip of a crater, a massive thing that stretched out from her vantage point out toward points unseen, well beyond the range of her small light. Beyond loomed dark shapes, previously hidden from her sight by the slope of the crater’s wall. She cast her lantern sprite forward, sending it floating out a dozen yards. Celestia’s breath caught in her throat, and she sat down heavily. There was a building, long and low, crudely constructed, but recognizable. Four walls, a sloped roof of lunar grey, and a open doorway. Beyond that structure, there loomed more, perhaps a dozen being illuminated by her spell’s glow. Even further loomed more shapes, growing taller and more complex. Celestia swallowed hard, staring into the beginnings of what appeared to be a city. The layout was obvious, now that she was paying attention. Blocks laid out, with buildings grouped close together, and wide lanes of lunar dust that served as streets, which drew inwards towards what she assumed was the center of the crater. Standing up slowly, Celestia spread her wings and summoned her lantern sprite back to her side. Taking a deep breath, she took a running leap over the edge of the crater’s wall, and glided gently down into the nearest lane between the low buildings that made up the outskirts of the city. As her hooves touched down in the dust, a line of dark blue light ran from that first point of contact, through the ground, and into the nearest buildings. Celestia felt the buildup of energy and the activation of ancient magics, and she braced herself, erecting her most potent shielding spell and warding herself against the first dozen types of magical attacks she could think of. The buildings nearest her began to shudder, and Celestia clenched her teeth, ready for what was to come. - IV -- IV - The thrum of arcane energy set the hairs on the back of Celestia’s neck on end, and she turned in a slow circle, eyes narrowed as they scanned the immediate area. The magic aura around her horn burned away the nearest shadows, leaving her standing in a circle of golden-white light as she maintained her defenses and prepared to react with several potent offensive spells. For one moment, Celestia’s thoughts flickered to her ever-present, ever-vigilant guards. She’d come to barely notice their presence, their training stressing that they were to be proudly unobtrusive in her day-to-day life. Now, however, the lack of her golden-armored, silent shadows was noted, and she realized that she missed them dearly. It had been a long time since she’d felt threatened, but not so long that she’d forgotten how to react. The presence of her Royal Guards always at her side may have seemed to indicate that she had grown soft after hundreds of years of peace, but there was a darker truth to their presence. Celestia didn’t need her guards. She was an immortal being who had fought elder gods and monsters to bring peace to her country and the little ponies she held so dear. There were few things in existence that could truly harm her, but that was hard to fathom for a mortal. Several hundred years ago, before the establishment of the Royal Guard and even before Nightmare Moon’s rebellion, a group of mortal ponies had organized a coup attempt against her, as they were unhappy with the direction she was taking Equestria. In those days, the tribes had not always seen eye to eye, and there were many that disliked the idea of harmony or equality among ponies. Such was the case with this group. They had stormed her court during a hearing, armed with spells to bind and destroy her, spears to catch and wound her. She had reacted in kind. She did not know or understand restraint back then, for times had been dangerous, and her power was such that she could destroy with a thought, defeat any ward in a moment, and counter even the strongest spells in the blink of an eye. By the end of the day, sixty-three ponies had been slain by her and her sister, as the two Princesses defended their loyal subjects. That had been a terrible day, one that Celestia could never forget. Within a month, Celestia had drafted a plan for a defensive force, her Royal Guard, to assist her in times of need or to defend her from attacks: not for her own sake, but for the sake of those so misguided as to strike against her. They were the last line of defense between the public and their own leaders. Since the establishment of the Royal Guard, the number of ponies Princess Celestia had killed had decreased to nil... excepting during the Lunar Rebellion. The guards themselves were able to take prisoners, and use similar force against any attacker, rather than destroying them utterly. Celestia had since learned restraint, gained greater control over her power, but the Royal Guard’s presence was a great comfort to her. She’d never have to worry about overreacting and potentially hurting anypony. Celestia reminded herself to thank her guardsponies—individually and by name—the next time she saw them, and then focused herself on her present situation. Celestia’s wings flared outward in surprise as the swelling arcane energy around her discharged—but rather than it being directed at her, it focused itself into the surrounding buildings. Lights flickered to life, the walls of the structures toned to deep blues and royal indigos, and illusory banners unfurled around her. Celestia took a cautious step forward, peering at the banners with a mixture of surprise and curiosity. The sigil was all too familiar to her. Nightmare Moon’s silhouetted visage and draconic eyes peered at her, on a field of dark blue, superimposed over a crescent moon. Celestia exhaled slowly, dismissing many of her warding spells, but holding her incandescent shield spell in place for the moment. Her horn’s cosmically bright glow dimmed to less blinding levels, allowing the newly summoned magical lights of the nearby buildings to illuminate the area. Celestia noted that only the closest block of structures had come to life, the other buildings staying cloaked in black and lifeless. Tilting her head to the side, Celestia approached the nearest building and peered inside a crude window. The interior was well lit, but revealed an empty space, simply a bare floor and nothing else, excepting the glowing magic light nestled in an alcove in the roof. She trotted past this building and checked another of the small, square buildings. This one was similarly empty. Celestia was honestly disappointed. There was nothing truly exciting about a city if the buildings were devoid of decor or anything to help her understand the reason behind construction on so grand a scale. Celestia moved onward, towards a slightly larger building, noting with interest the lack of windows. She walked around the closest side of the large building, and found a tall and thin open doorway, marked with a deeply imprinted sigil of a crescent moon. Celestia paused at the entrance of the building, checking it thoroughly for traps. Finding none, she slowly stepped inside the building, noting that the doorway of this building was the proper size for her to fit through without ducking her head: a rarity in most architecture, with few exceptions. Celestia wasn’t amused by this, but rather put more on edge, for this only meant one thing to her. This was a building designed with alicorns in mind. - V -- V - The interior of the large building was furnished sparsely: a chest, carved from lunar rock and plainly decorated with a crescent moon, a raised dias supporting a throne of rock, and a lowered pit filled with soft sediment. Celestia stood in the center of the room, looking around slowly, making certain to take in any details no matter how small. Anything could help her understand the nature of this odd city marring the otherwise untouched landscape of Equis’ satellite. What purpose did it serve? There had only been one other being present on the moon before Celestia, and that had been Nightmare Moon. This was obviously her doing, but that still did not answer the question of why. Celestia approached the chest and tapped the lid lightly. It creaked under her hoof, but was otherwise of sturdy construction. Using her telekinesis, she opened the box and peered in. The chest was empty. Celestia sighed, peering closer, and found to her surprise that the chest was not empty. The bottom of the chest reflected back her own face. Reaching in, she retrieved a single square sheet of reflective glass, a simple mirror. Holding it out, she set it carefully against the wall, and closed the chest. She examined the mirror, and discovered a spell attached to the glass. Celestia frowned, noting the familiarity of the spell, but was unable to place when the last time she’d seen it used. With a small shrug, she took a few steps back from the mirror, ensuring her shield spell was still at full strength, and then activated the spell. The mirror shimmered, and then a face was reflected from within the item. Dark blue eyes with draconian pupils stared out across the ages, from behind a darkly flowing astral mane of the deepest shadow. Celestia’s head jerked back with surprise, as the voice rang out clearly from the mirror. A recording spell. She leaned forward with interest. Nightmare Moon frowned, looking annoyed. “I’ve erected several small buildings, simply filling my time. I’ve explored much of the surrounding area, and found nothing of interest. However, here in the deepest darkness of this crater on the dark side of the moon, I find myself feeling more at home. There is an appeal to this location. I believe because it is cloaked in darkness, just like Equis was to be cloaked in eternal night, that I feel more at ease here. I can pretend that I gained victory instead of being defeated by my sister.” The final word left Nightmare Moon’s lips as a growl. She looked away, murmuring something that Celestia could not hear, and then she turned back to face out from the mirror. “While I am bound to this moon for a thousand years, there is no doubt in my mind that I can break the spell of my exile and return to claim my throne. Until that time, though, to stave off the solitude, I will build. Every day, I will add a building, to mark the time and to plan the capital city of my glorious empire that I will create in place of the mountain castle of Canterlot.” Nightmare Moon sneered, showing fangs. “Canterlot. Such a silly name. I cannot abide puns. My city will be called Sunfall, and I will pave its streets with the blood of my enemies. I will drag my defeated sister by her pastel mane through my throne room and chain her to the walls, and force her to watch as I tear her loyal ponies limb from limb before her weeping eyes.” The image in the mirror faded, and Celestia stood quietly, contemplating the ancient recording. Though it was a thousand years old, and the threats hollow, Celestia couldn’t help but feel a chill run down her spine. - VI -- VI - Celestia left the mirror behind, after checking it to see if there were any additional recordings on the implement. She returned to the main street, carefully looking down towards the center of the crater. The buildings she could see in the distance grew in size and in ornate appearance. With a small shiver, she remembered Nightmare Moon’s words. A building built for every day... This city must be far larger than she could imagine, and she could imagine quite a lot. It came with the territory of being immortal. Ignoring the creeping feeling of unease, Celestia began walking towards the middle of the crater. As she walked, the buildings slowly changed. At first, they were crudely constructed, simply hollow squares. However, as she continued on, the shapes became more confident. More windows began appearing, first, then buildings with multiple stories. Columns began appearing, then balconies. The architecture became more complex, intricate carvings appearing alongside unique styles of construction that Celestia had never seen. Celestia deviated from her path as the dirt roads beneath her feet turned to lunar cobblestone. Each step she took, magic rippled through the ground, reacting to her presence, and the buildings came to life. Lights shone from within, and illusory banners and tapestries brightened the grey spaces. Celestia halted before a large building with five stories and a plethora of flags marked with Nightmare Moon’s sigil, and walked inside. The interior of the building was lavishly furnished, with carpets that felt real beneath her hooves, though she knew they were simply magic. She ran a hoof along a long couch with plush seats, admiring the work. Nightmare Moon had obviously been getting more creative with her time. Celestia moved through a wide set of gilded double doors to discover a massive bed chamber with a round bed on a raised dais, and several windows facing out to... Celestia approached the windows, staring out. The windows looked out on a dark forest, with massive trees and creeping vines. Celestia shook her head and turned away, looking at the bed. She approached it, and bent low, examining the mattress. It seemed solid, so she gently touched the top of the bed. It squashed under hoof, and Celestia couldn’t help but smile to herself. For some inexplicable reason, she’d never thought of Nightmare Moon enjoying soft beds. Hard cushions and firm mattresses seemed to be more her style. It was an oddly revealing quality. Celestia wondered if there were parts of Luna lurking beneath Nightmare Moon’s subconscious, influencing her. Shaking her head, the white alicorn stretched and then climbed up onto the bed. She’d been exploring and walking for several hours, and while she didn’t strictly need rest, she wanted it. Though this room might have served as the den of one of her enemies, Nightmare Moon had long since abandoned this place. It was entirely possible that she had never even used this bed. That thought was almost immediately dismissed when Celestia’s hoof came into contact with something hard beneath the pillows at the head of the bed. Withdrawing the object, she found herself holding another mirror. Celestia frowned, glancing around the room as if expecting somepony to walk in and scold her for snooping. When nothing happened, she chuckled quietly to herself, and activated the mirror. Nightmare Moon stared out of the mirror at her. She’d removed her regalia and helm, this time, and her eyes looked slightly unfocused. “Year twenty-three, day... well, it doesn’t matter. Nopony will ever know of these journals, and I don’t know why I persist in making them. Perhaps it helps stave off the incredible boredom.” Nightmare Moon exhaled slowly, a gesture of weakness that seemed awkward from such a creature. “Though it has only been twenty-three years, I am already starting to feel the effects of prolonged solitude. I often talk to myself, which is disconcerting. I’ve thrown myself more fully into building this city. It is a good way to spend the days, but I’m running out of architectural styles to imitate or invent. There’s only so much one can do before the enjoyment of creating a city is... lost.” Nightmare Moon’s gaze shifted away, and she grew silent for a moment, pondering something. Celestia noticed something odd, as Nightmare Moon’s tongue tucked into the corner of her lips and her eyes glanced upward as she thought. The gesture was familiar, and after a moment it struck Celestia that it was something Luna often did while deep in thought. The idea that her dear sister was lurking just beneath the surface of this monster was a sobering one. Nightmare Moon’s eyes slowly focused back onto the mirror, and she smirked. “Excuse me. I was just thinking of a new floor layout to try tomorrow... regardless, I believe that I will continue my work for now. I’m finding that with my mastery of many magical techniques and construction methods, my mind is the clearest while at work. I’m close, I believe, to coming up with a way to escape my exile and return to wreak my vengeance upon Celestia and her precious ponies.” Nightmare Moon’s voice faded, as did the reflected image. Celestia frowned, before casting the mirror aside. She spread herself across the bed, a small shiver going down her spine at the thought of spending the night in Nightmare Moon’s own bedroom, but the stress of the day and the spells she’d been forced to maintain for so long finally forced her to put her mind at ease. She dismissed her warding spells and shield, and sighed happily as the effort of keeping her defenses up was removed. She rolled onto her back and spread open her wings, the soft matress conforming to her shape, and found her eyes growing heavy... - VII -- VII - Celestia sat quietly on her chair in the throne room at Canterlot Castle, listening to a noble prattle on about some nonsense. Taxes, most likely. She kept her expression neutral and did her best not to roll her eyes or yawn. Her subjects found many things important, and unfortunately for her a lot of those things were on the drier side, conversationally speaking. Celestia’s mind briefly wondered how she’d arrived at the throne room. Hadn’t she been... in bed? She blinked, glancing around herself, trying to take in her surroundings. She noticed that the guards she had at her side were both faceless, just vague shapes in the form of her stallion guardsponies. The lack of detail was slightly disturbing. She quickly began spotting other incongruities, noting that the hallway to the throne room appeared endless, as did the line of petitoners, and that the throne room’s ceiling was gone, simply a black space full of nothing. A dream. Celestia chuckled to herself, standing up. The noble pony speaking to her appeared outraged that she’d dare leave, but she no longer cared. This was her dream, after all. She trotted away, into the endless hallway of petitioning ponies, and made a sharp left turn. There normally was a door here, in the real palace hallway, which lead to... yes. The kitchen. There were chef ponies working away at random tasks, and Celestia stood before them. She resisted the urge to clap her hooves together in delight, her wings opening wide as she assumed her most regal and imperious stance. “Your princess requests cake. Chocolate, if you please, three layers, with raspberry preserves between each layer. Buttercream frosting, and make sure it’s thick on the frosting.” No reason to not enjoy herself. A few dream-moments later, she found herself seated in the royal dining hall, where she and her sister would often take meals in the relative solitude it provided. Servants aside, the royal dining hall was private, and only a few ponies were ever allowed entry. This dining hall was slightly askew, it’s proportions off and it’s corners indistinct. Celestia couldn’t recall if there were pillars along one wall or not, and so it remained empty. She didn’t mind, though, because there was a cake being set before her, and it looked exactly as delicious as she’d imagined. Exactly. She cut herself a rather large and unladylike slice of the cake, and took a slow bite. Raspberry and chocolate mingled with sweet buttercream on her palette, and she sighed. She missed cake, and other food. She was happy for the moment, though, and took another bite of her slice of cake. “Sister?” Celestia glanced up from her imaginary meal. Princess Luna stood before her, looking startled. Celestia’s eyes narrowed slightly. “Luna?” “Art thou really... thyself? It is hard to ascertain. I’ve been ingressing through the dreamscape for days, looking for thou,” Luna’s head tilted to one side as she examined her sister. “... You aren’t part of my dream, are you?” stated Celestia with suspicion. “Nay, sister. ‘Tis I!” Luna beamed at her sister. “Luna!” Celestia stood up, the cake forgotten, and threw her hooves around her sister, hugging her dearly. “It is good to find thee well, sister. We hath been worrying over thy disappearance.” Luna returned the hug, nuzzling her taller sister’s chest happily. “I’m not certain what happened to me, to be honest.” “Where art thou located? I shall send a team of guards at once to retrieve thee. We could tell that thou had been relocated by a powerful spell, but we were unable to ascertain your whereabouts. I’ve been watching the dream realm for many days, hoping you would choose to rest eventually.” Celestia chuckled, blushing slightly. “I believe the guards would have difficulty retrieving me in my present location.” Luna leaned back from Celestia, looking concerned. “Oh? Pray tell, why?” “I’m on the moon,” replied Celestia. Luna blinked, surprised. “The moon? What art thou doing on my moon, sister?” “I haven’t the faintest idea. I can’t get off the moon, either. All my strongest teleportation spells fail, and I am unable to break whatever magic binds me here. Even my wings have been rendered useless, good for no more than gliding,” Celestia explained, trying to keep the concern out of her voice. Luna frowned. “Where on the moon are thee? I shall attempt to scry thy location.” Celestia chuckled wryly. “Something tells me that will be a difficult undertaking, sister. I’m in a city.” Luna’s eyes widened. “A... city?” Celestia nodded, her face growing grim. “It always seemed familiar to me, but speaking with you now, I believe that it might be the same city that haunted your dreams for months after your return.” Luna sat down heavily, her wings shaking. “Tell me everything thou hast seen.” - VIII -- VIII - Celestia stepped off her chariot, smiling at the two Royal Guard pegasi as they snorted and stoically faced forward. Even after a long journey to the North, they kept their professional demeanor. “Thank you, gentlecolts.” “Princess,” they replied in unison, bowing their heads. Celestia nodded once. “I’ll return in a few hours. The Crystal Guard has a barracks in the city, and I’m certain that they’ll welcome you. I will call for you when I am ready to leave.” “Yes, Princess,” replied one guard. Celestia turned away, trotting around the corner. She paused briefly once she was out of sight of her guards, waiting a moment, before turning around and walking back around the corner. Both guards were lying on the ground, panting heavily and shaking the sweat out of their manes, all decorum lost as they gasped for breath. They froze, eyes widening in surprise, as they saw Celestia. She winked. “And please, feel free to let me know if you need a rest during travel. It can’t be easy pulling my royal tush around for hours.” They both glanced at each other, looking panicked and uncertain, as Celestia spun on her back hooves and returned back around the corner. The Crystal Palace’s interior glittered and shone with a newfound brilliance. Celestia marvled at the beauty of the grand hallway, her hooves clicking delicately and sending echoes through the room. She walked to the center of the hallway, turning in a slow circle to take the architecture in fully, as she heard the sound of approaching hooves. “Princess Celestia! We weren’t expecting you for at least another hour!” called a comfortingly familiar voice from behind her. Celestia smiled and turned around, taking in the sight of Princess Twilight Sparkle. Her ever-faithful student, turned royal alicorn princess. Celestia couldn’t help the pride that swelled in her voice as she responded to Twilight. “Hello, Twilight. My loyal guards pulling my chariot decided to forgo a break, choosing to press on for a longer time than I anticipated. My apologies.” Twilight smiled anxiously. “I suppose that’s all right. I mean, not that I’m not happy you’re here! We were going to hold a more formal welcome ceremony for you. Cadance is organizing it now, actually.” “Please, let her know that won’t be necessary, though I appreciate the effort. I’m not really here on official business, after all,” Celestia replied evenly, her smile growing more gentle in the face of the newest princess’s anxiety. “I came here at your request, after all.” “Of course! Sorry, I just... I wanted things to be perfect, that’s all.” Twilight closed her eyes, bringing a hoof up to her chest as she inhaled deeply, and then exhaled, pushing away her stress symbolically. Celestia noted that Twilght’s wings, which had been tense, now relaxed. That must have been something Cadance taught her. She approved. “So, Twilight, you said that it was urgent I come North and meet with you and Cadance. May I ask why?” Celestia asked. “Of course, but I’d rather discuss it in private.” Twilight glanced around the grand hall, and Celestia followed her gaze, noting the guards and servants present, going about their business. “By all means. Let’s retire to somewhere... more comfortable?” Celestia suggested. “Right! I’ve got some mint tea waiting for us in my room. I’ll just let Cadance know you’re here, and then I’ll join you.” Twilight gestured to a nearby Crystal Guard, who approached the Princesses. Celestia took a moment to examine the Crystal Guard’s livery. They wore silver armor, studded with crystals that ran in a line down their back, and layered with black padding underneath. Their helms were of a more classic make, ornate, and styled similarly to her own guard’s helmets. “Princess?” asked the guard. “Please escort Celestia to my room. Princess Cadance and I will be joining her shortly,” stated Twilight, smiling at the Guard politely. “Yes, Princess,” replied the guard, before turning to Princess Celestia and giving her a respectful bow. “Princess, if you’d follow me, please.” - IX -- IX - Luna held up a hoof, stopping Celestia as she spoke. “Hold thy tongue, sister, something is amiss.” “What is it, Luna?” asked Celestia, looking around. Luna stood up slowly, glancing around, her ears slowly canting back to lie flat on her head. “I sense a presence with us in the dream realm.” Celestia got to her hooves, standing beside her sister. “That’s not possible, is it? You’re the only one that can traverse the dream realm.” “That is... partly true. There is another, though,” Luna replied. Luna’s horn lit up, a translucent shield spell erecting itself around her, and Celestia reacted on instinct, throwing up her own shield spell. The royal dining hall suddenly grew darker around them, and a thick black smoke began to pour from under the doors. Celestia took a step back, and Luna spun to face her. “Sister! Awaken thyself!” The doors to the dining hall exploded as Celestia hurled herself bodily out of the nearest window. She found herself facing a four story drop from the upper levels of the palace, and she folded her wings tightly against herself, plummeting towards the ground. The ground rushed to meet her, and Celestia felt a stirring of panic and fear as a rushing sensation filled her being. With a yelp, Celestia awoke, standing up in the middle of the ancient bed, every ward and counterspell she knew flaring to life in a prismatic web of brilliance about her being. Disoriented and, for once, afraid, she lashed out immediately. Blasts of manafire spiraled out from her body as her horn burned red-hot, and she launched herself towards the doors, which exploded on contact with her shield spells. Her wings flared open as she slid to a panting stop in the middle of the building, which shuddered as the aftershocks of her attack spells rippled through the building. Celestia made for the doors, dashing through them, as pieces of lunar rock fell around her. She made it to the street before the building collapsed, sending a cloud of dust into the air and filling the area with choking sediment. Celestia coughed, trotting swiftly away from the mess, and waited in the center of a side-street, her every nerve on edge. She turned in a slow circle, attentive and waiting. Nothing happened. Celestia slowly exhaled. What had happened in her dream? That hadn’t been normal, or something of her subconscious’ creation. A specter that was enough to make Luna afraid was something that was formidable indeed. Especially when that specter was invading Luna’s own realm. Celestia shivered, sitting down in the dust, her wings flaring open briefly before she tightened them around herself. She waited several moments before her nerves finally calmed and the slight tremor in her hooves left her. Standing up, Celestia slowly walked back up the street to examine the damage she’d caused to the empty city. She turned the corner and winced, noting that the five-story building was nothing more than a pile of rubble now. Exhaling, she turned, and resumed her trek toward the center of the crater. - X -- X - Celestia moved at a slow pace, watching the surrounding buildings. She was still feeling uneasy after the encounter in the dream realm with the shadowy presence. Her defenses were still fully powered, the true mark of the level of worry she had reached. Around her, the buildings had changed again. What had been experimental architecture had turned strange. The buildings had begun to not make sense. Windowless towers pierced towards the black, and there were large complexes that seemed to serve no purpose. Corners twisted in on each other, the roads began to stray and meander to accommodate the overly large buildings. All sense of careful planning was lost in this section of the city. Celestia found herself set even further on edge by the insane architecture. She walked down a curving street that seemed to twist away from the center of the crater, and was forced to take a side road that was squeezed between two buildings. She paused, peering into a doorway covered with symbols and strange, unintelligible runes. She pushed open the heavy door, and looked into the room, gasping slightly. The rooms walls were covered in spikes of rock, jutting out at irregular angles. A skeletal statue of an alicorn wearing a crown stood in the center of the room, it’s eyeless gaze fixed on the ceiling. Celestia’s wide eyes followed the angle of the statue upwards, and shrunk back from the doorway, recoiling. The ceiling was decorated with the carved, mutilated faces of hundreds of ponies, their mouths all open in a unending scream. Celestia forced her eyes downward, away from the horrific spectacle, and spotted a glinting mirror, placed at the foot of the pedestal of the statue. Swallowing hard, Celestia used her telekinesis to snatch up the discarded artifact, and drew it close to her. She activated the magics of the mirror. Nightmare Moon stared out of the mirror at Celestia, her mouth stretched into a rictus grin, her eyes wide and terrifying in their intensity. “Year two-hundred and fifty six.” Celestia shivered, and Nightmare Moon brought her eye in close to the mirror, until her blue-tinted pupil filled the frame. “Hello, sister.” Celestia stifled a scream, dropping the mirror into the dust at her hooves. Nightmare Moon laughed, a strained and broken sound. “I’ve been talking with you a lot lately. Your council is...much appreciated.” The angle of the mirror shifted, and Nightmare Moon pressed her face against the skull of the tall alicorn skeleton statue, nuzzling it with a quiet giggle. “Thanks to you, I’ve found the solution. I know how to escape, dearest sister.” “I will see you in the blink of an eye, sister... dearest Celestia... I’m so looking forward to it. Our reunion will be talked about for thousands of years, sung in tales by chained bards in the center of every city of my black world.” Nightmare Moon’s face stared out of the mirror, speaking out to nopony. “I wonder how many ponies understand the concept of cannabalism? Well, don’t worry. We’ll teach them, together... because I will eat your heart before your little ponies. I will eat you, Celestia, and I will keep you alive for every...” Nightmare Moon’s grin widened, and her voice grew quieter, “...Single...” the barest whisper, now, floated out of the mirror, “...Bite.” Celestia shuddered as the mirror’s message ended. Nightmare Moon had found a way to escape? But... she hadn’t. She’d been on the moon for the whole of a thousand years. What was going on? Turning away, and leaving the mirror discarded in the dust, Celestia began walking once more towards the center of the crater. - XI -- XI - Celestia rounded a corner, the twisted urban landscape looming over her. The buildings had become almost organic in nature, looking less built and more grown. The landscape was nightmarish, all semblance of order gone now, replaced with roads that led to nowhere, pits that suddenly dropped into the ground, and an overhead canopy of bizarre construction that blotted out the stars overhead. Celestia felt tired, both physically and emotionally. The trek to the center of the crater had been harrowing. In places, as the buildings had activated due to her proximity, they’d begun to fall apart. Unknown hundreds of years of disuse had taken their toll, and even the reduced gravity of the lunar surface could no longer compensate for the city’s non-euclidean and nonsensical growth. Celestia crouched low, ducking her head beneath a walkway just a few feet above ground level that twisted in a corkscrew. She looked farther ahead, down the path, and stopped in her tracks. The buildings simply ended. Celestia slowly approached the edge of the city. Finally, she stood beyond the last insane construct, and looked out on a massive, flat, circular plane. The city stood like a coral reef around this barren spot, protecting it from view, hiding the very center of the crater. Celestia took a few steps out into the empty and perfectly flat area, examining it carefully. Why had the construction ended so abruptly? What was here? Celestia began walking around the edge of the circular area, and noted a line drawn along the flat lunar rock, carved deep. Celestia’s gaze followed the line, noting its subtle curve, and did a few quick calculations. “A perfect circle.” She stepped over the edge of the massive circle, and began walking inward, towards the very center. As she walked, dozens of glowing black runes began to manifest themselves in the rock around her hoofsteps, and Celestia paused, examining them carefully. They were the pieces of some colossal spell, a massive arcane endeavor. Each rune was suffused with power, even after all this time. Celestia gave up attempting to interpret the spell’s use, realizing that with the sheer size of the circle and the amount of runes present in just this small area she could see, it would take her months of work to read the full spell. Besides, something had caught her eye. There was a small raised platform in the center of the circle. Celestia approached the platform, her steps slowing as the runes of the inscribed spell grew in power and size. Her final step took her to the very edge of the platform, and revealed a massive glowing circle filled with arcane runes for focusing, centered on the platform. Whatever spell this was was one of incredible power and potency. The focusing runes and the amount of energy within them was enough to nearly quadruple the input strength of the arcane spell surrounding the platform, building and binding all that potential arcane energy that filled the mile-wide circle of runes into a spot barely large enough for Celestia to lay down on. On top of this platform, the very central focus of the great spell, was a mirror. Celestia hesitated. Whatever spell this had been, it was strong enough to still be potent after what was no doubt hundreds of years. The mirror may have been the focal point. She wasn’t certain, and being unsure meant that she couldn’t take chances. What if she activated the spell again? She had no idea what it would do. It could fail, or it could be devestating. Her only consoling factor was that whatever it was that Nightmare had attempted here had failed. It had to have failed. Nightmare Moon had never returned until the end of her thousand-year exile. This whole spell, whatever it was, had never worked. With that thought in mind, Celestia used her telekinesis to grasp the mirror and activate it’s magic. She tensed as she did, ready for any sort of reaction from the ancient spell, but nothing happened. She exhaled slowly, relief flooding her features. The soft, frightened voice that floated from the mirror, however, changed all that. “...Hello?” Celestia froze in place. No. It wasn’t possible. “We hope this works... our name is Princess Luna of Equestria. We have found ourselves... displaced from our homeland, and somehow placed upon the surface of the moon. How we hath found ourselves in such a position, we do not know. We hath found ourselves in the center of a great, arcane spell, the likes of which we hath never before seen. The work is intricate and of intense power, and we assume it hath something to do with our current predicament.” Celestia slowly lifted her gaze to look into the mirror. “We appear to be unable to translocate or teleport ourselves from our current location. Perhaps the spell is preventing us from doing so. Thus, we shall endeavor to explore yon city, and hopefully find the makers of such... odd constructs.” Celestia stared at the face of her dearest, beloved sister, Princess Luna. Gone was the taint of Nightmare Moon, the draconian eyes and shadowed etheral mane. Luna looked concerned, but not overly so. Celestia sat down heavily, lifting a hoof to her chest as she listened to her sister’s recording. “If it be any of mine loyal subjects that discover this message, know that we are safe. If it be mine sister that doth listen to this, then... know I am safe. Look for me in the city. I will await thine rescue eagerly.” Celestia had been wrong. She shivered, tears rising to her eyes unbidden. Nightmare Moon had escaped her prison. The spell had done its job, and the Nightmare's imprisonment had ended...as Luna took her place. Celestia tilted her head back, letting out a helpless scream, tears streaming down her face. She barely heard the end of the ancient message “Sister, you may find me by mine arcane mark, which I shalt leave at regular intervals along mine path through yon city.” Luna sounded so strong. How was she to know that her own, beloved sister’s folly had been what had placed her in this situation? How was she to know that she would be trapped for over seven-hundred years on the moon, alone? To lose her mind? Celestia lay down upon the platform as the message faded away, and wept. - XII -- XII - “Sister.” Celestia sobbed quietly. “I’m sorry. I’m sorry.” “Sister? Open thine eyes. Thou art dreaming again.” Celestia’s eyes flew open, and she sat up swiftly. She was sitting in the banquet hall in Canterlot Palace again, and Luna was at her side, her face full of concern. “Luna...” Celestia gasped, glancing around. “How did I get here?” “Thou must have fallen asleep. What is wrong, Celestia?” asked Luna. “I... just discovered something awful,” breathed Celestia, trying to compose herself without much success. “Let me share thy burden, sister. Tell me what thou hath discovered, and be swift, for I have much to tell thee,” spoke Luna with urgency in her voice. Celestia shook her head. “I need a moment. Please, speak first.” “Very well.” Luna glanced around briefly, before continuing. “The manifestation thou saw when last we spoke was a remnant of a shadow upon my realm of dreams. I would have assumed that it was the... spirit... of Nightmare Moon. The presence of a dark power that stays in a place for an extended period of time may leave a residual effect in my realm of dreams for those that stay nearby. What thou saw was not Nightmare Moon, but just the effect of her prolonged stay on the lunar surface.” “I suppose that makes sense,” murmured Celestia. “However, sister, there is another issue.” Celestia looked up, meeting Luna’s gaze, which had grown deeply concerned. “What is it, Luna?” “I cannot locate thee on the moon. Thou may be shielded from me by some power, or the spell that binds thee there. Nor can I find this city hidden on the dark side of the moon, within the crater.” Celestia nodded. “I... figured as much. I’m afraid that I may be stuck here for a bit longer... but I’m learning much... perhaps too much.” Luna leaned forward. “Tell me.” Celestia swallowed, unable to meet her sister’s intense gaze. “Luna... Nightmare Moon... did something on the moon, while she was in exile... she used a spell to... subsume herself within your mind, hidden away.” Luna’s eyes widened. “Thou cannot mean to say...?” “Yes. You were the one that was forced to live out her exile on the moon, while she slumbered, dormant, inside your mind, waiting for the stars to aid her escape.” Luna shivered. “I don’t remember any of it.” “The nightmares, Luna. The city in your dreams. It is here, this place,” Celestia said, her voice growing quiet. Luna swallowed hard, looking away from Celestia for a moment, before casting her grim gaze once more on her sister. “No matter. The priority is recovering you from the moon, dearest sister. We can speak more of what transpired later. The manifestation of the Nightmare will come again, swiftly, so our time is short. Please, you must tell me all you can remember of how you were brought to the moon. Last you spoke, you were telling me of the Crystal Palace, and meeting with Twilight and Cadance.” Celestia nodded, drawing strength from her sister’s own conviction. “Yes. The Crystal Palace... Twilight had called me there to assist her with a dangerous task.” - XIII -- XIII - Celestia stalked down the corridors deep beneath the Crystal Palace, Twilight and Cadance at her side. All three of their horns lit up the deep black of the ancient, labyrinthine dungeons, an bleak addition made by King Sombra during his reign over the Crystal Empire. The glass-like walls of obsidian were like an evil echo of the beautiful halls above. “So, tell me about this spell,” asked Celestia. “Well, Cadance and I had been working on cleaning out the dungeons. We were thinking of converting them into storerooms and making use of the lower part of the palace once more, but we had to be certain that King Sombra hadn’t left any nasty surprises behind,” said Twilight. “And had he?” Celestia inquired, her brow arching with interest. “To say the least, yes. He’d filled the lower dungeons with his black magics. Twilight and I were able to destroy or disable many of the spells he’d woven into many of the rooms, but there was one that was far beyond us,” Cadance replied, frowning. The three alicorns halted before a ordinary looking door, made of old wood. Twilight carefully pushed it open. “This is it.” Celestia blinked as the door opened, revealing a small, square, empty room. “This?” Twilight nodded. “This one is positively diabolical. Watch.” Twilight glanced around, and retrieved a small shard of obsidian from the floor. She hefted it in her hoof, then lightly tossed it into the room... … only, the crystal disappeared as soon as it crossed the threshold. Celestia frowned. “Ah. A translocation spell, hidden behind a powerful illusion. Very dangerous indeed.” “We figured we might be out of our league on this one,” Cadance said, sounding embarrassed. Twilight looked frustrated, her ears flattening and her eyes narrowing as she glared at the doorway. “I did my best, Princess, but no matter what I did I couldn’t figure out how to unmake even a single part of the spell.” “King Sombra was very powerful, my faithful—” Celestia caught herself, and smiled at Twilight, chuckling softly. Twilight blushed, giggling. “Old habits, huh?” “Indeed.” Celestia’s horn lit up as she tested the power of the spell, and nodded. “This is a very complex trap. You did well to call me here.” Celestia felt the magic through her horn. The entrance of the doorway was like a web of tangled arcane energy, almost visible to one such as herself. The weaving of the magic was like staring at a complex and beautifully made knot. Experimenting, she tugged at one edge of the web, and with a sudden snap, the spell unraveled. The doorway shimmered, and revealed a room with several shelves of tomes and books. One such book sat open on a pedestal, a black silk bookmark placed on the page. Twilight and Cadance’s eyes widened in surprise, and Celestia’s face mirrored their own. “Wow. I guess I still have a lot to learn, huh?” said Twilight, looking sheepish. Cadance smiled at Twilight. “Maybe it was like when I bring a jar of pickles to Shining Armor to open after I can’t get it. I loosened it up, and it just took a little extra muscle to finish opening.” Twilight and Cadance shared a laugh, and Twilight took a step forward into the room. “Well, let’s check out those books! If I’m not mistaken, that one looks like a—” “Twilight! Wait!” Celestia felt it, just as it happened. A second trap, hidden within the first, was sprung, and with horror Celestia saw that Twilight was blissfully unaware as the lines of arcane energy descended around her as she entered the room. Celestia reacted on instinct, as something deep and motherly threw her into harms way, as if she was protecting a precious child. In a sense, perhaps, she was. Celestia’s teleportation spell reached out, grasping Twilight like a lasso of golden energy, and returned her to the hallway. The magical trap Twilight had sprung was far more crafty, though, and instead of catching Twilight in its grasp, it clung to Celestia’s teleportation spell. Celestia felt an insistent tug, which she resisted. The trap’s magic suddenly doubled in intensity, and Celestia’s gold-shod hooves dug into the floor as she was pulled by her horn towards the doorway. Celestia knew she could defeat this spell. She could win... but to do so would unleash energies that would be devastating, not only to the surrounding foundation of the palace, but to Twilight and Cadance, who were so close by that they could not help but be caught in the conflagration of magical energies. So it was with a sense of serenity that Celestia let her defenses drop, and she fell into the trap. - XIV -- XIV - Luna nodded to Celestia. “Sister, I fear thou art out of time. The shadow approaches once more, and it is time to awaken.” Celestia nodded. “Thank you, Luna. I’m so glad you’re here.” “I’m happy that thou are well, sister, and that is mine only concern. If Sombra was involved, there may be other dark magics at work. It seems odd that he would send thee to the moon, does it not?” asked Luna. “I thought that too, but I haven’t really taken the time to consider it. I’ve been exploring these ruins,” Celestia explained. “Indeed... I shall discuss this matter further with Twilight Sparkle and Cadance. Perhaps they will be able to offer further insight as to the nature of the spell that took you.” Luna smiled. “Thou should wake thineself up. Time grows short.” Celestia nodded, and focused herself on awakening from the dream. After a few moments of intense focus, she felt a peculiar falling sensation. Celestia opened her eyes. She was lying in the middle of the slab of rock in the center of the massive spell. She stood up slowly, sighing. “Nothing is ever easy, is it?” she murmured. Stretching herself out, she shook out her mane and yawned, before cantering towards the edge of the circle. She began walking around the circumference of the flat plane, looking carefully. Her sister had left a trail, and she intended to follow it. Perhaps she would find more answers. After several minutes of walking, a sigil on the corner of a nearby building reacted to her presence. A moon and star symbol with an arrow pointed her ahead, down the street and back into the twisting cityscape. Celestia placed a hoof gently on the symbol, feeling the power of her sister’s magic, like a arcane fingerprint. It was comforting in its familiarity, and Celestia smiled softly, before trudging onward into the city once more. Following the marks her sister left on the sides of buildings, she followed the trail for an hour as it meandered through the city, Luna’s path one of careful exploration. Celestia noted a new symbol alongside another direction marker. This one was of a sun, styled like her cutie mark, with an arrow pointing down. Celestia bend down, examining the ground, and discovered that a tile of the road had been loosened. She lifted it with her magic, revealing a mirror secreted in a hollow space beneath the tile. Lifting it, Celestia activated the mirror. Luna’s face appeared once more. “Sister, we assume that it is thou that will be discovering this message. We leave it for thee. I have explored many of the buildings of this place. Whomever the architect was...was undoubtedly insane. The architecture is twisted, and leaves us with a feeling of great unease.” Luna’s voice grew quiet. “Further... we feel as thou we art being watched. We hath not seen any observers, and as far as we can tell, the city is abandoned.” The angle of the mirror shifted slightly, showing a nearby building. “We intend to explore this building next, and then move on from this locale. We have noted that the further we get from the center of the ruins, the more organized the city becomes. Hopefully there will be more answers there.” Celestia glanced at the building, before returning her gaze to the mirror. Inside it, Luna smiled. “Hopefully, thou will find us soon. We would love to explore such a place as this with thee. ‘twould be like an adventure of the olden days, eh, sister?” Celestia laughed softly as the message dispersed, and murmured, “Perhaps, sister, it can still be an adventure for me to share with you, when you find me.” Leaving the mirror in its hiding spot, Celestia moved on towards the far edge of the city, following Luna’s ancient trail. - XV -- XV - Celestia walked for several hours, following Luna’s route. She had been thoroughly investigating many of the buildings, and Celestia had followed in her proverbial hoofprints. She halted before a massive building with multiple towers that projected off at odd angles from the roof, noting a sigil pointing inside. Celestia entered cautiously, noting the interior to be almost normal in comparison to some of the grotesque decorations of several buildings. This room was curious, with several sets of stairs running up into the upper levels. Celestia chose the central-most staircase and ascended into the next story, halting there. A skeletal tree had been built in this room, with runes marring the glassy surface texture. The mana lights here were acid-green, and cast the room in an eerie glow. There was a shattered mirror sitting in the center of the room. Celestia approached the pieces, examining them with interest. She gathered the broken shards together and activated the lingering spell. A fractured picture of Nightmare Moon appeared. Her eyes were wild, darting around and never focusing, and she appeared agitated. She spoke in a rasping whisper. “Sister... I wonder if you’ll ever come here? Find this message.” Celestia shivered. Nightmare Moon looked around, turning in a circle. The angle shifted, and she appeared to be lying on the floor, recording from a reclined position. “I built this room for you, Celestia. For you...” Celestia looked around. Nightmare Moon chuckled. “I know I haven’t talked with you much, lately. The days blend together, here. Building consumes my time, saps my energy. Sometimes... I wish to die. It’d be a kindness.” Nightmare’s wild gaze suddenly focused, her draconic eyes piercing through the veil of time to look into Celestia’s own. “What you did to me is cruel punishment of the worst kind. I hope you know that. I hope you understand.” Nightmare Moon leaned forward. “I’ve always promised that your torment would end, sister. I’ve always promised to end you. Your agony might be horrific and painful, but your torment would be over in a matter of... years. Maybe months. I would tire of your torture, your suffering, and I would let you slip into death.” “This, though?” Nightmare’s eyes widened, rolling in their sockets. “This is cruelty that I could never conceive of! The cruelty of kindness!” Nightmare Moon’s eyes closed, and tears ran down her face. “A thousand years, Celestia! You should have killed me!” Her deep blue eyes opened again, and Celestia took a step back, her legs shaking as she witnessed the depths of her greatest enemy’s pain and suffering. The image in the mirror faded, and Celestia dropped the pieces onto the floor once more, breathing hard as she tried to keep from sobbing. She turned, making to leave the room, and saw a sigil of a sun, with an arrow pointing down to the floor, where a unbroken mirror waited. Celestia gasped, looking back at the shattered mirror for a moment, before sitting down. She levitated the mirror to float before her, and activated the spell. Luna face appeared, her eyes wide and frightened. “We...I... I pray that what I hath just discovered to be a ruse... but I know it not to be so, no matter how much I wish it.” Luna’s ears drooped. “... I failed, didn’t I? I fell into the trap of jealousy and allowed it to warp me, to drag me down into my most terrible aspect of mineself. I became the Nightmare, didn’t I?” Celestia reached a hoof out, touching the mirror, desperate to reach through time and offer this specter of her sister’s past comfort. Luna inhaled a deep, shuddering breath. “Some memories are returning, resurfacing of... war. Death. I fought thou, sister?” Luna shook her head, hiccuping as she held back tears. “Thou banished mine terrible aspect for a thousand years, locked me away on the moon, didn’t thee? I... do not blame thee, sister... only I know now that rescue from thou will not be coming...” Luna smiled bitterly, her careful mask of stoicism crumbling as her lips trembled and tears fell from her beautiful, dark eyes. “N-not unless I can reach thee.” Luna inhaled a long breath, letting it out slowly, and nodded. “I will focus mine efforts. If I can reach thee, get a message out, then assuredly thou wilt come to fetch me.” Celestia set the mirror slowly down, doing her best to compose herself as she lifted a trembling hoof to wipe the tears from her cheeks. The trail continued beyond this room. She knew that. She’d seen the next sigil beyond this house. Luna hadn’t given up hope. Neither would she. - XVI -- XVI - Celestia sat down, resting her hooves for a moment. The walk through the city’s edges was taking its toll on her. She’d been at it for hours and hours, losing track of time as she followed Luna’s trail. Luna had begun moving directly towards the edge of the city, her prior penchant for taking meandering routes and exploring gone. She wanted out of the city, as did Celestia. Celestia rolled onto her side, sighing as she stretched her legs out into the air, her wings spreading open beneath her. It was a rather undignified position, but she didn’t care much. It felt nice to stop and stretch. She’d need to head for the light side of the moon soon enough, anyway. It’d been a long time since she’d taken in the sun’s rays and recharged her energy. Her stomach had finally stopped growling, her biological processes beginning to run on arcane power fully. Celestia smiled slightly, wriggling on her back and waving her hooves in the air, before relaxing and shifting back to a sitting position. She stood up and shook herself, sending a cloud of lunar dust into the atmosphere. Glancing down at her dusty coat, she shrugged. It wasn’t like anypony was going to walk around the corner and see her. Celestia began following Luna’s trail once more, checking down side-streets occasionally for other sigils or points of interest. As she rounded the corner of a particularly large building, she saw the edge of the city, where the smaller and poorly built buildings began, and a very tall piece of construction started just beyond the final row of hovels. Celestia stared up at the spiraling ramp that spiked towards space. Glowing runes that shone like stars covered the pyramid-like building, lighting it with a unique beauty that was far different from the regalia and dark colors and lights of Nightmare Moon’s empty city. Luna had built this. Celestia strode forward, her mouth dropping open as she approached. The pyramid itself wasn’t particularly well built, but the sheer size of the thing was impressive. What’s more, the runes of a complex magical spell wove their way up the pyramid’s four sides, spiraling towards the unseen topmost point. Celestia moved toward the ramp that spiraled along the outside of the pyramid and began to climb. She read the runes as she walked towards the top, paying close attention to each etched piece of arcane calligraphy. “What was your plan, sister? What does this do?” Celestia recognized runes of strengthening and empowering, runes of piercing and reaching, runes to enhance clarity and solidify that which was uncertain. It took Celestia nearly two hours at a slow walk to reach the top of the pyramid, which finally tapered to a point with a shard of carefully cut glass making the penultimate peak. Celestia examined the glass, noting that the etched surface bore the runes for speaking. Celestia thought back to the runes of the spell she’d been reading on the way up, and it fell into place. Celestia reached out and touched a hoof to the glass shard, and channeled her energy into the pyramid. The entire structure lit up even more strongly, white light flowing from the peak of the pyramid and filtering slowly towards the base as Celestia poured her arcane power into the construct. The pyramid trembled and the glass shard began to reverberate, letting out a high-pitched hum that grew and built in power. Celestia closed her eyes as the sound of the humming glass sent shivers down her spine, keeping her focus intact as she completely powered the pyramid. Finally, feeling the spell of the pyramid come to a head, Celestia spoke softly. “Luna.” The glass pulsed and hummed, and then began to reverberate. Celestia frowned, and using her horn she pushed some additional energy into the runes of speaking etched on the glass. The reverberation changed pitch and tone as she gave it more energy, and finally, a high-pitched and tinny sounding voice could be heard, just barely, over the rumbling of the pyramid below her. “I he—thing?” Celestia spoke again. “Luna, can you hear me?” “Jus—ow! I—mething!” Celestia scowled, trying to boost the clarity of the signal. Using her horn, she etched a burning rune for clearness into the glass shard. The glass began to tremble, growing unstable as it vibrated. “Luna, can you hear me?” “Sist—? Is th—ou?” Celestia laughed, smiling. “Yes! I’ve found an arcane construct that you built on the moon. I’m using it to communicate with you!” “Cel—ia, it—ard to he—you! Y—aid you fo—a const—?” “Yes. It’s how I’m speaking with you, but I fear the spell will not hold,” Celestia stated urgently. The glass began to vibrate more violently, the shard rumbling. Celestia scowled as she listened for a reply. “Sist—ou a—n the moon!” “Speak again, Luna. The message is weak,” Celestia urged her sister. “Y—on the mo—!” Celestia blinked, squinting. “I’m going to try something.” Bending down low, Celestia glanced at the closest runes, examining them carefully. She reached out and drew her horn over one of the runes of power, and replaced it with a new rune for focusing. The vibrating stopped. Celestia stood up, looking at the glass. It was still trembling, but only barely. “Luna?” “Sister! You must focus on thy surroundings! Look for th—” The glass suddenly cracked, halting whatever Luna was saying prematurely. Celestia reached a hoof up to the glass shard, intending to mend it with a spell, but when her hoof made contact, her entire body shook. She released the glass swiftly, her mouth opening in surprise. The vibrating hadn’t stopped, it had simply reached such intensity that it was barely visible. The tone it was producing must have been beyond her own hearing. That meant only one thing to Celestia. Overload. Spinning around, Celestia took a flying leap, her wings spreading open as she dove for the lower levels of the pyramid below her. The glass shattered as it shook itself apart, exploding like a bomb and sending sharp fragments everywhere. Celestia cried out as something buried itself in her back, but maintained her glide, hitting a lower platform hard and sliding to a stop. Celestia collapsed onto her haunches as pain lanced through her lower back, letting out a yelp. She craned her neck to look and noted the crimson blood rolling down her back, emanating from a sliver of glass about the size and shape of her horn sticking out of her. Celestia whimpered, biting her lower lip and looking away from the wound. Steeling herself, she looked again, carefully examining the injury. She used a spell to dull the pain, gasping in relief as the stabbing throb subsided, clearing her head. Casting a second spell, she assessed the damage caused to her, making sure it was safe to extract the broken shard without causing further damage. Celestia winced. Inside her, the shard was jagged and shattered. She shivered, gritting her teeth, and gripped the bloody glass with her telekinesis, readying further spells of mending and healing. She exhaled slowly, preparing herself. “One. Two. Three.” Celestia pulled. - XVII -- XVII - Celestia panted for breath, a few tears rolling down her face, as she flung the shard of glass aside, her healing spells already closing the injury. It was a superficial wound, but still painful. Celestia sat for a few moments, eyes closed, letting her spells finish as the pain subsided. It’d been a long time since she’d been truly hurt, and the freshness of the sensation was overwhelming. Celestia exhaled slowly and peered at her back. The only thing to mark where the wound had been was a few red streaks that marred her white coat. She shook her head, clearing it of the last traces of pain, and carefully stood up. Her legs trembled slightly from the shock, and her head spun, so she sat down once more. Lifting her head towards the upper section of the pyramid, Celestia contemplated what she’d learned. Luna had created the construct she was resting upon to contact Equis, but for whatever reason it had never worked. It was odd, considering she’d been able to activate it and use it to speak with Luna. Celestia frowned. She needed some answers. After resting for a few minutes more, Celestia tested her strength again. When her legs didn’t shake and her head didn’t spin, she began moving at a slow walk, making her way down the ramp on the side of the pyramid. Once she reached the base of the pyramid, she began walking around it, searching for any messages left behind for her. As luck would have it, she stumbled on a sun glyph, with an arrow pointing toward the ground. Celestia sifted through the lunar dust at the base of the pyramid and discovered a mirror. Luna’s face appeared in the surface of the mirror as Celestia activated the message spell. Her sister looked distraught, beaten. “I’ve attempted to contact Equis for several months now, to no avail. Either my spell is not working, or I’m simply being ignored. It is impossible to tell. I’ve re-structured the runic components of the spell several times, trying to gain better results, but it has achieved nothing, other than depleting my energy. I believe it is time to give up, for now, and attempt something else. I do not know how long Nightmare Moon was trapped here, before I regained control over myself. I do not know how many more years of my exile remain. I can only hope that there is a way to escape my confines... but I already am beginning to feel that hope is lost.” Luna’s face fell. “Thus, I will attempt to fill my time here with various pursuits, in order to stave off the insanity that Nightmare Moon no doubt experienced. I can only hope that the solitude will not be too much to bear. I will head towards the lighter side of the moon.” The message faded away, and Celestia sighed, setting down the mirror in the dust. It seemed, then, that her sister had resigned herself to wait out her time there. This was a dead end, perhaps, but Celestia felt determination rise within her. At the very least, she could explore further, follow Luna’s trail to the end. The thoughts of Luna jarred Celestia’s memory. When she’d contacted Luna, the present-day Luna on Equis, she had said to examine her surroundings, and look for... something. What could she have meant? Celestia scrutinized the area around her, wondering what she was supposed to be looking for. Nothing immediately stuck out to her. Was it something in the ruins? Another construct, perhaps? Sighing, Celestia stood up, and began walking in a wide circle around the pyramid. After several minutes of walking, she spotted a trail of hoofprints, leading away from the pyramid and the city, back towards the daytime side of the moon. Celestia followed the prints away, towards a further horizon. - XVIII -- XVIII - Celestia followed the hoofprints through a cratered landscape, her pace steady. She’d passed through the twilit highlands between the dark side of the moon and the bright side. The sun had been a welcome sight, and she’d taken a long break to drink in the energy it provided her. Feeling recharged and with new energy coursing through her being, her course followed Luna’s ancient trail. Cresting a the lip of a small crater, Celestia’s eyes widened in surprise. The interior of this crater held within it a small-scale model of the ancient Canterlot Castle, wrought with intricate detail. Celestia approached the little castle, peering within at the sculpted lunar dust, held together by a few motes of binding magic. Her gaze traveled to the forward-most balcony, the same balcony that abutted the grand tower at the highest point of the castle, and smiled gently. Two miniature alicorns stood side-by-side. One was taller than the other, and bore a small sun insignia on her flank, while the other was more lithe, with an unmistakable lunar sigil. Celestia examined the two pieces, and then extended out a tendril of magic. The larger alicorn model’s legs bent and it sat down, as did the smaller one. Side by side they sat, and Celestia extended the large alicorn’s delicate dust wing over the shoulders of the smaller. Nodding, she stepped away from the fragile castle. Hoofsteps led away, up the side of the crater, and Celestia followed. As she left the crater, a flash of bright light appeared in the far distance, blindingly brilliant. Celestia raised an eyebrow in concern, and trotted towards the light. It took her a few minutes to reach the sight of the flash. As she grew closer, she saw a figure, slumped in the dust, twitching. Celestia’s trot became a full blown gallop as she sprinted towards the downed form. She enhanced her movement speed with another spell, doubling her sprint’s pace, and arrived within mere moments. The figure was a gold-armored, grey-coated unicorn. A royal guard. One of her royal guards. Panting desparately, Celestia slid to a stop before the unicorn, extending her spells of breathing and atmosphere and warmth over the trembling form, and knelt at the guard’s side. He barely moved, his muscles spasming. Celestia desperately wove spells of healing around his body, pouring her strength into stabilizing the unicorn. The trembling slowly subsided, and Celestia desperately turned the stallion over, unclasping his golden breastplate, and pressed her ear to his chest. His heart pulsed weakly, and Celestia closed her eyes, listening to the blessed sound. Sitting up after a moment, she began working again, coaxing warmth into his being. He’d been exposed for minutes to the harsh vacuum of space, and he’d nearly frozen to death. She feared for his extremities, which were still cold and stiff still. Finally, satisfied that she had done all she could for the unicorn, she lay down beside him, extending a wing over his back. Reaching one hoof up, she removed his helm. The spell of anonymity that was woven into the helmet dissipated, revealing his true form. His coat was a deep brown color, and his mane was a shockingly bright blue. She smiled at the unknown soldier. Author's Note Chapter posted on June 30th, edited slightly on July 1st to fix an accidental look-alike situation. - XIX -- XIX - Celestia stayed by the unicorn stallion’s side for an hour, watching over him, before an idea suddenly crossed her mind. It seemed unlikely that this guard had stumbled into the same trap she had: no doubt Twilight and Cadance had sealed off the area. This meant that he had been sent here for a reason, most likely as a volunteer for a mission to attempt to locate her. She wondered why he’d failed to prepare spells to protect himself... and realized that it was possible that he simply hadn’t been strong enough to maintain the spells after the jarring relocation that was part of the trap. Celestia herself had only had mere moments to react to the loss of air and extreme temperature drop after being teleported to the moon, and her abilities were far beyond even the most competent royal guard. Celestia curled closer to the guard, extending a protective shield over both of them, and then closed her eyes, willing herself to fall asleep. It only took her a few minutes, her willpower strong enough to overcome her own lack of need for rest. Celestia felt the odd falling sensation that came with her transition from being awake to sleeping. She found herself in a different part of Canterlot, now. This time, it was Pony Joe’s Doughnut Shop, a personal favorite place of hers. A dream-Joe was there, humming to himself as he bustled about the back end of the shop. Celestia smiled, glancing down at the table before her. There was a plate of doughnuts. Of course. Celestia reached for a doughnut, but paused before she could grip one. She had more pressing matters than indulging her subconscious. Closing her eyes, she focused. “Luna.” She felt a hoof on her shoulder. “Celestia. It is good to see thou.” “I found one of my Royal Guards with me on the moon.” Celestia’s eyes narrowed as she turned to face her sister. “He nearly perished. Who sent him after me without giving him adequate protection?” Luna frowned. “It was he that volunteered, knowing the risks. Twilight Sparkle and I did all we could to prepare him, but the trap disables wards and spells as it acts its terrible magics upon those unfortunate enough to be caught by it.” Celestia nodded sharply. “I still don’t approve. I am fine here, sister.” “No, thou are not. We sent Light Stride after thee with a gem, woven with potent magics of detection, in order to facilitate our swift location of thee. The gem will help us discern thy whereabouts,” replied Luna. “You know where I am. On the moon. It should be you that came after me, Luna, not some fragile mortal pony!” Celestia reprimanded. Luna shook her head. “Thou do not understand, sister. Thou are not on the moon.” Celestia opened her mouth to retort, and just as quickly closed it, her eyes growing wide. Luna nodded solemnly. “Thou are not on the moon. Twilight Sparkle, Cadance, and I have been to the lunar surface and scoured for signs of thee. None were found, neither on the dark nor light side.” “I... don’t understand.” “Nor do we. Twilight Sparkle is currently using the gem to scry thine location. Hopefully with its powerful magic signature to hone our search, we will be able to find Light Stride, and thou as well.” Celestia pondered this quietly for a moment, before nodding. “What should I do, then? Light Stride is hurt... wherever I am. Regardless of our true location, the place we appear to be in is a harsh and airless climate.” “Trust nothing,” stated Luna calmly. “Thy senses have been fooled. However, for the time being, perhaps it is best to... play along?” Celestia nodded. “Very well. I’ll rest and wait for Light Stride to recover, and perhaps together we can begin to puzzle out our situation, while you, Twilight, and Cadance discern our true location. I’ll sleep again soon, and you can inform me of your findings then.” “Very well, sister.” Luna reached out and pulled Celestia into a hug. “Be careful.” “I will.” Celestia willed herself to wake up... and nothing happened. Luna leaned back from her sister, frowning. “Thou shouldst awaken, sister. Though thou are not on the moon, the dark presence still lingers in thy dreamscape.” “I can’t wake up.” Luna frowned. “That is odd.” “I’m being held in this dream, I think,” said Celestia, slowly standing up. “By whom?” asked Luna, standing as well, turning to watch the the restaurant carefully. “I do not know.” The two sisters stood quietly, moving in cautious steps until they were flank-to-flank, covering each other’s back. Celestia frowned. “I can sense something.” “The presence comes!” cried Luna, her wings spreading open as her horn lit the diner with a blue glow. “I feel it,” replied Celestia, her own horn igniting. The surrounding streets of canterlot filled with dark shadows, the buildings growing dim and then disappearing altogether, until all that remained was the diner. Celestia scowled, lowering her head, her eyes focused as her defensive spells flared to life, surrounding her in a shimmering matrix of golden energy. The shadows suddenly coalesced, gaining a form of thick, black smoke, which swirled around the windows. The glass began to vibrate violently. “Here it comes,” said Luna. Author's Note Despite power outages, I managed to get this up. Enjoy! - XX -- XX - Two of the front windows of Joe’s diner shattered open, and viscous black smoke poured in, pooling on one end of the dining area. Celestia and Luna faced the threat, shoulder-to-shoulder, their horns glowing with power. They both sent beams of light lancing into the dark miasma, shattering it apart as it tried to coalesce. Inky liquid spattered the floor and nearby tables. Several of the windows on the right side of the room broke apart as more smoke slammed into the building. Turning to cover the new angle of attack, Luna unleashed blue flashes of energy, pushing away the oncoming blackness and blockading several of the windows with arcane shields. Celestia focused her magic on the front windows still, blasting away stray tendrils that attempted to enter the diner. Another window to the right shattered, and Luna shouted a warning. Celestia turned quickly, her shields flaring as a thick tentacle of darkness slammed into her defenses. The sheer force of the blow sent her flying backwards, to the left. She was defenestrated through one of the windows on the left side of the diner, skidding to a rolling halt in the cloud of black smoke. Celestia got to her hooves swiftly, her shields flickering as black smoke pressed against it. “Luna!” she cried desperately. “Celestia!” came the response, but it sounded muffled and distant. Celestia grimaced, her horn glowing red-hot as she empowered her strongest defenses, and prepared a counter-attack. With a yell, blinding light radiated from Celestia and her eyes burned with the strength of the sun. “I am Celestia, The Daybringer, Firstborn of the Morning, Daughter of Faust, Diarch of Equestria! I will not fall to the likes of you! Not so easily!” Celestia unleashed her fury, sending white-hot plasma spiraling around herself. Everywhere it touched the darkness, the shadowy smoke flash-evaporated, leaving only foul-smelling wisps. Her rage burned white hot, frying the area around her to bare rock, leaving nothing but a expanding crater of carbon and glass that exploded out from her with stellar violence. Celestia knelt in the center of the crater, panting. The smoke had retreated back, wavering in the face of her onslaught. Her horn burned and her mane hung limply around her, waving in an unseen solar wind. The shadows suddenly rushed inward again, collapsing around her being. She cried out as her defenses began to fail, and tendrils of shadow began to encroach on her being. She lashed out desperately, sending pure arcane fire against the miasma, but to little effect. She was lifted bodily from the ground, drug into the air like a puppet on a string, and dangled by a strong tendril of shadow by her forehooves. Deep red irises with acid-green corneas stared at her, narrowing with malice. Celestia returned the glare. “Sombra.” “Celestiaaaa... Its been so long,” oozed a deep voice from all around her. “What do you want?” asked Celestia. The shadows rippled and echoed the sound of harsh laughter. “Waaant?” “Yes. Your spell is holding me captive. You must want something, so tell me what you want with me,” demanded Celestia, trying to remain calm. “Ahhh. Yesss. What I want... is for you to break. Shatter into a million tiny pieces. You, and your sister, and your student, and the crystal princess.” Celestia shouted at him, “You want to kill me? Fine. But know that you won’t have as easy a time with the others. They will defeat you.” Sombra laughed again, the sound echoing eerily. “Who sssaid anything about killing? I said break, and I meant it. You’ve resisted ssso admirably, stoic in the face of your worst nightmares and deepest regrets. You’ve avoided me in your dreams. No longer, though. I have you, and I think I’ll try something new this time.” Celestia shivered. “What are you going to do.” “Psychological ssssuffering seemed ineffective. Let’s see how long you last against sssome real pain? I will shatter you, and your mind will become my vessel. I will pour into your essssence and pit you against all you hold dear. I will make you dessstroy all that you worked so hard to create, Princess, and I will laugh.” Celestia closed her eyes. “I won’t give you the chance. I’ll destroy myself first.” “You can do nothing to ssstop me!” crowed Sombra. Dark shadows pressed against Celestia’s body from every side, tendrils curling around her form. She felt incredible pressure begin to build, as though she was sinking to the deepest depths of the ocean, unprotected. Her breath came in smaller and smaller gasps, and her lungs ached. Celestia desperately struggled, her horn igniting again, but a flash of black energy snapped against her horn, canceling her attempted spellcasting. Her mouth opened in a desperate scream, and then she felt something strange. The icy-cold sensation of a horseshoe pressing against her face. The pressure halted, suddenly, and Sombra’s eyes widened. “What?” WHAM. Celestia sat bolt upright, her wings flaring open and her hoof shooting to her jaw, cradling it as it ached and throbbed, tears stinging her eyes as pain shot through her muzzle. She was on the moon again. The shadows were gone, and she was awake. One side of her face stung fiercely. Before her stood the unicorn stallion, her royal guard, in the sharpest stance of attention she’d seen in a hundred years. His eyes were squeezed shut, his ears drooped, and his legs trembled almost imperceptibly. His right hoof was still outstretched, the shod forelimb shaking. Celestia’s jaw would have dropped open, had it not ached so badly. Light Stride peeked one orange eye open, and his outstretched hoof shifted into a salute. “P-princess... I'm so sorry.” Celestia threw her hooves around his neck and grasped him into a desperate embrace, her chest heaving as she shook. Light Stride stood completely still, his training having never prepared him for a hug from his Princess. - XXI -- XXI - Celestia’s shaking slowed, and then stopped. She took a careful step away from Light Stride, her hooves falling from his shoulders to rub briefly at her eyes. When she lowered her hooves from her face, she was composed, smiling gently. “Thank you.” Light Stride made to stammer another apology, but Celestia held up a hoof, quieting him. She spoke again. “You did what you had to do, Light Stride, and in the process you saved me from a terrible fate.” Bending down to look the uncomfortable stallion in the eye, her face grew serious. “You have my gratitude.” “Of course, Princess,” murmured Light Stride, one shaking hoof scuffing lightly in the dust. Celestia sat down. “You were very brave to come after me, my little pony.” Light Stride sat down quickly, his sense of decorum still somewhat intact, even if he had just recovered from being embraced by a goddess. “I wasn’t the only one to volunteer, Your Highness, I just happened to be chosen. My barrier magic is some of the strongest in the guard.” Celestia nodded. It made sense, of course. Many of the unicorns in the Royal Guard were chosen for outstanding abilities with specific types of magic. “Nonetheless, you are very lucky to be alive.” Celestia’s gaze shifted to look at the lunar landscape around her. “Have you been fully briefed on what is happening?” “Yes, Princess Celestia. I was told that wherever I was going was most likely an incredibly powerful magical illusion; strong enough to ensnare you completely. Princess Twilight Sparkle suspected King Sombra’s potent fear-based magic was involved,” replied Light Stride, delivering the statement with the efficiency Celestia had come to expect and admire in her guards. “Princess Twilight Sparkle was correct. I was assaulted by King Sombra in my dreams, just now.” Celestia reached up to her jaw, the stinging ache still a potent reminder of how close she had come to defeat. “Tell me, how did you know to wake me up?” Light Stride glanced away, looking uncomfortable. “You... seemed agitated.” Celestia frowned. He was hiding something. “And?” Light Stride returned his gaze to Celestia. “You said something.” Celestia chuckled. “Ah. Embarrassed to be privy to a Princess’s dream-fueled ramblings?” Light Stride nodded, looking relieved at her understanding. “Yes, Your Highness. What I heard was... not meant for mortal ears.” Celestia raised an eyebrow. “Oh? You’ll have to tell me what I said, now, Light Stride. You’ve piqued my curiosity.” Light Stride tapped his hoof in the dust for a moment, frowning. “You... cried out for the Holy Matriarch, your mother.” Celestia shivered. “I did?” “That’s how I knew you were in trouble, Highness.” Light Stride glanced down at his hooves. “To hear you calling out for your mother, like a frightened foal... was disturbing.” Celestia nodded. “I’m sorry that you were afraid for me.” Standing up, Celestia shook out her mane, and caught Light Stride as his jaw dropped open. Celestia glanced at herself, remembering that she was coated in lunar dust and her flank had dried blood spattered across it. She blushed. “Ah, you’ll have to excuse me. I’ve been... roughing it.” “I don’t doubt that, Princess,” said Light Stride, still looking a bit disconcerted. “Would you feel better if I cleaned myself up?” asked Celestia, smirking at his discomfort. “If it pleases you, Your Highness... yes, probably,” Light Stride replied, rubbing the back of his neck with one hoof awkwardly. “Well, that’s too bad!” Celestia laughed as Light Stride’s eyes widened. “I’ve been stuck on this moon for a long while, and you are too, now. If we’re going to get along, we are going to have to dispense with the formalities and focus ourselves on escaping our situation. I can’t have you genuflecting and bowing every few moments, or becoming uncomfortable when I do something that...lacks my more normal decorum. If we are to survive, we need to focus ourselves on the larger picture, and that picture doesn’t include bathing or courtly mannerisms.” Light Stride stared at her, mouth working to find words to respond. Celestia chuckled. “I appreciate the respect you give me, Light Stride, but things will be far easier for both of us if we simply act more at ease with one-another.” After a moment of obvious disquiet, Light Stride nodded. “Yes, Princess Celestia.” “That’s the first thing I’m stopping, actually. Call me Celestia.” Light Stride gaped at her for a moment, then shook his head. “I don’t think I can.” “Certainly, you can. Try it,” Celestia urged him. “Very well... C-celestia,” stammered Light Stride, his face turning red. “We’ll have to work on that,” murmured Celestia, giving Light Stride a wink. Celestia pondered for a moment. Light Stride was still obviously uncomfortable with the idea of treating her like he would any other pony. An idea came to her. “I might be able to put you more at ease. Stand, please.” Light Stride rose from his haunches, standing at attention. Celestia walked around his side and her horn lit up. The clasps of Light Stride’s armor lit up briefly, then undid themselves, and Celestia telekinetically lifted the golden armor from his back, and set it down in the dust. “There, that’s step one. You are officially off duty, Light Stride.” Light Stride shifted uncomfortably. He was a well built stallion, strong like all of her guards, with a cutie mark of a horseshoe superimposed over a star on his now-revealed flank. A red gem sat on a silver necklace around his neck; no doubt it was the gem with spells woven into it to help Luna, Twilight, and Cadance locate her. Celestia nodded, and then stepped out of her golden shoes, slid the jeweled torc from around her neck, and placed them on the ground next to Light Stride’s armor. Finally, she removed her crown, and set it atop the pile of regalia. Light Stride looked shocked, and Celestia smiled. “I’m off duty as well.” Ruffling her wings, she laughed. “My, it’s been a long time since I took off my regalia. I almost feel...naked.” Light Stride’s eyes nearly bugged out of his head, and he turned away from her. Celestia giggled. “I’m sorry, that was perhaps a bit too far to go for a reaction, but the look on your face was certainly nearly worth it.” Light Stride smiled weakly, still not looking at her. “V-very funny.” Celestia hid a smile behind her hoof, composing herself, and then trotted around to face Light Stride, who looked down to his hooves once more. Celestia flared out her wings. “Look at me.” Light Stride obeyed, looking up at her. Celestia smiled. “There. See? I may be a bit larger, but I’m not that much different from anypony else... horn and wings notwithstanding. You’ll have to get used to my humor, I’m afraid.” “Certainly P—Celestia,” replied Light Stride. Celestia turned away, and began walking. “Let’s get going. I was following my sister’s hoofprints towards...somewhere. Stay by my side.” Light Stride followed swiftly, staying close to Celestia. He asked, after a moment. “How... how are we following your sister’s hoofprints? I thought this was all an illusion.” “It is an illusion... but it is a believable one. I’ve found many interesting things, including a great tower that allowed me to briefly communicate with my sister.” Light Stride looked confused. “How does that work?” “I assume that the illusion draws from my subconscious expectations, making them reality, while also playing on my fears to twist them in an attempt to break my mind and leave me vulnerable,” explained Celestia. “Oh.” Light Stride was quiet for a moment, clearly pondering something, before asking, “So, why am I seeing the same thing as you?” Celestia beamed at Light Stride. “I haven’t the slightest idea!” Light Stride looked even more confused. “And that makes you... happy?” Celestia nodded. “It’s not often that something is mysterious to me. Since I am trapped, I’ve decided to make the best of things. Once my sister, Twilight, and Cadance have more information on our whereabouts, I’ll know better how to approach breaking free of the illusion. Until then, though, I am content to explore.” Light Stride nodded. “I suppose that makes sense.” Celestia smiled. “I’m glad you agree.” Together, Celestia and Light Stride walked towards the unknown. - XXII -- XXII - Celestia walked at a fast pace, with Light Stride trailing slightly behind her. Her gaze was focused on the hoofprints that stretched towards a series of plateau-like rock formations. “Your Highness?” called Light Stride. “What’d I say about formality, Light Stride?” chided Celestia. “Sorry.” “What is it?” she asked, looking over her shoulder at the chestnut unicorn. “I’m just wondering what the plan is, Celestia,” he queried. Celestia slowed her pace, allowing Light Stride to walk next to her with greater ease. “My intention is to follow these hoofprints.” “To what end? Wouldn’t you be playing right into Sombra’s plans, by following where he wants you to go?” said Light Stride, looking concerned. Celestia smiled at Light Stride. “Perhaps, yes. However, I’m banking on this illusory trap that we find ourselves in working slightly differently.” “How are you hoping it works?” he asked. Celestia gestured to the hoofprints. “Well, it seems to me that this trap is...imperfect. I’ve discovered a helpful construct or two during my time here: things that have helped me communicate with my sister outside of dreams. This trap seems to react to my subconscious, focusing on my fears... but it uses my mind to come up with new ways to try and break me. So, I have a modicum of control over what we encounter.” Looking towards the distant plateaus, Celestia’s gentle smile became fiercer. “Those formations do not exist on the real moon, but I have made them real by manipulating my own recollection of the lunar surface. The illusion is strong, but not particularly intelligent. It simply draws on my subconscious expectations of what the moon should look like... and if I can manipulate the landscape, then I can do more complex things. However, I also need to play along with the illusion. It won’t allow me to simply change things at will. I need to follow its lead, while subtly manipulating the spell and slowly forcing it to give me advantages.” “Advantages?” Light Stride asked, looking excited. “Indeed. It might take some time, but I believe that eventually I’ll be able to put us in a situation that the illusion, despite its power, will not be able to properly process. In essence, it will tear itself apart trying to do something beyond its ability,” replied Celestia. Light Stride grinned, nodding to Celestia. “I knew you’d think of something.” Celestia winked. “You actually gave me the idea.” Light Stride laughed. “How’d I manage that?” “I was thinking how impossible it was that you were here, when I found you. I couldn’t believe it, to be honest. I’d been very lonely, and things had been very difficult, but then you appeared, and you gave me a new purpose and new drive.” Celestia put a hoof gently on Light Stride’s shoulder. “I gave you purpose?” He shook his head, looking surprised. “I don’t really understand how.” Celestia sat down in front of Light Stride, still smiling. “It’s simple, really. You are mortal. I am not.” “Why is that important?” Light Stride questioned, frowning slightly. “It means everything, to me. You see, Light Stride, I would have been content to wait quietly while Luna and Twilight and Cadance worked on a solution, while exploring this illusion and delving into the mysteries it presented me with, unraveling it piece by piece until I could simply escape at will, or until my sister came to my rescue.” Celestia’s smile faded, becoming more solemn. “I no longer have that luxury.” Light Stride’s eyes widened as the implication hit him. “You...you mean?” “I do not have to eat, or sleep, and I do not age. My body does not work the same as yours does. Depending on the type of spell this is, we may be in a sort of stasis, in which case you are very much safe... however, if it does not work that way...” Light Stride shivered. “I’ll die of dehydration or starvation in a matter of days.” Celestia gave his shoulder a gentle squeeze, before she stood, walking towards the plateaus once more. Her voice was full of conviction and strength as she spoke. “I will not let you die, Light Stride.” Light Stride followed Celestia towards the distant plateaus. Author's Note Happy 4th of July! - XXIII -- XXIII - Celestia and Light Stride reached the plateaus within a few hours, walking in a winding path around their bases and into the dark canyons between them. They towered overhead, reminding Celestia of the skyscrapers of Manehattan. The hoofprints continued on, faint in the sediment, leading them deeper into the canyons. Celestia paused as they turned a corner and smiled enigmatically at Light Stride, who returned her look with one of puzzlement. She didn’t speak, simply continuing onward. After another minute or two of walking, they arrived at a cave, that delved into the side of one of the plateaus. It was almost perfectly circular in shape, with smooth edges. Celestia nodded. “Perfect.” “What is it?” asked Light Stride, glancing up at Celestia. “Just what I was hoping for,” replied Celestia. With that, she continued into the dark confines of the cave. “Follow closely by my side, Light Stride. Do not stray.” Light Stride cantered to catch up with her, tucking himself in right beside her as she continued into the dark. The shadows swallowed them both up, and within moments they couldn’t see. Light Stride asked, quietly, “Celestia?” Celestia smiled, pleased. “Light Stride, I believe that is the first time you’ve said my name without hesitating or stumbling over yourself.” Beside her, Light Stride chuckled. “Perhaps I’m getting comfortable with you. Regardless, shouldn’t we light our way?” “Not yet. Let us continue in the darkness. You just focus on the tunnel. It should open up soon, into a larger chamber,” Celestia stated evenly. “How do you know?” asked Light Stride. “Because I believe it to be so, and so do you. Why else would there be a tunnel, unless it was leading us someplace?” Celestia continued onward, in total darkness for several more strides, before she felt the tunnel open up around her, the air currents changing. The room must have been huge... in fact, she was sure it was. Celestia said softly, “Light Stride, would you mind lighting up the area?” “Of course.” Light Stride’s horn strobed beside Celestia, glowing with a bright orange aura, and a bright light appeared over his head, illuminating the cavern. His gasp made Celestia smile. “This is impossible,” he murmured, looking at the green grass that spread out before them. “Is it?” Celestia smiled, stepping forward from the tunnel and onto the grass of the field that stretched before them. “This illusion is very powerful, but as I said, it is working off of my own subconscious. I’ve had a lot of time to get to know my own mind, Light Stride, and it is very much an ally to me.” Light Stride laughed, taking a step forward and leaning low to take a bite of the grass. His eyes closed and he sighed. “It might not be real, but it tastes just like how mom used to grow it.” “I’d certainly hope so. After all, you are from Ponyville, are you not?” Celestia asked, her own horn beginning to glow. “What do you—” Light Stride’s eyes widened, and his mouth dropped open, the half-chewed grass falling to the ground. Celestia’s horn blazed with light, sending a massive orb of energy into the air, like a small sun. The whole area was lit up, revealing a very familiar place. Ponyville. Celestia leaned down to grin at Light Stride mischievously. “And you thought that the grass was impossible.” - XXV -- XXV - Celestia and Light Stride arrived at Sugarcube Corner without incident. At the threshold of the shop, Celestia paused, one hoof on the door handle. Light Stride glanced through one of the front windows of the bakery, then back at Celestia. “What is it?” “Be warned. Though this may appear as a place you know... things will be different. The illusion will have twisted it in some way,” Celestia said quietly, before pushing open the door to the bakery. Celestia took a few measured steps into the bakery, inhaling the scent of chocolate, warm pastries, and the strong scent of baking spices like cinnamon. A smile spread across her face. Light Stride sidled up to her, grinning as he looked around. “This place seems pretty familiar to me.” Celestia nodded. “Perhaps I’ve been assuming the worst. This Ponyville is meant to play on my subconscious and fears therein... but maybe there is something different about this place?” Light Stride smiled and walked over to the little silver service bell placed atop the front counter, and tapped the top of it lightly with his hoof. A light chime rang through the quiet shop. Celestia chuckled. “Were you expecting—” “H-hello?” Light Stride and Celestia froze, glancing at each other. Celestia slowly turned in a circle, searching for the source of the tremulous voice, and Light Stride frowned, murmuring, “That sounded just like—” “We’re... closed! Please go away!” Celestia turned towards the door to the kitchen and walked towards it. “Yes. Pinkie Pie.” Light Stride looked surprised, but Celestia ignored his confusion, pushing open the door to the kitchen. The kitchen was a mess, with confectioners sugar, flour, oats, and other baking supplies strewn about in a chaotic swirl. In the middle of it all sat a pink earth pony with a straight mane that hung like so many wilted flowers. She faced away from the kitchen door, but her ears swiveled to point towards Celestia’s soft hoofsteps. A shiver ran through Celestia as she stared at Pinkie Pie. “Hello? Is somebody there?” asked Pinkie Pie. Celestia cleared her throat, hoping that she sounded more certain than she felt at that moment. “Yes. Hello, Pinkie Pie.” Pinkie Pie’s mane quivered, and she spun around in a blur, a huge grin spreading across her face. “Princess Celestia!” Celestia gasped as Pinkie Pie turned to face her. Pinkie Pie’s eyes were white. There was no iris, no color, just blind orbs. Despite this, Pinkie Pie got to her hooves and trotted over to Celestia, burying her face in her chest and giving the Princess a huge, warm hug. “Heya Princess! Oh, I’m so glad you’re here! It’s been so lonely and dark, and I was getting worried about everypony, but now that you’re here I know everything’s gonna be okie-dokie-lokie!” Celestia smiled. “Of course. I’m here now, and so is Light Stride. You remember him, don’t you?” Pinkie Pie laughed. “Pff, yeah! I know everypony, and I mean everypony in Ponyville! Plus, he’s kinda a cutie, and I love a stallion in uniform. Don’t tell Ponky, but I think Stride’s armor looks better than his missionary tie.” Celestia chuckled, shaking her head in befuddlement. “Indeed. How about you follow me, Pinkie, and we’ll see him.” “Oh, I’d love to see him! It’s so dark in here, and I can’t seem to get the lights to work, or the candles to light, or anything.” Celestia shivered. “Pinkie?” The pink pony blabbered on, oblivious. “At first I was like ‘Oh, it was Rainbow Dash! That crazy filly, always playing pranks!’, but I called and called for her, and she never showed up, even when I laughed and said she was the best prankster in Equestria, and that always works!” “Pinkie, if I may?” “So, then I figured that maybe the Cakes had forgotten to pay the power bill again, so I tried to find them, but they don’t seem to be home, and so I thought that maybe Twilight had done something and caused a spell to go all wrong and maybe she’d turned off the sun! So I got really worried, because usually the girls all come to get me when things like that happen, and I would have gone to find them but it’s just so dark and I can’t see anything and I’m scared.” Pinkie Pie’s last words came out in a rush, and she clung even tighter to Celestia, quivering. Celestia put a hoof around Pinkie Pie. “I’m sorry, my little pony. This is my fault.” Light Stride walked into the room, glancing at Pinkie Pie with a concerned frown, and then at Celestia. “What happened.” Pinkie Pie turned to regard Light Stride, flashing him a trembling smile. “Heya Lighty!” “Sweet C—uh, I mean... hey, Pinkie.” To his credit, Light Stride covered his shock reasonably well. Pinkie Pie turned back to face Celestia. “Princess Celestia, I promise I don’t blame you for turning off the sun. I mean, after all, it’s totally your sun, and you’re a big pony that can do what she wants... but maybe I could get a teensy-tiny-itty-bitty bit of light?” Her smile faltered. “I haven’t seen Light Stride in a while, and it’d be really great... t-to... see him.” “I’m afraid that the problem isn’t the sun, Pinkie Pie. It’s me.” Celestia nuzzled Pinkie Pie dearly. “Little pony, I like to think that I know my subjects very well... especially you and your friends... but that is not true. I have lived a long life, and met many ponies, and... it means that I sometimes... forget. Not everything, just little important things, like coat color, or how they style their mane, or even... what your eyes look like.” Light Stride looked horrified, understanding bright in his eyes, but Pinkie Pie smiled. “That’s okay, I forget things all the time, too!” Celestia smiled. “Your willingness to forgive is comforting, Pinkie Pie. How about you walk over to Light Stride and hold his hoof, and he’ll help you through the dark.” “Okay,” Pinkie Pie giggled and turned, not quite facing Light Stride, and extended a hoof his way. “C’mon, Stridey-widey, help a gal get around in the dark?” Light Stride mustered a smile, taking her outstretched hoof. “Of course, Pinkie Pie. You stick with me.” Pinkie’s grin widened slightly, and Celestia nodded at Light Stride, unable to meet his concerned gaze when he glanced her way. “Thank you, Light Stride.” “Where are we going, Tia?” chirped Pinkie Pie, seeming more at ease now. Celestia turned, heading for the front of the shop. “Carousel Boutique.” - XXVI -- XXVI - Celestia led the way, Pinkie Pie walking in a more sedate manner than her usual bouncing gait, staying close to Light Stride’s side. The walk to Carousel Boutique was a short one, it being relatively close to Sugarcube Corner. Celestia approached the front door of the boutique and opened it with a gentle push. The bell above the door chimed, to no response. Celestia took a few cautious steps inside, looking around the tidy interior of the shop. Light Stride and Pinkie Pie joined her, and Pinkie Pie grinned suddenly. “Oh, we’re at the Boutique!” Light Stride glanced at her, puzzled. “How’d you know?” Pinkie giggled, and poked his cheek with her hoof. “The nose knows!” “That’s my cheek, Pinkie.” Pinkie shrugged. “Eh, close enough.” Celestia chuckled, and then called loudly, “Miss Rarity? Are you available?” From upstairs floated Rarity’s sing-song voice. “Oh, just a moment!” A minute later, Rarity appeared at the top of the stairs, beaming down at the group in her shop. “Why, Princess Celestia, what a pleasant surprise!” Rarity was different, though. Her mane and coat were a bit more dull, and her usually luxuriously flowing hair had been cut short and pulled into a messy bun. Wrinkles showed beneath the usually flawless cheeks and around her eyes, and her shapely legs had grown thinner. Rarity dipped herself into a courtly bow, her joints creaking a bit in protest. “Princess, you do me a great honor, coming to visit an old nag such as myself.” Celestia smiled sadly. “You are still as beautiful as I remember, Miss Rarity. Please, rise. I won’t have you kneeling on my account.” Rarity chuckled, straightening up. “Very kind of you, Princess.” She squinted slightly, and grumbled something, before her horn lit up. A pair of red-rimmed glasses materialized before her, and she perched them on her nose. Rarity’s eyes widened in surprise. “Ah! And Pinkie Pie, my dear friend. So good of you to join us!” Pinkie Pie waved in the general direction of her friend. “Heya Rares!” Rarity trotted carefully down the stairs, still graceful in her old age, and gasped slightly. “Oh, my, is that Light Stride?” Light Stride smiled. “Yes, Miss Rarity.” Rarity laughed pleasantly, trotting over and looking him unabashedly up and down. “My, my, Princess Celestia. Is this my reward for defending the realm for all these years?” Light Stride’s face turned bright red, and Rarity laughed, winking at the embarrassed guard. “Oho, only joking, Mister Stride. I assure you, I don’t date stallions under sixty.” “O-of course...” stammered Light Stride, chuckling weakly. “Though I could make an exception,” Rarity murmured, almost to herself, a wicked glint in her eyes. Light Stride’s ears flattened, and he glanced at Celestia. “Help.” Celestia, Rarity, and Pinkie Pie shared a laugh, as Light Stride shifted uncomfortably. Celestia embraced Rarity carefully. “It is good to see you, Rarity. We’re gathering your friends together.” Rarity nodded sagely. “Ah, of course. Ever-busy is our Princess, and ever-ready are we Elements of Harmony to serve her.” Celestia smiled. “I appreciate your willingness.” “I’m not the pony I used to be, though.” Rarity sat down gently, and tapped one hip daintily. “These old bones, though well-maintained, are growing weak. I don’t feel as though I can gallivant around like I once did.” “Of course,” Celestia said gently. “I assure you, Miss Rarity, your aging is not your fault. It is easy for me to lose sight of the passage of time that so changes my little ponies. If I had any other way to do this, I would... but I am afraid that I must call on you to serve.” Rarity grinned at Celestia. “The burden of immortality, hm?” “You speak truly,” Celestia said, her smile sad. After a moment, Rarity made to stand up. Light Stride left Pinkie Pie’s side for a moment to help her, and she took his hoof gratefully. “The picture of a gentlecolt, Mister Stride.” Pinkie smiled in Rarity’s direction. “Rarity, you sound different.” Rarity chuckled. “Haven’t you—” she paused, her eyes widening briefly as she noticed Pinkie Pie’s blank eyes, and she cleared her throat. “That is to say... yes. I’m an old mare, Pinkie Pie.” “Well, you still sound beautiful as ever!” chimed Pinkie, winking. Rarity laughed softly. “Oh, Pinkie Pie. You are a good friend. How about I lean on you, and you take my hoof? Between the two of us, we’ll be like one middle-aged pony!” Pinkie Pie giggled at the thought, and carefully made her way to Rarity. The two mares shared a hug, and Pinkie Pie’s straight mane quivered slightly. After a moment, Pinkie stood at Rarity’s side, supporting the elderly mare, and Rarity kept one dainty hoof held tightly in Pinkie’s own. Rarity nodded to Celestia and Light Stride. “We’re ready.” Celestia smiled. “Excellent. We’re going to Sweet Apple Acres.” Pinkie Pie chimed in, suddenly. “Oh, we should go get Rainbow Dash! She moved her cloud house between Applejack’s farm and the edge of town, so she’s on the way!” Celestia smiled. “Very well. Let’s find Rainbow Dash.” The four ponies left the boutique behind, heading for the edge of town. - XXVII -- XXVII - Celestia lead the group of ponies towards the edge of town, keeping a slow pace that was easy for Rarity to maintain. The elderly mare had protested a few times, not wanting to be a burden to the group, but Celestia had simply smiled and maintained her easy stride. Light Stride stayed close to her, glancing worriedly back at Pinkie Pie and Rarity occasionally. Celestia was quietly glad for his silent company. Light Stride was the first to spot Rainbow Dash’s floating home. The rainbow-maned pegasus had indeed drawn her cloudt tower closer to the edge of the orchards, where it was anchored to a sturdy apple tree by a rope. Celestia was surprised. “She’s tied down her home? I always assumed pegasi preferred their cloud houses to float freely.” Pinkie Pie and Rarity glanced at each other with uncertainty. Rarity spoke up, “I always thought so as well. I don’t know why she’d want to stay in one place.” Light Stride shrugged. “I’m certain there’s a good explanation.” Nodding, Celstia gestured to Light Stride to come closer. “Stay here, and maintain spells of atmosphere and warmth. I know that Pinkie Pie and Rarity don’t seem to be struggling to breath, but they are still only illusions,” she murmured to the stallion. Light Stride nodded, his horn lighting up as he worked the spells to keep him safe in the airless environment, but he noted quietly, “You have noticed that the gravity here seems to be normalized, right? Maybe there is air here as well.” “I still don’t trust it. Be safe, I’ll return shortly.” Celestia stared up at the cloud house, floating four stories above her head, and frowned, wondering how she’d make it up. She shrugged and spread her wings, and gave a slow, experimental flap. They seemed to gain lift, the tingling in her flight feathers letting her know that there was, at least, something for them to work with. She stepped back, and then took a running start, leaping into the air and flapping her wings for all she was worth. She managed to get a dozen feet off the ground before her wings suddenly hit an invisible flight ceiling and she lost altitude. Growling, Celestia flapped harder, regaining the little bit of altitude she had lost, and then reached out with her horn. She grabbed a chunk of the edge of Rainbow Dash’s cloud foundation, pulling it away with a careful manipulation of the vaporous surface, and brought it down with her as she returned to the ground. She cast another spell, expanding the cloud’s surface by a few feet on every side, and then stood precariously atop the cloud. It bobbed in the air, threatening to throw her off, but she steadied herself with her wings. Casting a third spell, she increased the density of the cloud and increased the temperature around it, creating a miniature pressure system around the cloud that sent it rising into the air, with her perched atop it. Celestia surfed the cloud up to the level of Rainbow Dash’s home and leapt off, landing on the front step of the house. She replaced her stolen bit of cloud, and then stepped into the foyer of Rainbow Dash’s house. Inside was a bit messy, but liveable, feeling very comfortable without the muss or fuss of a more standard household. The foyer held a few cloud cushions, spaced around the area haphazardly. Celestia stepped around the strewn furniture and called into the interior. “Hello, Rainbow Dash? Are you home?” There was a grumble from inside, and a few moments later Rainbow Dash emerged, blinking blearily and rubbing at her scarlet eyes with one hoof. Her mane was mussed with a bad case of bedhead, and she looked like she hadn’t been sleeping well. Her eyes widened as she saw Celestia, and she yelped, dropping into a deep bow. “Princess Celestia!” “Hello, Rainbow Dash.” “I am grateful that you would deign to visit my humble home, Majesty. Please pardon the mess. Had I known you would be paying me a visit, I would have, uh, cleaned up a bit,” Rainbow Dash was visibly nervous, sweat already standing out, and her voice sounded unsteady. Celestia frowned. “Whatever is the matter?” “N-nothing, Majesty! I’m just...uh...surprised! Surprised that you’d come to visit me. Without notice. And prior inspection,” Rainbow Dash swallowed hard. “I didn’t realize that I would be imposing on you. I apolog—” Celestia found herself cut off as Rainbow Dash suddenly interrupted her. “No! Uh, that is, um, no, Your Majesty. I’m the one who apologizes. My home is in no condition to receive Your Royal Highness. You don’t have to apologize for anything. You’re perfect.” There was a long moment of silence before Celestia sighed and asked, “Rainbow Dash? Look at me, please.” “What?” asked Rainbow Dash, sounding startled. “You haven’t looked at me the entire time I’ve been here. I want you to look at me.” “I—um. I can’t... that is, uh, I don’t think I should.” Rainbow Dash stammered. “Rainbow Dash, you don’t have to bow. Please, stand up,” Celestia asked. Rainbow Dash straightened quickly, throwing herself into some semblance of military attention, still not looking at Celestia. Celestia smiled sadly. “Please, look at me.” Slowly, Rainbow Dash’s eyes shifted, until Celestia found herself staring once more into her scarlet eyes. After a moment, Rainbow Dash’s gaze shifted away, and she shivered. “What are you doing?” asked Celestia. “Averting my eyes, Your Highness,” Rainbow Dash said evenly. Celestia nodded. “I was honestly afraid you would say that. Why won’t you look at me, and why are you so nervous?” “I... I can’t help it!” Rainbow Dash blurted. “You’re a goddess! A diarch of our people! Immortal and powerful!” Celestia approached Rainbow Dash, who backed up. Celestia frowned, approaching faster, and Rainbow Dash retreated, backing away until her flank bumped into a wall. She trembled visibly, curling in on herself and crouching low as Celestia stood over her. Celestia sat down before the shaking pegasus pony and touched her gently on the cheek. Rainbow Dash’s eyes snapped open in shock, and she stared at Celestia’s hoof as she traced a line from her cheek to her chin, then pushed her head up to look at her. Celestia brought her head down until she was cheek to cheek with the overwhelmed Rainbow Dash, and nuzzled her gently. “You have no reason to fear me, and the respect you treat me with should only be that which I have earned. I am just a pony, like you, Rainbow Dash... and though I might rule, it is a lonely post that I have gained.” “Princess...” Rainbow Dash breathed, her shaking ceasing. “Please, Rainbow Dash. I know that I am your ruler... but I wish to be your friend, too. It is hard to separate me from my status, but please try. For me.” Rainbow Dash was silent for a moment, before she nodded. “O-okay. I’ll try.” “You honor me.” Celestia slowly stood up, and offered a hoof to Rainbow Dash. The pegasus pony took it with an uncertain smile, and allowed the Princess to help her to her hooves. “Um... so, Princess? Why are you here?” “I am gathering your friends together. I have need of your services once more,” Celestia explained. “Pinkie Pie and Rarity are waiting below, as well as one of my royal guards, Light Stride.” Rainbow Dash grinned. “Oh! Cool, yeah, of course I’ll help, Your Highness.” Celestia smiled. “Thank you.” The two ponies walked to the edge of Rainbow Dash’s cloud home, and they took flight together, gliding down in a tight spiral to land near Rarity, Pinkie Pie, and Light Stride. The three friends shared a dear hug, laughing as they were reunited, and Dash looked with concernation at Rarity and Pinkie Pie before turning to Celestia. “Pardon me, Princess, but what happened to my friends?” “It’s my fault, I’m afraid. Come, let’s move towards Applejack’s farm. I’ll explain everything once we have gathered everypony together,” Celestia replied. The group of ponies began trotting towards Sweet Apple Acres. Light Stride glanced up at Celestia, looking confused. “What’s wrong with Rainbow Dash? She seems fine, but I can’t help but wonder.” Celestia smiled sadly at Light Stride. “She fears me as a god. It was not so long ago that ponies treated me like she did. Fearful, zealously serving, and always at a distance. It served my sister and I in the old days... but it is a lonely thing to be feared instead of loved. To be thought a goddess, instead of as a mare,” she sighed. “Come. Let’s speak no more of this. We have much to do.” The group moved off, towards the Apple Family farm. Author's Note Special thanks to shortskirtsandexplosions for talking me out of appledash. This chapter's Rainbow Dash is mostly his fault. - XXVIII -- XXVIII - Celestia, with Light Stride by her side, lead Pinkie Pie, Rarity, and Rainbow Dash onto the front step of the Apple family’s farmhouse. She nodded to the group, who gave her encouraging smiles, and knocked on the front door. A few moments later, Applejack opened the door. She stared at Princess Celestia for a moment, her face an unreadable mask, then slammed the door shut. Celestia glanced over her shoulder at the group, who shrugged her way. With a sigh, she knocked again. Applejack’s voice called from inside, “Go away!” Celestia called back, “Applejack? May we speak with you?” “I don’t have anythin’ to say to you!” Applejack’s voice rang from inside. Celestia frowned, and knocked on the door more insistently. “Please, Applejack, it is important that I speak with you.” A bitter laugh came from the other side of the door. “Oh, now ya want to talk. After what you did, you got a lotta nerve showin’ up! I have half a mind to buck ya clear across the porch, so you best get goin’ before I do something we’ll both regret.” Celestia sighed. “Applejack, I’m sorry, but we need to talk. I’ve got your friends here, and—” The front door of the farmhouse was thrown open, and Celestia found herself staring at Applejack’s backside and two legs coiled to kick. Celestia barely managed to throw up a shield before Applejack’s powerful back legs lashed out, impacting her defenses and sending Celestia stepping back at the sheer force of the buck. Applejack spun, growling at her. “I don’t care who you brought with ya! You got no right to speak with me, and I ain’t got nothin’ to talk with you about!” Light Stride dashed towards Princess Celestia, moving to defend her, but Celestia held up a hoof, halting his charge with a gesture. He scowled, but held his ground. “I don’t understand.” Celestia stated, taking another step away from Applejack. “Let me make it perfectly clear, then!” Applejack turned around and clomped back inside the house, returning moments later with an official-looking envelope, which she threw in Celestia’s face. Celestia caught it with her telekinesis and flipped it over, reading the address. “This is from the Office of The Royal Wilderness Survey Commission.” “Like you don’t know that,” Applejack snorted. Celestia opened the envelope and read the enclosed writ carefully. “This explains that the boundaries of the Everfree Forest have been changed to incorporate the new growth and allow for a further spread of the wildlife contained therein.” “Darn tootin’. And guess where them new boundaries fall?” Applejack gestured towards the eastern orchards. “Right through half my family farm. Twenty acres of our apples are now a protected wildlife preserve! We’re going to go under in a month, because we don’t have the supply to meet our demand, and the customers are findin’ other places to get their apples.” Celestia’s eyes widened. “This... I mean...” “Look at the bottom, Your Majesty. Look at that signature,” Applejack spat. Celestia winced, and her eyes went to the bottom of the writ. There, in curving script, was her own signature. “Authorized by Her Royal Highness, Princess Celestia of Equestria,” she murmured, sitting down heavily. Applejack scowled at her. “You did this to mah family.” “I didn’t know,” Celestia protested softly. “Ignorance is no excuse! In fact, it makes this worse!” Applejack snarled. “You mean you didn’t check the new boundaries? You didn’t think to make sure nopony was gonna get hurt by the changes?” “I did not,” Celestia said, voice growing quieter. “You’re the Princess! You’re supposed to take care of your subjects, not let ‘em get ruined because you can’t be bothered to make certain your decision is the right one!” “I... I try, but...” Celestia said, head lowering and ears drooping flat. “But nothin’. You ain’t fit t’ rule if ya can’t make proper decisions!” “Applejack, stop!” cried Pinkie Pie, jumping over to stand before Applejack. Rarity joined Pinkie Pie. “That is quite enough rudeness out of you.” “Yeah, Applejack. Lay off the Princess,” Rainbow Dash chimed in, pushing between the enraged Applejack and the drooping Celestia. “Y’ don’t understand! None of you do!” Applejack shouted, angry tears in her eyes. “We do understand!” cried Pinkie Pie, taking a careful step towards Applejack, reaching for the farm mare. Applejack noticed Pinkie Pie’s blind eyes and gasped softly. “Pinkie! What happened t’ ya!” She turned to gape at Rarity, rubbing at her eyes. “You too, Rares? Is this what Celestia was talkin’ about?” “Yes, dear Applejack. She’s gathering us all together. Something’s happened, and... well, it is Princess Celestia’s fault, but she’s trying to make it right. She’s here to make everything alright,” Rarity said, taking Pinkie Pie’s outstretched hoof and guiding the pink mare to Applejack’s side. Applejack looked at her friends carefully, and then slowly turned to Princess Celestia. “Is... is that true?” Celestia nodded. “Yes.” “It’s... your fault that Rarity’s... uh... elderly? And Pinkie Pie is blind? And—” Applejack squinted at Rainbow Dash. “What’s wrong with you?” Rainbow Dash shrugged. “I dunno.” Applejack shook her head, before casting her gaze to Celestia once more. “You did all this? And my farm?” “Yes,” Celestia replied. “But... you’re gonna make it right?” Applejack asked skeptically. “I will do everything in my power to fix things. That is why I’m gathering your friends together.” Applejack frowned slightly. “How can we trust you?” Light Stride frowned at Applejack, finally stepping forward. “She’s the Princess, and your friend. She said she’ll make things right, so she will.” Applejack nodded at Light Stride. “I’d normally believe that, but... after what’s happened, I need more than that.” Light Stride’s scowl deepened. “You attack the Princess, and then start making demands? You’ve got a—” “Light Stride, please,” Celestia said quietly, interrupting her guard. “Your willingness to defend me is nothing less than what I’d expect from my Royal Guards, but this is something that I need to do.” Light Stride shut his mouth, chewing back his words, and then nodded. “Of course.” Celestia straightened up slowly, looking Applejack in the eye. “You are right. I signed that writ, and I did not take the time to ascertain where the new boundaries would lie. The fault is wholly mine. I trust the ponies I appointed to my Wilderness Survey Commission, and I believe them to be good ponies. I’ll do everything in my power to learn why the boundaries were moved to intrude on your farm. It should not have happened.” “But it did happen, Princess!” Applejack protested. “You’re right,” Celestia replied. “It did. There is nothing I can immediately do for you, Applejack, but it is something that I will endeavor to correct. The burden of running a country means that, sometimes, I do not get the time to look over every piece of legislature passed, or writ put into motion. I must rely on my advisors and appointed council members to do the right thing, and to inform me of things that I may object to. That said, they are not perfect... and neither am I. I make mistakes, and sometimes they have far-reaching consequences. That is the burden of the crown; the weight of responsibility.” Applejack stared at Celestia for a few moments, before nodding. “Well... alright. I believe ya.” Celestia smiled. “Thank you, Applejack.” Scuffing a hoof in the dirt, Applejack suddenly bowed low, scooping her hat off her head. “An, uh, ah’m sorry for nearly buckin’ you off the porch, Princess. I wasn’t in my right mind.” Celestia chuckled softly. “Your apology is accepted, of course. Please, stand up. We still need to retrieve Fluttershy and Twilight Sparkle.” Applejack smiled sheepishly at Celestia, standing up and putting her hat back on. “All right then. Who’s next?” “Fluttershy’s cottage is on the way back into town from here,” Rarity chimed in. “Yeah! Let’s go get Flutters!” Pinkie cheered, almost seeming her usual self. “Very well, let’s get Fluttershy next,” Celestia said, smiling. The group moved off, Celestia and Light Stride leading the way. A few minutes into their walk, Light Stride spoke up quietly to Celestia. “Ah, Celestia... if I may speak?” “You don’t have to ask permission from me, Light Stride,” Celestia replied with a smile. “Right... sorry. I just wanted to say that... I understand why you didn’t want me to step in when Applejack attacked you, but I need to know what is and isn’t appropriate, I guess. I’ve been trained to protect you, and I’ve given my life to make sure you stay safe, and being told not to do my job is disconcerting.” Celestia nodded. “I understand your concern. If I truly had felt threatened, Light Stride, or had I not thought that Applejack would restrain herself, I would have allowed you to step in.” Light Stride considered that for a moment, before nodding. “That sounds fair, I suppose. I just... I worry.” “I appreciate it, Light Stride. I truly do.” Celestia smiled at Light Stride. The group continued on towards Fluttershy’s cottage, near the edge of the Everfree Forest. - XXIX -- XXIX - The group of ponies arrived at Fluttershy’s house at the edge of the forest without incident. The walk had been a placid one, with Pinkie Pie chatting animatedly the entire time. Light Stride chuckled, and whispered to Celestia, “Even if she is just an illusion, she sure seems like the real Pinkie Pie.” Celestia smiled. “Of course. I know her personality very well. Twilight Sparkle has written to me about her at length.” Light Stride glanced up at Celestia. “I’m surprised you didn’t go to get Princess Twilight Sparkle first.” “Some things are best saved for last, I think,” Celestia replied, and approached the little cottage. The rest of the group waited at the small bridge over the stream in front of the house, talking amongst themselves. Celestia knocked gently on the door, careful to not sound too imposing. She called softly, “Miss Fluttershy? Are you here?” Celestia heard a squeaking noise from inside, and then silence. Celestia sighed, smiling, and opened the door. The house was dark and empty, and totally still... except for a trembling pile of blankets huddled on top of a nearby couch. Celestia approached the shaking blanket pile. “Fluttershy?” “H-hello?” a soft voice replied. “Fluttershy, it’s Princess Celestia. I’d like to talk with you, please,” Celestia asked. “Mommy?” Celestia took a step back as the blankets were flung aside, revealing a tiny canary-yellow filly. Her little wings quivered, and her lanky legs shook unsteadily, and she beamed up at Celestia from behind pink bangs. Celestia smiled back uncertainly. “Fluttershy, is that you?” “Mommy!” the filly cried, leaping off the couch to run to Celestia’s leg and clinging to it with a soft hug. “I was worried you weren’t coming back, and I got scared!” “I... um...” Celestia stammered, her ears flattening back. “Oh dear.” The younger Fluttershy looked up at Celestia with wide blue eyes full of concern. “Mommy? Is everything okay?” “Yes, Fluttershy, everything is fine. I’m just confused,” Celestia responded, looking down at the filly as a smile spread across her face. She was just so cute. Celestia knelt down to Fluttershy’s level, smiling at her gently. “Fluttershy, do you know who I am?” Fluttershy giggled, beaming at her. “Yes!” “I’m Princess Celestia.” “My Mommy!” Celestia frowned slightly. This was going to be hard. “Do you remember who you are? The Element of Kindness.” Fluttershy nodded slowly, looking shy. “Yes.” “Do you remember Pinkie Pie, and Rarity, and all the rest of your friends?” Celestia asked. “Yes,” Fluttershy softly replied. “That’s good. But, my little pony, I must be honest with you.” Celestia steeled herself for whatever was about to happen. “I’m... not your mother.” Fluttershy stared at Celestia, confusion evident on her face. “Y-you’re... not?” “No. I am your friend, Fluttershy... but I have not had a foal. I never have.” Fluttershy’s legs shook, and she sat down heavily, hiding her face behind her mane. A small sniffle sounded from behind her long pink bangs. “Oh...” “I need your help, though, Fluttershy,” Celestia said gently. Fluttershy didn’t respond, shaking slightly, before she squeaked something so quietly that it was unintelligible. Celestia leaned closer to her. “Speak up, my little pony.” “Wh-...why can’t you be my mommy?" she implored tearfully. Celestia swallowed hard, and reached out with one wing, pulling the crying filly close to her. She bent down, comforting Fluttershy. “I am sorry, but I can not be your mother. I wish...” Celestia paused for a moment, fighting for control of her emotions, but she felt tears come anyway. “...I wish I could be.” Fluttershy leaned into Celestia, crying quietly, and Celestia comforted her, and took comfort from the filly’s presence. Fluttershy spoke again, after a few minutes. “C-can... can we pretend, then?” Celestia giggled softly, a sound halfway between a laugh and a sob. “Okay.” Fluttershy smiled up at Celestia, her little face streaked with tears. “That sounds... nice.” “I think so too,” Celestia whispered. A few quiet minutes later, Celestia stood up, and Fluttershy tucked herself in at Celestia’s side, and together they left the cottage. - XXX -- XXX - Celestia and Fluttershy left the cottage, and Fluttershy squeaked in surprise as the group of ponies crowded around them immediately. “Oh my goodness, is that Fluttershy?” asked Rarity, squinting at the little filly and adjusting her glasses. “Oh mah stars, she’s cute as a button,” Applejack cooed. “Is everything okay with her?” asked Pinkie Pie worriedly. “She’s fine, she’s just a filly!” replied Dash with a grin. “She looks like she just fell off the cloud at flight camp.” “Fluttershy is an itty-bitty adorable filly?!” cried Pinkie Pie, and collapsed to her haunches, shouting up at the sky, “Why do you taunt me with adorableness and I can’t even see it?!” “Sorry Pinkie Pie. I’m sure your eyes are the first thing Princess Celestia will fix,” Rainbow Dash consoled her friend. “Oh, can you do it before you fix Fluttershy? I’ll bet she’s like... like... weaponized cuteness!” begged Pinkie Pie. “We’ll see what happens, Pinkie Pie,” Celestia replied with a smile. Light Stride approached Celestia, looking up at her anxiously. “Was everything all right? You seem a bit more drained.” “Fluttershy represents my choice to not have children. It is a decision I made long ago... and one that I still stand by today. That said... it is not easy, sometimes,” Celestia stated quietly. Light Stride nodded solemnly. “You’ll get through this, Princess. We just need to get Princess Twilight Sparkle.” Celestia chuckled. “Thank you for your concern, Light Stride. You are a good friend.” Light Stride smiled at Celestia, and then knelt down to look at Fluttershy. “Hello, Miss Fluttershy. Remember me?” “Uh...um...yes,” Fluttershy replied softly, taking a small step back from the chestnut stallion. Light Stride laughed and straightened up, grinning at Celestia. “She’s too cute.” “I know.” Celestia returned his grin, feeling better, and gestured to the rest of the group. “Come along, now. We’re going to the library to get Twilight Sparkle.” “Why would she be in the library?” asked Rainbow Dash. “She’s livin’ in Canterlot now, ain’t she?” Applejack questioned. “That is true... but I believe that she will be at the library. Call it a hunch,” Celestia replied, leading them towards the edge of Ponyville. The group wound their way between silent buildings, sticking close together in the face of the eerie silence that filled the town. They reached the farther edge of Ponyville and turned past the last row of buildings, finding the massive oak tree that Twilight Sparkle had once called home. Rarity, Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash, Applejack, and Fluttershy halted together, looking to Celestia. She’s approached every house alone, but this was the last one. Celestia smiled at them, and stepped forward out of the group, Light Stride walking by her side, and knocked on the door to the library. “Twilight?” she called. Celestia heard a clap of magical discharge from behind her, accompanied by a bright flash of purple light, but she did not turn. Behind her, Light Stride and the five mares gasped, and out of the corner of her eye she could see Light Stride take a few steps back, before dropping into a deep bow. “Hello Celestia,” replied a calm voice from behind her. “It is good to see you.” “Twilight Sparkle. It is good to hear your voice,” Celestia said, smiling. “Why don’t you turn and face me, Celestia?” asked the voice. It was older than Celestia remembered, filled with a reassured air of command that she had never noticed. “Because I am afraid of what I will see,” Celestia answered, after a moment. “Princess... why are you afraid?” “I don’t know what you have become, my most faithful student. Are you the filly I remember, from so long ago? Are you the hesitant unicorn, too wrapped up in her studies to look beyond her books?” Celestia chuckled, and the voice behind her shared in that laughter. Celestia continued, “Perhaps you are the fulfilled young mare, living a life full of friendship and magic? Or the newly-crowned Princess, uncertain but willing, ready to serve her ponies and bolstered by the strength of her friends?” The voice sighed softly, and Celestia felt the presence behind her grow nearer. “I am none of those things, Celestia, and all of them. I am all that you remember... and much more. Turn around, my mentor...my friend.” Celestia exhaled slowly, and turned, facing the figure behind her. Princess Twilight Sparkle had changed. Her legs had grown longer, her coat darker. Her mane and tail now flowed with astral brilliance, indigos and deep blues and purples swirling together like a nebula of colors, complete with the sparkling of stars. Her eyes were ancient, filled with wisdom and strength, but tempered with compassion. Her wings were large, almost as large as Celestia’s own impressive span, and had grown powerful and beautifully angular. She wore the regalia of a true Princess, made from shining bronze and covered with amethyst gemstones. The crown on her head, though, was as it always was: The Element of Magic. The regal alicorn before Celestia smiled uncertainly at Celestia. “Hello.” “Twilight Sparkle...” Celestia breathed, feeling tears of happiness in her eyes. “You are beautiful.” Twilight laughed softly. “You flatter me.” “You’ve grown up, Twilight, and you look every inch a Princess of Equestria. I am proud of you,” Celestia stated, smiling. “Thank you, Celestia. It’s been too long,” Twilight replied, embracing Celestia. Celestia held Twilight, laughing happily. “Too long?” “Yes... I’ve been working so hard, and I barely have time to pull myself away from my kingdom, The Twilit Reaches, in the East. I see why you and Luna decided to become a diarchy... it’s very hard to run a whole kingdom by myself,” Twilight said, laughing. “A-...a kingdom?” Celestia asked, confused. “Yes. You always spoke of grander plans for me, of new beginnings and greater things to come... and I made those dreams a reality. I have a country, Celestia, a staunch ally to Equestria and The Crystal Empire, a ambassador of friendship and peace to the wider world, and one of the most advanced civilizations in the land.” Twilight smiled softly, her eyes far away. Celestia smiled. “You’ve been very busy.” Twilight nodded, her smile faltering slightly. “Yes. It’s a good life, Princess... and I love my subjects... my little ponies,” Twilight chuckled. “I’ve been considering taking an apprentice, even. There are a few candidates that I’ve been keeping an eye on...” Celestia swallowed, her mouth feeling dry. “I sense that there is something amiss, Twilight.” “You... never told me how lonely it would be,” Twilight said softly, after a quiet moment of introspection. Celestia glanced over Twilight’s shoulder, towards Twilight’s five friends, who were still frozen in awe at the sight before them. She looked back to Twilight. “It wasn’t supposed to be that way for you, Twilight.” Twilight took a small step back, looking confused. “I don’t understand.” Celestia sighed. “You were never supposed to become me, Twilight Sparkle. You were supposed to become your own pony. A Princess not only of magic, but of friendship. An alicorn that could walk amongst her little ponies not as a goddess or a ruler, but as a friend. Not above them, but one of them.” Twilight nodded slowly, and sighed. “I tried, Celestia, and for a while, it was like you said... but immortality... the passage of time... it taught me things. I’m afraid it hardened me to the love of friendship. No matter how close I became with my ponies, after my friends passed away, it was never the same. I was afraid.” “It was never going to be an easy road for you, Twilight.” “It was just... after losing them, I tried making friends... and it was okay still for a while, but I still hurt inside. I accepted their deaths, but soon it felt as though I would wake up every day and all the ponies around me had been replaced, by children or grandchildren, lines of descendants. They may have been Fluttershy’s great-great-granddaughter, or Applebloom’s children’s children, but... it was never them. It was too hard, and it hurt too much!” Twilight cried, eyes filling with tears. “Twilight!” Applejack called. Twilight Sparkle froze, eyes growing wide in shock. Celestia smiled softly at Twilight as the younger alicorn shook her head. “N-no... not possible...” Pinkie Pie yelled at Rarity, “Move me closer! I want to pull that silly filly into a hug she’ll never forget!” “Just a moment, darling, I believe the situation is a bit beyond what a hug can fix,” Rarity replied gently. Twilight Sparkle turned around, her jaw dropping wide in surprise, and sat down heavily. “Not if I have anything to say about it!” Pinkie Pie said, her grin becoming fierce. Pinkie Pie leapt out of Rarity’s steadying hoof, leaving the elderly mare to balance her frame against Rainbow Dash’s side, and ran blindly towards Twilight. Twilight caught the blind pink mare’s charging hug full on the chest, rocking backwards and falling into an undignified heap as Pinkie Pie clung to her, laughing happily. Pinkie Pie’s straight mane quivered, and then joyously exploded into it’s usual curly tangle of frizz. “We’re here, Twilight!” Twilight lay on her back, too stunned to speak, as one by one the girls joined Pinkie Pie in a massive group hug. Light enveloped the group of ponies, their laughter and joyous reuniting growing muffled. There was a flash of color, and when the light disappeared, the six mares stood together, embraced close. Twilight Sparkle was herself again, no longer the ancient ruler, but as Celestia remembered her on the day of her coronation only weeks ago. Fluttershy had grown up, and Rarity had grown young again, both returned to their normal ages. Pinkie Pie’s blue eyes sparkled with unbridled happiness. Rainbow Dash and Applejack stayed as they were, but they both cast glances towards Celestia, and she saw in their eyes the trust of her loyal friends and subjects. There was no fear in Rainbow Dash’s eyes, nor hate in Applejack’s. Light Stride smiled at Celestia. “You did it.” Celestia returned his smile. “We did it.” Light Stride blushed slightly. “What’d I do?” “You were there for me, Light Stride. Thank you.” Celestia gave him a hug as well, and the guard returned it after a moment of hesitation. Twilight Sparkle approached Celestia. “We’re here, Princess. What do you need us for?” Celestia beamed at Twilight, releasing Light Stride from her embrace. “As always, Twilight, I call you and your friends to serve. We have need of The Elements of Harmony, once more. Are you ready to do your duty?” “Of course!” Twilight replied without hesitation, puffing out her chest proudly, her Element of Magic glowing in response to her call. The necklaces of the other Elements of Harmony appeared in a flash of purple teleportation magic, and Twilight passed them to her friends with her telekinesis. They stood together, united, smiling at Celestia. Twilight nodded. “We’re ready.” “Good.” Celestia took a step back, and sat down before them. “I need you to use The Elements of Harmony on me.” Twilight looked confused. “Uh, what?” “Why’d we use it on you?” asked Rainbow Dash. “You’re not a bad pony, silly princess!” Pinkie Pie giggled. “Hold up now, y’all,” Applejack gestured to her friends to settle down. “Ah’m sure she has a good reason.” “Indeed. Let’s hear her out,” Rarity said. “Um...okay.” Fluttershy squeaked. Celestia explained quickly. “I have fallen victim of a magical spell that is keeping me trapped in a powerful illusion. I believe, however, that the illusion will fail if it attempts to create the magic of The Elements of Harmony. The illusion is powerful... but its creator did not know the strength of true friendship. If you use the Elements of Harmony on me, it should overload the spell as it tries to do something it was never designed to do.” Light Stride stood beside Celestia, smiling. “She speaks the truth. I’m caught in the same trap with her. She’s the key, though. If we can get her out, the whole trap should fail and it should release us both.” Twilight glanced at her friends, who looked to her for guidance. She nodded slowly. “It makes sense, actually... I just hope it works.” Celestia smiled. “Thank you, my faithful student.” Light Stride sat down beside Celestia, and she looked at him. “Though this has all been an illusion... you’ve seen much of myself that I’ve never allowed any but, perhaps, my sister to see. My fears... my dreams... my regrets. I trust that you can keep a secret, my loyal guard?” Light Stride laughed, “Of course.” Then he said four words that made Celestia very happy. “What are friends for?” Celestia laughed, pulling him close to her side, and turned to Twilight. “We’re ready.” Twilight smiled. “All right, girls.” One by one, the Elements of Harmony began to glow as the six mares focused themselves. The light became nearly blinding, and Light Stride looked away, as it built to its full brilliance. With a roar of arcane energy, the Elements of Harmony ignited in a rainbow arc of power, that flew above Celestia before swirling around her and Light Stride. All around Celestia, the world began to shatter, and she felt like she was falling. Her eyes filled with nothing but the swirl of rainbow color. Author's Note I can't tell you how hard it was to get to a chapter titled "XXX" and not just write "And then they all had sex." as a joke. So very tempting. Regardless, this is the second to last chapter. I'll catch you all tomorrow for the final chapter, day 30, of Solem Perditum. I hope you've enjoyed the journey so far, and are ready to take the final step with me. - XXXI -- XXXI - “Spell Breakers, to the fore! With me!” Luna stood before a massive, sealed, stone door covered in black runes, shadow magic leaking from the arcane spells keeping the door shut. Behind Luna, a dozen unicorns stepped forward, joining their commander before the door. Luna’s eyes narrowed as she examined the runes. “This is it. I can sense the magic of the jewel we sent with Light Stride behind this door, though it is shrouded in powerful black magic.” “What do you suggest, my lady?” asked one of the unicorns, scrutinizing the runes carefully. “I do not think that I can break this door asunder,” Luna said, turning away and calling back down the passage they had been traveling. “Twilight Sparkle! Come hither! We have need of thy expertise.” From behind a rank of Royal and Lunar guards, Princess Twilight Sparkle approached, gazing past Luna to the sealed door. “Wow. It’s a good thing I saved my energy. That looks like an eighteen-point sealing mark!” Luna smirked. “I suspected that thou would know how to defeat this spell.” Twilight grinned fiercely. “I might be a namby-pamby pony princess now, but I’m also the Element of Magic.” Twilight approached the dozen unicorns that made up the Spell Breaker Division of the Royal Guard, smiling uncertainly at the Sergeant leading them. They looked very imposing, with their dark grey coats, black armor, and white manes. Twilight knew that it was just their helmets creating the illusion, and knew that they were just regular ponies underneath the facade, but they still made her a little nervous. She still hadn’t gotten used to commanding ponies... especially military ponies. Clearing her throat, she spoke with as much authority as she could muster. “Gentlecolts, we’re dealing with an eighteen-point seal, probably a variation on Clover The Clever’s Nine-Point Seal of Binding, done with shadow magic.” Twilight’s voice grew in strength as she spoke on a subject near and dear to her heart. “I think we’ll be able to break the seal if we arrange ourselves in Star Spark’s Empowerment Pentangle, with your Breakers at the points and cardinals, and the three remaining Breakers outside, lending their energy as-needed. Once we’re in position, we’ll use Mordenkainan’s Twin-Canceled Spell to unleash an unstable magic field... which I’ll take control of from the center of the Pentangle, and if I use it to cast Kivan’s Greater Unmaking... well, that should do the trick.” Twilight Sparkle smiled at the Sergeant, who looked at her with something between shock and awe. “That clear, Sergeant?” “Yes, Princess!” The Sergeant spun to address his ponies. “You heard the Princess, gentlecolts! Get to it!” The Spell Breakers scattered around the room, horns glowing as they laid down the pentangle diagram on the floor, using salt from their saddle bags to draw the diagram. They arranged themselves carefully, with a unicorn standing at the tip of all five points of the pentangle. Four more unicorns arranged themselves using a magical compass, placing themselves at the North, South, East, and West points of the pentangle’s outer circle. The three remaining unicorns spaced themselves evenly around the edges of the group, ready to lend a hoof. As one, they turned inward, towards the center of the pentangle, and Twilight daintily stepped over the salt lines to stand in the center of the diagram. She nodded. “Let’s get this door open. Princess Celestia is counting on us.” Luna took a few measured steps back from the diagram, and glanced over her shoulder at the waiting elements of the Royal and Lunar guard. Princess Cadance stepped out of their ranks to stand beside Luna, looking grim. “Let’s be careful, Twilight. There might be more than wards on that door.” “Indeed, Cadance speaks true. Thou will have us ready to defend thee against any devious traps that may assail thee!” Luna said confidently. “Thank you both,” Twilight replied with a smile, before turning to the Sergeant. “Go.” The Spell Breakers lit their horns, murmuring spells under their collective breath. The salt lines began to smoke and smoulder as they absorbed some of the building arcane charge. The pentangle properly empowered, they all launched simultaneously into a second spell. One unicorn buckled as the spell began to take shape, but one of the unicorns standing outside stepped forward, steadying him and pouring additional arcane energy into his frame to bolster him. The spell grew in power, a yellow glow building over the heads of the unicorns. In the center of the diagram, Twilight Sparkle exhaled slowly, closing her eyes and focusing herself, feeling the building magic around her. Her wings slowly spread open as she felt the unstable magic field coalesce into being, sending the manes and tails of everypony in the hallway before the door fluttering in a sudden wind. Twilight’s eyes opened as she grasped the unstable field and drew it into herself, utilizing the wild and raw power to fuel her spell. Her lips moved as she whispered the spell of Unmaking, and her eyes filled with violet light. There was a crack, and the sound of thunder, and when Twilight opened her eyes, the door was split into pieces, shattered. The unicorns of the Spell Breaker division had flung themselves to the floor, ducking away from the shrapnel. Twilight stepped over them as she approached the room hidden behind the door, Luna and Cadance joining her. The three alicorns stepped into the dark room, their horns alighting as one to brighten the interior of the room. Made from black obsidian, the floors were slippery and shone with reflected light like a thousand black mirrors. Circles of runes surrounded the center of the room, where Princess Celestia and Light Stride lay in crumpled heaps, still and unmoving. Twilight Sparkle sat down at the edge of the runic circle, afraid to pass over the runes on the floor for fear of traps. She frowned. “Are they...?” “They are alive, Twilight Sparkle,” Luna replied, smiling. Cadance sat down beside Twilight, watching Celestia intently. “So... how do we break them out of... whatever spell it is that Sombra has them under?” “I’m not sure. We’ll have to study it, but it’s probably...” Twilight halted mid-sentence, her eyes widening. Celestia twitched. Twilight leapt to her feet, glancing at Luna and Cadance. “Do you think...?” Celestia’s eyes opened slowly, and she lifted her head to regard Twilight, Cadance, and Luna. She smiled. “Hello.” “Princess!” Twilight danced anxiously at the edge of the circle of runes surrounding Celestia. “Sister, thou art awake! How is this possible?” Luna asked. Celestia laughed hoarsely. “A little friendship goes a long way...” she turned her head to fondly regard Light Stride. Light Stride did not stir. Celestia frowned. “Light Stride?” Reaching out one trembling hoof, Celestia shook him gently. “Light Stride, awaken.” When he didn’t react, Celestia got to her hooves unsteadily, her horn lighting in a golden aura, as she began to cast a spell on Light Stride. After a few moments, her horn flickered out. “It... didn’t work,” she said quietly. “Well, it worked for you! And that’s good!” Cadance smiled. “Don’t worry, Celestia, we’ll get Light Stride out of that trap as well. Now that we’re here, we can work on a solution together.” Celestia sat down heavily, pulling Light Stride close to her. She didn’t respond for a moment, before asking, “Where are we?” “Below the Crystal Palace,” Cadance explained. “We discovered a set of hidden tunnels to the north of the palace, that ran deep underground. There were wards hiding it from our detection, but with the gem Light Stride was sent with, we were able to locate the beginnings of the tunnel system. There were... many other rooms like this one. It’s like a magic dungeon down here... I can only imagine what Sombra used it for.” Twilight glared at the runes on the floor. “These look like some more binding runes, but I can’t be sure what else might be hidden in here. Before we can do anything, we’ll have to get these runes disabled. Princess Celestia, if you can help, we four should be able to handle this.” Celestia looked up at Twilight and smiled gently. “I can’t help you.” Twilight blinked, looking surprised. “What?” “My power is diminished in the circle of runes. You’ll have to break them from the outside... and, regardless, I’ve got something more important to do,” Celestia explained calmly. “But, Celestia, we—” Cadance began. “No,” Celestia interjected. “I have to go back. I know how to break the spell, but... Light Stride does not. He’s still trapped... and now he is alone.” Celestia smiled down at the unconscious guard, shifting him into a more comfortable position. “I refuse to leave him alone. He risked life and limb for me by throwing himself into the trap. What kind of ruler... what kind of pony would I be if I left him behind?” Luna frowned. “Sister, thou are making too much of this. The duty of a Royal Guard is to the crown, in its defense. He would be happy that thou were free.” “I don’t care,” Celestia replied. “This may be selfish of me, but I do not care, sister. I am going back into the trap. I will help him from inside the illusion, and you three can work from without to defeat the spell.” Celestia regarded the three alicorns with a gentle smile. “I trust you. You will find a way to free us both, if I cannot do it from within.” “Princess...” Twilight said softly. Celestia looked at Twilight. “Twilight Sparkle, you of all ponies should know why I do this. Would you not give all you are... risk everything... for a friend?” Twilight stared at Celestia for a moment, before nodding slowly. “Of course.” Celestia nodded, and lay down next to Light Stride, covering him with one wing. “Be certain to get doctors down here. Regardless, once the runes are disabled, Light Stride will need to be given nutrition and kept comfortable while we all work to save him.” “Sister...” Luna breathed, before smiling. “Be safe.” “Of course.” Celestia closed her eyes, her horn lighting up as she allowed the magic of the trap to fall over her once more. After a moment, her body settled, shifting into the familiar pattern of sleep. Luna signed, and turned to Cadance and Twilight. “Let us begin. Light Stride is probably malnourished and dehydrated. We need to get these wards down and disable the runes, and get medical ponies here to attend to him.” “What about Celestia?” asked Cadance. “Celestia will be fine,” Luna replied with a smile. Twilight smiled at Celestia and Light Stride. “Dream well, Princess. We’ll be coming for you both.” - Epilogue -- Epilogue - Light Stride’s eyes slowly opened, his head swimming slightly as the ache of a failed release of arcane energy throbbed through his horn. He took a few deep breaths as the ache subsided, his vision focusing to reveal his surroundings. Before him stood a massive a massive slab of grey rock, a monolith of stone, carved with runes that Light Stride could not read. Four lines of a sharp runic script, followed by flowing, modern lettering; another four lines. Light Stride sat up slowly, rubbing at his head and sighing. He looked at the slab, reading the four lines of modern script. From This Place Nightmare’s End Was Seen Peace Fills Equestria The Sisters Are Reunited Light Stride smiled, lifting a hoof to touch the words written there. “The sisters are reunited...” He sighed, his horn lit up, and he began to carve below the eight lines, adding his own words. After a few minutes he was done, and he sat before the slab of rock, staring at it quietly. A hoof gently touched his shoulder, but he didn’t move, still staring at the rock. He frowned slightly. “You’re not supposed to be here.” “I am stubborn,” Celestia replied, sitting down next to Light Stride, looking at the slab of rock with him. “You shouldn’t have come back,” he said softly, turning to look at her. Celestia smiled down at him. “I believe you know me better than that.” “I hoped that you’d stay away and leave me here.” Celestia laughed. “And let you have all the fun? Uncover all the mystery? Perhaps there is still much you have to learn about me.” They sat silently for a moment, before Light Stride gestured to the stone. “You wrote the second part, didn’t you?” “Yes. I assume, then, that the third section is yours?” Celestia said softly. “Yeah,” Light Stride replied. Below Celestia’s writing, his own words seemed crude in comparison to the neat script of her words. My Duty Is Done My Princess Is Saved Light Stride Celestia giggled. “I’m your Princess?” “A figure of speech. I am your guard, so you are my Princess,” Light Stride replied quickly. Celestia smiled softly. “Are you sure that is all you meant?” Light Stride blushed slightly. “Y-yes.” “Good,” Celestia said, standing up and stretching. “It’d be highly inappropriate if you meant anything else. After all, we have to stay professional, don’t we?” Light Stride chuckled. “You were the one who insisted I treat you like a pony.” Celestia leaned down, staring him in the eye, a mischievous glint twinkling there. “Ah, I was, wasn’t I? So... why don’t you treat me like a pony?” “I... what do you expect me to do?” Light Stride stammered. Celestia laughed, leaning away from him. “I’m sure you’ll figure it out. We’ve got time, after all... and this is your illusion now.” “My illusion?” “Yes. I am no longer the focus of the trap. You are. I suspect that this lunar landscape will not stay as it is. I’ll bet... that we’re about to start a new adventure somewhere else. You simply need to close your eyes, Light Stride, and focus on what you think is most real.” “The only real thing here is you,” Light Stride replied. “That’s part of the beauty of this, though. The illusion adapts to its target, but it can’t affect me as strongly. So... I get to stay with you. And this time, it will be me helping you to overcome your fears, learning your dreams, getting to know your innermost thoughts,” Celestia explained. “Oh,” Light Stride replied, looking embarrassed. “It will be a difficult journey, Light Stride... but I have no doubt that together, we can overcome it,” Celestia said with conviction. Light Stride laughed. “Of course.” “And if we can’t... well, Twilight and Cadance and Luna are with us now, in the real world. They’ll figure something out,” Celestia said with a wink. “Well, that’s reassuring.” Light Stride smiled. “So... I just have to close my eyes?” “Yes.” Light Stride stood up, and Celestia joined him at his side, her presence comforting. “Stay close... my Princess.” “Always,” Celestia replied softly. Light Stride closed his eyes. Author's Note So, that's it. 30 days, 31 chapters, and an epilogue. Thank you for reading and enjoying the journey. I had a lot of fun writing this and reading your reactions as the story progressed. I'll be posting a blog in the next day or two with my final thoughts on the story and the accomplishment of completing this challenge. Until next time, true believers! Props - XXIV -- XXIV - Celestia sat down in the grass, gazing out at the impossible replica of Ponyville. Light Stride sat down next to her, mouth still open in awe. After a few moments, he spoke. "It's so... still." "A bit unnerving, isn't it?" Celestia said softly. "Where is everypony?" Celestia smiled. "If I have done my job properly, there should only be six souls within the town." Light Stride frowned, tilting his head to look up at Celestia. "Only six?" Celestia nodded. "Only six." "Who?" Light Stride asked. "I believe that you know, deep down, of who I speak." Celestia stood up, stretching her wings, before walking towards the edge of town. Light Stride followed close to her side, his own light spell lighting the more immediate area. As they entered the town, Celestia noticed that many of the buildings were incomplete, hollow shells. Her knowledge of Ponyville was incomplete, after all. It existed as more of an ideal, she supposed. Light Stride appeared slightly unnerved by the oddity of the incomplete town, his home existing as only a shadow of itself here. Celestia led him through the town, weaving between the buildings, making her way towards a particular location. Light Stride began to realize where they were heading, and chuckled quietly. Celestia glanced at him, her brow arching in an unasked question. "I'm sorry, Celestia, but are we going to Sugarcube Corner?" he asked. "Very perceptive, but I fail to see what's so funny," Celestia said, smiling. "Well, um, it's been a long-standing joke within the guard about your love of sweets." Light Stride said, blushing slightly. Celestia laughed. "You aren't wrong, but I assure you, my motive for going to Sugarcube Corner is beyond the need for cake." Light Stride nodded. "Sorry." "No need to apologize. I'd rather have my subjects laugh behind my back about my eccentricities, rather than be too afraid to speak of me at all." Celestia's smile faded slightly. "Underneath my regalia, Light Stride, I am still just a pony... and sometimes it is a lonely existence." Light Stride had no answer to that. Celestia cast him a small smile, and continued towards the bakery. Author's Note Dedication is writing this entire chapter on my cell phone, because I knew I wouldn't be at a computer in time to write and upload this chapter. Sorry that it's a little short. I'll drop a larger chapter tomorrow!
- I -- I - Celestia’s eyes slowly opened, her head swimming slightly as the ache of a failed release of arcane energy throbbed through her horn. She took a few deep breaths as the ache subsided, her vision focusing to reveal her surroundings. The first thing she saw was a rock: a lump of grey material, lopsided and odd. It sat in a fine, light dust that moved and floated slightly in the atmosphere of Celestia’s breathing spell. Celestia gave an experimental snort, sending a little plume of dust floating from before her nostrils. She sniffled, coughing slightly as she sat up on her haunches, and sneezed. She wrinkled her eyes open slowly, taking in more of the landscape. Grey. All around her was grey: just dust and hills and rocks of the same monotone and neutral grey color. Above, the sky was black, dotted with the stars and constellations that belonged to her sister. In the middle of her view lay a sphere of the most beautiful blue and white, with masses of green marring the otherwise immaculate expanse. Equis. Home. Celestia shook out her mane, feeling the solar winds flow through it and bolster her strength, and she stood to her full impressive height. Spreading her wings, she stretched a mighty stretch, her forehooves pushing out as she leaned her weight forward and left her rump high in the air, catlike and mostly undignified. Stretch complete, Celestia tucked her wings to her side, giving them a slight ruffle. She brushed some grey dust from the golden toque around her neck, adjusted her crown, and began to walk. She kept her head high as she trotted, her every bound carrying her gracefully a few extra feet in the low gravity. Her violet eyes, though, were locked on the horizon, focused and intent. Something marred the monotonous landscape of rolling hills and craters. It was square. Square wasn’t a natural shape, and that had given Celestia pause a few minutes ago, when she’d spotted it in the distance. She’d decided to try a teleport spell, but it had gone awry, dumping her in an undignified heap in the dust. Just like all the other times she’d tried to teleport anywhere. Flying, as it turned out, didn’t seem to work either. Every time she tried to use her wings for more than a cautious glide, they’d lock up, hindered by an unseen force. She’d resorted to walking after a few attempts. The walking wasn’t bad. She’d gotten used to it. She missed flying, occasionally, but the low gravity made her graceful trotting easy. It was probably good for her. She’d been eating too much cake at home, an indulgence of hers, and perhaps some enforced exercise would do her slightly plush plot some good. Celestia giggled at the thought, her steps light. Her stomach rumbled at the recollection of cake, and Celestia frowned. She paused in her trotting and faced the sun, low on the horizon from her vantage point. She absorbed some energy from her star, focusing her power, and subsumed it, turning the magic directly into energy to power her body. It wasn’t cake, but it’d keep her alive indefinitely. Celestia sighed to herself, and resumed her walk towards the square object in the distance, trying to forget about food. As she walked, she found her gaze drifting up, towards Equis. She wondered what was happening there. What would they be doing, now? She guessed, by her sharp sense of sight, that one of the continents facing her held Equestria. The side of the planet was dark, currently, so she hoped that the others were resting—excepting Luna, of course. She’d be awake, probably reading or consulting, perhaps holding her night court. Things had to carry on, of course, even in the wake of... Celestia looked away from the blue and white orb. She was closer to the square object now. She set her sights solely on the mysterious construct. It had grown larger as she’d approached, but not by much. She figured that whatever it was was only a little taller than she was in height. After an hour, she halted before the square. It was, indeed, a square—a slab of grey rock, ripped from the ground by force and set upright. It was thin, though, only a foot thick, while standing about twelve feet high. On the slab were runes, carved in an ancient tongue that Celestia had nearly forgotten. It was a little over a thousand years old. Celestia stared at the words written on it, a knot forming in the pit of her stomach. On This Place A Thousand Years I Wait To Claim What Is Mine By Right The Night Will Last Forever Celestia stared quietly at the runes for a while, pondering their significance. She walked in a slow circle around the slab of rock, returning to her original position in a few moments. She read the words again, and a small smile tugged at the corners of her mouth. Her horn began to glow. After a moment, her work done, she turned away from the slab of rock, her eyes searching the dust near the foot of the monolith. Her gaze centered on a set of hoofprints going away from her position. Not her own, but a new set: a trail a thousand years old, preserved by the unmoving dust. Celestia followed the prints away, towards a further horizon.
- II -- II - The hoofprints trailed away into the distance, leading Celestia onwards towards a slowly approaching line of utter blackness—the line between day and night. Celestia wasn’t surprised. Of course the trail would go towards a place where the night would literally last forever. The light side of the moon, in any case, was growing tiresome to Celestia’s eyes. The grey dust and rock reflected light extremely well, and the bright and constant light was starting to become aggravating to her senses. At least on the dark side of the moon, she could simply cast a spell of light to push away the shadow. Doing the opposite was more of her sisters’ forte. The thought of Luna made Celestia glance spaceward again, towards the hanging orb of blue—so near, and yet, so far away at that moment from her. She forced a smile, thinking of better days, and continued her walk. Things had been better since Luna had returned. It had taken her months to regain her strength fully, a slow process of recovery even for one as powerful as her. The Elements of Harmony had cleansed her body of all magic, reducing her to nothing. Thousands of years of the slow build of magics in her system, reserves of untapped power, magics ancient and terrible, undone in an instant of incandescent, whirling harmony. Of course, that had also banished the Nightmare from her as well, returning her to her old self, a thousand years out of place and with little memory of her darkest hour. Darkest hour being a turn of phrase. Luna had been Nightmare Moon for a long time. Luck would have it that she couldn’t remember much of her atrocities, nor her exile. Celestia counted it as a blessing. She’d never wish such a thing on Luna. Many claimed that the Elements of Harmony were a dumb tool, a weapon that simply acted on the idea of Harmony: purifying, making clean and whole, or destroying where it could not make orderly. Celestia felt differently. There was no reason for Luna to forget her time as Nightmare Moon after the Elements of Harmony cleansed her, yet she had. There was something merciful about that fact, something that hinted at a greater direction by the Elements than brutally powerful magics. Luna’s memories had surfaced only in her sleep: terrible nightmares of twisted landscapes and shadows. Celestia had comforted her sister as best she could, but there were things that she simply couldn’t understand. Her sister, in some senses, was very alone in her recovery, though she had servants, doctors, wizards, and psychologists overseeing her throughout every step. Celestia, despite all her strength, was still but one pony. She smiled to herself, remembering Luna’s insistence on leaving Canterlot on the eve of Nightmare Night. It was a holiday for her, in a sense, and she wanted desperately to experience life away from the poking and prodding of the court physicians and mages. Her mane had regained it’s astral aspect a few days prior, and she used it as a way to prove her returning strength and her readiness to be away from her suite of chambers where she’d been “exiled for a thousand days!”, as she so dramatically enjoyed shouting. Celestia had relented, and Luna had gone to the Nightmare Night festival. The Lunar Guard had reported that the evening had started off... awkwardly. Luna’s lack of modern social graces had been a sticking point, apparently, and it didn’t help that she felt the need to use the Royal Canterlot Voice at every opportunity. As she had expected, though, Twilight Sparkle and her friends helped Luna overcome her difficulties, and she ended up enjoying her festival. She had returned with a rare smile on her face, filled with joy and stories of screaming fillies, delicious treats, games, pranks, and friendship. Celestia nearly flew down to Ponyville and knighted the whole populace on the spot. She’d restrained herself, but her mood for the rest of the week had been a good one, even during court proceedings. Celestia’s meandering thoughts halted as the hoofprints she was following changed direction abruptly, turning on a more direct course for the darkness. Celestia frowned slightly, wondering what prompted the sudden shift, and continued to follow them. She approached the edge of the twilight zone between night and day, growing nearer to the darkness. She carefully cast a spell of light, summoning a glowing sprite of energy that bobbed over her head, illuminating the area as she moved closer. The shift was a subtle one, the light fading away as she trotted closer to the black, her own magic light seeming to grow stronger. She shivered slightly as the temperature noticeably dropped, and she adjusted the spell she’d woven around herself to maintain her own body’s temperature. Comfortable again, Celestia followed the line of hoofprints into the darkness.
- III -- III - The darkness filled the grey landscape, casting it into a sharp contrast of blacks and darker greys. The shadows stretched forward from Celestia’s lantern sprite as it hovered silently above Celestia, staying only a pace ahead of the alicorn. Her own shadow stretched out behind her, into the black, as if reaching for the brighter lunar seas far behind her. Celestia followed the hoofprints as they meandered over a rise in the landscape. Her steps became labored as she climbed the increasing incline, until she had to pause. She assessed the rise before her, and the hoofprints that stoically climbed up it, before squinting her eyes closed. She cast a complex spell, easing the bonds of gravity further from her being, and then resumed the climb while maintaining the spell’s effect. She found the climb easier, but after a few minutes the strain of holding together such a difficult spell began to take its toll. Celestia grit her teeth together and lunged for the top of the hill, her powerful jump carrying her nearly to the top of the sharp incline. She halted at the top, dismissing the spell, and stood stock-still. The hill wasn’t a hill. It was the lip of a crater, a massive thing that stretched out from her vantage point out toward points unseen, well beyond the range of her small light. Beyond loomed dark shapes, previously hidden from her sight by the slope of the crater’s wall. She cast her lantern sprite forward, sending it floating out a dozen yards. Celestia’s breath caught in her throat, and she sat down heavily. There was a building, long and low, crudely constructed, but recognizable. Four walls, a sloped roof of lunar grey, and a open doorway. Beyond that structure, there loomed more, perhaps a dozen being illuminated by her spell’s glow. Even further loomed more shapes, growing taller and more complex. Celestia swallowed hard, staring into the beginnings of what appeared to be a city. The layout was obvious, now that she was paying attention. Blocks laid out, with buildings grouped close together, and wide lanes of lunar dust that served as streets, which drew inwards towards what she assumed was the center of the crater. Standing up slowly, Celestia spread her wings and summoned her lantern sprite back to her side. Taking a deep breath, she took a running leap over the edge of the crater’s wall, and glided gently down into the nearest lane between the low buildings that made up the outskirts of the city. As her hooves touched down in the dust, a line of dark blue light ran from that first point of contact, through the ground, and into the nearest buildings. Celestia felt the buildup of energy and the activation of ancient magics, and she braced herself, erecting her most potent shielding spell and warding herself against the first dozen types of magical attacks she could think of. The buildings nearest her began to shudder, and Celestia clenched her teeth, ready for what was to come.
- IV -- IV - The thrum of arcane energy set the hairs on the back of Celestia’s neck on end, and she turned in a slow circle, eyes narrowed as they scanned the immediate area. The magic aura around her horn burned away the nearest shadows, leaving her standing in a circle of golden-white light as she maintained her defenses and prepared to react with several potent offensive spells. For one moment, Celestia’s thoughts flickered to her ever-present, ever-vigilant guards. She’d come to barely notice their presence, their training stressing that they were to be proudly unobtrusive in her day-to-day life. Now, however, the lack of her golden-armored, silent shadows was noted, and she realized that she missed them dearly. It had been a long time since she’d felt threatened, but not so long that she’d forgotten how to react. The presence of her Royal Guards always at her side may have seemed to indicate that she had grown soft after hundreds of years of peace, but there was a darker truth to their presence. Celestia didn’t need her guards. She was an immortal being who had fought elder gods and monsters to bring peace to her country and the little ponies she held so dear. There were few things in existence that could truly harm her, but that was hard to fathom for a mortal. Several hundred years ago, before the establishment of the Royal Guard and even before Nightmare Moon’s rebellion, a group of mortal ponies had organized a coup attempt against her, as they were unhappy with the direction she was taking Equestria. In those days, the tribes had not always seen eye to eye, and there were many that disliked the idea of harmony or equality among ponies. Such was the case with this group. They had stormed her court during a hearing, armed with spells to bind and destroy her, spears to catch and wound her. She had reacted in kind. She did not know or understand restraint back then, for times had been dangerous, and her power was such that she could destroy with a thought, defeat any ward in a moment, and counter even the strongest spells in the blink of an eye. By the end of the day, sixty-three ponies had been slain by her and her sister, as the two Princesses defended their loyal subjects. That had been a terrible day, one that Celestia could never forget. Within a month, Celestia had drafted a plan for a defensive force, her Royal Guard, to assist her in times of need or to defend her from attacks: not for her own sake, but for the sake of those so misguided as to strike against her. They were the last line of defense between the public and their own leaders. Since the establishment of the Royal Guard, the number of ponies Princess Celestia had killed had decreased to nil... excepting during the Lunar Rebellion. The guards themselves were able to take prisoners, and use similar force against any attacker, rather than destroying them utterly. Celestia had since learned restraint, gained greater control over her power, but the Royal Guard’s presence was a great comfort to her. She’d never have to worry about overreacting and potentially hurting anypony. Celestia reminded herself to thank her guardsponies—individually and by name—the next time she saw them, and then focused herself on her present situation. Celestia’s wings flared outward in surprise as the swelling arcane energy around her discharged—but rather than it being directed at her, it focused itself into the surrounding buildings. Lights flickered to life, the walls of the structures toned to deep blues and royal indigos, and illusory banners unfurled around her. Celestia took a cautious step forward, peering at the banners with a mixture of surprise and curiosity. The sigil was all too familiar to her. Nightmare Moon’s silhouetted visage and draconic eyes peered at her, on a field of dark blue, superimposed over a crescent moon. Celestia exhaled slowly, dismissing many of her warding spells, but holding her incandescent shield spell in place for the moment. Her horn’s cosmically bright glow dimmed to less blinding levels, allowing the newly summoned magical lights of the nearby buildings to illuminate the area. Celestia noted that only the closest block of structures had come to life, the other buildings staying cloaked in black and lifeless. Tilting her head to the side, Celestia approached the nearest building and peered inside a crude window. The interior was well lit, but revealed an empty space, simply a bare floor and nothing else, excepting the glowing magic light nestled in an alcove in the roof. She trotted past this building and checked another of the small, square buildings. This one was similarly empty. Celestia was honestly disappointed. There was nothing truly exciting about a city if the buildings were devoid of decor or anything to help her understand the reason behind construction on so grand a scale. Celestia moved onward, towards a slightly larger building, noting with interest the lack of windows. She walked around the closest side of the large building, and found a tall and thin open doorway, marked with a deeply imprinted sigil of a crescent moon. Celestia paused at the entrance of the building, checking it thoroughly for traps. Finding none, she slowly stepped inside the building, noting that the doorway of this building was the proper size for her to fit through without ducking her head: a rarity in most architecture, with few exceptions. Celestia wasn’t amused by this, but rather put more on edge, for this only meant one thing to her. This was a building designed with alicorns in mind.
- V -- V - The interior of the large building was furnished sparsely: a chest, carved from lunar rock and plainly decorated with a crescent moon, a raised dias supporting a throne of rock, and a lowered pit filled with soft sediment. Celestia stood in the center of the room, looking around slowly, making certain to take in any details no matter how small. Anything could help her understand the nature of this odd city marring the otherwise untouched landscape of Equis’ satellite. What purpose did it serve? There had only been one other being present on the moon before Celestia, and that had been Nightmare Moon. This was obviously her doing, but that still did not answer the question of why. Celestia approached the chest and tapped the lid lightly. It creaked under her hoof, but was otherwise of sturdy construction. Using her telekinesis, she opened the box and peered in. The chest was empty. Celestia sighed, peering closer, and found to her surprise that the chest was not empty. The bottom of the chest reflected back her own face. Reaching in, she retrieved a single square sheet of reflective glass, a simple mirror. Holding it out, she set it carefully against the wall, and closed the chest. She examined the mirror, and discovered a spell attached to the glass. Celestia frowned, noting the familiarity of the spell, but was unable to place when the last time she’d seen it used. With a small shrug, she took a few steps back from the mirror, ensuring her shield spell was still at full strength, and then activated the spell. The mirror shimmered, and then a face was reflected from within the item. Dark blue eyes with draconian pupils stared out across the ages, from behind a darkly flowing astral mane of the deepest shadow. Celestia’s head jerked back with surprise, as the voice rang out clearly from the mirror. A recording spell. She leaned forward with interest. Nightmare Moon frowned, looking annoyed. “I’ve erected several small buildings, simply filling my time. I’ve explored much of the surrounding area, and found nothing of interest. However, here in the deepest darkness of this crater on the dark side of the moon, I find myself feeling more at home. There is an appeal to this location. I believe because it is cloaked in darkness, just like Equis was to be cloaked in eternal night, that I feel more at ease here. I can pretend that I gained victory instead of being defeated by my sister.” The final word left Nightmare Moon’s lips as a growl. She looked away, murmuring something that Celestia could not hear, and then she turned back to face out from the mirror. “While I am bound to this moon for a thousand years, there is no doubt in my mind that I can break the spell of my exile and return to claim my throne. Until that time, though, to stave off the solitude, I will build. Every day, I will add a building, to mark the time and to plan the capital city of my glorious empire that I will create in place of the mountain castle of Canterlot.” Nightmare Moon sneered, showing fangs. “Canterlot. Such a silly name. I cannot abide puns. My city will be called Sunfall, and I will pave its streets with the blood of my enemies. I will drag my defeated sister by her pastel mane through my throne room and chain her to the walls, and force her to watch as I tear her loyal ponies limb from limb before her weeping eyes.” The image in the mirror faded, and Celestia stood quietly, contemplating the ancient recording. Though it was a thousand years old, and the threats hollow, Celestia couldn’t help but feel a chill run down her spine.
- VI -- VI - Celestia left the mirror behind, after checking it to see if there were any additional recordings on the implement. She returned to the main street, carefully looking down towards the center of the crater. The buildings she could see in the distance grew in size and in ornate appearance. With a small shiver, she remembered Nightmare Moon’s words. A building built for every day... This city must be far larger than she could imagine, and she could imagine quite a lot. It came with the territory of being immortal. Ignoring the creeping feeling of unease, Celestia began walking towards the middle of the crater. As she walked, the buildings slowly changed. At first, they were crudely constructed, simply hollow squares. However, as she continued on, the shapes became more confident. More windows began appearing, first, then buildings with multiple stories. Columns began appearing, then balconies. The architecture became more complex, intricate carvings appearing alongside unique styles of construction that Celestia had never seen. Celestia deviated from her path as the dirt roads beneath her feet turned to lunar cobblestone. Each step she took, magic rippled through the ground, reacting to her presence, and the buildings came to life. Lights shone from within, and illusory banners and tapestries brightened the grey spaces. Celestia halted before a large building with five stories and a plethora of flags marked with Nightmare Moon’s sigil, and walked inside. The interior of the building was lavishly furnished, with carpets that felt real beneath her hooves, though she knew they were simply magic. She ran a hoof along a long couch with plush seats, admiring the work. Nightmare Moon had obviously been getting more creative with her time. Celestia moved through a wide set of gilded double doors to discover a massive bed chamber with a round bed on a raised dais, and several windows facing out to... Celestia approached the windows, staring out. The windows looked out on a dark forest, with massive trees and creeping vines. Celestia shook her head and turned away, looking at the bed. She approached it, and bent low, examining the mattress. It seemed solid, so she gently touched the top of the bed. It squashed under hoof, and Celestia couldn’t help but smile to herself. For some inexplicable reason, she’d never thought of Nightmare Moon enjoying soft beds. Hard cushions and firm mattresses seemed to be more her style. It was an oddly revealing quality. Celestia wondered if there were parts of Luna lurking beneath Nightmare Moon’s subconscious, influencing her. Shaking her head, the white alicorn stretched and then climbed up onto the bed. She’d been exploring and walking for several hours, and while she didn’t strictly need rest, she wanted it. Though this room might have served as the den of one of her enemies, Nightmare Moon had long since abandoned this place. It was entirely possible that she had never even used this bed. That thought was almost immediately dismissed when Celestia’s hoof came into contact with something hard beneath the pillows at the head of the bed. Withdrawing the object, she found herself holding another mirror. Celestia frowned, glancing around the room as if expecting somepony to walk in and scold her for snooping. When nothing happened, she chuckled quietly to herself, and activated the mirror. Nightmare Moon stared out of the mirror at her. She’d removed her regalia and helm, this time, and her eyes looked slightly unfocused. “Year twenty-three, day... well, it doesn’t matter. Nopony will ever know of these journals, and I don’t know why I persist in making them. Perhaps it helps stave off the incredible boredom.” Nightmare Moon exhaled slowly, a gesture of weakness that seemed awkward from such a creature. “Though it has only been twenty-three years, I am already starting to feel the effects of prolonged solitude. I often talk to myself, which is disconcerting. I’ve thrown myself more fully into building this city. It is a good way to spend the days, but I’m running out of architectural styles to imitate or invent. There’s only so much one can do before the enjoyment of creating a city is... lost.” Nightmare Moon’s gaze shifted away, and she grew silent for a moment, pondering something. Celestia noticed something odd, as Nightmare Moon’s tongue tucked into the corner of her lips and her eyes glanced upward as she thought. The gesture was familiar, and after a moment it struck Celestia that it was something Luna often did while deep in thought. The idea that her dear sister was lurking just beneath the surface of this monster was a sobering one. Nightmare Moon’s eyes slowly focused back onto the mirror, and she smirked. “Excuse me. I was just thinking of a new floor layout to try tomorrow... regardless, I believe that I will continue my work for now. I’m finding that with my mastery of many magical techniques and construction methods, my mind is the clearest while at work. I’m close, I believe, to coming up with a way to escape my exile and return to wreak my vengeance upon Celestia and her precious ponies.” Nightmare Moon’s voice faded, as did the reflected image. Celestia frowned, before casting the mirror aside. She spread herself across the bed, a small shiver going down her spine at the thought of spending the night in Nightmare Moon’s own bedroom, but the stress of the day and the spells she’d been forced to maintain for so long finally forced her to put her mind at ease. She dismissed her warding spells and shield, and sighed happily as the effort of keeping her defenses up was removed. She rolled onto her back and spread open her wings, the soft matress conforming to her shape, and found her eyes growing heavy...
- VII -- VII - Celestia sat quietly on her chair in the throne room at Canterlot Castle, listening to a noble prattle on about some nonsense. Taxes, most likely. She kept her expression neutral and did her best not to roll her eyes or yawn. Her subjects found many things important, and unfortunately for her a lot of those things were on the drier side, conversationally speaking. Celestia’s mind briefly wondered how she’d arrived at the throne room. Hadn’t she been... in bed? She blinked, glancing around herself, trying to take in her surroundings. She noticed that the guards she had at her side were both faceless, just vague shapes in the form of her stallion guardsponies. The lack of detail was slightly disturbing. She quickly began spotting other incongruities, noting that the hallway to the throne room appeared endless, as did the line of petitoners, and that the throne room’s ceiling was gone, simply a black space full of nothing. A dream. Celestia chuckled to herself, standing up. The noble pony speaking to her appeared outraged that she’d dare leave, but she no longer cared. This was her dream, after all. She trotted away, into the endless hallway of petitioning ponies, and made a sharp left turn. There normally was a door here, in the real palace hallway, which lead to... yes. The kitchen. There were chef ponies working away at random tasks, and Celestia stood before them. She resisted the urge to clap her hooves together in delight, her wings opening wide as she assumed her most regal and imperious stance. “Your princess requests cake. Chocolate, if you please, three layers, with raspberry preserves between each layer. Buttercream frosting, and make sure it’s thick on the frosting.” No reason to not enjoy herself. A few dream-moments later, she found herself seated in the royal dining hall, where she and her sister would often take meals in the relative solitude it provided. Servants aside, the royal dining hall was private, and only a few ponies were ever allowed entry. This dining hall was slightly askew, it’s proportions off and it’s corners indistinct. Celestia couldn’t recall if there were pillars along one wall or not, and so it remained empty. She didn’t mind, though, because there was a cake being set before her, and it looked exactly as delicious as she’d imagined. Exactly. She cut herself a rather large and unladylike slice of the cake, and took a slow bite. Raspberry and chocolate mingled with sweet buttercream on her palette, and she sighed. She missed cake, and other food. She was happy for the moment, though, and took another bite of her slice of cake. “Sister?” Celestia glanced up from her imaginary meal. Princess Luna stood before her, looking startled. Celestia’s eyes narrowed slightly. “Luna?” “Art thou really... thyself? It is hard to ascertain. I’ve been ingressing through the dreamscape for days, looking for thou,” Luna’s head tilted to one side as she examined her sister. “... You aren’t part of my dream, are you?” stated Celestia with suspicion. “Nay, sister. ‘Tis I!” Luna beamed at her sister. “Luna!” Celestia stood up, the cake forgotten, and threw her hooves around her sister, hugging her dearly. “It is good to find thee well, sister. We hath been worrying over thy disappearance.” Luna returned the hug, nuzzling her taller sister’s chest happily. “I’m not certain what happened to me, to be honest.” “Where art thou located? I shall send a team of guards at once to retrieve thee. We could tell that thou had been relocated by a powerful spell, but we were unable to ascertain your whereabouts. I’ve been watching the dream realm for many days, hoping you would choose to rest eventually.” Celestia chuckled, blushing slightly. “I believe the guards would have difficulty retrieving me in my present location.” Luna leaned back from Celestia, looking concerned. “Oh? Pray tell, why?” “I’m on the moon,” replied Celestia. Luna blinked, surprised. “The moon? What art thou doing on my moon, sister?” “I haven’t the faintest idea. I can’t get off the moon, either. All my strongest teleportation spells fail, and I am unable to break whatever magic binds me here. Even my wings have been rendered useless, good for no more than gliding,” Celestia explained, trying to keep the concern out of her voice. Luna frowned. “Where on the moon are thee? I shall attempt to scry thy location.” Celestia chuckled wryly. “Something tells me that will be a difficult undertaking, sister. I’m in a city.” Luna’s eyes widened. “A... city?” Celestia nodded, her face growing grim. “It always seemed familiar to me, but speaking with you now, I believe that it might be the same city that haunted your dreams for months after your return.” Luna sat down heavily, her wings shaking. “Tell me everything thou hast seen.”
- VIII -- VIII - Celestia stepped off her chariot, smiling at the two Royal Guard pegasi as they snorted and stoically faced forward. Even after a long journey to the North, they kept their professional demeanor. “Thank you, gentlecolts.” “Princess,” they replied in unison, bowing their heads. Celestia nodded once. “I’ll return in a few hours. The Crystal Guard has a barracks in the city, and I’m certain that they’ll welcome you. I will call for you when I am ready to leave.” “Yes, Princess,” replied one guard. Celestia turned away, trotting around the corner. She paused briefly once she was out of sight of her guards, waiting a moment, before turning around and walking back around the corner. Both guards were lying on the ground, panting heavily and shaking the sweat out of their manes, all decorum lost as they gasped for breath. They froze, eyes widening in surprise, as they saw Celestia. She winked. “And please, feel free to let me know if you need a rest during travel. It can’t be easy pulling my royal tush around for hours.” They both glanced at each other, looking panicked and uncertain, as Celestia spun on her back hooves and returned back around the corner. The Crystal Palace’s interior glittered and shone with a newfound brilliance. Celestia marvled at the beauty of the grand hallway, her hooves clicking delicately and sending echoes through the room. She walked to the center of the hallway, turning in a slow circle to take the architecture in fully, as she heard the sound of approaching hooves. “Princess Celestia! We weren’t expecting you for at least another hour!” called a comfortingly familiar voice from behind her. Celestia smiled and turned around, taking in the sight of Princess Twilight Sparkle. Her ever-faithful student, turned royal alicorn princess. Celestia couldn’t help the pride that swelled in her voice as she responded to Twilight. “Hello, Twilight. My loyal guards pulling my chariot decided to forgo a break, choosing to press on for a longer time than I anticipated. My apologies.” Twilight smiled anxiously. “I suppose that’s all right. I mean, not that I’m not happy you’re here! We were going to hold a more formal welcome ceremony for you. Cadance is organizing it now, actually.” “Please, let her know that won’t be necessary, though I appreciate the effort. I’m not really here on official business, after all,” Celestia replied evenly, her smile growing more gentle in the face of the newest princess’s anxiety. “I came here at your request, after all.” “Of course! Sorry, I just... I wanted things to be perfect, that’s all.” Twilight closed her eyes, bringing a hoof up to her chest as she inhaled deeply, and then exhaled, pushing away her stress symbolically. Celestia noted that Twilght’s wings, which had been tense, now relaxed. That must have been something Cadance taught her. She approved. “So, Twilight, you said that it was urgent I come North and meet with you and Cadance. May I ask why?” Celestia asked. “Of course, but I’d rather discuss it in private.” Twilight glanced around the grand hall, and Celestia followed her gaze, noting the guards and servants present, going about their business. “By all means. Let’s retire to somewhere... more comfortable?” Celestia suggested. “Right! I’ve got some mint tea waiting for us in my room. I’ll just let Cadance know you’re here, and then I’ll join you.” Twilight gestured to a nearby Crystal Guard, who approached the Princesses. Celestia took a moment to examine the Crystal Guard’s livery. They wore silver armor, studded with crystals that ran in a line down their back, and layered with black padding underneath. Their helms were of a more classic make, ornate, and styled similarly to her own guard’s helmets. “Princess?” asked the guard. “Please escort Celestia to my room. Princess Cadance and I will be joining her shortly,” stated Twilight, smiling at the Guard politely. “Yes, Princess,” replied the guard, before turning to Princess Celestia and giving her a respectful bow. “Princess, if you’d follow me, please.”
- IX -- IX - Luna held up a hoof, stopping Celestia as she spoke. “Hold thy tongue, sister, something is amiss.” “What is it, Luna?” asked Celestia, looking around. Luna stood up slowly, glancing around, her ears slowly canting back to lie flat on her head. “I sense a presence with us in the dream realm.” Celestia got to her hooves, standing beside her sister. “That’s not possible, is it? You’re the only one that can traverse the dream realm.” “That is... partly true. There is another, though,” Luna replied. Luna’s horn lit up, a translucent shield spell erecting itself around her, and Celestia reacted on instinct, throwing up her own shield spell. The royal dining hall suddenly grew darker around them, and a thick black smoke began to pour from under the doors. Celestia took a step back, and Luna spun to face her. “Sister! Awaken thyself!” The doors to the dining hall exploded as Celestia hurled herself bodily out of the nearest window. She found herself facing a four story drop from the upper levels of the palace, and she folded her wings tightly against herself, plummeting towards the ground. The ground rushed to meet her, and Celestia felt a stirring of panic and fear as a rushing sensation filled her being. With a yelp, Celestia awoke, standing up in the middle of the ancient bed, every ward and counterspell she knew flaring to life in a prismatic web of brilliance about her being. Disoriented and, for once, afraid, she lashed out immediately. Blasts of manafire spiraled out from her body as her horn burned red-hot, and she launched herself towards the doors, which exploded on contact with her shield spells. Her wings flared open as she slid to a panting stop in the middle of the building, which shuddered as the aftershocks of her attack spells rippled through the building. Celestia made for the doors, dashing through them, as pieces of lunar rock fell around her. She made it to the street before the building collapsed, sending a cloud of dust into the air and filling the area with choking sediment. Celestia coughed, trotting swiftly away from the mess, and waited in the center of a side-street, her every nerve on edge. She turned in a slow circle, attentive and waiting. Nothing happened. Celestia slowly exhaled. What had happened in her dream? That hadn’t been normal, or something of her subconscious’ creation. A specter that was enough to make Luna afraid was something that was formidable indeed. Especially when that specter was invading Luna’s own realm. Celestia shivered, sitting down in the dust, her wings flaring open briefly before she tightened them around herself. She waited several moments before her nerves finally calmed and the slight tremor in her hooves left her. Standing up, Celestia slowly walked back up the street to examine the damage she’d caused to the empty city. She turned the corner and winced, noting that the five-story building was nothing more than a pile of rubble now. Exhaling, she turned, and resumed her trek toward the center of the crater.
- X -- X - Celestia moved at a slow pace, watching the surrounding buildings. She was still feeling uneasy after the encounter in the dream realm with the shadowy presence. Her defenses were still fully powered, the true mark of the level of worry she had reached. Around her, the buildings had changed again. What had been experimental architecture had turned strange. The buildings had begun to not make sense. Windowless towers pierced towards the black, and there were large complexes that seemed to serve no purpose. Corners twisted in on each other, the roads began to stray and meander to accommodate the overly large buildings. All sense of careful planning was lost in this section of the city. Celestia found herself set even further on edge by the insane architecture. She walked down a curving street that seemed to twist away from the center of the crater, and was forced to take a side road that was squeezed between two buildings. She paused, peering into a doorway covered with symbols and strange, unintelligible runes. She pushed open the heavy door, and looked into the room, gasping slightly. The rooms walls were covered in spikes of rock, jutting out at irregular angles. A skeletal statue of an alicorn wearing a crown stood in the center of the room, it’s eyeless gaze fixed on the ceiling. Celestia’s wide eyes followed the angle of the statue upwards, and shrunk back from the doorway, recoiling. The ceiling was decorated with the carved, mutilated faces of hundreds of ponies, their mouths all open in a unending scream. Celestia forced her eyes downward, away from the horrific spectacle, and spotted a glinting mirror, placed at the foot of the pedestal of the statue. Swallowing hard, Celestia used her telekinesis to snatch up the discarded artifact, and drew it close to her. She activated the magics of the mirror. Nightmare Moon stared out of the mirror at Celestia, her mouth stretched into a rictus grin, her eyes wide and terrifying in their intensity. “Year two-hundred and fifty six.” Celestia shivered, and Nightmare Moon brought her eye in close to the mirror, until her blue-tinted pupil filled the frame. “Hello, sister.” Celestia stifled a scream, dropping the mirror into the dust at her hooves. Nightmare Moon laughed, a strained and broken sound. “I’ve been talking with you a lot lately. Your council is...much appreciated.” The angle of the mirror shifted, and Nightmare Moon pressed her face against the skull of the tall alicorn skeleton statue, nuzzling it with a quiet giggle. “Thanks to you, I’ve found the solution. I know how to escape, dearest sister.” “I will see you in the blink of an eye, sister... dearest Celestia... I’m so looking forward to it. Our reunion will be talked about for thousands of years, sung in tales by chained bards in the center of every city of my black world.” Nightmare Moon’s face stared out of the mirror, speaking out to nopony. “I wonder how many ponies understand the concept of cannabalism? Well, don’t worry. We’ll teach them, together... because I will eat your heart before your little ponies. I will eat you, Celestia, and I will keep you alive for every...” Nightmare Moon’s grin widened, and her voice grew quieter, “...Single...” the barest whisper, now, floated out of the mirror, “...Bite.” Celestia shuddered as the mirror’s message ended. Nightmare Moon had found a way to escape? But... she hadn’t. She’d been on the moon for the whole of a thousand years. What was going on? Turning away, and leaving the mirror discarded in the dust, Celestia began walking once more towards the center of the crater.
- XI -- XI - Celestia rounded a corner, the twisted urban landscape looming over her. The buildings had become almost organic in nature, looking less built and more grown. The landscape was nightmarish, all semblance of order gone now, replaced with roads that led to nowhere, pits that suddenly dropped into the ground, and an overhead canopy of bizarre construction that blotted out the stars overhead. Celestia felt tired, both physically and emotionally. The trek to the center of the crater had been harrowing. In places, as the buildings had activated due to her proximity, they’d begun to fall apart. Unknown hundreds of years of disuse had taken their toll, and even the reduced gravity of the lunar surface could no longer compensate for the city’s non-euclidean and nonsensical growth. Celestia crouched low, ducking her head beneath a walkway just a few feet above ground level that twisted in a corkscrew. She looked farther ahead, down the path, and stopped in her tracks. The buildings simply ended. Celestia slowly approached the edge of the city. Finally, she stood beyond the last insane construct, and looked out on a massive, flat, circular plane. The city stood like a coral reef around this barren spot, protecting it from view, hiding the very center of the crater. Celestia took a few steps out into the empty and perfectly flat area, examining it carefully. Why had the construction ended so abruptly? What was here? Celestia began walking around the edge of the circular area, and noted a line drawn along the flat lunar rock, carved deep. Celestia’s gaze followed the line, noting its subtle curve, and did a few quick calculations. “A perfect circle.” She stepped over the edge of the massive circle, and began walking inward, towards the very center. As she walked, dozens of glowing black runes began to manifest themselves in the rock around her hoofsteps, and Celestia paused, examining them carefully. They were the pieces of some colossal spell, a massive arcane endeavor. Each rune was suffused with power, even after all this time. Celestia gave up attempting to interpret the spell’s use, realizing that with the sheer size of the circle and the amount of runes present in just this small area she could see, it would take her months of work to read the full spell. Besides, something had caught her eye. There was a small raised platform in the center of the circle. Celestia approached the platform, her steps slowing as the runes of the inscribed spell grew in power and size. Her final step took her to the very edge of the platform, and revealed a massive glowing circle filled with arcane runes for focusing, centered on the platform. Whatever spell this was was one of incredible power and potency. The focusing runes and the amount of energy within them was enough to nearly quadruple the input strength of the arcane spell surrounding the platform, building and binding all that potential arcane energy that filled the mile-wide circle of runes into a spot barely large enough for Celestia to lay down on. On top of this platform, the very central focus of the great spell, was a mirror. Celestia hesitated. Whatever spell this had been, it was strong enough to still be potent after what was no doubt hundreds of years. The mirror may have been the focal point. She wasn’t certain, and being unsure meant that she couldn’t take chances. What if she activated the spell again? She had no idea what it would do. It could fail, or it could be devestating. Her only consoling factor was that whatever it was that Nightmare had attempted here had failed. It had to have failed. Nightmare Moon had never returned until the end of her thousand-year exile. This whole spell, whatever it was, had never worked. With that thought in mind, Celestia used her telekinesis to grasp the mirror and activate it’s magic. She tensed as she did, ready for any sort of reaction from the ancient spell, but nothing happened. She exhaled slowly, relief flooding her features. The soft, frightened voice that floated from the mirror, however, changed all that. “...Hello?” Celestia froze in place. No. It wasn’t possible. “We hope this works... our name is Princess Luna of Equestria. We have found ourselves... displaced from our homeland, and somehow placed upon the surface of the moon. How we hath found ourselves in such a position, we do not know. We hath found ourselves in the center of a great, arcane spell, the likes of which we hath never before seen. The work is intricate and of intense power, and we assume it hath something to do with our current predicament.” Celestia slowly lifted her gaze to look into the mirror. “We appear to be unable to translocate or teleport ourselves from our current location. Perhaps the spell is preventing us from doing so. Thus, we shall endeavor to explore yon city, and hopefully find the makers of such... odd constructs.” Celestia stared at the face of her dearest, beloved sister, Princess Luna. Gone was the taint of Nightmare Moon, the draconian eyes and shadowed etheral mane. Luna looked concerned, but not overly so. Celestia sat down heavily, lifting a hoof to her chest as she listened to her sister’s recording. “If it be any of mine loyal subjects that discover this message, know that we are safe. If it be mine sister that doth listen to this, then... know I am safe. Look for me in the city. I will await thine rescue eagerly.” Celestia had been wrong. She shivered, tears rising to her eyes unbidden. Nightmare Moon had escaped her prison. The spell had done its job, and the Nightmare's imprisonment had ended...as Luna took her place. Celestia tilted her head back, letting out a helpless scream, tears streaming down her face. She barely heard the end of the ancient message “Sister, you may find me by mine arcane mark, which I shalt leave at regular intervals along mine path through yon city.” Luna sounded so strong. How was she to know that her own, beloved sister’s folly had been what had placed her in this situation? How was she to know that she would be trapped for over seven-hundred years on the moon, alone? To lose her mind? Celestia lay down upon the platform as the message faded away, and wept.
- XII -- XII - “Sister.” Celestia sobbed quietly. “I’m sorry. I’m sorry.” “Sister? Open thine eyes. Thou art dreaming again.” Celestia’s eyes flew open, and she sat up swiftly. She was sitting in the banquet hall in Canterlot Palace again, and Luna was at her side, her face full of concern. “Luna...” Celestia gasped, glancing around. “How did I get here?” “Thou must have fallen asleep. What is wrong, Celestia?” asked Luna. “I... just discovered something awful,” breathed Celestia, trying to compose herself without much success. “Let me share thy burden, sister. Tell me what thou hath discovered, and be swift, for I have much to tell thee,” spoke Luna with urgency in her voice. Celestia shook her head. “I need a moment. Please, speak first.” “Very well.” Luna glanced around briefly, before continuing. “The manifestation thou saw when last we spoke was a remnant of a shadow upon my realm of dreams. I would have assumed that it was the... spirit... of Nightmare Moon. The presence of a dark power that stays in a place for an extended period of time may leave a residual effect in my realm of dreams for those that stay nearby. What thou saw was not Nightmare Moon, but just the effect of her prolonged stay on the lunar surface.” “I suppose that makes sense,” murmured Celestia. “However, sister, there is another issue.” Celestia looked up, meeting Luna’s gaze, which had grown deeply concerned. “What is it, Luna?” “I cannot locate thee on the moon. Thou may be shielded from me by some power, or the spell that binds thee there. Nor can I find this city hidden on the dark side of the moon, within the crater.” Celestia nodded. “I... figured as much. I’m afraid that I may be stuck here for a bit longer... but I’m learning much... perhaps too much.” Luna leaned forward. “Tell me.” Celestia swallowed, unable to meet her sister’s intense gaze. “Luna... Nightmare Moon... did something on the moon, while she was in exile... she used a spell to... subsume herself within your mind, hidden away.” Luna’s eyes widened. “Thou cannot mean to say...?” “Yes. You were the one that was forced to live out her exile on the moon, while she slumbered, dormant, inside your mind, waiting for the stars to aid her escape.” Luna shivered. “I don’t remember any of it.” “The nightmares, Luna. The city in your dreams. It is here, this place,” Celestia said, her voice growing quiet. Luna swallowed hard, looking away from Celestia for a moment, before casting her grim gaze once more on her sister. “No matter. The priority is recovering you from the moon, dearest sister. We can speak more of what transpired later. The manifestation of the Nightmare will come again, swiftly, so our time is short. Please, you must tell me all you can remember of how you were brought to the moon. Last you spoke, you were telling me of the Crystal Palace, and meeting with Twilight and Cadance.” Celestia nodded, drawing strength from her sister’s own conviction. “Yes. The Crystal Palace... Twilight had called me there to assist her with a dangerous task.”
- XIII -- XIII - Celestia stalked down the corridors deep beneath the Crystal Palace, Twilight and Cadance at her side. All three of their horns lit up the deep black of the ancient, labyrinthine dungeons, an bleak addition made by King Sombra during his reign over the Crystal Empire. The glass-like walls of obsidian were like an evil echo of the beautiful halls above. “So, tell me about this spell,” asked Celestia. “Well, Cadance and I had been working on cleaning out the dungeons. We were thinking of converting them into storerooms and making use of the lower part of the palace once more, but we had to be certain that King Sombra hadn’t left any nasty surprises behind,” said Twilight. “And had he?” Celestia inquired, her brow arching with interest. “To say the least, yes. He’d filled the lower dungeons with his black magics. Twilight and I were able to destroy or disable many of the spells he’d woven into many of the rooms, but there was one that was far beyond us,” Cadance replied, frowning. The three alicorns halted before a ordinary looking door, made of old wood. Twilight carefully pushed it open. “This is it.” Celestia blinked as the door opened, revealing a small, square, empty room. “This?” Twilight nodded. “This one is positively diabolical. Watch.” Twilight glanced around, and retrieved a small shard of obsidian from the floor. She hefted it in her hoof, then lightly tossed it into the room... … only, the crystal disappeared as soon as it crossed the threshold. Celestia frowned. “Ah. A translocation spell, hidden behind a powerful illusion. Very dangerous indeed.” “We figured we might be out of our league on this one,” Cadance said, sounding embarrassed. Twilight looked frustrated, her ears flattening and her eyes narrowing as she glared at the doorway. “I did my best, Princess, but no matter what I did I couldn’t figure out how to unmake even a single part of the spell.” “King Sombra was very powerful, my faithful—” Celestia caught herself, and smiled at Twilight, chuckling softly. Twilight blushed, giggling. “Old habits, huh?” “Indeed.” Celestia’s horn lit up as she tested the power of the spell, and nodded. “This is a very complex trap. You did well to call me here.” Celestia felt the magic through her horn. The entrance of the doorway was like a web of tangled arcane energy, almost visible to one such as herself. The weaving of the magic was like staring at a complex and beautifully made knot. Experimenting, she tugged at one edge of the web, and with a sudden snap, the spell unraveled. The doorway shimmered, and revealed a room with several shelves of tomes and books. One such book sat open on a pedestal, a black silk bookmark placed on the page. Twilight and Cadance’s eyes widened in surprise, and Celestia’s face mirrored their own. “Wow. I guess I still have a lot to learn, huh?” said Twilight, looking sheepish. Cadance smiled at Twilight. “Maybe it was like when I bring a jar of pickles to Shining Armor to open after I can’t get it. I loosened it up, and it just took a little extra muscle to finish opening.” Twilight and Cadance shared a laugh, and Twilight took a step forward into the room. “Well, let’s check out those books! If I’m not mistaken, that one looks like a—” “Twilight! Wait!” Celestia felt it, just as it happened. A second trap, hidden within the first, was sprung, and with horror Celestia saw that Twilight was blissfully unaware as the lines of arcane energy descended around her as she entered the room. Celestia reacted on instinct, as something deep and motherly threw her into harms way, as if she was protecting a precious child. In a sense, perhaps, she was. Celestia’s teleportation spell reached out, grasping Twilight like a lasso of golden energy, and returned her to the hallway. The magical trap Twilight had sprung was far more crafty, though, and instead of catching Twilight in its grasp, it clung to Celestia’s teleportation spell. Celestia felt an insistent tug, which she resisted. The trap’s magic suddenly doubled in intensity, and Celestia’s gold-shod hooves dug into the floor as she was pulled by her horn towards the doorway. Celestia knew she could defeat this spell. She could win... but to do so would unleash energies that would be devastating, not only to the surrounding foundation of the palace, but to Twilight and Cadance, who were so close by that they could not help but be caught in the conflagration of magical energies. So it was with a sense of serenity that Celestia let her defenses drop, and she fell into the trap.
- XIV -- XIV - Luna nodded to Celestia. “Sister, I fear thou art out of time. The shadow approaches once more, and it is time to awaken.” Celestia nodded. “Thank you, Luna. I’m so glad you’re here.” “I’m happy that thou are well, sister, and that is mine only concern. If Sombra was involved, there may be other dark magics at work. It seems odd that he would send thee to the moon, does it not?” asked Luna. “I thought that too, but I haven’t really taken the time to consider it. I’ve been exploring these ruins,” Celestia explained. “Indeed... I shall discuss this matter further with Twilight Sparkle and Cadance. Perhaps they will be able to offer further insight as to the nature of the spell that took you.” Luna smiled. “Thou should wake thineself up. Time grows short.” Celestia nodded, and focused herself on awakening from the dream. After a few moments of intense focus, she felt a peculiar falling sensation. Celestia opened her eyes. She was lying in the middle of the slab of rock in the center of the massive spell. She stood up slowly, sighing. “Nothing is ever easy, is it?” she murmured. Stretching herself out, she shook out her mane and yawned, before cantering towards the edge of the circle. She began walking around the circumference of the flat plane, looking carefully. Her sister had left a trail, and she intended to follow it. Perhaps she would find more answers. After several minutes of walking, a sigil on the corner of a nearby building reacted to her presence. A moon and star symbol with an arrow pointed her ahead, down the street and back into the twisting cityscape. Celestia placed a hoof gently on the symbol, feeling the power of her sister’s magic, like a arcane fingerprint. It was comforting in its familiarity, and Celestia smiled softly, before trudging onward into the city once more. Following the marks her sister left on the sides of buildings, she followed the trail for an hour as it meandered through the city, Luna’s path one of careful exploration. Celestia noted a new symbol alongside another direction marker. This one was of a sun, styled like her cutie mark, with an arrow pointing down. Celestia bend down, examining the ground, and discovered that a tile of the road had been loosened. She lifted it with her magic, revealing a mirror secreted in a hollow space beneath the tile. Lifting it, Celestia activated the mirror. Luna’s face appeared once more. “Sister, we assume that it is thou that will be discovering this message. We leave it for thee. I have explored many of the buildings of this place. Whomever the architect was...was undoubtedly insane. The architecture is twisted, and leaves us with a feeling of great unease.” Luna’s voice grew quiet. “Further... we feel as thou we art being watched. We hath not seen any observers, and as far as we can tell, the city is abandoned.” The angle of the mirror shifted slightly, showing a nearby building. “We intend to explore this building next, and then move on from this locale. We have noted that the further we get from the center of the ruins, the more organized the city becomes. Hopefully there will be more answers there.” Celestia glanced at the building, before returning her gaze to the mirror. Inside it, Luna smiled. “Hopefully, thou will find us soon. We would love to explore such a place as this with thee. ‘twould be like an adventure of the olden days, eh, sister?” Celestia laughed softly as the message dispersed, and murmured, “Perhaps, sister, it can still be an adventure for me to share with you, when you find me.” Leaving the mirror in its hiding spot, Celestia moved on towards the far edge of the city, following Luna’s ancient trail.
- XV -- XV - Celestia walked for several hours, following Luna’s route. She had been thoroughly investigating many of the buildings, and Celestia had followed in her proverbial hoofprints. She halted before a massive building with multiple towers that projected off at odd angles from the roof, noting a sigil pointing inside. Celestia entered cautiously, noting the interior to be almost normal in comparison to some of the grotesque decorations of several buildings. This room was curious, with several sets of stairs running up into the upper levels. Celestia chose the central-most staircase and ascended into the next story, halting there. A skeletal tree had been built in this room, with runes marring the glassy surface texture. The mana lights here were acid-green, and cast the room in an eerie glow. There was a shattered mirror sitting in the center of the room. Celestia approached the pieces, examining them with interest. She gathered the broken shards together and activated the lingering spell. A fractured picture of Nightmare Moon appeared. Her eyes were wild, darting around and never focusing, and she appeared agitated. She spoke in a rasping whisper. “Sister... I wonder if you’ll ever come here? Find this message.” Celestia shivered. Nightmare Moon looked around, turning in a circle. The angle shifted, and she appeared to be lying on the floor, recording from a reclined position. “I built this room for you, Celestia. For you...” Celestia looked around. Nightmare Moon chuckled. “I know I haven’t talked with you much, lately. The days blend together, here. Building consumes my time, saps my energy. Sometimes... I wish to die. It’d be a kindness.” Nightmare’s wild gaze suddenly focused, her draconic eyes piercing through the veil of time to look into Celestia’s own. “What you did to me is cruel punishment of the worst kind. I hope you know that. I hope you understand.” Nightmare Moon leaned forward. “I’ve always promised that your torment would end, sister. I’ve always promised to end you. Your agony might be horrific and painful, but your torment would be over in a matter of... years. Maybe months. I would tire of your torture, your suffering, and I would let you slip into death.” “This, though?” Nightmare’s eyes widened, rolling in their sockets. “This is cruelty that I could never conceive of! The cruelty of kindness!” Nightmare Moon’s eyes closed, and tears ran down her face. “A thousand years, Celestia! You should have killed me!” Her deep blue eyes opened again, and Celestia took a step back, her legs shaking as she witnessed the depths of her greatest enemy’s pain and suffering. The image in the mirror faded, and Celestia dropped the pieces onto the floor once more, breathing hard as she tried to keep from sobbing. She turned, making to leave the room, and saw a sigil of a sun, with an arrow pointing down to the floor, where a unbroken mirror waited. Celestia gasped, looking back at the shattered mirror for a moment, before sitting down. She levitated the mirror to float before her, and activated the spell. Luna face appeared, her eyes wide and frightened. “We...I... I pray that what I hath just discovered to be a ruse... but I know it not to be so, no matter how much I wish it.” Luna’s ears drooped. “... I failed, didn’t I? I fell into the trap of jealousy and allowed it to warp me, to drag me down into my most terrible aspect of mineself. I became the Nightmare, didn’t I?” Celestia reached a hoof out, touching the mirror, desperate to reach through time and offer this specter of her sister’s past comfort. Luna inhaled a deep, shuddering breath. “Some memories are returning, resurfacing of... war. Death. I fought thou, sister?” Luna shook her head, hiccuping as she held back tears. “Thou banished mine terrible aspect for a thousand years, locked me away on the moon, didn’t thee? I... do not blame thee, sister... only I know now that rescue from thou will not be coming...” Luna smiled bitterly, her careful mask of stoicism crumbling as her lips trembled and tears fell from her beautiful, dark eyes. “N-not unless I can reach thee.” Luna inhaled a long breath, letting it out slowly, and nodded. “I will focus mine efforts. If I can reach thee, get a message out, then assuredly thou wilt come to fetch me.” Celestia set the mirror slowly down, doing her best to compose herself as she lifted a trembling hoof to wipe the tears from her cheeks. The trail continued beyond this room. She knew that. She’d seen the next sigil beyond this house. Luna hadn’t given up hope. Neither would she.
- XVI -- XVI - Celestia sat down, resting her hooves for a moment. The walk through the city’s edges was taking its toll on her. She’d been at it for hours and hours, losing track of time as she followed Luna’s trail. Luna had begun moving directly towards the edge of the city, her prior penchant for taking meandering routes and exploring gone. She wanted out of the city, as did Celestia. Celestia rolled onto her side, sighing as she stretched her legs out into the air, her wings spreading open beneath her. It was a rather undignified position, but she didn’t care much. It felt nice to stop and stretch. She’d need to head for the light side of the moon soon enough, anyway. It’d been a long time since she’d taken in the sun’s rays and recharged her energy. Her stomach had finally stopped growling, her biological processes beginning to run on arcane power fully. Celestia smiled slightly, wriggling on her back and waving her hooves in the air, before relaxing and shifting back to a sitting position. She stood up and shook herself, sending a cloud of lunar dust into the atmosphere. Glancing down at her dusty coat, she shrugged. It wasn’t like anypony was going to walk around the corner and see her. Celestia began following Luna’s trail once more, checking down side-streets occasionally for other sigils or points of interest. As she rounded the corner of a particularly large building, she saw the edge of the city, where the smaller and poorly built buildings began, and a very tall piece of construction started just beyond the final row of hovels. Celestia stared up at the spiraling ramp that spiked towards space. Glowing runes that shone like stars covered the pyramid-like building, lighting it with a unique beauty that was far different from the regalia and dark colors and lights of Nightmare Moon’s empty city. Luna had built this. Celestia strode forward, her mouth dropping open as she approached. The pyramid itself wasn’t particularly well built, but the sheer size of the thing was impressive. What’s more, the runes of a complex magical spell wove their way up the pyramid’s four sides, spiraling towards the unseen topmost point. Celestia moved toward the ramp that spiraled along the outside of the pyramid and began to climb. She read the runes as she walked towards the top, paying close attention to each etched piece of arcane calligraphy. “What was your plan, sister? What does this do?” Celestia recognized runes of strengthening and empowering, runes of piercing and reaching, runes to enhance clarity and solidify that which was uncertain. It took Celestia nearly two hours at a slow walk to reach the top of the pyramid, which finally tapered to a point with a shard of carefully cut glass making the penultimate peak. Celestia examined the glass, noting that the etched surface bore the runes for speaking. Celestia thought back to the runes of the spell she’d been reading on the way up, and it fell into place. Celestia reached out and touched a hoof to the glass shard, and channeled her energy into the pyramid. The entire structure lit up even more strongly, white light flowing from the peak of the pyramid and filtering slowly towards the base as Celestia poured her arcane power into the construct. The pyramid trembled and the glass shard began to reverberate, letting out a high-pitched hum that grew and built in power. Celestia closed her eyes as the sound of the humming glass sent shivers down her spine, keeping her focus intact as she completely powered the pyramid. Finally, feeling the spell of the pyramid come to a head, Celestia spoke softly. “Luna.” The glass pulsed and hummed, and then began to reverberate. Celestia frowned, and using her horn she pushed some additional energy into the runes of speaking etched on the glass. The reverberation changed pitch and tone as she gave it more energy, and finally, a high-pitched and tinny sounding voice could be heard, just barely, over the rumbling of the pyramid below her. “I he—thing?” Celestia spoke again. “Luna, can you hear me?” “Jus—ow! I—mething!” Celestia scowled, trying to boost the clarity of the signal. Using her horn, she etched a burning rune for clearness into the glass shard. The glass began to tremble, growing unstable as it vibrated. “Luna, can you hear me?” “Sist—? Is th—ou?” Celestia laughed, smiling. “Yes! I’ve found an arcane construct that you built on the moon. I’m using it to communicate with you!” “Cel—ia, it—ard to he—you! Y—aid you fo—a const—?” “Yes. It’s how I’m speaking with you, but I fear the spell will not hold,” Celestia stated urgently. The glass began to vibrate more violently, the shard rumbling. Celestia scowled as she listened for a reply. “Sist—ou a—n the moon!” “Speak again, Luna. The message is weak,” Celestia urged her sister. “Y—on the mo—!” Celestia blinked, squinting. “I’m going to try something.” Bending down low, Celestia glanced at the closest runes, examining them carefully. She reached out and drew her horn over one of the runes of power, and replaced it with a new rune for focusing. The vibrating stopped. Celestia stood up, looking at the glass. It was still trembling, but only barely. “Luna?” “Sister! You must focus on thy surroundings! Look for th—” The glass suddenly cracked, halting whatever Luna was saying prematurely. Celestia reached a hoof up to the glass shard, intending to mend it with a spell, but when her hoof made contact, her entire body shook. She released the glass swiftly, her mouth opening in surprise. The vibrating hadn’t stopped, it had simply reached such intensity that it was barely visible. The tone it was producing must have been beyond her own hearing. That meant only one thing to Celestia. Overload. Spinning around, Celestia took a flying leap, her wings spreading open as she dove for the lower levels of the pyramid below her. The glass shattered as it shook itself apart, exploding like a bomb and sending sharp fragments everywhere. Celestia cried out as something buried itself in her back, but maintained her glide, hitting a lower platform hard and sliding to a stop. Celestia collapsed onto her haunches as pain lanced through her lower back, letting out a yelp. She craned her neck to look and noted the crimson blood rolling down her back, emanating from a sliver of glass about the size and shape of her horn sticking out of her. Celestia whimpered, biting her lower lip and looking away from the wound. Steeling herself, she looked again, carefully examining the injury. She used a spell to dull the pain, gasping in relief as the stabbing throb subsided, clearing her head. Casting a second spell, she assessed the damage caused to her, making sure it was safe to extract the broken shard without causing further damage. Celestia winced. Inside her, the shard was jagged and shattered. She shivered, gritting her teeth, and gripped the bloody glass with her telekinesis, readying further spells of mending and healing. She exhaled slowly, preparing herself. “One. Two. Three.” Celestia pulled.
- XVII -- XVII - Celestia panted for breath, a few tears rolling down her face, as she flung the shard of glass aside, her healing spells already closing the injury. It was a superficial wound, but still painful. Celestia sat for a few moments, eyes closed, letting her spells finish as the pain subsided. It’d been a long time since she’d been truly hurt, and the freshness of the sensation was overwhelming. Celestia exhaled slowly and peered at her back. The only thing to mark where the wound had been was a few red streaks that marred her white coat. She shook her head, clearing it of the last traces of pain, and carefully stood up. Her legs trembled slightly from the shock, and her head spun, so she sat down once more. Lifting her head towards the upper section of the pyramid, Celestia contemplated what she’d learned. Luna had created the construct she was resting upon to contact Equis, but for whatever reason it had never worked. It was odd, considering she’d been able to activate it and use it to speak with Luna. Celestia frowned. She needed some answers. After resting for a few minutes more, Celestia tested her strength again. When her legs didn’t shake and her head didn’t spin, she began moving at a slow walk, making her way down the ramp on the side of the pyramid. Once she reached the base of the pyramid, she began walking around it, searching for any messages left behind for her. As luck would have it, she stumbled on a sun glyph, with an arrow pointing toward the ground. Celestia sifted through the lunar dust at the base of the pyramid and discovered a mirror. Luna’s face appeared in the surface of the mirror as Celestia activated the message spell. Her sister looked distraught, beaten. “I’ve attempted to contact Equis for several months now, to no avail. Either my spell is not working, or I’m simply being ignored. It is impossible to tell. I’ve re-structured the runic components of the spell several times, trying to gain better results, but it has achieved nothing, other than depleting my energy. I believe it is time to give up, for now, and attempt something else. I do not know how long Nightmare Moon was trapped here, before I regained control over myself. I do not know how many more years of my exile remain. I can only hope that there is a way to escape my confines... but I already am beginning to feel that hope is lost.” Luna’s face fell. “Thus, I will attempt to fill my time here with various pursuits, in order to stave off the insanity that Nightmare Moon no doubt experienced. I can only hope that the solitude will not be too much to bear. I will head towards the lighter side of the moon.” The message faded away, and Celestia sighed, setting down the mirror in the dust. It seemed, then, that her sister had resigned herself to wait out her time there. This was a dead end, perhaps, but Celestia felt determination rise within her. At the very least, she could explore further, follow Luna’s trail to the end. The thoughts of Luna jarred Celestia’s memory. When she’d contacted Luna, the present-day Luna on Equis, she had said to examine her surroundings, and look for... something. What could she have meant? Celestia scrutinized the area around her, wondering what she was supposed to be looking for. Nothing immediately stuck out to her. Was it something in the ruins? Another construct, perhaps? Sighing, Celestia stood up, and began walking in a wide circle around the pyramid. After several minutes of walking, she spotted a trail of hoofprints, leading away from the pyramid and the city, back towards the daytime side of the moon. Celestia followed the prints away, towards a further horizon.
- XVIII -- XVIII - Celestia followed the hoofprints through a cratered landscape, her pace steady. She’d passed through the twilit highlands between the dark side of the moon and the bright side. The sun had been a welcome sight, and she’d taken a long break to drink in the energy it provided her. Feeling recharged and with new energy coursing through her being, her course followed Luna’s ancient trail. Cresting a the lip of a small crater, Celestia’s eyes widened in surprise. The interior of this crater held within it a small-scale model of the ancient Canterlot Castle, wrought with intricate detail. Celestia approached the little castle, peering within at the sculpted lunar dust, held together by a few motes of binding magic. Her gaze traveled to the forward-most balcony, the same balcony that abutted the grand tower at the highest point of the castle, and smiled gently. Two miniature alicorns stood side-by-side. One was taller than the other, and bore a small sun insignia on her flank, while the other was more lithe, with an unmistakable lunar sigil. Celestia examined the two pieces, and then extended out a tendril of magic. The larger alicorn model’s legs bent and it sat down, as did the smaller one. Side by side they sat, and Celestia extended the large alicorn’s delicate dust wing over the shoulders of the smaller. Nodding, she stepped away from the fragile castle. Hoofsteps led away, up the side of the crater, and Celestia followed. As she left the crater, a flash of bright light appeared in the far distance, blindingly brilliant. Celestia raised an eyebrow in concern, and trotted towards the light. It took her a few minutes to reach the sight of the flash. As she grew closer, she saw a figure, slumped in the dust, twitching. Celestia’s trot became a full blown gallop as she sprinted towards the downed form. She enhanced her movement speed with another spell, doubling her sprint’s pace, and arrived within mere moments. The figure was a gold-armored, grey-coated unicorn. A royal guard. One of her royal guards. Panting desparately, Celestia slid to a stop before the unicorn, extending her spells of breathing and atmosphere and warmth over the trembling form, and knelt at the guard’s side. He barely moved, his muscles spasming. Celestia desperately wove spells of healing around his body, pouring her strength into stabilizing the unicorn. The trembling slowly subsided, and Celestia desperately turned the stallion over, unclasping his golden breastplate, and pressed her ear to his chest. His heart pulsed weakly, and Celestia closed her eyes, listening to the blessed sound. Sitting up after a moment, she began working again, coaxing warmth into his being. He’d been exposed for minutes to the harsh vacuum of space, and he’d nearly frozen to death. She feared for his extremities, which were still cold and stiff still. Finally, satisfied that she had done all she could for the unicorn, she lay down beside him, extending a wing over his back. Reaching one hoof up, she removed his helm. The spell of anonymity that was woven into the helmet dissipated, revealing his true form. His coat was a deep brown color, and his mane was a shockingly bright blue. She smiled at the unknown soldier. Author's Note Chapter posted on June 30th, edited slightly on July 1st to fix an accidental look-alike situation.
- XIX -- XIX - Celestia stayed by the unicorn stallion’s side for an hour, watching over him, before an idea suddenly crossed her mind. It seemed unlikely that this guard had stumbled into the same trap she had: no doubt Twilight and Cadance had sealed off the area. This meant that he had been sent here for a reason, most likely as a volunteer for a mission to attempt to locate her. She wondered why he’d failed to prepare spells to protect himself... and realized that it was possible that he simply hadn’t been strong enough to maintain the spells after the jarring relocation that was part of the trap. Celestia herself had only had mere moments to react to the loss of air and extreme temperature drop after being teleported to the moon, and her abilities were far beyond even the most competent royal guard. Celestia curled closer to the guard, extending a protective shield over both of them, and then closed her eyes, willing herself to fall asleep. It only took her a few minutes, her willpower strong enough to overcome her own lack of need for rest. Celestia felt the odd falling sensation that came with her transition from being awake to sleeping. She found herself in a different part of Canterlot, now. This time, it was Pony Joe’s Doughnut Shop, a personal favorite place of hers. A dream-Joe was there, humming to himself as he bustled about the back end of the shop. Celestia smiled, glancing down at the table before her. There was a plate of doughnuts. Of course. Celestia reached for a doughnut, but paused before she could grip one. She had more pressing matters than indulging her subconscious. Closing her eyes, she focused. “Luna.” She felt a hoof on her shoulder. “Celestia. It is good to see thou.” “I found one of my Royal Guards with me on the moon.” Celestia’s eyes narrowed as she turned to face her sister. “He nearly perished. Who sent him after me without giving him adequate protection?” Luna frowned. “It was he that volunteered, knowing the risks. Twilight Sparkle and I did all we could to prepare him, but the trap disables wards and spells as it acts its terrible magics upon those unfortunate enough to be caught by it.” Celestia nodded sharply. “I still don’t approve. I am fine here, sister.” “No, thou are not. We sent Light Stride after thee with a gem, woven with potent magics of detection, in order to facilitate our swift location of thee. The gem will help us discern thy whereabouts,” replied Luna. “You know where I am. On the moon. It should be you that came after me, Luna, not some fragile mortal pony!” Celestia reprimanded. Luna shook her head. “Thou do not understand, sister. Thou are not on the moon.” Celestia opened her mouth to retort, and just as quickly closed it, her eyes growing wide. Luna nodded solemnly. “Thou are not on the moon. Twilight Sparkle, Cadance, and I have been to the lunar surface and scoured for signs of thee. None were found, neither on the dark nor light side.” “I... don’t understand.” “Nor do we. Twilight Sparkle is currently using the gem to scry thine location. Hopefully with its powerful magic signature to hone our search, we will be able to find Light Stride, and thou as well.” Celestia pondered this quietly for a moment, before nodding. “What should I do, then? Light Stride is hurt... wherever I am. Regardless of our true location, the place we appear to be in is a harsh and airless climate.” “Trust nothing,” stated Luna calmly. “Thy senses have been fooled. However, for the time being, perhaps it is best to... play along?” Celestia nodded. “Very well. I’ll rest and wait for Light Stride to recover, and perhaps together we can begin to puzzle out our situation, while you, Twilight, and Cadance discern our true location. I’ll sleep again soon, and you can inform me of your findings then.” “Very well, sister.” Luna reached out and pulled Celestia into a hug. “Be careful.” “I will.” Celestia willed herself to wake up... and nothing happened. Luna leaned back from her sister, frowning. “Thou shouldst awaken, sister. Though thou are not on the moon, the dark presence still lingers in thy dreamscape.” “I can’t wake up.” Luna frowned. “That is odd.” “I’m being held in this dream, I think,” said Celestia, slowly standing up. “By whom?” asked Luna, standing as well, turning to watch the the restaurant carefully. “I do not know.” The two sisters stood quietly, moving in cautious steps until they were flank-to-flank, covering each other’s back. Celestia frowned. “I can sense something.” “The presence comes!” cried Luna, her wings spreading open as her horn lit the diner with a blue glow. “I feel it,” replied Celestia, her own horn igniting. The surrounding streets of canterlot filled with dark shadows, the buildings growing dim and then disappearing altogether, until all that remained was the diner. Celestia scowled, lowering her head, her eyes focused as her defensive spells flared to life, surrounding her in a shimmering matrix of golden energy. The shadows suddenly coalesced, gaining a form of thick, black smoke, which swirled around the windows. The glass began to vibrate violently. “Here it comes,” said Luna. Author's Note Despite power outages, I managed to get this up. Enjoy!
- XX -- XX - Two of the front windows of Joe’s diner shattered open, and viscous black smoke poured in, pooling on one end of the dining area. Celestia and Luna faced the threat, shoulder-to-shoulder, their horns glowing with power. They both sent beams of light lancing into the dark miasma, shattering it apart as it tried to coalesce. Inky liquid spattered the floor and nearby tables. Several of the windows on the right side of the room broke apart as more smoke slammed into the building. Turning to cover the new angle of attack, Luna unleashed blue flashes of energy, pushing away the oncoming blackness and blockading several of the windows with arcane shields. Celestia focused her magic on the front windows still, blasting away stray tendrils that attempted to enter the diner. Another window to the right shattered, and Luna shouted a warning. Celestia turned quickly, her shields flaring as a thick tentacle of darkness slammed into her defenses. The sheer force of the blow sent her flying backwards, to the left. She was defenestrated through one of the windows on the left side of the diner, skidding to a rolling halt in the cloud of black smoke. Celestia got to her hooves swiftly, her shields flickering as black smoke pressed against it. “Luna!” she cried desperately. “Celestia!” came the response, but it sounded muffled and distant. Celestia grimaced, her horn glowing red-hot as she empowered her strongest defenses, and prepared a counter-attack. With a yell, blinding light radiated from Celestia and her eyes burned with the strength of the sun. “I am Celestia, The Daybringer, Firstborn of the Morning, Daughter of Faust, Diarch of Equestria! I will not fall to the likes of you! Not so easily!” Celestia unleashed her fury, sending white-hot plasma spiraling around herself. Everywhere it touched the darkness, the shadowy smoke flash-evaporated, leaving only foul-smelling wisps. Her rage burned white hot, frying the area around her to bare rock, leaving nothing but a expanding crater of carbon and glass that exploded out from her with stellar violence. Celestia knelt in the center of the crater, panting. The smoke had retreated back, wavering in the face of her onslaught. Her horn burned and her mane hung limply around her, waving in an unseen solar wind. The shadows suddenly rushed inward again, collapsing around her being. She cried out as her defenses began to fail, and tendrils of shadow began to encroach on her being. She lashed out desperately, sending pure arcane fire against the miasma, but to little effect. She was lifted bodily from the ground, drug into the air like a puppet on a string, and dangled by a strong tendril of shadow by her forehooves. Deep red irises with acid-green corneas stared at her, narrowing with malice. Celestia returned the glare. “Sombra.” “Celestiaaaa... Its been so long,” oozed a deep voice from all around her. “What do you want?” asked Celestia. The shadows rippled and echoed the sound of harsh laughter. “Waaant?” “Yes. Your spell is holding me captive. You must want something, so tell me what you want with me,” demanded Celestia, trying to remain calm. “Ahhh. Yesss. What I want... is for you to break. Shatter into a million tiny pieces. You, and your sister, and your student, and the crystal princess.” Celestia shouted at him, “You want to kill me? Fine. But know that you won’t have as easy a time with the others. They will defeat you.” Sombra laughed again, the sound echoing eerily. “Who sssaid anything about killing? I said break, and I meant it. You’ve resisted ssso admirably, stoic in the face of your worst nightmares and deepest regrets. You’ve avoided me in your dreams. No longer, though. I have you, and I think I’ll try something new this time.” Celestia shivered. “What are you going to do.” “Psychological ssssuffering seemed ineffective. Let’s see how long you last against sssome real pain? I will shatter you, and your mind will become my vessel. I will pour into your essssence and pit you against all you hold dear. I will make you dessstroy all that you worked so hard to create, Princess, and I will laugh.” Celestia closed her eyes. “I won’t give you the chance. I’ll destroy myself first.” “You can do nothing to ssstop me!” crowed Sombra. Dark shadows pressed against Celestia’s body from every side, tendrils curling around her form. She felt incredible pressure begin to build, as though she was sinking to the deepest depths of the ocean, unprotected. Her breath came in smaller and smaller gasps, and her lungs ached. Celestia desperately struggled, her horn igniting again, but a flash of black energy snapped against her horn, canceling her attempted spellcasting. Her mouth opened in a desperate scream, and then she felt something strange. The icy-cold sensation of a horseshoe pressing against her face. The pressure halted, suddenly, and Sombra’s eyes widened. “What?” WHAM. Celestia sat bolt upright, her wings flaring open and her hoof shooting to her jaw, cradling it as it ached and throbbed, tears stinging her eyes as pain shot through her muzzle. She was on the moon again. The shadows were gone, and she was awake. One side of her face stung fiercely. Before her stood the unicorn stallion, her royal guard, in the sharpest stance of attention she’d seen in a hundred years. His eyes were squeezed shut, his ears drooped, and his legs trembled almost imperceptibly. His right hoof was still outstretched, the shod forelimb shaking. Celestia’s jaw would have dropped open, had it not ached so badly. Light Stride peeked one orange eye open, and his outstretched hoof shifted into a salute. “P-princess... I'm so sorry.” Celestia threw her hooves around his neck and grasped him into a desperate embrace, her chest heaving as she shook. Light Stride stood completely still, his training having never prepared him for a hug from his Princess.
- XXI -- XXI - Celestia’s shaking slowed, and then stopped. She took a careful step away from Light Stride, her hooves falling from his shoulders to rub briefly at her eyes. When she lowered her hooves from her face, she was composed, smiling gently. “Thank you.” Light Stride made to stammer another apology, but Celestia held up a hoof, quieting him. She spoke again. “You did what you had to do, Light Stride, and in the process you saved me from a terrible fate.” Bending down to look the uncomfortable stallion in the eye, her face grew serious. “You have my gratitude.” “Of course, Princess,” murmured Light Stride, one shaking hoof scuffing lightly in the dust. Celestia sat down. “You were very brave to come after me, my little pony.” Light Stride sat down quickly, his sense of decorum still somewhat intact, even if he had just recovered from being embraced by a goddess. “I wasn’t the only one to volunteer, Your Highness, I just happened to be chosen. My barrier magic is some of the strongest in the guard.” Celestia nodded. It made sense, of course. Many of the unicorns in the Royal Guard were chosen for outstanding abilities with specific types of magic. “Nonetheless, you are very lucky to be alive.” Celestia’s gaze shifted to look at the lunar landscape around her. “Have you been fully briefed on what is happening?” “Yes, Princess Celestia. I was told that wherever I was going was most likely an incredibly powerful magical illusion; strong enough to ensnare you completely. Princess Twilight Sparkle suspected King Sombra’s potent fear-based magic was involved,” replied Light Stride, delivering the statement with the efficiency Celestia had come to expect and admire in her guards. “Princess Twilight Sparkle was correct. I was assaulted by King Sombra in my dreams, just now.” Celestia reached up to her jaw, the stinging ache still a potent reminder of how close she had come to defeat. “Tell me, how did you know to wake me up?” Light Stride glanced away, looking uncomfortable. “You... seemed agitated.” Celestia frowned. He was hiding something. “And?” Light Stride returned his gaze to Celestia. “You said something.” Celestia chuckled. “Ah. Embarrassed to be privy to a Princess’s dream-fueled ramblings?” Light Stride nodded, looking relieved at her understanding. “Yes, Your Highness. What I heard was... not meant for mortal ears.” Celestia raised an eyebrow. “Oh? You’ll have to tell me what I said, now, Light Stride. You’ve piqued my curiosity.” Light Stride tapped his hoof in the dust for a moment, frowning. “You... cried out for the Holy Matriarch, your mother.” Celestia shivered. “I did?” “That’s how I knew you were in trouble, Highness.” Light Stride glanced down at his hooves. “To hear you calling out for your mother, like a frightened foal... was disturbing.” Celestia nodded. “I’m sorry that you were afraid for me.” Standing up, Celestia shook out her mane, and caught Light Stride as his jaw dropped open. Celestia glanced at herself, remembering that she was coated in lunar dust and her flank had dried blood spattered across it. She blushed. “Ah, you’ll have to excuse me. I’ve been... roughing it.” “I don’t doubt that, Princess,” said Light Stride, still looking a bit disconcerted. “Would you feel better if I cleaned myself up?” asked Celestia, smirking at his discomfort. “If it pleases you, Your Highness... yes, probably,” Light Stride replied, rubbing the back of his neck with one hoof awkwardly. “Well, that’s too bad!” Celestia laughed as Light Stride’s eyes widened. “I’ve been stuck on this moon for a long while, and you are too, now. If we’re going to get along, we are going to have to dispense with the formalities and focus ourselves on escaping our situation. I can’t have you genuflecting and bowing every few moments, or becoming uncomfortable when I do something that...lacks my more normal decorum. If we are to survive, we need to focus ourselves on the larger picture, and that picture doesn’t include bathing or courtly mannerisms.” Light Stride stared at her, mouth working to find words to respond. Celestia chuckled. “I appreciate the respect you give me, Light Stride, but things will be far easier for both of us if we simply act more at ease with one-another.” After a moment of obvious disquiet, Light Stride nodded. “Yes, Princess Celestia.” “That’s the first thing I’m stopping, actually. Call me Celestia.” Light Stride gaped at her for a moment, then shook his head. “I don’t think I can.” “Certainly, you can. Try it,” Celestia urged him. “Very well... C-celestia,” stammered Light Stride, his face turning red. “We’ll have to work on that,” murmured Celestia, giving Light Stride a wink. Celestia pondered for a moment. Light Stride was still obviously uncomfortable with the idea of treating her like he would any other pony. An idea came to her. “I might be able to put you more at ease. Stand, please.” Light Stride rose from his haunches, standing at attention. Celestia walked around his side and her horn lit up. The clasps of Light Stride’s armor lit up briefly, then undid themselves, and Celestia telekinetically lifted the golden armor from his back, and set it down in the dust. “There, that’s step one. You are officially off duty, Light Stride.” Light Stride shifted uncomfortably. He was a well built stallion, strong like all of her guards, with a cutie mark of a horseshoe superimposed over a star on his now-revealed flank. A red gem sat on a silver necklace around his neck; no doubt it was the gem with spells woven into it to help Luna, Twilight, and Cadance locate her. Celestia nodded, and then stepped out of her golden shoes, slid the jeweled torc from around her neck, and placed them on the ground next to Light Stride’s armor. Finally, she removed her crown, and set it atop the pile of regalia. Light Stride looked shocked, and Celestia smiled. “I’m off duty as well.” Ruffling her wings, she laughed. “My, it’s been a long time since I took off my regalia. I almost feel...naked.” Light Stride’s eyes nearly bugged out of his head, and he turned away from her. Celestia giggled. “I’m sorry, that was perhaps a bit too far to go for a reaction, but the look on your face was certainly nearly worth it.” Light Stride smiled weakly, still not looking at her. “V-very funny.” Celestia hid a smile behind her hoof, composing herself, and then trotted around to face Light Stride, who looked down to his hooves once more. Celestia flared out her wings. “Look at me.” Light Stride obeyed, looking up at her. Celestia smiled. “There. See? I may be a bit larger, but I’m not that much different from anypony else... horn and wings notwithstanding. You’ll have to get used to my humor, I’m afraid.” “Certainly P—Celestia,” replied Light Stride. Celestia turned away, and began walking. “Let’s get going. I was following my sister’s hoofprints towards...somewhere. Stay by my side.” Light Stride followed swiftly, staying close to Celestia. He asked, after a moment. “How... how are we following your sister’s hoofprints? I thought this was all an illusion.” “It is an illusion... but it is a believable one. I’ve found many interesting things, including a great tower that allowed me to briefly communicate with my sister.” Light Stride looked confused. “How does that work?” “I assume that the illusion draws from my subconscious expectations, making them reality, while also playing on my fears to twist them in an attempt to break my mind and leave me vulnerable,” explained Celestia. “Oh.” Light Stride was quiet for a moment, clearly pondering something, before asking, “So, why am I seeing the same thing as you?” Celestia beamed at Light Stride. “I haven’t the slightest idea!” Light Stride looked even more confused. “And that makes you... happy?” Celestia nodded. “It’s not often that something is mysterious to me. Since I am trapped, I’ve decided to make the best of things. Once my sister, Twilight, and Cadance have more information on our whereabouts, I’ll know better how to approach breaking free of the illusion. Until then, though, I am content to explore.” Light Stride nodded. “I suppose that makes sense.” Celestia smiled. “I’m glad you agree.” Together, Celestia and Light Stride walked towards the unknown.
- XXII -- XXII - Celestia walked at a fast pace, with Light Stride trailing slightly behind her. Her gaze was focused on the hoofprints that stretched towards a series of plateau-like rock formations. “Your Highness?” called Light Stride. “What’d I say about formality, Light Stride?” chided Celestia. “Sorry.” “What is it?” she asked, looking over her shoulder at the chestnut unicorn. “I’m just wondering what the plan is, Celestia,” he queried. Celestia slowed her pace, allowing Light Stride to walk next to her with greater ease. “My intention is to follow these hoofprints.” “To what end? Wouldn’t you be playing right into Sombra’s plans, by following where he wants you to go?” said Light Stride, looking concerned. Celestia smiled at Light Stride. “Perhaps, yes. However, I’m banking on this illusory trap that we find ourselves in working slightly differently.” “How are you hoping it works?” he asked. Celestia gestured to the hoofprints. “Well, it seems to me that this trap is...imperfect. I’ve discovered a helpful construct or two during my time here: things that have helped me communicate with my sister outside of dreams. This trap seems to react to my subconscious, focusing on my fears... but it uses my mind to come up with new ways to try and break me. So, I have a modicum of control over what we encounter.” Looking towards the distant plateaus, Celestia’s gentle smile became fiercer. “Those formations do not exist on the real moon, but I have made them real by manipulating my own recollection of the lunar surface. The illusion is strong, but not particularly intelligent. It simply draws on my subconscious expectations of what the moon should look like... and if I can manipulate the landscape, then I can do more complex things. However, I also need to play along with the illusion. It won’t allow me to simply change things at will. I need to follow its lead, while subtly manipulating the spell and slowly forcing it to give me advantages.” “Advantages?” Light Stride asked, looking excited. “Indeed. It might take some time, but I believe that eventually I’ll be able to put us in a situation that the illusion, despite its power, will not be able to properly process. In essence, it will tear itself apart trying to do something beyond its ability,” replied Celestia. Light Stride grinned, nodding to Celestia. “I knew you’d think of something.” Celestia winked. “You actually gave me the idea.” Light Stride laughed. “How’d I manage that?” “I was thinking how impossible it was that you were here, when I found you. I couldn’t believe it, to be honest. I’d been very lonely, and things had been very difficult, but then you appeared, and you gave me a new purpose and new drive.” Celestia put a hoof gently on Light Stride’s shoulder. “I gave you purpose?” He shook his head, looking surprised. “I don’t really understand how.” Celestia sat down in front of Light Stride, still smiling. “It’s simple, really. You are mortal. I am not.” “Why is that important?” Light Stride questioned, frowning slightly. “It means everything, to me. You see, Light Stride, I would have been content to wait quietly while Luna and Twilight and Cadance worked on a solution, while exploring this illusion and delving into the mysteries it presented me with, unraveling it piece by piece until I could simply escape at will, or until my sister came to my rescue.” Celestia’s smile faded, becoming more solemn. “I no longer have that luxury.” Light Stride’s eyes widened as the implication hit him. “You...you mean?” “I do not have to eat, or sleep, and I do not age. My body does not work the same as yours does. Depending on the type of spell this is, we may be in a sort of stasis, in which case you are very much safe... however, if it does not work that way...” Light Stride shivered. “I’ll die of dehydration or starvation in a matter of days.” Celestia gave his shoulder a gentle squeeze, before she stood, walking towards the plateaus once more. Her voice was full of conviction and strength as she spoke. “I will not let you die, Light Stride.” Light Stride followed Celestia towards the distant plateaus. Author's Note Happy 4th of July!
- XXIII -- XXIII - Celestia and Light Stride reached the plateaus within a few hours, walking in a winding path around their bases and into the dark canyons between them. They towered overhead, reminding Celestia of the skyscrapers of Manehattan. The hoofprints continued on, faint in the sediment, leading them deeper into the canyons. Celestia paused as they turned a corner and smiled enigmatically at Light Stride, who returned her look with one of puzzlement. She didn’t speak, simply continuing onward. After another minute or two of walking, they arrived at a cave, that delved into the side of one of the plateaus. It was almost perfectly circular in shape, with smooth edges. Celestia nodded. “Perfect.” “What is it?” asked Light Stride, glancing up at Celestia. “Just what I was hoping for,” replied Celestia. With that, she continued into the dark confines of the cave. “Follow closely by my side, Light Stride. Do not stray.” Light Stride cantered to catch up with her, tucking himself in right beside her as she continued into the dark. The shadows swallowed them both up, and within moments they couldn’t see. Light Stride asked, quietly, “Celestia?” Celestia smiled, pleased. “Light Stride, I believe that is the first time you’ve said my name without hesitating or stumbling over yourself.” Beside her, Light Stride chuckled. “Perhaps I’m getting comfortable with you. Regardless, shouldn’t we light our way?” “Not yet. Let us continue in the darkness. You just focus on the tunnel. It should open up soon, into a larger chamber,” Celestia stated evenly. “How do you know?” asked Light Stride. “Because I believe it to be so, and so do you. Why else would there be a tunnel, unless it was leading us someplace?” Celestia continued onward, in total darkness for several more strides, before she felt the tunnel open up around her, the air currents changing. The room must have been huge... in fact, she was sure it was. Celestia said softly, “Light Stride, would you mind lighting up the area?” “Of course.” Light Stride’s horn strobed beside Celestia, glowing with a bright orange aura, and a bright light appeared over his head, illuminating the cavern. His gasp made Celestia smile. “This is impossible,” he murmured, looking at the green grass that spread out before them. “Is it?” Celestia smiled, stepping forward from the tunnel and onto the grass of the field that stretched before them. “This illusion is very powerful, but as I said, it is working off of my own subconscious. I’ve had a lot of time to get to know my own mind, Light Stride, and it is very much an ally to me.” Light Stride laughed, taking a step forward and leaning low to take a bite of the grass. His eyes closed and he sighed. “It might not be real, but it tastes just like how mom used to grow it.” “I’d certainly hope so. After all, you are from Ponyville, are you not?” Celestia asked, her own horn beginning to glow. “What do you—” Light Stride’s eyes widened, and his mouth dropped open, the half-chewed grass falling to the ground. Celestia’s horn blazed with light, sending a massive orb of energy into the air, like a small sun. The whole area was lit up, revealing a very familiar place. Ponyville. Celestia leaned down to grin at Light Stride mischievously. “And you thought that the grass was impossible.”
- XXV -- XXV - Celestia and Light Stride arrived at Sugarcube Corner without incident. At the threshold of the shop, Celestia paused, one hoof on the door handle. Light Stride glanced through one of the front windows of the bakery, then back at Celestia. “What is it?” “Be warned. Though this may appear as a place you know... things will be different. The illusion will have twisted it in some way,” Celestia said quietly, before pushing open the door to the bakery. Celestia took a few measured steps into the bakery, inhaling the scent of chocolate, warm pastries, and the strong scent of baking spices like cinnamon. A smile spread across her face. Light Stride sidled up to her, grinning as he looked around. “This place seems pretty familiar to me.” Celestia nodded. “Perhaps I’ve been assuming the worst. This Ponyville is meant to play on my subconscious and fears therein... but maybe there is something different about this place?” Light Stride smiled and walked over to the little silver service bell placed atop the front counter, and tapped the top of it lightly with his hoof. A light chime rang through the quiet shop. Celestia chuckled. “Were you expecting—” “H-hello?” Light Stride and Celestia froze, glancing at each other. Celestia slowly turned in a circle, searching for the source of the tremulous voice, and Light Stride frowned, murmuring, “That sounded just like—” “We’re... closed! Please go away!” Celestia turned towards the door to the kitchen and walked towards it. “Yes. Pinkie Pie.” Light Stride looked surprised, but Celestia ignored his confusion, pushing open the door to the kitchen. The kitchen was a mess, with confectioners sugar, flour, oats, and other baking supplies strewn about in a chaotic swirl. In the middle of it all sat a pink earth pony with a straight mane that hung like so many wilted flowers. She faced away from the kitchen door, but her ears swiveled to point towards Celestia’s soft hoofsteps. A shiver ran through Celestia as she stared at Pinkie Pie. “Hello? Is somebody there?” asked Pinkie Pie. Celestia cleared her throat, hoping that she sounded more certain than she felt at that moment. “Yes. Hello, Pinkie Pie.” Pinkie Pie’s mane quivered, and she spun around in a blur, a huge grin spreading across her face. “Princess Celestia!” Celestia gasped as Pinkie Pie turned to face her. Pinkie Pie’s eyes were white. There was no iris, no color, just blind orbs. Despite this, Pinkie Pie got to her hooves and trotted over to Celestia, burying her face in her chest and giving the Princess a huge, warm hug. “Heya Princess! Oh, I’m so glad you’re here! It’s been so lonely and dark, and I was getting worried about everypony, but now that you’re here I know everything’s gonna be okie-dokie-lokie!” Celestia smiled. “Of course. I’m here now, and so is Light Stride. You remember him, don’t you?” Pinkie Pie laughed. “Pff, yeah! I know everypony, and I mean everypony in Ponyville! Plus, he’s kinda a cutie, and I love a stallion in uniform. Don’t tell Ponky, but I think Stride’s armor looks better than his missionary tie.” Celestia chuckled, shaking her head in befuddlement. “Indeed. How about you follow me, Pinkie, and we’ll see him.” “Oh, I’d love to see him! It’s so dark in here, and I can’t seem to get the lights to work, or the candles to light, or anything.” Celestia shivered. “Pinkie?” The pink pony blabbered on, oblivious. “At first I was like ‘Oh, it was Rainbow Dash! That crazy filly, always playing pranks!’, but I called and called for her, and she never showed up, even when I laughed and said she was the best prankster in Equestria, and that always works!” “Pinkie, if I may?” “So, then I figured that maybe the Cakes had forgotten to pay the power bill again, so I tried to find them, but they don’t seem to be home, and so I thought that maybe Twilight had done something and caused a spell to go all wrong and maybe she’d turned off the sun! So I got really worried, because usually the girls all come to get me when things like that happen, and I would have gone to find them but it’s just so dark and I can’t see anything and I’m scared.” Pinkie Pie’s last words came out in a rush, and she clung even tighter to Celestia, quivering. Celestia put a hoof around Pinkie Pie. “I’m sorry, my little pony. This is my fault.” Light Stride walked into the room, glancing at Pinkie Pie with a concerned frown, and then at Celestia. “What happened.” Pinkie Pie turned to regard Light Stride, flashing him a trembling smile. “Heya Lighty!” “Sweet C—uh, I mean... hey, Pinkie.” To his credit, Light Stride covered his shock reasonably well. Pinkie Pie turned back to face Celestia. “Princess Celestia, I promise I don’t blame you for turning off the sun. I mean, after all, it’s totally your sun, and you’re a big pony that can do what she wants... but maybe I could get a teensy-tiny-itty-bitty bit of light?” Her smile faltered. “I haven’t seen Light Stride in a while, and it’d be really great... t-to... see him.” “I’m afraid that the problem isn’t the sun, Pinkie Pie. It’s me.” Celestia nuzzled Pinkie Pie dearly. “Little pony, I like to think that I know my subjects very well... especially you and your friends... but that is not true. I have lived a long life, and met many ponies, and... it means that I sometimes... forget. Not everything, just little important things, like coat color, or how they style their mane, or even... what your eyes look like.” Light Stride looked horrified, understanding bright in his eyes, but Pinkie Pie smiled. “That’s okay, I forget things all the time, too!” Celestia smiled. “Your willingness to forgive is comforting, Pinkie Pie. How about you walk over to Light Stride and hold his hoof, and he’ll help you through the dark.” “Okay,” Pinkie Pie giggled and turned, not quite facing Light Stride, and extended a hoof his way. “C’mon, Stridey-widey, help a gal get around in the dark?” Light Stride mustered a smile, taking her outstretched hoof. “Of course, Pinkie Pie. You stick with me.” Pinkie’s grin widened slightly, and Celestia nodded at Light Stride, unable to meet his concerned gaze when he glanced her way. “Thank you, Light Stride.” “Where are we going, Tia?” chirped Pinkie Pie, seeming more at ease now. Celestia turned, heading for the front of the shop. “Carousel Boutique.”
- XXVI -- XXVI - Celestia led the way, Pinkie Pie walking in a more sedate manner than her usual bouncing gait, staying close to Light Stride’s side. The walk to Carousel Boutique was a short one, it being relatively close to Sugarcube Corner. Celestia approached the front door of the boutique and opened it with a gentle push. The bell above the door chimed, to no response. Celestia took a few cautious steps inside, looking around the tidy interior of the shop. Light Stride and Pinkie Pie joined her, and Pinkie Pie grinned suddenly. “Oh, we’re at the Boutique!” Light Stride glanced at her, puzzled. “How’d you know?” Pinkie giggled, and poked his cheek with her hoof. “The nose knows!” “That’s my cheek, Pinkie.” Pinkie shrugged. “Eh, close enough.” Celestia chuckled, and then called loudly, “Miss Rarity? Are you available?” From upstairs floated Rarity’s sing-song voice. “Oh, just a moment!” A minute later, Rarity appeared at the top of the stairs, beaming down at the group in her shop. “Why, Princess Celestia, what a pleasant surprise!” Rarity was different, though. Her mane and coat were a bit more dull, and her usually luxuriously flowing hair had been cut short and pulled into a messy bun. Wrinkles showed beneath the usually flawless cheeks and around her eyes, and her shapely legs had grown thinner. Rarity dipped herself into a courtly bow, her joints creaking a bit in protest. “Princess, you do me a great honor, coming to visit an old nag such as myself.” Celestia smiled sadly. “You are still as beautiful as I remember, Miss Rarity. Please, rise. I won’t have you kneeling on my account.” Rarity chuckled, straightening up. “Very kind of you, Princess.” She squinted slightly, and grumbled something, before her horn lit up. A pair of red-rimmed glasses materialized before her, and she perched them on her nose. Rarity’s eyes widened in surprise. “Ah! And Pinkie Pie, my dear friend. So good of you to join us!” Pinkie Pie waved in the general direction of her friend. “Heya Rares!” Rarity trotted carefully down the stairs, still graceful in her old age, and gasped slightly. “Oh, my, is that Light Stride?” Light Stride smiled. “Yes, Miss Rarity.” Rarity laughed pleasantly, trotting over and looking him unabashedly up and down. “My, my, Princess Celestia. Is this my reward for defending the realm for all these years?” Light Stride’s face turned bright red, and Rarity laughed, winking at the embarrassed guard. “Oho, only joking, Mister Stride. I assure you, I don’t date stallions under sixty.” “O-of course...” stammered Light Stride, chuckling weakly. “Though I could make an exception,” Rarity murmured, almost to herself, a wicked glint in her eyes. Light Stride’s ears flattened, and he glanced at Celestia. “Help.” Celestia, Rarity, and Pinkie Pie shared a laugh, as Light Stride shifted uncomfortably. Celestia embraced Rarity carefully. “It is good to see you, Rarity. We’re gathering your friends together.” Rarity nodded sagely. “Ah, of course. Ever-busy is our Princess, and ever-ready are we Elements of Harmony to serve her.” Celestia smiled. “I appreciate your willingness.” “I’m not the pony I used to be, though.” Rarity sat down gently, and tapped one hip daintily. “These old bones, though well-maintained, are growing weak. I don’t feel as though I can gallivant around like I once did.” “Of course,” Celestia said gently. “I assure you, Miss Rarity, your aging is not your fault. It is easy for me to lose sight of the passage of time that so changes my little ponies. If I had any other way to do this, I would... but I am afraid that I must call on you to serve.” Rarity grinned at Celestia. “The burden of immortality, hm?” “You speak truly,” Celestia said, her smile sad. After a moment, Rarity made to stand up. Light Stride left Pinkie Pie’s side for a moment to help her, and she took his hoof gratefully. “The picture of a gentlecolt, Mister Stride.” Pinkie smiled in Rarity’s direction. “Rarity, you sound different.” Rarity chuckled. “Haven’t you—” she paused, her eyes widening briefly as she noticed Pinkie Pie’s blank eyes, and she cleared her throat. “That is to say... yes. I’m an old mare, Pinkie Pie.” “Well, you still sound beautiful as ever!” chimed Pinkie, winking. Rarity laughed softly. “Oh, Pinkie Pie. You are a good friend. How about I lean on you, and you take my hoof? Between the two of us, we’ll be like one middle-aged pony!” Pinkie Pie giggled at the thought, and carefully made her way to Rarity. The two mares shared a hug, and Pinkie Pie’s straight mane quivered slightly. After a moment, Pinkie stood at Rarity’s side, supporting the elderly mare, and Rarity kept one dainty hoof held tightly in Pinkie’s own. Rarity nodded to Celestia and Light Stride. “We’re ready.” Celestia smiled. “Excellent. We’re going to Sweet Apple Acres.” Pinkie Pie chimed in, suddenly. “Oh, we should go get Rainbow Dash! She moved her cloud house between Applejack’s farm and the edge of town, so she’s on the way!” Celestia smiled. “Very well. Let’s find Rainbow Dash.” The four ponies left the boutique behind, heading for the edge of town.
- XXVII -- XXVII - Celestia lead the group of ponies towards the edge of town, keeping a slow pace that was easy for Rarity to maintain. The elderly mare had protested a few times, not wanting to be a burden to the group, but Celestia had simply smiled and maintained her easy stride. Light Stride stayed close to her, glancing worriedly back at Pinkie Pie and Rarity occasionally. Celestia was quietly glad for his silent company. Light Stride was the first to spot Rainbow Dash’s floating home. The rainbow-maned pegasus had indeed drawn her cloudt tower closer to the edge of the orchards, where it was anchored to a sturdy apple tree by a rope. Celestia was surprised. “She’s tied down her home? I always assumed pegasi preferred their cloud houses to float freely.” Pinkie Pie and Rarity glanced at each other with uncertainty. Rarity spoke up, “I always thought so as well. I don’t know why she’d want to stay in one place.” Light Stride shrugged. “I’m certain there’s a good explanation.” Nodding, Celstia gestured to Light Stride to come closer. “Stay here, and maintain spells of atmosphere and warmth. I know that Pinkie Pie and Rarity don’t seem to be struggling to breath, but they are still only illusions,” she murmured to the stallion. Light Stride nodded, his horn lighting up as he worked the spells to keep him safe in the airless environment, but he noted quietly, “You have noticed that the gravity here seems to be normalized, right? Maybe there is air here as well.” “I still don’t trust it. Be safe, I’ll return shortly.” Celestia stared up at the cloud house, floating four stories above her head, and frowned, wondering how she’d make it up. She shrugged and spread her wings, and gave a slow, experimental flap. They seemed to gain lift, the tingling in her flight feathers letting her know that there was, at least, something for them to work with. She stepped back, and then took a running start, leaping into the air and flapping her wings for all she was worth. She managed to get a dozen feet off the ground before her wings suddenly hit an invisible flight ceiling and she lost altitude. Growling, Celestia flapped harder, regaining the little bit of altitude she had lost, and then reached out with her horn. She grabbed a chunk of the edge of Rainbow Dash’s cloud foundation, pulling it away with a careful manipulation of the vaporous surface, and brought it down with her as she returned to the ground. She cast another spell, expanding the cloud’s surface by a few feet on every side, and then stood precariously atop the cloud. It bobbed in the air, threatening to throw her off, but she steadied herself with her wings. Casting a third spell, she increased the density of the cloud and increased the temperature around it, creating a miniature pressure system around the cloud that sent it rising into the air, with her perched atop it. Celestia surfed the cloud up to the level of Rainbow Dash’s home and leapt off, landing on the front step of the house. She replaced her stolen bit of cloud, and then stepped into the foyer of Rainbow Dash’s house. Inside was a bit messy, but liveable, feeling very comfortable without the muss or fuss of a more standard household. The foyer held a few cloud cushions, spaced around the area haphazardly. Celestia stepped around the strewn furniture and called into the interior. “Hello, Rainbow Dash? Are you home?” There was a grumble from inside, and a few moments later Rainbow Dash emerged, blinking blearily and rubbing at her scarlet eyes with one hoof. Her mane was mussed with a bad case of bedhead, and she looked like she hadn’t been sleeping well. Her eyes widened as she saw Celestia, and she yelped, dropping into a deep bow. “Princess Celestia!” “Hello, Rainbow Dash.” “I am grateful that you would deign to visit my humble home, Majesty. Please pardon the mess. Had I known you would be paying me a visit, I would have, uh, cleaned up a bit,” Rainbow Dash was visibly nervous, sweat already standing out, and her voice sounded unsteady. Celestia frowned. “Whatever is the matter?” “N-nothing, Majesty! I’m just...uh...surprised! Surprised that you’d come to visit me. Without notice. And prior inspection,” Rainbow Dash swallowed hard. “I didn’t realize that I would be imposing on you. I apolog—” Celestia found herself cut off as Rainbow Dash suddenly interrupted her. “No! Uh, that is, um, no, Your Majesty. I’m the one who apologizes. My home is in no condition to receive Your Royal Highness. You don’t have to apologize for anything. You’re perfect.” There was a long moment of silence before Celestia sighed and asked, “Rainbow Dash? Look at me, please.” “What?” asked Rainbow Dash, sounding startled. “You haven’t looked at me the entire time I’ve been here. I want you to look at me.” “I—um. I can’t... that is, uh, I don’t think I should.” Rainbow Dash stammered. “Rainbow Dash, you don’t have to bow. Please, stand up,” Celestia asked. Rainbow Dash straightened quickly, throwing herself into some semblance of military attention, still not looking at Celestia. Celestia smiled sadly. “Please, look at me.” Slowly, Rainbow Dash’s eyes shifted, until Celestia found herself staring once more into her scarlet eyes. After a moment, Rainbow Dash’s gaze shifted away, and she shivered. “What are you doing?” asked Celestia. “Averting my eyes, Your Highness,” Rainbow Dash said evenly. Celestia nodded. “I was honestly afraid you would say that. Why won’t you look at me, and why are you so nervous?” “I... I can’t help it!” Rainbow Dash blurted. “You’re a goddess! A diarch of our people! Immortal and powerful!” Celestia approached Rainbow Dash, who backed up. Celestia frowned, approaching faster, and Rainbow Dash retreated, backing away until her flank bumped into a wall. She trembled visibly, curling in on herself and crouching low as Celestia stood over her. Celestia sat down before the shaking pegasus pony and touched her gently on the cheek. Rainbow Dash’s eyes snapped open in shock, and she stared at Celestia’s hoof as she traced a line from her cheek to her chin, then pushed her head up to look at her. Celestia brought her head down until she was cheek to cheek with the overwhelmed Rainbow Dash, and nuzzled her gently. “You have no reason to fear me, and the respect you treat me with should only be that which I have earned. I am just a pony, like you, Rainbow Dash... and though I might rule, it is a lonely post that I have gained.” “Princess...” Rainbow Dash breathed, her shaking ceasing. “Please, Rainbow Dash. I know that I am your ruler... but I wish to be your friend, too. It is hard to separate me from my status, but please try. For me.” Rainbow Dash was silent for a moment, before she nodded. “O-okay. I’ll try.” “You honor me.” Celestia slowly stood up, and offered a hoof to Rainbow Dash. The pegasus pony took it with an uncertain smile, and allowed the Princess to help her to her hooves. “Um... so, Princess? Why are you here?” “I am gathering your friends together. I have need of your services once more,” Celestia explained. “Pinkie Pie and Rarity are waiting below, as well as one of my royal guards, Light Stride.” Rainbow Dash grinned. “Oh! Cool, yeah, of course I’ll help, Your Highness.” Celestia smiled. “Thank you.” The two ponies walked to the edge of Rainbow Dash’s cloud home, and they took flight together, gliding down in a tight spiral to land near Rarity, Pinkie Pie, and Light Stride. The three friends shared a dear hug, laughing as they were reunited, and Dash looked with concernation at Rarity and Pinkie Pie before turning to Celestia. “Pardon me, Princess, but what happened to my friends?” “It’s my fault, I’m afraid. Come, let’s move towards Applejack’s farm. I’ll explain everything once we have gathered everypony together,” Celestia replied. The group of ponies began trotting towards Sweet Apple Acres. Light Stride glanced up at Celestia, looking confused. “What’s wrong with Rainbow Dash? She seems fine, but I can’t help but wonder.” Celestia smiled sadly at Light Stride. “She fears me as a god. It was not so long ago that ponies treated me like she did. Fearful, zealously serving, and always at a distance. It served my sister and I in the old days... but it is a lonely thing to be feared instead of loved. To be thought a goddess, instead of as a mare,” she sighed. “Come. Let’s speak no more of this. We have much to do.” The group moved off, towards the Apple Family farm. Author's Note Special thanks to shortskirtsandexplosions for talking me out of appledash. This chapter's Rainbow Dash is mostly his fault.
- XXVIII -- XXVIII - Celestia, with Light Stride by her side, lead Pinkie Pie, Rarity, and Rainbow Dash onto the front step of the Apple family’s farmhouse. She nodded to the group, who gave her encouraging smiles, and knocked on the front door. A few moments later, Applejack opened the door. She stared at Princess Celestia for a moment, her face an unreadable mask, then slammed the door shut. Celestia glanced over her shoulder at the group, who shrugged her way. With a sigh, she knocked again. Applejack’s voice called from inside, “Go away!” Celestia called back, “Applejack? May we speak with you?” “I don’t have anythin’ to say to you!” Applejack’s voice rang from inside. Celestia frowned, and knocked on the door more insistently. “Please, Applejack, it is important that I speak with you.” A bitter laugh came from the other side of the door. “Oh, now ya want to talk. After what you did, you got a lotta nerve showin’ up! I have half a mind to buck ya clear across the porch, so you best get goin’ before I do something we’ll both regret.” Celestia sighed. “Applejack, I’m sorry, but we need to talk. I’ve got your friends here, and—” The front door of the farmhouse was thrown open, and Celestia found herself staring at Applejack’s backside and two legs coiled to kick. Celestia barely managed to throw up a shield before Applejack’s powerful back legs lashed out, impacting her defenses and sending Celestia stepping back at the sheer force of the buck. Applejack spun, growling at her. “I don’t care who you brought with ya! You got no right to speak with me, and I ain’t got nothin’ to talk with you about!” Light Stride dashed towards Princess Celestia, moving to defend her, but Celestia held up a hoof, halting his charge with a gesture. He scowled, but held his ground. “I don’t understand.” Celestia stated, taking another step away from Applejack. “Let me make it perfectly clear, then!” Applejack turned around and clomped back inside the house, returning moments later with an official-looking envelope, which she threw in Celestia’s face. Celestia caught it with her telekinesis and flipped it over, reading the address. “This is from the Office of The Royal Wilderness Survey Commission.” “Like you don’t know that,” Applejack snorted. Celestia opened the envelope and read the enclosed writ carefully. “This explains that the boundaries of the Everfree Forest have been changed to incorporate the new growth and allow for a further spread of the wildlife contained therein.” “Darn tootin’. And guess where them new boundaries fall?” Applejack gestured towards the eastern orchards. “Right through half my family farm. Twenty acres of our apples are now a protected wildlife preserve! We’re going to go under in a month, because we don’t have the supply to meet our demand, and the customers are findin’ other places to get their apples.” Celestia’s eyes widened. “This... I mean...” “Look at the bottom, Your Majesty. Look at that signature,” Applejack spat. Celestia winced, and her eyes went to the bottom of the writ. There, in curving script, was her own signature. “Authorized by Her Royal Highness, Princess Celestia of Equestria,” she murmured, sitting down heavily. Applejack scowled at her. “You did this to mah family.” “I didn’t know,” Celestia protested softly. “Ignorance is no excuse! In fact, it makes this worse!” Applejack snarled. “You mean you didn’t check the new boundaries? You didn’t think to make sure nopony was gonna get hurt by the changes?” “I did not,” Celestia said, voice growing quieter. “You’re the Princess! You’re supposed to take care of your subjects, not let ‘em get ruined because you can’t be bothered to make certain your decision is the right one!” “I... I try, but...” Celestia said, head lowering and ears drooping flat. “But nothin’. You ain’t fit t’ rule if ya can’t make proper decisions!” “Applejack, stop!” cried Pinkie Pie, jumping over to stand before Applejack. Rarity joined Pinkie Pie. “That is quite enough rudeness out of you.” “Yeah, Applejack. Lay off the Princess,” Rainbow Dash chimed in, pushing between the enraged Applejack and the drooping Celestia. “Y’ don’t understand! None of you do!” Applejack shouted, angry tears in her eyes. “We do understand!” cried Pinkie Pie, taking a careful step towards Applejack, reaching for the farm mare. Applejack noticed Pinkie Pie’s blind eyes and gasped softly. “Pinkie! What happened t’ ya!” She turned to gape at Rarity, rubbing at her eyes. “You too, Rares? Is this what Celestia was talkin’ about?” “Yes, dear Applejack. She’s gathering us all together. Something’s happened, and... well, it is Princess Celestia’s fault, but she’s trying to make it right. She’s here to make everything alright,” Rarity said, taking Pinkie Pie’s outstretched hoof and guiding the pink mare to Applejack’s side. Applejack looked at her friends carefully, and then slowly turned to Princess Celestia. “Is... is that true?” Celestia nodded. “Yes.” “It’s... your fault that Rarity’s... uh... elderly? And Pinkie Pie is blind? And—” Applejack squinted at Rainbow Dash. “What’s wrong with you?” Rainbow Dash shrugged. “I dunno.” Applejack shook her head, before casting her gaze to Celestia once more. “You did all this? And my farm?” “Yes,” Celestia replied. “But... you’re gonna make it right?” Applejack asked skeptically. “I will do everything in my power to fix things. That is why I’m gathering your friends together.” Applejack frowned slightly. “How can we trust you?” Light Stride frowned at Applejack, finally stepping forward. “She’s the Princess, and your friend. She said she’ll make things right, so she will.” Applejack nodded at Light Stride. “I’d normally believe that, but... after what’s happened, I need more than that.” Light Stride’s scowl deepened. “You attack the Princess, and then start making demands? You’ve got a—” “Light Stride, please,” Celestia said quietly, interrupting her guard. “Your willingness to defend me is nothing less than what I’d expect from my Royal Guards, but this is something that I need to do.” Light Stride shut his mouth, chewing back his words, and then nodded. “Of course.” Celestia straightened up slowly, looking Applejack in the eye. “You are right. I signed that writ, and I did not take the time to ascertain where the new boundaries would lie. The fault is wholly mine. I trust the ponies I appointed to my Wilderness Survey Commission, and I believe them to be good ponies. I’ll do everything in my power to learn why the boundaries were moved to intrude on your farm. It should not have happened.” “But it did happen, Princess!” Applejack protested. “You’re right,” Celestia replied. “It did. There is nothing I can immediately do for you, Applejack, but it is something that I will endeavor to correct. The burden of running a country means that, sometimes, I do not get the time to look over every piece of legislature passed, or writ put into motion. I must rely on my advisors and appointed council members to do the right thing, and to inform me of things that I may object to. That said, they are not perfect... and neither am I. I make mistakes, and sometimes they have far-reaching consequences. That is the burden of the crown; the weight of responsibility.” Applejack stared at Celestia for a few moments, before nodding. “Well... alright. I believe ya.” Celestia smiled. “Thank you, Applejack.” Scuffing a hoof in the dirt, Applejack suddenly bowed low, scooping her hat off her head. “An, uh, ah’m sorry for nearly buckin’ you off the porch, Princess. I wasn’t in my right mind.” Celestia chuckled softly. “Your apology is accepted, of course. Please, stand up. We still need to retrieve Fluttershy and Twilight Sparkle.” Applejack smiled sheepishly at Celestia, standing up and putting her hat back on. “All right then. Who’s next?” “Fluttershy’s cottage is on the way back into town from here,” Rarity chimed in. “Yeah! Let’s go get Flutters!” Pinkie cheered, almost seeming her usual self. “Very well, let’s get Fluttershy next,” Celestia said, smiling. The group moved off, Celestia and Light Stride leading the way. A few minutes into their walk, Light Stride spoke up quietly to Celestia. “Ah, Celestia... if I may speak?” “You don’t have to ask permission from me, Light Stride,” Celestia replied with a smile. “Right... sorry. I just wanted to say that... I understand why you didn’t want me to step in when Applejack attacked you, but I need to know what is and isn’t appropriate, I guess. I’ve been trained to protect you, and I’ve given my life to make sure you stay safe, and being told not to do my job is disconcerting.” Celestia nodded. “I understand your concern. If I truly had felt threatened, Light Stride, or had I not thought that Applejack would restrain herself, I would have allowed you to step in.” Light Stride considered that for a moment, before nodding. “That sounds fair, I suppose. I just... I worry.” “I appreciate it, Light Stride. I truly do.” Celestia smiled at Light Stride. The group continued on towards Fluttershy’s cottage, near the edge of the Everfree Forest.
- XXIX -- XXIX - The group of ponies arrived at Fluttershy’s house at the edge of the forest without incident. The walk had been a placid one, with Pinkie Pie chatting animatedly the entire time. Light Stride chuckled, and whispered to Celestia, “Even if she is just an illusion, she sure seems like the real Pinkie Pie.” Celestia smiled. “Of course. I know her personality very well. Twilight Sparkle has written to me about her at length.” Light Stride glanced up at Celestia. “I’m surprised you didn’t go to get Princess Twilight Sparkle first.” “Some things are best saved for last, I think,” Celestia replied, and approached the little cottage. The rest of the group waited at the small bridge over the stream in front of the house, talking amongst themselves. Celestia knocked gently on the door, careful to not sound too imposing. She called softly, “Miss Fluttershy? Are you here?” Celestia heard a squeaking noise from inside, and then silence. Celestia sighed, smiling, and opened the door. The house was dark and empty, and totally still... except for a trembling pile of blankets huddled on top of a nearby couch. Celestia approached the shaking blanket pile. “Fluttershy?” “H-hello?” a soft voice replied. “Fluttershy, it’s Princess Celestia. I’d like to talk with you, please,” Celestia asked. “Mommy?” Celestia took a step back as the blankets were flung aside, revealing a tiny canary-yellow filly. Her little wings quivered, and her lanky legs shook unsteadily, and she beamed up at Celestia from behind pink bangs. Celestia smiled back uncertainly. “Fluttershy, is that you?” “Mommy!” the filly cried, leaping off the couch to run to Celestia’s leg and clinging to it with a soft hug. “I was worried you weren’t coming back, and I got scared!” “I... um...” Celestia stammered, her ears flattening back. “Oh dear.” The younger Fluttershy looked up at Celestia with wide blue eyes full of concern. “Mommy? Is everything okay?” “Yes, Fluttershy, everything is fine. I’m just confused,” Celestia responded, looking down at the filly as a smile spread across her face. She was just so cute. Celestia knelt down to Fluttershy’s level, smiling at her gently. “Fluttershy, do you know who I am?” Fluttershy giggled, beaming at her. “Yes!” “I’m Princess Celestia.” “My Mommy!” Celestia frowned slightly. This was going to be hard. “Do you remember who you are? The Element of Kindness.” Fluttershy nodded slowly, looking shy. “Yes.” “Do you remember Pinkie Pie, and Rarity, and all the rest of your friends?” Celestia asked. “Yes,” Fluttershy softly replied. “That’s good. But, my little pony, I must be honest with you.” Celestia steeled herself for whatever was about to happen. “I’m... not your mother.” Fluttershy stared at Celestia, confusion evident on her face. “Y-you’re... not?” “No. I am your friend, Fluttershy... but I have not had a foal. I never have.” Fluttershy’s legs shook, and she sat down heavily, hiding her face behind her mane. A small sniffle sounded from behind her long pink bangs. “Oh...” “I need your help, though, Fluttershy,” Celestia said gently. Fluttershy didn’t respond, shaking slightly, before she squeaked something so quietly that it was unintelligible. Celestia leaned closer to her. “Speak up, my little pony.” “Wh-...why can’t you be my mommy?" she implored tearfully. Celestia swallowed hard, and reached out with one wing, pulling the crying filly close to her. She bent down, comforting Fluttershy. “I am sorry, but I can not be your mother. I wish...” Celestia paused for a moment, fighting for control of her emotions, but she felt tears come anyway. “...I wish I could be.” Fluttershy leaned into Celestia, crying quietly, and Celestia comforted her, and took comfort from the filly’s presence. Fluttershy spoke again, after a few minutes. “C-can... can we pretend, then?” Celestia giggled softly, a sound halfway between a laugh and a sob. “Okay.” Fluttershy smiled up at Celestia, her little face streaked with tears. “That sounds... nice.” “I think so too,” Celestia whispered. A few quiet minutes later, Celestia stood up, and Fluttershy tucked herself in at Celestia’s side, and together they left the cottage.
- XXX -- XXX - Celestia and Fluttershy left the cottage, and Fluttershy squeaked in surprise as the group of ponies crowded around them immediately. “Oh my goodness, is that Fluttershy?” asked Rarity, squinting at the little filly and adjusting her glasses. “Oh mah stars, she’s cute as a button,” Applejack cooed. “Is everything okay with her?” asked Pinkie Pie worriedly. “She’s fine, she’s just a filly!” replied Dash with a grin. “She looks like she just fell off the cloud at flight camp.” “Fluttershy is an itty-bitty adorable filly?!” cried Pinkie Pie, and collapsed to her haunches, shouting up at the sky, “Why do you taunt me with adorableness and I can’t even see it?!” “Sorry Pinkie Pie. I’m sure your eyes are the first thing Princess Celestia will fix,” Rainbow Dash consoled her friend. “Oh, can you do it before you fix Fluttershy? I’ll bet she’s like... like... weaponized cuteness!” begged Pinkie Pie. “We’ll see what happens, Pinkie Pie,” Celestia replied with a smile. Light Stride approached Celestia, looking up at her anxiously. “Was everything all right? You seem a bit more drained.” “Fluttershy represents my choice to not have children. It is a decision I made long ago... and one that I still stand by today. That said... it is not easy, sometimes,” Celestia stated quietly. Light Stride nodded solemnly. “You’ll get through this, Princess. We just need to get Princess Twilight Sparkle.” Celestia chuckled. “Thank you for your concern, Light Stride. You are a good friend.” Light Stride smiled at Celestia, and then knelt down to look at Fluttershy. “Hello, Miss Fluttershy. Remember me?” “Uh...um...yes,” Fluttershy replied softly, taking a small step back from the chestnut stallion. Light Stride laughed and straightened up, grinning at Celestia. “She’s too cute.” “I know.” Celestia returned his grin, feeling better, and gestured to the rest of the group. “Come along, now. We’re going to the library to get Twilight Sparkle.” “Why would she be in the library?” asked Rainbow Dash. “She’s livin’ in Canterlot now, ain’t she?” Applejack questioned. “That is true... but I believe that she will be at the library. Call it a hunch,” Celestia replied, leading them towards the edge of Ponyville. The group wound their way between silent buildings, sticking close together in the face of the eerie silence that filled the town. They reached the farther edge of Ponyville and turned past the last row of buildings, finding the massive oak tree that Twilight Sparkle had once called home. Rarity, Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash, Applejack, and Fluttershy halted together, looking to Celestia. She’s approached every house alone, but this was the last one. Celestia smiled at them, and stepped forward out of the group, Light Stride walking by her side, and knocked on the door to the library. “Twilight?” she called. Celestia heard a clap of magical discharge from behind her, accompanied by a bright flash of purple light, but she did not turn. Behind her, Light Stride and the five mares gasped, and out of the corner of her eye she could see Light Stride take a few steps back, before dropping into a deep bow. “Hello Celestia,” replied a calm voice from behind her. “It is good to see you.” “Twilight Sparkle. It is good to hear your voice,” Celestia said, smiling. “Why don’t you turn and face me, Celestia?” asked the voice. It was older than Celestia remembered, filled with a reassured air of command that she had never noticed. “Because I am afraid of what I will see,” Celestia answered, after a moment. “Princess... why are you afraid?” “I don’t know what you have become, my most faithful student. Are you the filly I remember, from so long ago? Are you the hesitant unicorn, too wrapped up in her studies to look beyond her books?” Celestia chuckled, and the voice behind her shared in that laughter. Celestia continued, “Perhaps you are the fulfilled young mare, living a life full of friendship and magic? Or the newly-crowned Princess, uncertain but willing, ready to serve her ponies and bolstered by the strength of her friends?” The voice sighed softly, and Celestia felt the presence behind her grow nearer. “I am none of those things, Celestia, and all of them. I am all that you remember... and much more. Turn around, my mentor...my friend.” Celestia exhaled slowly, and turned, facing the figure behind her. Princess Twilight Sparkle had changed. Her legs had grown longer, her coat darker. Her mane and tail now flowed with astral brilliance, indigos and deep blues and purples swirling together like a nebula of colors, complete with the sparkling of stars. Her eyes were ancient, filled with wisdom and strength, but tempered with compassion. Her wings were large, almost as large as Celestia’s own impressive span, and had grown powerful and beautifully angular. She wore the regalia of a true Princess, made from shining bronze and covered with amethyst gemstones. The crown on her head, though, was as it always was: The Element of Magic. The regal alicorn before Celestia smiled uncertainly at Celestia. “Hello.” “Twilight Sparkle...” Celestia breathed, feeling tears of happiness in her eyes. “You are beautiful.” Twilight laughed softly. “You flatter me.” “You’ve grown up, Twilight, and you look every inch a Princess of Equestria. I am proud of you,” Celestia stated, smiling. “Thank you, Celestia. It’s been too long,” Twilight replied, embracing Celestia. Celestia held Twilight, laughing happily. “Too long?” “Yes... I’ve been working so hard, and I barely have time to pull myself away from my kingdom, The Twilit Reaches, in the East. I see why you and Luna decided to become a diarchy... it’s very hard to run a whole kingdom by myself,” Twilight said, laughing. “A-...a kingdom?” Celestia asked, confused. “Yes. You always spoke of grander plans for me, of new beginnings and greater things to come... and I made those dreams a reality. I have a country, Celestia, a staunch ally to Equestria and The Crystal Empire, a ambassador of friendship and peace to the wider world, and one of the most advanced civilizations in the land.” Twilight smiled softly, her eyes far away. Celestia smiled. “You’ve been very busy.” Twilight nodded, her smile faltering slightly. “Yes. It’s a good life, Princess... and I love my subjects... my little ponies,” Twilight chuckled. “I’ve been considering taking an apprentice, even. There are a few candidates that I’ve been keeping an eye on...” Celestia swallowed, her mouth feeling dry. “I sense that there is something amiss, Twilight.” “You... never told me how lonely it would be,” Twilight said softly, after a quiet moment of introspection. Celestia glanced over Twilight’s shoulder, towards Twilight’s five friends, who were still frozen in awe at the sight before them. She looked back to Twilight. “It wasn’t supposed to be that way for you, Twilight.” Twilight took a small step back, looking confused. “I don’t understand.” Celestia sighed. “You were never supposed to become me, Twilight Sparkle. You were supposed to become your own pony. A Princess not only of magic, but of friendship. An alicorn that could walk amongst her little ponies not as a goddess or a ruler, but as a friend. Not above them, but one of them.” Twilight nodded slowly, and sighed. “I tried, Celestia, and for a while, it was like you said... but immortality... the passage of time... it taught me things. I’m afraid it hardened me to the love of friendship. No matter how close I became with my ponies, after my friends passed away, it was never the same. I was afraid.” “It was never going to be an easy road for you, Twilight.” “It was just... after losing them, I tried making friends... and it was okay still for a while, but I still hurt inside. I accepted their deaths, but soon it felt as though I would wake up every day and all the ponies around me had been replaced, by children or grandchildren, lines of descendants. They may have been Fluttershy’s great-great-granddaughter, or Applebloom’s children’s children, but... it was never them. It was too hard, and it hurt too much!” Twilight cried, eyes filling with tears. “Twilight!” Applejack called. Twilight Sparkle froze, eyes growing wide in shock. Celestia smiled softly at Twilight as the younger alicorn shook her head. “N-no... not possible...” Pinkie Pie yelled at Rarity, “Move me closer! I want to pull that silly filly into a hug she’ll never forget!” “Just a moment, darling, I believe the situation is a bit beyond what a hug can fix,” Rarity replied gently. Twilight Sparkle turned around, her jaw dropping wide in surprise, and sat down heavily. “Not if I have anything to say about it!” Pinkie Pie said, her grin becoming fierce. Pinkie Pie leapt out of Rarity’s steadying hoof, leaving the elderly mare to balance her frame against Rainbow Dash’s side, and ran blindly towards Twilight. Twilight caught the blind pink mare’s charging hug full on the chest, rocking backwards and falling into an undignified heap as Pinkie Pie clung to her, laughing happily. Pinkie Pie’s straight mane quivered, and then joyously exploded into it’s usual curly tangle of frizz. “We’re here, Twilight!” Twilight lay on her back, too stunned to speak, as one by one the girls joined Pinkie Pie in a massive group hug. Light enveloped the group of ponies, their laughter and joyous reuniting growing muffled. There was a flash of color, and when the light disappeared, the six mares stood together, embraced close. Twilight Sparkle was herself again, no longer the ancient ruler, but as Celestia remembered her on the day of her coronation only weeks ago. Fluttershy had grown up, and Rarity had grown young again, both returned to their normal ages. Pinkie Pie’s blue eyes sparkled with unbridled happiness. Rainbow Dash and Applejack stayed as they were, but they both cast glances towards Celestia, and she saw in their eyes the trust of her loyal friends and subjects. There was no fear in Rainbow Dash’s eyes, nor hate in Applejack’s. Light Stride smiled at Celestia. “You did it.” Celestia returned his smile. “We did it.” Light Stride blushed slightly. “What’d I do?” “You were there for me, Light Stride. Thank you.” Celestia gave him a hug as well, and the guard returned it after a moment of hesitation. Twilight Sparkle approached Celestia. “We’re here, Princess. What do you need us for?” Celestia beamed at Twilight, releasing Light Stride from her embrace. “As always, Twilight, I call you and your friends to serve. We have need of The Elements of Harmony, once more. Are you ready to do your duty?” “Of course!” Twilight replied without hesitation, puffing out her chest proudly, her Element of Magic glowing in response to her call. The necklaces of the other Elements of Harmony appeared in a flash of purple teleportation magic, and Twilight passed them to her friends with her telekinesis. They stood together, united, smiling at Celestia. Twilight nodded. “We’re ready.” “Good.” Celestia took a step back, and sat down before them. “I need you to use The Elements of Harmony on me.” Twilight looked confused. “Uh, what?” “Why’d we use it on you?” asked Rainbow Dash. “You’re not a bad pony, silly princess!” Pinkie Pie giggled. “Hold up now, y’all,” Applejack gestured to her friends to settle down. “Ah’m sure she has a good reason.” “Indeed. Let’s hear her out,” Rarity said. “Um...okay.” Fluttershy squeaked. Celestia explained quickly. “I have fallen victim of a magical spell that is keeping me trapped in a powerful illusion. I believe, however, that the illusion will fail if it attempts to create the magic of The Elements of Harmony. The illusion is powerful... but its creator did not know the strength of true friendship. If you use the Elements of Harmony on me, it should overload the spell as it tries to do something it was never designed to do.” Light Stride stood beside Celestia, smiling. “She speaks the truth. I’m caught in the same trap with her. She’s the key, though. If we can get her out, the whole trap should fail and it should release us both.” Twilight glanced at her friends, who looked to her for guidance. She nodded slowly. “It makes sense, actually... I just hope it works.” Celestia smiled. “Thank you, my faithful student.” Light Stride sat down beside Celestia, and she looked at him. “Though this has all been an illusion... you’ve seen much of myself that I’ve never allowed any but, perhaps, my sister to see. My fears... my dreams... my regrets. I trust that you can keep a secret, my loyal guard?” Light Stride laughed, “Of course.” Then he said four words that made Celestia very happy. “What are friends for?” Celestia laughed, pulling him close to her side, and turned to Twilight. “We’re ready.” Twilight smiled. “All right, girls.” One by one, the Elements of Harmony began to glow as the six mares focused themselves. The light became nearly blinding, and Light Stride looked away, as it built to its full brilliance. With a roar of arcane energy, the Elements of Harmony ignited in a rainbow arc of power, that flew above Celestia before swirling around her and Light Stride. All around Celestia, the world began to shatter, and she felt like she was falling. Her eyes filled with nothing but the swirl of rainbow color. Author's Note I can't tell you how hard it was to get to a chapter titled "XXX" and not just write "And then they all had sex." as a joke. So very tempting. Regardless, this is the second to last chapter. I'll catch you all tomorrow for the final chapter, day 30, of Solem Perditum. I hope you've enjoyed the journey so far, and are ready to take the final step with me.
- XXXI -- XXXI - “Spell Breakers, to the fore! With me!” Luna stood before a massive, sealed, stone door covered in black runes, shadow magic leaking from the arcane spells keeping the door shut. Behind Luna, a dozen unicorns stepped forward, joining their commander before the door. Luna’s eyes narrowed as she examined the runes. “This is it. I can sense the magic of the jewel we sent with Light Stride behind this door, though it is shrouded in powerful black magic.” “What do you suggest, my lady?” asked one of the unicorns, scrutinizing the runes carefully. “I do not think that I can break this door asunder,” Luna said, turning away and calling back down the passage they had been traveling. “Twilight Sparkle! Come hither! We have need of thy expertise.” From behind a rank of Royal and Lunar guards, Princess Twilight Sparkle approached, gazing past Luna to the sealed door. “Wow. It’s a good thing I saved my energy. That looks like an eighteen-point sealing mark!” Luna smirked. “I suspected that thou would know how to defeat this spell.” Twilight grinned fiercely. “I might be a namby-pamby pony princess now, but I’m also the Element of Magic.” Twilight approached the dozen unicorns that made up the Spell Breaker Division of the Royal Guard, smiling uncertainly at the Sergeant leading them. They looked very imposing, with their dark grey coats, black armor, and white manes. Twilight knew that it was just their helmets creating the illusion, and knew that they were just regular ponies underneath the facade, but they still made her a little nervous. She still hadn’t gotten used to commanding ponies... especially military ponies. Clearing her throat, she spoke with as much authority as she could muster. “Gentlecolts, we’re dealing with an eighteen-point seal, probably a variation on Clover The Clever’s Nine-Point Seal of Binding, done with shadow magic.” Twilight’s voice grew in strength as she spoke on a subject near and dear to her heart. “I think we’ll be able to break the seal if we arrange ourselves in Star Spark’s Empowerment Pentangle, with your Breakers at the points and cardinals, and the three remaining Breakers outside, lending their energy as-needed. Once we’re in position, we’ll use Mordenkainan’s Twin-Canceled Spell to unleash an unstable magic field... which I’ll take control of from the center of the Pentangle, and if I use it to cast Kivan’s Greater Unmaking... well, that should do the trick.” Twilight Sparkle smiled at the Sergeant, who looked at her with something between shock and awe. “That clear, Sergeant?” “Yes, Princess!” The Sergeant spun to address his ponies. “You heard the Princess, gentlecolts! Get to it!” The Spell Breakers scattered around the room, horns glowing as they laid down the pentangle diagram on the floor, using salt from their saddle bags to draw the diagram. They arranged themselves carefully, with a unicorn standing at the tip of all five points of the pentangle. Four more unicorns arranged themselves using a magical compass, placing themselves at the North, South, East, and West points of the pentangle’s outer circle. The three remaining unicorns spaced themselves evenly around the edges of the group, ready to lend a hoof. As one, they turned inward, towards the center of the pentangle, and Twilight daintily stepped over the salt lines to stand in the center of the diagram. She nodded. “Let’s get this door open. Princess Celestia is counting on us.” Luna took a few measured steps back from the diagram, and glanced over her shoulder at the waiting elements of the Royal and Lunar guard. Princess Cadance stepped out of their ranks to stand beside Luna, looking grim. “Let’s be careful, Twilight. There might be more than wards on that door.” “Indeed, Cadance speaks true. Thou will have us ready to defend thee against any devious traps that may assail thee!” Luna said confidently. “Thank you both,” Twilight replied with a smile, before turning to the Sergeant. “Go.” The Spell Breakers lit their horns, murmuring spells under their collective breath. The salt lines began to smoke and smoulder as they absorbed some of the building arcane charge. The pentangle properly empowered, they all launched simultaneously into a second spell. One unicorn buckled as the spell began to take shape, but one of the unicorns standing outside stepped forward, steadying him and pouring additional arcane energy into his frame to bolster him. The spell grew in power, a yellow glow building over the heads of the unicorns. In the center of the diagram, Twilight Sparkle exhaled slowly, closing her eyes and focusing herself, feeling the building magic around her. Her wings slowly spread open as she felt the unstable magic field coalesce into being, sending the manes and tails of everypony in the hallway before the door fluttering in a sudden wind. Twilight’s eyes opened as she grasped the unstable field and drew it into herself, utilizing the wild and raw power to fuel her spell. Her lips moved as she whispered the spell of Unmaking, and her eyes filled with violet light. There was a crack, and the sound of thunder, and when Twilight opened her eyes, the door was split into pieces, shattered. The unicorns of the Spell Breaker division had flung themselves to the floor, ducking away from the shrapnel. Twilight stepped over them as she approached the room hidden behind the door, Luna and Cadance joining her. The three alicorns stepped into the dark room, their horns alighting as one to brighten the interior of the room. Made from black obsidian, the floors were slippery and shone with reflected light like a thousand black mirrors. Circles of runes surrounded the center of the room, where Princess Celestia and Light Stride lay in crumpled heaps, still and unmoving. Twilight Sparkle sat down at the edge of the runic circle, afraid to pass over the runes on the floor for fear of traps. She frowned. “Are they...?” “They are alive, Twilight Sparkle,” Luna replied, smiling. Cadance sat down beside Twilight, watching Celestia intently. “So... how do we break them out of... whatever spell it is that Sombra has them under?” “I’m not sure. We’ll have to study it, but it’s probably...” Twilight halted mid-sentence, her eyes widening. Celestia twitched. Twilight leapt to her feet, glancing at Luna and Cadance. “Do you think...?” Celestia’s eyes opened slowly, and she lifted her head to regard Twilight, Cadance, and Luna. She smiled. “Hello.” “Princess!” Twilight danced anxiously at the edge of the circle of runes surrounding Celestia. “Sister, thou art awake! How is this possible?” Luna asked. Celestia laughed hoarsely. “A little friendship goes a long way...” she turned her head to fondly regard Light Stride. Light Stride did not stir. Celestia frowned. “Light Stride?” Reaching out one trembling hoof, Celestia shook him gently. “Light Stride, awaken.” When he didn’t react, Celestia got to her hooves unsteadily, her horn lighting in a golden aura, as she began to cast a spell on Light Stride. After a few moments, her horn flickered out. “It... didn’t work,” she said quietly. “Well, it worked for you! And that’s good!” Cadance smiled. “Don’t worry, Celestia, we’ll get Light Stride out of that trap as well. Now that we’re here, we can work on a solution together.” Celestia sat down heavily, pulling Light Stride close to her. She didn’t respond for a moment, before asking, “Where are we?” “Below the Crystal Palace,” Cadance explained. “We discovered a set of hidden tunnels to the north of the palace, that ran deep underground. There were wards hiding it from our detection, but with the gem Light Stride was sent with, we were able to locate the beginnings of the tunnel system. There were... many other rooms like this one. It’s like a magic dungeon down here... I can only imagine what Sombra used it for.” Twilight glared at the runes on the floor. “These look like some more binding runes, but I can’t be sure what else might be hidden in here. Before we can do anything, we’ll have to get these runes disabled. Princess Celestia, if you can help, we four should be able to handle this.” Celestia looked up at Twilight and smiled gently. “I can’t help you.” Twilight blinked, looking surprised. “What?” “My power is diminished in the circle of runes. You’ll have to break them from the outside... and, regardless, I’ve got something more important to do,” Celestia explained calmly. “But, Celestia, we—” Cadance began. “No,” Celestia interjected. “I have to go back. I know how to break the spell, but... Light Stride does not. He’s still trapped... and now he is alone.” Celestia smiled down at the unconscious guard, shifting him into a more comfortable position. “I refuse to leave him alone. He risked life and limb for me by throwing himself into the trap. What kind of ruler... what kind of pony would I be if I left him behind?” Luna frowned. “Sister, thou are making too much of this. The duty of a Royal Guard is to the crown, in its defense. He would be happy that thou were free.” “I don’t care,” Celestia replied. “This may be selfish of me, but I do not care, sister. I am going back into the trap. I will help him from inside the illusion, and you three can work from without to defeat the spell.” Celestia regarded the three alicorns with a gentle smile. “I trust you. You will find a way to free us both, if I cannot do it from within.” “Princess...” Twilight said softly. Celestia looked at Twilight. “Twilight Sparkle, you of all ponies should know why I do this. Would you not give all you are... risk everything... for a friend?” Twilight stared at Celestia for a moment, before nodding slowly. “Of course.” Celestia nodded, and lay down next to Light Stride, covering him with one wing. “Be certain to get doctors down here. Regardless, once the runes are disabled, Light Stride will need to be given nutrition and kept comfortable while we all work to save him.” “Sister...” Luna breathed, before smiling. “Be safe.” “Of course.” Celestia closed her eyes, her horn lighting up as she allowed the magic of the trap to fall over her once more. After a moment, her body settled, shifting into the familiar pattern of sleep. Luna signed, and turned to Cadance and Twilight. “Let us begin. Light Stride is probably malnourished and dehydrated. We need to get these wards down and disable the runes, and get medical ponies here to attend to him.” “What about Celestia?” asked Cadance. “Celestia will be fine,” Luna replied with a smile. Twilight smiled at Celestia and Light Stride. “Dream well, Princess. We’ll be coming for you both.”
- Epilogue -- Epilogue - Light Stride’s eyes slowly opened, his head swimming slightly as the ache of a failed release of arcane energy throbbed through his horn. He took a few deep breaths as the ache subsided, his vision focusing to reveal his surroundings. Before him stood a massive a massive slab of grey rock, a monolith of stone, carved with runes that Light Stride could not read. Four lines of a sharp runic script, followed by flowing, modern lettering; another four lines. Light Stride sat up slowly, rubbing at his head and sighing. He looked at the slab, reading the four lines of modern script. From This Place Nightmare’s End Was Seen Peace Fills Equestria The Sisters Are Reunited Light Stride smiled, lifting a hoof to touch the words written there. “The sisters are reunited...” He sighed, his horn lit up, and he began to carve below the eight lines, adding his own words. After a few minutes he was done, and he sat before the slab of rock, staring at it quietly. A hoof gently touched his shoulder, but he didn’t move, still staring at the rock. He frowned slightly. “You’re not supposed to be here.” “I am stubborn,” Celestia replied, sitting down next to Light Stride, looking at the slab of rock with him. “You shouldn’t have come back,” he said softly, turning to look at her. Celestia smiled down at him. “I believe you know me better than that.” “I hoped that you’d stay away and leave me here.” Celestia laughed. “And let you have all the fun? Uncover all the mystery? Perhaps there is still much you have to learn about me.” They sat silently for a moment, before Light Stride gestured to the stone. “You wrote the second part, didn’t you?” “Yes. I assume, then, that the third section is yours?” Celestia said softly. “Yeah,” Light Stride replied. Below Celestia’s writing, his own words seemed crude in comparison to the neat script of her words. My Duty Is Done My Princess Is Saved Light Stride Celestia giggled. “I’m your Princess?” “A figure of speech. I am your guard, so you are my Princess,” Light Stride replied quickly. Celestia smiled softly. “Are you sure that is all you meant?” Light Stride blushed slightly. “Y-yes.” “Good,” Celestia said, standing up and stretching. “It’d be highly inappropriate if you meant anything else. After all, we have to stay professional, don’t we?” Light Stride chuckled. “You were the one who insisted I treat you like a pony.” Celestia leaned down, staring him in the eye, a mischievous glint twinkling there. “Ah, I was, wasn’t I? So... why don’t you treat me like a pony?” “I... what do you expect me to do?” Light Stride stammered. Celestia laughed, leaning away from him. “I’m sure you’ll figure it out. We’ve got time, after all... and this is your illusion now.” “My illusion?” “Yes. I am no longer the focus of the trap. You are. I suspect that this lunar landscape will not stay as it is. I’ll bet... that we’re about to start a new adventure somewhere else. You simply need to close your eyes, Light Stride, and focus on what you think is most real.” “The only real thing here is you,” Light Stride replied. “That’s part of the beauty of this, though. The illusion adapts to its target, but it can’t affect me as strongly. So... I get to stay with you. And this time, it will be me helping you to overcome your fears, learning your dreams, getting to know your innermost thoughts,” Celestia explained. “Oh,” Light Stride replied, looking embarrassed. “It will be a difficult journey, Light Stride... but I have no doubt that together, we can overcome it,” Celestia said with conviction. Light Stride laughed. “Of course.” “And if we can’t... well, Twilight and Cadance and Luna are with us now, in the real world. They’ll figure something out,” Celestia said with a wink. “Well, that’s reassuring.” Light Stride smiled. “So... I just have to close my eyes?” “Yes.” Light Stride stood up, and Celestia joined him at his side, her presence comforting. “Stay close... my Princess.” “Always,” Celestia replied softly. Light Stride closed his eyes. Author's Note So, that's it. 30 days, 31 chapters, and an epilogue. Thank you for reading and enjoying the journey. I had a lot of fun writing this and reading your reactions as the story progressed. I'll be posting a blog in the next day or two with my final thoughts on the story and the accomplishment of completing this challenge. Until next time, true believers! Props
- XXIV -- XXIV - Celestia sat down in the grass, gazing out at the impossible replica of Ponyville. Light Stride sat down next to her, mouth still open in awe. After a few moments, he spoke. "It's so... still." "A bit unnerving, isn't it?" Celestia said softly. "Where is everypony?" Celestia smiled. "If I have done my job properly, there should only be six souls within the town." Light Stride frowned, tilting his head to look up at Celestia. "Only six?" Celestia nodded. "Only six." "Who?" Light Stride asked. "I believe that you know, deep down, of who I speak." Celestia stood up, stretching her wings, before walking towards the edge of town. Light Stride followed close to her side, his own light spell lighting the more immediate area. As they entered the town, Celestia noticed that many of the buildings were incomplete, hollow shells. Her knowledge of Ponyville was incomplete, after all. It existed as more of an ideal, she supposed. Light Stride appeared slightly unnerved by the oddity of the incomplete town, his home existing as only a shadow of itself here. Celestia led him through the town, weaving between the buildings, making her way towards a particular location. Light Stride began to realize where they were heading, and chuckled quietly. Celestia glanced at him, her brow arching in an unasked question. "I'm sorry, Celestia, but are we going to Sugarcube Corner?" he asked. "Very perceptive, but I fail to see what's so funny," Celestia said, smiling. "Well, um, it's been a long-standing joke within the guard about your love of sweets." Light Stride said, blushing slightly. Celestia laughed. "You aren't wrong, but I assure you, my motive for going to Sugarcube Corner is beyond the need for cake." Light Stride nodded. "Sorry." "No need to apologize. I'd rather have my subjects laugh behind my back about my eccentricities, rather than be too afraid to speak of me at all." Celestia's smile faded slightly. "Underneath my regalia, Light Stride, I am still just a pony... and sometimes it is a lonely existence." Light Stride had no answer to that. Celestia cast him a small smile, and continued towards the bakery. Author's Note Dedication is writing this entire chapter on my cell phone, because I knew I wouldn't be at a computer in time to write and upload this chapter. Sorry that it's a little short. I'll drop a larger chapter tomorrow!
