The Ruin of Rule

Chapters

Chapter 1: Escape from Darkness
Chapter 2: No News is Good News
Chapter 3: From Night To Nothingness
Chapter 4: Dark Claims

Chapter 1: Escape from Darkness

***1,000 years before the destruction of Equestria***

“Sister!” Luna yelled. The midnight-colored alicorn flew down from the blood red, smoke-filled sky. Celestia looked up from the battlefield to see her sister descending to the balcony on which she stood. “What is it dear sister?” she asked. Luna panted as she tried to catch her breath. “King Sombra has reinforcements on the way here to Canterlot, our troops are heavily outnumbered!” she exclaimed.

Celestia slammed a hoof on the ground creating a loud clop sound. No, this can’t be happening! We need to keep the enemy from taking Canterlot, without it, he will have taken over half of Equestria! Celestia’s face became shadowed by her mane as she looked to the ground in grief. We need to leave, I must evacuate myself and Luna, everypony else is doomed! Me and Luna aren’t in any condition to fight, what with our pregnancies and all.

“Luna, you must go to the barracks and bring the general here so I can issue the urgent orders!” Luna nodded then quickly flew off to the barracks as instructed. As she disappeared from sight, Celestia held a hoof to her swollen stomach and smiled at the thought of giving birth to a new beauty of the world. She knew for certain that the unborn child was in fact, a filly. She then looked at Luna, who had just arrived with a commanding officer of the guards. The guard saluted as he asked, “You summoned me Your Highness?”

Celestia stood tall and gave the orders that were needed. “Yes, I need you to call back the troops and prepare to make a final stand against Sombra and his army!” The guard hesitated for a moment before saluting. “Yes princess, I shall do so quickly!” The guard quickly galloped away to give the orders. Celestia relaxed her composure a bit as she looked at her sister.

“How’re you feeling?” she asked. Luna looked at Celestia strangely for a bit. “If thou is referring to our pregnancy, then we are doing just fine. A bit dizzy and nauseated, but fine.” She smirked in a sarcastically. “You know, we should be asking you that question ourselves. You haven’t been the same since Twilight and her friends were slain by Sombra himself.” Celestia flinched as if she had been struck with a sharp object.

Her face became covered with grief once again as she remembered receiving the terrible news of her student’s death. “No… I haven’t been the same… we’ve lost the Elements of Harmony, Princess Cadence and Shining Armor, and we’ve lost our beloved husbands… so no, I haven’t been the same.” Luna suddenly felt horrible for bringing up the subject. “W-we're sorry sister, we were just…” Celestia looked at her sister with tearful eyes. “It’s ok Luna, I know you meant well.”

Celestia hugged her sister as they began to mourn the losses of the ones who were most dear to them. Celestia then realized that the situation at hand still wasn’t solved. “Sister we must leave here, we can’t risk losing the next heirs to the throne!” Luna looked at her sister in disbelief. “B-but…. we can’t just…” Celestia put a hoof to Luna’s muzzle.

“This’ how it must be Luna, surely you know this?” Luna closed her eyes in thought. She looked at Celestia and nodded. “Yes, we must leave.” Celestia smiled as she walked to the edge of the balcony. “Then let us begin casting a transportation spell.” she said.

“Right, let’s do th- agh!” Luna fell to the ground in pain. Celestia galloped to her incapacitated sister’s side. “Luna, what happened? Are you ok?” Luna weakly looked up at ‘Tia. “S-sister… h-help… us…” Luna then fell unconscious as a puddle of clear liquid formed near her plot.

Celestia became panic-stricken, lying by her sister’s side. “Luna! Sister wake up!” As she began to breath heavily, Celestia remembered what she had to do. Come on ‘Tia, calm down. You can’t perform the spell if you don’t have a clear mind. Celestia took a deep breath.

Right, let’s begin the spell. As she began to form the words needed for the spell, she was interrupted by a dark and menacing voice that came from the shadows. “Oh Celestia, did you really think you could escape me?” Celestia cringed at the sound of the familiar voice. “Sombra!” She was disgusted by the mere mention of his name.

The dark unicorn chuckled at her distaste. “Now now Celestia, that’s no way to speak to your new ruler now is it?” She spat at his hooves and replied with a nauseated feeling in her stomach. “You shall never take control of this realm!” Sombra gave an evil grin. “Funny for you to say that princess. Why would you say such a thing when there isn’t anypony who can oppose me?”

Celestia tried to stand up, but was pulled back down by the weight of her swollen stomach. “I’ll face you myself!” The mad king laughed maniacally. “You really think you can oppose me? You can’t even stand on four hooves!” Sombra bared his teeth in laughter and hate. “Well, let’s get down to business shall we?”

Sombra put on a serious face. “Now then, do you wish to surrender, or shall I put you out of your misery?” he asked. Celestia gave him a shocked look. “What, you're giving me an option?” Sombra laughed once more. “Now Celestia, what kind of king would I be if I didn’t offer my subjects mercy?”

Celestia laughed bitterly at that comment. There wouldn’t be much of a change in your character, that’s for sure. Sombra gave her a strange look. “Did I say something funny?” Celestia smirked at him. “Not really, it’s just that I can’t really picture you as merciful.”

Sombra returned a smirk as well. “So I take it that you do not wish to surrender?” Celestia began to stand once more, this time she succeeded in doing so. “No, I shall not let the whole of Equestria come to be ruled by a despicable tyrant such as yourself!” He began to laugh. “A tyrant? Despicable? That’s the best comeback you can think of? Honestly, I’d expect much more from the princess of light!” he snarled.

As the shadows darkened the mad king’s face even further, he began to gather a dark ball of energy above his horn. “And like all light, it eventually falls into darkness. And now… it’s time for your light to be snuffed out! Goodbye, Princess Celestia!” The dark magic from his horn swelled as he laughed a long and evil laugh. “Now die!” As the dark magic made contact, a flash of light was seen for a brief moment before the smoke cleared.

***Meanwhile in Appleoosa***

Hey Braeburn, ya’ll watch’n the stars ta’nite? The yellow-coated stallion looked over to the young mare that stood beside him while he unpacked his saddlebags. He smiled to the young mare and said, “Of course ahm gonna be watch’n the stars ta’nite! Why else would ah be all the way out here in the fields?” The young mare looked to the ground sadly. “Well, ah thought that me and you coulda had some alone time ta’gether.” Braeburn looked passionately at the young mare. “Redrose, ya know that ah would do anyth’n for ya. And ya know that ah would take any chance that ah could get to spend time with ya.”

Braeburn took his hoof and held the side of Rose’s face as if he were a human cuping a cheek. Rose’s face began to burn red. “Rose?” Braeburn asked. The young mare began to stammer. “Y-yes Braeburn?” Braeburn’s face started to burn red as well.

“Rose, ah have admired ya’ll for a while now and there’s som’n ah have been mean’n ta tell ya.” Redrose stood there, her heart aflutter and her body began to feel as if the sun’s heat ran through her. “What is it that you need to tell me Braeburn?” The young stallion gulped as he began speaking slowly. “Rose, ah just want ta say that ah lo-” From the night sky, a bright flash of white light followed by a loud crash interrupted Braeburn’s speech.

“What the buck was that?!” Rose asked. Worried, Braeburn responded, “Ah don’t know, but ah reckon we go and check it out.” Redrose nodded and together, she and Braeburn went to check out what had happened. A few minutes later, they arrived upon a giant crater. “Whoa, what the hay happened here!?” Rose asked. Braeburn looked around the scene of the strange happening to see what had happened.

“Ah don’t know, but ah see two ponies over there in the middle of that crater.” Braeburn began to gallop over to the mysterious ponies. Rose followed close behind him. They both sat there in shock as they saw the sight of the wounded princesses. Braeburn looked at Rose worriedly. “Rose, ya need ta get help from the other ponies in town!”

Rose nodded and began galloping off in the direction of Appleoosa. Braeburn looked back towards the injured princesses. “Don’t ya’ll worry now, help is on the way.” he murmured. Braeburn looked towards the star-lit sky. Ah wonder what happened? Someth’n musta went wrong in Canterlot. he thought.

Just then, Braeburn saw a couple of shooting stars fly through the night sky. Well one thing is fer certain, whatever happened, it ain’t good. Ah just hope that the princesses turn out alright. Braeburn sighed. Love… heh, ah shoulda told her insteada act’n like a frightn’d rabbit. He chuckled to himself.

Well, ah guess there’s always tomorrow. Some more shooting stars passed by. The sky sure is beautiful ta’nite… just like her… ah promise to protect ya from whatever’s out there Rose… ah promise…

Chapter 2: No News is Good News

“Where… where am I?” Celestia looked through hazy eyes as she began to awaken from her deep slumber. She blinked twice then rubbed her tired eyes as she began to see the room much clearer. To her right, there was a large window that allowed her to view the city and what lied beyond it. Across the room, there was nothing except for the wall that enclosed the room. But to her left, there was another bed with nopony in it, the door, and… somepony sitting next to her?

“Morn’n, hope yer feel’n alright!” the mysterious pony said. Celestia quickly jumped upright in her bed, startled by the unexpected visitor. “Wh-who are you?” she asked. The yellow-coated stallion gave her a warm smile and a tip of the hat. “Name’s Braeburn, glad ta meet ya miss…” He began to look at her, questioning for her name.

She caught on to what he was trying to say. “Celestia… Princess Celestia that is…” Braeburn’s face went blank as he tried to process what he had just heard. He then began to bow and apologize. “Ahm really sorry yer highness, ah didn’t know that ah was in the presence of royalty!” Celestia chuckled.

“It’s alright my friend, you couldn’t have known. I have never visited Appleoosa before, so it doesn’t really bother me that you wouldn’t have known.” She gave him a warm smile. Braeburn sat in his seat once more, giving a thankful smile once he did. “So… where in Appleoosa are we?” she asked. Braeburn began to laugh. “Excuse me yer highness, but I reckon ya’ll take another look out that there window!”

Celestia hesitated for a moment, giving the stallion a strange look. She then turned her head to face the window. “Wait… why are we in a city? I thought Appleoosa was nothing but farmland. At least, that’s what I’ve been told.” Braeburn chuckled in amusement. “Yep, it sure is! But this here ain’t Appleoosa. It’s the big city of Manehattan!” Celestia’s face became stricken with terror.

“M-M-M-M-Manehattan?” she asked. Braeburn nodded in response, not noticing her panic-stricken face. The world went black around Celestia as her thoughts began to take over her mind. No no no no! We can’t be here, it’s too close to the Empire! Manehattan’s just on the southern half of Equestria! As she began to panic even more, Braeburn interrupted her thoughts. “Hey, ya’ll do’n alright there?” he asked.

Celestia looked up at him, annoyed by the fact that he’d bring her closer to the enemy. “No, I’m not alright! I’ve been thrown out of my own home by an evil stallion, I can’t defend my kingdom, and worst of all…” she began to cry as the dreaded words escaped her lips, “...I probably lost my beloved sister.” Celestia was in tears, the only thing she could think about was losing her sister yet again. Her sister had always been by her side ever since Nightmare Moon was defeated by Twilight and her friends. Braeburn placed a hoof on her shoulder. “Ya’ll don’t have ta worry bout that, yer sister’s here in the hospital.”

Celestia’s face became enlightened by hope at the mere mention of her sister’s well-being. Quickly, she placed a hoof on both of Braeburn’s shoulders and shook him rapidly as she asked, “Where’s my sister? Is she ok? What did they do to her?” Celestia wanted to ask more questions but was stopped when Braeburn placed a hoof on her mouth. “I’ll tell ya, but ya’ll will have to calm down now ya hear?” Celestia nodded as Braeburn took his hoof away from her mouth. “Ok from what ah know, yer sister’s do’n fine. But… the docs say that she won’t be fer long. Som’n bout a darkness slowly kill’n her. They tried do’n what they could ta cure her of it, but whatever’s ail’n yer sister is be’n more stubborn than a bear not want’n ta wake up from hibernat’n!”

Celestia sat there staring at him in shock, devastated by the news of her sister’s welfare. “N-no, you can’t be serious! There’s just no way! There’s gotta be some-” Braeburn placed a hoof on Celestia’s shoulder as he looked at her in sympathy. “Ahm sorry fer y'all's predicament. I hope there’s som’n ah I can do to help ya’ll through this.” Celestia hid her face in the shadow of her mane as her eyes still carried tears. “What about the child, was she able to deliver or…” she stopped herself, feeling the tears wanting to flood once more.

Braeburn sighed as he looked at the floor and crossed his front legs. “Are ya sure ya’ll want ta hear the news on the young foal?” he asked. Celestia slowly nodded, her face still shadowed by her mane. “The docs say that the labor was a success, however…” he tipped his hat, which now hid his face, “... they say the young colt’s got whatever’s plauge’n yer sister. ‘Cept it’s gonna cause him to become dark-hearted when the young'un gets older. They fear that if this happens, we’re gonna have two Sombras at one time. Nopony’ll be safe from their grasp.” Celestia was heartbroken, she couldn’t believe that the innocence of a mere foal could be taken away be the evil that came from the mad king. As she began to cry, she lashed out and wrapped her front hooves around Braeburn.

Braeburn began to blush at the unexpected hug, but he welcomed it and wrapped his hooves around her. “Ahm sorry fer all this… nopony should have ta witness such horrors and have ta feel so much pain.” Celestia began to sit back up on her bed as she cleared away the tears from her eyes and sniffled. “I’m sorry, it was rude of me to commit such a familiar act without consent.” Celestia said. Braeburn smiled sympathetically. “It’s alright, ya’ll just needed a friend ta turn to. We all get like that sometimes, so don’t worry yer pretty head bout it. Alright?”

Celestia nodded as she smiled faintly. “Thank you Braeburn… you’re a true heart indeed.” Braeburn nodded as he smiled in response. Then an awkward silence took place between the two as Celestia began to think about the absence of the Empire from Manehattan. “Pardon me Braeburn, but why hasn’t the Empire tried to take over the rest of Equestria? I mean, I don’t wish for this to happen, but I’m curious nonetheless.” Braeburn snorted as he looked annoyed at the question.

“Ah really have no clue yer highness, but ah reckon we do som’n bout that there King Sombra.” he said. Celestia looked down at her bedsheet, pondering the thought of how to remove the mad king from his throne. When nothing came to mind, she began to wonder if there was a way to cure both her sister and the young colt of their dark ailments with the power of light. “Braeburn, what if light could be the cure?” The yellow-coated stallion looked at her questioningly. “What’re ya’ll up to?” he asked.

Celestia looked back out the window towards the city of Manehattan. “Maybe I can cure their darknesses with light magic. If not, then maybe I can neutralize it.” Braeburn leaned back a bit as he looked at the ceiling in thought. “It could work… then again, maybe not.” Celestia looked back towards Braeburn. “Well, it’s worth a try isn’t it?” she asked.

When Braeburn didn’t answer, she asked him if he could take her to Luna and her child. Braeburn gave her a stern look. “Are ya sure ya’ll can move without fall’n over?” Celestia gave him an annoyed look. “If you’re implying that I am fat, then I am most certainly not!” she said angrily. Braeburn flinched as if he had been struck in the face.

“No, that’s not what ah was say’n at all yer highness, please forgive me fer be’n so poor with mah word choice!” Celestia kept giving him the same look for a few moments before relaxing a bit. “Alright then, I forgive you.” She then held out a hoof. “Would you care to help me up? I’m afraid that my pregnancy will keep me from doing it on my own.” Braeburn got up from his seat to help her stand.

“Of course princess, ya’ll shouldn’t be try’n ta stand on yer own in this state that yer in!” He smiled at her as he accepted her hoof. “Thank you Braeburn.” she said. Braeburn nodded in response. When Celestia began to place her hooves on the ground, her legs began to wobble from the weight being placed on them. Ugh, why does standing even have to be a chore?

She had a frustrated look upon her face. Braeburn looked at her concerningly and asked, “Ya’ll ok, do ya need ta sit back down?” Celestia gave him a warm smile. “No, it’s ok. I can do this!” Just then, one of her knees gave out on her and she began to fall. Braeburn quickly grabbed her before she hit the ground.

After Braeburn helped Celestia regain her balance, he looked at her and asked, “Are ya’ll ok?” Celestia nodded slowly. “Yes, I’m fine… just a bit dizzy is all.” Braeburn was a bit unsure of her words. “Are ya sure ya’ll can continue?” he asked. Celestia nodded slowly once again.

“Yes braeburn… I am fine… just go ahead and continue forward.” She gave him a weak smile. Braeburn gave her an uneasy look. “Here, if ya want me to, ah can let ya’ll hitch a ride on mah back. We earth ponies have strong backs afterall!” Celestia gave him a weak look and slowly nodded at the offer for help. He positioned himself underneath Celestia rightside-up.

“Alright, ya’ll ready?” he asked. Celestia nodded in response, too weak to even say a word. “Alright, let’s do this in 3… 2… 1… hrng!” He began to lift the weak princess onto his back as he started to rise to his full height. “Whew, yer heavy than ya look!” Celestia was annoyed by the comment but was too weak to even care.

“Alright let’s go visit yer sister then, shall we?” he asked. Celestia weakly smiled as the stallion began to slowly trot forward, being crushed by the weight of both Celestia and her unborn child. I must rest… I need to save my energy for when we arrive. Celestia looked at Braeburn who was busy focusing on not being crushed. You’re a true friend Braeburn, despite your accidental mis wordings. As Celestia began to rest her eyes, only one thought came to mind, If everypony in Equestria survives this disaster, then I would like to start a new life. One with love and passion. A new life with… him.

Chapter 3: From Night To Nothingness

*** Half an hour earlier***

Out of the blinding light, a mysterious voice called out to her. “Come on Luna, push!” Luna screamed in pain as she tried to push out the unborn child. The sound of the doctor’s voice sounded once more. “You’re almost there Luna, keep pushing!” The doctor’s encouragements were muffled due to the loudness of her ear-piercing screams of pain and by the audible heartbeat in her ears.

The world around her was all ablank. The only thing she noticed was the dimming of her vision and the thoughts that rushed through her head. Is thou darkness the only friend that we shall have in thine own eternal night? Is this our own life ends, to never see the face of our own child? As the combination of thoughts and the current situation began to settle upon here mind, Luna felt a cold darkness begin to claw it’s way into her being. Is thou darkness to take us once again? No… I shall not let such evils plague our mind once again! We must fight to remain in control! Luna knew that she wouldn’t live to see another day, considering how miserably weak she felt.

Well if we shall die, then we die knowing that we have brought more beauty to this world. Whether it be a colt or filly, we have birthed a new age, a new hope, and a new heart. Luna wished to smile. Interrupting her thoughts, the doctor’s voice spoke again. “Ok Luna, just one more!” The world became nothing but a blur as Luna gave one final scream of pain. Then, all was silent… no sound protruded save for the heavy breathing that elapsed from Luna.

Out of the silence came the sudden noise of hiccuping and then the cries of a young foal. “Congratulations, it’s a boy!” Luna looked to the stallion in surgeon’s clothing who held the small bundle of joy. “May we see our gift to the earth?” Luna asked weakly. The stallion nodded and trotted over to Luna. The young foal began to coo as the doctor deposited him into his mother’s hooves.

Luna smiled as she cradled the child. “Hello there little one. We are glad to see that you live and breathe on this most glorious of days. The world rejoices at the arrival of such a special pony such as yourself.” Behind the face of happiness, Luna still felt sadness. Tis a shame that your father couldn’t be here to see you into this world. But we are sure that he watches over both of our lives, and that he is smiling down upon you my child. Luna let a tear fall as the doctors had their backs turned. We miss him dearly, the most amazing stallion we have ever met… your father, Night Scar.

Luna’s horn began to glow blue as she prepared a spell. And if we must leave this world soon, then we shall bestow the gift of memory to you, my son. She then touched the tip of her horn to the young foal’s head, giving him memories of herself and Night Scar. May you never forget us little one. We and your father love you. Just then, Luna heard the doctors returning from the other side of the room and quickly dried her tears before the doctors could notice. One of them smiled at her and said, “Say cheese!”

Luna smiled as best she could, despite her weakened state. After the camera flashed, one of the doctors trotted up to Luna. This one, a mare, bowed before asking her question. “So your highness, what will you name the young foal?” Luna looked at the mare. “I haven’t thought of one yet.” she responded.

The nurse nodded her head. “Ok then, I’ll hold the certificate until a name is chosen.” The nurse trotted back to the other side of the room to help the other two doctors clean up. Luna closed her eyes in thought. A name… a name fit for a young prince… Luna thought. As a name had struck in her mind, something strange happened.

Luna became stiff, unable to move. All she saw was darkness… no… there was a grey plane. Luna saw a stallion standing on a vast rolling grey hill. The sky above had a dust color, as well as the moon. A lone tree that was dry and had no leaves was the only other thing seen other than the stallion who stood near it. Luna called out to the stallion.

“Who goes there? And is thou responsible for bringing us here?!” The stallion didn’t move. Quite rude this stallion is. Where are we, and why does this domain feel familiar? “Nostalgic, isn’t it?” the stallion asked. Luna became wide-eyed as she saw herself suddenly next to the cloaked stallion. “As we asked before, who is thee and is thou responsible for our presence here?”

“The grey plane of the heartless… it’s protector… Void Chaser…” Suddenly, light enveloped Luna as she began to wake from the sleep she had apparently fallen into. “What just…” She was now back in the hospital room. She was still holding the foal, who was sound asleep in her arms. She guessed that she had been asleep for only a few minutes or so, considering the doctors didn’t see what had just occurred.

Luna shook her head trying to clear it, she failed to do so however. Void Chaser… is this the name tis destined to be yours little one? Luna began to notice a dark energy emanating from her son. What trickery is this, why does darkness plague you so? Luna then remembered feeling something cold and heavy touching her as she heard her sister’s spell from earlier. No, this can’t be… but then, thou would become the next tyrant! But that dream, it spoke of a different destiny.

Luna sat there confused as she tried to make sense of things. “Have you decided on a name yet princess?” Luna looked up to see the young mare from earlier. She blinked twice before answering the nurse’s question. “Void Chaser” she said simply. The nurse eyed Luna strangely.

“Are you sure about that your highness? It’s a strange name to give to a pony.” Luna shot a protective mother’s glance at the young mare. “Yes, I wish for thee to bear the name I speak! Does thou have a problem with my choosing?” The nurse staggered and bowed. “O-of course not your highness, please forgive me!” Luna smiled but kept a serious tone.

“Thou is forgiven, but do not say such foalishness about my judgement again.” The mare bowed. “Y-yes princess!” She quickly turned to retrieve the birth certificate. As she galloped away, Luna turned her attention to the young foal and smiled. Void Chaser… a fine name for a little colt.

Luna laughed amusingly. “Whew, I’m back!” The nurse was gasping for air. “Shall I take him off your hooves so you can sign the certificate and get some rest?” she asked. At first Luna was reluctant to do so, but then realized that she needed to rest if she was to keep the last of her energy to see her sister before death dragged her into it’s dark depths. Luna nodded her head.

“Yes, sleep will be needed after such tiring events.” Luna’s horn began to glow blue as she grabbed hold of the document. “Farewell my little Void Chaser. We love you, my son.” She kissed him on his head before depositing him into the nurse’s hooves. Luna then grabbed a nearby pen and signed the document. “Here you go, and please do take good care of him.”

The nurse bowed and trotted away. And as the last of the doctors exited the room, Luna felt sleep begin to overtake her. Luna closed her eyes and let the thoughts in her mind whisk her away to sleep.Make haste dear sister, for thy own strength continues to dwindle. If we should expire before your arrival, then I shall let thee know… we love you dear sister… we wish not to bid farewell. And as the last tear was shed, the sound of a laughing child and his mother echoed in the silence.

Chapter 4: Dark Claims

***Present Time***

Braeburn stopped in front of the door that lead into Luna’s room, which was across the hallway from them. Out of breath, the panting stallion looked over his shoulder to see the sleeping princess of the sun resting upon his back. Gently, he began to wake her. “Hey, ya’ll awake?” The sleeping alicorn began to lift her head slightly as the fog in her eyes made it hard for her to see. “Where are we?” she asked.

Braeburn smiled and responded in a calm tone. “We’re here… are ya’ll ready ta try stand’n again?” Celestia blinked and her vision became clear. Her eyes began to wander about the hallway, taking in the sights of their new location. The hallway in which they stood was not much different than the rest of the hospital’s passages.

The hallways were white, sterile, and were lit with fluorescent lights. However, the only difference in this hallway was the fact that her sister’s room door was decorated with Lunar designs and had night flowers stuck onto the door, giving it the air of night life’s beauty. Braeburn gave Celestia a concerned look. “Are ya’ll alright?” Celestia’s attention suddenly became affixed to the stallion who was carrying her. She smiled weakly, trying to hide the fact that she didn’t feel well.

“Yes, I am fine. I would like to stand now please.” Braeburn looked at her suspiciously before responding. “Alright, ya’ll better have yer hooves ready.” Celestia shifted so that her hooves were ready to support her weight. She nodded, signaling for him to continue. “Here we go in 3… 2… 1… hrng!”

Braeburn began to lower the solar princess down onto her hooves as he tried to focus on not giving into the weight. As the panting stallion lowered her, Celestia began to feel dizzy and nauseated as the effects of her pregnancy began to kick in. “Aaaaand, there we go!” Braeburn gave a sigh of relief, letting the weight upon his shoulders be lifted. As he began to stretch, Celestia began to sway from the effects of her pregnancy. “Braeburn… help me please.”

She began to fall as her eyes refused to stay open. Braeburn caught her before she could hit the ground. “Are ya’ll ok?” he asked. Celestia was leaning against the wall now as Braeburn supported her other side. Celestia began to push herself off the wall in attempt to stand, which she managed to do despite her weakened state. “I won’t let anything stand in the way of me or Luna… not even myself!”

Braeburn was astonished by her determination. “No wonder yer the princess of the sun, ya won’t let anyth’n stand in yer way, always positive it seems!” Braeburn gave her a warm smile. Celestia nodded as she responded in kind. “As you are determined to help a friend, I would say that you have a heart.” She tried to give him a warm smile but only managed a weak half smile.

They both laughed in amusement, and then the moment died away. Celestia looked back towards her dying sister’s room saddened by the fact that she was. “Right, let’s go.” she said. Braeburn nodded and walked with her into the room, holding the door open for the still-ill ‘Tia. As they entered the room, Braeburn couldn’t help but notice the tears coming from the face of Celestia. She beheld in horror, the sight of her dying sister.

***

Luna heard a pair of muffled voices speaking to each other. “She feels so cold.” said a familiar voice. “Ah know it must be hard ta see yer beloved kin like this.” Kin… wait, is that… Luna began to open her eyes. “Sister…” Luna said weakly.

Her foggy eyes cleared to reveal the sight of her beloved family. Luna smiled weakly and began to shed tears as Celestia embraced her. “Luna, you’re awake!” Celestia was shedding tears of her own. “We have missed thee, and hope thy is faring well!” Celestia sat back down in her seat.

“For now, I am well. However, my strength has begun to weaken. I had a little assistance in getting here.” She gestured at the mysterious stallion that was with her. “Luna this is Braeburn, the stallion who got help and brought us here.” Braeburn smiled and tipped his hat. “Howdy there, miss!” Braeburn smiled as Luna nodded and gave a weak smile in return.

“Greetings Braeburn, we thank thee for bringing us and thy sister here.” Braeburn smiled once more. “Wasa pleasure help’n ya’ll, ah don’t think anypony woulda left two helpless soon-ta-be mothers in distress anyhow!” Luna looked at Celestia who only shook her head. They both chuckled, which left Braeburn confused. Then the situation at hand had begun to creep back into existence.

Celestia turned her head to face Braeburn. “Would you mind if we could ask you for some privacy?” The yellow-coated stallion bowed and left the room. Celestia returned her attention back to her sister as the silence crept over them. It was quiet for a bit, no sound was heard except for the slow-paced beeping of the heartbeat monitor. “Luna… I know about the young colt, and of his illness.”

Luna sat in silence, thinking about the darkness she felt surrounding her son. “What will happen to thee?” she asked. Celestia closed her eyes in thought. “Thou surely is not plotting to kill thy son are they?” Celestia opened her eyes to look at Luna, who was saddened by the worst possible future for her only son. “If it becomes the only way, then yes, we’ll have no choice but to put him out of his misery.”

Luna turned her attention to the window and looked towards the beach outside. “Tell us, would thou put us out of our own misery if thine problem became ours?” Celestia was hurt and worried by the question. “Luna, you know that I would never do anything to hurt you! You’re my sister, I wouldn’t rid myself of you even if it meant the world’s destruction!” Celestia looked at her sister and began to speak in a calmer tone. “You’ve always been there with me even after the Nightmare Moon incident. I promised myself that I would never lose you again… but it seems like fate has other plans for us.”

Silence crept into existence once again, but only for a short bit. “Sister… would thou mind granting a request?” she asked, not looking away from the window. Celestia looked at her questioningly. “What is this request?” Luna slowly turned her head to face her older sister. “Would thee mind changing thy glorious day to the dawn of the night? To bathe the land in it’s glorious twilight?”

Celestia smiled warmly as she obliged. “For my sister, for your dying wish, I shall grant such a request such as this.” ‘Tia’s horn glowed yellow as she began to lower the sun, in the process, she made sure that everypony in Equestria didn’t notice the sudden change of day. She did so by erasing the memory of it ever happening. Once she was finished, she opened her eyes to see the masterpiece she had created. “Tis such a beautiful sight.”

Celestia was taken in awe by her own work of art. “It is indeed, dear sister.” she replied. The sky was painted in a sunset orange as the sun itself hung halfway above the distant watery horizon. The buildings close by seeming to be ready to sleep in the coming night. The beach’s yellow sand, now colored dark by the setting sun. The sound of water lapping against the shore gave a peaceful melody.

Luna hadn’t noticed that her sister had already opened the window. Luna felt the cool breeze of the ocean caress her face and mane, and smelled the fresh salty air that came with it. “Luna?” The night-colored alicorn faced her sister and revealed the tears that fell from her saddened face. She smiled sadly as she closed her eyes and sang her heart’s song. “We love thy sister, strong and true; a princess so great, beauty anew; our friend, our heart, our love, our song; we say goodbye, as we sing this song…”

Her song rang out through all of Equestria as she began to rest. Luna closed her eyes and said her final words to her tearful sister. “Farewell dear sister… take care of thy son, teach him the ways of the night and ensure the safety for all of our subjects.” There was silence for a few moments. The dreaded noise of the flat-lined heartbeat sensor filled the room as Celestia began to mourn over the loss of her beloved sister. “Luna please come back, don’t go! Please come back to me! LUNA!”

Sombra’s evil voice is heard in the darkness of the fallen Canterlot. “And the darkness claims another heart.” The king’s maniacal laughter echoes in the darkness as the scene fades out.