David stood there with his head against the balcony railing. He couldn’t believe what he had just witnessed. Wiping the collected tears from his eyes, David raised his head and stood up, gazing in the direction Luna, no, Nightmare Moon had just flown. He stood there at a loss, until something dawned on him. “Wait a second.”

Princess Celestia and Twilight Sparkle stood with the detachment of guards. Like David, they too were trying to make sense of what had just transpired. “No…not again.” Celestia’s ears drooped as she hung her.

Taking another look at the night sky, David nodded. “Yeah.” He turned and started running for the balcony door.

Celestia’s ears twitched as she heard the sounds of his rapid footsteps. “David?” She looked his way. “Where are you going?”

He shook his head. “There’s no time to explain, your highness. But, I can’t just let Lu…Nightmare Moon go. Something isn’t right.” Turning back toward the doorway, David resumed running.

“Wait.” Celestia held up a hoof. “David, come back! Nightmare Moon is dangerous!”

He didn’t pay the elder princess any heed. It was a long shot, but David had an idea where he might find Luna, well, Nightmare Moon. He groused as his feet continued carrying him along at a rapid pace. David wasn’t nuts about calling Luna, Nightmare Moon, but he figured he should regard her as such, at least until he got to the bottom of this.

His path led him into the main hallway. There, David saw two familiar and friendly faces. “Hey, Blue, Iron Will!”

The unicorn prince and the stout Minotaur walked over to their friend. Blueblood saw the distress on David’s face. “David, what’s going on? One minute Iron Will and I were getting ready to join the others in surprising Princess Luna…and then she took off.”

Iron Will stood with his arms crossed. “Iron Will demands an explanation!” He gave David a solid look with his beady eyes.

“I don’t have one, guys.” David sighed as he stood there with them, his arms dropped at his sides. “All I know is once everyone jumped out and yelled surprise, Luna freaked out and claimed everyone was taunting her and calling her cruel names.” He shook his head. “Her horn lit up as she ran out of the dining hall. I chased after her.”

“And, then what?” Blueblood blinked in awe.

“I found her on one of the balconies. I thought if I talked to Luna, she’d be all right, but she cautioned me and then…” David hung his head and shook it again. “She transformed into Nightmare Moon.”

Iron Will and Blueblood both turned to David, with wide eyes full of disbelief. “There’s no way. Nightmare Moon?” Blue Blood couldn’t hide the shock in his eyes.

“Hmm, something seems more than a little amiss.” Iron Will placed a hand to his chin. “Iron Will wonders what could have caused her to revert.”

“I tried to talk to her, but then…” David was interrupted from the commotion of a group of ponies approaching. “Oh no.”

“What is it?” Blueblood turned toward the sounds of the approaching group.

“Princess Celestia with Twilight Sparkle and a group of royal guards. I ran from the balcony, because I might know how to find Luna. But Celestia keeps telling me she’s dangerous.”

“Iron Will is confused. I thought the legends said that Nightmare Moon is dangerous!” The Minotaur blinked.

“I’m not convinced. Something seems very wrong. But if I don’t leave now, Celestia will most likely try to stop me.” David placed a hand on the hilt of his sword.

Blueblood gave David a panicked look and moved to stand in front of him. “Are you mad?! You’d draw your sword on the princess and her guards?”

David shook his head. “I don’t want to, but I will if I have to…I must track Luna down. I can’t just leave this alone!”

Iron Will nodded. “Of course you can’t! Leave it to Iron Will. You two go find the princess, while Iron Will waylays them.” He walked toward the approaching group and stood his ground.

“Okay then, where should we start?” Blueblood looked to David, while the human took his hand off his weapon.

“We need to get outside the castle and head for the grassy field behind it. This way.” David motioned to Blue Blood.

“Right behind you.” Blue Blood looked back at the Minotaur. “You going to be okay, Iron Will?”

The Minotaur gave him a thumbs up. “Of course. Now you two get…GOING!!” Iron Will stood tall and bulked up his muscles.

David and Prince Blueblood ran down the main hall. “Darn. I know my way around the castle pretty good, but is there a better way out than the main gate?” The human turned to the prince.

“Hmm.” Blueblood thought for a moment. “I have it. Follow me, David. And don’t worry. We’ll do everything we can to help the princess. Don’t forget, I have magic too.” He laughed sheepishly. “Of course it pales compared to an alicorn’s magic.”

“It’ll be fine, somehow. And thanks, Blue. I owe you and Iron Will big time.”

“Forget it. Right now, let’s find your mare.”

The prince continued to lead David through the castle corridors. Determination was on their faces as they made their way to one of the more remote paths out of Canterlot Castle.

* * * * * *

The energy continued to flicker and pulse as Shroud’s spell continued to bind Ghastaloom’s soul and all that collected energy to his body. To those standing in the room, it might have seemed as though an eternity had passed, but in actuality, the spell only took a matter of minutes to complete.

The column of magenta energy began to narrow as the last of the power bound itself to Ghastaloom. In mere seconds, the column faded and the crackling energy subsided. There was an eerie silence that followed, until a final magenta flash radiated throughout the main chamber.

A fog of smoke emerged from the sarcophagus and from within it a shadowy figure rose. Ghastaloom stretched a little and took in a deep breath. “Mmm, it’s been so long since I’ve drawn breath with my own lungs. I’d almost forgotten what it feels like.” He snickered under his breath as he stepped out of the stone coffin and made his way toward Shroud, Haze and Queen Chrysalis.

Haze stood there, a rather amused look on his face as he turned his eyes to greet his master. “So, you’re alive at last.” He grinned.

Ghastaloom chuckled. “Yes, Haze. It’s been far too long.”

“It has indeed. I’ve waited a long time for this moment.” Shroud took a few timid steps toward his revived master. “Are you as I suspect? Hmm?”

“Ah, you mean my appearance?”

Shroud nodded. “Yes.”

“So, I finally get to see the one who will help me lead my swarm to sweet revenge!” Queen Chrysalis joined Shroud in moving toward Ghastaloom.

“Yes. You shall indeed.” The smoke finally cleared and Ghastaloom stepped into the light. “Behold!”

Shroud’s eyes widened as he gazed in awe at Ghastaloom. “I knew it.”

Queen Chrysalis stood dumbfounded as she looked on at him. “I…I don’t believe it. You’re an alicorn?!”

Ghastaloom laughed as he continued walking toward her. “Yes. You see me as I am…or more correctly, as I used to be.” He stood there on four firm legs covered in fiery orange fur. Ghastaloom stretched his wings and folded them neatly at his sides. A fiery red mane flowed long from his head and draped along his shoulders, while a matching tail hung elegantly behind his hind legs. “Are you disappointed, my dear?” Ghastaloom blinked his vibrant purple eyes at her as he savored another breath of life.

The queen placed a hoof along her cheek and shook her head. “I’m not sure. It never dawned on me that you’d be a pony…let alone an alicorn.” Chrysalis raised her head and shot him a serious look. “But wait, if you are an alicorn, why would you want to conquer Equestria? It doesn’t make any sense.”

Ghastaloom laughed as he gave the queen a superior smirk. “That’s easy. Revenge! Luna and Celestia are the children of King Eclipse and Queen Solestra. Those two fools along with the alicorn elders refused my help when the Blight came to our kingdom.” He shook his head. “It claimed so many of us that by the time we had the might to stop it. There was only a smattering of alicorns left alive.” Ghastaloom narrowed his eyes and took a focused breath through his nose.

Queen Chrysalis blinked. “I don’t understand. Why did they refuse your help?”

Ghastaloom scoffed. “Simple, they thought they knew better. My plan would have bought us the time we needed and saved countless lives, not just alicorns. But, they made their decision. And then, I made mine. I had to make a sacrifice to gain the power to help the sage unicorn wizards and those two foolish rulers stop the Blight.” The changeling queen looked on in awe. “I wasn’t always known as Ghastaloom.” He shook his head solemnly. “No. If you’ll look to my flank…you’ll see my cutie mark…a blazing star.” Ghastaloom paused and cast out a sigh. “I used to be known as ‘Corona Flare,’ one of the many gifted alicorns of the sacred land of Equinisty – the forgotten home of the alicorns.”

“So, you mean to avenge yourself on the current rulers…for the sins of their parents?” The confusion began to flee Chrysalis’s face and a confident smirk started to form.

“Yes. I’ve spent the last few millennia planning my revival and revenge. So, now you can see why I was asking you and Haze to show a little patience. I’ve waited a long time for this day to come.” Corona Flare looked out at his followers.

“You forget.” Haze began. “We Dragon Knights have waited just as long. But, thanks to you, we will soon have what’s ours.”

“Indeed you shall. The time for talk is over. We must make our way to Equinisty and the capital of Gallophurst. Once there, I can regain my full power and enact my plan to return and conquer Equestria!”

Shroud stepped up. “Master. I hate to question you, but how are we going to leave this forest and make it there without being noticed?”

There was a gleeful chuckled coming from Corona Flare. “Simple. We just make our way to the ruins. There we’ll find one of the old alicorn gates. It was how we used to travel great distances in a matter of seconds.”

“But, master, aren’t the ruins in a fairly open part of the forest?” Shroud wore a face of worry.

“Yes. But at this very moment, Princess Celestia is busy with more pressing matters.”

“Ah, that other plan you spoke of?” Shroud grinned.

“Yes. Princess Luna is going through a very tough time. I didn’t really have to do much of anything. She’s been so hard on herself following her transformation, all I had to do was make use of a few simple spells, parlor tricks really, and she did the rest to herself. But, till they figure it out and find a way to get through to her…we’ll be long gone.”

Haze let out a throaty cackle. “Simple but brilliant.”

“Exactly, Haze. Now, have your warriors gather what few things we have here and bring the prisoners. I don’t want to leave any obvious signs that we were here. Once preparations are complete, we’ll make for the ruins and the alicorn gate.” Corona Flare grinned and snickered gleefully as he walked around and then paused. “I think I’ll go for some air…it has been far too long.”

Queen Chrysalis looked to Haze and Shroud, now that Corona Flare had departed. “Did either of you know?”

Haze grinned. “Are you kidding. I’ve known for centuries, but master Ghastaloom…now Corona Flare; he likes to keep things mysterious. Besides, he has a flare for subterfuge.”

“I certainly get that from him.” Shroud cleared his throat. “But, I had my suspicions. I recognized the sarcophagus as one of an equine design, and there were stories of a great alicorn that fell from grace and became a horrible foe. It was recorded in The Chronicles of Apollo Might, but I had no way to know for sure.”

Chrysalis placed a hoof to her chin. “Hmm. So, he’s a stallion of mystery and intrigue…I wonder.” She flipped her dark cerulean tail and turned to follow the path Corona Flare had just taken.

Haze shrugged his shoulders. “I still can’t figure that one out. Come on, Shroud. We have to get ready.”

“Of course, Haze.” Shroud chuckled as he saw to collecting the spent crystal talismans. Holding them aloft in the green glow of his magic, he then left the main chamber, bound for his quarters.

* * * * * *

It didn’t take too long before Prince Blueblood finally lead David out of Canterlot Castle. The human was relieved to see that they emerged in the grassy field behind the castle and the northern side of the city. The lovely waterfalls flowed down the nearby mountain under the cloak of night as David and the prince made their way into the grassy field.

David stopped for a moment as a wave of familiarity crossed through his mind. It had only been a little over a week since he and Luna shared a playful romp in these lush fields, before they retired to her room. He sighed briefly, then remembered why they were there.

Blueblood had moved a few yards ahead, when he realized David wasn’t with him. Looking back, the prince spied the human. “David, you coming?”

Giving chase, David caught up to Blueblood. “Yeah. Sorry, Blue, I had just recalled the last time I was here…with Luna.”

The unicorn gave a solemn nod. “I understand. Now, where do we go from here?”

David looked around and recalled that memorable night. Studying the area ahead, he saw the familiar group of oak trees, the same ones that Luna had laid in front of as she did that truly alluring pose.

He looked to Prince Blueblood. “That way, close to those trees.”

Blueblood nodded as the two made for the group of oaks. The closer they drew to them, the more familiar everything felt. David made it to the tree line and started looking around.

The prince turned to his friend. “David, should we cross through the trees?”

“Hold on a sec. If Nightmare Moon is up ahead, I don’t want to startle her.” David looked to the trees, a look of apprehension in his brown eyes.

Blueblood walked up to him. “Go on then. I’ll keep an eye on things here. Hopefully Iron Will was able to slow down Celestia and the guards, but in case he didn’t. I’ll keep an eye out for trouble.”

“Thank you, Blue.” David resumed following the path forward. He passed between two of the oaks and continued along the field. David swallowed hard, as he saw a familiar silhouette up ahead. “Nightmare?”

He walked a little closer to her, until he was able to make her out in the glow of the moonlight. It was indeed Nightmare Moon. She turned to greet him, a most curious expression on her face. She blinked a few times. “David?”

“Luna…I mean, Nightmare Moon. Are you okay?” He spoke cautiously as he stepped slowly toward her.

She shook her head. “No, I am not. It is as I feared, even the Elements of Harmony weren’t strong enough to stop the miasma. As you can clearly see…the nightmare has returned. I tried to fight it, but I wasn’t strong enough.” Nightmare Moon sighed.

David wore a dubious look. “But why? Aside from that interesting change to your appearance recently, you were still you, Luna, and not Nightmare Moon. Even now, you don’t seem cruel or vicious, like you said you once were as Nightmare Moon.”

Nightmare Moon closed her eyes and shook her head slowly. “That’s just it. I can feel the darkness. It won’t leave me alone. You should go, before I am consumed with malice, like I was before.”

“No, I don’t believe it. I won’t believe it. This isn’t you and even if it is…” David took a few more ginger steps toward her.

Nightmare Moon sighed. “Don’t you see? The nightmare we shared and my face in the cracked mirror. It revealed what I knew…I can never be purged of Nightmare Moon. This is what I am and always will be. I was fooling myself to think otherwise. I tried so hard, and thought through the love I found in you, David, that maybe I could truly be myself. But I couldn’t hold it back any longer.”

“So, you’re Nightmare Moon then. You don’t seem to be full of malice.” David continued walking closer to her. Nightmare Moon just stared at him. David stopped right in front of her as he reached out a hand to gently caress her cheek. Even clad in her silvery blue armor, he didn’t find her scary. In fact, David saw a simple beauty in her. “See, is that so bad? You aren’t going to strike me down, are you?”

Her eyes glistened as she looked at him. “David, I…” Nightmare Moon reached out her right hoof and ran it gently along his chest. She smiled at him briefly, before she said, “No.” Nightmare Moon took several steps back. “I can’t, David.”

David shook his head. “But why?” There was a combination of anger and frustration in his voice.

“Because, the darkness won’t leave me alone. It may not have taken hold yet, but if I stay, you’ll be in danger.” Nightmare Moon moved closer to David and gently kissed his lips. “I love you, David,” Tears formed in her eyes. “But I can’t stay. It’s too dangerous…forgive me!” She turned and then reared up as she galloped away. Nightmare Moon spread her dark wings and rose into the night sky. She flew up high as she gradually vanished into the nocturnal canvas.

“Luna!” David reached out for her. “I love you too…Luna.” David’s arm fell as he closed his eyes, while they grew damp with painful tears. David sighed as he turned back toward the trees.

“David.” He heard the familiar voice of Prince Blueblood. The prince met David along the trees. “Where’s Nightmare Moon?”

David sighed and shook his head solemnly. “She’s gone, Blue.”

“What happened?” He gave David a worried look.

The human held up his hands. “I tried talking to her. It seemed to work, but…Luna seemed convinced that the hateful side of Nightmare Moon could take over at any moment. So, she left before she lost control.”

“Wow. David…I’m so sorry.” Blueblood placed a sympathetic hoof on the human's forearm.

“Thanks, Blue. But something still doesn’t seem right.” David began.

“What do you mean?”

“Well, Celestia and Twilight told me that when they each faced Nightmare Moon that she was already full of malice and bitterness. But, she didn’t seem that way right now. And when Luna first transformed on the balcony, she seemed more fearful than vengeful.”

“Hmm. You might be right, David. Something does sound more than a little off.” Blueblood placed a ponderous hoof to his chin.

“But now…I have no idea where to search for her.”

There was a raspberry flash. Twilight Sparkle emerged a few yards from them. David looked up. “Twilight? What are you doing here?”

“Aha, I found you two.” She trotted over to them. "Celestia was worried, but she wanted to coordinate the search for Nightmare Moon from the throne room.”

“Good. We’ll need all the help we can get.” Blueblood remarked.

Twilight gave them a puzzled face. “Wait, you mean you didn’t find her?”

David sighed as he turned to greet Twilight. “Oh, we found her all right. But, she’s so scared right now. That’s why Nightmare Moon took off.”

The unicorn bit her lower lip, then shared a woeful sigh of her own. “Then, I guess we’d better head back to the castle and regroup with the princess.”

“Yeah.” David nodded slowly, before he gave Twilight another look. “Wait. Why are you here, Twilight?”

“Oh.” She held up a hoof. “When Iron Will held us up, he mentioned overhearing you two talk about the field behind the castle. Celestia went to the throne room to prep the guards, while I said I’d go check on you two. Not that you two are in any trouble.”

“No, we aren’t.” David sighed again. “Come on. We’d best get to the throne room. Maybe Celestia knows how to find Nightmare Moon…my Luna.” David lumbered toward the castle.

Twilight stood with Blueblood. She turned to the prince. “I gather it was bad, I guess.”

Blueblood simply nodded. “Yeah. I haven’t known David for too long, but I know him well enough to know he’s hurting…and more than physically.” He chuckled. “Despite all of the training Iron Will has been putting him through.”

Twilight blinked as she stood there and watched David continue toward the Castle. “David.” She sighed softly reaching a hoof toward him. Part of her longed to go comfort him, but the more practical side of her decided to give him some space.

* * * * * *

Corona Flare stood at the mouth of his cave, savoring sweet breath after sweet breath of the forest air. “Mmm, such a simple sensation…one many no doubt take for granted.”

“I don’t know. Should we?” Queen Chrysalis slowly stepped over to the alicorn. She chuckled softly as she stood in the ambient glow of the moonlight. “I still can hardly believe this is really you.”

He shared her amused chuckle. “Yes well, this is how I always was…well, before the Blight forced me to make decisions that changed things forever.”

The queen placed a hoof to her chin and nodded. “I’ve been wondering about that. The blight you spoke of…what exactly was it and what made it so dangerous? From the way you talked, it’s not just some plague or disease.”

Corona Flare shook his head. “No.” He turned his vibrant purple eyes her way. “The ‘Blight’ was far more than a mere illness. It was a horrible creature, twisted and sinister with a relentless appetite.”

“Appetite for what?” Chrysalis blinked.

He looked to the sky as streaks of lightning tore from a cell of nearby clouds and thunder soon shattered the air. Corona Flare gave Chrysalis a sharp look. “Magical energy. It was drawn to the powerful magic we alicorns had. The Blight would draw out our magic and grow strong, then…it would feast on our flesh to nourish its body.” The queen’s pupils shrank and her mouth hung open. Spying her expression, Corona Flare snickered. “That was the common reaction of most. And the foul being was never satiated, no, for it always returned diminished and ravenous for more.

“And you originally had a plan to save the alicorns?” Chrysalis blinked.

“I did.” He snarled under his breath and stomped a hoof. “And it would have not just saved alicorns, but other ponies as well. The blight didn’t stop with us; it soon went after unicorns, Pegasi and Earth ponies alike. Any magic they had it sucked dry and then it fed on their flesh the same as ours.”

“Where did this horrible thing even come from and more importantly…how did you stop it?” Chrysalis stood closer to Corona Flare. Her eyes teemed with intrigue.

“A few of the alicorn elders had theories of the Blight’s origin. But we never truly did know where it came from. Some speculated it was the product of necromancy, others thought it was a warning from the ancient world.” He turned and walked closer to her. “As for stopping the horrid beast. It took the full might of the sage unicorn wizards harnessing their ultimate power, which gave birth to the legendary Elements of Harmony. The six of them joined their power to King Eclipse and Queen Solestra as they used the Elements and the valiant warrior Apollo Might used the Sword of Valor…but even all that power wasn’t enough.”

“Impossible…the Blight was that strong?” Her eyes widened and she shook her head.

“It was a menace beyond comprehension. Only when I made the choice to wield an ancient talisman did we finally have the combined means to stop it.” Corona Flare sighed. “At times I thought the Blight would never be bested.”

“But you did stop it?”

“Yes, but we paid a heavy price to do so.” He gave her a grim look.

The fierce look on his face made her leery, but she dared to ask, “I’m curious. Which ancient talisman did you use?” Chrysalis leaned her head his way.

“The very item we must return and recover from Gallophurst. The Pendant of Stravanos, with it, I can accomplish my unfulfilled goal and conquer this land.” Corona Flare shook a hoof. “And make those fools pay for what their parents did.” He gave Chrysalis a sober stare. “They’ll be sorry they never accepted my protection…all of them!”

She nodded nervously. “Uh, right. So, now I understand.”

“Yes. And now, that I’m alive again, everything is possible.” He strolled toward the forest and looked down at the sprawling trees.

“Uh…master?”

Corona Flare’s ears twitched as he recognized the raspy voice of Rover, the leader of the Diamond Dogs. “Ah, Rover, there you are.”

“Yes. Um, sorry we didn’t show sooner. The whole revival was more than we imagined.” Rover scratched the back of his head.

Corona Flare grinned. “Yes, I suppose it was a lot to take in. Do you have a problem with me being a pony?” He studied the diamond dog’s face.

Rover shook his head. “No, we just wanted to know what else we can do for you. All thought given the fact that you’re a powerful alicorn…we doubt we can really do anything that special.”

Corona Flare walked closer to his uneasy minion. “Nonsense. You diamond dogs were a vital part of my revival. Had you not captured those ponies, we never would have gained the magical energy to complete my resurrection. And I still have use for all of you. If you’d like to join us in our journey to Gallophurst.” He held up a hoof in a presenting fashion.

“Oh, really.” Rover nodded. “Okay. I’ll let the others know.”

“Glad to hear it. Oh and once we get there…I have a large store of gems you and the others can have a very generous payment for all you’ve done.” Corona Flare smiled and nodded.

Rover’s eyes lit up and shined. “Wow.” He grinned. “I’ll go get the others ready immediately.” He took off chanting. “Gems, gems, gems!”

Chrysalis chuckled as he walked back over to her. “I never would have guessed those mangy dogs would have been so helpful.”

A smirk formed on Corona Flare’s face. “I suspected as much, and figured they just needed a chance to build their confidence.”

The queen nodded. “Well planned. I should go gather my swarm. We’ll need them for your invasion.”

“We will indeed, but not just yet. Once we finish in Gallophurst, then we’ll be ready to bring them in.” He held up his hoof and shook it gleefully. “I can hardly wait. Come, my dear, we must prepare to head out.”

“Of course.” She smiled as she followed him back into the cavern.

* * * * * *

Twilight accompanied David and Prince Blueblood as they returned to Canterlot Castle. She followed them to the throne room. There, Princess Celestia was perched upon her throne. David saw her there and approached with more than a little apprehension. Celestia looked over at him. “David?”

The human softly bit his lower lip as he walked closer to the throne. “I’m sorry, your highness. I hope my recent behavior wasn’t too disrespectful.”

The princess took a cleansing breath, before she rose from her seat and walked over to him. Sensing the sorrow in his voice, Celestia reached out and pulled David into a hug. “It’s all right, David.” She sighed. “I don’t think any of us expected this.”

He returned her caring hug and nodded solemnly. “Yeah. I tried to reach Luna…but, she was so afraid of losing control.”

“Then it is as I feared.” Celestia released David and just stood there for a moment.

“So, what do we do now? I haven’t got any idea how to find Luna…uh, Nightmare Moon now.” David looked at Celestia briefly, before he cast his gaze to the floor.

“For now, I have Shining Armor organizing groups of the royal guard to search for Nightmare Moon.” Celestia returned to her throne.

Prince Blueblood stood beside David. “Is there anything else we can do?”

“There may be.” Celestia turned to the prince, her lovely mane swirled majestically.

“Say, where’s Iron Will?” David looked around. “I hope we didn’t over do it when he went to delay you.”

Celestia chuckled a little. “No. In fact I found his slogans quite amusing.”

“Of course. Even royalty appreciates loyalty” The Minotaur stood behind them, grinning.

“Iron Will!” David smiled for the first time since Nightmare Moon flew off.

“The one and…ONLY!” He stood firmly as he gave David a simple nod. Iron Will walked over to his two friends. “So, it didn’t go so well with the princess, eh?”

David shook his head. “No, and not if you overheard anything we just said.”

The Minotaur shook his head. “No, Iron Will had not quite made to the throne room. But, he gives you his deepest sympathy!”

“Thank you, I appreciate it.” David gave the Minotaur a respectful nod, then turned back to Celestia. “So, any idea where we go from here?”

The princess’s serious look softened a little as she rose from her throne. “Yes. I have one last idea, but it’s a long shot. I…”

The doors to the throne room flew open as one of the guards came racing in at a full gallop. “Your highness, your highness!”

Celestia cast her gaze to the back of the room as the others made way for the galloping unicorn. “What is it?”

He bowed respectfully to her. “Forgive the intrusion, highness, but the Sword of Valor is resonating…very strongly!”

Celestia’s mouth dropped open. “Are you certain?” He nodded profusely. The princess closed her eyes. “Then it’s as I suspected.”

David looked her way, a befuddled look in his eyes. “What’s as you suspected, princess?”

She stood next to him. “Come with me, David. I’ll explain once we get to the sword chamber.”

“Sword chamber? All…all right. Lead on.” David held up a hand.

Celestia nodded. “Hmm. This way.”

David turned to Blueblood and Iron Will. “Guys, I think you’d better come.” The human looked to Twilight Sparkle who seemed equally baffled from the night’s activities.” “You’d better come along too, Twilight. I’ve got that sinking feeling in my gut.”

Twilight nodded as she joined them. “Of course. Hopefully Celestia can shed some light on all of this.”

“Tell me about it.” The four of them caught up to Celestia and followed her out of the throne room; hopeful that they just might get some answers.

* * * * * *

The ruins of the old castle sat silently in the clearing within the Everfree forest. The night sky loomed overhead as the moon and stars offered their light. Despite the battle that took place here so long ago, it was amazing through the centuries it managed to stay standing. While a good deal of the castle lay in ruins, there was still quite a bit of it left intact.

Corona Flare stood with Shroud, Chrysalis, Haze, two of his subordinates and the three head diamond dogs. The newly revived alicorn surveyed the ruins. “Hmm, so this is what’s left of the ‘Castle of the Royal Pony Sisters.’ ”

“Don’t you mean, ‘Castle of the Two Pony Sisters?’ ” Shroud interjected as he walked up to his master.

“It’s known throughout history by both names. Besides, the name of this place is irrelevant. I only hope the alicorn gate is still in working order after all these centuries.” Corona Flare continued to look the ruins over.

“It should be. One thing you ponies have done time and time again over the centuries, was build things to last.” Haze grinned as he slowly panned his head at the crumbled castle. Nodding once, he walked up to the main gate, which was still in rather good shape. “Hmm.” The dragon knight slowly pushed on the gate and it opened with a loud metallic creak. “Ha, what did I say?”

“Yes, Haze.” Corona Flare grinned. “Well crafted and opened effortlessly with the help of your brute strength. Now, come along everyone. We must find the chamber where the gate lies.”

Queen Chrysalis stayed close to Corona Flare as they slowly made their way inside. “I never expected to set hoof in this place.” She turned to him. “Why have I never heard of this ‘alicorn gate’ in all of my travels across Equestria?”

Corona Flare snickered as he ran a hoof through his lush mane. “Simple, my dear. If everypony knew about them, it would undoubtedly fall into the wrong hooves or claws or whatever. Point being, it’s a power that can easily be subverted.” He laughed in his throat.

Meanwhile, a matter of yards away, a patrol of four royal guards was out searching the Everfree for Nightmare Moon. But, instead of finding the missing princess, they found something else.

“Who are they, Scabbard?” Sky Streak looked to his fellow guard as they watched the mysterious group enter the ruins.

“No clue, Sky. Uh, Commander Iron Plate, do you have any idea?” Scabbard glanced at the leader of their contingent, hopeful he might know.

He ran a hoof over his short blonde beard and shook his head. “No, I’ve never seen them before. But…” He looked closer. “Is that orange stallion…an alicorn?” Iron Plate spoke incredulity to his charges.

“It sure looks that way. And is that the changeling queen with them?” Blaze Wing chimed in as he laid low with the others.

“What are your orders, sir?” Scabbard asked.

“I seriously doubt we can take them. But, we can’t just return to Canterlot and risk losing them?” The commander pondered for a moment. “No. Blaze, you’re the fasted flier I know. Head back to Canterlot and let them know what’s going on. The rest of us will stay here and run recon on the ruins.”

Blaze Wing saluted faithfully. “At one, sir. I’ll zip back to the captain and have them send reinforcements.”

“Good, we’re counting on you.”

Blaze Wing took to the air and stayed low till he cleared the forest. Once he was out of sight, the commander turned to the rest of his guards. “Okay, everypony, here’s what we’re going to do…”

Author's Note

In case any of you are wondering. The area David finds Nightmare Moon comes from the last scene of chapter 10 - "Stirring Shadows - Part 2". I thought it would be a fitting place for him to find her and it's a fun callback to a past scene, which was inspired from the image below titled: "The Night Looks Tempting"

And some have asked what my villain OCs sound like. Here are references for a few:

Ghastaloom/Corona Flare:
From the Anime "Mon Colle Knights" the main villain known as "Redda" has an intriguing form and voice. His VA brings it full tilt and was the inspiration for Ghastaloom/Corona Flare's voice. (The 2nd video doesn't have the best of quality but the voice sample comes in clear.)

Haze - Leader of the Dragon Knights

It didn't take long to think of Clancy Brown as a fun choice to imagine for the voice of Haze, leader of the Dragon Knights. He has such a good range as illustrated in the voice clips below: