A New Equestria book the second

by ZeirMakavar

Rating: teen
Tags: Applejack, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Alternate Universe, Other, Princess Luna, Rainbow Dash, Adventure, Twilight Sparkle
Length: 27863

The new Equestria Colonies, a Republic state governed under Equestria. Until past secrets, aren't secrets any longer.

The New Equestria colonies, ruled by a Republic-like government set in place by Princess Twilight Sparkle and Princess Lunamaria Eclipse. Many of the ponies here would pledge their allegiance to these two, had a need arise. Well, in the dark past hidden from them by Celestia, and others, a need does arise.
What happens when the secrets hidden by the past unravel, in the worst way?

Please support A New Equestria by donating at my Patreon Page.

Published 2013-12-30 16:50:02 UTC
Last updated 2017-04-13 14:37:14 UTC

1: This is the fire

Chapter 1

This is the fire.

Great ponies are born in fire. It is the privilege of the lesser pony to light the fire. But who is to say what defines those of us are the great ponies? The lesser ones? AK Yearing, also known as Daring Do can be considered one of these great ponies. Or is she a lesser pony to one Rainbow Dash? The facts are, there is no cut-and-dry way of telling weather or not A pony has lit the fire for another, or if their fire was lit by a pony. But no matter, that is not what this story is about.

It's about what happens in the aftermath of the fire. When, sometimes, a literal fire is released.

"Oh, what a pleasant surprise." Green Hunter mocked, as a guard pony lead Rourke to his cell. "Such an honor seeing the great Rourke at my, most humble cell. To what, do I disgustingly owe the honor to?"

"You of all people should know why I'm here Hunter."

"What? Did Celestia get her favorite pet to help clean up my mess?" Hunter continued to mock. "Wouldn't that be why she sent something created by his magic to get rid of me?"

"No." Rourke sighed shaking his head. "In fact, I'm here on Lunamaria's orders."

"Lunamaria?" Hunter blinked, unaccustomed to hearing the second princess called by her full name. "You mean... Princess Luna?"

"I'm more surprised you still consider her a princess. Considering the fact that you're a member of that Sun Cult." Rourke chuckled, sitting on a stool outside Hunter's cell. "Though, you weren't always as I hear. What made you turn?"

"That's not important."

"Oh?" Rourke chuckled, a smirk appearing on his face. "I do believe it is."

"No, it really isn't."

"And why not?"

"Because... Because I don't remember why."

Twilight Sparkle yawned, looking around her room. It had been only a year after the event's that lead Green Hunter, one of her most trusted allies on the Council to be arrested. It had almost seemed like a dream when Hunter's involvement in the events that plagued the Colony nearly the entire time it'd been around. Applejack, assured Twilight that it was finished. Rainbow Dash, who had changed during her time as an outcast, believed that it wasn't. Twilight, wasn't sure what to think.

And Twilight would have continued thinking, had a nock not sounded at her door. "Twilight, may I come in?" Luna asked, from the other side of the door.

"Of course Luna." Twilight said, shaking her head to cast away the thoughts of Green Hunter. "What do you need?" She asked, after Luna walked in.

"Well, I had been thinking on what you said Twilight." Luna sighed, sitting next to her. "On what you said after Green Hunter's arrest."

"And?"

"I sent Rourke to look into it."

"Rourke?" Twilight blinked, recognizing the name. "As in the pony Rainbow said refused to help her find Hunter?"

"The same."

"He listened to you?"

"He works for me."

"I see..."

"Hunter," Luna began, with another sigh. "He used to work for Deacon... Father. As in a member of the same order Rainbow Dash now leads."

"The Guardians."

"Indeed." Luna nodded, a somber atmosphere covering the room. "Though I do not know how long, or high he was. I, we, do know however that for some reason he left the Guardians, to join a group that is bent on toppling and destroying them."

"Why though?" Twilight asked, interrupting Luna. "Why would he join a group bent on destroying what he protected?"

"I told Rourke to find out."

"And?"

"Green Hunter does not remember."

"Does not..." Twilight repeated, a dumbfounded look on her face. "How? Is that possible? Is it possible he's lying? Or, maybe he was manipulated as well? Like how he manipulated Heaven and her brother?"

"I can assure you Twilight," Luna said, putting a hoof on Twilight's shoulder. "That Green Hunter is not lying."

"Which means he either truly does not remember, or his memories were manipulated." Twilight nodded. "Either way, it is possible he was being manipulated by the rest of the group and..."

"There is another possibility Twilight."

"then he could. Wait, another possibility?"

"I've been having the feeling that Rourke hasn't been as truthful with me as he says as of late."

"What do you want me to do about it?"

"Anything." Luna sighed, standing up. "Maybe do an investigation of your own." Luna said, chuckling as she turned to leave.

"Right I'll do that." Twilight sighed, before remembering a letter Celestia sent a couple of day prior. "Oh Luna!"

"Yes Twilight?"

"Celestia wants you to write... More often then you do."

"Come again?"

"She told me... in her last letter that you don't write to her. And... that she thought you would, seeing as you're sisters and on two continents."

"What would I write about? You already tell her what goes on in your... books."

"They aren't books, they are letters."

"Not from what I've heard Spike say about them..." Luna chuckled, a soft smile on her face. "I wake each evening to see him rubbing his claws due to their length."

"Right... maybe I'll go easy on the letters... But you really should write, even if it's just to ease Celestia's worries."

"Again, what about?"

"Anything?" Twilight sighed, bowing her head. "Personally, I agree with her Luna. I mean, I haven't really been interacting with you lately either but... She already lost you once because you two didn't talk. Imagine how she feels with you not talking to her? I'm betting it's how you felt before becoming Nightmare Moon."

"Indeed... it was loneliness that brought me to jealousy." Luna chuckled, shaking her head. "Very well Twilight, I will write to sister."

"Thank you Luna. Personally, I wouldn't want to see a Celestia version of Nightmare Moon." Twilight joked.

"Indeed, that would be a sight."

"What did Luna want?" Spike asked, as he walked into the room, caring a large amount of gemstones. "Was she here long?"

"No, not long." Twilight sighed, looking around. "She just wanted to talk Spike."

"Oh, I see. I can go and make dinner." Spike then sighed, setting the gems down near the table. "Maybe we should invite Luna?"

"No, I think she's busy right now." Twilight said, looking at the notes she had in front of her. "Though, I want you to get Rainbow."

"You sure?"

"Yes."

"Something up?"

"I just need her to check something."

"ARGH!" Rainbow Dash screamed, as she found her clothes, once again switched out by Shinze. "Shinze!" She yelled, leaving her room to look for Shinze. "What the hell Shinze!"

"What he do this time?" Trixie asked, poking her head out of her room.

"The same thing he usually does."

"Oh, well sorry?"

"No, it's fine Trixie." Rainbow sighed, shaking her head. "But if you see him, tell him I'll kill him."

"I will."

"Thank you Trix." Rainbow said as she continued looking for Shinze.

However, her search was interrupted by Spike's arrival. "Hey Rainbow. Hey Cloudchaser." He said, as they both blinked.

"What you doing here?" Cloudchaser asked, blinking. "We haven't seen you sense Green Hunter was arrested."

"Yes, that's why I'm here." Spike sighed, sitting on one of the stools. "See, Luna informed Twilight that she had conducted her own investigation into Green Hunter, about why he was doing what he did. And if the pony she sent to do this is to be trusted, then the results are inconclusive."

"Inconclusive? How?"

"Well,there are several things that could answer that. One, Hunter was lying. Two, he was telling the truth and actually doesn't remember. Or three..."

"Wait, Hunter said he doesn't remember?" Rainbow asked, her ears perking up.

"Yes... that's what he told Luna's investigator. Can I continue?"

"Yeah, sorry."

"Thank you." Spike sighed, shaking his head. "Or three, the investigator was holding something back."

"And let me guess, Luna thinks that it's the third one." Cloudchaser asked, looking from Spike to Rainbow Dash, then back to Spike. "I'm right, right?"

"You are." Spike nodded sighing. "So, Twilight wants, well Twilight and Luna, want you to check the data. And, to investigate yourselves if necessary."

"Sweet!" Cloudchaser chuckled, a smile on her face. "Finally something to do!"

"Sad that it has to do with the same pony as the last thing."

"True..."

"Well, I'd love to stay and chat some more, but I have a diner to make." Spike sighed, chuckling. "It seems I've grown into a Butler instead of an assistant..."

"Isn't it the cook that makes the food?"

"Well... yes but I do... Ah, whatever."

A few hours later, they had all the data from Rourke, much to Rainbow's annoyance, and were each going through it. "By Luna he's thorough." Trixie moaned, for the fifth time that hour.

"Yes, we know Trix." Cloudchaser sighed, moving on to the next pile of paper. "And it makes sense, he works for Luna."

"I know, but why does there have to be so much?" Trixie whined. "We've been at this for hours, and still not even half way done!"

"Quit the whining Trixie," Rainbow said sternly as she put one of the boxes they'd gone through to the side, opening another. "If you don't we won't get through this fast enough. Twilight, and Luna, trust us to find out if Rourke was hiding anything. Or anything else that could be useful to Luna."

"I still don't see why she'd be interested in Green Hunter." Cloudchaser sighed, shaking her head. "Yeah, I know that went bad. But we got him, isn't that enough?"

"We're making sure it is." Rainbow sighed as well. "Luna fears that it wasn't finished when we arrested Hunter. And quite frankly, I agree."

"You do?"

"Yes," Rainbow said before sighing again. "Before we caught him, he told me something interesting."

"What?"

"He was working for somepony. Somepony, or a group of ponies, that Shinze was spying on for Deacon."

"I see..." Trixie sighed, looking around. "So you worry that their plan was just beginning?"

"I already know what the gist of it is."

"How?"

"Again, Green Hunter told me. Same as how it was Shinze who, acting as an agent of Deacon, told me that it was him who inducted Green Hunter into that same group who he served."

"Then, should Hunter be on our side? Why would he do what he did?"

"That, is what I want to know." Rainbow sighed, shaking her head. "Now get back to work."

"Yes ma'am."

"Shinze." Deacon sighed, as Shinze walked into his room. "How are things, doing fine?"

"Yes sir."

"Good."

"May I ask why you called for me?"

"I've been told it was you that introduced Green Hunter to the Knights Templar." Deacon sighed, standing up, his mane flowing in an imaginary breeze. "Is there a reason why?"

"It was part of my disguise sir." Shinze responded. "I was asked, to convert a member of the Guardian to the Templar order. And so, I chose Hunter as the best candidate."

"And?"

"I'm afraid that my actual plan backfired." Shinze sighed, shaking his head. "After he was initiated, I planned on telling him of my true purpose being there. But..."

"But?"

"They did something sir." Shinze said, a frown on his face. "I do not know what, but he believed full-heartedly, that you had lied to us. About the moon."

"Which I did not."

"I know very well." Shinze chuckled, shaking his head. "But no, what worried me is that he had a blank stare. As if they completely changed him. Memories and all. He seemed to remember you, and the Guardians, but not that he was one."

"They... how could the Templar's have such magic?"

"I know not. But what I do know is that what ever they plan on doing, is big. And it maybe different then what we thought initially."

"They do not plan on destroying the Guardians? But was that not their purpose."

"Originally yes, but it seems there is a new head."

"Thank you." Deacon sighed, taking a book of the shelf. "You may go."

"Hey Twi?" Applejack said, looking around the town center. "How do you think it'll go?"

"This is going to be the first Nightmare Night celebrated in the colony Applejack, it's going to be wonderful." Twilight responded, with a nod from Spike and Applebloom, who was helping with the preparations, along with the rest of the Crusaders. "We even have Luna telling the story about Nightmare Night. Though she might not be as good as Zecora, she was still there during the event that led to Nightmare Night's creation."

"I suppose." Applejack sighed, shaking her head. "But still, why is this year the first year we celebrate Nightmare Night?" Applejack asked, looking around again. "Have we not been here almost a decade?"

"Well, yes." Twilight sighed, checking a few things off a list and nodding at a pony who was asking about which color streamers to use. "The black ones, though you should ask Pinkie Pie about those. She'll know more then me." She said, before turning back to Applejack. "But do remember Applejack, we've been to busy year round to really do anything for any of the holidays. This is the first year we can."

"I know. I know." Applejack sighed, shaking her head. "I still think we shoulda done it sooner. We've even neglected the Summer Sun Celebration."

"Yes, I know. And as I said..."

"This i the first year that we can do anything. I heard ya the first thousand times Twi."

"Good." Twilight nodded, a smile on her face. "Now, can you please check to see how the food is doing? Wouldn't want the ponies to be hungry."

"I'm on it." Applejack chuckled, waving a hoof as she turned to leave Twilight to her list checking. "Oh, I got the recipe for the apple cider from Granny Smith. So expect some of those."

"Wonderful. It's been to long since I've had Apple family Cider." Twilight chuckled, as she checked of a box next to 'drinks' "Though Pinkie'll be sad she can't make her punch."

"Why would I?" Pinkie said, surprising Twilight. "Apple Cider is amazing! Is it really Cider season?"

"Well, Cider season, from what I can gather falls roughly around Nightmare Night so I'm guessing?" Twilight shrugged, looking around. "Say, have you seen..."

"Luna?" Pinkie asked, in her characteristic mind reading way. "Oh, she's by Midnight's place talking with Discord. I think she's sad about something. Maybe she misses Celestia? Oh, oh maybe she's hungry. I know I get sad when I'm hungry."

"Thank you Pinkie..." Twilight sighed, ignoring the rest of Pinkie's crazy rant.

"I still think it's a wonderful opportunity dear Lunamaria." Discord chuckled, taking a fifth piece of Chocolate off the tray his tail was holding up. "Why don't you take it up? Tell your side of the story?"

"That is what I worry of Discord." Luna sighed, shaking her head. "And don't call me Lunamaria..."

"Why? It's your name isn't it?"

"Well, yes but..."

"You prefer Luna."

"Yes." Luna nodded, as Twilight walked into the store. "And I would rather be called that then..."

"Called what?" Twilight asked, interrupting Luna, looking at each of them in turn. "What did Discord call you?"

"I called her..."

"By my full name, which I do not like. Only Tia may call me that."

"Isn't your full name Luna?" Twilight asked, a confused look on her face. "Why would you be upset about him calling you that?"

"That's because her full name is Lunamaria."

"Lunamaria?"

"Indeed, Luna's name is actually Lunamaria." Discord chuckled patting Luna's head as his tail offered Twilight the tray of chocolate. "Want one? They are delicious." He asked, chuckling. "And before you rattle on, I paid for them Twilight."

"Did you really?"

"Yes."

"It is shocking is it not?" Luna chuckled, shaking her head. "Discord, a proper pony."

"I'm a Draconequus. Thank you very much."

"Then a proper Draconequus."

"This is a sarcastic remark."

"Witty comeback."

"Oh touche Luna... Touche." Discord chuckled, shaking his head. "Didn't expect you to respond that way... then again, I didn't expect you to respond."

"I try Discord," Luna said, chuckling as well. "It keeps you paying attention at least. Now, I think I'll have one of those chocolates."

"Perhaps we should send some to Celestia?" Discord asked, winking at Luna.

"No need." She responded. "I instructed the chef to bring a cloud cake to her room each night."

"Oh, that's even more diabolical Woona."

"Well it's what she gets for making me... DON'T CALL ME WOONA!" Luna bellowed. "IT IS A CHILDS NAME! I AM NO LONGER A CHILD DISCORD AND YOU..."

"Calm down Princess, you're scaring the whole neighborhood." Midnight said, coming out of the kitchen with three drinks. "Here you go, I brought you three drinks."

"How did you know I'd be coming Midnight?" Twilight asked, taking one of the drinks off the tray.

"Pinkie told me." Midnight sighed, shaking her head. "Said you asked her about Luna, so I figured I'd make drinks."

"Pinkie... how did she get here before me?" Twilight blinked, looking around. "she bounced off in the opposite direction."

"I find it best to not question her." Midnight sighed, as Luna and Discord took their glasses. "It helps me keep my sanity."

"Well I suppose that makes sense."

"It makes more sense then Pinkie Pie."

"I think the only one here that understands her here Luna, is Discord."

"No, sometimes I don't get her either." Discord chuckled, as both Luna and Twilight stared at him. "What? She's the element of Laughter. How am I supposed to understand how she can throw a block party with only three hours to prepare?"

"Because you are the embodiment of chaos?" Twilight put forth.

"Oh, well... there is that."

"No matter, I heard Midnight say you were looking for me Twilight?"

"Yes I was."

"May I ask why?"

"Well, I know they asked you to be the narrator and to tell the story of Nightmare Night, but are you sure?" Twilight asked Luna, a worried look on her face. "I'm aware from how you've been behaving that Nightmare Moon is something you don't like talking about."

"Yes, it's something I don't like talking about. But, something I chose to do Twilight." Luna sighed, nodding her head. "Something I... feel I need to do."

Now you listen here young ponies. You've all heard the tale. Of the young and brave pair of sisters. You've heard the tale of the older one. Bold and brave she was, guarding each and everypony in her light. You've heard the tale of the younger one, cool and collected, giving the ponies their night.
But what you don't know, is this was only half. You've heard the story of the Nightmare, as it took hold in the heart and mind of the younger. You've heard the story, countless times.
But what you don't know, is the story of a simple question. Why? Jealousy is an evil emotion bred from evil thoughts. Though not at all times. See, the ponies basked in the light yet hid from the shadow of the night. No pony was there for the younger, not even the sister she looked up to. And strived to please.
You see my little ponies, there are few things worse then jealousy. And loneliness, is one. Years pass, as the younger one would watch from the night. She would watch as the older grew in fame each day. "Did they not know?" The younger asked each day. "Did they not know what I, the princess of the night, did for them each night?" Why? Each day she asked the older. Just a simple question, each day without an answer. Why?
Those of the power know the magic of words, and no word is stronger then the sadness and lonely filled question. Why? A question asked so many times. And years pass still, and the younger still grew into sadness. Few things, my little ponies. Few things are more powerful then jealousy. And sadness, is one. For sadness breeds only few things, and hatred is one. For in the Younger's sadness and loneliness she still, watched her sister grow in happiness.
Brave and bold the older was. Brave and bold, but ignorant of her own sisters sadness. For in the few times they would talk, the Older's happiness would be seen by the younger. As it was each night, as the older watched each and every pony shrink and hide in their homes. And soon, quickly, the sadness filled "Why?" grew into something more. It grew into anger, and hate.
And in her ignorance, the older to fed the younger's hate and sadness.
And so, my little ponies. Was the birth of the one you call Nightmare Moon. Not a pony filled with vengeance, but one of anger and sadness.

Author's Note

This is what 6 cups of coffee, and 3 hours of sleep in the past 36 hours become... And what happens when I take a few month hiatus on doing anything... YAY for procrastination!

2: Luna's Sadness

Chapter 2

Luna's Sadness

"And so, my little ponies, was the birth of the one you call Nightmare Moon. Not a pony filled with vengeance, but one of anger and sadness." Luna finished, bowing her head hoping to hide the tears that at the end began creeping out.

"A night truly, where harmony bows it's head in sadness." Discord chuckled, as he sat upon a rooftop overlooking the group. "Wouldn't you say Celestia dear?"

"How did you know I was going to be here Discord?" Celestia asked him, a soft sigh escaping her.

"Why wouldn't you?" Discord asked in return. "I can bet that Your agents here told you days ago about Luna being the narrator here."

"They did."

"Then it's obvious you'd be here."

"I saw tears Discord."

"Come again?"

"She was crying at the end."

"Yes, and?"

"I fear that she may still be thinking about the past." Celestia sighed, bowing her head. "Yes, I was... Ignorant to her needs. I should have been there for her, yet couldn't stop talking about what happened during the day. But more importantly, I fear what Twilight and the others may do if the events of the future turn her back into Nightmare Moon."

"You fear that they may join with Luna against you?"

"I do."

"Your beginning to sound like me Celestia dear." Discord chuckled, taking a chocolate off the tray that his tail was holding. "Chocolate?"

"Ah no, I'm on a diet Discord."

"I do hope those Cloud Cakes aren't behaving badly then."

"Well, they are... How did you know the chef keeps making cloud cake and putting it in my room?"

"Because Woona told me she told them to."

"You know she's not a child Discord."

"I do." Discord sighed, standing up as the plush couch he had been sitting on returned to it's original shape. That of a box. "And I also remember a time when both you and Luna called me Uncle."

"Yes, but then mother died and father went into hiding."

"Well, yes... But still, I do miss the good old days. When you two called me Uncle, you asked questions on everything, and Lunamaria didn't cry because of her own past. Ah, youth."

"Yes, but then you went mad."

"I am mad." Discord chuckled, shaking his head. "Mad as a hatter."

"Oh? You are a Hatter?"

"I might."

"Luna?" Twilight said, looking around the room she saw Luna enter. "Luna are you still here?"

"What do you need Twilight Sparkle?"

"I just came to ask if you were al..."

"I am fine Twilight Sparkle." Luna said, as she sat at the desk in the room, looking over some papers. "Though your concern is unneeded, it is appreciated."

"Well, your welcome." Twilight sighed, putting a hoof on Luna's shoulder. "You know I consider you my friend Luna, that's why I know that something is bothering you. Now what is wrong."

"It is nothing."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes, I'm sure."

"Positive?"

"Yes Twilight Sparkle. I am sure, and I am fine."

"Well," Twilight sighed, shaking her head. "If you need anything, I'll be at my house."

"Why is it Twilight," Luna said, turning to look at Twilight. "That, both in Equestria and here, you live in a Library?"

"I... like books?" Twilight responded, in a confused tone. "Is that bad?"

"No. You may leave now Twilight Sparkle."

"What was wrong with Princess Luna?" Applejack asked Twilight as she walked into her house. "She seemed, stressed."

"I... don't know. She refused to say." Twilight sighed, sitting down. "She really hasn't been opening up lately. I'm worried."

"We all are Twilight."

"What if, what if..."

"Twilight!"

"Yes Spike?"

"One, your panicking." Spike sighed, shaking his head. "I'm sure that Luna'll be fine. And two, diners ready."

"Thank you Spike." Twilight sighed, taking a deep breath. "And you're probably right. Only, I'm still worried. She was crying. At the end of the presentation. I think she's still stuck a little in the past."

"She was... crying?"

"Yes, crying."

"Why would Luna be crying?"

"I don't know Spike, that's why I'm worried."

"It's probably nothing Twilight." Applejack said, patting Twilight's shoulder. "She did just tell everypony her part of the whole Nightmare Moon business. I'd be worried if she didn't cry at least a little bit."

"Well, I hope your right Applejack."

"I know I'm right." Applejack smiled, turning to leave. "We are all Princess Luna's friends Twilight."

"I know Applejack."

"You called?" Shinze said, looking around. "What did you need Dashie?"

"Do I have to tell you not to call me that again Shinze?"

"What do you need?"

"I need you to look into something."

"Hunter."

"Well, that." Rainbow sighed, shaking her head. "But there's something else."

"I take it this takes precedence over the Hunter case? Can you not have someone else do it? Cloudchaser or the Doctor should be free."

"No, this is top secret."

"Oh, I see."

"I need you to look into something... very important."

"You seem to be avoiding telling me what it is."

"You know that Umbra really is a front for the Guardians right?"

"Indeed."

"Then this is an order as a Guardian. Not as a member of Umbra."

"Sounds juicy. Will I be executed if I'm found out?"

"Probably, you'll be investigating Celestia."

"Come again?"

"From what Twilight and Luna have been telling me, it seems Celestia is hidding something. Now, I don't like saying it, probably as much as you like hearing it, but Celestia might have something to with Hunter."

"All leads huh?"

"Yes, all leads." Rainbow sighed, shaking her head. "I just hope that my intuition is wrong."

"Let's pray it is."

"Glad you're on board with this."

"You know my allegiance is to Deacon, not Celestia." Shinze chuckled, as he walked out Rainbow Dash's room.

"As is mine."

3: Lunar Republic

Author's Note

Yes, I do love spoilers.

3: Lunar Republic

Chapter 3

Lunar Republic

"You know that Umbra really is a front for the Guardians right?"

"Indeed."

"Then this is an order as a Guardian. Not as a member of Umbra."

"Sounds juicy. Will I be executed if I'm found out?"

"Probably, you'll be investigating Celestia."

"Come again?"

"From what Twilight and Luna have been telling me, it seems Celestia is hidding something. Now, I don't like saying it, probably as much as you like hearing it, but Celestia might have something to with Hunter."

"All leads huh?"

"Yes, all leads." Rainbow sighed, shaking her head. "I just hope that my intuition is wrong."

"Let's pray it is."

"Glad you're on board with this."

"You know my allegiance is to Deacon, not Celestia." Shinze chuckled, as he walked out Rainbow Dash's room.

"As is mine."

"Rainbow?" Shinze said, walking into Rainbow Dash's room months later. "You here?"

"Yeah, what is it?" Rainbow asked, rubbing her head. "How were things? What did you find out?"

"Well..." Shinze sighed, looking around before sealing the room from prying eyes and ears.

"That bad?"

"I found things that... well, I'm glad Luna isn't here."

"Why?"

"Celestia, I fear that she does."

"The matter we discussed?"

"From my, research, I found not only does Celestia know about the Solar cult known as Knight's Templar but... She might be it's leader."

"Celestia might... are you sure?"

"Afraid so."

"Then we have to tell..."

"I hope you weren't planning on telling any pony important with that information." Celestia said, a soft smile on her face.

"Celestia... why? Why would you take control of something like... them?"

"Who said anything about taking it over?"

"You mean... always?"

"Indeed Rainbow. I've always been it' leader." Celestia sighed, the soft smile still there. "In fact, I'm it's founder."

"So, are you absolutely sure that Rainbow Dash can be trusted?" Luna asked, as her and Twilight walked towards the castle that housed Umbra Equestria. "I know that she is a friend of yours, but."

"She's your friend too Luna." Twilight chuckled, shaking her head. "Besides, she's told me that she works for your father. Some organization called Gua..."

"The Guardians of the Moon?"

"Y-yes actually."

"I see... So then, this Green Hunter. What about him?"

"Well from what Rainbow tells me, he was also a member. But for some reason, he joined a rival group called The Knight's Templar."

"And this Knight's Templar, what is there plan?"

"Well, I guess in Rainbow's words it's to 'Completely, and utterly destroy the Guardians.'"

"Such a strange purpose."

"I suppose." Twilight nodded, as they neared the castle. "But then again, at least their mission isn't something like Discord's."

"That is an excellent point."

"Say, do you here something?" Twilight asked, her ears twitching, at the sound of small explosions.

"Yes, as a matter of fact, I do."

"Your it's..." Rainbow repeated, blinking. "Why? Why would you found something like that?"

"It was, necessary."

"For what?"

"Trust me Rainbow Dash, it was..."

"For what!"

"I had to."

"Why?" Rainbow practically yelled. "What really went on a thousand years? The last few weeks Luna's seemed out of it. Like she was forgetting something important. Why?"

"I'm sorry, that I can not tell you?"

"Why?"

"Because, I can not."

"Why?"

"Trust me Rainbow, you do not want to know."

"Yes, actually I do."

"No, you don't."

"I do." Rainbow ordered, looking over at Shinze, who nodded. "And if you don't tell me, then by order from Lord of the Night Deacon, I have orders to kill you."

"I highly doubt father ordered you to kill me."

"Actually, our orders are to find, and eliminate the threat posed by the Knight's Templar, by any means." Shinze chuckled, as he moved behind Celestia. "And hey, if that means it results in you dying then oh well. Oh, and also we have this conversation recorded so don't think we won't be able to prove who you really are after your dead."

"I'm ashamed that I actually thought you were innocent Celestia."

"And I'm sad it's resulted in this." Celestia sighed, as she bowed her head. Her horn glowed as she brought forth magic.

"Stop her!" Rainbow yelled, just before both her and Shinze were blasted out of the room. And Celestia looked pissed.

"I really thought we could work things out peacefully Rainbow, sad that it's resulted in this."

"What is going on?" Twilight asked, helping Rainbow up. "And Celestia why are you here?"

"Because she's the Knight's Templar's leader."

"What?" Luna blinked, looking from Rainbow to Celestia. "Is this true sister? Are you really the leader of this group? I heard that this Green Hunter, the cause of so many innocent lives lost, is a part of this group. Tell me it's a lie."

"I'm afraid not?"

"Why?"

"I can't tell you that."

"Why?"

"Trust me Luna. I can't tell you."

"Why?"

"Because the ponies have no right in knowing the truth!"

"What truth?" Luna asked, her head hurting. It was the same pain as what she felt when trying to remember. "What truth Celestia?"

"Oh, it really saddens me when you call me that sister."

"What truth?"

"Do you have any idea what would happen if ponies found out it wasn't just the Unicorns that had the ability for magic? Just look at Rainbow Dash." She waved at Rainbow, the black marks of the moon across her body. "She can do things no pony else can because of those sigils. And Heaven Star? She can bend space even though she is a Pegasus. It's not something that ponies..."

"They have a right to."

"Excuse me?"

"They have a right to." Luna said, anger in her voice. "They have a right to know Celestia. Let them decide what to do with this knowledge."

"We had this conversation a thousand years ago Luna."

"No we didn't."

"Yes, we did."

"You ended it by sending me to the moon, after I threatened to cast the sun away."

"Because I had to."

"And now, a thousand years pass, and you've brainwashed every pony into your thought cycle."

"Because I had to. They were asking to many questions."

"Is that wrong?"

"Well no, but."

"Get out."

"What?"

"Get out before I lose my patients and kill you myself." Luna repeated, anger leaking out of her voice.

"Luna, you don't..."

"I do mean it Celestia." Luna said her face flat, though flashes of anger could be seen. "From here on out, this is no longer a part of Equestria, and you Celestia sister, are not allowed to step a hoof here."

"Sister..."

"No, no excuses." Luna sighed, shaking her head. "I'm already ready to kill you. And if you want to live, then leave."

"Very well." Celestia sighed, bowing her head. "You do know that many ponies aren't going to like this."

"Not if you tell them the truth."

"You know I can't."

"You should."

"So..." Applejack sighed, shaking her head. "Now what?"

"Well, I don't know." Twilight mumbled. "I didn't expect this. Celestia being behind the Knight's Templar. Luna banishing Celestia from being here. Here being no longer a part of Equestria."

"I agree to that."

"Okay, well I kind of expected the last one, but not for another hundred years or so. Surely not five years after the colony started. We actually needed a lot of the supplies from Equestria. Now, well we might not be getting them."

"Not to mention that ponies might not move here." Spike mentioned. "We obviously aren't in good relation to Equestria right now. Ponies might fear for their lives if they think of going here at all."

"There is that." Applejack nodded.

"Well, I hope it doesn't come to that Spike." Twilight sighed looking over at Luna, who was looking out a window. "Especially for Luna's sake."

4: Ambassador workings

Chapter 4

Ambassador Workings

"Not to mention that ponies might not move here." Spike mentioned. "We obviously aren't in good relation to Equestria right now. Ponies might fear for their lives if they think of going here at all."

"There is that." Applejack nodded.

"Well, I hope it doesn't come to that Spike." Twilight sighed looking over at Luna, who was looking out a window. "Especially for Luna's sake."

"No matter, first things first is that we have to think of what to call this place." Applejack sighed, looking at each of the ponies there. "After all, now that it is a place it'll need a name."

"How about Super-Ultra-Awesome-Ponyland?" Pinkie suggested, bouncing up and down. "No? Then how about... oh! Ultra-Super-Awesome-Mareia?"

"Pinkie?"

"Yeah Twilight?"

"This is serious."

"I am being serious."

"No, you're being Pinkie." Rainbow sighed. "And I suggest Lunar Republic." At this, all ponies looked at Rainbow, even Luna. "What? It sounds cool, 'sides, It's Luna's fault really were even having this conversation."

"That is true." Applejack nodded, looking over at Luna. "So, it should be up to her."

"I... I like Lunar Republic."

"Then Lunar Republic it is." Applejack chuckled, patting Luna on the shoulder. "Look Princess, you sure about this? I mean, you did kind of banish your sister."

"She lied Applejack." Luna sighed, shaking her head. "She always stressed about telling the truth and being fair, yet she was the biggest liar of them all."

"Well, I suppose."

"Now what?" Rainbow asked, looking at Twilight. "We're delegating and congressing stuff for a whole new country here Twi, got any books saying what we should do?"

"Well, no." Twilight said, shaking her head. "There isn't any books on delegating or congressing new countries. And Rainbow."

"Yeah?"

"I'm more surprised you used those words correctly."

"I'm not an idiot Twi."

"Hey Twilight."

"Yes Spike?"

"What about Pome?[1] Or the works of Voltaire?[2]"

"What about Po... Spike."

"Yeah?"

"You're a genius."

"I am?"

"Yes, you are. Why didn't I think of that."

"Hey Twi." Rainbow asked, just before Twilight ran out of the room. "What's Pome? And who's Voltaire?"

"Pome is an ancient Pony civilization. They were around before Equestria, they were also a Republic like what were making. And Voltaire was an Old Prench philosopher.... He did a lot of thinking Pinkie."

"Oooh."

"Voltaire did a lot of works regarding free thought, and free will."[3]

"So he did a lot of thinking then." Applejack said, as each of them sighed."

"I think I remember visiting Pome..." Luna mumbled to herself. "There were a lot of strong stallions, all they talked about was fighting. And this colosseum."

"Okay, I think I have everything on Pome and Voltaire." Twilight said, returning with a large stack of books. "So, shall we?"

"So that should be it then." Twilight said, scrolling up the scroll that had their Constitution. "I guess I'll have to go and inform the Council they are now in charge of a nation." Twilight chuckled as she moved to leave the room. Though she was blocked by a guard.

"Ma'am." He said, sighing.

"Yes?"

"The Ambassadors from Equestria and Griffania are here to see you."

"Ambassadors from... But we just... The public doesn't even know yet."

"They said they were the Ambassadors."

"Fine I'll see them, bring them here."

"Celestia works fast..." Rainbow mused, chuckling softly. "I wonder who the... Gilda?"

"No, I am her mother." The Griffin that walked in said, bowing to each of them. "Though she has said a lot about you Miss Rainbow Dash. Except, you don't look how she described."

"Yeah, the tattoos are new."

"I see..."

"Not by choice mind you."

"And the Ambassador for Equestria? Who are they?" Twilight asked, hoping it wasn't anyone she new. Like her brother.

"They insisted on flying around before coming."

"Oh good."

"Why is that good?" Rainbow asked, tilting her head. "It's good that we have to wait?"

"It's good that he said they are flying. I was hoping it wasn't my brother."

"Why?"

"Because it would take to long to explain why we suddenly decided to annex ourselves out of Equestria. Not something I want to talk to my brother about."

"Oh, that makes sense..." Rainbow mumbled, looking around. "Well, I'll go look for them. Tell 'em were ready. Nice meeting you Gilda's mom."

"Pleasure." Gilda's mom said as Rainbow flew out of one of the windows. "Now, to business."

"Yes, business." Twilight nodded, as each of the ponies and one Griffin sat down at the table. "Believe me when I say that this is new to all of us."

"Do not fret," the Griffin Ambassador said, chuckling. "We Griffin's new it was only a matter of time before there was more then one pony nation again."

"Really?"

"Indeed."

"And what may we call you?" Luna asked, look the griffin over. "It seems strange to refer you as 'Gilda's mom' or 'Griffin Ambassador.' Though those are titles you have."

"Yes, they are." Grenda chuckled. "You may call me Grenda."

"A nice name." Luna said, nodding. "I take it you are from Grouff's clan?"

"Indeed, he was one of my Ancestors." Grenda nodded. "Did you know him Princess Luna?"

"Yes, I did." Luna nodded, a smile on her face. "He was one of the few that had the same opinions as I."

"He was indeed very... Liberal."

"I wonder who the ambassador for Equestria is going to be."

"Well, he's obviously a Pegasi." Applejack noted. "Worried it's somepony we know Twilight?"

"Yes. I don't want to have to explain what's going on..."

"I believe he said his name was Flash." Grenda said, looking over at Twilight and Applejack. "Though I do..."

"Flash Sentry?"[4] Twilight gulped, a look of shock on her face.

"Why, yes. I believe that was his name."

Author's Note

Pome = Rome for those that didn't get it.

Voltaire... I couldn't think of a way to ponyfy Voltaire, that sounded punny but good.

The real Voltaire did works on Freedom of religion and expression, he also coined the concept of Separation of Church and State which was unheard of before the Enlightenment period.

Yes, Flash Sentry is in this story. Because they are too cute together.

5: Old friends, New Co-workers

Chapter 5

Old Friends, New Co-workers.

"I wonder who the ambassador for Equestria is going to be."

"Well, he's obviously a Pegasi." Applejack noted. "Worried it's somepony we know Twilight?"

"Yes. I don't want to have to explain what's going on..."

"I believe he said his name was Flash." Grenda said, looking over at Twilight and Applejack. "Though I do..."

"Flash Sentry?" Twilight gulped, a look of shock on her face.

"Why, yes. I believe that was his name."

"Oh no. Nononononono" Twilight mumbled to herself, which caused Applejack and Pinkie to laugh. "This can't be... are you sure you heard wrong? Are you sure it's Flash?"

"Yes." Grenda said, a confused look on her face. "Is that bad?"

"Flash Sentry was one of the guards ordered to guard Twilight when she was in Equestria." Applejack sighed, shaking her head. "Things happened, they dated. And then we found a new continent."

"Re-found!" Pinkie said, in her unique fashion. "Remember? We were here before. Or did we come from here? I don't know!"

"Right... Re-found." Applejack sighed, shaking her head.

"We... we haven't talked in ages." Twilight said, a worried look on her face. "What if he... What if he thinks I don't like him anymore? I mean, I do but..."

"Twilight."

"But we haven't sent letters for a couple of years..."

"Twilight..."

Well, it's odd that he hasn't sent any letters... Oh no! What if he doesn't like me anymore? What if he found somepony..."

"Twilight!"

"Ah! What?" Twilight yelped after Applejack hit her on the head. "What I do?"

"One, you were panicking... again." Spike said, cleaning a nail. "Two, Rainbow Dash is here with Flash."

"Nice to see you too Twi." Flash chuckled, shaking his head. "Glad you're as stressed as you were when you left."

"Thanks Flash..." Twilight mumbled, looking at her hooves. "So... How long were you standing there?"

"We walked... flew in when pinkie mentioned that we 'Re-found' this place." Flash said, chuckling. "Which I'm interested to hear about."

"As am I" Grenda said, nodding her head.

"First things," Twilight said looking at Flash. "Ambassador? Isn't that a bit of a leap from guard-pony?"

"Well, about a year after you left I was promoted to Captain of the Guard, as Shinning Armor was to busy with the Crystal Empire to really do good in Canterlot."

"So all in all, there are two Captain of the Guards in Twilight's family." Rainbow chuckled, which caused Twilight and Flash to quickly look away from each other. "Well... not yet at least."

"We'll be to busy trying to run a country Rainbow."

"Oh come on Twi, at least say you want to get back with Flash," Rainbow said exasperated, as if it was the most important thing. "He's here now. I mean, if I had the opportunity to spend time with Soarin and Spitfire, I would but they're back in Equestria."

"Yes, I know Rainbow but I had to make time to spend any with Flash, and now..." Twilight sighed. "I just don't think there is time to make."

"I'm still here..." Flash said sighing.

"What makes you say that?" Rainbow asked, either ignoring or not noticing Flash.

"Because," Twilight sighed shaking her head. "Back then I was just beginning to get used to being a Princess. Now I'm one of the leaders of a whole Country. How can I make time from that, to spend some off time with ponies? I'll be to busy."

"And they didn't notice that..."

"You wont be Twilight." Rainbow said, sighing. "Trust me, there will be time to spend with Flash. It's not like you'll be busy at every moment in time."

"I'm afraid I might Rainbow," Twilight said, shaking her head. "We don't know what will happen in the future. Besides, we only have the Ambassadors of two of the countries. There is still Prance, Germaneia, and others. Not only that, but there is a lot of paperwork that needs to be done, and I need to read up on how Elections work so we can do proper ones for the major government offices."

"I think I'll be outside..."

"That doesn't mean you can't spend at least a little off time with Flash." Rainbow sighed, "He's your coltfriend for Celestia's sake."

"Yes I know Rainbow. But still..." Twilight started before looking around. "Um... where did everyone go?"

"They went outside." Spike said, still cleaning his claws. "You two were arguing about something stupid so they moved the meeting."

"Really?"

"Yes Twi, it was stupid." Spike nodded, chuckling. "And frankly, I agree with Rainbow. You'll have time." He said before leaving the room as well.

"See," Rainbow chuckled. "Even your assistant agrees with me."

"I suppose." Twilight sighed, shaking her head. "Speaking of coltfriends, how are you and Shinze?"

"W-what?" Rainbow blinked, looking away. "Okay, yeah we spend a lot of time together... but that's because work requires it. Not because I like him."

"So you don't?"

"I didn't say that."

"So you do?"

"I didn't say that either."

"So what is it?"

"It's..." Rainbow sighed, her turn to look at her hooves. "Okay, yeah I like him but..."

"Haven't asked him yet?"

"He's a Changeling Twi." Rainbow sighed. "How do I know he's not using that weird changeling magic."

"Because of the protective enchantments on Umbra's base of opperation, where you so happen to live?"

"Well, there is that but..."

"You think he doesn't like you?" Twilight sighed, shaking her head. "Rainbow, we went over this last week. Even Spike said so. He's teasing you because he likes you."

"You sure?"

"As sure as I was last week."

"Right... well, we have ambassadors to meet."

"And Changelings to ask out?"

"I'll ask him later!"

Author's Note

I felt in a giving mood, so here's a third chapter for today.

6: A change of plans

Chapter 6
A change of plans

"You think he doesn't like you?" Twilight sighed, shaking her head. "Rainbow, we went over this last week. Even Spike said so. He's teasing you because he likes you."

"You sure?"

"As sure as I was last week."

"Right... well, we have ambassadors to meet."

"And Changelings to ask out?"

"I'll ask him later!"

"Will you?"

"Yes, I promise Twi, only if you promise to stay going steady with Flash."

"Deal."

"So the only reason you're letting me stay here is because you made a deal with Dash?" Flash asked Twilight raising an eyebrow. "That seems rude..."

"Well no," Twilight sighed shaking her head. "I'd have said yes regardless, but I just wanted to tell you about it."

"That's fine Twi." He chuckled, patting her shoulder. "I'm just glad you still like me."

"Well.. why wouldn't I?"

"I don't know."

"So, Ambassador."

"Yes Princess?"

"Nothing... I just like saying it."

"I see." Flash sighed, shaking his head. "I noticed Discord has a house next door. Didn't realize he got a job."

"Well... Actually I don't know how he had the bits to buy the house..."

"Really?"

"He doesn't work." Twilight nodded. "All he does is hang around and eat chocolate he got from Midnight."

"She's that half changeling that owns the confectionery Pinkie was talking about right?"

"Mhm" Twilight nodded. "She does, and they are actually good."

"I think I'll try them out..."

"Remember though, you're Equestria's Ambassador."

"I know." He chuckled, shaking his head. "I take it they are out telling the ponies what's going on."

"Yes, Applejack, Luna, and Rainbow are telling the ponies at large. It'll be my job to inform the council of their new duties. Tomorrow."

"And tonight?" Flash asked, a soft smile on his face.

"Spend time with my coltfriend, who I haven't seen in almost ten years?" Twilight responded sheepishly.

"Exactly."

"So that's the deal." Twilight sighed, concluding her speech. "As of last night, you ponies are no longer just the council of a simple colony, but the congress in a new nation. And, as such there are certain duties that have to be taken care of."

"And who will be in charge of this executive branch you spoke of? If the ponies are to elect their leaders, here then who will be in charge of that branch?" One of the Unicorns asked. "Surely it will have to be someone who is here now."

"Actually, we talked about that already." Twilight sighed. "And if you were listening past that you were incharge of a nation you'd know we decided that to not be true."

"Are you telling us, that if we are in this... congress we can't be a part of the other branches."

"Yes." Twilight nodded, a oft smile on her face. "That is to avoid one pony from being to powerful. Remember, this is a Republic, not an empire like Equestria. There are no absolute rulers here."

"Then, if it is Luna's fault should she not be in charge of the Executive Branch?" A Pegasi asked, which caused Twilight to sigh.

"That's up to the ponies, they are the ones voting."

"Yeah, about that..." Rainbow said as she walked in, chuckling.

"What?"

"The ponies are done voting."

"Already?"

"They finished last night."

"Really? That fast?"

"It seems everyone here, still looks up to Luna." Rainbow chuckled, shaking her head. "They all demanded that we open the polls right there after I was done explaining what was happening. And guess who got 100% of the votes?"

"Luna?"

"Yup." Rainbow said, still chuckling. "Hello, and welcome Lunar Republic's first President, Lunamaria Eclipse."

"That's not funny Rainbow."

"Yeah, actually it is."

"Okay, it's a little funny." Twilight sighed, shaking her head. "I wonder how Rarity and Fluttershy are doing..."

"They'll be fine Twi." Rainbow said patting Twilight on the back. "Rarity is actually a tough pony, after you get past the froufrou... And Flutters, I'm sure her animal friends are keeping her company."

"I'm sure your right Rainbow... And how do you know that about Rarity, you two barely talked."

"You... don't want to know."

"I don't?"

"No."

"So, first president of the Lunar Republic." Deacon chuckled, as he walked up to Luna. "I wonder how that happened."

"I banished my sister."

"And?"

"How am I better then her?" She asked, looking up from the fountain. "I banished her, just as she did me. What if I'm no better then her? Would I have done the same in her place, what ever that is? Would I?

"I highly doubt that you would have." Deacon sighed, patting her back. "You are to kind, and you care for ponies way to much to hide anything from them."

"How do you know?"

"I just do." He chuckled, shaking his head. "Trust me, you will do fine as the President."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes."

"Welcome back Rainbow." Cloudchaser said, chuckling.

"What's so funny?"

"Nothing."

"Really?"

"Yes, really."

"Have you seen Shinze?"

"No, why?" Cloudchaser said, blinking. "What did he do this time?"

"Nothing. I just have to ask him something."

"I see."

"What? What's with that look?"

"You usually ask for Shinze if he did something, or you need him to do something." Cloudchaser sighed. "What's up Rainbow?"

"Nothing, I just need to ask him something." Rainbow replied, looking away. "That is all."

"I saw a blush Rainbow."

"I made a deal with Twi."

"Oh?"

"I'd ask Shinze out if she got back with Flash."

"Wait, Flash Sentry's here?"

"Yeah, he's Equestria's Ambassador."

"Nice choice..."

"I think she chose him because it would distract Twi."

"Now, what's this I hear about asking Shinze out?"

"Nevermind," Rainbow sighed. "Forget I said anything."

"You like him?"

"If I do?"

"I'm just surprised you like somepony other then yourself."

"Hey, I'm not selfish."

7: A familiar face

Chapter 7
A familiar face

Deacon sighed as he watched over the ponies in the capital city, the only city, of the Lunar Republic. He sat upon a cloud, as those with wings would do. He was sitting on the same cloud he had been on yesterday, and the day before that. He had grown accustomed to sleeping his days away when no pony knew of him. And now, now that ponies did, he found it an entertaining pass time to watch them go about their daily lives.

The most entertaining of them was Pinkie Pie of course with her random ways, and unthinking personality. But this thoughtless pass-time was to be interrupted. "So, decided to visit me eh?" He said, not looking at the pony that approached him. "How's the immortality been for you?"

"It's been fine Deacon." The pony chuckled, shaking his head. "I see that you're still as lazy as ever."

"By the way," Deacon mused, looking at the pony. "What do you go by now Teacher? I heard from Celestia that you died before Discord took over."

"I don't go by anything really," Teacher responded, sighing. "Those ponies that see me have their names for me. But I don't really go by anything."

"I see." Deacon sighed, returning his attention to the ponies below them. "And the Fates? What do they say? Has anything changed?"

"No." Teacher nodded, also looking at the ponies. "Their future telling has yet to change. The Well grows tired Deacon, when will you fix the problem?"

"Oh, when the time is right."

"So you will let the death of those few be in vain?"

"That is not what I said."

"You implied it."

"Is that so?"

Twilight sighed, shaking her head. She was going over some of the books Deacon gave her for her Library. Yet something didn't make sense. "Hey Flash." She said, looking over one of the books. "You know anything about this 'Teacher' some of these books talk about?"

"No why?"

"I'm just wondering." Twilight shook her head, sighing. "There's this mysterious pony these books talk about. He's either called The Teacher or The First One. Yet when I try and look for anything on him, I find nothing. They only mention him in passing."

"You sure those two are the same pony?"

"Well, no. But he has to."

"Why?"

"Because... I don't know." TWilight sighed, giving up. "I just... I... I can't stand not understanding Flash, you know that."

"Yeah, I do." Flash chuckled, patting Twilight on the shoulder. "But hey, I like to think that's why I'm here. To not understand for you."

"That's nice Flash." Twilight sighed, leaning into Flash as he hugged her. "But remember? You're here as Equestria's Ambassador."

"Well, then maybe I shouldn't be so close to Lunar Republic's Vice President."

"No, that's not what I'm saying."

"Oh?"

"Yes, what I'm saying is that... ah, there is no way I can explain without disregarding that you're my coltfriend, or that your Equestria's Ambassador."

"Quite a predicament your in Twilight Sparkle." Discord chuckled, as he floated in his tail once again holding a tray of chocolates. "Chocolate?"

"No thank you Discord." She sighed, shaking her head.

"I'll take one."

"Honestly," Twilight mumbled. "You are as random as Pinkie in appearances Discord."

"Did somepony say my name?"

"P-Pinkie!"

"That's me!"

"Why... Why are you here?"

"Duh, somepony said my name."

"Then how did you... Pinkie Sense?"

"Yup." Pinkie nodded, just before she looked out a window. "Oh, a cake shop is having a sale." And off Pinkie was.

"I'm as random as Pinkie you say?"

"Yes, though she is more so."

"Hey, who is that?" Pinkie said, stopping outside the window.

"Oh, Ambrosia how nice of you to visit!" Discord chuckled, shaking Ambrosia's hoof. "So, this is where you've been hiding your hive hasn't it?"

"Hang on..." Twilight blinked, walking out to Discord, Ambrosia, and Pinkie. "One, I take it you are one of the other Queen's I've heard about? And two, how do you know Discord?"

"Well, it's simple little twilight." Discord chuckled patting her head. "Miss Ambrosia here used to foal-sit Celestia and Luna... Though not sure how you balanced that and your experiments."

"Eh, I needed the bits."

"Girl, I know the feeling."

"Discord... Behave."

"No."

"I'll get Fluttershy."

"You wouldn't."

"Fluttershy?"

"She's a pegasus pony, Miss Ambrosia." Twilight explained, chuckled. "And she's also the only pony that can reign in his antics."

"Is that so?" Ambrosia chuckled, smiling. "I'd like to get my hooves on this Fluttershy."

"Miss Ambrosia?"

"Yes?"

"Where would you say that your hive makes their home?" Twilight asked, looking around. "I mean, there are changelings living openly in the city but none of them looked like you. Are Changeling hives colour-coded?"

"Why yes, I did notice that the changelings here were from Chrysalis' hive. How is she in fact? I've been out of touch lately..."

"She's been arrested."

"Oh?"

"For attempting to take over throw Celestia and Luna." Discord sighed, shaking his head. "I think she's stuck with a fluffy... thing... right now. Maybe?"

"Yes Discord, they are watching over my house back in Equestria."

"Is that so Twilight?"

"Yes." Twilight nodded before turning back to Ambrosia. "Yes, Chrysalis has in fact been arrested, due to her attempt at over throwing Celestia, among other things..."

Author's Note

Ambrosia and any other Changeling Queens, other then Chrysalis, I use in this story belong to Carnifex. (As of right now, it's just Ambrosia.)

http://siansaar.deviantart.com/

8: Thoughtful Futures

Chapter 8
Thoughtful Futures

"Why yes, I did notice that the changelings here were from Chrysalis' hive. How is she in fact? I've been out of touch lately..."

"She's been arrested."

"Oh?"

"For attempting to take over throw Celestia and Luna." Discord sighed, shaking his head. "I think she's stuck with a fluffy... thing... right now. Maybe?"

"Yes Discord, they are watching over my house back in Equestria."

"Is that so Twilight?"

"Yes." Twilight nodded before turning back to Ambrosia. "Yes, Chrysalis has in fact been arrested, due to her attempt at over throwing Celestia, among other things..."

"Well, how sad." Ambrosia sighed shaking her head. "To see a fellow queen reduced to nothing more then a criminal. Oh well, she was an idiot."

"Really?"

"It says a lot about our race doesn't it?"

"Well, if Chrysi was an idiot." Discord sighed, his tail waving around as it carried the chocolate tray. "Then Celestia and Luna are even less intelligent. yeah, I'd say that makes sense."

"Discord."

"Yes Twilly?"

"Okay, don't call me that." Twilight sighed. "And though I don't mind you calling Celestia an idiot right now, due to circumstances, you do remember that Luna is the President right?"

"And you are the Vice President. So?"

"Discord..."

"I'll avoid insulting her then."

"Thank you." Twilight nodded, as she returned to looking at Ambrosia. "I'm going to assume you have a hive going somewhere around here?"

"Yes, as a matter of fact I do." Ambrosia nodded, chuckling. "Why? Would you like to know where?"

"Yes."

"I'm not going to have raids of ponies trying to destroy me am I?"

"No." Twilight said, shaking her head. "It's only for security reasons. As, I don't want ponies heading to close to a changeling hive. Now, I know Changelings feed off of love, so I'm not saying to deprive you, or the rest of your hive, of said love. What I am saying is that I wouldn't want to get into a territory...

"Twilight..."

"Yes Discord?"

"You're boring us."

"I may be boring you Discord, but this is important."

"No, you're boring me too." Ambrosia sighed yawning. "Is she always like this?"

"Yes, actually she is."

"Bonk!" Pinkie Pie randomly said, poking Ambrosia in the face. "Hi!"

"Um... hello pink one."

"I'm Pinkie Pie. I know your name is Ambrosia is your name because that's what Discord called you. Or is that just what Discord calls you?"

"It actually..."

"Well, if it is then I need to trow a Hi-Welcome-to-Ponyville-even-though-this-isn't-ponyville-party for you! Oh, can I? I like parties. I'm the party pony!"

"Let's move this inside." Twilight sighed, opening the door. "She can be... a bit much to handle."

"I can see that."

"So, what exactly is the extent of land that you own?" Twilight asked Ambrosia, after they moved into Twilight's house's study. "I'd like to know."

"It's actually not far from here." Ambrosia sighed, looking around. "A bit into the forest south of here." She chuckled, as Discord set the chocolates on the table, on top of Twilight's notes.

"Discord."

"Move them yourself Twilly."

"You put them on my notes."

"My tail was tired."

"You put them on my notes."

"Your a good Alicorn Twilight." Discord chuckled, as he took one of the chocolates. "You'll think of something."

"I'll toss them out a window."

"Okay, I'll pick them up."

"Thank you," Twilight sighed, once again returning to Ambrosia. "So, it's south of here?"

"Yes."

"Well, that went well." Applejack chuckled, as they left to find Rainbow.

"You mean despite Discord's constant interruptions, and Pinkie being Pinkie?"

"Yup."

"Oh well," Twilight sighed shaking her head. "I guess we should go and tell Rainbow the news right?"

"One cannot gain anything without first giving something in return. To obtain, something of equal value must be lost. That is the first rule." A cloaked stallion said to Rainbow Dash, as she approached the cave. "You do know this right?"

"I do." Rainbow sighed looking at her hoof, the black markings evident even there. "More then anypony alive."

"Perhaps." The stallion nodded. "Yet you still seek the Teacher. Why?"

"I need answers."

"Some questions aren't meant to be answered."

"I don't care. I need answers." Rainbow repeated, sighing. "I heard that this Teacher can answer them. Can he?"

"He can." The stallion nodded. "But do you want them answered?"

"I do."

"Do you really?"

"Yes."

"Swear on the Moon."

"I swear."

"Then come with me." The stallion chuckled, turning to enter the cave. "Be warned though. The Teacher has a tendency to destroy souls. And maybe eat them as well."

"A Soul-Eater?" Rainbow Dash blinked, looking around the cave. "The oldest thing in all of reality is a Soul-Eater?"

"Ah, so you know of them eh?"

"I do."

"Almost curious as to why..."

"I refuse to tell."

"Very well." The stallion chuckled, as they began passing other path ways, each one seeming to have other cloaked ponies.

"Say, what exactly is this place." Rainbow asked, as they passed a cloaked mare. "I didn't expect it to be this large..."

"It is not for you to know." The stallion said, not looking back to her. "Yet at least."

"I don't get it."

"The name of this place is not to be spoken by us. Only by the Teacher."

"Is that so..."

"Indeed."

"Why?"

"Because that is so."

"I see..." Rainbow Dash sighed shaking her head, before looking around. "So, when can I see the Teacher?"

"In time."

"What?"

"He will come when you are ready to see him." The stallion said, before he left the room they arrived in. "Stay here until then."

"Great... waiting in a room again." Rainbow sighed, looking around. "And I don't even have books to read..."

"Are you sure?" Twilight asked Shinze, when they arrived at Umbra. "Are you sure she isn't here?"

"Look, I watched her leave." Shinze chuckled. "It was early morning."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes."

"Then where is she?"

"No idea."

"Really?"

"Look, you can't use the Princess trick on me Twilight. I don't follow any of them."

"You follow Deacon."

"Ah, so you do know."

"I'm not an idiot Shinze."

"Never said you were."

"What ever... Do you have any idea where she'd go?"

"Nope."

"Then shouldn't we go look for her?"

"Why?"

"Shinze, it's the afternoon."

"Is it?"

"Yes."

"We should probably look for her then shouldn't we..."

"You think?"

"Argh!" Rainbow Dash mumbled, as she stared at the wall. "How much longer am I going to wait."

"Such interesting markings upon your body Rainbow Dash." A voice said, with no clear owner. "It has been a long time since we last saw them."

"Who's there."

"I've had many names." The voice chuckled, still with no clear owner. "You may call me Teacher."

"It's about time you showed up then... I feel like I've been waiting for days."

"You wanted answers?"

"I do. I still do."

"One can not give answers without first hearing a question."

"You know exactly what I am going to ask."

"I do." The Teacher chuckled, as Rainbow continued looking around for him. "Though I still want to hear you ask the question."

"Why?" Rainbow then asked, sighing. "Why me? Twilight she... she's much more powerful then me, she... she'd be better at this then I am." The teacher's silence asked her to continue. "I'm selfish, I put myself before other ponies so much. I... I'm not worthy of protecting anything."

"Does the Universe give those who say they are worthy anything?"

"Well, I don't know." Rainbow blinked, confused. "Does it?"

"It gives only what we deserve." Teacher chuckled, as he walked out of a wall. "That is all Rainbow Dash. Just, what we deserve."

"So you are saying I'm meant to be what I am? I don't even understand half of what I can do!" Rainbow half yelled. "I mean, I know I can fly, I have wings. But these... things... I don't... I'm afraid."

"Of?"

"What if... What if I become like Green Hunter? Or Nightmare Moon?"

"And do you think that will happen?"

"Well... I don't know."

"The Universe, and the Moon, only give to those that are worthy of their gifts." Teacher sighed, patting Rainbow on the shoulder. "What you do with those gifts, is up to you."

"I don't even know what I was given..."

"You will, when it is needed."

"How will I know?"

"You will."

"I will?"

"You should probably begin heading back." Teacher chuckled, looking towards the entrance. "Your friends are getting worried."

"Where were you?" Twilight yelped when they Saw Rainbow Dash. "We've been looking for hours!"

"I was..." Rainbow began before shaking her head. "I was looking for answers."

"Answers? To what?"

"Just something I'd been thinking about."

"Rainbow, I've known you long enough to know something is worrying you." Twilight sighed, putting her hooves on Rainbow's shoulders. "What is it Rainbow?"

"It's nothing Twi." Rainbow sighed, pushing Twilight away. "I'm fine now anyway. It's nothing to worry over."

"You sure?"

"Yes, I'm fine."

"You haven't asked Shinze yet have you?"

"How... How did you know?" Rainbow blinked, looking back over at Twilight. "I... No, I haven't..."

"Well..."

"I'll ask him, eventually."

"Really?"

"Yes, really."

"You'd better. We made a deal."

"I know Twi..."

"So, what are we to do with her?" Deacon asked the approaching pony, as he watched Rainbow Dash and her friends.

"She's getting curious."

"I know."

"She asked why she was chosen."

"Isn't it a simple reason?" Deacon chuckled, shaking his head. "Why are any of us chosen?"

"Because the Moon needs us."

"Indeed." Deacon chuckled, looking up at the moon. "She does need us does she not?"

"You miss Aurora, don't you?"

"I do." Deacon sighed, shaking his head before looking back at Rainbow Dash. "You know, that Rainbow Dash reminds me of the young Aurora. She was always a strong pony."

"And yet," Teacher sighed, looking down at them as well. "They both are insecure about themselves."

"It's a sad fact, but yes."

"Well, I best get to work."

"Oh?"

"I have a dimension to run, remember?"

"So much more difficult then a country."

"Or a world."

"Are you sure?" Applejack sighed, looking over at Rainbow, as she talked with Twilight. "Are you sure Twi?"

"I am."

"I'm worried about Dash too, but.." Applejack sighed shaking her head. "If she said she's fine then she's fine. It ain't our job to get in her business."

"I know," Twilight sighed, looking around. "But all of this... It's a bit much. For any pony."

"I know Twilight, and so does Rainbow."

"I know..."

"Look, if Rainbow needed help, she'll ask." Applejack chuckled. "She's a tough pony, but she's smart."

"I know Applejack." Twilight sighed, looking over at Rainbow as she flew around with Cloudchaser and the other pegasi of their group. "It doesn't stop me from worrying."

"You almost sound like a mother Twi."

"I do?"

"Yup."

"Sorry?"

"Don't be, it's who you are." Applejack chuckled, shaking her head. "Though you should probably talk to Flash Sentry about that."

"W-what?" Twilight blinked looking back at Applejack. "Why would you say that?"

"Eh, no reason."

Poneology Artifact #34-5867-95 file b

The artifact appears to be a couple of pages from a Journal, author unknown. The artifact, references a 'Lunamaria Eclipse' several times in all seeming pages that have been gathered. When a search for 'Lunamaria Eclipse' is entered, no results return in either Solar Empire or Lunarian databanks, it is assumed this is an alias.

Below is the last found recording of the name. As well as another, new name.

Let me ask you a question. What do you do when the pony you've looked up to, the pony that taught you, the pony that you thought had all the answers, lied? What do you do when you find out that what you thought was the truth, was in fact only a part of something greater? Or worse. What do you do?
Me? I could do nothing. I couldn't. I had no way of knowing what would come. The knowledge that I have now, could have benefitted Luna more then I did. I only wish we didn't lose so many. If only we didn't lose them, we might have won.
Both me and Luna agree that things would have gone much easier if we knew now then. If only things were that easy though.
I've grown old, I only hope that things will be easier.

I miss you Twi.

Author's Note

This chapter has been brought to you by the song: The Phoenix - FOB.

To explain the artifact number 34-5867-95:
The first number, 34, symbolizes that the artifact was found at Site 34. The second number, 5867, symbolizes the grid number. The third number, 95, symbolizes the order it was found. Therefore Artifact #34-5867-95 was the 95th artifact found in grid 5867 at site 34, and Artifact #1-110-1 would be the first artifact found in grid 110 at site 1.

10: What need done (Rourke part 2)

Author's Note

I know I said this would be the largest chapter... But I was feeling evil, and decided to publish it now.

10: What need done (Rourke part 2)

Chapter 10
What need done

"Rourke? That's the name you choose?" A small pixie said appearing out of Rourke's ear. "Such a weird name Star..."

"It's the name I choose Ner."

"I know but still..." Ner chuckled, sitting on one of the desks that Rourke had brought into the study. "But still, it's not better then the last few caretakers.... Like Alexander, he was a good one."

"Judging a pony, or a person, on how their name sounds is idiotic."

"Yeah, but..."

"No buts Ner." Rourke sighed, taking a parchment and quill out as he began writing upon it. "Now get to work. I want those enchantments done yesterday."

"Yeah yeah..."

It took Ner, a pixie made by an unknown force who's job was to guide the caretakers and guardians, a rather long time to place the several types of enchantments in each of the rooms within the stone tower they called home. "You know..." Ner sighed, resting on the counter as Rourke worked. "My job is to teach you, not do this shit for you."

"Now where is the fun in that?"

"Your attitude reminds me of Makavar." Ner sighed, a nostalgic tone in her voice. "He was the first Caretaker."

"So, this Makavar..." Rourke sighed, looking over at Ner. "He made you?"

"No," Ner said, shaking her head. "I was made by Myst. I'm going to live longer then even you. Though... because of your job you'll live for quite a bit."

"As long as a Alicorn." Rourke said chuckling. "If I remember the parchment correctly."

Thirteen days passed and not a single eventful thing happened. Ner continued enchanting the building, while Rourke studied up on magic. news had reached this far off town that the war had ended, along with the Alicorn's return. Three Alicorn's in particular were talked about. Their names, Deacon, Aurora, and Celestia, were talked about almost in every conversation. Their powers seemed to bar none. Rourke of course, only ignored those rumors, as he didn't care.

"Hey," Ner said, floating into Rourke's study. "Did we invite anypony today?"

"No, why?"

"Because there is this really black Alicorn, and a younger white one, standing at the front door."

"Is there now?" Rourke sighed, as he got up to head to the front door.

"Hello Starseeker." A black Alicorn said, his hair seeming to flow with out wind, and appeared to be the night sky. "It's been awhile."

"Deacon."

"Allow me to introduce my daughter, Celestia." Deacon chuckled, as he pushed the young Celestia towards Rourke.

"D-daddy..."

"It's okay honey, he's a friend." Deacon said calmly to Celestia. "He helped Daddy a long time ago."

"Did he really?"

"Yes, he did."

"O-okay..."

"Why are you here Deacon?" Rourke asked, sighing as he observed the young Celestia. "She doesn't even have a cutie mark yet."

"I am aware of this Starseeker." Deacon chuckled, as Celestia began chasing Ner around. "I need your help."

"And you brought your daughter along for the ride?"

"Well... It was Aurora's idea really." Deacon sighed, rubbing the back of his neck with a hoof. "She... well, she wants me to act more like a father to them..."

"Them?"

"We have two foals actually." Deacon said smiling. "Celestia here is the older one. Then there is Lunamaria, she was just born."

"Why do you need my help?"

"We... We need a place to hide."

"Oh?"

"What you talked about... Before we left," Deacon sighed, as he smiled watching Celestia. "It's here. I'm not sure what it actually is. This... darkness, what is it?"

"Simply that." Rourke sighed, looking out a window. "It is darkness. It is lust, hatred, and all things we fear."

"A Nightmare."

"Indeed." Rourke sighed, looking over at Deacon. "But, it is also love, kindness, and all things we hope for."

"That..." Deacon said, looking around before shaking his head. "That makes no sense Starseeker. How cane something be good, yet evil?"

"The thing you run from." Rourke sighed, picking up a book using his magic. "It is an ethereal entity. It feeds on all emotion, the very soul of a pony if you will. It's called a Soul-Eater, and they exist in the shadows of places far older then any of us. Remnants of a time forgotten.

"They hunt anything that even remotely catches their attention. And they hunt it until either they die of natural causes, or they catch it. And their favorite meal, are Alicorns."

"So, they only see us as food..." Deacon sighed, shaking his head. "No, I refuse to lay down and die. Is there a way to kill them?"

"No." Rourke said, shaking his head. "Not one known at least."

"Could somepony get this thing away from me!" Ner yelped, as she stood on top of one of the cupboards, away from Celestia. "Before it eats me!"

"That's a young foal Ner," Rourke chuckled, as he turned to look at them. "She's not going to eat you. She probably only wants to play."

"Well either way."

"Are you sure these will work?" Deacon asked, as he looked over the old parchments. "They seem old... and flawed."

"Yes, they will work Deacon." Rourke chuckled, nodding his head. "They are the same enchantments as the ones used here." He said, sighing. "The only reason you saw this place, was because you've been in here before. So be careful who you let in your home Deacon. If the Soul-Eater finds anypony, and I mean anypony, that has been in your home it will find it."

"I understand." Deacon sighed, shaking his head. "It does not seem fair though..."

"You'll understand." Rourke said, smiling softly. "In due time, you'll understand."

"Bye-bye Mr. Rourke sir." Celestia said, waving back at Rourke.

"I told you Celestia, his name is Starseeker..."

"No it's not..." Celestia said, shaking her head. "The shadow thing said it was Rourke. Rourke of Chaos."

11: Shadows of the past (Rourke Final)

Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.

12: Nevermore

chapter 12
Nevermore

Nevermore quoth the raven. Nevermore.

Nevermore in the sky's above shall we soar.

Nevermore in the sea do the fish swim.

And nevermore, does the horse bray.

Nevermore, does the sun shine in the day.

Nevermore, does the moon glow at night.

Nevermore. nevermore.

The seagull breeze

And the queer man sings.

"Nevermore."

In somber speech

Nevermore, does the light shine.

Nevermore, does the moon glow at night.

Nevermore, does the child smile.

For the darkest hour

And lightest night.

In depth has it passed.

And the raven quoth, nevermore.

Celestia sighed as she approached the crystal caverns. It was a place she wished she didn't need to go, but due to the circumstances it was needed. The truth of her involvement with the cult known as The Knight's Templar, had been shown to her dear sister Luna in the worst way. And she took it the worst way as well. Celestia shook her head, sighing again as she passed a Raven that had been around almost as long as she had, as if it refused to die. "Nevermore quoth the raven." It said, in it's continuous poem that it repeated. "Nevermore." Celestia smiled, remembering her earlier years as she trained under Rourke. She had sat in front of the raven at Rourke's home for hours on end listening to it's poem. A poem that she would eventually learn was a somber prophecy. One that she had hoped would not come to pass.

But, she soon saw the events unfold as the raven had spoke them. With the fall of Discord, the sun and moon seemed to stop moving, which caused Celestia and her sister to take up the charge of raising each, each day. It was tiring work, that grew even more so when Luna became Nightmare Moon, and attempted to overthrow Celestia. Celestia then had hoped that that was the darkest hour the raven had spoke of, and that it would as it said, quote the prophecy no more.

But, a quick trip to it's location proved Celestia wrong. There it had stood, still quoting away. And of course, this worried her. "What could it be?" She asked herself as she sat in front of the raven watching it quote away. "It's been doing this for so long now... I had almost forgotten about it." She chuckled, shaking her head before she turned to look at the guard pony who was approaching her. "Yes? What is it?"

"The delegate from the Griffins has arrived your majesty." The guard said, bowing to Celestia. "He requests an immediate audience with you."

"I see, thank you for the information." Celestia responded, before turning once again at the raven and sighing. She then turned to leave, him to his quoting.

"Why do you leave them be Celestia?" Raging Smith, the griffin delegate, asked clearly angry. "They are nothing but rebels who's only mission is to disrupt the peace. They must be taught a lesson in respect!"

"I do agree with you Mr. Smith, but my sister..."

"From what I've heard from our spies over in... what they call The Lunar Republic, your sister is their leader."

"Yes, I know... I can't..." Celestia sighed, shaking her head. "I can't fight with my sister again."

"You can't Celestia? Or you won't?"

"Both actually." Celestia responded, bowing her head. "The last time we fought, so many were lost because of my foolishness. I'm not making that mistake again, trust me Raging Smith, the last thing we want is to fight Luna. Despite what you may think, she isn't evil at all. She's misunderstood yes, but she's actually a kind person."

"It does not change what has happened Celestia. She, along with the rest of her rebels need to be dealt with."

"I will deal with them in my own way Raging." Celestia sighed, shaking her head. "Trust me, we do not want war."

"You keep saying this, yet I see no way we would loose."

"Last what my spy said, they have an alliance with several of the larger Changeling hives." Celestia stated, a soft smile on her face. "A feat, that we could not do."

"This means nothing."

"Oh?" Celestia chuckled, shaking her head. "Do you not remember years ago? When a certain Changeling hive almost took over Canterlot? The number of changelings in only one of those hives could easily outnumber us 10 to 1 Raging, even with the collective might of our forces. That, and do you not remember who is in charge of the Crystal empire? There is a higher chance they will side with the Lunar Republic, because of Twilight, then us. A war isn't the best option right now."

"War should be the only option!" The Unicorn to Raging's right shouted. "From the letters I get from my sibling over there, I understand that very few of the nobles hold the proper power their position holds! Another thing, half of them have been thrown into the dungeons for protesting against the foolish government they set up! How sha-

"By suggesting they are foolish is suggesting my sister is foolish." Celestia growled. "And by suggesting my sister is foolish, you suggest that I am foolish. And that, Yellow Hunter is the last thing you should be doing."

"But..."

"No buts." Celestia growled again, as she turned to leave. "I dismiss you all, now leave my castle before I have you thrown out."

"Such arrogant people aren't they Celestia dear." A voice said as a shadow creeped up to her from behind. "It's a good thing they'll all be gone and dead once our plan is complete right?"

"Shut up Xing." Celestia sighed, as she walked to her chambers. "I don't have the time for your games. Besides, I'm not in the mood."

"Oh my," the shadow, known to Celestia only as Xing, chuckled. "Such naughty words. Even after father graciously let you keep me. Well, to keep an eye on you that is."

"You know as well as I do that there's no way I'm going to deviate from his plan Xing." Celestia sighed, shaking her head. "It's almost necessary to take that bastard tyrant down."

13: Sacrifice

Chapter 13
Sacrifice

"It's always the sacrifice that's forgotten by history. It remembers the name of the person who sacrificed them, and the name of those who stopped them. It remembers my name. It will always remember my name. Me, it's my fault. I let them get sacrificed. And for what? So that a rampaging madpony could devour half the worlds population? So that same madpony could kill two awesome sisters who couldn't stay out of it? Oh yeah... It'll forget them too probably. Say Twi... when I eventually crumble to dust and die, will I see you?"

~Rainbow Dash, 21 New Age Time

"When you say attempted..." Twilight mumbled, looking around her room. "Does that mean that it should be impossible as nopony looked into it before?"

"That's exactly what I'm saying." Discord chuckled, nodding his head. "Though... thinking about it, I possibly just caused you to start thinking about looking into it, which in turn probably will cause it to be possible." Discord sighed, nodding his head. "Now, thinking about it even further, the flow of time is interconnected. Essentially it's an infinitely running river that crosses over itself an infinite amount of times. Calculating it, from this exact moment, the next time Time crosses itself, for you to have heard anything from the future, would be... about 300 years from yesterday."

"Wait... but that would make Rainbow Dash more then 300..." Twilight sighed, shaking her head. "That's impossible. The average life span of a Pegasus is around 30 years, she'd have been living ten times that amount..."

"Oh, sorry." Discord chuckled shaking his head. "I misplaced a decimal I mean three thousand years."

"That's even less possible Discord."

"Not really Twi." rainbow said as she walked into Twilight's room. "I over heard you two talking."

"What do you mean Rainbow?" Twilight asked, looking over at her. "What do you mean by-"

"Are those markings what I think they are?" Discord gleefully shrieked, as he appeared beside Rainbow Dash examining her. "Why yes, yes they are! Why it hasn't been sense little Lunnie was young that I've seen these."

"Could you put me down Discord..." Rainbow sighed, as she used one of her wings to push away from Discord. "I'd like to keep my pride..."

"Why yes, I just get overly exited when I see the mark of a Guardian."

"Guardian? You mean like the Guardians of the Moon right?" Twilight asked, looking from Discord to Rainbow Dash, and back. "We already knew she was a member of them, but what does that have to do with anything?"

"No no silly Twilight." Discord said, shaking a claw at her. "Miss Rainbow Dash isn't just any guardian. She's The Guardian."

"I don't see a difference."

"It means I'm about as immortal as the sky is Twi." Rainbow sighed, looking away from Twilight. "And that I'll even out live Celestia and Luna."

"What but... aren't they immortal as well?"

"Ah... No they aren't. Even I'm not." Discord said, nodding. "We're, being us three as Discord, Lunamaria, and Celestia, are nearing our final years. We'd be about 26 if we were average Pegasi."

"So your on your last legs then?" Rainbow chuckled, patting Discord's back. "Glad to know you admit to being old."

"Ha ha Rainbow Dash..." Discord sighed, bowing his head. "Well, at least I'd be 26. Celestia and Luna are a bit younger then me in those terms."

"That makes sense, you've stated being their Uncle a few times before..." Rainbow sighed, nodding her head chuckling.

"So then..." Twilight said, looking out the window sighing. "Because of these... markings, which I thought didn't mean anything much, You're going to out live even Luna then..."

"Yup, by the looks of it yeah."

"Just out of curiosity, why were you out and about in the middle of night?" Twilight asked, looking over at Rainbow Dash. "It's rather rare to see you awake this late."

"There's something I needed to look into." Rainbow replied, an ernest haste in her voice. "It's about the ancient magics that you were talking about... before everything got even worse..."

"I should have a book here detailing them. Why?" Twilight asked, blinking. "Was the book I sent over to you not enough?"

"Well, no... even Trixie had trouble deciphering it." Rainbow sighed, looking away. "So I was thinking about getting something that might help."

"I see." Twilight nodded, moving to gather a few books. "I guess I could look to see if..."

"Hold on Twilight." Discord said, holding a claw in front of her to stop her from moving. "Granted, I understand the need to have more information, but why would you search for it in the middle of the night?"

"Discord!" Twilight yelped, looking from him to Rainbow Dash, and back. "I highly doubt that she doesn't have a good reason to do that. Why ask?"

"Because," Discord sighed, looking intently at Rainbow. "The last time I heard about these markings, they had taken over Lunamaria's mind."

"Nightmare Moon..." Twilight said, a worried look on her face as she looked at Rainbow Dash.

"I need more."

"Look Twilight, I told you I'm fine..." Rainbow Dash sighed, as she sat in Twilight's living room. "There isn't anything strange or weird going on. I just needed more books on that magic."

"I know Rainbow, but if what Discord said is true-"

"It is true!"

"-then we need to be on the safe side of things." Twilight sighed, glaring over at Discord, as he shrugged. "Can you trust me?"

"I need power."

"I can Twi." Rainbow said, shaking her head. "It's just... do you need to run so many tests?" She asked, as she flapped one of her wings, trying to get the wires off. "It's weird."

"Yes I do," Twilight nodded, smiling softly. "Because if I didn't then there is a chance things could go horribly wrong."

"You mean like when Pinkie found that weird duplication pool thing? Or when Trixie had the Alicorn Amulet?"

"I need it. Get it for me."

"Ah..." Twilight sighed shaking her head. "It could be worse. Or it could not, I don't know."

"Well, what do you know? It's been three hours."

"Hm..." Twilight sighed, looking over the several sheets of paper that lay on the ground. "According to this, there's nothing wrong with you that we can detect. Your still as much you as you were when we arrived here."

"That's good right?"

"Get it. I need power. Get it for me Rainbow Dash. I need more power."

14: Penance

Chapter 14
Penance

Is doing something you know to be morally wrong, to protect those you care about a wise thing to do? Would you harm another, if it meant saving a life? Death of the few, to protect the many. But is such a thing the right way to go?

What if it was the only way to go? Faced with certain destruction would you sacrifice those few to save the many, even if it meant being alone?

Here in lies the problem. Those who know the history of our world, and if possible other worlds, would see such a pattern arise in that those who sacrifice those they knew to stop calamity, are then shunned by their fellow survivors. And yet, they'll eventually forget who was sacrificed. They will only remember that the shunned, were shunned.

Rourke sighed, as he looked out the window to the room the town graciously gave him. Before him was the messy pile of notes he had gathered over the centuries, before and after meeting Deacon and his family. Looking over his notes, he sighed once again, shaking his head. "And here I thought that this would be a simple matter." He sighed, as he sat there. "Are we really doomed to die at the hands of madness?"

"Oh I highly doubt that." Celestia chuckled as she walked into the room. "If I know you and father, you both have a plan in place to avoid such calamity."

"I'm glad you hold us in such high regard Celestia." Rourke chuckled, as he once again looked out the window. "Though it is only that. The regard is misplaced."

"So you have no plan?"

"No." Rourke said, shaking his head. "I have no sort of plan that could easily stop what is to come to those girls."

"So then why did you tell me to found the Templar?" Celestia asked, looking out the window as well. "Was there another reason to it's creation other then to secretly stop the progression of madness?"

"No." Rourke sighed, looking over at Celestia. "The Knights Templar was only a test. A test to see if ponies had the capacity in them to cast aside their moral principles to stop Madness. And quite frankly, I'm glad at least one of the ponies passed that test."

"Green Hunter."

Rainbow Dash sighed, as she sat at the table staring at it. "Is everything alright?" Shinze asked her as he sat across from her. "You've been rather quite since you returned from town."

"I've just been thinking..."

"You thinking?" Shinze chuckled, shaking his head. "That's about as much as an oddity as it can get."

"Sh-shut up..." Rainbow mumbled, looking away.

"About what?"

"Huh?"

"You said you were thinking." Shinze sighed, smiling slightly as Rainbow Dash looked back at him. "And so I ask, about what?"

"I was thinking about something that Deacon said..." Rainbow sighed, looking away again. "He said betrayal was in my mist, and it would come from somewhere unexpected..."

"And so you thought he was talking about me?" Shinze asked, sighing. "And some of the shifty things I'd done in the past."

"Right, I thought that at first..." Rainbow nodded, chuckling softly. ""But as I thought more about it, it couldn't have been you that he was talking about. You work for him, and were only doing as he ordered. So you couldn't be who he was talking about."

"This is true," Shinze chuckled patting Rainbow on the head. "Besides, betraying you would mean I wouldn't be able to torture you everyday. I rather enjoy that."

"Thanks..."

"So then you've been thinking about who it could be then?"

"Not really..." Rainbow said, shaking her head. "I'm more worried that it's me..."

"Oh?"

"He also said... He said that what gave me these markings, which I think might be as old as Sigils, if thats not what they are. They're the cause of Nightmare Moon."

"And you fear that they plan the same with you?"

"Yes."

"I highly doubt that such a plan would work Rainbow Dash." Shinze chuckled, nodding slightly. "For one, your extremely loyal to your friends and would probably do anything you could to help them. For another, your too proud of yourself to just stand by and let somepony go around manipulating you."

"Thank you for the vote of confidence Shinze."

"Eh," He shrugged, turning to leave. "It's what makes you attractive."

"I wish you'd stop doing that..."

"Not going to happen."

"Look Shinze..." Rainbow sighed, looking away from him. "Thank you."

"You are welcome Rainbow Dash." Shinze chuckled, before looking over at her. "Though I'd like to know why I am being thanked."

"Because... I don't know..." Rainbow sighed a slight blush on her face. "I guess because you always been there for me?"

"You state your answer as a question." Shinze sighed, looking around the room.

"I know..." Rainbow sighed, looking over at Shinze before continuing. "I guess with all that's been going on I've been questioning myself a lot more..."

15: An End to a grand story

Chapter 15
An End to a grand story

"Oh well this is an interesting surprise." Green Hunter said as Luna approached his cell. "Princess Lunamaria Eclipse visiting little old me. How wonderful."

"Why did you do it?" Luna asked him, stopping before his cell. "I heard from Rourke what happened behind the scenes. Now explain why them?"

"From Rourke you say?" Green Hunter chuckled, as he watched her. "So he explained everything to you? The reason for The Templar, and what they've been doing these past few centuries?"

"Indeed." Luna sighed, shaking her head. "To think that he was behind such things... And yet we all trusted him, even father did."

"Exactly."

"You didn't answer my question. Why them?"

"I think I can answer that." Rainbow Dash said as she walked in from behind Luna. "Though I don't know for certain, but I have a hunch."

"Oh?" Green Hunter chuckled, as he watched Rainbow approach. "Let's here it then."

"I was going to state it Green Hunter..." rainbow sighed, shaking her head. "Well, here goes. By order of Her Royal Majesty, Princess Celestia, the group known only as The Knights Templar is to hunt down and neutralize any known followers of The madpony known as 'The Teacher.' Am I right?"

"Lady Celestia told you?" Hunter chuckled, as he watched Rainbow still.

"No, Rourke clued me in on everything."

"Everything you say?"

"Yes, everything." Rainbow Dash nodded, looking from Green Hunter, to Luna and back. "And he's also ordered that you'll be teaching me and the Rest of Umbra on the use of Sigils, and how to protect The Lunar Republic and it's citizens from the use of malicious sigil use."

"Did he now?" Hunter chuckled, a smile growing on his face. "So, the Sun and the Moon are known..."

Rainbow Dash woke the next day, to the sound of beautiful music. Though she recognized the piece being played she couldn't put her hoof on what it was. She found herself walking towards the source to find Green Hunter playing upon the piano, along with both Cloudchaser and Trixie sitting on chairs behind him. "That was a beautiful piece Hunter." She said once he finished, which caused both Cloudchaser and Trixie to nod in agreement.

"I thank you Rainbow Dash." Hunter chuckled, turning to look at her. "It seems that being in jail for over a year, I came to miss a few of the things I enjoyed while free. The piano was one of them."

"What was that piece?" Trixie asked, looking at the piano. "I've never heard it before."

"It's called Lux Aeterna." Rainbow Dash replied, which caused a surprised look from all in the room. "What? I can enjoy music can't I?"

"Yeah," Cloudchaser chuckled, patting Rainbow's back. "But we didn't expect you to like music like that..."

"Oh yeah?"

"And you expect us to believe something like that Rainbow?" Applejack almost yelled, after Rainbow explained to her and Twilight why Green Hunter had been removed from the jail. "He's still a mass murderer right?"

"Yeah," Rainbow sighed, shaking her head. "But, from how Rourke explained it, they were already dead when Green Hunter got to them."

"Then he wouldn't be a murderer Rainbow." Twilight sighed, looking over her shoulder. "Are you sure we can trust what Green Hunter has to say though?"

"I'm positive." Rainbow Dash said, nodding her head. "I know it sounds crazy, but he had no reason to lie about anything."

"But, if he's telling the truth, then that means everything we've thought was true would be a lie." Applejack said, shaking her head.

"I don't think it's quite like that Applejack." Twilight sighed, looking over at Applejack. "maybe a few things yes, but not everything."

"Well, let's hope it's not that bad." Rainbow sighed,, chuckling softly. "It's already crazy."

"Exactly!" Applejack nodded, looking away from them. "And I think your crazy for believing him."

"Isn't that a bit much?" Twilight asked, chuckling softly.

"Look, the best thing we can do is to go to The Teacher ourselves and ask him." Rainbow said sighing. "Celestia should be hear in a couple of weeks, we can talk to her about it, and if she agrees, we'll all go together. Maybe finish this once and for all."

"Are you sure this is a wise choice sister?" Luna asked, as they sat at the docks together. "What made you come here?"

"You remember that weird Raven?" Celestia asked, looking over at Luna. "From when we were young? The one that was always quoting itself?"

"Yes, but what of it?" Luna asked, sighing as she shuffled around a bit. "I barely remember what it's words were, let alone why it didn't die."

"'And the Raven quoth, nevermore.'" Celestia repeated. "Those were it's last words."

"Well, yes, but it doesn't explain why it won't die."

"You misunderstand me Luna." Celestia sighed, looking away. "It died and fell to the ground, the morning I decided to come here."

"Died?" Luna asked, a surprised look on her face. "The Raven died? But what could that mean? Do you think it's words are finally coming true?"

"I fear so sister."

16: Confronting the end

Chapter 16
Confronting the End

"Well, yes, but it doesn't explain why it won't die."

"You misunderstand me Luna." Celestia sighed, looking away. "It died and fell to the ground, the morning I decided to come here."

"Died?" Luna asked, a surprised look on her face. "The Raven died? But what could that mean? Do you think it's words are finally coming true?"

"I fear so sister."

"If so, then we have every reason to be wary of things, do we not sister?" Luna said, looking around the town as they all went about their daily lives. "Has it really been a year?"

"Hm?"

"It's been only a year since I..." Luna sighed, looking away. "Rebelled, once again."

"Yes, that is so." Celestia chuckled, a soft smile on her face, as she patted Luna's back. "But this time, I didn't have to lose you." She sighed as Rainbow Dash, Twilight and Shinze approached them. "So, you come to greet me? Or do you plan on kicking me out once more Rainbow Dash?"

"No, not this time around." Rainbow sighed, looking at each of them. "For where were going, we're going to need as much help as we can muster."

Shinze chuckled, as the group sighed. "It seems like you all have prepared for the worst." He said, patting Rainbow Dash on the back. "Do not fret, though the one we march against could very well be a god, we will crawl from the dirt and grime of death. And march on home."

"You never seem to make any sense in these moments Shinze..." Rainbow Dash sighed, shaking her head. "Listen, if all things go south, I need you on damage control." She said, sliding over to him. "As in, keep the ponies here and distracted."

"Oh, don't worry." Shinze chuckled, turning to leave the group. "I've already got that stuff covered." He smiled, as he turned into a youthful looking unicorn stallion. "Things will be just peachy."

"Right..." Celestia sighed, shaking her head. "I don't think I'll ever get used to the Changelings..."

"Nor will many of the ponies." Luna agreed, chuckling softly.

"I don't like lying to ponies..." Rainbow Dash said, as she watched the strange creature that sat before her play the piano. "You should know where my loyalties lie Teacher." She continued, as she sat watching it's reptilian hands pass over the piano as if in a trance. "How do you know this will even work? What if they don't come?"

"They will." The Teacher said, nodding as he played the piano. "It has been my plan for this to happen for centuries. Ever since I saw those two young fillies enter my sight, I knew the time would come."

"What time?"

"Death will soon descend upon the world," The teach continued, standing up rom his piano. "Unavoidable death, that comes with the changing of the guard."

Rainbow Dash sighed as she took a deep breath, watching the small group of ponies before her. They each trusted her, and not telling them everything left a sour taste in her mouth. One that she hoped to forget with time. I can't die... She thought to herself, looking out of the boat, that was bringing them to The Teacher's hide out hidden from sight. Celestia, Luna, even Discord will die before me... She sighed again, as Applejack and Twilight approached her. "Is everything alright?" Twilight asked, a soft smile upon her face.

"Were in this together remember." Applejack added, nodding.

"Please tell us," Twilight continued, patting Rainbow's shoulder. "You can trust us remember?"

"I know." Rainbow Dash sighed, shaking her head. "It's just..."

"Bring them to me... I need them..."

"It just seems so..."

"Strange?"

"Well yeah," Rainbow dash chuckled, shaking her head again. "Little over ten years ago we barely knew each other. Now here you guys are, coming with me on a trip that we might not come back from."

"It's because we trust you Rainbow." Applejack said, smiling as her and Twilight hugged her. "We trust you, not only in what you say, but that you'll be able to get all of us back to the Lunar Republic." She chuckled, nodding.

"They speak the truth Rainbow Dash." Luna said, as she walked over to them, leaving Celestia and Discord to fight over the last piece of cake. "Though the events of the past have lead us to this very moment, we would gladly risk our lives for you. And each other."

"I know..." Rainbow sighed, looking away. "Things just seem to be confusing me as of late."

"Power... I need power... More power... Bring them to me..."

"They confuse all of us." Luna nodded, a soft smile on her face as Twilight and Applejack left, heading towards the food table. "When did the voice start?"

"Huh?" Rainbow said, blinking in confusion. "I... I don't know what your talking about."

"Do not take me for a fool Rainbow Dash." Luna said, shaking her head. "I once was host to the same markings in my youth, in case you forget."

"So... I'm not going crazy?"

Author's Note

I know it's been a long time since I've even been on here...

But I've returned for the time being. I won't be able to get on every day like before, due to me being in College now, but I hope to update my stories at least once a week.

Thank you for listening to my stories as I write them. Have a new ANE chapter as a gift.

17 - Forging a new path

Chapter 17
Forging a new path

"I know..." Rainbow sighed, looking away. "Things just seem to be confusing me as of late."

"Power... I need power... More power... Bring them to me..."

"They confuse all of us." Luna nodded, a soft smile on her face as Twilight and Applejack left, heading towards the food table. "When did the voice start?"

"Huh?" Rainbow said, blinking in confusion. "I... I don't know what your talking about."

"Do not take me for a fool Rainbow Dash." Luna said, shaking her head. "I once was host to the same markings in my youth, in case you forget."

"So... I'm not going crazy?"

Luna chuckled, shaking her head. "No, no you are not." She said, patting Rainbow on the shoulder. "I was told that the voice3 was caused by the fact that the markings connected the wielder to the world in a higher level then even Discord could claim. Maybe even on the level of a god."

"So I'm essentially a god then?"

"Well yes and no." Luna sighed, shaking her head a bit, looking over at Twilight trying to separate Celestia and Discord so they would stop fighting over the cake. "Yes, you essentially are, but only as long as the markings appear on your body."

"So if I loose them, then there goes the voice, right?"

"Yes," Luna nodded, a soft smile on her face. "But then so does the immortality."

"What if I don't want to be immortal?" Rainbow asked, looking over at her friends. "Yeah, I get that Twilight is a Alicorn now and will be around for awhile... But I don't want to live past any of my friends. It would... I don't know, I can't imagine something that sad."

"You would miss them?"

"Well duh!" Rainbow said, waving a hoof exasperatedly. "Of course I'd miss them, why wouldn't I? They're my friends."

"That is an honorable thing to say Rainbow Dash." Luna said, chuckling softly. "It however, does not change that as long as you have those marks, you will live longer then all of your friends, no matter the era they hail from."

"That's right..." Rainbow sighed, shaking her head. "I almost forgot you spent a thousand years on the moon... All your friends from before would be dead wouldn't they?"

"That they are." Luna said, bowing her head slightly. "It saddened me most to finally return, and then discover that not only had all my friends gone and passed, but one thousand years had come and gone while I was away. So much had changed, where I did not."

"You changed enough." Rainbow said, patting Luna's shoulder. "Come on, we should probably join the others. Looks like Twilight and Applejack are having trouble keeping Discord and Celestia from fighting over the cake."

Deacon sighed, as he once again sat on his cloud watching over the ponies at play. He ideally watched as Rainbow Dash and her group left the town in a boat, chuckling when Shinze left to do what ever it is that Rainbow Dash told him to do. "Deacon..." A voice said, which caused him to turn and look. "You know well what they are heading off to."

"I do." He said, nodding, a soft chuckle escaping him. "And how strange to see you up here Starseeker." He chuckled, turning to look down at the boat again. "And yes, despite what you think my plan is working perfectly."

"It was you that gave Rainbow Dash the markings? Not the Teacher?" Rourke asked, looking down at the boat as well. "And you know I don't go by that name any more."

"I know this." Deacon chuckled, patting Rourke on the back. "Tell me, when is it that Ner will approach the group?"

"Soon," Rourke sighed, shaking his head. "How is it that you can send both of your daughters to their death, and not bat an eye?"

"Because the events that will take place here, will lead to a happier future." Deacon said, nodding. "Trust me, I'm playing the long game with this one Starseeker. The Teacher won't be around for much longer."

Author's Note

Short chapter... but had to release it now...

18: 20 thousand years later. (Intermission)

Chapter 18:
Intermission: 20,000 years later.

The Archon sighed as she slowly walked down into the depths of the Forbidden City. She was there for a simple reason, she needed to know. The previous Archon had told her what resided there, and she not only refused to admit that such a thing could exist. Or that such a thing could do what her predecessor said they could. "Do keep in mind Star, this... being's existence must be a secret. No pony should know it is still alive." She was told, upon taking her position.

She looked around the old abandoned city, wondering what technologies the ancient kingdoms could have that left their buildings in perfect condition, thousands of years after their demise, where they had to repair almost everything at a constant interval. "Is this it?" She mumbled to herself, coming upon a large castle, that seemed to be protected by some sort of force field. "It has to be..." She nodded, putting a hoof on the field, which caused her whole body to shiver from the touch. "Such... powerful magic..."

Star gulped, nodding as she pushed her hoof into the field, as easily as if it was made of thin air. "What?" She blinked, walking into the threshold. "Could it be that... this magic was made to keep what ever is here, inside?" She smiled, looking back, hoping she would be able to leave. "Okay... the deepest dungeon, right?" She said smiling nervously to herself, fearing what she might find.

"I knew you'd be coming." A voice said, from deep inside the cell Star stood in front of. The only locked one. "You... mortals always come." The voice, which sounded like a mare. "Come to ask questions? Why I did it? I know what you want..."

"I... I don't think that you do."

"Oh? Is that so?" The mare said, a soft shape appearing from the shadows. "And what makes you say that Alicorn?"

"I don't think it's fair to call somepony by their race," Star said nodding to herself, as she lit her horn a bit to see better. "Even if you are an immortal Pegasus."

"So you can make out my basic shape huh?" The mare said, chuckling a bit as if it was a joke. "Well then tell me Alicorn, what is your name?" The mare asked, a soft smile being made out.

"Star..." Star said, nodding. "Heaven Star. I'm the new Archon."

"Heaven Star huh?" The mare said smiling. "You share the name of an old friend of mine... Though she wasn't an Alicorn."

"An old... How old are you?" Star asked, watching the mare in the cell.

"How old? I'm well over twenty thousand now." The mare said, nodding. "Thought the previous Archon would have told you that."

"No," Star said, shaking her head. "She only told me of your existence, and what you had done."

"And what did I do?"

"Betrayed your friends, and Kingdom." Star answered, nodding. "And killed the two leaders of your home. The Princesses Lunamaria and Celestia."

"I did not betray them."

"Come again?"

"I did not betray them." The mare repeated, stepping closer to the cell door. "My mind betrayed me."

"Wh-what?" Star said, blinking, as she backed up, shocked that half the mare looked more dragon then pony. "How... How could that be possible?"

"Very simple dear Alicorn." She chuckled, smiling. "Ask the one you call god. And tell him Rainbow Dash sent you."

Author's Note

A really short chapter this time... but it's an intermission, so it's okay... Right?

19: The other side

Chapter 19
The Other Side

"Imagine the universe, and all things in it, as a coin, slowly flipping in the air. You're always going to be looking at one of the sides right? Heads or Tails? Which is it that your looking at right now? Heads or Tails. We may never really know which side we're looking at until we see the other side. But with the universe, it's so vast and infinite, that we may never see the other side. What if you could though? What if there was a way to force yourself to see the other side? To touch it. To breath it's air. To smell it's smell. What would happen? Would it be as opposite as tails is to heads? Maybe. Maybe not."

~Unknown.

Rainbow Dash sighed, shaking her head. "Are you sure?" She asked, looking back at Rourke, as she stood looking out the window. "Will something like that actually work?" She shook her head, only half believing what Rourke had just informed her of. "I get telling Luna of your plan, but... why me?"

"Because you're needed." Rourke responded, sitting down at Rainbow's desk, as he let out a soft chuckle. "As I told you a long time ago, the Universe play's it show on an endless repeat." He said, smiling softly. "Things happen, as they've always happened, no change comes."

"Then why would you suggest kill... sacrificing them?" Rainbow asked, shaking her head softly. "Why should I... why does it have to be me?"

"Because, for me you already did those things." Rourke answered, sighing. "I want you to understand this, this isn't my plan. It's yours."

"What? How?" Rainbow asked, blinking a bit, even more confused. "Why would I come up with something like that? I'd never think of sacrificing my friends. Ever."

"Oh, but you did Rainbow." Rourke sighed, standing up, sighing again. "I come from a Universe cycle where you fell prey to the whims of those markings. You became The Teacher's greatest weapon. And because of this, the Universe compensated, creating a dimension where you, the elements of harmony, and the rest of it's bearers... shouldn't have existed."

"And you... you're from that timeline?"

"Yes, but... somehow, the you from the previous timeline, the you that betrayed harmony to work for The Teacher, found a way into the new timeline, as I have. And from there, you told me, taught me even, how we can break the cycles. How we can free ourselves from The Teacher's meddling."

"Is that... What happens if we do?" Rainbow asked, looking back at Rourke again. "If we do something like that... if he's who you say he is, then wouldn't getting rid of him break the Universe as well? We'd be creating something that would be worse wouldn't we?"

"We would."

"Then why?"

"We have to."

"Why?"

"Because it's needed." Rourke sighed, shaking his head, as Luna walked into the room.

"Well, I'm glad to say it's gotten rather hard to find this place Rainbow Dash." Luna said, smiling softly, shaking her head. "You and the rest of Umbra have done a rather wonderful job at hiding this place. I take it that it's due to that Heaven Star you captured? What did you learn from her?"

"Nothing we didn't already know." Rainbow sighed, shaking her head as she slowly moved towards her desk. "The people under the full influence of Blood Magic are in fact awake and aware when they are preforming the deeds, and that it takes a similar sigil, but reversed, in order to free the bodies. We've already implemented this into our defense bubble, as well as sigils used to distort space."

"Good," Luna said, smiling, as she nodded slowly. "I take it Rourke informed you of the plan?"

"I'm not doing it."

"You have to."

"I know. I'm still not doing it."

"Rainbow! What are you... Why did you kill them!" Twilight asked, almost screaming as she watched both Celestia and Luna fall to the ground, as The Teacher laughed in the background. "They... Why!?"

"She did so, because I told her to." The Teacher chuckled, his reptilian eyes watching both of them. "Isn't that right my most perfect weapon?"

"I only did what had to be done." Rainbow sighed, shaking her head.

"That doesn't explain your actions!" Twilight yelled, tensing up, afraid of what would come next.

"Now then Rainbow Dash, kill Twilight Sparkle."

20: A Twist of Fate

Author's Note

A very important word of note: This chapter is written with me only having seen the first couple of episodes into Season 5, as well as not seeing Friendship Games. Assume then, that this takes place in an alternate timeline, where Season 4 has happened, but not Season 5.

20: A Twist of Fate

Chapter 20
A Twist of Fate

Three months till collapse.

"Okay, can you explain again... Why I'm here?" Sunset Shimmer asked, raising an eyebrow at Rainbow Dash. "I thought that... you know, after the whole thing with me stealing Twilight's crown I wouldn't be allowed back in Equestria."

"Oh, you aren't." Rainbow chuckled, as Trixie nodded slowly, smiling a bit. "Well, I think at least." She sighed, moving over to what appeared to be the mirror that connected them to the human world. "No one is to know your here, not even Twilight. As I said when you came through, this needs to be a secret."

"Even from my best friend?"

"Yes, even from Twilight." Rainbow sighed, shaking her head a bit, as if she was trying to get something out of her mind. "There's something going on that needs to be prepared for, with utmost urgency. I needed someone outside it all, in order to... well, as an insurance policy."

Two months till collapse.

Sunset sighed softly, as she sat at one of the tables in Midnight's diner. Before her was another mare, a Pegasus mare that seemed to have magical abilities much like those that Twilight had. "So... explain again why we're here?" She said, sighing again, as the Pegasus sat watching her.

"I'm here to visit my cousins." The mare said, chuckling a bit. "You're here because Mistress ordered you to be here." She said, looking over as Midnight walked over, setting a plate down with a few things.

"There you go." She said, smiling a bit. "It's nice to finally see you Heaven. It's been years, how are you and your brother?" She asked, chuckling. "Oh... Rainbow Dash hello. What are you doing here?"

"Have you seen Discord? I need to talk to him."

"I think he went off to visit Miss Twilight Sparkle, why do you need..." Midnight began, before Rainbow Dash left the building.

About a half hour later, the empty plate sat between the two mares, with Sunset Shimmer sighing a bit. "Look, I get that Rainbow needs me as an insurance policy, but that alone doesn't explain why I was brought over here... What is it that she's doing? Why can't I tell Twilight? You work for her right? You should know something."

"I only know what Mistress tells me."

"And has she told you not to tell me?" Sunset asked, sighing. "I take the silence as a Yes." She said, as Twilight and Rainbow both passed the shop entrance, closely being followed by Discord. "What was that about..."

One month till collapse.

Sunset sighed as she slowly walked along the main road of the city. She smiled a bit as she looked around, the whole place was bustling with life, much like Canterlot. She slowly wandered around, as she thought on the information she had learned through her investigation. An investigation that Rainbow Dash told her to do, yet didn't remember doing so.

"I don't get it..." She mumbled softly, shaking her head a bit as Discord floated by above her. "Why wouldn't she ordering me to research that stuff, and not remember doing so..." She sighed, before rubbing her head with both of her front hooves. "Argh! This place is so confusing!"

"Not as confusing as the human world though right?" Discord asked, still floating above Sunset. "After all, magic isn't supposed to exist there, yet you brought it."

"Shut up Discor... wait, what did you say?"

"You brought magic to the human world, one where magic didn't exist." Discord half repeated, smiling.

"I get the feeling you know more then what you're letting on Discord."

"Oh, if there's one thing true about chaos... It's that it's a constant." Discord said, laughing a bit, smiling as he did.

"So you do?"

"Time is a river after all."

"We've had this conversation before then?" Sunset asked, smiling a bit. "Who knows how many times you've crossed this moment, where we talked about this... Could it be... that a future Rainbow Dash asked me to do the research, because I told her in her past that she did?"

"Eh, Wibbly Wobbly." Discord chanted a bit, laughing.

"That's not any help..."

1 day to collapse.

"Are you sure Rainbow Dash?" Sunset asked, sighing a bit as she looked at the old boat, blinking a bit. "I'm sure there has to be another way."

"No," Rainbow sighed, shaking her head. "I have to kill Celestia and Luna. It's the only way to stop the... Myself."

"There has to be..." Sunset said, almost sounding desperate. "According... According to Rourke, he faced a you... A you much further along her transformation! And for her, you killed them! It's what... It's what the future you wants Dash!"

"I know..." rainbow said, sighing a bit as she looked into the mirror, a small part of her muzzle already becoming scales. "Sometimes I dream about it... Nightmares is more like it. I know the path I choose is making me dangerously close to becoming The Teacher... again, I guess you could say. But, there's one difference."

"What?"

"Us." Rainbow said, smiling at Sunset Shimmer. "According to Rourke, the me from his timeline, killed everypony and everything associated with the elements, before moving on to kill Celestia and Luna.' Rainbow said, laughing. "This caused the Universe to reset, with everyone that dealt with the Elements not existing, excluding Celestia, Luna, and Discord... One pony that dealt with them here, didn't then."

"Who?"

"Sunset, you existed in Rourke's timeline as well."

"But... That would mean... Back then, when The Teacher... when you went mad, you didn't kill me... because... I wasn't saved?"

"Exactly." Rainbow sighed, looking again at the mirror. "Listen... The next time we meet Sunset..."

Collapse.

"Rainbow! What are you... Why did you kill them!" Twilight asked, almost screaming as she watched both Celestia and Luna fall to the ground, as The Teacher laughed in the background. "They... Why!?"

"She did so, because I told her to." The Teacher chuckled, his reptilian eyes watching both of them. "Isn't that right my most perfect weapon?"

"I only did what had to be done." Rainbow sighed, shaking her head.

"That doesn't explain your actions!" Twilight yelled, tensing up, afraid of what would come next.

"Now then Rainbow Dash, kill Twilight Sparkle."

"W-what?!" Twilight yelped, backing up quickly upon hearing The Teacher order Rainbow Dash to kill her.

"My pleasure." Rainbow said, smiling sadistically, as she jumped at Twilight, the marks glowing a deep red, just as they did before Rainbow killed Celestia and Luna.

"N-no!" Twilight yelped, just as a soft red magic shield appeared, separating Twilight from Rainbow Dash and The Teacher. "S-sunset!?" Twilight yelped, blinking a bit in confusion as Sunset helped her up.

"Heh, Sorry I'm late."

21: Collapse

Chapter 21
Collapse

Many a pony would claim to know when it was that the Grand Principality of Equestria collapsed. Many of the scholars would claim it was due to in fighting between the three pony races, that of the Earth Ponies, Pegasi, and Unicorns. Some other scholars would claim it was due to the leaving of the fourth, and arguably first, pony race. The Alicorns. Based on my findings, Alicorns were one of the first pony races. The implications of such a fact is astronomical, as it would mean everything we've assumed of pony physiology to be flawed.

If Alicorns in deed were the first of the pony races, then that would mean that there is the possibility for any of the pony races to become an Alicorn, much like how Unicorns can. This is clear even today, as both Earth Ponies and Pegasi can use the old magics such as Sigils. Many ponies in fact claim it was one of those two races, with the help of the first Alicorns, that created Sigils. Not the Unicorns, like common belief claims.

If either of the two popular theories are indeed true, and did lead to the collapse of The Grand Principality, then it would still not fully explain the rise of one Discord of Chaos. Nor would it explain what happened to the Empire which the Grand Principality called it's Suzerain. No pony ever talks about the Empire of Ravenwood, or of it's immortal emperor. The last recorded entry of Ravenwood in Equestrian history, is that of a few months after the collapse of the Grand Principality. According to the documents of the time, Ravenwood began to pull their troops out the territory months before the collapse, which according to some theorists, is what lead to an expedited collapse of the government. As, well this lead to what would become known as the War of the Races, which in turn, is what lead to the creation of one of the most celebrated holidays in pony history.

While such things can be debated from now until high noon, it still does not change one thing. Ravenwood, is still out there somewhere.

~Sunset Shimmer, in the preamble of Final Days Volume 2.

"I still don't get why Rainbow would betray us like that..." Twilight said, shaking her head slowly before looking over at Sunset. "Though, it is nice to see you again, how have you been Sunset?"

"I've been fine, things have been going good over in the human world. Nothing really note worthy since the sirens." Sunset replied, chuckling a bit softly, as she shrugged. "Well, nothing as noteworthy as a tyrannical dragon-thing from Equestria's long lost past resurfacing to try and take over the world again."

"Actually, I think she was a Drakyl." Twilight said, shaking her head a bit. "She did have dragon-like qualities yes, but with how she looked, and the horns... Coupled with that she stood on her hind legs, and had no wings... That sounds like a Drakyl."

"But, Drakyl haven't existed in Equestria since long before discord took over, it says so in the history books." Sunset said, shaking her head. "I mean, I get some weird shit has been happening over here, Rainbow told me herself... Well, before she went cray with being brainwashed..."

"It still doesn't change that we still need to come up with a new strategy, with Rainbow on The Teacher's..."

"I'm sorry to interrupt Twilight, but... I really must ask Miss Sunset a very important question." Discord said, as he slowly slithered out of Twilight's mane, growing back to his normal size as he did.

"What did I tell you about hitching a ride on ponies Discord..." Twilight said, sighing. "And what would be so important, that you'd need to interrupt a private conversation?"

""I'm curious to know this as well..." Applejack said, turning to look at Discord, as she finally spoke.

"Well, I was just curious... but, Sunset where did you learn that magic?" Discord asked, turning to look at Sunset, as she backed up a bit. "That magic you used, to defend Twilight, and get us out of The Teacher's compound... that was not Equestrian magic."

Rainbow Dash sighed, as she sat near the throne room of The Teacher's compound. It had been roughly a week since she brought Celestia and Luna to there, under the guise of confronting The Teacher. She shook her head quickly, trying to get the sad look on Luna's face as Rainbow killed her and her sister, out of her head. "You never said it would be this hard to get that out of my head..." She mumbled a bit, shaking her head again, as Shinze approached her.

"No, I didn't." He said, chuckling a bit softly, as he sat next to her. "Though, I never said it would be easy." He laughed, shaking his head again.

"And you're sure?" Rainbow then asked, turning to look at him again. "Are you sure it worked? Are you sure the spell I used transported them to a safe place? And that The Teacher doesn't know?"

Author's Note

Releasing this chapter along side it's release on Patreon for this week, only to reinforce the need for people to go visit my Patreon Page, found here.
Starting next week, chapters will be released on Patreon the day before the release here.

As well, I will be working on gathering all of the chapters of ANE 1 and 2, into a single file, with new revisions. Until further notice, this will only be available for Patrons.

22: Sunset Shimmer

Author's Note

Do note, this chapter contains a few major spoilers for Ravenwood Academy. If you don't mind this, then continue reading on. If you want to wait until Ravenwood Academy catches up with ANE, then I suggest not reading on.

Don't forget to check out my Patreon page for exclusive content, and to read chapters a day ahead.

22: Sunset Shimmer

Chapter 22
Sunset Shimmer

"Actually, I think she was a Drakyl." Twilight said, shaking her head a bit. "She did have dragon-like qualities yes, but with how she looked, and the horns... Coupled with that she stood on her hind legs, and had no wings... That sounds like a Drakyl."

"But, Drakyl haven't existed in Equestria since long before discord took over, it says so in the history books." Sunset said, shaking her head. "I mean, I get some weird shit has been happening over here, Rainbow told me herself... Well, before she went cray with being brainwashed..."

"It still doesn't change that we still need to come up with a new strategy, with Rainbow on The Teacher's..."

"I'm sorry to interrupt Twilight, but... I really must ask Miss Sunset a very important question." Discord said, as he slowly slithered out of Twilight's mane, growing back to his normal size as he did.

"What did I tell you about hitching a ride on ponies Discord..." Twilight said, sighing. "And what would be so important, that you'd need to interrupt a private conversation?"

""I'm curious to know this as well..." Applejack said, turning to look at Discord, as she finally spoke.

"Well, I was just curious... but, Sunset where did you learn that magic?" Discord asked, turning to look at Sunset, as she backed up a bit. "That magic you used, to defend Twilight, and get us out of The Teacher's compound... that was not Equestrian magic."

"It was nothing," Sunset replied to Discord's question, shaking her head slightly. "Just... Just something I've been working on."

"You've been working on?" A voice said, coming from behind Sunset, as a small fairy came out from inside her mane. "Oh what a load of phooey." The pixie said laughing. "Ain't you going to tell them Miss Sunset Shimmer?"

"Tell us what?" Twilight asked, looking at the fairy, before looking back at Sunset. "What happened?"

"Remember the school I told you about Twi? The school my and the Fluttershy over there applied to?" Sunset asked, after sighing a bit softly.

"Yes? What about it?"

"It was attacked." Sunset said, sighing softly, as she shook her head again. "Just before I... we came over here. The Teacher came by, and laid siege to it."

"Why?" Applejack then asked, a confused look on her face. "Didn't... According to Rourke, she shouldn't have known about the human world."

"That's the thing, apparently she did." Sunset said, shaking her head slightly again, as she sat down next to Twilight. "Apparently, Rainbow going to me, isn't the only difference in this timeline, then the others... I... The fact that I'm even involved is a major difference."

"But, why would you getting involved change so much Sunset?" Twilight asked, looking from her to Discord, and back. "Discord, do you know what it could be?"

"What exactly is this school called?" Discord asked, eyeing Sunset with suspicion.

"Ravenwood Aca..."

"Ravenwood Academy?" Discord said, interrupting Sunset as she spoke. "You... You got accepted into THE Ravenwood Academy?"

"Um... Yes?"

"The Arch-duchess, is she there?"

"With her strange ever watching eyes? Yes." Sunset said, a confused look on her face as Discord laughed. This caused the rest of them to look at him confused as well.

"I don't get it..." Twilight said, blinking slightly. "Why would where she went to school matter?"

"Don't you get it? Ravenwood Academy, it's the answer." Discord said, smiling a bit softly as he spoke. "The difference isn't in that Sunset is involved. It's that she's studied at Ravenwood Academy. The birthplace of The Guardians."

"I don't get it... You want me to do what?" Rainbow Dash asked, looking at The Teacher in confusion. "Why is the other word so important? Shouldn't we deal with this one first?"

"Oh dear Rainbow Dash, you will understand in due time." The Teacher said, laughing slightly, as she slowly clicked a claw on the edge of the throne that was built into the Castle that Umbra called home. "That place... She's been hiding there for far too long."

"Who's been hiding?" Trixie asked, just as confused as the others. "I mean... I get that, that's where Miss Sunset Shimmer ran off to when she stole Twilight's crown thing, but she's here now, right?"

"Rainbow Dash brought her here herself." Heaven Star said, nodding slowly, as she sat down, a bit away from the others. "It is why she brought that mirror here, is it not?"

"Indeed it is." Rainbow said, nodding slowly at Heaven, before looking back at The Teacher. "You told me that Sunset Shimmer was a non-issue. Who else is hiding there Teacher?"

"The Watcher."

"The who?" Everypony said, almost in unison.

"The Drakyl, have an interesting naming style for their elders." The Teacher said, smiling a bit softly at the ponies in front of her. "They give them titles, and only refer to them as such. For instance, my name. The Teacher. I doubt you ponies actually thought that was..."

"We know you're me from a different Timeline Teacher." Rainbow Dash said, glaring a bit. "Get to the point."

"Oh, you already know my point."

"There's a Drakyl hiding in the human world?"

"Yes, A drakyl who was around during the time when Equestria was ruled over by the Ravenwood Empire." The Teacher said, nodding slowly. "She goes by The Watcher, and is most likely the strongest magical being in existence."

23: Rainbow Dash

Author's Note

Due to the delay, I'm once again releasing a chapter here at the same time as on Patreon. As well, I'm going to take next week off, to catch up on some of the works I'm behind in. this means there won't be a release next week.

23: Rainbow Dash

Chapter 23
Rainbow Dash

"Indeed it is." Rainbow said, nodding slowly at Heaven, before looking back at The Teacher. "You told me that Sunset Shimmer was a non-issue. Who else is hiding there Teacher?"

"The Watcher."

"The who?" Everypony said, almost in unison.

"The Drakyl, have an interesting naming style for their elders." The Teacher said, smiling a bit softly at the ponies in front of her. "They give them titles, and only refer to them as such. For instance, my name. The Teacher. I doubt you ponies actually thought that was..."

"We know you're me from a different Timeline Teacher." Rainbow Dash said, glaring a bit. "Get to the point."

"Oh, you already know my point."

"There's a Drakyl hiding in the human world?"

"Yes, A drakyl who was around during the time when Equestria was ruled over by the Ravenwood Empire." The Teacher said, nodding slowly. "She goes by The Watcher, and is most likely the strongest magical being in existence."

"Even stronger then..." Cloudchaser began, looking over at Rainbow Dash.

"Yes, even stronger then The Guardian." The Teacher said, sighing a bit softly as she spoke. "

"So you sent your army to the human world to capture and or kill this Watcher?"

"Indeed I did." The Teacher said, nodding slowly.

Rainbow Dash sighed a bit softly, shaking her head a bit. "Not sure how to accept all that The Teacher just told us?" Shinze then asked, approaching her from behind. "Or, not sure how to take it in, with what you already know."

"We've been doing this, all of this. "Rainbow said, waving her hoof about, as if it showed what she was talking about. "To stop a crazy madpony from destroying our world." She continued, sighing, resting her head against one of Shinze's shoulders. "Then I find out that madpony is me, from another dimension... We then later on find out that, she might not be a mad pony, as she's been fighting Somepony else for countless years."

Shinze laughed a bit, nodding slowly at her. "Such a predicament." He said, agreeing with her. "We certainly have stumbled on something rather peculiar haven't we."

"Indeed." Rainbow said, softly, smiling at him. "Times have certainly changed."

"They certainly have." Shinze sighed, looking around a bit. "They've grown a bit grim." He added, before Rainbow suddenly pushed him onto his back.

"They have, but I can think of something... that can bring a bit of happiness back into our lives."

"Oh?"

"What exactly is this school called?" Discord asked, eyeing Sunset with suspicion.

"Ravenwood Aca..."

"Ravenwood Academy?" Discord said, interrupting Sunset as she spoke. "You... You got accepted into THE Ravenwood Academy?"

"Um... Yes?"

"The Arch-duchess, is she there?"

"With her strange ever watching eyes? Yes." Sunset said, a confused look on her face as Discord laughed. This caused the rest of them to look at him confused as well.

"I don't get it..." Twilight said, blinking slightly. "Why would where she went to school matter?"

"Don't you get it? Ravenwood Academy, it's the answer." Discord said, smiling a bit softly as he spoke. "The difference isn't in that Sunset is involved. It's that she's studied at Ravenwood Academy. The birthplace of The Guardians."

"The birthplace..." Twilight said, repeating Discord's words. "The Birthplace of The Guardians?"

"Indeed it is." Discord said, nodding slowly at them again. "Oh yes, their order spreads across dozens of dimensions, but it is there. At Ravenwood Academy, where their order began. Under the watchful eyes of The Arch-duchess, known more commonly as... The Watcher."

"The Watcher?"

"A being of unimaginable power and age." Sunset said, sighing a bit. "The Watcher was around back even before the Ravenwood Empire left Equestria." She continued, looking over at Twilight. "I take it you know of what I'm talking about Twilight?"

"You're talking about The Thousand Year war, aren't you?" Twilight asked, blinking a bit. "When the three pony races were deep in their hatred of each other, and the Alicorns left Equestria... But, that was so long ago that... It can only be myth, right?"

"My dear Twilight, weren't both I and Lunamaria myths before you used the elements on us?" Discord asked, a smile on his face. "And our tales are much younger then that of the Empire."

"The elements were a myth too ya know..." Applejack said, nodding slowly.

"They were," Rarity said, nodding a bit as well. "I mean, I heard of them, being a Unicorn and all, but I didn't think they exist."

"Lots of things we've faced were thought to be myths." Pinkie said, giggling.

"True... Now that I think about it." Twilight said, nodding as well now. "How can I not believe in myths, when we're in the making of one now..."

"What are you talking about dearie?" Rarity asked, blinking a bit. "I've been out of the loopy for a while now."

"You're talking about that voice? Rainbow Dash's from the future, right?" Sunset asked, looking at Twilight again. "Discord told me." She then added, after everyone looked at her.

"I did."

"Yes, I am..." Twilight said, sighing. "If... If what Discord said is right..."

"It is."

"If what he said is right," Twilight began again, glaring at Discord. "Then that means what we do here... it becomes myth, a dark one, but a myth regardless."

"A dark myth? Why ever for Twilight?" Rarity asked, a look of worry on her face.

"We all die." Twilight said, bowing her head a bit, in shame. "Not just us six though, I mean everypony here, the whole of the Lunar Republic dies, after The Teacher... Rainbow, kills me and the Princesses, her and The Teacher continue on, their army marching across the land, killing anypony and any thing in their wake."

"Oh... oh my." Fluttershy said, blinking a bit in fear. "Everything?"

"Everything." Twilight repeated. "The issue is though, is that in every piece of literature I could find, be it oral tradition, pictographs, or in scrolls and books... They all allude to The Teacher being some mysterious, almost other worldly, being."

"From what I can tell," Sunset said, before looking around the rest of the group. "With the little info we have on The Teacher, she's originally from a previous cycle of time, much like... Rourke." She said, looking away from the others for a bit, before coughing. "From what he's told me, he was able to get into this cycle, by hijacking the him of this one's body. Slowly taking it over." Sunset said, sighing. "And, from what I could tell, how that happens, solely depends on the type of pony they are."

"So... are you saying, that The Teacher... She took over her previous self's body?" Rarity asked, blinking in shock. "Or... at least, is?"

"Yes."

"Do we know who the poor mare is?"

"No."

Twilight sighed as she looked out the mirror near her desk. The desk used to belong to Luna, but with her death Twilight had to take the reigns while the citizens voted on a new leader. After the news of both Luna and Celestia's deaths reached the general populace, a few groups of ponies had turned to Twilight and the other Elements of Harmony, to ask for permission to found a new town, a bit away from where Lunar City was. After hearing their reasoning, that is they feared for their lives, and thought settling elsewhere would increase their chance of survival, Twilight agreed to give the ponies permission.

At the time, she didn't know where they were settling, but she did know that it was further inland, away from the Crystal Forest, which was where The Teacher, and Umbra, were to be found. "Worried?" Applejack asked, smiling a bit as she leaned against the door. "Of course you are, you're you after all."

"I know Applejack..." Twilight said, sighing again. "I'm worried about the ponies that left, I'm worried about the ponies still here, most of all... I'm worried about Rainbow."

"We all are Twi, we all are."

Rainbow Dash groaned as she woke up, sighing a bit as she stretched. She then looked around her room, before noticing something was missing from her room. "Shinze?" She said, with silence answering her back. "Oh, great..." She mumbled a bit to herself as she got out of the bed. As she did, she looked around the room, for any sign to when Shinze had left. She found none. "It's not even morning yet... Where could he have gone..." She mumbled softly to herself, shaking her head a bit as she continued looking.

After searching for a few more minutes, she quickly grew bored, and hungry. So, she moved on towards the kitchens. "I wonder how long I was asleep for..." She mumbled a bit, as she nodded towards the few guard ponies, who The Teacher had stationed there, most likely to keep an eye on Rainbow Dash.

"Ah, hello Rainbow, you're up rather early." Trixie said, smiling softly at Rainbow Dash as she walked into the kitchens. At the time, it appeared that Trixie was working on some experiment, that used quite a few bottles and beakers. "May I kindly ask what woke you?"

"Shin... er, I was hungry." Rainbow said, shaking her head a bit softly, as she slowly headed towards one of the cupboards. "What all do we have here? Or am I going to have to send Shinze somewhere to get more food?"

"Well, you might... But I doubt the Colony is going to approve of Shinze being there, especially after we went and joined up with The Teacher, who wants to..."

"I get it Trixie..." Rainbow said, sighing a bit as she took a half empty bag of crackers out of the cupboard. "The Colony doesn't like The Teacher, and stopping them should probably be our top priority, but Trixie..."

"Yes?"

"I know what I'm doing." Rainbow said, sighing.

"Do you?"

24: The Eleventh Hour

Chapter 24
The Eleventh Hour

Twilight Sparkle sighed softly as she looked out the window of the office she now called her own. In the interest of the Lunar Republic, she took the office, that not a few weeks ago, Luna died serving. The ponies in the town, as well as the few outlying villages had all gathered to mourn Luna and Celestia's deaths. In the wake of The Teacher's army amassing to the east and north o the Republic, a treaty had been signed by Twilight Sparkle, and Prince Blueblood, who had been named the new ruler of Equestria, due to Celestia lacking a true heir.

As she looked out the window, she saw guardponies marching along the streets, and even more stationed at the crossways. The capital had been turned from a bustling city, into a practical police state in order to prepare for the inevitable attack from The Teacher's army, which they had received no information on it's size, which only served to worry Twilight.

It was then, in her thoughts that a knock on the door disturbed her. "Come in." She said, after taking a deep breath, to calm her nerves. "What is it?" She then asked, as the butlerpony opened the door.

"There is a guest for you madam," The pony said, his voice thick with accent. "She claims to have been a member of Umbra, before it's defection to The Teacher."

"Let them in then." She said, half hoping it was Rainbow Dash, seeking forgiveness. "And... you are?" She asked, upon noticing that the Pegasus mare, had a grey coat, instead of Rainbow's light blue.

"My name is Heaven Star Miss," The mare said, sighing. "I come bringing you news, and it is not good news."

"Fine then." Twilight said, sighing softly, as she moved to manually close the door, instead of using her magic. As she did, she turned to look back at Heaven, looking her over. "You're that Pegasus who used to work for Hunter, aren't you?"

"I am, and though my loyalty was forced upon me, he served an honorable cause." Heaven said, as she sat down, on the seat infront of the desk. "My news is grave... at least, I believe it is." She added, before looking at Twilight again. "As you probably know, both Rainbow Dash, and the rest of Umbra have defected from Lunar Republic to join The Teacher."

"I do, what of it?"

"There is more..."

Rainbow Dash sighed softly, as she laid down on one of the seats, near the throne that had been set up for The Teacher, who at the moment, was sitting upon the throne. "You've done well my child." The Teacher said, smiling softly at Rainbow, moving to pat their reptilian hand upon Rainbow's head, treating her more like a pet, then a loyal follower. "Much of our forces have gathered around this castle of yours. It will be soon that we march upon the pony lands, but first..."

"There is something that needs doing, before we can?" Rainbow asked, brushing the hand off her head, as she stood up. "What would be more important, then killing the ponies?"

"I do believe I took notice of one of those maps, that your Twilight Sparkle has made, hanging in the study." The Teacher said, smiling still, as she moved snake like around the hall. "If I was reading it correctly, then there should be a rather large Changeling hive, to the south of the pony lands, am I correct?"

"Yes, A Changeling Queen makes her home there, it is too large for the ponies to advance near it, so instead Twilight garnered an alliance with them, guaranteeing the safety of both forces."

"I see, so it would be safe to assume that if we did a full on attack on the ponies, we would expect them to intervene?" The Teacher said, nodding slowly, as a single claw tapped her chin. "Then in that case, I want you to muster some of the forces and send a division south, march them to the Hive, and take it by force if necessary."

Rainbow Dash nodded at this, smiling a bit as she was finally able to do something other then sit around. "As you command." She said, turning to leave the hall, running into Shinze as she did.

"Having fun in there Dashie?" He asked, a smile on his face, as he chuckled. "Or are we up to something devious."

"There's no time for your jokes Shinze, we have orders." Rainbow said, still smiling. "Muster up some of the men, the Wendigoes and Hydras should do, we're marching to the south."

"And why ever should we do that? The Lunar Republic is to our west, the only thing south is..."

"The Changeling Hives."

Two days had passed, since Heaven Star had arrived, to give Twilight Sparkle the strangest thing she'd heard since the discovery of liquid magic. "Why did I not see it before..." She said to herself, shaking her head in despair. "I... We... There had to have been signs."

"None of us could have knows Twilight," Flash said, as the others in the room nodded. "As much as Rainbow was the element of loyalty, she kept most of her issues to herself."

"Indeed she did, I mean, it took us prodding and poking her for her to tell us any of her problems, ho ever slight." Rarity agreed, smiling as she spoke.

"I know, but... the way she spoke about The Teacher, it..." Twilight said, before sighing. "When we went to The Teacher's cave, it was so dark in their that we couldn't see... I should have noticed then that Rainbow... That The Teacher was taking over her mind... I ear that next time we meet, she might not be Rainbow any more..."

25: 48 hours

Chapter 25
48 Hours.

"Indeed she did, I mean, it took us prodding and poking her for her to tell us any of her problems, ho ever slight." Rarity agreed, smiling as she spoke.

"I know, but... the way she spoke about The Teacher, it..." Twilight said, before sighing. "When we went to The Teacher's cave, it was so dark in their that we couldn't see... I should have noticed then that Rainbow... That The Teacher was taking over her mind... I ear that next time we meet, she might not be Rainbow any more..."

"I don't think she will." Sunset said softly, shaking her head slowly. "From what I could tell at our last meeting, there was things off about her. She kept glancing over her shoulder, as if... As she was looking at somepony, or some thing, that I couldn't." She continued, sighing once more. "If what Miss Heaven Star is right, then that means that something is The Teacher. Who only existed in Rainbow's mind. Until now."

"It's nice to see you made your own way here Red." Rourke said, laughing softly, standing behind where Sunset was sitting, which caused her to jump in shock. "Oh, did I startle you?"

"Of course you did you..." Sunset said angrily, before blinking a bit softly, looking over at the other ponies, who had confused looks on their faces.

"Um... Sunset, why did he call you 'Red'?" Twilight asked, looking from Rourke to Sunset, and back. "Do you... know him?"

"I do... or, I thought I did..." Sunset said, sighing softly. "Back a few of years ago, when we were regularly exchanging letters, as you know I joined the Ravenwood Academy."

"Yes, that was roughly around the time when things started to pick up here... for the worse." Twilight nodded, in agrement.

"Yeah, well both me, and... The Fluttershy over there, we were pulled into an elite group I guess you could say..." Sunset continued, looking over at Rourke. "That would be where I met Rourke, though at the time he called himself Pyro."

"I still do, you know..."

"Either way, I spent the next several months, gathering information on a variety of subjects, including subjects pertaining to Equestria's history."

"Wait... Equestria's history?" Rarity said, speaking up, looking at Sunset even more confused.

"How is that possible? Aren't the worlds separated?" Applejack asked, a confused look on her face as well.

"That's what I thought too." Sunset said softly, sighing. "But evidence began piling up to say they aren't. Or, at least aren't how we thought they were." She added quickly, before looking down at the floor for a bit, taking a deep breath. "So, I spent the time researching anything I could get my hands on, focusing on the link between the worlds. A few months passed, and The Arch-Duchess... she then revealed the existence of The Teacher to us, and what our goal is."

"So, you've known about... her, for a couple of years now then?" Twilight asked, a frown on her face. "Why didn't you warn us?"

"We did." Rourke said softly, before laughing. "We've told you from the beginning about The Teacher."

"What do you mean?" Rarity asked, looking at him now. "We only recently found out about this. And that it was infecting our dear Rainbow Dash."

"What do you think The Knights Templar were for?" Sunset asked, flatly.

"Wait... you mean to say... But... But we were told that Celestia formed them to... combat against..." Twilight began, before several of the missing pieces clicked in her mind. "Celestia knew about The Teacher the entire time... She... She didn't tell us anything... She..."

"She did it to protect us." Sunset interjected, interrupting Twilight. "Now, I don't know how much she knew, but I do know that she knew from the beginning who The Teacher was going to infect. Rourke here... He warned her about it."

"All the way back when she was a little filly."

Twilight sighed softly as she sat in her office, in the city hall. She looked over the updated map that the scouts had given her, detailing the new expansion to the capital, which the ponies had begun calling Lunar City, in honor of Luna, the founder of the small republic they now called home. From the looks of it, The Lunar Republic had three cities on the mainland of the continent, and a city on a small island a few miles off shore. This meant that she was in charge of what would have been a medium sized fief in the old layout of power in Equestria.

As well, she was looking over the census data that the taxponies gathered while gathering the taxes needed to run the cities, including the creation of Railways to connect them. According to this data, there was on average four thousand ponies in the cities, with at least five hundred of them being changelings rom the various hives. This meant that she was ruling over at least twenty-thousand ponies, with only four-thousand, five hundred of them having any military training. And most of that training was from the civilian guard back in Equestria.

"That's probably not going to be enough." Flash Sentry said softly, shaking his head as he spoke. "Well, most likely won't."

"Most likely? Probably? It won't." Twilight said, sighing. "The scouts that got close enough to get numbers, all report that Rai... The Teacher's army numbers in the tens of thousands, if not hundreds." She said, resting her head in her hooves with an exasperated sigh. "If we knew this was going to happen ahead of time, we'd have prepared better."

"Well... there is one thing we could try..." Sunset said, as she looked over a page from one of the reports.

"There is?" Twilight said, blinking in shock.

"Yeah but... There's a price." Sunset said softly, smiling wearily.

"What's the price?" Flash asked, blinking.

"We'd have 48 hours." Sunset said, sighing softly. "48 hours to remove The Teacher from existence, or our entire universe will die."

9: Distance (Rourke part 1)

Chapter 9
Distance

Celestia sighed as she sat on her throne, looking around at the two rows of guards that lined her throne room she chuckled. Both of her Captain of the Guards she's had in recent times are no longer there, due to circumstances she had not expected. Though she, and Luna, had expected the Crystal Empire's return. It wasn't supposed to be for another century or two, and off went Shining Armor and his wife Cadence.

And the other, a pony named Flash Sentry, he was sent as Ambassador to the Lunar Republic. Another event she hadn't expected. For the longest time her sister Luna had looked up to her, as many other ponies did. She, and she alone, had ruled Equestria and much of the known world for a thousand years. This, in Luna's words 'was a feat worth praising.'

The thought of Luna and their younger years, before Discord going crazy and Nightmare Moon, brought a smile to her face. Though, it was quickly replaced with a frown as the event leading up to he colonies full on Annexation from Equestria, and declaring itself the Lunar Republic. Since then she didn't know what was going on there, as her spy there seemed to go silent.

It was this spy, who had informed her about Rainbow Dash and Shinze's search into who was behind Green Hunter. Though at the time, she did not know if it was only a ploy, to force her to show her hand. It seemed obvious looking back.

"Hello Celestia." Somepony said, as a statue she didn't notice at first began to move, and as a result the guards surrounded the statue, pointing spears and swords at it. "Such an honor to be greeted in this way." The statue, which was a statue of The First One, said smiling. "Sad though, that ponies have forgotten who I am."

"There was no need to teach them." Celestia said, bowing to him slightly, before turning to the guards. "Now, leave. I will speak to him alone."

"Ma'am?"

"Go!" She ordered, as the guard ponies scurried out of the room. "Now, why are you here Teacher? You have no business here."

"Oh?" He said, chuckling. "Are you absolutely sure about that? You are aware that I am, and always will be, much more powerful then you."

"Are you sure?" Celestia said, a soft smile on her face. "I know you Teacher, you and your kind." She said, approaching the statue. "Your kind, gain power through belief. That means, if no pony believes in you, you have no power."

"Ah, but can you really have no pony not believe in me?"

"I have."

"Don't forget the Guardians." He chuckled, patting Celestia's back. "They still trust in me, their leader."

"Yes," Celestia sighed, shaking her head. "And that is always going to be a problem. You really should step down. It's my turn to rule."

"No, I don't think it is." Teacher said, before the statue returned to how it was. "Lunamaria is a more appropriate leader then you."

Luna sighed, as Pinkie Pie chased a chocolate cake that Discord magicked to life. This recently has become a common pass time for both of them. She looked around the room, piles of books and papers spread across it as her and Twilight searched for an answer. An answer to a question that seemed to elude them. "Are you sure these books hold the answer Twilight Sparkle?" She asked, sighing again.

"I'm positive." Twilight responded, from behind one of the piles of books. "They have to."

"We don't even know the question we have to ask."

"I know Luna," Twilight sighed, moving to see Luna from behind the books. "But from what Rainbow told us of her trip... where ever it was, then it has to be something extremely important. Maybe even more so then the elements."

"We don't know though."

"You know, you could just ask me..." Discord said, as he sat on one of the larger piles. "I mean, I've been hanging around here long enough, I think I'll know the answer you seek."

"How do we know Discord?" Twilight asked, looking over at him. "What we are looking for could even be from before your time."

"Honey," Discord sighed, patting Twilight's head. "Nothing is from before Chaos."

"That's true..." Luna said, nodding her head. "All the old stories say that the universe started from Chaos."

"Yes, and what am I?"

"The embodiment of Chaos."

"But I'm not the first."

"Come again?"

"I'm not the first embodiment." Discord chuckled, a soft smile on his face. "Then again, I'd be pretty old if I was."

"So..." Twilight sighed, looking at one of the books on the table. "If we are to find what Rainbow Dash mentioned, we'll have to find the one from before you Discord?"

"Probably, but..."

"But?"

"He's dead." Discord said, a solum tone in his voice. "He died before my time."

A cloaked pony stood on the towns outskirts. He did not like that he was here, or that he had returned to the town of his birth. It was, small. A small town, of not to many ponies. Each pony knew their neighbor, and there were few secrets, if any. But, he had return here. And in the years that had passed in his absence, the town barely changed. A tree here, a flower pot there. Barely a change. He sighed as he looked at the property he had bought from the town's bookkeeper. He didn't remember the name of the town. No pony knew it any way, it was too small of a town. He smiled as he walked into the main room of the stone tower. "Et hic erit Umbra. Di parce: Peccavi, et peccare.[1]" He sighed, as he looked into a mirror, with one red eye, an eye that held a strange sigil. "And I do it, for the kingdom."

"Starseeker?" An older mare said, as the stallion walked out of the tower. "Is that really you Starseeker?"

"Do not speak that name to me." The stallion said, looking at the mare. "It is a name that is dead."

"Dead?" The mare said, blinking. "You mean Starseeker is dead?" The mare laughed, as she went up and patted the stallions back. "Now don't play those games with me Starseeker," she chuckled. "I'd recognize you from a mile away. You've grown up, you look much like your father now. Sad that they... aren't here." The mare sighed, patting Starseeker's back. "But no matter, what brings you back here? I thought you left to be a Knight? Is the war still going on?"

"Of course it is Madam." Starseeker sighed, looking away. "The three races will always be at war. And the Alicorns have left, to where we do not know."

"How sad..." The mare sighed, smiling softly. "The Alicorns leaving, not so much. We knew they'd leave before the turn of the decade. But the war... So many ponies have died... So many... Haven't they even tried talking about peace talks?"

"No." Starseeker said, looking away. "Peace is not something the races are planning on. The anger... The hatred is rampant."

"Sad..."

"Now, I have work that needs be done." He sighed, turning to leave the mare. "Important work."

"Oh, I see." The mare sighed, before chuckling softly. "Oh, If Starseeker is dead, then what do we call you now?"

"Rourke." Starseeker said, turning to look back at the mare. "Rourke of Chaos."

Author's Note

"And so, here shall rise Umbra. May the gods forgive me, for I have sinned, and shall sin again."

Starting with this chapter, there will be a three part chapter arc, as Discord tells the tale of the previous Embodiment of Chaos.