Princess Luna lowered her student onto her bed, folding deep blue covers over her and dimming the lights in the room. As the brightness faded, Nightlight’s drawings burst into life, making glowing pictures around the dark room. The glowing ink had taken Nightlight a long time to master, since she didn’t have a very good grip on using magic for anything but levitation and stars. Luna smiled at the filly, humming a gentle tune and weaving a beautiful dream for Nightlight.

Celestia stood in the doorway, watching the loving way Luna cared for Nightlight. She found herself indulging in fond memories of doing the same for Twilight, before the filly had begun her path toward immortality. But now, Twilight had become a beautiful mare, ascending through ranks of magic faster than even Starswirl the Bearded ever had. Becoming an Alicorn against all odds.

With a shake of her white head, Celestia dismissed her thoughts of the past. There was a much more important matter at hand. She cleared her throat, producing a sigh from Luna. With a final glance back at her precious student, Luna walked out of Nightlight’s room and shut the door firmly behind her. Two guards dressed in midnight blue and black walked over to the door, and with a nod to the princesses, stood on either side, looking dead ahead. Luna knew that they would keep watch on the young foal until she awoke the next day. With her pupil safe and resting, Luna followed her sister through the twisting labyrinth of corridors to a sealed section of the Canterlot Castle. Celestia’s magic greedily ate up the door in a violent glow, working its way into the lock. With a small click, the door swung open to reveal the Equestria War Room.

The War Room was caked in dust from, thankfully, disuse. Celestia’s rule had been a peaceful one, and war had never arisen. However, it seemed that the two thousand years of peace were about to come to a sudden end.

The room was empty and bleak, save for one circular table that was split in half, one side showing the day and a shield, the other the night and a sword. It seemed appropriate, since when Celestia and Luna had begun their rule, Celestia vowed to protect her people from harm, and Luna swore to smite any darkness that dared to attack Equestria.

Celestia sat down at one end of the table, Luna sitting at the other. Celestia couldn’t help but notice how agitated and fidgety Luna was. Night Light had passed the test, but whether this was a good thing or a bad thing was yet to be determined.

“My sister,” Celestia spoke formally. This was far too serious a matter to act as true sisters. They must be rulers for the next few minutes. “It would appear from tonight’s trial that Night Light is the pony we have been looking for. After rigorous testing, it is apparent that Twilight too is the only other pony capable of fulfilling the position.”

Luna sighed deeply, her dark eyes swimming in thoughts. “It would seem that is true.” She said carefully. “However, if we can defeat Lord Shayde, perhaps it will not be necessary.”

It was Celestia’s turn to sigh now. She ruffled her wing feathers in slight annoyance and scowled. “You know, dear sister, that will be no easy task. After all, not even… not even mother… and our father…”

Celestia stopped, moving her head away to hide her tears and silent sobs wracked her body. Luna looked down at the ground, remembering the day their parents fell. As she herself fought back tears beneath her starry mane, Celestia cleared her throat and looked up. Her composure had been regained, but her eyes betrayed her, puffy and full of despair.

“There is every chance we could fail, and in the event of this happening, Equestria’s future must be secured. That means that Twilight must once again come under my guidance, and Nightlight must cease to be your student and become your protégé. Hopefully, she can ascend to the rank of an alicorn before he arrives.”

Luna’s deep blue wings fell limply in acceptance and defeat. She knew Celestia was right, no matter how much she wished she wasn’t. “Very well then. I shall inform Nightlight of her new studies tomorrow night. Will you tell Twilight at tomorrow’s raising of the sun?”

“No I wish for her to hear this news at the same time as Nightlight. Twilight must put aside her resentment and feeling of superiority toward the foal if they are ever to rule together.”

Luna nodded her head and walked out of the War Room with quick steps. Celestia stood, her mane flowing behind her like an aurora. Tomorrow, the two girls would be put to the ultimate test, and if they failed, Equestria was in grave danger of crumbling. As Celestia walked out of the room and locked the door with a quick burst of magic, she saw Luna looking out a large window, surveying Canterlot from afar.

“I’m afraid, Tia.” Luna whispered. “What if we don’t succeed? What will become of our Equestria? What will become of us?”

Celestia walked over to her sister and placed a soft, white wing across her. Nothing was said after that. There was nothing to say.

Author's Note

I'm not ENTIRELY happy with this particular chapter, to be perfectly honest. It felt a bit stiff and drawn out, but it was essential to moving the storyline along. Hopefully the next chapter will work much better.
Also, yes, Lord Shayde is an OC villain. I'm hoping the story I have created for him will work with the actual story-line. I'm think I managed to fit it in.
And thank you for four favourites, wow! I was really worried about this story, I'm glad you're enjoying it so far!