Tale of Two Tyrants and the Eternal War

"Fluttershy?" The yellow mare whipped around. Her hind legs came out from under her, casing her to bash her head against the brick oven.

"Fluttershy, are you alright?" Twilight started to gallop forward. A sharp bolt of pain shot up Twilight's leg, causing her to fall. Twilight got to her hooves and limped to where Fluttershy was slumped against the oven, a small trickle of blood running down her head.

"I-I'm aright, Twilight. Really." Fluttershy stood shakily. Fluttershy started to trot to a cabinet, but stopped and turned her head to Twilight, as if she was surprised. "Twilight!? How did you get here?" Asked Fluttershy, cocking her head slightly.

"I'll tell you as soon as we get you patched up. You're bleeding." Stated Twilight.

"I am? I didn't think hitting my head would make me bleed, it usually just leaves a bruise." Fluttershy touched her head and winced.

"It does, if you hit it hard enough. Where do you keep your medical supplies?" Asked Twilight. Fluttershy pointed to a door at the opposing end of the kitchen. Twilight magically opened the door and levitated a first aid kit over. Fluttershy led Twilight into what must have been the living room. It was simple, just like the rest of the house. A square rug occupied the floor, and a couch and chair were stationed next to it. A small hearth was built into the wall. Fluttershy sat on the couch, followed by Twilight. After bandaging Fluttershy's head, Twilight began to tell her story.

"So you want to know, huh?" Asked Twilight glumly. Fluttershy nodded.

"I want to know what happened to you after we split up…" Squeaked Fluttershy.

"I'll tell you, but it's not pretty." Twilight sighed. "It started a bit like this…"

Twilight galloped up the spiral staircase and threw open the throne room doors. There stood Celestia and Luna, horns flaring and teeth bared.

"Princess Celestia, Princess Luna!! Something awful is happening in Canterlot! Me and my friends got separated, and we can't defeat the creatures until-" Princess Celestia whipped around to face Twilight, her eyes glowing a fierce red.

"I know that, Twilight!! Now leave!! This is between Luna and I!!" Celestia roared. Celestia then turned back to her sister.

"Celestia, it doesn't need to be like this!! I just want ponies to love and respect me!! Nopony cares about me, not even you!! I WILL BRING ON NIGHTTIME ETERNAL, AND THERE'S NOTHING YOU CAN DO TO STOP ME!!" Luna cackled.

"SCILENCE YOU CUR!! I won't let you steal my throne and harm my subjects with your poisonous night!! MY SUN WILL SHINE FOREVER, AND YOU WILL FAIL!!" At that moment, the sisters transformed. Celestia was enveloped in a ball of blazing fire, as Luna was trapped in shadow. There was a large blast of fire and water, and the sisters' transformation was complete. Nightmare Moon took to the skies, but Solar Flare walked slowly to where Twilight was cowering.

"You MONSTER!! WHAT HAVE YOU DONE WITH CELESTIA!?" Twilight screamed, tears streaking down her face.

"Twilight, I'm no monster. I want to protect you from Nightmare's toxic night. I want to let you bask in the glorious day and never again hide in the dark. I want you to stand at my side. We can rule together. Just imagine it- a beautiful, sunny kingdom ruled by you and I. What do you say?"

"I'd rather die than join you! Bring back Princess Celestia NOW, you BITCH!!" Twilight yelled. She scrambled to her hooves, turned, and bucked. Solar Flare was flung back, but quickly regained her feet. Solar Flare charged forward. Twilight jumped, crashing through the window of her and her friends defeating Nightmare Moon. But not before Solar Flare managed to catch Twilight by her left hind leg.

"I'll give you one last chance, Twilight. Join me, or die." Solar Flare growled.

"No." Twilight hissed.

"Fine. You brought this on yourself." Solar Flare dangled Twilight out of the shattered window, then gave her leg a sharp twist. It made a sickening snap, followed by an anguished wail. Solar Flare then let Twilight go. Twilight felt the wind rush by as she plumbetted down to earth.

"Princess, WHY!!" Twilight wailed.

"Twilight, I'm so sorry…" Fluttershy wrapped her arms around Twilight in a tight embrace. They just sat there for what seemed like hours, Twilight finally reliving all her pent up grief and anger. Twilight finally brought her head out of Fluttershy's shoulder.

"You don't have to go on, I think I've heard enough." Said Fluttershy. Twilight nodded.

"The only way to defeat Solar Flare and Nightmare Moon is with the Elements of Harmony…I need you to come with me." Said Twilight, the fur under her eyes matted from tears. Fluttershy let go of Twilight, her face as pale as the moon outside.

"Fluttershy, are you ok?" Asked Twilight.

"I-I-I c-can't g-go with you." Stuttered Fluttershy.

"Why not? Isn't Harmony important to you? Is the saftey of Equestria, our friends, and the Princesses not important to you!?" Twilight narrowed her eyes.

"Of course it is!!"

"Then why won't you help me stop them!?"

"Because…I…I…I…" Fluttershy trailed off.

"You what?" Just then, the sound of crying came from another room. Fluttershy galloped to the bedroom before Twilight could further interrogate her. Twilight kept off the couch and limped after Fluttershy. What Twilight saw was unbelievable. Cradled in Fluttershy's arm was a pale green foal.

"Twilight, meet my daughter Flora." Fluttershy beckoned Twilight close. Flora was a pale green Pegasus filly with a dark green mane.

"Hi there, Flora. I'm your aunt Twilight." Twilight held out a hoof to the little filly. Flora looked up at Twilight with her teal eyes, then smiled and placed her tiny hoof in Twilight's. "She has your eyes, Fluttershy. She's beautiful." Twilight looked to her friend, expecting a smile. All she recived was a concerned look.

"Thank you, but do do you see why I can't go with you? I just don't want her to get hurt…" Fluttershy gazed at Twilight.

"We can take her with us. I know plenty of protection spells!" Encouraged Twilight.

"Maybe…" Fluttershy paused. "Twilight, I just can't do it! I can't risk my baby being hurt, or getting sick!" Fluttershy hugged Flora tightly.

"Fluttershy, I promise Flora will be alright."

"You promise not to let a single thing happen to her? Because if anything touches one hair on her head, so help me…"

"Everything will be fine. I Pinkie Promise." Twilight repeated the framilliar Pinkie Promise hoof motions.

"……Ok……I need to pack my things, then we can go." Twilight nodded.

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