In Sun's Light

Meredith called Gavin in sick, first thing. He needed rest. Luckily, something about the wound made it close up fast. Still, it looked bad. Or, at least, it did at first. As the day progressed, it got better and better. Perplexed, she finally spoke up.

"Son, did you get healing powers or something?" Gavin laughed, mostly because this used to be something that would have passed for a joke. But talking ponies and monsters were suddenly a big deal in his life. It was funny because healing powers suddenly weren't out of the question.

"I don't think so, mom."

"I've been giving him magic, Ms. Meredith," Sunshine said, "It helps him heal."

"Oh? And what about you?"

"I'm all better. Didn't you notice when I took my bandages off?"

In truth, Meredith hadn't. Maybe she healed unnaturally fast.

"Mom, I'm going to school tomorrow." Gavin said. She simply nodded, which relieved Gavin. He wasn't about to tell her he planned to recruit the area's local monster hunters. He was glad she didn't ask.

* * *

Graphite had pointed out a growing infestation of monsters, and so now Shining had gone out to take them out, while looking for the princess. And now he was surrounded. There were eight of the six eyed creatures in all, and they were circling him like wild dogs. One lunged, and he quickly decapitated it. Seven. Three attacked at once, forcing him to the ground. At this close of range, he could not use his sword effectively, so instead he drove them off with a magical pulse.

He then lunged to the offensive, managing to kill one and harm another, which the creatures tore apart in a mad frenzy. There we go! he thought. I can use this to get the upper hand. He lunged, killing three on the spot while they frenzied the wounded monster. Two remained. One snarled, leaping at him, and it knocked him to the ground. Then, it grabbed his leg and ran up a tree. It was physically larger than the others.

The smaller one followed and watched as Shining was dragged a few hundred yards before wrestling himself free. It attacked, and Shining managed to throw it off. Something cut it, catching the big one's attention. Shining Armor took the opportunity and swiped it's head off. The smaller monster, now alone, ran into the woods before Shining could catch it.

He saw a glint of metal, and bent down, picking up a torn and clawed chestplate with a gem in the middle. The golden color of the metal and purple gem were unmistakable. He found four hoof guards, each one vaguely shaped like a Fleur de Lis. No. No no no... No! He dropped the object in shock. Each item was massively damaged, and smeared with whatever grime, dirt, and gore it had accumulated in the past few days.

Celestia was-

No, no, he couldn't bring himself to accept that. Still, the proof was undeniable.

How would he report this to Twilight?

* * *

Sunshine was asleep. She was getting to her dream for the night. She expected the moon or sun again, but she was surprised when something entirely different flashed into view.

"Did you really think I would sit idly by while they all basked in your precious light?" a tall pony with a dark coat and starry mane asked.

"Sister, let me help you! It doesn't have to be this way! We can still work together!" a voice said. Sunshine recognized both. The second voice was her own. She stared at this other pony with a feeling of unimaginable sorrow, even impending loss. Something bad would happen to this mare.

She walked up to the podium between them. "There can only be one princess in Equestria! And that princess will be ME!" she yelled as she reared up and brought her hooves down on the podium, smashing it. The whole floor cracked, along with the wall, until the stained glass window above the mare shattered, revealing a solar eclipse brought on by the pony, who was envelloped in shadows, forming a black orb.

When it dissipated, the pony was gone, replaced by a tall armored mare with a black coat and turquoise eyes, her starry mane flowing almost like the robes on a wraith. Her pupils, round at first, became slits. As she started to laugh, her teeth turned into fangs. She merely laughed as Sunshine stared on in shock and horror. Finally, she trailed off, and Sunshine spoke.

"Luna! I will not fight you! You must lower the moon! It is your duty!”

"Luna.” The nightmare spat harshly. “I am Nightmare Moon. I have but one duty now! To destroy you!” With this said, the nightmare charged a magical laser and fired, waking Sunshine up with a start.

The first thing she saw was the moon.

* * *

Will was woken up by something. It was a shift in one of his more important spells. This one in particular was important. It was the spell blocking Celestia's memories. He could feel the change even from another dimension. It seemed to be weakening. At first he thought he was in trouble. Then he thought of something. He could use this. If he was back in the dimension, slowly but surely he would be able to close in on the source of his dying spell. That source, of course, was Celestia. But first, he had business to attend to in Equestria tomorrow.