Skyfall

Chapter 18:Confrontations and Returns

Two years after Celestia was overthrown

Tristan

A guard ran up to me and Nightmare as we were discussing current events with a panicked look on his face “My Queen the prisoners have escaped!”

This caused myself and Nightmare to end our conversation quickly as I asked what was on our minds. “Which prisoners?”

“The six mares and the former Sun Princess sir.” The stallion's ears were pinned back.

“So how did they escape or at least how do you believe they did?” I asked,my tone even while Nightmare was holding back an enraged yell.

“They got hold of a key, somehow unlocked the door and forced a rookie to take the inhibitors off. Then they found where Celestia was and freed her after getting past the guards.”

At this point I was quite angry. They seemed to either have help or were lucky because very few knew the location of Celestia. I was willing to bet on the former. That meant that our intelligence network was useless and missed a lot of information. Though I should have remembered that they tended to do that. Both the CIA and ONI.
“Okay you may leave, gather as many guards as you can and continue the search.”

The stallion’s gaze shrunk even more as I spoke the orders leading me to believe they just had come to us and never created a search group. I let the stallion leave the room before Nightmare put up an anti eavesdropping spell and we both yelled our respective curse’s.

Nightmare looked at me and spoke. “They are more than likely at the castle ruins with the Elements right now and planning to confront us and since Celestia is free they can get past our guards easily even in her weakened state.”

“Seems even we overlooked some things though a two year take over with the restraints you had I’d have to say was a good run.” I replied with a laugh.

“Yes it was a pretty good run considering.” Nightmare says with a nod. “It has been nice to have a friend like you.”

I smiled under my helmet as panicked screams could be heard from the guards.”You have been a great friend to me since we learned I could not return. Thank you.” I pulled out my assault rifle as the doors were blasted in. I saw the six mares five with necklaces and the last one with a tiara, Celestia. I fired my rifle and a shield was put up just in time by the purple unicorn though she winced with every round that hit.

Celestia immediately attacked me and I was able to dodge a magic bolt before she punched me causing me to stagger a little and bring a sword out. I was able to block with my energy sword, and just as I was about to attack she backed off and I saw why instantly. The elements were active and Nightmare was trying to stop them but invisible energy protected each of the six mares. I tried to dodge the beam but like the other times I was locked in place, Nightmare was in a similar position and we looked at each other and simply nodded accepting our fate.

The rainbow beam washed over us and I saw the pony that was once Nightmare Moon shrink down a foot, her mane and tail turn to a light blue and before me was the familiar face of Princess Luna. Though I was unable to focus on her for long as I felt a black smoke hit me in the chest causing me to grunt as I was forced onto my knees by the impact. I felt another presence in my head and the feeling of molten lead being poured down my throat. What felt like an eternity was merely a minute, then the world turned black.

Celestia

Celestia watched as the Elements of Harmony went to work purging Nightmare from Luna though something unexpected happened a black mist hit Tristan in the chest and she heard him scream for an agonizingly slow minute before she watched The Demon collapse, seeming to be out cold.

A group of guards charged into the room only to stop and bowed to Celestia when they saw no indication of Nightmare Moon and The Demon on the ground, just as quick to follow Celestia as they were in following Nightmare Moon and The Demon.

Celestia took note of this tendency to quickly follow the most powerful figure. “I want any earthpony guards to help carry The Demon to the room across from mine. Use as many as it takes. The rest of you spread the word that I and my sister rule Equestria once again”

All of the earthpony guards did as their Princess commanded, lifting the over a half a ton Spartan up with four earthponies on each side, while the rest of the guards set out on spreading the word of Nightmare Moon’s defeat.

Celestia then walked up to her slowly waking sister and once Luna opened her eyes said, “It is nice to have you back.”

Luna hugged Celestia as the six mares smiled. Tears welled out of both of the Sister’s eyes and Luna spoke. “I am so glad to be free of The Nightmare as well. Though I will always remember the results of my choice. The war so long ago and then her escape. Then the collaboration with The Demon to take the throne. Even the deal they made though the attempt proved impossible.” Luna held Celestia there for a minute before speaking again. “I find myself curious about what the Element’s did to The Demon.”

Celestia sighed, “I’m not exactly sure he screamed in pain then collapsed, unconscious. However, we can find out what happened later. I just want to be with you.” Celestia looked at the six mares. “You six girls have done wonderfully considering the circumstances, and in the end your friendship let you hold strong for two years, and strike the blow to stop The Nightmare’s continued rule and free my sister.”

Twilight looked at her mentor and sobbed. “I thought I lost you when that thing defeated us that I had failed you. It is only because of my friends here and my brother’s help from the outside with a few loyal guards that we managed to escape. I do have one thing I want to ask if it is alright with you Princess.”

Celestia nodded, “Go ahead my student.”

“I would like to stay with my friends in Ponyville, and continue my studies from there. I just can’t imagine life without them now.” Twilight replied.

Celestia smiled, “You may, from here on out you are Ponyville’s librarian and you will study friendship. I look forward to reading what you learn, Twilight Sparkle. I want you six to stay here at the castle for the evening you will take the train back tomorrow

Twilight beamed, “Thank you so much Princess Celestia, I will not disappoint you.”

Celestia smiled, “I know my student. Show your friends to the guest quarters after getting something to eat.”

With that Twilight gleefully led her friends to the dining room leaving Celstia and Luna alone

Celestia guided her sister to what would be her room and they talked about events though Celestia did not mention what had happened to her in the cell on the first day of her capture. The sisters talked at length discussing changes over the past one thousand two years and Eventually Luna became tired, having Nightmare pulled out of her it took a lot from Luna.

Celestia said goodnight to her sister and went to visit Tristan. She had an idea of what may have happened but had to do some scans to see for herself. When she entered the room and saw Tristan laying there the only way she could even tell he was alive was the rising and falling of his chest.

Celestia stood there a moment wondering how she fell for him and even several months after he verbally rejected her advances she still found herself pining after him, and it confused her to no end.

Celestia shook her head free of the thoughts and just focused on using her magic to scan him for any magical signature at all. As she expected she found Nightmare’s magic resting in his chest and it seemed to flow weakly through newly made mana pathways. More detailed scans showed that the magic seemed to be taking root in him as well, effectively making Tristan her new host.

Celestia stopped the scans and left the room, her suspicions confirmed. The Elements had forced Nightmare out of Luna and placed her inside Tristan and Celestia could not figure out why.