Three Ruined Nations

Chapters

Chapter 1 - Train Journey
Chapter 2 - A Canterlot Catastrophe
Chapter 3 - Memories Don't Burn

Chapter 1 - Train Journey

Written by BubbleBuster

Chapter 1 - Train Journey

Twilight hastily ruffled through the legal papers scattered around her desk and pronounced herself done for the night. The whole of Ponyville was dormant now, except from her. She sighed in relaxation and she slowly managed to lift herself up from the wooden chair and put her four hooves on the floor. As a result of her tired legs, Twilight stumbled and had to work her muscles to make it to her private chambers, but managed with time. As soon as the princess got to her chambers of the castle, she almost cantered to her bed and flopped on just the way you wouldn't expect a princess to. Not like she cared at that particular moment. Twilight didn't even pull the covers over herself; she just laid on top of them.

The newly ascended alicorn drifted off into a deep sleep rather quickly after she had settled herself on top of the sheets. A trace of a smile rested on her face as she slumbered. When Twilight woke to the sound of her alarm clock the next morning, she groaned, but she suddenly remembered the trip she was having with her friends for a whole week. She broke into a beaming smile, and the thought of having to fill out boring paperwork all day long was diminished, and what replaced it was the thought of an informal visit to Canterlot with her friends, to purely rest and have fun during the week she was staying there. The six of them all had their individual reasons for going as well as their shared ones.

Twilight wanted to be with Celestia, Rarity had about enough bits to go on a shopping spree, Applejack desired to sample the food, Pinkie Pie loved the parties, Rainbow Dash wanted to watch The Wonderbolts perform (They had gotten VIP tickets beforehand), and Fluttershy liked nothing more than to watch the nature. Despite all this, the tight circle of friends all shared the want to rest and be with each other. It was around eight o' clock at the time, plenty of time to get ready for the train leaving at ten.

Spike was to stay with Mr and Mrs. Cake at Sugarcube Corner and he didn't mind. He was to assist the duo and replace Pinkie Pie for the week she was away. At that particular moment, Spike was asleep in a smaller bed next to her meant for little fillies. Twilight's scaled little assistant had begged her to stay close to her. Of course she said yes; his face was impossible to resist. But enough of ranting, let's get back to Twilight. She was looking at a mirror, decorated with crystals around the edges. A brush levitated off the table before her, and she began to brush her mane out. Every little hair, every little strand. As the princess stood, eyes drooped with fatigue, she began to run through the possibilities of what she would do in Canterlot.

The beautiful, wonderful, endless gardens of nature lay before Twilight Sparkle, and she was stood with her friends, all admiring the pure detail, while Fluttershy busied herself with telling the rest of them the species of animal and plant alike. They were all on a shopping spree, darting about and looking at clothing items, while Rarity told her friends about all the new trends and how you should go about dressing. The group at an acrobatic, amazing Wonderbolt display, Rainbow Dash telling them all of the names of the flyers. Going into the best restaurants in Canterlot and tasting all the foods, while Applejack told them the recipes. Going to the fun parties, balloons and streamers hung up around, while Pinkie Pie told them about the new dance moves. And finally, a trip to the castle, where they would all meet Princess Celestia herself.

Twilight had finished brushing her mane by now and it was quarter past eight. The princess flexed and stretched her wings wide, feathers fluttering. Now to wake up Spike, she thought. Twilight Sparkle quietly pawed at Spike's small bed, receiving an annoyed response.

"Uhh... muhh... five more minutes Twi..."

"Come on. You've got to be at Sugarcube Corner before nine."

Spike's mood immediately brightened and he jolted up in his bed, seemingly fully awake. "Oh yeah! I can't wait!"

Twilight flashed the baby dragon a playful smirk. "Well then, come on. Get out of your baby bed and start getting ready."

Spike obliged but let out an audible "Twi!" as he jumped out of bed. The princess giggled, ruffling Spike's head crest before letting him go downstairs to get ready and have breakfast, followed by herself.

Twilight let out a sigh of happiness as she made her way to the kitchen to make breakfast. She was making Spike's favourite, pancakes with syrup and sugar, and was going to let him help. She was also going to have a portion to fill herself up. No point of trying to have fun on an empty stomach. As the two made way for the kitchen, two newly-named "Twilight Guards" were standing on either side, faces stern and stoic, nevertheless inviting.

Twilight put on a harder expression as she stood before the door. "Dismissed."

One Twilight Guard chipped in, professionally not averting his gaze from the corridor in front of him. "Are you sure, Princess Sparkle? You do not usually dismiss your guard."

"Yes. I am sure. Spike and I wish to be alone," she paused for a moment, "In fact, dismiss all guards except from the ones at the doors, please. Tell Captain Firewing we wish not be disturbed for the duration of the day before we are gone."

One guard gave a quick, yet sincere nod and galloped away. The other took his time, slowly walking off, his head held high. Twilight opened the double doors into a luxury dining room, connected to a large kitchen. Twilight went into the black and white themed kitchen to find a cook she knew well inside at the cooker. The stallion had a pale yellow coat and a brown mane, with a cutie mark of a chef's hat. He also wore a chef's hat on his head. The chef gave a polite bow before speaking.

"Well, my favoured and noble princess. What food you desire, I will whip up, happy as Larry. What would you like making on this most wonderful day?" he leaned up on the polished cooker as he spoke the last sentence, proudly adjusting his hat.

Twilight liked this stallion. He was informal, polite, and fun to be with. "We won't be needing you today, Cooking Surprise. Me and Spike here are going to cook on our own today." she gave Spike a gentle nudge.

"What?" Spike said. He was confused.

"Then I shall be on my way." Cooking Surprise made his way into the long hallways of the castle.

"Um... why did you dismiss him?"

"You are going to polish up your baking skills."

Rainbow Dash yawned and stretched out her wings, her rugged mane blocking out most of her vision. The mare gave a shake of her head to clear her vision before spreading her wings wide, proudly doing a loop in the air out of bed. "And that," she said, "Is how you get out of bed the cool way."

Rainbow Dash puffed out her chest in the air and slowly retreated to the floor of her bedroom, letting all of the air in her lungs file out and then pulling it all back in. The rainbow-maned pegasus walked down the staircase of her bedroom into the large living room. She walked over to the calendar firmly placed on the wall.

"Hmm... today... we're going on holiday to Canterlot! This is gonna be awesome!"

The acrobatic pegasus went to the front of the lounge and opened the door, stepping onto the clouds that accompanied her house. She looked out into the open skies, admiring the pure blue colour it beheld. The winged pony then went in for a dive, falling downwards with her head facing the ground. She twisted through the air multiple times with no fear, and her body smoothly pulled upwards before she hit the ground. A trail of rainbow appeared behind her, following her no matter where she went. Rainbow Dash went in for a loop, but was stopped by Pinkie Pie calling her from down below.

Pinkie Pie had just enough time to go and greet Rainbow Dash when she was doing her morning flight. Ponyville's party pony stepped outside of Sugarcube Corner to greet Rainbow Dash, her lips curled into a contagious smile that everypony knew. "Hey there Dashie! Dashie! Down here!" Pinkie Pie vigorously waved to her friend. The athletic pony heard her from above, stopping all she was doing and landing in front of Pinkie. "Hey Pinkie. Whatcha up to?"

"Well," began Pinkie, her cheerful smile as bright as the sun, "I had a break so I thought I would talk to you. I sure hope Spike's a good baker so he can take my place!"

"He's as good as any," Rainbow Dah told Pinkie Pie, exhausted from her flight, "Spike'll take your place, but just while you're gone. Nopony or dragon can permanently replace you." She accompanied her claim with a confident grin followed by a nod.

"Okie dokie Lokie!"

"Anyways, I gotta get ready," she turned her head to the side to see Twilight and Spike trotting up, "They're here now. Hey Twilight!" Rainbow Dash waved.

Spike greeted the two. "Hey you two! Pinkie Pie, I am ready to bake some cakes!"

"Good, because that's why you're here! Just go inside and find Mr and Mrs Cake. They'll tell you what to do!"

Spike obliged and jogged inside. The others began talking about the holiday; how relieved they were to get away for a week. No catastrophes, no threats. Just a nice holiday. After they were all done talking, they parted ways.

With her magic, Rarity looked at each dress on the clothing rack before moving onto the next in perfect rhythm. She simply couldn't decide how, she, of all the ponies in the group, was the only one with a strong fashion sense. She was only rivalled by Fluttershy, but the fashionista figured she wasn't bothered this time. Rarity, on the other hoof, knew how to impress. A few times she thought she might have overreacted, but she discarded those thoughts as soon as they occurred to her.

"What to wear, what to wear," she began, "If I'm to look my best!" Rarity fretted as she parted dresses on one particularly large rack. A small, high voice chipped in.

"Well, sis, if you can't decide, don't wear anything. You look beautiful anyway."

Rarity cooed, "Sweetie Belle, you always have my back, you dear. I apologise for being so... arrogant." She had realised how silly she had sounded as she fretted over a little informal holiday.

"You're welcome. It's half past nine now, so you have half an hour before the train arrives."

"Okay, but I'm at least going in a hat. Is that agreed?"

"Of course sis."

Applejack was set to go. She had her bags packed full of everything she would need. She had bits to spend. Yes, she was ready. Now just to say goodbye to her family. She was currently in her barn with all of her family members. "See ya'll. Don't worry 'bout me, granny, Apple Bloom, Big Mac. Ah'm fine how ah am."

Her family members sounded their agreement before letting her go. Applejack trotted up to the entrance of Sweet Apple Acres and made her way out to the train station, waving as she went.

Fluttershy looked Zecora straight in the eyes, and said in an unusually defiant tone, "Now, take care of them. I don't want them getting hurt, Zecora!" She let out a miniscule squeak and all of her shyness returned. "I-if you want to, that is..."

"No problem Fluttershy, my dear friend. I'll take care of them till the holiday's end," the zebra looked the shy pegasus in the eyes.

"Thank you Zecora," she glanced up at the clock, "Ten to ten! I have to go now!" Fluttershy sped away from her garden at a full gallop.

" I'll see you soon, after your rest. I'll make sure that my treatment is best."

Everypony was packed and ready to go. It was five to ten, and the train would arrive in five minutes. Everypony was excited and rearing to get there; they wished there was no wait and that they could get there right at that moment. Unfortunately they couldn't do that, so they were stuck there.

"This is gonna be 20 per cent cooler than any other holiday I've had!" remarked Rainbow Dash, flying just a bit lower than the canopy.

"You said it, Dashie!" Pinkie Pie was literally bouncing in place.

Rarity was wearing a large lavender hat that flopped over the edges. "This will be simply divine!"

"And the food there. Ah just can't wait to get mahself a taste!" Applejack adjusted her Stetson as she spoke.

Fluttershy chipped in, "I just can't wait to get in the gardens. All of the birdies and the mousies and the little weeny bunnies!"

"This is going to be a holiday worth remembering," Twilight said, "If we don't face any more threats."

The group of six giggled to themselves as a pink, frilly train pulled up in the station. A stallion's head hung out of the front window, as he rang a bell, "All aboard!"

Twilight knew it was their time to go. "That's our train, girls."

They all trotted onto the train and, five minutes later, it was in full swing as they sat down and relaxed, chatting all the while. The Mane 6 enjoyed the atmosphere as the train sped past beautiful sights. They all couldn't stop speaking about all of the fun things they'd do together. They were all equally excited to get a rest that they all well deserved. Everypony had no worries, no nervousness as they dialogued on the train. Princess Celestia's Sun was bright as it reached its peak and shone all of its heat onto the land below, the large celestial body grand nevertheless inviting. Twilight's gaze drew to this important figure as she admired its beauty and its power. She was shook back into reality when Applejack began speaking to her.

"What are you excited about, Twi?"

"Well, uh..." Twilight pondered this query for a moment, "Being here with you five."

"Well, you've got to be loyal. It is my element, after all." Rainbow Dash was sitting down on a seat, a smile plastered on her face.

Everypony went quiet for a moment as they went through a mountain range. The craggy cliffs were very intimidating to the ponies. "Wooooow, big rocky cliffs! Did I ever mention that I used to live on a rock farm? But they weren't as tall-" Rarity had a hoof over Pinkie Pie's mouth and her voice became a mumble under the white hoof.

"Why yes you did, darling," Rarity redirected her gaze from Pinkie to Fluttershy, "Do you know what sort of wildlife would live in these cliffs, dear Fluttershy? I am most intrigued."

"Oh! Well it is most likely that mountain goats live here... But at the time of the Dragon Migration many would take shelter in this sort of terrain. Of course it is not breeding season and we have nothing to worry about."

"Well, then that's great! We wouldn't want to be gobbled up by a big meanie dragon!" Pinkie Pie said, bouncing up and down in her seat, "Would they even run the trains then?"

"Most likely not," responded Fluttershy, "It is far too dangerous."

Rainbow Dash flared her nostrils. "If they did, it would make for an amazing adrenaline rush!"

Twilight facehoofed. "No, Rainbow Dash. It would probably eat you alive."

"I guess..."

They all giggled, including Rainbow Dash herself, seeing the funny side of the situation.

The train was now out of the mountain range and was pulling up a hill, slowing as it went. The group of friends were slightly pulled back into their seats but soon recovered, the chatting and cheerful atmosphere returning a few seconds later. The giggles and the bellowing laughs continued, as they shared experiences and jokes with one another. The atmosphere was the best the Mane 6 had felt since before the Tirek incident. They could now put that behind them and focus on the present, if only for once.

Canterlot was close now and the towering castle looked amazing in the afternoon light. It had a sort of glimmer of its own, one that could never be beaten, no matter how hard any other castle tried. Busy crowds and exquisite shops were everywhere, only a few dark alleyways were quiet and dark. Everything else was bright and cheerful, accompanied by the beautiful blend of colours.

The train was nearing the Grand Canterlot Station now. After a couple of minutes of talking, the Mane 6 found that the train had just pulled into the station and that they were having too much fun already, they didn't know. The doors of the train were magically opened by a unicorn stallion who gave a curt bow, and the group of close friends stepped into the fresh air, all taking a deep breath and letting it out in unison.

The vacation had begun.

Chapter 2 - A Canterlot Catastrophe

Three Ruined Nations

Written by BubbleBuster

Chapter 2 - A Canterlot Catastrophe

The Mane 6 had stepped out of the train with their suitcases and were looking at a grand hotel with a swimming pool in the back. Celestia had insisted the six friends to stay in a special royal suite, but Twilight had politely declined the offer and had instead paid to stay at a four-star hotel on the outskirts, near the train station, but still making it easily accessible to all of the standard Canterlot luxuries for the group of friends.

They were admiring the view when they remembered they had to check in to the hotel by two, and it was half past one. The friends trotted at a steady pace, well except Rainbow, who flew overhead at the same speed. They had walked through a beautiful garden on their way there, Fluttershy looking at all the plant life and the tiny insects. They had also saw a squirrel or two, and what a pleasure this garden was to behold. They eventually made their way to a steel black arch with the words "Horseshoe Hotel" engraved in gold across the arch. Pinkie Pie took this in with a gasp of appreciation, bouncing for a few seconds before returning to her normal posture. The friends were then looking upon the hotel. A short, wide path adorned the ground, on which the ponies walked up to the door.

Rarity sped past the others up to the door, opening it and letting the others through. "Allow me."

Rainbow Dash landed on the ground before entering after the rest of her best friends. Twilight checked in and the mare at the counter asked if she wanted royal attention; of course she said no. The mare introduced them to the hotel and dropped the keys into Twilight's hoof, and Twilight gripped it in her magical aura. They were to stay in room 62 on the second floor. The six made their way up to the room, Twilight letting them in, and had all flopped on one of the six beds, laying down their suitcases on the brown carpet. The walls had a pale brown wallpaper on them, with a flower design. A simple lamp hung from the ceiling and each simple bed had a table next to it, each one with a lamp on top. The ceiling was white and there was a large window covered by white curtains, sharing the same design as the wallpaper.

Everypony was happy and Applejack, Rainbow Dash and Rarity were all sprawled out on their beds. The other three, Twilight Sparkle, Fluttershy, and Pinkie Pie were all gossiping. Rarity's blue magical aura enveloped the curtains covering the window and pulled them apart and everypony got up to look outside. What was outside was a massive waterpark! One pool was large, and one was smaller. The large one had colourful slides all around it, ponies of all shapes and sizes having fun. The smaller pool had a tiny foal-friendly slide. Not as many ponies were there, but foals and their parents waded around in the shallow waters. Rainbow Dash's eyes went wide at the sight of the waterpark and she looked the happiest she had been since she was a filly. "Ohmygoshohmygoshohmygosh! Guys! We have to go there! Just for a bit!"

Her pleading continued as Rainbow Dash's filly side showed and her tough demeanour was ruined, something only Fluttershy had ever witnessed prior to that moment. "Come on, guys! Look at how fun it looks!" Rainbow Dash was now kneeling on her rear knees, her forehooves clapped together in a pleading pose. Her puppy eyes could steal the heart of any. It was one of the cutest things Twilight had seen from Rainbow Dash, and she smirked at the sight of it.

"Of course, Dashie!" Pinkie Pie chipped in out of nowhere. The party pony was greeted by a tight hug from her best friend in the world; even she had never seen her in a state like this. Pinkie did want to go to that waterpark too, nearly as badly as Rainbow, but not quite there. Then Pinkie added, "Pinkie Pie Promise. Cross my heart, hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye." Pinkie Pie accompanied her claim with the actions, remembering to close her eye this time as she clapped a hoof over it.

"Thanks, Pinkie, you're the best," the rainbow-maned pony replied, finally releasing the hug and sighing as she did so. "Dashie" got back up onto all fours and as her friends watched her, she blushed at her little episode, "Heh..."

Rarity's hat was now on her bed as she responded, "I never knew you had such a foalish side, Rainbow my dear. You are good at hiding things, but I think you dropped your guard." This was accompanied by a smirk.

"Rarity!" Rainbow's face went a shade of red equal to the one in her mane.

Twilight watched all of this in thorough amusement, opening her suitcase with magic and pulling out a checklist, "Well, first up is the visit to the castle, girls. Let's go!"

It was now night and the Elements of Harmony were stood outside of the castle walls, two unicorn guards on the sides of the grand gates into the gardens. One had told them that the princesses would be with them shortly, and so they waited. After about five minutes of waiting, the unicorns casted a spell in unison. The gates opened and there stood the two royal sisters, looking regal but at the same time looking inviting and welcoming. Princess Luna's lips were curled into a faint smile as she said, "Come in, we welcome thou to our castle."

The friends were lead through the gardens and examined it closely, butterflies making their way around the flowers and bumblebees collecting nectar. Eventually they came upon the castle entrance and, with a swift sweep of her magic enlightened horn, Celestia opened the door. There was a long, tall, grand hallway in front of them in which stood two thrones. The larger one belonged to Princess Celestia and the smaller to Princess Luna. "Well, my little ponies, I welcome you to the throne room... except now, we're not in an emergency. Ask me or my dearest sister anything about our roles in Equestria or the enemies we, and maybe you, have faced. Afterwards, I am to show you to a... very special room. I trust you all enough now."

Princess Luna looked at her sister as if she was mad and whispered into her sister's ear, just low enough for the Mane 6 to not be able to hear, "Tia, that room is dangerous to yourself and your fellow ponies."

"Trust me. I have faith in them... Just watch and learn."

"But Ti-"

"Lulu. Just let me do what I want to do."

"Yes, Tia. You know best."

The two came out from their huddle and the lunar princess began to speak, "We will speak of that later. Now, does thou wish to ask us any questions?"

And they all asked away.

The solar princess looked at the visitors, "Now that we are all finished with the questions, my sister and I want to show you something. But... don't touch anything, no matter what."

The ponies walked through winding hallways around the castle until they reached a small staircase. The red and gold carpet ended at the bottom of the stairs, in front of a large iron door with a strange design engraved in it. There was a hole in it and when Princess Luna channeled magic to her horn and put it in, the blue aura flowed through the engraving like water would through a stream.

It was obviously very old, as the door creaked and groaned in protest as it opened. The ponies walked in in a straight line and found themselves in a stone room with a simple chandelier hanging from the ceiling and a stained glass window in front of them, depicting a dark being overthrowing ponies, griffons, and dragons alike. Princess Celestia's face grew serious at the sight of it.

"K-King Sombra?" Twilight stuttered at the name.

The solar alicorn shook her head, "Worse."

All of the ponies except the royal sisters gasped at the word. "W-worse?!" Rarity exclaimed, dramatically flicking her purple mane, "Sombra was horrid! Let me take a guess. Tirek?"

"Worse." The ruler of Equestria's face turned unreadable and she seemed to be on the verge of tears as she gazed out into the distance, as if she was looking for something.

Her sister, Luna, hung a wing over her elder sister's shoulder, "Shush. 'Tis over now, Tia. Put all of your worries behind you and let it all out."

"I cannot cry in front on my ponies. Especially with him watching."

"He won't cause any more ha-"

"Elements of Harmony... please leave us be for a few moments," Celestia managed to splutter.

The Mane 6 filed out of the room.

"Tia, he can't hurt your ponies anymore. Even though he is watching, he is sealed away."

"He... there is that small chance. That small chance of him returning..."

"Tia... 'tis unlike you. Now tell us, why are you being so negative suddenly?"

The tears flowed and Celestia sat on her haunches, followed by Luna, her midnight blue wing still draped around her sister's back. "Tia's" fur seemed gray and beaten, and her multicoloured mane seemed to droop down as the colours lost contrast.

"Because..." Celestia's voice became low and somber, "I'm scared."

Even Luna was taken aback by this confession, "'Tia... go to your chambers; I will finish the tour."

"Thank you," and she vanished in a flash of golden magic.

Luna opened the door again with her horn, "Come in. Princess Celestia needs a moment and has returned to her chambers," she swallowed, "Apologies for the inconvenience."

The six ponies came into the room, all confused as to why their ruler got upset.

"Uhm... Princess Luna... why did Celestia get upset?"

Princess Celestia was now in her chambers, enveloped in a deep sleep.

1,500 years ago...

Celestia's cry bellowed through her enemy's hall. "Soulter... you need not for this to happen. We can make peace and live alongside each other. In harmony!"

A dark alicorn sat in his throne, dark guards accompanying him. His laugh bellowed around the hall and bounced off the walls. "Harmony? With you two princesses?" He let out another laugh.

Princess Luna looked up at him; her death stare could have murdered a normal pony, "We will have to do this the hard way, then?" Her voice was quiet.

"Maybe we will."

Luna had had enough. She lunged at the threat, but in reality she was terrified. Soulter stood up snarling, as he bared his white fangs at the Moon princess. As she came close to him, Soulter dug his fangs into her neck and threw her aside like a toy. Princess Luna's body slid across the polished ebony floor, and she groggily got up, summoning three of the Elements of Harmony. Celestia knew it was time and summoned the remaining three.

Luna's royal Canterlot voice roared, "THOU SHALT NOT UNDERESTIMATE US AGAIN! IS THIS UNDERSTOOD?"

Before Soulter could manage a reply through his ringing ears, the Elements were used and a rainbow enveloped him. "I will get my revenge..."

Soulter was imprisoned in the stars, leaving a little-known constellation that was planning its revenge, and all it could see was an old, stony room in the castle which had a stained-glass window depicting him on it.

Celestia woke up in a cold sweat. She hated the thoughts of that night and even though he was imprisoned in the stars, his warning rang in Celestia's eardrums like a marching band.

I will get my revenge...

"No!" she managed to yell, covering up her ears. "You will not!"

A guard from outside heard her Highness and slammed open the door, his body in a fighting stance with his wings spread wide, ready to attack any oncoming threats. "Your Highness!"

Princess Celestia exhaled. "Just a bad dream. You are dismissed from this room."

The guard gave a quick salute before marching off and closing the door behind him with a wing.

The princess hated Soulter's voice. It was so familiar, yet so unknown to her. She wanted to destroy him, but she also wanted him back. The solar princess was torn between the two options. Destroying him would result in her ponies being safe, but she had to care for her own needs too. What was she to do?

Just then the cracking of thunder came upon the room. It sounded then stopped for a second or two, then grumbled again. Celestia was sure there wasn't a thunderstorm scheduled today, so why was it there? She rose to her hooves and calmly walked out of her room and through hallways until she reached a grand balcony, where she could see most of her land. It was raining and her fur was dampened. The Moon was blacked out by the storm clouds and the clouds stretched beyond the horizon, none of which were emitting lightning just yet. Celestia's face turned unreadable as she gazed into the skies.

A flash and then thunder told the Equestrian ruler that this was a lightning storm. But this lightning storm was strange. It had appeared more speedily than it should have, and it was not scheduled by the weather team, and she wasn't even sure if all the weather ponies in her kingdom could have made a cloud this big. It also had a dangerous vibe emitting from it, which Celestia took a disliking to. Even though her fur was stained by the rain, she just stood there in the cold. A large bolt of lightning shook everything, and the brightness momentarily blinded Celestia.

The brief cry of "Celestia!" could be heard that seemed to emit from the old castle tower in which her sister and her friends were at that moment. Celestia took action and galloped, before she stopped before a troubled one of her own guard. "P-princess!"

Celestia's worry grew and she started to panic. "What was that yell?!" She demanded.

"Princess Luna and the Elements of Harmony-"

"What happened?!" Celestia snapped.

"They're MISSING!"

The solar princess raced past the guard and through the long, twisted and inconvenient corridors full of monuments and stained glass windows, both old and new, until she came upon the lone tower that didn't fit with the scenery of the castle. The old, worn door was hanging open on its hinges and Celestia hastily galloped in and looked around, covering every inch of the tall tower. No life was found. Celestia sat on her haunches as she had before, except she had nopony to comfort her this time and her heart felt shallow and empty, like it had been emptied. Tears fell to the floor, creating a puddle on the uneven stone slabs.

Her sadness suddenly turned to anger as she stood up and faced the stained glass window, which seemed to be channelling electrical power to itself. Then came the lightning once again and it struck the window, a wisp of smoke escaping from the shattered remains of the window, coming in glass shards, some of which pierced Princess Celestia's skin as she stood up and stared into the skies. The wisp was out of sight, and Celestia knew exactly what -or who- it was.

"Soulter." Her single word told all as it bellowed around the tower, up the walls to the ceiling, and then bouncing back down to the floor before vanishing completely. Her anger then turned to pure fury as her royal Canterlot voice told the words. "SOULTER! WHAT IS THY REASONS FOR THIS?! WHERE ARE THY ELEMENTS AND WHERE IS OUR SISTER?!"

She got no answer and then collapsed in a heap of frustration. The tears flowed once again and she was weak, even though if somepony would have said it she would have denied it as a schoolgirl would her crush. Then Celestia rose to her hooves and flapped her wings, flying off into the chilly night-time air, forgetting about all of her loyal subjects. Princess Celestia rose with grace in her now undeniable sorrow. The rain beat down on her fur, heavily drenching it and letting some glass shards fall out. A lot of these areas of her body hit drew blood, the pain not phasing Princess Celestia.

The princess of the day was now out of Canterlot and facing Ponyville. She ventured into a calmer domain above the storm, where the Moon and the jewel-encrusted sky were both in her field of vision. She sighed as she recollected today's events, nothing seeming out of the ordinary... except from her behaviour. Lulu warned me, and I knew it was dangerous myself. Why would I endanger innocent ponies?

The princess cried into the night. "Luuuuluuu!" And dropped dramatically, looking behind herself after she had levelled below the cloud line. Celestia wished she was somepony else so she could slap herself, but she couldn't do it. She then realised she had a nation to run. As she turned back to the castle, she told herself not to mention the disappearances to anypony apart from Cadance, Shining Armor and her own royal guard. She didn't want to put her country into panic when it could have easily been avoided.

Celestia touched down in the old tower and her sombre face did not shift as she slowly walked out from the wretched thing. She tried so hard as not to cry as she rushed to her chambers and jumped onto her luxury bed, sobbing quietly to herself, not letting others hear.

"No... not again... I thought I had it under control... I thought it would be okay..."

She reverted her gaze from the pillows to the window, watching the rain, the thunder, and the lightning as it overpowered the night sky, ferociously pounding farmland and sports grounds below the castle situated on the mountainside.

"I was wrong."

Chapter 3 - Memories Don't Burn

Three Ruined Nations

Written by BubbleBuster

Chapter 3 - Memories Don't Burn

Princess Luna woke up to the sound of a crackling fire, and in time she had realised she was not in the castle, or any place she recognised. Her eyes scanned the area to find the Elements of Harmony, huddled up to a fire in the morning light. She appeared to be in a frozen cave, but the Moon princess had no idea to where this cave was. Finally, she mustered the strength to speak. "Where are we?" Asked she, puzzled by what the circumstances were of getting in this strange situation. "The last thing I remember is a bright light, and a flash. Can one of you help me here?" Princess Luna tilted her head in confusion.

Twilight Sparkle replied without hesitation. "Well... your Highness, all of us are not sure to why we are here. I, myself, have figured it may have been a magic incident involving that strange... tower. It gave me a strange vibe, and when the storm came, I was uncertain that we should have been in there."

"Hmm..." said Luna, adding two and two together, "Remember what I told you about Soulter?" The other alicorn nodded. "Well... I am almost certain he has something to do with it. Our best bet is to find civilization that speaks our language, regardless of their species, and find out where we are."

"Are ya implyin'..." Began Applejack "That we could all be farther 'way from 'ome than we'd like? That we could be anywhere 'round the globe?"

"Applejack, Element of Honesty... yes. I am implying that, but when we strike civilization, they should realise who I, and possibly, you are. If they don't, we are further than we would like."

Everypoy shivered at the thought, including Pinkie Pie. "Well, at least we're all together and safe. That's what counts, isn't it?" Everypony nodded their agreement.

"Right then, first things first; we must look at our surroundings. It looks pretty cold out there," she turned to face the snowstorm outside, "And I would not want for you to get cold, so I will set a spell to warm you as you explore, and I will cast it on myself." Luna channelled magic through her horn, but it never seemed to get to her horn. She rose to her hooves and tried again, but she was too exhausted and flopped back down. "I... cannot seem to perform a simple heating spell; I am simply too tired. Are you two with horns as tired as me?"

They nodded. "So, how will we do it?" Piped up Rarity.

Princess Luna scanned the ponies. "We need somepony used to temperature extremes, and who can quicly examine the area before the freezing cold gets to them."

Five hooves pointed at Rainbow Dash.

"Ah, Rainbow Dash, Element of Loyalty, Best Young Flyers competition winner and the only known performer of the legendary Sonic Rainboom, am I correct?"

Rainbow Dash flashed the lunar princess a confident grin."The one and only."

"And you are used to temperature extremes?"

"Yes. Flying as high as me gets frost and ice all over your fur. You get used to it when you fly as much as me."

"Can you evaluate our surroundings and report any signs of life or civilization, or anything else you consider a landmark?"

"Yep." Rainbow Dash gave a sincere salute and took out into the snowy mountainous landscape.

Dash could hardly see as she flew through the blizzard. The mountains were rough and craggy, covered in a thick, white sheet of fresh new snow. She gritted her teeth before racing ahead between the terrain. No civilization, life or landmarks here.

The rainbow-maned pony flew downwards on the spot. When she looked around, she could see the faint, flickering light of the crackling fire. She dashed down to the cave, carefully landing on the frozen rock. "Nothing there, your majesty."

"Luna will do fine, I know you all well enough. And that is a shame. We will conduct a proper search in the morning, when Twilight and I have regained enough power to cast the heat spell. I am still baffled to why all of us with horns have lost energy. 'Tis not important now. Your safety comes first."

The important figures talked for the rest of the day, and they were all concerned about where they would get a reliable food source that could feed them for a good period of time. The blizzard ended and night came and, instinctively, Luna wanted to raise the Moon. But it seemed to travel like a snail, unlike when she rose it. What was Celestia doing all that time, just standing by with the magic working away? But that would certainly kill her, would it not? Using magic for even the usual amount of time took a lot out of the two sisters. How did she cope?

Fluttershy was obviously concerned as Princess Luna gazed at her precious Moon in shock. The butter-coloured pegasus shuffled up to her, gently nudging the princess. She opened her mouth to speak, but no words formed and they let the silence sing between them both. Luna began to speak, which startled Fluttershy at first. "I... am most confused. My Moon has been on this long rise for a long period of time...she paused to swallow the lump in her throat, and continuing with, "D-do you think my Tia's alright?"

These words hit Fluttershy like a ton of bricks. "Well Luna... I've lost somepony very, very dear to my heart before, Pri- Luna."

Luna looked at her subject and asked her to carry on.

"Her name was Buttercream... she was my mother. We lived in Cloudsdale at the time. I lost her five years ago to a fire. She was out collecting a very rare type of flower in the Everfree forest when the mysterious fire ripped through the forest. Nopony knows the cause, and that part of the forest was lost." Fluttershy gulped, her eyes turning moist at the thought.

"I... am sorry for your loss. May I be of any help to you?"

Fluttershy was inconsolable. She just stared at the frozen rock floor of the cave that was ever so slowly melting.

Princess Luna turned her head to the others. "How did you manage to start that fire, anyway? There's not even any twigs around it, so how did you do it?"

Twilight replied in her all-knowing tone of voice. "A simple contained fire spell was all I could manage. Then I was simply too exhausted to do anything else to do with magic."

"Well, all of you get some sleep. You deserve it and, being princess of the night and dreams, I bid you all a good night."

"What about you?" asked Pinkie Pie.

"I will keep watch, and I can't safeguard your dreams if I'm sleeping myself."

"But you can't use magic." Rainbow Dash chipped in.

"This is a different kind of magic which can be used when somepony is in need. It works on its own. Now get some sleep and recharge your magic before we conduct a proper search tomorrow morning."

Twilight had many questions, but they could wait for later. What was important now was that they all got some well-earned rest.

The growl of snoring could already be heard from no other than Rainbow Dash, napping on a small ledge in the cave, much like a cat would. The rest of them giggled and five more ponies fell asleep after her. Princess Luna smirked, facing the ponies. Then she began to sing a lullaby that her "Tia" had always told her.

"Have a good night, little pony,

Have a great night and a rest.

When you wake up the next day,

Throw those worries away,

And be at your very best."

Fluttershy could be seen with tears streaming down her cheeks and this set off Luna's alarm. She was pulled into her dreams in an instant.

Five years ago...

The fire blazed through part of the Everfree forest and Buttercream had abandoned her bags to run. It had crept up on her and she had to gallop for her life and her daughter at the last minute, hoping she would be spared from the blazing inferno that was the fire. Fluttershy watched the scene from the front of the forest, her hoof held to her mouth and her cheeks stained with tears. Suddenly a cloud of smoke appeared and out came the head of Princess Luna, then revealing her body and flying over to where Fluttershy sat.

"Fluttershy... don't look. It's over now. That's all the advice I can give." She then dissipated in a cloud of dust, and Fluttershy could hear the faint cries of "Wake up!" in the distance.

"Wake up!" Applejack called to the sleeping mare. She woke up instantly and saw everypony huddling around her, wondering what was wrong. "Are ya'll alright, sugarcube?"

"She's fine." The voice of Princess Luna came in as she trotted up. "I am guilty for awakening such horrid memories in you. What can I do to regain your trust?"

She rose to her hooves. "I trust you, Luna."

"You do?"

"Of course." A warm smile graced Fluttershy's lips as she spoke, which reassured the troubled pony.

Twilight began to speak. "Now that we're all awake and recharged, we need to start the search. The weather seems to have changed itself, which is strange... I'm beginning to think these lands are like the Everfree. Anyway, the blizzard is gone and Luna or I can cast a heat spell which will keep us all warm, and then the search will begin."

About ten minutes later, Twilight cast the heat spell on the ponies and they all went out. Ones with wings could fly around, ones without had to climb down the craggy, mountainous landscape. After long hours of searching, Twilight found an abandoned house with a path that lead out of the mountain range, landing on the ground. They were all pretty close to each other so she shouted "Girls!" and they all came to where she was. They looked at each other in worry, and began to walk the long path. The snow began to fade as they ventured out and out from the mountains, wondering still where they were going. Trees sprouted and a few birds sang as cheerily as they could manage.

They all walked in deadly silence before Pinkie piped up in a rather worried tone, "So... Has anypony got any ideas to where we are?" Shaking heads came from everypony and this just made Pinkie Pie more antsy than ever. "Do you think that we're far away from home?"

"It is a possibility," said Rarity.

"O-oh..." Pinkie choked on her words.

They came upon another house now, one that probably housed an earth pony. It was small and rusty, with two rooms. The walls were made of stone and, overall, the exterior needed some work. "Stand back and out of the way," said Rarity, waving a hoof at the others. "I will negotiate." Rarity knocked on the door three times before it was answered by a small earth colt. His fur was a light brown and his mane jet black. One of his pale green eyes had a patch around it, and he had no cutie mark. The colt looked up in fear.

"U-unicorn! Mother! Unicorn! Outside!" He began to hyperventilate, waving is hoof at Rarity.

"Hello. What's your name?"

Suddenly a rather rough looking mare came up to where the colt was standing at the door. Her coat was a slightly darker shade than her son's and he eyes were the same colour as his. Her mane was white, and she didn't have a cutie mark either.

"What do you want?! Leave my child alone you filthy unicorn!" and she slammed the door.

"I-"

Rarity was stunned and everypony could her the soft sound of sobbing from inside the house.

"Yah just 'ad to make the kid cry, didn't ya'll!"

"I didn't mean to! I didn't know!"

"Guys, we're not getting anywhere." Rainbow Dash had her front legs folded as she flew above the rest.

Twilight agreed. "Rainbow Dash is right."

They all chatted about the courses of action they could take.

"What should we do?"

"What should I do?" Celestia thought out loud, preoccupied with picking at her bed sheets with her hooves. "You've messed up big time, Celestia. You've messed up big time."

I will get my revenge...

This day was driving Celestia mad. It made her want to kill herself, but what would that leave for her ponies and her nation? She had decided herself to send out a search party, but she hadn't got around to actually doing it. The solar princess wasn't sure how she was going to explain where Luna and the Elements were, and she still had royal visits to attend and the day court to run. And now she had even more responsibility to run the night courts and Luna's royal guard.

And the threats she faced! With Soulter on the run, her ponies were in danger and she couldn't tell them. She would have to stop him, get the Elements and her sister back, and how was she going to do that? She had figured soon enough after the Nightmare Moon incident that Equestria couldn't thrive without those important figures. How she even coped during that millennia puzzled her.

There came a knock at the door and a familiar voice saying, "Auntie Celestia, I'm here with Shining." Celestia grinned as she said that and Celestia opened the door with her golden magic. "You said you have important matters to discuss with us?"

"Yes." The smile faded.

Cadance's face grew slightly weary and she chose her words carefully. "Is it a legal problem? Just a legal problem, right? Or are we trying to negotiate with other nations? I can help with that."

Celestia shook her head.

"No? Then what is it?" Asked Shining Armor.

"Something you probably wouldn't believe, not in a million years, but trust me, it is true."

The couple leaned in closer.

"Follow me to somewhere where we can talk properly, and I will tell you every last detail of the events that transpired yesterday."

They walked to a small, cosy room with red velvet pillows set out on the floor and a white marble fireplace. Celestia lit the fire and began to speak as they seated themselves on the pillows.

"Well... yesterday... we have lost some great figures."

"W-what do you mean by "lost", Princess Celestia?" Shining Armor voiced his concerns.

"They could be alive... or dead. But I haven't a clue where they are..."

"And who are they?" asked Cadance, intelligent as ever.

"H-how do I explain this..."

At the end of the conversation, the couple were stunned into absolute silence. "B-but how? And where is Soulter?"

"I cannot answer these questions just yet, because I don't know. I am sending out the search parties soon. but do not speak of this to anypony except from speaking to each other, and even when you do, keep a low profile. Is this understood?"

"Yes, Aunt Celestia."

"I hate seeing all of you in such a sad state. But it is the truth; only the truth and nothing but the truth. I wish you a good day. Are you staying in the castle?"

"No, Princess Celestia. We must return to the Crystal Empire as soon and as swiftly as possible." Shining Armor saluted and made his way to the door, with Cadance following. "And good luck."

"Thank you Cadance, and thank you Shining Armor. I wish to hear from you soon."

They nodded in unison before opening the door, closing it behind them, then trotting out into the hallways.

"I just hope it's not too late..."

Princess Celestia walked at a snail's pace around the decorated and old hallways of the castle. Guards were around every corner and they, for once, made her nervous. Celestia's gaze was fixated in front of her and it was never moving. eventually she came upon a balcony, the same one that she had stood upon on the night of the disaster. She wanted to turn back, but she was too far now. So she continued walking towards it, slowing and eventually stopping. The afternoon air was cool and refreshing to the alicorn, and it calmed her down.

She looked down on the city below. Ponies were going about their normal everyday business, oblivious to the chaos that was upon the whole of Equestria. The princess of the Sun hated keeping her loyal subjects in the dark, but it was the only way. She just hoped that she could stop Soulter before he hurt anypony, or even better, before anypony even knew about his existence.

Celestia groaned as she looked down. She was thankful that nopony had noticed her, since she had tears forming in her pink eyes that she was finding hard to contain. Can he see me?

I can see you perfectly!

Who said that? How can you read my thoughts?

I'm more powerful than you think, Tia.

Get out of my head!

The voice went and Celestia was grateful. She spat on the floor. "To think I once cherished you..."

She took flight once again, above the cloud line where the frost bit her wings and where she could corkscrew, zero g roll and even loop if she would've liked. Celestia flew towards her Sun as if she were chasing it down, twisting, trying to forget the whole thing; Soulter, the disappearances. she swooped higher, her wings flapping gracefully, and followed a weak current. Even though she had not flew this long for a long while, she knew al the tips and tricks of getting a good flight, some from Rainbow dash herself. Argh! She was remembering it again!

She floated towards the large celestial body with grace and a peaceful demeanour, doing tricks along the way. Then the princess swooped down to just above the cloud line, letting her hooves dangle freely, touching the fluffy blanket beneath her. Celestia wished she had more free moments to swoop and soar through the clouds, then she wouldn't be so uptight all the time. For a moment she didn't care about anything. Princess Celestia may have been the busy ruler, but she had her moments too. Her free moments, her moments of sadness, moments of anger and regret.

Moments like this one.